Oxygen (TV story): Difference between revisions

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{{real world}}
{{real world}}
{{ImageLinkTV}}
{{ImageLinkTV}}
{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story SMW
|image          = Bill gets transformed by the Smartsuits.jpg
|image          = Bill gets transformed by the Smartsuits.jpg
|series          = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]]
|series          = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]]
|season number  = Series 10 (Doctor Who)
|season number  = Series 10 (Doctor Who 2005)
|series episode number = 5
|series episode number = 5
|scripturl      = http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/Doctor-Who-S10-Ep5-Oxygen.pdf
|scripturl      = http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/Doctor-Who-S10-Ep5-Oxygen.pdf
|story number    = 269
|story number    = 269
|doctor          = Twelfth Doctor
|doctor          = Twelfth Doctor
|companions      = [[Bill Potts|Bill]], [[Nardole]]
|companions      = [[Nardole]], [[Bill Potts|Bill]]
|featuring      =
|enemy          = [[Smartsuit]]s
|enemy          = [[Smartsuit]]s, [[Ganymede Systems]]
|setting        = [[Chasm Forge]], [[Far future]]
|setting        = [[Chasm Forge]], [[Far future]]
|writer          = [[Jamie Mathieson]]
|writer          = Jamie Mathieson
|director        = [[Charles Palmer]]
|director        = [[Charles Palmer]]
|producer        = [[Nikki Wilson]]
|producer        = [[Nikki Wilson]]
|broadcast date  = [[13 May (releases)|13 May]] [[2017 (releases)|2017]]
|broadcast date  = 13 May 2017
|network        = [[BBC One]]
|network        = BBC One
|format          = 1x45 minute episode
|format          = 1x45 minute episode
|prev            = Knock Knock (TV story)
|prev            = Knock Knock (TV story)
Line 26: Line 25:
|trailer        = Oxygen - Next Time Trailer - Doctor Who Series 10 - BBC
|trailer        = Oxygen - Next Time Trailer - Doctor Who Series 10 - BBC
|trailer2        = Doctor Who Oxygen - Trailer BBC One
|trailer2        = Doctor Who Oxygen - Trailer BBC One
|clip            = Into The Unknown! - Oxygen Preview - Doctor Who Series 10 - BBC
|clip            = Attacked By Space Zombies Oxygen Doctor Who BBC
|clip2           = 'Oxygen' Preview Clip 1 Doctor Who Season 10 Saturdays @ 9 8c
|clip2          = Into The Unknown! - Oxygen Preview - Doctor Who Series 10 - BBC<!--
|clip3          =  
|clip3           = 'Oxygen' Preview Clip 1 Doctor Who Season 10 Saturdays @ 9 8c-->
|clip3          = The Doctor Saves Bill Oxygen Doctor Who BBC
|bts            = Steven Moffat Introduces Oxygen - Doctor Who Series 10
|bts            = Steven Moffat Introduces Oxygen - Doctor Who Series 10
|bts2            = Peter and Pearl Introduce Oxygen - Doctor Who Series 10
|bts2            = Peter and Pearl Introduce Oxygen - Doctor Who Series 10
|bts3            = Doctor Who Blue Peter! - Oxygen - Series 10 Episode 5 - BBC One
|bts3            = Doctor Who Blue Peter! - Oxygen - Series 10 Episode 5 - BBC One
}}
}}
'''''{{StoryTitle}}''''' was the fifth episode of [[Series 10 (Doctor Who)|series 10]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. It was written by [[Jamie Mathieson]], directed by [[Charles Palmer]] and featured [[Peter Capaldi]] as the [[Twelfth Doctor]], [[Pearl Mackie]] as [[Bill Potts]] and [[Matt Lucas]] as [[Nardole]].
'''''Oxygen''''' was the fifth episode of [[Series 10 (Doctor Who 2005)|series 10]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''.


Most notably, in this episode, saving Bill robs the Doctor of his [[sight]], rendering him, potentially, permanently [[blind]]. This shows the risks he often places himself in, in order to save his friends, but also the danger in which he might be leaving [[Earth]], should he not return, alive and in good health. ''Oxygen'' represents a tipping point in the [[Vault (The Pilot)|St Luke's vault]] arc, as the Doctor finally faces the consequences of not having taken his vow seriously.
This episode started a minor arc for Series 10, in which the Doctor is rendered permanently [[blind]] after saving Bill from the vacuum of space by giving her his helmet.


[[Nardole]] joins the Doctor and Bill on this adventure, for the first time since ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]]''.
This is the first occasion where [[Nardole]] joins the Doctor and Bill on an adventure, after he was usually left to stay behind on Earth.


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
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On Earth, the Doctor is in the middle of a lecture which is supposed to be about crop rotation, but he chooses to speak about space instead. After the lecture, Nardole approaches the Doctor and calls him out on his desire to go back into space. When working on the vault, he voices his concern that the Doctor has plans to take another unauthorised trip, but the Doctor rebuffs that, stating that he is still on Earth guarding the vault. Later in the TARDIS, the Doctor is telling Bill about the possibilities that exist with exploring space; he suggests that Bill select a destination for a trip, but then himself sets course to investigate a distress signal. At this point, Nardole arrives and insists that the Doctor remain on Earth and guard the vault. He presents a [[fluid link]] component he took from the TARDIS after one of the Doctor's lectures, under the assumption that it would render the TARDIS immobile. However, this was a lie on the Doctor's part as he then suddenly sets the TARDIS engines in flight, much to Nardole's surprise and chagrin, but to Bill's delight.
On Earth, the Doctor is in the middle of a lecture which is supposed to be about crop rotation, but he chooses to speak about space instead. After the lecture, Nardole approaches the Doctor and calls him out on his desire to go back into space. When working on the vault, he voices his concern that the Doctor has plans to take another unauthorised trip, but the Doctor rebuffs that, stating that he is still on Earth guarding the vault. Later in the TARDIS, the Doctor is telling Bill about the possibilities that exist with exploring space; he suggests that Bill select a destination for a trip, but then himself sets course to investigate a distress signal. At this point, Nardole arrives and insists that the Doctor remain on Earth and guard the vault. He presents a [[fluid link]] component he took from the TARDIS after one of the Doctor's lectures, under the assumption that it would render the TARDIS immobile. However, this was a lie on the Doctor's part as he then suddenly sets the TARDIS engines in flight, much to Nardole's surprise and chagrin, but to Bill's delight.


The TARDIS materialises in a corridor on the space station and the Doctor, Bill and a very-angry Nardole emerge. The Doctor expands the TARDIS' air shell so that they can explore. Bill is amazed by the depths of space when looking out the space station's window, while Nardole is still moaning about the Doctor breaking his oath again. The trio then discover a man in a suit standing in the middle of the repair bay. Upon examining him, they discover the man to be dead, but Nardole finds his air field is still up, meaning he didn't suffocate. Bill finds it rather distressing that the mechanical suit is keeping the dead man propped upright. The Doctor examines the computer logs and discovers that the station was declared non-profitable after a majority of its workers were killed.  
The TARDIS materialises in a corridor on the space station and the Doctor, Bill and a very-angry Nardole emerge. The Doctor expands the TARDIS's air shell so that they can explore. Bill is amazed by the depths of space when looking out the space station's window, while Nardole is still moaning about the Doctor breaking his oath again. The trio then discovers a man in a suit standing in the middle of the repair bay. Upon examining him, they discover the man to be dead, but Nardole finds his airfield is still up, meaning he didn't suffocate. Bill finds it rather distressing that the mechanical suit is keeping the dead man propped upright. The Doctor examines the computer logs and discovers that the station was declared non-profitable after a majority of its workers were killed.
{{video|'Oxygen' Preview Clip 1 Doctor Who Season 10 Saturdays @ 9 8c|thumb|Unauthorised oxygen will be expelled.}}
The three proceed further into the station and discover a suit with no operator doing work. Suddenly, a computer, whose voice Nardole remembers as an ex-girlfriend called Velma, states that there has never been oxygen in the station and the unauthorised oxygen from the TARDIS has been detected and will be expelled. The Doctor, Bill and Nardole race back to the TARDIS when the section starts decompressing the expanded air shell from it. The Doctor seals the section off using the sonic screwdriver, but this leaves them unable to return to the TARDIS. A comms unit suddenly engages on the computer, and the voice on the other end introduces himself as Tasker. While the Doctor, Bill and Nardole are distracted, the suit propping up the dead man becomes active and starts advancing towards the trio. The Doctor tries to disable it with his sonic screwdriver, but the suit magnetically pulls the instrument from the Doctor's hand. The sonic screwdriver is crushed and the suit is disabled. Nardole looks outside and sees that the deceased workers are being operated by the suits and are advancing on them from the outer hull. The Doctor deduces that the oxygen is contained in the suits, so in order to survive they put on the suits present in the repair bay.


