Post by James Smith on Jul 8, 2008 2:32:56 GMT -5
We-e-ell, slightly mixed opinions about this one.
First, the bad:
1) Julian Bleach is a rubbish Davros. In fact, this was a pretty rubbish Davros full-stop. The character has come a long way in the wrong direction since "Genesis of the Daleks".
2) Once again, deus ex machina moments abound. Alright, so all of the events in this story were mapped out by the bonkers Dalek Caan.....but that doesn't excuse some of the story choices completely.
3) Catherine Tate....I don't for one minute believe that she's that poor an actress, I just think they've written her badly. As for her attempt at doing a "10th Doctor" when she takes on his knowledge....yikes. David Tennant can do the whole personality switch thing without sounding utterly ridiculous (see "New Earth"). Tate just went off the end of the diving board in a very uncontrolled dive.
4) Bit of an odd one this - but the theme tune. This latest version just isn't....I dunno, it's missing something. When I figure out what it is I'll get back to you. In the meantime, I just play the original 1963 theme in my head whenever I see an episode of modern DW.
5) So, how do we think the Daleks survive this one then? Actually, it doesn't really matter. We know they'll be back, we don't need to know how. Seeing their fleet get wiped out just doesn't have any impact any more.
6) The technobabble was laid on so thick that the episode nearly fell over under the weight of it in places.
Right, that's enough ragging. Now for the awesome:
1) Finally, finally, finally....the Doctor and Rose, together forever. They also get to play tonsil hockey. Which was nice.
2) Looks like Mickey and Martha are joining Torchwood. That sounds like an improvement to me, hope it turns out that way.
3) The end was poignant. The Doctor is alone once more, and this after Sarah pointed out to him earlier just how many friends he has on Earth (both Earths, actually). But that's just it - they're on Earth, and he can't stay there.
4) Looks like the canonicity about TARDISes needing six crew members to operate properly has been established now. Does beg the question why it never used to shake and pitch about in the older series with only one pilot, but hey ho
5) There is something horribly creepy about a giggling insane Dalek.
6) Jackie didn't talk much. Which was nice.
7) Bernard Cribbins is a brilliant actor. Everything about him this episode was just brilliant.
So, that's it until Christmas and the Cybermen. Except for a short bit for the Proms - rather than a Blue Peter prom like they usually do for the child-oriented one, this year (27th July) sees a DW theme and they're sticking in a short segment (similar to the Children In Need shorts that they've done in recent years).
First, the bad:
1) Julian Bleach is a rubbish Davros. In fact, this was a pretty rubbish Davros full-stop. The character has come a long way in the wrong direction since "Genesis of the Daleks".
2) Once again, deus ex machina moments abound. Alright, so all of the events in this story were mapped out by the bonkers Dalek Caan.....but that doesn't excuse some of the story choices completely.
3) Catherine Tate....I don't for one minute believe that she's that poor an actress, I just think they've written her badly. As for her attempt at doing a "10th Doctor" when she takes on his knowledge....yikes. David Tennant can do the whole personality switch thing without sounding utterly ridiculous (see "New Earth"). Tate just went off the end of the diving board in a very uncontrolled dive.
4) Bit of an odd one this - but the theme tune. This latest version just isn't....I dunno, it's missing something. When I figure out what it is I'll get back to you. In the meantime, I just play the original 1963 theme in my head whenever I see an episode of modern DW.
5) So, how do we think the Daleks survive this one then? Actually, it doesn't really matter. We know they'll be back, we don't need to know how. Seeing their fleet get wiped out just doesn't have any impact any more.
6) The technobabble was laid on so thick that the episode nearly fell over under the weight of it in places.
Right, that's enough ragging. Now for the awesome:
1) Finally, finally, finally....the Doctor and Rose, together forever. They also get to play tonsil hockey. Which was nice.
2) Looks like Mickey and Martha are joining Torchwood. That sounds like an improvement to me, hope it turns out that way.
3) The end was poignant. The Doctor is alone once more, and this after Sarah pointed out to him earlier just how many friends he has on Earth (both Earths, actually). But that's just it - they're on Earth, and he can't stay there.
4) Looks like the canonicity about TARDISes needing six crew members to operate properly has been established now. Does beg the question why it never used to shake and pitch about in the older series with only one pilot, but hey ho
5) There is something horribly creepy about a giggling insane Dalek.
6) Jackie didn't talk much. Which was nice.
7) Bernard Cribbins is a brilliant actor. Everything about him this episode was just brilliant.
So, that's it until Christmas and the Cybermen. Except for a short bit for the Proms - rather than a Blue Peter prom like they usually do for the child-oriented one, this year (27th July) sees a DW theme and they're sticking in a short segment (similar to the Children In Need shorts that they've done in recent years).