Scanners indicate an absence of spoilers
Yesterday morning, just for a change, the British weather actually deigned to deliver an archetypal summer’s day rather than the usual rainy drivel it increasingly fobs us off with. So then, there were blue skies, high temperatures and blazing sun. Across the land, parks and gardens filled with folk working on their tans and the scent of barbeques filled the air. Workers sought the flimsiest excuse to run unnecessary errands and get outside and into the sunshine, while yet others indulged in the ancient and noble British traditions of drinking to excess and projectile vomiting onto the statues in the town centre…
However for Doctor Who fans none of this summer goodness mattered not one jot, for they knew a storm was on the horizon, a dark day was coming and good man was going to war…
…But while we were all looking forward to this grand finale of the first half of Series 6, there was the heavy burden of knowing that without a doubt, Moffat and Co. were doing to leave us with a massive cliff-hanger and a long wait until autumn.
And for this humble scribbler, there was the certain knowledge that this mid-season finale would prove to be an absolute nightmare to review without leaking any potential spoilers. And indeed it is! But I'd have to say in the best possible way...
So then, firstly let’s address what is already common knowledge, that this episode features the return of three classic villains and weigh up how these members of the League of Famous Monsters fare in this story…
SONTARANS… are glorious in battle! And spouting some of best lines since The Time Warrior
SILURIANS… are back on en masse and a certain warrior, ‘Madame Vastra’ is destined to be a fan favourite.
CYBERMEN… Rather than being terrified of the implacable silver giants, I was actually scared FOR them in this adventure...
But this motley crew weren’t the only returning faces. For also back on our screens was Dorium (AKA The Big Fat Blue Bloke) who we first saw in the opening scenes of The Pandorica Opens and in the prequel to this episode…
But you don’t want to know about him do you? No, you want to know about a certain female who keeps appearing…
I refer of course to THE EYEPATCH LADY – yes, this episode we finally get to meet her properly and discover something of who she is…
What you do mean that wasn’t who you were talking about?
Well, enough teasing – I’ll leave that to the master of such shenanigans, Mr Moffat. Yes, RIVER SONG is back. And yes, we do finally learn who she really is. Now as there has been so much speculation over her real identity, among all the wild theories I encountered one indeed was right. So some of you will be patting yourselves on the back for guessing correctly, while many more will face palming and shouting ‘of course!’. However be warned, whether you guessed right or wrong, the answers will probably spark a few more questions!
As for the regular cast, Amy is top form again; she has a wonderful line, beautifully delivered in the pre-credits sequence that’s worth the price of admission alone. Of course Matt Smith is excellent as always, seen his running the gauntlet of emotions from good humour, to cold rage to absolute heart break. And we get to see the Doctor absolutely tongue-tied. But I ain't saying about what obviously!
But Rory... well Rory simply rocks. Last review I remarked how I’d been slow to warm to his character but this series he was finding a place in my heart. Well after tonight’s episode, he’s got the deeds! Massive props to Arthur Davrill.
And finally then to the last question on your lips – how maddeningly cruel is the cliff-hanger? Well, it’s pretty big; there’s enough revealed to be satisfying but plenty left up in the air to get the autumn return off to a flying start.
Over all, there’s only one word for this episode and that is ‘epic’. There are surprises galore, plenty of explosions, and the new characters, the Headless Monks are very creepy. But as well as action, the high drama and touching emotional moments, there are more than a few laughs along the way too. It's fine way to wrap up this half of the season. What unfolds at Demon’s Run is, if you’ll pardon the pun, one hell of ride…
2 comments:
Good non spoiler review sir. And in keeping with the non spoiler let me say that I was indeed patting myself on the back and yet feeling somewhat underwhelmed by the revelation.
The reveal was well handled and Katie, my eldest who was 7 yesterday, went to bed exactly how I'd imagine thousands of kids were... Mulling over the implications of the revelation both in the past and the future. So that said all things considered the episode was a great success.
My only real quibble, as far as such things go, was that, given the rage the doctor is supposedly capable of and the implication that if he ever does get pushed over the edge then god help the universe. The Doctor, baring one notable scene which I'll keep spoiler free, seems to be the same ol same ol and as such the dramatic thrust of The Doctor going to the extreme, to protect those he loves was never fulfilled. Whether that is down to direction, writing or Matt Smiths performance is up or debate. However, I would say that in the uncompromising vengeance stakes, the 10th Doctors actions at the end of Family of Blood two parter seemed more in keeping with what I was expecting.
However, despite this it was a very cool mid season cliff hanger and proof that Moffat knows how to juggle and tease a good story line for a good long time.
I look forward to your spoiler filled review, Jim.
Many thanks Lee! Always pleasure to get your insights!
Regarding the Doctor's rage, I suspect he's (in main) didn't lose it is that I suspect that's yet to come...
And as for whether I was in the back patting camp, well that will be revealed in the coming spoiler zone ;)
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