View Full Version : Doctor Who 5x02 - The Beast Below - ** SPOILERS **
Thoughts? Another good one for me. and next weeks is looking tasty too.
SFX were better this week too. Still can't find any love for the theme.
Did anyone else of a certain age geek out slightly when the Demon Headmaster turned up?
thescrounger
10-04-2010, 18:31
Another good episode, although I feel it would have been better as a two parter. Next weeks looks like a corker.
Another brilliant one, I thought. Dropping a kid down a fiery lift shaft before the credits was a stroke of genius.
Did anyone else of a certain age geek out slightly when the Demon Headmaster turned up?
That's who it was! I loved that show and the books when I was a kid.
Another enjoyable episode. Nothing groundbreaking, but it was a lot of fun and had a pretty decent plot. The new look of the show's what really impressed me - looks classic and timeless at the same time.
Best line: "This isn't going to be big on dignity."
Loved the little exchange re Chruchill at the end. Next episode looks great.
All worked for me. Decent storyline, restrained music, Amy in moist nightwear, ok FX & Smith's Doctor performance was fine. :thumbs:
douglasb
10-04-2010, 18:36
The choppy editing suggested there's an extended version in the vaults somewhere. Bits seemed pretty rushed. I like the two leads so far. Some nice lines.
Enjoyed it. Doctor flipping-out was well done. Less one-liners which was a shame. I guess the tear is the running theme since it was very in-your-face at the end.
Is anyone else struggling to get this working on the iplayer? It plays the BBC one bit but says the actual show is unavailable after that.
A good episode that worked on all levels, still don't like the new starting music.
It plays the BBC one bit but says the actual show is unavailable after that.
Just checked it and it says the "content is not available".
mnementh
10-04-2010, 18:44
Really enjoyed this - loads of Star Wars references
"Help us Doctor, you're our only hope" :lol:
I really like the theme tune - just don't like the cartoon Tardis flying through the vortex
Cracking ep and really liking the two leads. Good to see him angry too.
ChrisBlack
10-04-2010, 18:49
Anyone notice the "Magpie Electricals" nod to the "Wire" episode?
I thought from last week's preview, knowing it was going to be the space ship GB episode that it was going to be poor. Well it definitely wasn't poor, it was OK. It did seem to follow the familiar Doctor Who formula and I never feel like the BBC sell futuristic societies to make them really believable.
I think it was better than average and this is exactly the type of episode with the last Doctor that would have bored me to death within a few minutes or just been done badly. Would I be doing this episode or Doctor Who generally a disservice by saying, if they can make an episode like this above average it raises the standard of the series as a whole...
I still can't imagine Matt Smith pulling off episodes like 'Human Nature' and 'Family of Blood', but he's growing on me quickly.
I like his interpretation of the Doctor, and he showed a bit more range than just the madness tonight - I loved him getting angry with 'the humans' and how quickly he's getting attached to Amy (jury in my head still out on her), but I'm really enjoying the new series so far :thumbs:
I liked the way he summed up the whole timelords issue with "it was a bad day"
Mattie F
10-04-2010, 18:58
Much as Tennant was pretty good, this was in a different league to the Doctor and Donna era. Smith is back in the Ecclestone mould (although he's making the character his own) and that's a good thing.
And, my god, his partner is hot - and she's so 'real' if that makes sense - naturally beautiful but she could live next door to you.
My 5 year old daughter had a hand over each eye when the nasty dummies came to life and walked out of their booths - and that's what Doctor Who is really about.
Terribly_Mauled
10-04-2010, 18:58
Moffat defies expectations. The quirk of last week was gone and instead this was quite serious. :thumbs:
Tonally totally different from the RTD era. Tennant must be kicking himself.
Brilliant! Enjoyed it all once again. Not that I didn't enjoy the previous seasons, but the feel of this one is so much more "right" - I think it's that it treats the viewer in a more adult way with less emphasis on kind of ramming points down your throat through excessive music etc etc. (I know what I mean even if I can't elucidate it here properly ;) )
Next week looks promising too.
cliff homewood
10-04-2010, 19:07
Enjoyed it, always thought the city in space looked ropey (from a credulous SF standpoint, but have since read that there's a famous city in space book by a respected SF author, so what do I know?) and it turned out to be Discworld ropey. SO there's no pulsing from the floor indicating an engine or a heartbeat of a trapped animal? Surely an animal that size you would get some tremor from its skin, perhaps its cancelled out by the buildings on top. Also wasn't keen on the air bubble idea, never been keen on TARDIS door being open like that, but it was serviceable, just like suddenly the Doctors got a phone that a PM can get in touch with him on, surely that goes against preiovus eps where the current PM has been calling where are you doctor, she never tried ringing him? I get fed up with things being added just for that ep, that was two for this ep, Moffat has been guilty of it before with his sudden mindmold ability in Girl in the Fireplace (one of the main reasons why I think that ep is over-rated).