The three proceed further into the station and discover a suit with no operator doing work. Suddenly, a computer (whom Nardole remembers as an ex-girlfriend called Velma) states that there has never been oxygen in the station and the unauthorised oxygen from the TARDIS has been detected and will be expelled. The Doctor, Bill and Nardole race back to the TARDIS when the section starts decompressing the expanded air shell from the it. The Doctor seals the section off using the sonic screwdriver, but this leaves them unable to return to the TARDIS. A comms unit suddenly engages on the computer, and the voice on the other end introduces himself as Tasker. While the Doctor, Bill and Nardole are distracted, the suit propping up the dead man becomes active and starts advancing towards the trio. The Doctor tries to disable it with his sonic screwdriver, but the suit magnetically pulls the instrument from the Doctor's hand. The sonic screwdriver is crushed and the suit is disabled. Nardole looks outside an sees that the deceased workers are being operated by the suits and are advancing on them from the outer hull. The Doctor deduces that the oxygen is contained in the suits, so in order to survive they put on the suits present in the repair bay.
While escaping from the Smartsuits pursuing them, the TARDIS crew are rescued by Tasker, Ivan and other survivors on the station, Abby and Dahh-Ren. The crew tells the Doctor that the suits are the property of the company which has turned access to oxygen into profit and that the suits have received instructions to 'deactivate their organic components'. All other crew members were killed by an electric shock to their nerve systems, rendering them zombies. The crew make plans to retreat across the station's hull and escape to an uncompleted section of the station that isn't present in their station's mapping. Suddenly, the suits break into the section where the crew are hiding and kill Tasker with an electric discharge transmitted by touch. The remaining survivors retreat to an airlock at the end of the section, all putting on helmets to protect themselves from the vacuum. During the process of decompression, the suit Bill took from the repair bay begins to malfunction, deactivating Bill's helmet of its own accord. The Doctor attempts to release Bill's helmet from the suit's grip, but to no avail; he warns Bill that she is about to be exposed to the vacuum and to breathe normally. The airlock opens and Bill loses consciousness when exposed to the vacuum. She briefly reawakens to find herself being walked across the hull by the Doctor, without his helmet, as Ivan and Abby shoot the advancing suits. Bill falls unconscious again.
 
While escaping from the Smartsuits pursuing them, the TARDIS crew are rescued by Tasker, Ivan and other survivors on the station, Abby and Dahh-Ren. The crew tells the Doctor that the suits are property of the company which has turned access to oxygen into profit, and that the suits have received instructions to 'deactivate their organic components'. All other crew were killed by an electric shock to their nerve systems, rendering them zombies. The crew make plans to retreat across the station's hull and escape to an uncompleted section of the station that isn't present in their station's mapping. Suddenly, the suits break into the section where the crew are hiding and kill Tasker with an electric discharge transmitted by touch. The remaining survivors retreat to an airlock at the end of the section, all putting on helmets to protect themselves from the vacuum. During the process of decompression, the suit Bill took from the repair bay begins to malfunction, deactivating Bill's helmet of its own accord. The Doctor attempts to to release Bill's helmet from the suit's grip, but to no avail; he warns Bill that she is about to be exposed to the vacuum and to breathe normally. The airlock opens and Bill loses consciousness when exposed to the vacuum. She briefly reawakens to find herself being walked across the hull by the Doctor, without his helmet, as Ivan and Abby shoot the advancing suits. Bill falls unconscious again.


Bill awakens alone in an empty section of the station. She looks up the hallway to see the suits outside the open door but not entering. Bill is approached by Nardole and Ivan, who reveal that the suits can't get into the section because it's a new area that isn't in their mapping system. Bill asks about the Doctor -- Nardole tells her that he gave her his helmet and walked her to safety, but it did cost him. He tells her that he is in Section 12, a statement which the suits register and begin trying to locate. Bill finds the Doctor sat alone in the section. He stands to face her and reveals that walking in the vacuum unprotected has blinded him. He ensures her that the condition is temporary and that his sight can be restored on his return to the TARDIS. The crew regroup and the Doctor makes plans on how to get them out alive, but Abby doesn't believe him due to his inability to save Tasker and threatens him. At that point, the suits log Section 12 into their mapping system and come in, killing Dahh-Ren. Abby attempts to hold them off, but the crew end up fleeing.
Bill awakens alone in an empty section of the station. She looks up the hallway to see the suits outside the open door but not entering. Bill is approached by Nardole and Ivan, who reveal that the suits can't get into the section because it's a new area that isn't in their mapping system. Bill asks about the Doctor -- Nardole tells her that he gave her his helmet and walked her to safety, but it did cost him. He tells her that he is in Section 12, a statement which the suits register and begin trying to locate. Bill finds the Doctor sat alone in the section. He stands to face her and reveals that walking in the vacuum unprotected has blinded him. He ensures her that the condition is temporary and that his sight can be restored on his return to the TARDIS. The crew regroup and the Doctor makes plans on how to get them out alive, but Abby doesn't believe him due to his inability to save Tasker and threatens him. At that point, the suits log Section 12 into their mapping system and come in, killing Dahh-Ren. Abby attempts to hold them off, but the crew end up fleeing.


Just before making it to the next section, Bill's suit malfunctions again, magnetising itself to the floor and rendering her immobile. Know that there is no way of getting Bill to the next section, the Doctor leaves her behind while the others escape and the suits approach her. Bill makes an appeal to her mum while the suits deliver the electrical discharge and seemingly kill her. The remaining survivors arrive at the station's power room, where the Doctor highlights on the suits operation being heavily established by a capitalist attitude. The Doctor claims that he is attempting to redirect the flow of water cooling the generators to convert it into oxygen, but instead connects the generators to their suit's life signs, meaning that if they die, the generators will overheat and explode. The Doctor insists that the suits be let in, seemingly as a grand statement about the inevitable downfall of capitalism, and Ivan reluctantly complies. As the suits advance and are about to kill them, the Doctor declares that their deaths would be expensive and the suits stop. The suits analyse the generators and conclude that the would be a greater loss for the company if the crew were to die and the station were to explode, so the suits remove their oxygen tanks and give them to the survivors. The Doctor also re-engages Bill's oxygen tank and Bill revives, her suit's battery having too weak an electric charge to prove fatal.
Just before making it to the next section, Bill's suit malfunctions again, magnetising itself to the floor and rendering her immobile. Knowing that there is no way of getting Bill to the next section, the Doctor leaves her behind while the others escape and the suits approach her. Bill makes an appeal to her mum while the suits deliver the electrical discharge and seemingly kill her. The remaining survivors arrive at the station's power room, where the Doctor highlights on the suits' operation being heavily established by a capitalist attitude. The Doctor claims that he is attempting to redirect the flow of water cooling the generators to convert it into oxygen, but instead connects the generators to their suit's life signs, meaning that if they die, the generators will overheat and explode. The Doctor insists that the suits be let in, seemingly as a grand statement about the inevitable downfall of capitalism, and Ivan reluctantly complies. As the suits advance and are about to kill them, the Doctor declares that their deaths would be expensive and the suits stop. The suits analyse the generators and conclude that it would be a greater loss for the company if the crew were to die and the station were to explode, so the suits remove their oxygen tanks and give them to the survivors. The Doctor also re-engages Bill's oxygen tank and Bill revives, her suit's battery having too weak an electric charge to prove fatal.


