NuWho Review: Series 3 Episode 3 "Gridlock"

By: Russell T. Davies

**Spoilers**

If you have not yet watched this episode, please go and do so before proceeding.

            This episode tries very hard to give us all claustrophobia by presenting us with a great underground traffic jam that never ends. (Maybe the roadway needed some Milk of Magnesia?)

Favorite Moments & Random Thoughts:

 - Is is just me or is the couple in the opening teaser lifted right from a famous piece of artwork?

- Oh lovely. We're back to New New York again. And it's just as dull and un-awe-inspiring as I remember from the incredible yawnfest that was New Earth. Nice choice for your new companion, Doctor, just lovely. Hammer it in for us that she's the rebound girl and we're supposed to compare her negatively to Rose, why don't you?

- I'm pretty sure that one of those mood patches were labelled 'Ectsasy'...

- And Martha is kidnapped and dragged away. Poor Martha just can't catch a break, can she? At least The Doctor went to save her. Hopefully he'll be a bit nicer after this...

- Can we have more scenes involving The Doctor and cats, please?

- It is rather stupid and nonsensical (even by Doctor Who standards) to think that a humanoid cat and a human girl would have kittens, though.

- I like the couple who kidnaps Martha. They seem like very sweet people who really love each other and are looking forward to having a baby. Shame that's about the extent of their character development...

- Martha gets to at as a doctor again when she rips that 'Truth' patch off of pregnant Annie. That's always nice to see. Martha has brains and training, people. She's awesome!

- Okay. So I'll just say now that the idea of being trapped forever on a motorway (an enclosed motorway, no less) gives me the creeps. I'm honestly more afraid of that than of the mysterious killer thingies in the smog.

- I have come to the conclusion that Doctor Who shouldn't do satire. No, actually I take it back. Russell T. Davies shouldn't do satire. Because he stinks at it. We saw this in Aliens of London/World War Three, New Earth, Boom Town, and now here in Gridlock. Just what kind of point is he trying to make? What is he even satirising? The futility of ladder climbing?

- The bit with the hymn singing was rather interesting. How did that sound out from within those sealed-off cars and the smog-filled motorway? Wouldn't it sort of get lost and garbled? Even so, that was beautiful.

- The CGI in this episode is TERRIBLE! Some of the worst I've ever seen from Doctor Who post-revival! It's not so bad whenever it's just The Doctor hopping from car to car...but whenever you have to have a close-up of the cars actually moving, well...the Slitheen from the Sarah Jane Adventures looks better!

- The cat make-up, though, is excellent. With the exception of that one black cat there isn't a seam to be spotted. That was one thing I praised with New Earth and it looks just as good here.

- I think one of the main problems I have with this episode is that it is boring. I go to watch television because I want to be entertained by my favourite characters. I don't go to be bored to death and have a forced and yet garbled moral rammed forcibly down my throat. If I wanted that I would watch a televangelist, not sci-fi. Whatever happened to just telling a great story? The whole Slitheen fiasco of Series 1 was silly and childish and dumb in places...but it was at least interesting. This just puts me to sleep. It doesn't even have the advantage of a Cassandra-possessed Doctor to catch my attention.

- And the Face of Boe...was I supposed to cry when he bit the dust? I mean - he's supposed to be Jack Harkness, right? Well whenever I first watched this episode that little titbit hadn't even been added to the lore yet. So why am I supposed to feel sorry for an obviously rubber face with a mouth that works worse than the Aslan puppet from the old Narnia movies? I didn't even buy all of that mumbo-jumbo crap about the prophecies concerning his final words. It just felt like a failed attempt at Tolkienesqueing the universe to me.

- You Are Not Alone. Remember this, folks, I think we've just heard one of our arc words!

- The only good part of this episode (aside from the kittens) is The Doctor finally opening up to Martha about the Time War and describing Gallifrey. It's a beautiful speech and the first time we've ever really heard him talk about his home like this. Before all we had were angry speeches at the Daleks and cryptic hints to others. At last!

