Mark Gatiss Episodes: A Mixed Reception Among Doctor Who Fans
- SimplyWho
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
When it comes to Doctor Who, some writers are celebrated and some have a more mixed reception. I think one of those writers in the mixed camp is Mark Gatiss. He is a massive Whovian, and a talented guy, I find him mesmerising when on screen, I love Mycroft Holmes, but what about his Doctor Who content? Why do Mark Gatiss's Doctor Who episodes not get those Whovian juices flowing?
Classic Era Influence and the Problem with Pacing
Mark Gatiss's affection for British horror and sci-fi is a defining feature of his Doctor Who episodes. His love for these genres, particularly the horror aspects, shines through in stories like The Unquiet Dead and Night Terrors. These episodes often have a slower, more atmospheric pace, mirroring the storytelling techniques of classic Doctor Who. However, this style doesn’t always work in modern Doctor Who, that just isn’t how we roll as an audience these days.
He has never written a two-part story, and maybe this would have suited him better? A longer time to build things up at a slightly slower pace. With additional time to develop the plot and allow for a bigger build-up, his stories might have flourished in a more slow-burn style that would have better suited his approach.
I could imagine him writing some amazing stories for the classic series as well. As always, take this with a pinch of salt, Mark Gatiss has more talent in his little finger than I have in all of me, who am I to say anything about his writing? Nobody, that's who!
The Challenges of Being a Superfan
Perhaps the main reason why Mark Gatiss’s Doctor Who episodes don't always hit the mark with fans is that he is, in fact, a massive Whovian himself. While this deep knowledge and affection for the show's history undoubtedly inform his writing, it sometimes leads to his stories feeling more like a love letter to the classic era rather than something innovative or fresh.
His stories are steeped in nostalgia, often evoking the tone, atmosphere, and pacing of the original series. While this can be a wonderful homage to the show’s roots, it doesn’t always resonate with modern viewers who are accustomed to faster-paced storytelling and more intricate character development. For Gatiss, this old-school feel is part of the charm, but for others, it can feel like a missed opportunity to evolve the show for contemporary audiences.
Amazing Concepts
Sleep No More is a great idea, a found-footage episode. The idea of sleep-eating away your face via Dust Monsters (okay, not the technical term, but you get me) is both grotesque and original. It doesn’t quite stick the landing, but conceptually, it’s bold and refreshing.
The Idiot’s Lantern also deserves credit for its setting and eerie central conceit. The 1950s Britain backdrop, with that creeping paranoia and repression bubbling under the surface, meshes perfectly with a faceless monster lurking in the television - a very Gatiss blend of social commentary and retro horror.
You can also throw Cold War into the mix. What’s more classic Doctor Who than sticking the Doctor and an Ice Warrior in a Soviet submarine during the Cold War? The claustrophobic tension and moral ambiguity were compelling, even if the episode never fully capitalised on its setup. But again, conceptually? Solid.
Another standout idea was The Crimson Horror. That episode feels like Mark Gatiss letting loose in the best way, Victorian body horror, red corpses, and a campy villain performance from Dame Diana Rigg? Yes, please. The storytelling might be patchy, but the vibe is unforgettable.
Gatiss is, if nothing else, an idea machine. His episodes often feel like throwbacks that few other writers attempt to in Doctor Who.
The Masterpiece: An Adventure in Space and Time
While his contributions to the main Doctor Who series have been divisive, the best thing he has written for the show was the brilliant An Adventure in Space and Time, a special made for the show’s 50th anniversary. Here he gets the chance to write a love letter to Doctor Who over a longer time - 83 minutes - with the added bonus of writing classic era characters in their own time. This is pure nostalgia, and it is fucking amazing.
Honestly, if you haven’t watched it, please do, you won’t regret it. As an added tip, get it on DVD so you can watch it in full, iPlayer has parts missing because some shit hasn’t given the BBC the rights. I won’t spoil it, but I will say you can truly tell how much Mark Gatiss loves this silly little show.
The Love-Hate Relationship with Mark Gatiss Doctor Who Episodes
Mark Gatiss Doctor Who episodes may not always spark the same level of excitement in fans as those written by other writers, but his contributions are far from insignificant. His work speaks to a love of classic Doctor Who, and while it may not always align with the expectations of contemporary audiences, it remains an important part of the show’s modern history. Gatiss’s passion for the series and his ability to craft a truly unforgettable tribute in An Adventure in Space and Time remind us that, sometimes, it’s the quieter, more nostalgic stories that leave the most lasting impression.
What do you think of Mark Gatiss Doctor Who episodes? Has he written some of your favourite episodes? Let me know in the comments below.
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