Back onboard the TARDIS, Nardole restores the Doctor's eyesight, and the Doctor gives Abby and Ivan the option of what they wish to do. They wish to be taken to head office to make a complaint about the company and the events that transpired on Chasm Forge, to which the Doctor complies. Later, back at the university, the Doctor tells Bill that the after effects of Abby and Ivan's complaint was the catalyst for the eventual downfall of space capitalism. After Bill leaves, Nardole emerges from the TARDIS, still furious at the Doctor's reckless behaviour. He berates the Doctor for endangering himself in a selfish gesture and points out that he knows the stakes of leaving the vault unattended -- if the Doctor were ever injured, or sick, or dead, there would be no-one left to guard the vault effectively. The Doctor refuses to look at him, and as Nardole continues to berate him, he rises and removes his glasses, claiming he 'can't look at anything, ever again'.  
Back onboard the TARDIS, Nardole restores the Doctor's eyesight, and the Doctor gives Abby and Ivan the option of what they wish to do. They wish to be taken to head office to make a complaint about the company and the events that transpired on Chasm Forge, to which the Doctor complies. Later, back at the university, the Doctor tells Bill that the after-effects of Abby and Ivan's complaint was the catalyst for the eventual downfall of space capitalism. After Bill leaves, Nardole emerges from the TARDIS, still furious at the Doctor's reckless behaviour. He berates the Doctor for endangering himself in a selfish gesture and points out that he knows the stakes of leaving the vault unattended -- if the Doctor were ever injured, or sick, or dead, there would be no-one left to guard the vault effectively. The Doctor refuses to look at him, and as Nardole continues to berate him and demands that the Doctor look at him, he rises and removes his glasses, claiming he 'can't look at anything, ever again'.


He's still blind...
He's still blind...
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|Electrician3 = Bob Milton
|Electrician3 = Bob Milton
|Electrician4 = Sion Davies
|Electrician4 = Sion Davies
|Electrician5 = Andrew Williams
|Electrician5 = Andrew Williams (electrician)
|SupervisingArtDirector = Paul Spriggs
|SupervisingArtDirector = Paul Spriggs
|ArtDirector = Tim Overson
|ArtDirector = Tim Overson
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|Carpenter5 = Dan Berrow
|Carpenter5 = Dan Berrow
|Carpenter6 = Tom Berrow
|Carpenter6 = Tom Berrow
|Carpenter7 = Keith Richards
|Carpenter7 = Keith Richards (carpenter)
|Carpenter8 = Campbell Frazer
|Carpenter8 = Campbell Frazer
|Carpenter9 = Joe Painter
|Carpenter9 = Joe Painter
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|StuntCoOrdinator2 = Belinda McGinley
|StuntCoOrdinator2 = Belinda McGinley
|Stunt = Elliot Philip Murray
|Stunt = Elliot Philip Murray
|Choreographer = Ailsa Berk
|Choreographer = Ailsa Burke
|Wires = Bob Schofield
|Wires = Bob Schofield
|CastingAssociate = Ri McDaid-Wren
|CastingAssociate = Ri McDaid-Wren
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|PostProdSupervisor = Samantha Price
|PostProdSupervisor = Samantha Price
|PostProdCoOrdinator = Hannah Jones
|PostProdCoOrdinator = Hannah Jones
|AsstEditor2 = David Davies
|AsstEditor2 = David Davies (assistant editor)
|AsstEditor = Becky Trotman
|AsstEditor = Becky Trotman
|OnlineEditor2 = Mark Hardyman
|OnlineEditor2 = Mark Hardyman
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}}
}}


== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==
=== Physics ===
=== Physics ===
* The Doctor gives a [[lecture]] about [[space]], while the audience was expecting a lecture about [[crop rotation]].
* The Doctor gives a [[lecture]] about [[space]], describing how one [[death|dies]] when exposed to the [[vacuum]], while the audience was expecting a lecture about [[crop rotation]].
** He describes how one [[death|dies]] when exposed to the [[vacuum]] of space.


=== Chemistry ===
=== Chemistry ===
* The [[boiling point]] of [[water]] is much lower in a vacuum.
* The [[boiling point]] of [[water]] is much lower in a vacuum.
* [[Electrolysis]] is splitting water into [[hydrogen]] and [[oxygen]]. [[Nardole]] assumes this is the Doctor's plan, to produce more oxygen which would last 5 minutes.
* Electrolysis is splitting water into [[hydrogen]] and [[oxygen]]. [[Nardole]] assumes this is the Doctor's plan, to produce more oxygen which would last 5 minutes.


=== Biology ===
=== Biology ===
* Nardole mentions that he hasn't seen his true face for years. He swapped it for his current one on the run.
* Nardole mentions that he hasn't seen his true face for years. He swapped it for his current one on the run.
* The Doctor intentionally "maxes out" his companions' [[adrenaline]]: "[[Fear]] keeps you fast. Fast is good."
* The Doctor intentionally "maxes out" his companions' [[adrenaline]] as "[[fear]] keeps you fast." Fear also causes an acceleration in [[breathing]], though, which would constitute a waste of [[oxygen]] [[credit]]s while on [[Chasm Forge]].
** Fear also causes an acceleration in [[breathing]], though, which would constitute a waste of [[oxygen]] [[credit]]s while on [[Chasm Forge]].
* When the suits kill the crew, they deactivate the organic component and disable the [[Nervous system|central nervous system]].
* When the suits kill the crew, they deactivate the [[organic component]] and disable the [[Nervous system|central nervous system]].
* Bill wonders what happens if she were to [[throw up]] in the space helmet.
* Bill wonders what happens if she were to [[throw up]] in the [[space helmet]].
* After having been exposed to the [[vacuum]] of [[space]], Bill suffers from [[oxygen deprivation]].
* After having been exposed to the [[vacuum]] of [[space]], Bill suffers from [[oxygen deprivation]].
* The Doctor says he has spare [[eye]]s in the TARDIS, though they're from [[lizard]]s.
* The Doctor says he has spare [[eye]]s in the TARDIS, though they're from [[lizard]]s, though the validity of this claim is never brought up.


=== Technology ===
=== Technology ===
* The space helmets experience an error on the [[Radio]] [[Com Channel]].
* The space helmets experience an error on the [[Radio]] Com Channel.
* The Doctor calls [[distress call]]s "[his] [[theme music|theme tune]]", and emphasises that "You only see the true face of the [[universe]] when it's asking for your help."
* The Doctor calls [[distress call]]s "[his] [[theme music|theme tune]]", and emphasises that "[he] only [sees] the true face of the [[universe]] when it's asking for [his] help."
* Chasm Forge uses [[artificial gravity]].
* Chasm Forge uses [[artificial gravity]].
* The Doctor is happy that the "[[space door]]s", as Nardole calls them, are of a classic design. They have [[pressure seal]]s and [[hinge]]s. He and Nardole disagree on whether space doors should go "shuck shuck" or or groan like these do.
* The Doctor is happy that the "space doors", as Nardole calls them, are of a classic design. They have pressure seals and [[hinge]]s. He and Nardole disagree on whether space doors should go "shuck-shuck" or groan like these do.
* The [[smartsuit]]s employed at Chasm Forge uses [[gyro stabiliser]]s, [[magnetic boot]]s and [[magnetic glove|gloves]], and has on-board [[computer]]s. According to the Doctor, it can [[running|run]], [[jumping|jump]] and update one's [[Facebook]]. They also have [[force field]]s to keep the [[oxygen|air]] in, and [[oxygen tank]]s for air supply.
* The [[smartsuit]]s employed at Chasm Forge uses [[gyro stabiliser]]s, [[magnetic boot]]s and [[magnetic glove|gloves]], and has on-board [[computer]]s. According to the Doctor, it can [[running|run]], [[jumping|jump]] and update one's [[Facebook]]. They also have [[force field]]s to keep the [[oxygen|air]] in, and oxygen tanks for air supply. The suits' [[AI]] have "limited [[problem solving]]".
** A magnetic glove on one of the active suits destroys the Doctor's [[sonic screwdriver]], though the sonic also fries the suit.
* The Smartsuits have unfolding helmets.
** The suits' [[AI]] have "limited [[problem solving]]".
* The Smartsuits have [[unfolding helmet]]s.
* To send the distress call, the miners boosted a smartsuit through the [[radio telescope|dish]].
* To send the distress call, the miners boosted a smartsuit through the [[radio telescope|dish]].
* Nardole relates the smartsuits' nav system to "when your [[satnav]] doesn't know a new [[road]]".
* Nardole relates the smartsuits' nav system to "when your [[SatNav|satnav]] doesn't know a new [[road]]".
* The Smartsuits uses a [[Powercell]] to get into the [[Power Core]].
* The Smartsuits uses a [[Power cell|Powercell]] to get into the Power Core.
* The Doctor hacks into the [[Power Core Coolant System|Coolant System]].
* The Doctor hacks into the Coolant System.
* The Doctor likens the Smartsuits to an [[algorithm]] and a [[spreadsheet]].