           Gridlock is an episode that could have been pretty good. It had a dark premise and setting and it even brought back the Macra who hadn't been seen in years (and promptly wasted them), so the only reason I can think of that it failed so badly was that it tried too hard to be relevant and to really say something. What I don't know...the point never really gets made...but that's the problem. Gridlock is a 1/5

What did you think? Do you agree with my rating? If not - what would you say differently?

Doctor Who Reaction: 50th Anniversary "The Day of The Doctor"

By: Steven Moffat

**Spoilers**
If you have not yet seen this episode, please go and do so before proceeding.

              Doctor Who is the longest-running sci-fi show in all of television history. It's unique design and set-up make it perfectly suited to running as long as people are willing to keep making it. For many it is a lifestyle - dictating favourite quotes, teaching morals, and reminding us of history and literature. This year on November 23rd this extraordinary show celebrated its 50th birthday with a special episode created just for the momentous occasion. I watched it and it is only now that I find myself able to quite put my thoughts to paper.
                 
               So was this episode everything that it was built up to be? No - of course not! Nothing ever can live up to the hype and expectations. That's just humanly impossible. Did it do its job of celebrating the anniversary of a cultural phenomena that has lasted half a century? You bet it did!

             I love that we actually got to see the 10/Elizabeth I wedding that has been alluded to so many times over the years (even if I did think that the resolution of her arc was a bit rushed) and I was so, so excited to see the pictures of Susan Foreman, not to mention the fact that Clara was teaching at her former school. I squealed like a little girl whenever the titles started up (and whenever 10 put on the fez) and had a soppy grin on my face the whole way through.


What I liked:

- Rose Tyler (or rather: Bad Wolf) was AMAZING! Whenever I first heard that Rose was coming back for the 50th I groaned and instantly ranted to my brother about how annoying this was going to be. I am not a Rose Tyler fan. I don't passionately hate her but I just find her whole character arc to be handled very poorly. But here - I love that they explained a bit more about Bad Wolf (because I always wondered what that was and where it came from) and that she was quite likable. There was a certain Idris madness about her. but also you could see all of Rose's good qualities (like the friendly smiles and passionate good intentions). If this Rose Tyler had appeared in her original series I think I might love her. As it is, Bad Wolf/The Moment didn't convince me to love Rose...but did I ever enjoy watching her here!

- 10 & 11 arguing with the War Doctor. I could just watch these guys bicker all day, really I could. I also loved the little clip we got of Capaldi as the 13th Doctor and I fangirled so hard whenever all 13 of the Doctors appeared on screen with their 13 TARDIS'.

- Gallifrey is back! Much as I enjoyed The Doctor's arc before, I can't wait to see how this new story will unfold.

- Daleks were not overused, Zygons looked great, the Time Lord Council's costumes are as stupid-looking as ever (and I've seen The Master from the television movie!).

- 10 in a fez.


- TOM BAKER SHOWED UP AT THE END!!!!



What I didn't like:

- It was over too soon. Now I know that sounds rather corny and typical, but I feel like there were some elements that could have benefited from a slightly longer running time. The Queen Elizabeth plot, for instance, was resolved far too easily and too reminiscent of Davies Forced Exposition. But overall they did a wonderful job with the time they had.

- None of the Classic doctors (aside from Tom Baker) appeared in anything but stock footage. This was supposed to be a 50th-Anniversary, not the anniversary for the revived series. 

- Christopher Eccleston was not in the episode. Don't get me wrong - I respect the man for having a stance on something and refusing to compromise what he believed to be a right decision. That being said...couldn't we at least have had a regeneration scene? 

            And that is all I have to say about The Day of The Doctor. It was a great experience, a roller-coaster ride of emotions, and an episode that I know I will watch over and over again. It was funny, touching, sad, and hopeful and it did its job of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of a wonderful show about as close to perfectly as we could hope for. Bravo, Steven Moffat! I give it a 4/5.



What did you think? Do you agree with my rating? If not - what would you say differently?

The Day of The Doctor: Trailer

     

Top Ten Tenth Doctor Moments

             He is a fan favourite and regularly tops the lists of ‘best Doctor’ choices, and with good reason. David Tennant truly brought something special to the Tenth regeneration of the last Time Lord. He brought wit and energy and charm along with simmering righteous anger and deeply buried pain.

