Thursday, March 26, 2015

Whovian Diary Reviews - Rose

School. Blah I hate school. I'm sure you're glad to know I am still alive, and today is a special post. I'd like to wish New Who a very happy 10th Birthday, and here's to many more years! To celebrate this day, today I'll be reviewing the episode that aired 10 years ago today: Rose.

About this Story

TitleRose
No. of Episodes1
Series No.
Episode No.
Series 1
Episode 1
Broadcast Dates26th Mar 2005
WriterRussell T Davies
DirectorKeith Boak
ProducerPhil Collinson
DoctorNinth Doctor
CompanionRose Tyler
Rose meets the Doctor after he saves her from the Autons

Background

After 16 years off air (besides a TV Movie), Doctor Who returned to our screens in 2005 with Christopher Eccleston playing The Doctor and Billie Piper as his new companion, Rose Tyler. It featured the return of the Nestene Consciouness and the Autons for the first time since Terror of the Autons in 1971. This is the first contribution to Doctor Who for all the key production staff named above, with Russell T Davies continuing as Showrunner until 2010. Keith Boak directed one story later on in Series One, while Phil Collinson continued in the role of producer until 2008.

The Review

Plot

The plot is very much based from Rose's viewpoint for this episode. So much, that I can't actually recall any scenes with the Doctor without Rose. We follow how Rose's life changes from mundane to exciting within a few days, starting when a strange man saves her from living plastic. This chance encounter is then replicated the next day (what are the chances...?), leading Rose to grow even more curious as to who The Doctor is.

While Rose discovers the Doctor has been woven throughout history, Mickey is abducted by a bin, which apparently made sense to Davies when he wrote the script. All this builds up to another(?!) chance encounter, after which Rose has her obligatory "It's bigger on the inside" scene. After this, the action switches to the scenes with the Nestene invasion.

The build up for this is quite slow, but it's an acceptable slow due to the need to ease the audience into the revived show, as throwing lots of action and information at the same time would get confusing for people who didn't really understand the concept of the show. Rose also proves her mettle by saving the day with her gymnastic skills, though the Doctor is shown to be a little bit useless in this climax, leaving a big question mark over what kind of a character he is.

Overall, the plot holds up quite well. The steady build up led to an explosive conclusion which made sure that Doctor Who came back with a bang (or two)!

Plot Score: 8/10


Threat

Bringing back the show with a pre-established monster was an obvious selling point for this episode, but I don't think it was necessarily the best move. While the audience were being introduced to the entirely new cast, I feel like the Autons took a back seat, which meant they weren't used to their full potential.

However, this move may also have had it's advantages. For example, the established monster wouldn't need much re-establishing, which meant that the episode could spend more time establishing the main characters. Nevertheless, reduced screen time for the threat makes it seem rather diminished.

On the whole, in the time they had, the Autons provided a good enough threat, mercilessly killing poor innocent Clive, depite being almost immediately halted. But, they just seemed too underused for me.

Threat Score: 4/10


Acting

The main cast all performed brilliantly. Eccleston and Piper worked brilliantly with each other, setting the foundations for one of the best Doctor/Companion dynamics of the New series. They were able to switch between serious and silly within the same scene with great ease, making their friendship seem genuine, enabling you to relate to the characters.

The supporting cast of Camille Coduri and Noel Clarke were not used that much in this story, other than someone for Rose to care about when saving the World. This left their characters feeling quite pointless and one-dimensional after this episode due to their underplayed roles. Clive Benton, guesting starring as Clive, gave a brilliant performance, ramping up the tension in the mystery shrouding the Doctor. Shame his prophecies came true....

In balance, the acting in this episode was pretty decent, as the brilliant main cast carried along the less good supporting cast to give a believable performance.

Acting Score: 7/10


Audience Engagement

The companion's natural role in Doctor Who is an audience surrogate. This has never been more true than in this episode. The entire episode is based on Rose's viewpoint as she is thrown into the Doctor's world. This immediately helps the audience to connect with her as they are very much in the same position as her. The high levels of mysteriousness in this episode also engages a new audience into wondering what's going to happen next.

The episode is also brimming with humour, ranging from slapstick comedy to jokes about price wars. Some of this humour can come across as quite childish, such as when the bin burps after consuming Mickey. The characterization of the main characters is good, but supporting characters like Mickey are left pretty one-dimensional after this episode, perhaps not making them as likeable as intended.

For the Classic fans, the Autons and Nestene Consciousness are plucked from the Pertwee era and given a modern makeover. It seemed like a good way to bring back the show, but I feel like they could have been used a bit more.