=== Medicine ===
=== Medicine ===
* The Doctor claims he has "stuff in [the TARDIS] that'll cure anything".
* The Doctor claims he has "stuff in [the TARDIS] that'll cure anything", though he is unable to completely heal his eyes.


=== TARDIS ===
=== TARDIS ===
* The Doctor once told Nardole that [[the TARDIS]] can't go anywhere without the [[fluid link K57]]. However, he reveals this to be untrue (or, at least, no longer true).
* The Doctor once told Nardole that [[the TARDIS]] can't go anywhere without the [[fluid link K57]]. However, he reveals this to be untrue after Nardole steals the fluid link in an attempt to prevent the TARDIS from taking off.
* The [[air shell room]] in the TARDIS can provide [[oxygen]] to enough of the space station for them to stroll around.
* The air shell emanating from the TARDIS can provide [[oxygen]] to enough of the space station for the TARDIS crew to stroll around.
* The Doctor is familiar enough with the layout of the [[console room]] that, despite apparently being [[blind]], he is able to hide this and control the TARDIS as though he still had [[sight]], including, it is implied, accurately piloting her both to Ganymede's head office and back to the university.


=== Travelling ===
=== Travelling ===
* The Doctor compares going to [[outer space]] to [[camping]], and refers to [[tent]]s and [[campsite]]s.
* The Doctor compares going to [[outer space]] to [[camping]], and refers to [[tent]]s and campsites.
* Bill asks if there are [[review]]s for space locations, like there are [[online]] for [[restaurant]]s.
* Bill asks if there are [[review]]s for space locations, like there are [[online]] for [[restaurant]]s.


=== Units of measurement ===
=== Units of measurement ===
* Distance is measured in [[average breath]]s, rather than in [[metre]]s.
* Distance is measured in average breaths, rather than in [[metre]]s.


=== Locations ===
=== Locations ===
* The Doctor sent Nardole to [[Birmingham]] for a packet of [[crisp]]s.
* The Doctor sent Nardole to [[Birmingham]] for a packet of [[crisp]]s.
* [[Chasm Forge]] is a [[mining station]] in [[outer space]]. It has a crew of 40.
* [[Chasm Forge]] is a [[mining station]] in [[outer space]]. It has a crew of 40.
** The TARDIS crew gets trapped in the [[repair station]].
* The TARDIS crew gets trapped in the repair station.
* The surviving workers ask the Doctor to drop them off at [[head office]].
* The surviving workers ask the Doctor to drop them off at head office.


=== Business and economics ===
=== Business and economics ===
* The smartsuits are made by [[Ganymede Systems]].
* The smartsuits are made by [[Ganymede Systems]].
* Ganymede provides [[oxygen]] for personal use only, charging [[credit]]s for air, and making [[breathing]] into a [[capitalism|capitalist]] endeavour. Unauthorised oxygen is automatically expelled, to protect [[market value]].
* Ganymede provides [[oxygen]] for personal use only, charging [[credit]]s for air, and making [[breathing]] into a [[capitalism|capitalist]] endeavour. Unauthorised oxygen is automatically expelled, to protect market value.
* The Doctor sees the endpoint of [[capitalism]] as "a [[bottom line]] where [[human]] [[life]] has no value at all".
* The Doctor sees the endpoint of [[capitalism]] as "a bottom line where [[human]] [[life]] has no value at all".
* According to the [[psychic paper]], TARDIS crew is from the [[Union]].
* According to the [[psychic paper]], TARDIS crew is from the Union.
* He remarks that, "like every [[worker]] everywhere, we're fighting the suits."


==== Currency ====
==== Currency ====
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==== Resources ====
==== Resources ====
* Chasm Forge is a station for [[mining]] [[copper ore]].
* Chasm Forge is a station for [[mining]] [[copper ore]].
* The managers of Chasm Forge are seeking a [[bottom line]] for [[oxygen]] usage, and are seemingly prepared to kill off and replace workers if they're using too much of it.
* The managers of Chasm Forge are seeking a bottom line for [[oxygen]] usage, and are seemingly prepared to kill off and replace workers if they're using too much of it.


=== Foods and beverages ===
=== Foods and beverages ===
* The Doctor says that in five whole minutes, "we could [[boiling|boil]] the hell out of an [[egg]]."
* The Doctor says that it takes five minutes to "[[boiling|boil]] the hell out of an [[egg]]."
* Bill mentions [[lasagna]] when giving examples of what a restaurant review is.
* Bill mentions [[lasagna]] when giving examples of what a restaurant review is.
* The Doctor sent Nardole out for [[crisp]]s.
* The Doctor sent Nardole out for [[crisp]]s.
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=== People ===
=== People ===
* Nardole recognises Bill's smartsuit's interface voice as his ex [[Velma]], and remembers her as a "nice girl, [[actor|actress]]. Bit [[orange]], left me for an [[AI]] at a [[call centre]]."
* Nardole recognises Bill's smartsuit's interface voice as his ex [[Velma]], and remembers her as a "nice girl, [was an] [[actor|actress]]. Bit [[orange]], left me for an [[AI]] at a [[call centre]]."
* As a result of saving Bill from dying through exposure to the [[vacuum]], the Doctor has now become [[blind]]. An attempt to return his vision was made, but only the [[colour]] in his eyes returned.
* As a result of saving Bill from dying through exposure to the [[vacuum]], the Doctor has now become [[blind]]. An attempt to return his vision was made, but only the [[colour]] in his eyes returned.


=== Time Lords ===
=== Time Lords ===
* [[Time Lord]]s can survive in the vacuum of [[space]] longer than [[human]]s can. In the Doctor's case here, he survived but [[blindness|lost his sight]].
* [[Time Lord]]s can survive in the vacuum of [[space]] longer than [[human]]s can.


=== Literature ===
=== Literature ===
* The Doctor says, "[[Death]], where is thy sting?", quoting the {{w|First Epistle to the Corinthians}} in the [[New Testament]].
* The Doctor says, "[[Death]], where is thy sting?", quoting the {{w|First Epistle to the Corinthians}} in the New Testament.
* Bill reads a book called ''[[Leonardo (book)|Leonardo]]'', on [[Leonardo da Vinci]]. This book has the image of the ''[[Mona Lisa]]'' on its back cover.
* Bill reads a book called ''[[Leonardo (book)|Leonardo]]'', on [[Leonardo da Vinci]]. This book has the image of the ''[[Mona Lisa]]'' on its back cover.


=== Culture ===
=== Culture ===
* The Doctor uses the phrase "[[fun fact]]!" in his lecture.
* The Doctor uses the phrase "fun fact!" in his lecture.
* The Doctor mentions, amongst other things the smartsuits can do, updating [[Facebook]].
* The Doctor mentions, amongst other things the smartsuits can do, updating [[Facebook]].
* [[Dahh-Ren]] cannot understand why [[Bill Potts|Bill]] would experience [[racism]] herself. He suspects her to be racist because of her reactions to his [[blue]] [[skin]].
* [[Dahh-Ren]] cannot understand why Bill would experience [[racism]] herself. He suspects her to be racist because of her reaction to his [[blue]] [[skin]]. Nardole says that "some of [his] best friends are [[bluish]]".
** Nardole says that "some of my best friends are [[bluish]]".
* The Doctor insinuates that the purpose of [[joke]]s, in general, is to distract people from whatever's about to kill them.
* The Doctor insinuates that the purpose of [[joke]]s, in general, is to distract people from whatever's about to kill them.
* The Doctor jokes that "too many rescue ships" is a "[[first-world problem]]".
* The Doctor jokes that "too many rescue ships" is a "[[first-world problem]]".
* The Doctor quips that he thought he was just [[tweeting]], rather than locking the crew out of the [[subroutine]].
* The Doctor quips that he thought he was just [[tweeting]], rather than locking the crew out of the [[subroutine]].
* Bill wonders whether the (missing) man in the working suit has "his [[music|tunes]] on", when he doesn't respond.
* Bill wonders whether the deceased man in the working suit has "his [[music|tunes]] on", when he doesn't respond.