10: Losing Rose Tyler – Doomsday 

            No, I’m not talking about their little chat at Bad Wolf Bay. If you’ve read my review of Army of Ghosts/Doomsday then you know that I am a big fan of the scene where The Doctor and Rose stand on opposite sides of the two Torchwood walls as if reaching out to each other. It is an important moment for both The Doctor and the audience as it is the first time in the revived show that we have lost a full-time companion. Rose’s tears may be sad and depressing in this scene, but I find that The Doctor’s reaction of total silent shock and sad resignation to be the real heart-breaker. This isn’t the first companion he’s lost (and not even the worst exit scenario) but you can really see how broken up he is just by the desolate look in his eyes.

 9: “You were my Doctor.” – Time Crash

            This minisode (written for Children in Need) is a prime example of Steven Moffat’s genius when it comes to short bursts of humor and emotion. Time Crash takes place right after the Series 3 finale and involves the meeting of the Tenth Doctor and the Fifth. There is the expected amount of bickering involved and even a bit of a plot centered around the TARDIS’ struggle to maintain the paradox, but the best moment comes from the end as the Tenth Doctor joyously tells the Fifth about everything inspired by him. We’re not sure if it’s David Tennant talking to Peter Davison or Ten talking to Five, but it is the sheer amount of amiable chemistry the two share and the obvious fanboying Tennant is doing that makes this scene easily the biggest whiplash from hilarious to warm tearjerker in all of Doctor Who. If you haven’t had a chance to watch this episode I highly recommend that you do so. You will not be disappointed! 

8: Reuniting with Donna – Partners in Crime

            Donna Noble is the best companion the Tenth Doctor ever had and no one will convince me otherwise. But even if you don’t like Donna, you have to admit that the scene where The Doctor runs into her for the second time is pretty darn funny. The entire episode thus far has been building up to this moment as both characters are investigating the same agency and keep just missing each other before they finally reunite and have a mimed conversation through the windows of the room where the bad guys are interrogating a prisoner. Not only is it extremely funny and beautifully showcases the chemistry and talents of David Tennant and Catherine Tate, but we also are treated to one of the world’s most heart-warming hugs whenever the two literally run into each other mere moments later.

7: Hearing River’s Secret – Silence in the Library

            This is an extremely important moment in The Doctor’s overall story arc, but it is also an amazing moment for Tennant. I just love the way he plays the reaction as River whispers The Doctor’s name in his ear. The performance is extremely subtle and quiet. His face stays totally blank and you can see that The Doctor momentarily shuts down in utter shock. This entire two-parter is an excellent episode for our Time Lord, but I would pinpoint this one moment as the best. 

6: Pleading with The Master – Last of the Time Lords

          Somehow seeing The Doctor crying over the body of his former best friend, current enemy, and one hope for absolution just kicks me in the gut every time. The last ten minutes or so of this story are just sheer gold and I am left breathless each time by the sheer amount of raw emotion that every character goes through. Every one of the actors give it their all and the scene really serves to cement the depths of The Doctor's grief and still very present pain for the burning of Gallifrey. Talk about showing instead of telling! 

5: The Death of John Smith – Family of Blood

           John Smith is a totally different character to The Doctor. The Doctor is fire and ice and rage, all arrogance, knowledge, and self-loathing in one complicated, intelligent, and ancient package. John Smith, on the other hand, is just a simple human being – and not a particularly suave one at that. It is a testament to the incredible acting skills of David Tennant that he manages to pull off both characters and effortlessly switch between the two. Everything about John Smith is different than The Doctor. From the manner of speech to the attitude to the body language and posture, he is a completely new person who just happens to look like the Time Lord. This makes him into a real person and makes his metaphorical ‘death’ quite upsetting.

           Now isn’t that just heartbreaking? This two-parter is highly emotional for several reasons, not in the slightest because it deals with war and the loss of childhood innocence, and it is actually quite terrible to watch and see John Smith thinking about what could be if he doesn’t open the watch. He sees his wedding to Joan, the birth of his first child, and growing old beside a beloved wife before finally getting the release into the slumber of death. In a way you could argue that this is what The Doctor really wants. Remember that he lost his family in the Time War. Maybe John Smith was more of a picture of The Doctor than is immediately apparent.

