Doctor Who began as a simple show meant to trick kids into learning a little bit of history, think about some science and ponder the technology to come. Over the next 60 years it has progressed to a thoughtfully written program with deep character development and wide ranging story arcs. Fast forward to this season and we have obvious foreshadowing, blatant pandering and no character growth. Maybe, just maybe "Can you hear me" will be the dartboard hit that gives us hope. 
The dart hit horror for this one.
As with most cookie cutter horror movies, the trouble begins on a vacation of sorts. The "fam" is attacked in their dreams or the dreams of others close to them. The traditional boogeyman is a bald, dream stealer with fingers that act as USB drives for nightmares. He gives dreamers a wet willie to store their nightmares.
We are shipped across the universe to confront him. I'm still a bit fuzzy on why with all of the time and universe to choose from, he picked current day earth. Anyhow, seeing the big ugly guy and a beautiful woman in distress, The Doctor assumes the worst and is tricked into releasing his partner.
The attempt is made to help develop the group a bit, but it falls flat. I don't know where Ryan's dad has disappeared to, only to be replaced by his "best mate," Yaz has a stereotypically dysfunctional family. and finally, Graham has survivor's remorse. All of which feel a bit uninspired. The standard formula for this season has been, we spend 90% of the episode with the doctor being fooled, only to have 10% solution based on methods without any decent explanation, ending with the line we all expected from the first scene..."she faced her fears" Lowest hanging fruit.
The biggest controversy was at the very end when Graham opened up about his fears of cancer. Normally, we might expect a speech about the briefness of life, enjoy every minute... something fierce and supportive. However, this writing team thinks it's a good time to reference the doctor's famous issue with empathy. Whether it is 6's bluster or 12's index cards, it has been a bit of a joke. If this scene was meant as a joke, which it may well have been, it fell very flat. Making her look uncaring and rude.
We've spent 2 seasons now saying our problem is the writing. This season, we were introduced to a proper female Doctor in "Doctor Ruth", and now I see Jodie as kind of weak, flat and naive as the Doctor.
Editor's note: I asked Brice his score on this episode and he has given "Can you Hear me" the first ever 0 out of 5 Tardises.