== Story notes ==
== Story notes ==
[[File:Jamie Mathieson, Mimi Ndiweni & Kieran Bew - The Aftershow - Doctor Who The Fan Show|thumb|This episode's ''Aftershow'' on ''[[Doctor Who: The Fan Show]]''.]]
{{video|Jamie Mathieson, Mimi Ndiweni & Kieran Bew - The Aftershow - Doctor Who The Fan Show|thumb|This episode's ''Aftershow'' on ''[[Doctor Who: The Fan Show]]''.}}
[[File:Series 10 Teaser - Doctor Who - BBC|thumb|An [[series 10 (Doctor Who)#Marketing|early teaser]] with clips from this episode. The Doctor's [[eye]]s are not shown to be [[blindness|cloudy]] in his ''Oxygen'' scenes.]]
{{video|Series 10 Teaser - Doctor Who - BBC|thumb|An [[series 10 (Doctor Who 2005)#Marketing|early teaser]] with clips from this episode. The Doctor's [[eye]]s are not shown to be [[blindness|cloudy]] in his ''Oxygen'' scenes.}}
* Two scenes of the [[blind]] Doctor were featured in an early teaser shown at the end of ''[[The Return of Doctor Mysterio]]'', except his [[eye]]s weren't cloudy in order to not to spoil this plot point.
* Two scenes of the [[blind]] Doctor were featured in an early teaser shown at the end of ''[[The Return of Doctor Mysterio (TV story)|The Return of Doctor Mysterio]]'', except his [[eye]]s weren't cloudy in order to not to spoil this plot point.
* On ''The Fan Show'', Jamie Mathieson worried that this episode would turn out "too political", due to its blatant anti-[[capitalist]] themes.
* On ''The Fan Show'', Jamie Mathieson worried that this episode would turn out "too political", due to its blatant anti-[[capitalist]] themes.
* The [[read-through]] for ''Oxygen'' took place on [[12 October (production)|12 October]] [[2016 (production)|2016]] (immediately after Capaldi and Mackie returned from promoting series 10 at the 2016 [[New York]] [[Comic Con]] and in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario|Ont.]]), and [[principal photography|filming]] on the episode took place between [[17 October (production)|17 October]] and [[18 November (production)|18 November]].
* This is the first time since ''[[Face the Raven (TV story)|Face the Raven]]'' that the Twelfth Doctor wears his navy blue Crombie coat seen in most of the past two series. The style he wears in this episode (a navy blue Crombie coat with a hoodie and holey jumper) has been previously worn in ''[[Last Christmas (TV story)|Last Christmas]]'', ''[[Under the Lake (TV story)|Under the Lake]]'', ''[[Before the Flood (TV story)|Before the Flood]]'', ''[[The Woman Who Lived (TV story)|The Woman Who Lived]]'', ''[[The Zygon Invasion (TV story)|The Zygon Invasion]]'', ''[[The Zygon Inversion (TV story)|The Zygon Inversion]]'', and ''[[Sleep No More (TV story)|Sleep No More]]''.
==== Cast ====
==== Cast ====
* Three out of the five guest actors, this episode, had previously voiced roles in [[Big Finish]] ''[[Big Finish Doctor Who audio stories|Doctor Who]]'' or ''[[Bernice Summerfield (series)|Bernice Summerfield]]''. Namely, [[Kieran Bew]] was in ''[[The Lady of Mercia (audio story)|The Lady of Mercia]]'' and ''[[The Helm of Awe (audio story)|The Helm of Awe]]'', [[Peter Caulfield]] was in ''[[Cold Fusion (audio story)|Cold Fusion]]'', and [[Mimi Ndiweni]] was in ''[[Big Dig (audio story)|Big Dig]]''.
* Three out of the five guest actors in this episode had previously voiced roles in [[Big Finish]] ''[[Big Finish Doctor Who audio stories|Doctor Who]]'' or ''[[Bernice Summerfield (series)|Bernice Summerfield]]''. Namely, [[Kieran Bew]] was in ''[[The Lady of Mercia (audio story)|The Lady of Mercia]]'' and ''[[The Helm of Awe (audio story)|The Helm of Awe]]'', [[Peter Caulfield]] was in ''[[Cold Fusion (audio story)|Cold Fusion]]'', and [[Mimi Ndiweni]] was in ''[[Big Dig (audio story)|Big Dig]]''.
* On ''The Fan Show'', Jamie Mathieson said that an ongoing joke on set was calling [[Peter Caulfield]] "Blue Peter", due to his character being blue. This was a reference to ''[[Blue Peter]]''.
* On ''The Fan Show'', Jamie Mathieson said that an ongoing joke on set was calling [[Peter Caulfield]] "[[Blue Peter]]".


==== Allusions ====
==== Allusions ====
* Two references to ''[[Star Trek]]'' are made:
* Two references to ''[[Star Trek]]'' are made:
** The Doctor makes a speech about [[space]] being "the final frontier", quoting the monologue that opens each episode of ''Star Trek: The Original Series'' and ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]''.
** The Doctor makes a speech about [[space]] being "the final frontier", quoting the monologue that opens each episode of ''Star Trek: The Original Series'' and ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation]]''.
** Nardole mentions the "Swish Swish" sound the [[space door|doors]] always make. The Doctor says he hates that noise.
** Nardole mentions the "Swish Swish" sound the doors always make. The Doctor says he hates that noise.
* While standing with [[Dahh-Ren]], [[Nardole]] states that some of his best friends are "[[bluish]]". This joke, of calling a [[blue]] person "bluish" as if it is their race, was first seen in the 1969 [[The Beatles|Beatles]] animated film {{wi|The Yellow Submarine (film)|The Yellow Submarine}}, where it was used by a Blue Meanie in an attempt to identify if the Beatles were a member of their ranks. The original use was meant as a satire of the then-common phrase "you don't look [[Jewish]]", but it was not intended to be derogatory.
* While standing with [[Dahh-Ren]], [[Nardole]] states that some of his best friends are "[[bluish]]". This joke, of calling a [[blue]] person "bluish" as if it is their race, was first seen in the 1969 [[The Beatles|Beatles]] animated film {{wi|The Yellow Submarine (film)|The Yellow Submarine}}, where it was used by a Blue Meanie in an attempt to identify if the Beatles were a member of their ranks. The original use was meant as a satire of the then-common phrase "you don't look [[Jewish]]", but it was not intended to be derogatory.


=== Ratings ===
=== Ratings ===
* 3.57m (UK overnight)
* 3.57 million (UK overnight)
* 5.27m (UK final)
* 5.27 million (UK final)<ref>[http://guide.doctorwhonews.net/info.php?detail=ratings&type=date Ratings DW]</ref>