But anyway enough of the negative, it was a darn enjoyable romp with some great dialogue and I am loving Matt Smiths Doctor - so english, and the fact that you don't know what he means by what he says, sometimes saying the opposite of what he means/does - "I never get involved" etc. But whats more than that I loved Liz 10 with the reveal who she is, "I am the bloody queen and that means basically that I rule!" GREAT great line, followed by her shooting her pistols, how cool was that? Was trying to work out where I knew her from, imdb answered, only got around to watching Criminal Justice Season 2 last week and she was a main character in that.
No Prime Minister though? Thought the white haired bloke with the glasses would have turned out to be the PM (I hope he was and I missed the reference, thats makes it more the Britain we know.)
It did seem to follow the familiar Doctor Who formula and I never feel like the BBC sell futuristic societies to make them really believable.
That seems a common problem with the new production - most of the future human civilisations have to be portrayed as some sort of high concept extreme version of present day society, rather than the simple-but-effective isolated outposts of old (The Impossible Planet and Waters of Mars honourably excepted).
Still, Moffat's high concept effortlessly outstrips the stuff Davies was coming up with - his obvious fascination with English (well, British anyway) tweeness is a very welcome change from the gaudy lowest-common-denominator likes of New Earth and The Long Game.
A really strong episode, with nicely understated (and thus quite touching) nods to the Doctor's backstory. And the next looks sublime...
I thought it was another good episode, compare it something like New Earth and it's just leagues better.
Could have done without the sledgehammering home of Doctor=Whale, yes I got it the first time thanks.
Enjoyed it, always thought the city in space looked ropey (from a credulous SF standpoint, but have since read that there's a famous city in space book by a respected SF author, so what do I know?)
For those interested, the book is Cities in Flight (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=8&url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0575094176/thedvdforums-21), by James Blish. It's not just a famous book, it's a classic of the genre. Well worth reading.
But anyway enough of the negative, it was a darn enjoyable romp with some great dialogue and I am loving Matt Smiths Doctor - so english, and the fact that you don't know what he means by what he says, sometimes saying the opposite of what he means/does - "I never get involved" etc.
I did enjoy that bit where he gave the long lecture, and then he turns up on the TV screen getting involved. :lol:
No Prime Minister though? Thought the white haired bloke with the glasses would have turned out to be the PM (I hope he was and I missed the reference, thats makes it more the Britain we know.)
'White haired bloke with the glasses'? That's only the Demon Headmaster!
sleepy67
10-04-2010, 19:35
Is anyone else struggling to get this working on the iplayer? It plays the BBC one bit but says the actual show is unavailable after that.still FUBERed
AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!
Enjoyable enough episode. Probably Moff's weakest episode to date, but still better than 90% of what RTD came up with.
How did the Doctor and Amy survive in the mouth of the star whale when it was underneath Starship UK? Surely when the whale vomited, the Doctor and Amy would have floated out into space - wouldn't they?
Next weeks looks good. Matt's delivery of the line "I am the Doctor, and you are the Daleks!" sounded so much better than that horrible audio bootleg that leaked last year. I'm assuming they put that line into the promo on purpose! :D
How did the Doctor and Amy survive in the mouth of the star whale when it was underneath Starship UK? Surely when the whale vomited, the Doctor and Amy would have floated out into space - wouldn't they?
He mentioned an overflow duct or something.
He mentioned an overflow duct or something.
Yeah, overflow duct. I presume it is how the kids got out.
still FUBERed
AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!
Its working now. Just watched it.
Very enjoyable episode I thought all round. Really digging the new Dr. Next week's looks quality.
Really enjoyed it - this year is going to be one of the best for Who, no doubt about it. Moffatt is just leagues ahead of Davies when it comes to storytelling and it shows.
I though the beginning was a little choppy - seemed to have bits removed, but other than that it was excellent :)
sleepy67
10-04-2010, 21:17
Its working now. Just watched it.Me too does happy dance.
Very very good. Completely sold on Matt Smith as the Doctor. Loved Amy even more than last week though please god don't let her fall in love with the Doctor.
Excellent story definitely a fairy tale.
sleepy67
10-04-2010, 21:19
Moffatt is just leagues ahead of Davies when it comes to storytelling and it shows.Not just story telling but dialogue and subtlety and character design and concepts ...
Me too does happy dance.
Very very good. Completely sold on Matt Smith as the Doctor. Loved Amy even more than last week though please god don't let her fall in love with the Doctor.
Excellent story definitely a fairy tale.
Yeah I'm sold on the new Doctor as well. I think when they first touched down on the Britain ship he did a couple of strange little things, showed a few weird mannerisms and he just feels a little more alien than the previous ones I've seen. Don't quite how to describe but I like it.
Not just story telling but dialogue and subtlety and character design and concepts ...
And jokes that are actually funny.
I enjoyed it. I agree though with some of the people in this thread however, I felt the story needed more fleshing out.
EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!
Can't wait.
Watching confidential at the moment and i'm getting the impression Matt Smith is a little bit in love with Karen Gillan. Can't say I blame the man :luv:
That seems a common problem with the new production - most of the future human civilisations have to be portrayed as some sort of high concept extreme version of present day society, rather than the simple-but-effective isolated outposts of old (The Impossible Planet and Waters of Mars honourably excepted).
And that was the only problem with this episode for me - the society just doesn't reconcile with the other examples of the other post-solar flare human colonies we've seen in Doctor Who (e.g. the Ark in Space).
But it's a problem overall with the new series - it doesn't seem to be set in the same universe as the old.
Watching confidential at the moment and i'm getting the impression Matt Smith is a little bit in love with Karen Gillan. Can't say I blame the man :luv:
He is certainly very complimentary about her...
achookang
10-04-2010, 23:47
It's quite incredible. I come to this forum for a good bit of whinging and complaining, but the new Who under Cap'n Moffat has received almost universal praise!
Amazingly despite the fact that I have thoroughly enjoyed the first two episodes, I still think he is only winding up. The stories have only been average compared to his previous classics, but they've been told well with nice dialogue, and cracking performances from the leads.
I am espcially impressed with Matt Smith. He is familiar enough to be the Doctor (the same man, as Moffat has stressed) but different enough to make the character his own. As others have said he seems more... alien. I like the slight unpredictability he exhibits, not too wacky, but certainly not boring!
I thought those spooky angry clowns could have been used even a bit more, and the looks from Amy to the Doctor when she was alluding to the parallel between his loneliness and the space whale's could have been played a bit more subtley but overall I liked the episode a lot. Still hate this version of the theme musiuc though ;)
But it's a problem overall with the new series - it doesn't seem to be set in the same universe as the old.
I think it maybe due to the fact that the alternative universes came into the series that has messed things up in the RTD series. I do not remember this from the old Doctors (please correct me if I am wrong though!) So now it becomes a blur as to which universe the Doctor lives in and/or operates in for the random viewers. As a kid I thought the Doctor was in our universe, now it is not so clear where he is.
The way I have started to judge this new Doctor is how my kids (7+3) react instead of over-analysing the story. As long as the characters perform and the story makes the kids jump/cringe/excite then I know it is a winner, aslong as there is not too many holes :)
There is certainly some good dialogue in this new series, and the lack of constant running has to be a positive in everyones books. Cannot wait for the spin in the next episode :)
This makes two episodes with Who were there has been no arguments and complaints. A tribute to the overall quality of Moffat's 'hand'.
And I'm sure he has only just started.
I did feel the end of this episode was slightly rushed and needed another few mins.. but this is very minor..
Should I buy the blu ray set which can be ordered now?? decisions decisions..
MovieMax
11-04-2010, 00:53
Yep, good episode, those space whales sure had a good set of gnashers. I'm assuming they must have not needed much sustenance, as the odd human surely could not provide a great deal of energy.
Grandmaster
11-04-2010, 06:46
It looks to me like the entire waste of the station was being pumped down, hence all that junk on the creature's tongue.
You definitely get the idea that this was too big a story for 45 minutes: beginning and end felt very choppy, for sure.
I thought last week's episode felt very comfortable at an hour, but I guess that makes the show more expensive to produce and more difficult to sell to overseas markets.
Definitely the least impressive Moffat episode but still leaps and bounds ahead of the "standard" Davies offering.
Ridcully
11-04-2010, 06:58
For those interested, the book is Cities in Flight (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=8&url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0575094176/thedvdforums-21), by James Blish. It's not just a famous book, it's a classic of the genre. Well worth reading.
And there was me thinking someone had only thought to plagerise Farscape
Spooksta
11-04-2010, 07:34
Not bad but felt rushed like some have said. Look forward to much better episodes as the new cast are great. That Ginger bird sure can act!
6/10 for this ep and 7/10 for ep 1.
gjkendall
11-04-2010, 08:06
Thought this was an excellent episode...was mildly irritated by Liz10, and was hoping that the Demon Headmaster would be a bit more involved.
The new Doctor is superb, his mannerisms are very Keith Floyd...
Really looking forward to next weeks!
Our shiny new cult section now has a review online :)
http://cult.thedigitalfix.co.uk/Content/190/the-beast-below.html
Feel free to pop over and post some comments - your forums logins will work
fivebyfive
11-04-2010, 08:31
I agree with a lot of comments already (apart from the one below) Did think <s>Rover</s> River song was going to be in the episode at the start the way there where hiding her face.
It's quite incredible. I come to this forum for a good bit of whinging and complaining, but the new Who under Cap'n Moffat has received almost universal praise!
thats because its better in every way now, the "whinging" was people's criticism of RTD's reign on the show. Its not difficult to see ;)
Rover song
Are you calling Alex Kingston a dog? :lol:
Twas Ok. As others have said, some of it felt a bit rushed & would probably have worked better as a 2-parter. Liked the design of the ship, although the reveal of the whale at the end was cheese-tastic.
