I liked the first episode well enough, but I found the second a big improvement. Not exactly the most complex of storylines, but it was well-executed. The supporting cast were surprisingly decent, the plot development was interesting and well-paced. Though it's clear Whittaker is always going to be the polite, helpful Doctor, she got to show a much wider range of emotions this time. So far it's sticking to relatively safe plotlines but that's not a bad thing, and we got the first hint of the overall story arc. This was introduced with the brief subtly we got back in the Russel T. Davies era, which I much prefer than the more brazen style of Moffat. Davies was always better at setting up and delivering a season finale, so that bodes well.
I'm not sure I'm so keen on having a whole gang of companions rather than just one or two : we don't get the chance for much focused character development. But it's still early days, so this could work. On the other hand, the only thing I definitely don't like is the new TARDIS interior, which is a strange return to the "Grunge" phase of Tennant. Dunno why they did that, but oh well.
Overall, I thoroughly approve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw5K4TlNUxY
RT Davies understood enough about the essentials to dispense with the rest of the early canon, a substantial portion of which was rubbish anyway. Davies had been trying to get a female Doctor as early as a decade ago.
ReplyDeleteThe addition of Mark Tonderai to the directorial posse is quite exciting, for me anyway.
Agreed; this was a good episode, lots of fun. The third one felt a little derivative, alas (think Quantum Leap). Not a bad story; indeed, one that should have been told long ago. But not really a Dr. Who story in any important way, I'd argue. (Details intentionally omitted to avoid spoilers, but the preview at the end of episode 2 should provide enough context.)
ReplyDeleteI'll be watching episode 3 tonight.
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