=== Filming locations ===
=== Filming locations ===
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== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
* The Doctor wears his [[sonic sunglasses]] again. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Magician's Apprentice (TV story)|The Magician's Apprentice]]'' - ''[[The Husbands of River Song (TV story)|The Husbands of River Song]]'', ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]]'') Their sonic function, however, is not utilised.
[[File:Tied to you.jpg|thumb|The [[Fifth Doctor]] makes his way through the [[vacuum]] of [[space]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Four to Doomsday (TV story)|Four to Doomsday]]'')]]
* This episode marks the sixth time the Doctor's [[sonic screwdriver]] has been destroyed.([[TV]]: ''[[The Visitation]]'', [[COMIC]]: ''[[The Flood (comic story)|The Flood]]'', [[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones (TV story)|Smith and Jones]]'', ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'', ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'')
* [[Time Lord]]s can survive in a [[vacuum]] for limited periods of time far longer than humans can. ([[TV]]: ''[[Four to Doomsday (TV story)|Four to Doomsday]]'', ''[[The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (TV story)|The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe]]'') The [[Tenth Doctor]] once said he had "a knack" for it. ([[COMIC]]: ''[[Interstellar Overdrive (comic story)|Interstellar Overdrive]]'')
* Nardole once more stresses the Doctor's oath to stay on [[Earth]] to guard the [[Vault (The Pilot)|vault]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]], [[Smile (TV story)|Smile]], [[Thin Ice (TV story)|Thin Ice]]'', ''[[Knock Knock (TV story)|Knock Knock]]'')
* Nardole once more stresses the Doctor's oath to stay on [[Earth]] to guard [[The Vault (The Pilot)|the Vault]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]], [[Smile (TV story)|Smile]], [[Thin Ice (TV story)|Thin Ice]]'', ''[[Knock Knock (TV story)|Knock Knock]]'')
* The Doctor once more gives a [[lecture]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]]'')
* Bill wonders if people ever hit the Doctor. ([[TV]]: ''[[Aliens of London (TV story)|Aliens of London]]'', ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'', ''[[The Lazarus Experiment (TV story)|The Lazarus Experiment]]'', ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'', ''[[The Big Bang (TV story)|The Big Bang]]'', ''[[The Angels Take Manhattan (TV story)|The Angels Take Manhattan]]'', ''[[Into the Dalek (TV story)|Into the Dalek]]'', ''[[Last Christmas (TV story)|Last Christmas]]'')
* The Doctor and his companions are almost sucked into the [[vacuum]] of [[space]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Daleks' Master Plan (TV story)|The Daleks' Master Plan]]'', ''[[The Impossible Planet (TV story)|The Impossible Planet]]'', ''[[Voyage of the Damned (TV story)|Voyage of the Damned]]'')
* The Doctor and his companions are almost sucked into the [[vacuum]] of [[space]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Daleks' Master Plan (TV story)|The Daleks' Master Plan]]'', ''[[The Impossible Planet (TV story)|The Impossible Planet]]'', ''[[Voyage of the Damned (TV story)|Voyage of the Damned]]'')
* The Doctor uses his [[psychic paper]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The End of the World (TV story)|The End of the World]]'' et al.)
* The Doctor refuses to believe he can't save his companion. ([[TV]]: ''[[Voyage of the Damned (TV story)|Voyage of the Damned]]'', ''[[The Snowmen (TV story)|The Snowmen]]'', ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]'')
* The Doctor refuses to believe he can't save his companion. ([[TV]]: ''[[Voyage of the Damned (TV story)|Voyage of the Damned]]'', ''[[The Snowmen (TV story)|The Snowmen]]'', ''[[Hell Bent (TV story)|Hell Bent]]'', et al)
* A picture of [[Bill Potts's mother|Bill's mum]] appears in Bill's flashback. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]], [[Knock Knock (TV story)|Knock Knock]]'')
* The Doctor previously faced [[Vashta Nerada|an enemy]] that hijacked [[spacesuit]]s to control them. ([[TV]]: ''[[Silence in the Library (TV story)|Silence in the Library]]'' /''[[Forest of the Dead (TV story)|Forest of the Dead]]'')
* The [[the Doctor's sonic screwdriver|sonic screwdriver]] is broken. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Visitation (TV story)|The Visitation]]'', ''[[Smith and Jones (TV story)|Smith and Jones]]'', ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'', ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'')
* Bill mentions being on the receiving end of [[racism]], ([[TV]]: ''[[Thin Ice (TV story)|Thin Ice]]'') and is accused of racism herself. [[Dahh-Ren]] is surprised by this, unsure of why Bill would be persecuted.
* The TARDIS extends its airshell so those around the outside of it can [[breathing|breathe]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'', ''[[The Beast Below (TV story)|The Beast Below]]''; [[GAME]]: ''[[TARDIS (video game)|TARDIS]]'')
* A picture of [[Bill Potts' mother|Bill's mum]] appears in Bill's flashback. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]], [[Knock Knock (TV story)|Knock Knock]]'')
* The Doctor says that [[fear]] is good, as it keeps one fast. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of Angels (TV story)|The Time of Angels]]'') He previously described it as a [[Superpower (ability)|superpower]] ([[TV]]: ''[[Listen (TV story)|Listen]]'') and as a generator of savagery. ([[TV]]: ''[[Amy's Choice (TV story)|Amy's Choice]]'')
[[File:Tied to you.jpg|thumb|The [[Fifth Doctor]] makes his way through the [[vacuum]] of [[space]], in [[TV]]: ''[[Four to Doomsday (TV story)|Four to Doomsday]]''.]]
* The [[sonic screwdriver]] is broken. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Visitation (TV story)|The Visitation]]'', ''[[Smith and Jones (TV story)|Smith and Jones]]'', ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'', ''[[A Christmas Carol (TV story)|A Christmas Carol]]'', [[COMIC]]: ''[[The Tragical History Tour (comic story)|The Tragical History Tour]]'')
* [[Time Lord]]s can survive in a [[vacuum]] for limited periods of time, ([[TV]]: ''[[Four to Doomsday]]'', ''[[The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (TV story)|The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe]]'', [[GAME]]: ''[[TARDIS (video game)|TARDIS]]'') far longer than humans can.
* The TARDIS extends its airshell so those around the outside of it can [[breathing|breathe]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Runaway Bride (TV story)|The Runaway Bride]]'', ''[[The Beast Below (TV story)|The Beast Below]]'', [[GAME]]: ''[[TARDIS (video game)|TARDIS]]'')
* The Doctor says that [[fear]] is good, as it keeps one fast. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of Angels (TV story)|The Time of Angels]]'') He previously described it as a [[superpower]] ([[TV]]: ''[[Listen (TV story)|Listen]]'') and as a generator of savagery. ([[TV]]: ''[[Amy's Choice (TV story)|Amy's Choice]]'')
* Nardole removes the Doctor's [[fluid link]] in an attempt to keep him grounded on Earth. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Daleks (TV story)|The Daleks]]'')
* Nardole removes the Doctor's [[fluid link]] in an attempt to keep him grounded on Earth. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Daleks (TV story)|The Daleks]]'')
* The Doctor has previously encountered [[blue]] [[humanoid]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The End of the World (TV story)|The End of the World]]'', ''[[A Good Man Goes to War (TV story)|A Good Man Goes to War]]'')
* The Doctor says that there's always the last option to be "dying well". He previously didn't think this was possible. ([[TV]]: ''[[For Tonight We Might Die (TV story)|For Tonight We Might Die]]'')
* The Doctor says that there's always the last option to be "dying well". He previously didn't think this was possible. ([[TV]]: ''[[For Tonight We Might Die (TV story)|For Tonight We Might Die]]'')
* The Doctor confirms that he is out of his mind, but that it's not a recent thing. His [[Eleventh Doctor|previous incarnation]] made it a point to identify himself as a "madman with a box". ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'' et al.)
* The Doctor acknowledges a history between [[Fate (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing)|Fate]] and him. ([[PROSE]]: ''[[Christmas on a Rational Planet (novel)|Christmas on a Rational Planet]]'')
* The Doctor uses the word "expensive" to stop the Smartsuits. He previously used a simple word, "surrender", to stop an enemy, ([[TV]]: ''[[Mummy on the Orient Express (TV story)|Mummy on the Orient Express]]'') and the word "one". ([[TV]]: ''[[Voyage of the Damned (TV story)|Voyage of the Damned]]'')
* The Doctor has previously had an adventure in his [[Ninth Doctor|ninth incarnation]] where his sight was altered, though he only ended up short sighted rather than blind. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Retail Therapy (audio story)|Retail Therapy]]'')
* The Doctor is back in his [[The Doctor's office (The Pilot)|office]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Pilot (TV story)|The Pilot]]'', ''[[Thin Ice (TV story)|Thin Ice]]'')
* The Doctor plays with his [[Yo-yo|yo-yo]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Robot (TV story)|Robot]]'', ''[[The Ark in Space (TV story)|The Ark in Space]]'', ''[[Genesis of the Daleks (TV story)|Genesis of the Daleks]]'', ''[[Revenge of the Cybermen (TV story)|Revenge of the Cybermen]]'', ''[[The Brain of Morbius (TV story)|The Brain of Morbius]]'', ''[[The Seeds of Doom (TV story)|The Seeds of Doom]]'', ''[[The Masque of Mandragora (TV story)|The Masque of Mandragora]]'', ''[[The Robots of Death (TV story)|The Robots of Death]]'', ''[[The Talons of Weng-Chiang (TV story)|The Talons of Weng-Chiang]]'', ''[[Kill the Moon (TV story)|Kill the Moon]]'', ''[[The Girl Who Died (TV story)|The Girl Who Died]]'')


== Home video releases ==
== Home video releases ==
=== DVD releases ===
===DVD & Blu-ray releases===
''to be added''
 
* This episode was included in the Series 10, Part One DVD and Blu-ray boxsets in region 1/A on [[6 June (releases)|6 June]] [[2017 (releases)|2017]], in region 2/B on [[29 May (releases)|29 May]] 2017 and in region 4/B on [[31 May (releases)|31 May]] 2017.
* This episode was also released as part of the Complete Tenth Series DVD and Blu-ray boxsets in region 1/A on [[7 November (releases)|7 November]] 2017, in region 2/B on [[13 November (releases)|13 November]] 2017 and in region 4/B on [[29 November (releases)|29 November]] 2017.