& it seems far too early in the series to be slamming home the 'Look! It's The Crack!' bits. I don't remember the Bad Wolf stuff in the first series being so blatant.
Was there any explanation as to who/what The Smilers were & why they were on the ship?
fivebyfive
11-04-2010, 09:41
Are you calling Alex Kingston a dog? :lol:
oops typo :lol:
Was there any explanation as to who/what The Smilers were & why they were on the ship?
No, only that they worked for the Queen etc. I did wonder that myself. It was a very effective moment when they suddenly lurched out of the little booths though.
I'm not sure about the space whale. Attracted by childrens tears and the burning sky and then hung around long enough to have a space station built around it? Eh?
Grandmaster
11-04-2010, 10:16
...just like suddenly the Doctors got a phone that a PM can get in touch with him on, surely that goes against preiovus eps where the current PM has been calling where are you doctor, she never tried ringing him?
We have absolutely no idea of the backstory between the Doctor and Churchill - that's part of the fun. World War II is such a pivotal part of history that I don't see any problems with the Doctor laying contingency plans to protect it.
Plus the Doctor barely knew Harriet Jones at all.
On a completely different note, Matt Smith is just sensational.
Hmm did not think it was as good as some have said here.
Yes it was OK but not in the same league as last weeks and of course other Moff ones. If I was compiling a list in order of stories I liked in the Who revamp I doubt this would be near the top, but somewhere in the middle.
There were a few things that did not quiet click with me. The main one being is that if they know the Whale always spits outs and refuses to eat children, then why bother keep trying to feed it them:thinking: (maybe this will become clearer when I watch it again?)
Two leads were good.
Troughton, er sorry Smith put in a very good solid performance, and despite quite often being one of the youngest main actors in a scene he manges to pull of a performance that makes you believe that this man is really wise old and that people should listen to him.
Amy is so far shaping up to be one of Who's perfect companions for me. Wonder if in 20 years time she will have her own show called 'The Amy Pond Adventures'?
Still no sign of a commentary for these episodes which is a real shame :(
Overnights were down quite a bit from last week, but was to be expected with the first good weekend of the year and competition from the FA Cup football:
The Beast Below was watched by 6.7 million viewers, according to unofficial overnight figures.
The programme had an audience of 6.4 million on BBC One, with an additional 330,000 watching on BBC HD. The programme share was 34%. Although a drop on the previous week the programme was still the most watched of the day beating the second placed National Lottery by 0.8 million viewers. It is very rare for a programme placed so early in the evening to top the ratings for the day, especially on what was one of the best Saturdays of the year so far.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix performed the best for ITV1, with 5.7 million watching the network premier. The FA Cup had an average of 3.3 million viewers, with a peak of 4.9 million against Doctor Who.
The highest peak of the day was between 4.15pm and 4.30pm when 7.6 million watched the Grand National.
Overall the programme currently stands as the twelfth most watched of the week, with Sundays ratings still to come. A top ten place is still a possibility once the final ratings are calculated next week.
I would think the final ratings would jump by 750,00 to 1m.
On a side note Antone else seen the Disney XD K9 show? :gag:
Watching confidential at the moment and i'm getting the impression Matt Smith is a little bit in love with Karen Gillan. Can't say I blame the man :luv:
He said she was a 10 on the Johnathan Ross show and his face does suggests that he's a little smitten, awwwwwww :thumbs:
We dont know the backstory of the telephone yet. It might get destroyed at the end of the episode for all we know. Other people have had his phone number. As for the kids - didnt they just get caught up in the machinery by mistake?
But, watching it again, whats the deal with the kid who got a zero in his school test? That's a great opening but makes no sense when you know what's going on.
I enjoyed it. Nothing amazing but a decent enough episode. To me it felt very much like a decent RTD episode but without the clangers her used to drop in all the time that spoilt it.
The soundtrack is still far too loud and by that I mean the effects as well as the music. The dialogue is really hard to hear. Is this something that's not an issue for those of you with 5.1 sound?
Grandmaster
11-04-2010, 11:09
But, watching it again, whats the deal with the kid who got a zero in his school test? That's a great opening but makes no sense when you know what's going on.
Yup, exactly. Brilliant opening but something just doesn't compute in context with the full episode. That seems to be a clue that there's a fair bit on the cutting room floor - just like the Doctor suddenly deciding to lobotomise the whale. This is one of the most massive decisions in his life and he just gets on with it as though there's some kind of crushing timescale involved - which there wasn't. Likewise, Amy putting all the pieces together works as a concept, but just sort of "happened" out of the blue.
But, watching it again, whats the deal with the kid who got a zero in his school test? That's a great opening but makes no sense when you know what's going on.
