Doctor Who Dec 25th 2009 special
Over time, the Dr. Who Xmas specials are gradually becoming less dippy, although a certain over-the-top Burtonesque (which some people probably like, but I find annoying) quality remains. The 2008 special (the 4th so far) had main focus on plot and continuity, and not Xmas itself. There are no killer Santa Clauses this go-round, exploding Xmas tree ornaments, or evil robot angels. Although it was set on Dec 24-25, 1851, Xmas really only served as a backdrop.
The casting was all-around good - the actors playing Jackson Lake (the faux Doctor), Rosita and Miss Hardigan were all good performances. Interesting though, Davies' take on the Victorian period - he chose not to hide most of the nastier elements (sexism, racism, child abuse) from the screen, but some characters were selectively "modern" in their outlook. I guess it wouldn't have been as interesting if everything was strictly period (Cybermen aside).
I did have to watch this twice before reviewing, because it was a longer and more complex plot setup (a good thing). But I'm still fuzzy on a couple of things:
- What was the point of the "cyber-beasts"? I get that they were lower life forms upgraded in cyberman-style, but still it's not clear why they were needed in place of human counterparts, unless it was just to add some mystery to the story. The costumes of said beasts were very retro, reminiscent of "I see zipper" suits of the classic Who 1979 story Nightmare of Eden. Hardly scary, but they did almost make me spit out my drink.
- And what was Miss Hartigan's deal? Her anger was very convincing, and it was danced around (since it's a whole-family audience) that she had either been a whore or had been raped/abused. So she has this burning resentment, but we're left wondering how she actually met & arrived at a deal with Cybermen. And I'm not sure on the whole thing about her mind being more powerful than the cyber-collective - does that means hate conquers all? Also, since she influenced the cybermen, does that mean when the Cybermen come back (and you know they will), that they will have a hatred/rage component to them? Will the age of emotionless Cyberman with their monotone vocoder voices give way to a stripe more akin to Earthshock Cybermen? Because I have to imagine that writing to such a sterile brand of Cyberman is becoming a real challenge in the writer's room.
The Cybermen's silly scaled-up "dreadnought" was, as![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
kantrip said, Davies' signature bad-CG-boogeymen threat. Whether it be demon or robot or evil snowflake, you can be sure with Davies at the helm, it will be ENORMOUS in size. Just once, it'd be fun if one of these monstrosities actually fell on a bunch of people and killed them.
But the question now (and this is based on the last few Xmas specials) is how this special will influence future stories? Will Jackson Lake or Rosita (hilarious companion, atrocious hairstyle) return in future serials? Miss Hartigan and a new Cyber-race? I'm more convinced than ever that the Donna story will be wrapped up before Tennant regenerates next year. Personally, if I were Stephen Moffat, I'd bring Donna back just before the regeneration, to continue w/Doctor #11 for at least half a season. Because you know that Tennant leaving is going to result in major fallout, and considering they have a departing exec producer, there needs to be a familiar companion to hold together the brand or Doctor Who runs the risk of losing large chunks of its viewership. Just my 2 cents.
The next special, Planet of the Dead, will air April 12th, 2009.
The casting was all-around good - the actors playing Jackson Lake (the faux Doctor), Rosita and Miss Hardigan were all good performances. Interesting though, Davies' take on the Victorian period - he chose not to hide most of the nastier elements (sexism, racism, child abuse) from the screen, but some characters were selectively "modern" in their outlook. I guess it wouldn't have been as interesting if everything was strictly period (Cybermen aside).
I did have to watch this twice before reviewing, because it was a longer and more complex plot setup (a good thing). But I'm still fuzzy on a couple of things:
- What was the point of the "cyber-beasts"? I get that they were lower life forms upgraded in cyberman-style, but still it's not clear why they were needed in place of human counterparts, unless it was just to add some mystery to the story. The costumes of said beasts were very retro, reminiscent of "I see zipper" suits of the classic Who 1979 story Nightmare of Eden. Hardly scary, but they did almost make me spit out my drink.
- And what was Miss Hartigan's deal? Her anger was very convincing, and it was danced around (since it's a whole-family audience) that she had either been a whore or had been raped/abused. So she has this burning resentment, but we're left wondering how she actually met & arrived at a deal with Cybermen. And I'm not sure on the whole thing about her mind being more powerful than the cyber-collective - does that means hate conquers all? Also, since she influenced the cybermen, does that mean when the Cybermen come back (and you know they will), that they will have a hatred/rage component to them? Will the age of emotionless Cyberman with their monotone vocoder voices give way to a stripe more akin to Earthshock Cybermen? Because I have to imagine that writing to such a sterile brand of Cyberman is becoming a real challenge in the writer's room.
The Cybermen's silly scaled-up "dreadnought" was, as
kantrip said, Davies' signature bad-CG-boogeymen threat. Whether it be demon or robot or evil snowflake, you can be sure with Davies at the helm, it will be ENORMOUS in size. Just once, it'd be fun if one of these monstrosities actually fell on a bunch of people and killed them.But the question now (and this is based on the last few Xmas specials) is how this special will influence future stories? Will Jackson Lake or Rosita (hilarious companion, atrocious hairstyle) return in future serials? Miss Hartigan and a new Cyber-race? I'm more convinced than ever that the Donna story will be wrapped up before Tennant regenerates next year. Personally, if I were Stephen Moffat, I'd bring Donna back just before the regeneration, to continue w/Doctor #11 for at least half a season. Because you know that Tennant leaving is going to result in major fallout, and considering they have a departing exec producer, there needs to be a familiar companion to hold together the brand or Doctor Who runs the risk of losing large chunks of its viewership. Just my 2 cents.
The next special, Planet of the Dead, will air April 12th, 2009.
Tags: doctor who
Mood: 
sore
posted by Skunque at
6:22 PM
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