=== Blu-ray releases ===
===Digital releases===
''to be added''


=== Digital releases ===
* In the United Kingdom, this story is available on [[BBC iPlayer]].
''to be added''


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{bbc.co.uk|b08r7jcz}}
== Footnotes ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


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[[Category:Series 10 (Doctor Who) stories]]
[[Category:Stories set in Bristol]]
[[Category:Stories set in Bristol]]
[[Category:Stories set in 2017]]
[[Category:Stories set in 2017]]
[[Category:2017 television stories]]
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[[fr:Oxygen (TV)]]
[[he:חמצן (סיפור טלוויזיה)]]

Latest revision as of 18:19, 3 November 2024

RealWorld.png

Oxygen was the fifth episode of series 10 of Doctor Who.

This episode started a minor arc for Series 10, in which the Doctor is rendered permanently blind after saving Bill from the vacuum of space by giving her his helmet.

This is the first occasion where Nardole joins the Doctor and Bill on an adventure, after he was usually left to stay behind on Earth.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Twelfth Doctor, Bill and Nardole investigate a strange space station, but are interrupted by walking dead in spacesuits... will they make it out alive? And how much does air actually cost?

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

On the outer hull of the space station, Chasm Forge, workers Ivan and Ellie make their way to the top of the space station to make repairs. The two are romantically involved and Ellie attempts to tell Ivan via her comms system that she is now ready to have a child with him, but he can't hear her due to interference with the system. Ellie examines her air tank to discover that she is running low on oxygen and is required to purchase more. From behind two figures start walking toward her, also wearing suits but without their helmets -- the humans wearing the suits are obviously dead. Ellie turns to see them advancing on her and she screams, but Ivan can't hear anything. Just as he finishes his repairs, Ivan turns to look behind him and sees the two figures along with a now dead, helmet-less Ellie advancing on him and he screams.

On Earth, the Doctor is in the middle of a lecture which is supposed to be about crop rotation, but he chooses to speak about space instead. After the lecture, Nardole approaches the Doctor and calls him out on his desire to go back into space. When working on the vault, he voices his concern that the Doctor has plans to take another unauthorised trip, but the Doctor rebuffs that, stating that he is still on Earth guarding the vault. Later in the TARDIS, the Doctor is telling Bill about the possibilities that exist with exploring space; he suggests that Bill select a destination for a trip, but then himself sets course to investigate a distress signal. At this point, Nardole arrives and insists that the Doctor remain on Earth and guard the vault. He presents a fluid link component he took from the TARDIS after one of the Doctor's lectures, under the assumption that it would render the TARDIS immobile. However, this was a lie on the Doctor's part as he then suddenly sets the TARDIS engines in flight, much to Nardole's surprise and chagrin, but to Bill's delight.

The TARDIS materialises in a corridor on the space station and the Doctor, Bill and a very-angry Nardole emerge. The Doctor expands the TARDIS's air shell so that they can explore. Bill is amazed by the depths of space when looking out the space station's window, while Nardole is still moaning about the Doctor breaking his oath again. The trio then discovers a man in a suit standing in the middle of the repair bay. Upon examining him, they discover the man to be dead, but Nardole finds his airfield is still up, meaning he didn't suffocate. Bill finds it rather distressing that the mechanical suit is keeping the dead man propped upright. The Doctor examines the computer logs and discovers that the station was declared non-profitable after a majority of its workers were killed.

▶︎
YouTube
Unauthorised oxygen will be expelled.

The three proceed further into the station and discover a suit with no operator doing work. Suddenly, a computer, whose voice Nardole remembers as an ex-girlfriend called Velma, states that there has never been oxygen in the station and the unauthorised oxygen from the TARDIS has been detected and will be expelled. The Doctor, Bill and Nardole race back to the TARDIS when the section starts decompressing the expanded air shell from it. The Doctor seals the section off using the sonic screwdriver, but this leaves them unable to return to the TARDIS. A comms unit suddenly engages on the computer, and the voice on the other end introduces himself as Tasker. While the Doctor, Bill and Nardole are distracted, the suit propping up the dead man becomes active and starts advancing towards the trio. The Doctor tries to disable it with his sonic screwdriver, but the suit magnetically pulls the instrument from the Doctor's hand. The sonic screwdriver is crushed and the suit is disabled. Nardole looks outside and sees that the deceased workers are being operated by the suits and are advancing on them from the outer hull. The Doctor deduces that the oxygen is contained in the suits, so in order to survive they put on the suits present in the repair bay.

While escaping from the Smartsuits pursuing them, the TARDIS crew are rescued by Tasker, Ivan and other survivors on the station, Abby and Dahh-Ren. The crew tells the Doctor that the suits are the property of the company which has turned access to oxygen into profit and that the suits have received instructions to 'deactivate their organic components'. All other crew members were killed by an electric shock to their nerve systems, rendering them zombies. The crew make plans to retreat across the station's hull and escape to an uncompleted section of the station that isn't present in their station's mapping. Suddenly, the suits break into the section where the crew are hiding and kill Tasker with an electric discharge transmitted by touch. The remaining survivors retreat to an airlock at the end of the section, all putting on helmets to protect themselves from the vacuum. During the process of decompression, the suit Bill took from the repair bay begins to malfunction, deactivating Bill's helmet of its own accord. The Doctor attempts to release Bill's helmet from the suit's grip, but to no avail; he warns Bill that she is about to be exposed to the vacuum and to breathe normally. The airlock opens and Bill loses consciousness when exposed to the vacuum. She briefly reawakens to find herself being walked across the hull by the Doctor, without his helmet, as Ivan and Abby shoot the advancing suits. Bill falls unconscious again.

Bill awakens alone in an empty section of the station. She looks up the hallway to see the suits outside the open door but not entering. Bill is approached by Nardole and Ivan, who reveal that the suits can't get into the section because it's a new area that isn't in their mapping system. Bill asks about the Doctor -- Nardole tells her that he gave her his helmet and walked her to safety, but it did cost him. He tells her that he is in Section 12, a statement which the suits register and begin trying to locate. Bill finds the Doctor sat alone in the section. He stands to face her and reveals that walking in the vacuum unprotected has blinded him. He ensures her that the condition is temporary and that his sight can be restored on his return to the TARDIS. The crew regroup and the Doctor makes plans on how to get them out alive, but Abby doesn't believe him due to his inability to save Tasker and threatens him. At that point, the suits log Section 12 into their mapping system and come in, killing Dahh-Ren. Abby attempts to hold them off, but the crew end up fleeing.

Just before making it to the next section, Bill's suit malfunctions again, magnetising itself to the floor and rendering her immobile. Knowing that there is no way of getting Bill to the next section, the Doctor leaves her behind while the others escape and the suits approach her. Bill makes an appeal to her mum while the suits deliver the electrical discharge and seemingly kill her. The remaining survivors arrive at the station's power room, where the Doctor highlights on the suits' operation being heavily established by a capitalist attitude. The Doctor claims that he is attempting to redirect the flow of water cooling the generators to convert it into oxygen, but instead connects the generators to their suit's life signs, meaning that if they die, the generators will overheat and explode. The Doctor insists that the suits be let in, seemingly as a grand statement about the inevitable downfall of capitalism, and Ivan reluctantly complies. As the suits advance and are about to kill them, the Doctor declares that their deaths would be expensive and the suits stop. The suits analyse the generators and conclude that it would be a greater loss for the company if the crew were to die and the station were to explode, so the suits remove their oxygen tanks and give them to the survivors. The Doctor also re-engages Bill's oxygen tank and Bill revives, her suit's battery having too weak an electric charge to prove fatal.