Population control through culling underachievers?
mullethead
11-04-2010, 11:42
I may have missed this, but how/when did Amy record the video telling herself not to let the Doctor investigate?
Edit:
Just rewatched it, there were three buttons - "Protest", "Record" and "Forget" - so I presume she recorded it between watching the presentation and hitting the forget button, but the edit makes it appear instantanious. The doctor does say that it erased the last 20 minutes.
I may have missed this, but how/when did Amy record the video telling herself not to let the Doctor investigate?
During the twenty minutes that were wiped from her memory. There's a big record button under the TV, presumably to tell yourself that you're better off not knowing.
That's the one problem with this episode - there was so much there it suffered form being a bit jumbled together.
Yeah as said the biggest discrepancy is the dull kids being fed to the whale sub-plot that starts off the episode. For the rest of the episode the people in charge are portrayed as a society that felt they had no choice but to make one horrible decision to save themselves and have been sick to their stomachs about it ever since. That doesn't really mesh with feeding kids to the whale (which it won't eat anyway so why bother?).
It doesnt add up why everyone was ignoring the little girl crying either. Because its something they know about but dont talk about - then its revealed they've had it wiped from their memories. Perhaps the Doctor was just wrong but it doesnt gel together very well.
And, is it just me, but I was surprised when the little girl said 'you sound Scottish' because she doesnt at all to me. Her next line sounded a little bit Scottish.
But, watching it again, whats the deal with the kid who got a zero in his school test? That's a great opening but makes no sense when you know what's going on.
Population control through culling underachievers?
I thought it was not only about population control but also as a warning for others not to become criminals. So you have a pyscological fear from childhood that you must achieve and you are always being watched.
The "bad" children were then forced to work underground.
Great episode though the woman playing Liz was an abysmal actress.
PaulieC79
11-04-2010, 13:38
Decent enough episode, though as others have said, it seemed very choppy in places. Wonder if there is a 60min edit about at the Beeb somewhere.
Pretty standard plot overall, but again the characters make it and Matt Smith is just so spot on as the Doctor. The Doctor is enjoying life again, enjoying travelling through time and space and the whole show has a new energy about it.
If this is one of the weaker episodes, then I can't wait to see the highs we may hit over the season.
Great episode though the woman playing Liz was an abysmal actress.
Oscar nominee Sophie Okenodo?
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0645683/
But I agree her accent was bordering on the Dick Van Dyke.
I thought it was not only about population control but also as a warning for others not to become criminals. So you have a pyscological fear from childhood that you must achieve and you are always being watched.
The "bad" children were then forced to work underground.
I thought the 'bad' children just weren't allowed in the lifts.
I thought the 'bad' children just weren't allowed in the lifts.
yep, I got the idea that this was just a temp punishment but it was when he disobeyed this that an 'automatic' cut in to dump him into the whale.
The continuity announcer, at the end of episode 2, said that episode 3 was on at the later time of 8:20. I just checked and this is only for BBC HD. It starts at 6:30 on BBC1. I have hardly ever watched BBC HD, but have started watching for Doctor Who and Ashes to Ashes. Both shows are early in their runs, and both shows have already been bumped around the schedules on BBC HD. Is this normal for the channel?
I have hardly ever watched BBC HD, but have started watching for Doctor Who and Ashes to Ashes. Both shows are early in their runs, and both shows have already been bumped around the schedules on BBC HD. Is this normal for the channel?Sort of. Since there is only one BBC HD, but four BBC sd channels, there is fairly often a "collision" when it comes to simulcasting. Generally, the priority order is simply BBC1>BBC2>BBC3>BBC4, so for example Being Human on BBC3 was habitually shown about an hour later on BBCHD due to a higher priority BBC1 or 2 simulcast. But, the trump card is live sport, which will always get priority even if it's not on BBC1. Hence Ashes to Ashes getting bumped by the Masters golf, and Doctor Who by Match of the Day, even though both of those are being shown on BBC2. However, the usual case is like with Doctor who and show it later the same evening, I was somewhat surprised that they couldn't find a free slot for Ashes to Ashes on BBCHD until Monday.
As a bit of background, BBCHD is officially an "experimental/trial" channel, presumably because if its relative lack of coverage (HD tuners are still depressingly uncommon in the UK), and as part of its remit cannot show upscaled SD, it must always be proper HD. Hence why even if they were inclined to, the BBC can't do what several other broadcasters do and simply have HD clones of sd channels, and upscale what isn't actually HD. So a BBC1HD, BBC2HD etc isn't an option even disregarding bandwidth space at the mo.
Grandmaster
11-04-2010, 19:10
Bumping Ashes to Ashes for a week is just incredible: what a mess.
Arthur Fowler
11-04-2010, 19:26
Anyone see a Half Life influence/plagiarism in the star whale's tappy arm things?
Bumping Ashes to Ashes for a week is just incredible: what a mess.Not a week, 3 days.
