DOCTOR WHO: FLUX - ONCE, UPON TIME (S13E03)

This weekend brings us Once, Upon Time - the third of six installments in Chris Chibnall's FLUX cycle.  The episode is described thusly by BBC: 

Time is beginning to run wild. On a planet that shouldn’t exist, in the aftermath of apocalypse, the Doctor, Dan, Yaz and Vinder face a battle to survive.

​Last week's War of the Sontarans was unexpectedly solid and energized, featuring crisper writing and directing than any other episode of the Chibs Era thus far.  Lead Jodie Whittaker remained one of the show's weaker elements, but the installment was elevated by often shifting focus away from her - and onto considerably more interesting and charismatic guest cast and companions (further illustrating her inadequacy for this role).  If a show is more interesting when its lead character is off screen?  There's something clearly wrong and imbalanced. 

While never rising to the greatest heights of the Davies or Moffat tenures, War could legitimately stand amongst the mid-to-higher tier episodes of those previous show runners.  Leaving one to wonder: 'Where has this Chibnall been all along?'  And, more germanely, will we see this Chibnall again during the remainder of his run?  

Safe money would say, 'We are unlikely to see this Chibnall again during the duration of his run' - due simply to the inconsistency he has demonstrated from the get-go.  If this likelihood proves incorrect - and if Chibs actually swings and hits moving forward? - then it's a 'win' for all involved. 

The Once, Upon Time reader reaction forum is now open for business, following the same simple standards as always: 

​We warmly invite and encourage an open discourse and free exchange of ideas, but will enforce a strict zero tolerance policy regarding trolling, disrespect, or hate speak of any kind.
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​COMING NEXT WEEK:  

Village of the Angels  
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