Back onboard the TARDIS, Nardole restores the Doctor's eyesight, and the Doctor gives Abby and Ivan the option of what they wish to do. They wish to be taken to head office to make a complaint about the company and the events that transpired on Chasm Forge, to which the Doctor complies. Later, back at the university, the Doctor tells Bill that the after-effects of Abby and Ivan's complaint was the catalyst for the eventual downfall of space capitalism. After Bill leaves, Nardole emerges from the TARDIS, still furious at the Doctor's reckless behaviour. He berates the Doctor for endangering himself in a selfish gesture and points out that he knows the stakes of leaving the vault unattended -- if the Doctor were ever injured, or sick, or dead, there would be no-one left to guard the vault effectively. The Doctor refuses to look at him, and as Nardole continues to berate him and demands that the Doctor look at him, he rises and removes his glasses, claiming he 'can't look at anything, ever again'.

He's still blind...

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Uncredited cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

General production staff

Script department

Camera and lighting department

Art department

Costume department

Make-up and prosthetics

Movement

Casting

General post-production staff

Special and visual effects

Sound



Not every person who worked on this adventure was credited. The absence of a credit for a position doesn't necessarily mean the job wasn't required. The information above is based solely on observations of the actual end credits of the episodes as broadcast, and does not relay information from IMDB or other sources.


Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

Physics[[edit] | [edit source]]

Chemistry[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The boiling point of water is much lower in a vacuum.
  • Electrolysis is splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Nardole assumes this is the Doctor's plan, to produce more oxygen which would last 5 minutes.

Biology[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Nardole mentions that he hasn't seen his true face for years. He swapped it for his current one on the run.
  • The Doctor intentionally "maxes out" his companions' adrenaline as "fear keeps you fast." Fear also causes an acceleration in breathing, though, which would constitute a waste of oxygen credits while on Chasm Forge.
  • When the suits kill the crew, they deactivate the organic component and disable the central nervous system.
  • Bill wonders what happens if she were to throw up in the space helmet.
  • After having been exposed to the vacuum of space, Bill suffers from oxygen deprivation.
  • The Doctor says he has spare eyes in the TARDIS, though they're from lizards, though the validity of this claim is never brought up.

Technology[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The space helmets experience an error on the Radio Com Channel.
  • The Doctor calls distress calls "[his] theme tune", and emphasises that "[he] only [sees] the true face of the universe when it's asking for [his] help."
  • Chasm Forge uses artificial gravity.
  • The Doctor is happy that the "space doors", as Nardole calls them, are of a classic design. They have pressure seals and hinges. He and Nardole disagree on whether space doors should go "shuck-shuck" or groan like these do.
  • The smartsuits employed at Chasm Forge uses gyro stabilisers, magnetic boots and gloves, and has on-board computers. According to the Doctor, it can run, jump and update one's Facebook. They also have force fields to keep the air in, and oxygen tanks for air supply. The suits' AI have "limited problem solving".
  • The Smartsuits have unfolding helmets.
  • To send the distress call, the miners boosted a smartsuit through the dish.
  • Nardole relates the smartsuits' nav system to "when your satnav doesn't know a new road".
  • The Smartsuits uses a Powercell to get into the Power Core.
  • The Doctor hacks into the Coolant System.
  • The Doctor likens the Smartsuits to an algorithm and a spreadsheet.

Medicine[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Doctor claims he has "stuff in [the TARDIS] that'll cure anything", though he is unable to completely heal his eyes.

TARDIS[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Doctor once told Nardole that the TARDIS can't go anywhere without the fluid link K57. However, he reveals this to be untrue after Nardole steals the fluid link in an attempt to prevent the TARDIS from taking off.
  • The air shell emanating from the TARDIS can provide oxygen to enough of the space station for the TARDIS crew to stroll around.

Travelling[[edit] | [edit source]]

Units of measurement[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Distance is measured in average breaths, rather than in metres.

Locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

Business and economics[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The smartsuits are made by Ganymede Systems.
  • Ganymede provides oxygen for personal use only, charging credits for air, and making breathing into a capitalist endeavour. Unauthorised oxygen is automatically expelled, to protect market value.
  • The Doctor sees the endpoint of capitalism as "a bottom line where human life has no value at all".
  • According to the psychic paper, TARDIS crew is from the Union.

Currency[[edit] | [edit source]]

Resources[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Chasm Forge is a station for mining copper ore.
  • The managers of Chasm Forge are seeking a bottom line for oxygen usage, and are seemingly prepared to kill off and replace workers if they're using too much of it.

Foods and beverages[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Doctor says that it takes five minutes to "boil the hell out of an egg."
  • Bill mentions lasagna when giving examples of what a restaurant review is.
  • The Doctor sent Nardole out for crisps.
  • The Doctor tells Dahh-Ren he sent him out for a latté.
  • The Doctor says the phrase "the universe is your crustacean".

People[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Nardole recognises Bill's smartsuit's interface voice as his ex Velma, and remembers her as a "nice girl, [was an] actress. Bit orange, left me for an AI at a call centre."
  • As a result of saving Bill from dying through exposure to the vacuum, the Doctor has now become blind. An attempt to return his vision was made, but only the colour in his eyes returned.

Time Lords[[edit] | [edit source]]

Literature[[edit] | [edit source]]

Culture[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Doctor uses the phrase "fun fact!" in his lecture.
  • The Doctor mentions, amongst other things the smartsuits can do, updating Facebook.
  • Dahh-Ren cannot understand why Bill would experience racism herself. He suspects her to be racist because of her reaction to his blue skin. Nardole says that "some of [his] best friends are bluish".
  • The Doctor insinuates that the purpose of jokes, in general, is to distract people from whatever's about to kill them.
  • The Doctor jokes that "too many rescue ships" is a "first-world problem".
  • The Doctor quips that he thought he was just tweeting, rather than locking the crew out of the subroutine.
  • Bill wonders whether the deceased man in the working suit has "his tunes on", when he doesn't respond.

Story notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

▶︎
YouTube
This episode's Aftershow on Doctor Who: The Fan Show.
▶︎
YouTube
An early teaser with clips from this episode. The Doctor's eyes are not shown to be cloudy in his Oxygen scenes.
  • Two scenes of the blind Doctor were featured in an early teaser shown at the end of The Return of Doctor Mysterio, except his eyes weren't cloudy in order to not to spoil this plot point.
  • On The Fan Show, Jamie Mathieson worried that this episode would turn out "too political", due to its blatant anti-capitalist themes.

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Allusions[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Two references to Star Trek are made:
    • The Doctor makes a speech about space being "the final frontier", quoting the monologue that opens each episode of Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
    • Nardole mentions the "Swish Swish" sound the doors always make. The Doctor says he hates that noise.
  • While standing with Dahh-Ren, Nardole states that some of his best friends are "bluish". This joke, of calling a blue person "bluish" as if it is their race, was first seen in the 1969 Beatles animated film The Yellow Submarine, where it was used by a Blue Meanie in an attempt to identify if the Beatles were a member of their ranks. The original use was meant as a satire of the then-common phrase "you don't look Jewish", but it was not intended to be derogatory.

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • 3.57 million (UK overnight)
  • 5.27 million (UK final)[2]

Filming locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

Production errors[[edit] | [edit source]]

If you'd like to talk about narrative problems with this story — like plot holes and things that seem to contradict other stories — please go to this episode's discontinuity discussion.

to be added

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Fifth Doctor makes his way through the vacuum of space. (TV: Four to Doomsday)

Home video releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

DVD & Blu-ray releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • This episode was included in the Series 10, Part One DVD and Blu-ray boxsets in region 1/A on 6 June 2017, in region 2/B on 29 May 2017 and in region 4/B on 31 May 2017.
  • This episode was also released as part of the Complete Tenth Series DVD and Blu-ray boxsets in region 1/A on 7 November 2017, in region 2/B on 13 November 2017 and in region 4/B on 29 November 2017.

Digital releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • In the United Kingdom, this story is available on BBC iPlayer.

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  1. ↑ BBC Doctor Who website (13 May 2017). Oxygen: The Fact File. BBC Doctor Who. Retrieved on 14 May 2017.
  2. ↑ Ratings DW
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