Anyone see a Half Life influence/plagiarism in the star whale's tappy arm things?Absolutely, if only Amy had a grenade (or some Nitro-9 ;)) she would have been fine :D .
alphatyrant
11-04-2010, 20:15
Smith has swiftly made the Doctor his own, and Gillan is proving to be a very good assistant, less grating than Donna and a bit more "real" than the others....don't ask me to explain that, I just can't :D
Plus I actually like the theme, the first part needs a bit toning down but the synth and vocals at the end are excellent.
thescrounger
11-04-2010, 20:27
I agree I like Amy a lot. Not giving her much of a family has added a bit of depth, who'd have thunk it.
sparkyrob
11-04-2010, 21:03
Loved the first two episodes, although the intro to this one was a bit odd. We did see the kid later on, but they didn't really explain what they were supposed to be doing underground. Kiddy tongue scrapers?
And there was me thinking someone had only thought to plagerise Farscape
James Blish wrote some damned good Star Trek adaptations too. Original series stuff.
Has no one else noticed that the whole concept was rather 'Encounter at Farpoint' linked? City using an alien as a support mechanism etc?
Jedibitch
11-04-2010, 22:12
Enjoyed this one but thought the mask characters could have had more depth, as other's have said it did feel a little crammed.
Still it's settled in very quickly and hit the ground running!
avid fan
12-04-2010, 07:43
Bit of a :shrug: episode for me. As mentioned earlier, the multiple plot holes and scenery made it feel like a RTD episode, but with decent script and acting.
Have to say I didn't mind the theme tune as much this week, and loved the start of the episode (the puppet things were classic scary Dr Who), but they just seemed to fade into the background.
Would have been much better to give them more screen time (and while they were at it, actually explain WTF they were there for:thinking:).
Did also think the Dr was a bit off colour at times - unfortunately, when he starts sounding annoyed he makes me think more of Kevin the teenager:thinking:
Interesting that some of the most prominent posters who used to pop in every week just to over asinine comments like "It's kids show/Don't watch it then/Let's see you write a better script" at the slightest criticism of the show haven't shown hide or hair in the threads for the new series. Kinda makes you wonder if they just liked having a barney and didn't actually give a toss about discussing the actual subject matter to start with... :suspect:
And, is it just me, but I was surprised when the little girl said 'you sound Scottish' because she doesnt at all to me. Her next line sounded a little bit Scottish.
She sounds Scottish to me and it's her natural accent as well. Not everyone from Scotland sounds like Rab C Nesbitt.
hookbeak
12-04-2010, 09:45
I'm loving the new series so far, i was a big fan of the RTD who but the sheer quality of this series is showing me the flaws RTD allowed to develop over the 4 years. Don't get me wrong, i still love seasons 1-4 (and the specials) but it's clear he was running out of steam by the specials.
Interesting that some of the most prominent posters who used to pop in every week just to over asinine comments like "It's kids show/Don't watch it then/Let's see you write a better script" at the slightest criticism of the show haven't shown hide or hair in the threads for the new series. Kinda makes you wonder if they just liked having a barney and didn't actually give a toss about discussing the actual subject matter to start with... :suspect:
Hopefully the RTD fanclub are too busy eating there words.
The new doctor is miles better than the old one, better doctor, better (and hot) assistant, better acting, better stories, even the tardis looked better on the outside (jury is still out on the inside until see more of it). The only thing that tarshes it is the theme tune. But it's so breif compared to before (15 seconds at most?!?!?) That it stops before it becomes toooo annoying.
The RTD fanclub might be enjoying it, and don't feel the need to harp on about the old series anymore, despite prompts. It's over, let it go. I dont think anyone would deny he'd run out of steam by the end and it needed a change.
I did expect some moans about episode 1 - I dont think RTD would have gotten away with using the Sonic Screwdriver to blow up a phone box etc and we'd have had 20 pages about writing a computer virus on a mobile phone in a few seconds, but everyone seems happy with it, so brilliant.
There is something about the new setup that works very well. The Doctor is different enough to keep him interesting (he does seem to play it older as some of the production people had said) and Amy isn't as annoying as some of the previous companions.
This story was a bit 'Discworld'-y, but it worked well enough. I'd say there wasn't enough menace and 'The Demon Headmaster' guy was underused.
There is something about the new setup that works very well. The Doctor is different enough to keep him interesting (he does seem to play it older as some of the production people had said) and Amy isn't as annoying as some of the previous companions.
This story was a bit 'Discworld'-y, but it worked well enough. I'd say there wasn't enough menace and 'The Demon Headmaster' guy was underused.
What I think is working is the whole fairy tale aspect to it. Lots of little references to those, and larger ones, like the whole 'Peter Pan' thing of him whisking her away in the middle of the night through a window and promising to have her home by morning - that's a pure fairytale set up and the whale was like something out of Pinnochio. We even had a good queen/bad queen sort of thing this time. Brilliant stuff.
I dont think anyone would deny he'd run out of steam by the end and it needed a change.