4: “Burn with me!” – 42

            Oh my gosh – this scene never fails to give me the chills! Not only is there the threat that The Doctor might kill Martha and the rest of the crew (or regenerate) but there is the fact that he is screaming out in agony and fear. It's like a scene from a horror film as Martha puts the infected Time Lord into a stasis chamber to try and freeze the sun particles out of him. The Doctor is begging and pleading in terror – and this is also the only time I think we’ve ever actually heard The Doctor outright admit to being scared. That in and of itself is frightening!

3: Midnight

            This is easily a top contender for the title of ‘Scariest New Who Episode’ due to its claustrophobic feel, creepy story, and the fact that The Doctor’s greatest weapons are turned against him. Every time he gets into a bad situation The Doctor uses his mind and his words to get himself back out (preferably with as little collateral damage as possible) but here the current is set against him as his arrogance and take-charge attitude alienates the shuttle of panicking humans until they no longer trust him. Once they learn that he, like the mysterious entity, is an alien they quickly become hostile. But it continues to get worse... 

             Once the parasitic alien moves on to The Doctor, possessing him and rendering him unable to move or speak of his own free will, it steals his voice and makes him order the already hysterical passengers to murder him. Using his own words against him, it forces The Doctor to cry out his own death sentence. Eventually the others crack and start dragging the terrified Time Lord towards the airlock to dispose of him so that they can be ‘safe’. Even after the threat is dealt with, The Doctor’s ordeal is not yet over with as he is left exhausted and hurting on the floor of the Crusader. Tennant is amazing in this episode. Because the alien locks all of The Doctor's limbs and freezes him in place, it is up to Tennant to convey what The Doctor is feeling using his eyes alone. I honestly don't know how he does it - but I bet The Doctor wasn't the only one exhausted whenever this whole thing was over. 

2: Time Lord Victorious – The Waters of Mars

            This was the first time that I’ve ever been afraid of The Doctor. I’ve been afraid for him in the past; but this was the first time I can say that I wasn’t on his side. In fact he didn’t even act like The Doctor here; he was more like The Master than anything else. I think the thing that really makes this scene so scary is the fact that The Doctor is actually doing something ‘right’. All throughout the episode we are half-hoping that he will find a way to get around the fixed point and save the Bowie Base crew, but whenever it happens it quickly becomes apparent that The Doctor is not doing the right thing. The scenario that was set up in Pompeii now comes to life and it is terrifying. But then comes the moment when The Doctor realizes that he's been wrong. Adelaide takes it upon herself to set time right again by committing suicide and this forcibly yanks The Doctor out of his destructive bent and really shakes him up. He sees the Ood and cries out in fear and alarm "Is it my time too?" before entering the TARDIS where the cloister bell is clanging. 

1: Reuniting with Sarah Jane Smith – School Reunion

            One of my personal favorite episodes also contains the best moment for the Tenth Doctor. There is just something so wonderful about the excited, warm smile he gets as he sees his beloved Sarah Jane again – and the pride he shows when he discovers the way she put her TARDIS lessons to good use here on earth. In my review of this episode I spent a lot of time going on and on about Elisabeth Sladen’s incredible performance – but here I’m going to focus on The Doctor’s reactions to all of her (just) accusations. He is so happy to see her again, but it doesn't take much of a scolding from Sarah Jane to make The Doctor look back on some of the not-so-nice things he's done. While there was a fair amount of nostalgia (and Tennant fanboying) involved, this scenario forced The Doctor to stop running and take that look back. 

           It is important for the audience, for Sarah Jane, and for The Doctor himself to have this meeting with one of his old companions and it is nice to see that even after they leave him (and even if he can’t bring himself to talk about them) they are never far from his hearts. He cares about each and everyone one of his companions and is so proud and overjoyed to see them again, even though he fears looking back too much. That is why I think that The Doctor’s reunion with Sarah Jane Smith to be the best moment out of Ten’s entire run in the TARDIS.