Ep 8. Mummy on the Orient Express

In this episode of Doctor Who (2005), titled "Mummy on the Orient Express," the Doctor and Clara find themselves on a luxurious, space-bound version of the famous train, the Orient Express. Their arrival coincides with a string of mysterious deaths - passengers are dying exactly 66 seconds after seeing a disturbing apparition of an ancient, Egyptian mummy who appears only to them.

As the Doctor and Clara investigate, they discover that the train was not originally scheduled to stop at this point - why did it start doing so now? And why are all the passengers here so wealthy and well-connected? As the mummy continues its rampage, the stakes grow ever higher, as the Doctor battles to solve the mystery before time runs out for the remaining passengers.

The episode plays with classic Doctor Who themes - claustrophobia, mystery, and escalating tension - and adds a science-fiction twist to the beloved trope of the Orient Express. The space-bound train is a fascinating setting, with sumptuous costumes and sets that do justice to the rich setting. The Doctor, meanwhile, is in his element as he puzzles out the cause of the deaths and tries to save as many people as possible.

As always with Doctor Who, the episode is not afraid to have fun with itself, with plenty of humor sprinkled throughout. While the stakes are high and the mystery is engaging, there are moments of levity that help balance out the darker elements. The ever-charismatic Peter Capaldi delivers a fantastic performance as the Doctor, while Jenna Coleman is as charming and dynamic as ever as Clara.

Ultimately, "Mummy on the Orient Express" is a standout episode of Doctor Who's eighth season, showcasing the show's ability to blend genres and deliver thrilling, suspenseful storytelling. Fans of the show will not want to miss this one, and newcomers will find it a great introduction to the world of Doctor Who.