Not just him - the whole production. They all spent so long telling each other how brilliant they were they forgot to keep the quality up. I'm all for changing the guard every three years if it keeps the show relatively fresh.
The RTD fanclub might be enjoying it, and don't feel the need to harp on about the old series anymore, despite prompts. It's over, let it go. I dont think anyone would deny he'd run out of steam by the end and it needed a change.
I did expect some moans about episode 1 - I dont think RTD would have gotten away with using the Sonic Screwdriver to blow up a phone box etc and we'd have had 20 pages about writing a computer virus on a mobile phone in a few seconds, but everyone seems happy with it, so brilliant.
I'd definitely like to see the Screwdriver go away: making the whale throw up seemed a bit dodgy to me really. So far, though, I don't think it's really been used to simply solve a difficult situation as a deus ex machina, which was what I remember got it so much bad press in RTD's time.
Maybe his penultimate meeting with Riversong will come in this series (clearly there's nothing linear about their relationship) and he'll give her the screwdriver then.
Not just him - the whole production. They all spent so long telling each other how brilliant they were they forgot to keep the quality up. I'm all for changing the guard every three years if it keeps the show relatively fresh.
I'd go along with that. I'm actually really, really looking forward to another Dalek episode, and I never thought I would be again. I didnt mind the specials too much, but that last episode of Season 4 with the whole Tardis dragging the earth thing, was way too much, even for me. Enough and begone.
I didn't really like this episode to be honest...just seemed a little bit rubbish
AdamBrunt
12-04-2010, 12:21
I didn't really like this episode to be honest...just seemed a little bit rubbish
Agree with this.
Loved the first episode but this was just pants - almost as bad as some of RTD's worst efforts. Not sure why I found it so bad ... maybe it was just rushed, or was simply down to a rubbish story.
As for Amy being/sounding Scottish ... she certainly sounds more West Country to me.
I'd definitely like to see the Screwdriver go away: making the whale throw up seemed a bit dodgy to me really. So far, though, I don't think it's really been used to simply solve a difficult situation as a deus ex machina, which was what I remember got it so much bad press in RTD's time.
Maybe his penultimate meeting with Riversong will come in this series (clearly there's nothing linear about their relationship) and he'll give her the screwdriver then.
I didnt mind the whale thing, to be honest. It's sonic, so that can make people throw up at the right frequency, works for me. I think the screwdriver too good a marketing thing to ever go away completely.
I didnt mind the whale thing, to be honest. It's sonic, so that can make people throw up at the right frequency, works for me. I think the screwdriver too good a marketing thing to ever go away completely.
Yeah, I think I just prefer it when the Doctor's knowledge is his greatest asset. I'd rather he'd simply known a trick to make it spew up that involved jumping on the tongue in the right way or something. That's really why I don't like the sonic screwdriver as much, but things like unlocking handcuffs seem to be exactly what it's there for.
Summerisle
12-04-2010, 12:44
Felt like a linking lower budget episode, not as good as the first episode, but a good link through to the next two-parter where they have obviously spent a bit of money. A bit like the Sontaran Experiment in Tom Baker's first year something to fill the gap between the Ark in Space and Genesis of the Daleks. Probably could have done without the Queen and just relied on the "Demon Headmaster."
I think it was a lot more subtle about telling us that Amy is starting, now that she's finally gone away with the Doctor, to regret making the decision to get married and she's not in a hurry to go back. I think it's those little moments that it succeeded best.
Moffat wrote Coupling. Moffat is god. RTD doesn't have a patch on him :lol:
Yeah, I think I just prefer it when the Doctor's knowledge is his greatest asset. I'd rather he'd simply known a trick to make it spew up that involved jumping on the tongue in the right way or something. That's really why I don't like the sonic screwdriver as much, but things like unlocking handcuffs seem to be exactly what it's there for.
They should just bite the bullet and give him a gun.
Would also make the show more popular in the US.
Doc Bauer!
As for Amy being/sounding Scottish ... she certainly sounds more West Country to me.
FFS she is Scottish. The actress is Scottish and is using her own natural accent. :cuckoo:
KennyVader
12-04-2010, 13:26
I'm from Tyneside and she sounds totally and unmistakably Scottish to me. And I like it!
KennyVader
12-04-2010, 13:28
Moffat wrote Coupling. Moffat is god. RTD doesn't have a patch on him :lol:
As in Lesbian Spank Inferno :D
I didn't know Coupling was his. He is indeed a legend.
Maybe Dr Who will get a Melty Man then :lol:
As in Lesbian Spank Inferno :D
I didn't know Coupling was his. He is indeed a legend.
Maybe Dr Who will get a Melty Man then :lol:
Coupling, Joking Apart and of course: PRESS GANG! :D
Coolhand
12-04-2010, 15:15
They should just bite the bullet and give him a gun.
Would also make the show more popular in the US.