Overall, despite the burping bins and weird antics from the plastic Mickey, I feel like this episode would have been preety engaging towards it's audience when it first aired.

Audience Engagement Score: 8/10


Overall

As an opening episode, Rose stands up very well. It establishes the main cast well, while not deviating away from the main concepts of the show, such as alien incursions. It engages well with the audience and the plot rumbles along nicely. The understandable backseating of the threat and a virtually un-developed supporting cast so slightly let it down, but it is far from a complete trainwreck. Definitely a MUST WATCH for me!

Overall Score: 8/10



Thursday, March 12, 2015

Death Count - Silver Nemesis

Hello readers! In this edition of the Death Count series, I will be counting up the deaths in the Seventh Doctor story, and 25th Anniversary story, Silver Nemesis.

About this Story

TitleSilver Nemesis
No. of Episodes3
Season No.
Serial No.
Season 25
Serial 3
Broadcast Dates23rd Nov -
th Dec 1988
Run-Time73' 29"
DoctorSeventh Doctor
CompanionAce
Cybermen hunt down the Nemesis Statue

Synopsis

When the Doctor forgets about the Nemesis Comet landing on Earth, three groups fight for control of the universe. The groups attempt to complete the statue, in order to gain control of the universe, however, the Doctor steals one of the pieces to prevent this happening. Can he hold on to it? And can he overpower the Cyber Fleet that surrounds Earth?

The Death Count

Episode One

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Mathematician9' 35"Killed by Lady Peinforte
The Nemesis Comet lands on Earth

Death Toll:

1

Death Rating:

4.07 (White)

Episode Two

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Soldier1' 35"Killed by Cyberman
Cyberman2' 23"Golden arrow, fired by Lady Peinforte
Soldier2' 39"Killed by Cyberman
Soldier2' 45"Killed by Cyberman
Cyberman2' 55"Golden arrow, fired by Lady Peinforte
Soldier4' 23"Killed by Cyberman
Cyberman13' 21"Golden Arrow, fired by Richard Maynarde
Cybership Guard16' 11"Killed by Cyberman
Cybership Guard16' 11"Killed by Cyberman
De Flores makes a deal with the Cybermen

Death Toll:

9

Death Rating:

37.11 (Yellow)

Episode Three

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Cyberman11' 05"Golden coin, catapulted by Ace
Cyberman12' 23"Golden coin, catapulted by Ace
Cyberman12' 53"Golden coin, catapulted by Ace
Cyberman14' 20"Killed by Cyberman (Ace dodged)
Cyberman14' 26"Shot by Cyberman, fell from balcony (Ace dodged)
Cyberman16' 07"Rocket blasters, triggered by the Doctor
Cyberman16' 07"Rocket blasters, triggered by the Doctor
De Flores17' 10"Killed by Cyber Leader
Karl17' 12"Killed by Cyber Leader
Peinforte21' 01"Merged with Nemesis
Nemesis21' 41"Triggered explosion to destroyed Cyber Fleet
Cyber Leader22' 11"Stabbed with golden arrow by Richard Maynarde
Ace firing gold coins at Cybermen

In explosion at 21' 41", the entire Cyber Fleet was also destroyed


Death Toll:

12

Death Rating:

48.65 (Orange)

Overall

Death Toll:

22

Death Rating:

29.94 (Green)



Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Doctor Who DVD Files - Part Eleven: Issues 54-58

Introduction

Hello readers, and welcome to part eleven of this series. The DVDs in this part feature the Tenth Doctor's final adventures in the 2009-2010 specials, the ending of the Black Guardian trilogy, and the shock return of Davros! Enjoy!

Issue 54 (26/01/2011)

The DVD

The Robots of Death - The Fourth Doctor and Leela are caught up in a mechanical murder mystery!

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - The Robots of Death - The Fourth Doctor is accused of murder (DOC 4.16)
  • The Doctor - Lonely Warrior - Read about the Tenth Doctor's solo adventures (Part 54)
  • Alien Worlds - Segonax - Visit the planet that was home to the famed Psychic Circus (SG1)
  • Enemies - Reapers - Duck! The winged creatures from the Vortex are coming (RP1)
  • Who on Earth - Great Encounters - Find out which ancient heroes the Doctor has met (Part 4)
  • Enemies - Major Stike - Meet the Sontaran who tried to travel in time (SN5)
  • Behind the Scenes - Wild Thing - Ex-companion Louise Jameson talks about her time in the TARDIS (Part 54)
  • Allies - Vincent Van Gogh - Find out more about the life of this great artist (VG1)
  • Technology - Voc Robots - Look inside one of the robots that manned Storm Mine 4 (VR1)