Doc Bauer!
well based on the season trailer that was on at the end of the first episode, he will indeed be toting a gun at one stage the season.
sleepy67
12-04-2010, 16:21
Moffat wrote Coupling. Moffat is god. RTD doesn't have a patch on him :lol::thumbs:
The doctor needs to go on those one-take 10 minute rants like Steve did in Coupling :lol:
fivebyfive
12-04-2010, 18:13
I dont think anyone would deny he'd run out of steam by the end and it needed a change.
he run out of steam long before the end
fivebyfive
12-04-2010, 18:47
yeah whatever, saw it before you changed it
Let's not elevate Steven Moffat to God like status quite yet. He's a talented writer, granted, but he's not above shoddy work. Coupling Series 4 was pretty poor, Chalk was horribly unfunny and Jekyll, in my opinion, was just average for most of its run.
New Dalek design.
http://www.radiotimes.com/content/features/galleries/doctor-who-daleks/04/
Thinks I prefer the old design (colours are only for a gimmick election Radio Times cover so they may look much better in more normal colours).
New Dalek design.
http://www.radiotimes.com/content/features/galleries/doctor-who-daleks/04/mainImage.jpg
Thinks I prefer the old design (colours are only for a gimmick election Radio Times cover).
Rawr! Those are some sexy Daleks! I actually like the colours too. Pretty disappointed when I read your post that they were just for an election gimmick :(
Spooky_uk
12-04-2010, 19:10
not sure i like that design, must be what comes out of the chamber in the episode going by the trailer as the current design is clearly in show as well.
A dalek is a dalek at the end of the day and you can't have the Dr without them :thumbs:
Click down the thumbnails on the left, there's an Ipod white option that looks like it may be the default and it's pretty darned kool.
Not entirely sure about the new daleks, but I'm sure when they're moving about and shouting, they'll be fine.
thescrounger
12-04-2010, 19:25
How about this (http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs42/f/2009/120/c/d/dalek_storm_9_by_Dalekstorm.jpg) for a Dalek upgrade. :nuts:
How about this (http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs42/f/2009/120/c/d/dalek_storm_9_by_Dalekstorm.jpg) for a Dalek upgrade. :nuts:
It looks terrible, but at the same time, I like it. Can't help it. You'd hope that the bottom is a massive subwoofer with which to play loudly at the lights.
thescrounger
12-04-2010, 19:36
A side view (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_XeP-P_2IVJk/Sn83bF5yNLI/AAAAAAAAAYk/OdMbHUAgT6g/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800) of the monster.
New Dalek design.
http://www.radiotimes.com/content/features/galleries/doctor-who-daleks/04/
Thinks I prefer the old design (colours are only for a gimmick election Radio Times cover so they may look much better in more normal colours).
Looks like he has put on some weight around the middle.
A side view (http://lh6.ggpht.com/_XeP-P_2IVJk/Sn83bF5yNLI/AAAAAAAAAYk/OdMbHUAgT6g/image_thumb%5B7%5D.png?imgmax=800) of the monster.
cat > dalek
Watched this again last night (like to watch each episode at some point on my own so the :dork: in me can take it all in!), still think story wise its a very average episode, but character writing and performance wise thinks its great for the two leads and there interaction with each other (loved the Doctor calling Amy 'Pond' ). In a way I was reminded of the X-Files chemistry between Mulder and Scully, and like an average X-Files episode it carried the episode and still made it worth watching and left you with something to hook into and take from the episode.
On the subject of the new Dalek I think it looks quiet cool. I have seen various other colours of this and the RTD style Daleks that will appear in the next episode and it all takes me back to the good old Pertwee days (:notworthy ) and the childhood thrill I used to get when a different colour Dalek was shown.
The new darleks look more 'beefy', which is a good thing.
Final figures for The Beast Below published today by BARB show the story was watched by 8.42 million viewers.
The total is once more much higher than the initial overnight reported figure, implying many time-shifted the episode.
On BBC One the story had 7.93 million watching, enough to make the story the fifth most watched on the channel for the week, behind four editions of EastEnders, and the eleventh most watched on all British television.
However an additional 494,000 people watched the simulcast on BBC HD, the identical audience to the week before. This gave the story a total audience 8.42 million, making it the tenth most watched programme on all channels and the 3rd most watched TV show beaten only by Eastenders, Corrie, and the last ever Frost episode overall.
On BBC Three the Sunday repeat had 0.82 million watching and was the sixteenth most watched programme on multi-channel for the week.
loujareth
09-07-2010, 23:31
Apologies for bringing an old thread up but I was browsing IMDb last night and was stunned to discover that James Cromwell appeared in this episode, uncredited it turns out. I realised it was still on my Sky plus and fast viewed it and there he was! Anyone got chance to watch it again go and spot him, he is almost unrecognisable. Good on you if you did spot him the first time round as I am usually excellent with faces and voices but this one got by me. He's listed as Newsreader and is easy see once you find him.
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