Issue 55 (09/02/2011)

The DVD

Planet of the Dead - Travelling in solitude, the Tenth Doctor travels to a desert planet on a bus

The Waters of Mars - The Doctor visits the Red Planet, where he faces a watery foe

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - The Waters of Mars - The Doctor stumbles on a fixed point in time, but can he walk away? (EP 4.16)
  • Alien Worlds - Celestial Toyroom - Enter the strange world of games and trickery (CT1)
  • Enemies - Dream Lord - See part of the Doctor that he normally suppresses (DR1)
  • The Doctor - The End of Ten - The Tenth Doctor's journey comes to a spectacular close (Part 55)
  • Allies - Miss Evangelista - Meet one of the victims of the Vashta Nerada (EV1)
  • Flashback - Over the Edge - Watch the Morbius monster take a fatal tumble (DR4-6)
  • Behind the Scenes - Mars Attacked - Find out what it was like on Mars in our interview with Gemma Chan (Part 55)
  • Episode Guide - Planet of the Dead - The Doctor hops on a London bus. Deestination: danger (EP 4.15)
  • Technology - Heavenly Host - Take a look at the inner workings of these angelic-looking robots (HH1)


Issue 56 (23/02/2011)

The DVD

The End of Time Part 1 - The Ood give the Doctor a terrible warning: the Master has returned to Earth!

The End of Time Part 2 - The Doctor battles with the Master, but when Gallifrey makes an appearance, what will the Doctor do?

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - The End of Time Part 1 - That Master's back, but that's the least of the Doctor's worries (EP 4.17)
  • Enemies - Smilers - You wouldn't like them when they're angry (SM1)
  • Who on Earth - The Romans - Read about the alien involvement during the Roman era (Part 5)
  • Allies - Rajesh Singh - Meet the Torchwood scientist and victim of the Cult of Skaro (RJ1)
  • Alien Worlds - Ood Sphere - Visit the home planet of the tentacle-face aliens (OO1)
  • Enemies - The Naismiths - Find out about this super-rich father-daughter team (NA1)
  • Behind the Scenes - Faithful Friend - Bernard Cribbins talks about his two Doctors (Part 56)
  • Episode Guide - The End of Time Part 2 - Someone comes knocking for the Doctor (EP 4.18)
  • Technology - Hesperus - Take a look at the inner workings of this Vinvocci ship (HE1)


Issue 57 (09/03/2011)

The DVD

Enlightenment - The Black Guardian increases his pressure upon Turlough, but will he actually kill the Doctor?

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - Enlightenment - The Doctor and his companions get involved with a race through space (DOC 5.12)
  • Allies - Father Octavian - The man who knew what River Song had done (FO1)
  • Who on Earth - Stolen Artifacts - The Doctor and other aliens keep coming to Earth (Part 6)
  • Enemies - Eternals - Find out more about this mysterious race from outside time itself (ET1)
  • The Doctor - Time for Change -Re-live the Eleventh Doctor's first adventures (Part 57)
  • Alien Worlds - Deva Loka - Visit the jungle planet that was home to the Mara (DL1)
  • Flashback - Silver Showdown - Watch the quicksilver menace take out the Cybermen (DR5-4)
  • Technology - SS Shadow - Jump onboard the Edwardian yacht that sailed through space (SH1)
  • Behind the Scenes - Enlightened Companion - Mark Strickson talks about his role in Enlightenment (Part 57)


Issue 58 (23/03/2011)

The DVD

Destiny of the Daleks - Unwittingly landing on Skaro, the Doctor meets a genius he thought he'd seen the last of...

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - Destiny of the Daleks - The Doctor thought he'd seen the last of Davros, but he was wrong (DOC 4.30)
  • Allies - Rory Williams - Introducing one of the Doctor's most recent companions (RW1)
  • Enemies - 'Margaret' Slitheen - Meet a mean green alien Slitheen (SL2)
  • Who on Earth - History Makers - Learn more of Earth's history and interventions from aliens (Part 7)
  • Allies - Lucy Saxon - The woman who married a Time Lord and then tried to kill him (SX1)
  • Alien Worlds - Skaro - Visit the Dalek's mysterious home planet (SK1)
  • Enemies - Tetraps - Find out about the bat-like creatures battled by the Seventh Doctor (TE1)
  • Technology - Davros' Chair - Take a seat and look at the inner workings of Davros' travel unit (DV1)
  • Behind the Scenes - Boy Star - Matthew Waterhouse talks about his early days as companion Adric (Part 58)




Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!