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The BBC Parties Like It's 1599!! Reviews of DOCTOR WHO 29.2!!
SPOILER ALERT !!
I am – Hercules!!
“Doctor Dan” says:
DOCTOR WHO – 3.2
"The Shakespeare Code"
WRITER: Gareth Roberts
DIRECTOR: Charles Palmer
CAST: David Tennant (The Doctor), Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones), Dean Lennox Kelly (William Shakespeare), Christina Cole (Lilith), Jalaal Hartley (Dick), Sam Mark s (Kemp) & Matt King (Peter)
Synopsis: The Doctor and Martha arrive in Elizabethan England, where they discover William Shakespeare is being controlled by three witches...
The most believable Doctor Who episodes are undoubtedly period adventures, as the BBC is beyond reproach when it comes to costume drama. Gareth Roberts' The Shakespeare Code is a fun adventure, with The Doctor and Martha arriving in 1599 and meeting the Bard himself at the Globe Theatre. Unfortunately, in shades of Macbeth, three troublesome witches/aliens are controlling Shakespeare for nefarious purposes...
It's only Freema Agyeman's second outing as the Doc's new companion and already Billie Piper's absence is forgotten. She's wonderful as Martha; believably excited by events and refreshingly knowledgeable about things like time paradoxes. It's about time a companion showed the same level of intellect as the average viewer. The few moments spent developing her relationship with The Doctor were very good, particularly when they share a bed and Rose (almost treated as The Docor's "ex") is mentioned...
Dean Lennox Kelly is fine as a youthful William Shakespeare (almost a double of Kenneth Branagh), although the script was far more interested in literary in-jokes than any real character insight or development. Still, the episode treated Shakespeare with reverence and teachers will be applauding the fact he's been made cooler through his association with The Doctor!
The supporting cast are good, but only Christina Cole has a role of any note, playing Lilith the head witch. She's agreeably villainous and looked suitably scary spitting her dialogue through fangs, or cursing The Doctor from a flying broomstick.
The production throughout is magnificent. The set design is terrific and the CGI-assisted shots of 16th-century London are sublime. There are very few television shows that do such a brilliant job at recreating history and the visuals are a treat. The only downsides were some rubbery witch make-up and unconvincing spectres.
There was a strong sense of energy and pace throughout and the storyline developed nicely. The witch's master plan was original (investing power in humble words) and the reasoning behind Shakespeare's importance nicely made. At times the script overused gags that quoted Shakespeare to amusing effect, but that’s a small complaint when the allusions and quips were so well made.
Overall, The Shakespeare Code was a very enjoyable and entertaining frolic around Olde England . The actors lapped up Roberts' script and seemed to enjoy running around the impressive sets. David Tennant is just a marvel of enthusiasm and machine gun delivery, grabbing the script by the scruff of its neck when required.
It was also interesting to see The Doctor comment on racial issues, time-travel dilemmas (using Back To The Future as an example!) and the treatment of the mentally ill at Bedlam Hospital, where they're whipped and seen as entertainment.
An intelligent adventure, deftly told and with something for everyone. Many of the jokes and references will fly over children's heads, but they'll enjoy watching The Doctor versus the spooky witches. Who knows, it may even tempt some of them to pick up Hamlet in school...
THE GOOD
1. Freema Agyeman: sexy, competent, expressive, passionate and engaging.
2. The production design was magnificent, particular the sets and costumes. The FX used to show various landscapes were also excellent.
3. The literary references and in-jokes about Shakespeare (and even Harry Potter)m was amusing, if slightly overused. I particularly enjoyed seeing Martha's square off to Shakespeare about his joke-telling skills.
4. The Doctor's attitude to the backward elements of Elizabethan England (such as their treatment of the mentally challenged) was refreshing to see.
THE BAD
1. The CGI for the ghostly apparitions was a bit awkward and poorly animated.
2. The make-up for the witches looked a bit rubbery and fake.
THE GEEKY
1. William Shakespeare previously appeared in Doctor Who in "The Chase and Planet Of Evil". The Doctor also claimed to have helped transcribe Hamlet in "City Of Death ". Writer Gareth Roberts originally included a reference to "City Of Death ", but it was later removed because, according to the writer, "it was so sly it would have been a bit confusing for fans that recognized it and baffled the bejesus out of everyone else."
2. The Shakespeare Code is the third "celebrity historical" episode of the revived series, following The Unquiet Dead (Charles Dickens) and The Girl In The Fireplace (Madame de Pompadour).
3. Psychic paper doesn't work on geniuses like Shakespeare.
4. Writer Gareth Roberts began his career on the Virgin New Adventures series of Doctor Who novels with "The Highest Science" (1993). He wrote several more, including "Only Human" (2005), when the new series was airing, before writing the "Attack Of The Graske" interactive mini-episode in 2005.
5. The Doctor carries a spare toothbrush around with him!
6. This is apparently the most expensive episode of the revived series (and therefore the entire series, let's be honest!)
7. Dean Lennox Kelly (Shakespeare) is most famous for his role as Kev Ball in the drama Shameless.
8. The Doctor uses Back To The Future as an example of how time-travel work s!
9. The Doctor has already read the seventh Harry Potter book. He seems to be a big fan of J.K Rowling too!
10. The Doctor uses the "Sir Doctor Of TARDIS" title given to him by Queen Victoria in last year's "Tooth And Claw".
RATING:
4 / 5
NEXT WEEK: The Doctor takes Martha to a much grittier New Earth, where he meets the Face Of Boe and discovers the streets are being ruled by sinister Pharmacists...
“The Handsome 12th Doctor” says:
Big thanks to all of yous who did the Dalek/stairs gag last week. Could we maybe give it a rest this week? Please.
AnyWho...... tonight's ep (The Shakespeare Code) saw new girl Martha Jones take her first journey through time with the Doctor. Much like he did with Rose he tries to impress her by taking her someplace that would blow her mind. In this case it was back to 1599 to meet some bloke named Bill.
Of course all's not well that starts well, as wherever the Doc goes he tends to run into mayhem. The threat here took the form of three 'witches' who are plotting to use the power of Shakey's words for their own goals.
In fact the whole episode was built around being wordy. If anyone still thinks this is a silly kids show then they should take a look at this ep. There's intelligence and wit running through the entire script. Chock full of references to Shakespeare's works, as well as other noted writers. Also to JK Rowling.
The best thing about it though was it was shot like a horror movie. It had a brilliantly dark atmosphere, some great creepy effects, and scary looking (for 7pm) witches. This show has always been a perfect stepping stone into the world of horror watching and tonight's was a prime example.
Christina Cole played the head witch with pure textbook wickedness. Dean Lennox Kelly did a marvellous turn as Shakespeare, giving him the characteristics of some medieval rock star.
Oh, for the word hounds among you - William Shakespeare is revealed to be an anagram of "I help a Master awake"
Apologies if that's a spoiler.
Martha My Dear further banishes thoughts of Rose from my head (until we get reminded of her again that is). I like the way Martha continues to question the big issues of time travel and suchlike, and the Doctor helpfully explaining using Back To The Future as a guide.
Freema also showed very believable wonder at stepping out into history.
While David Tennant again put himself up there with the best of the Docs.
And how cool was it to see Super Hans locked in Bedlam? I was almost expecting him to start ranting about people liking Coldplay.
Terrific stuff.
from
The Handsome 12th Doctor
PS – Was there a Saxon reference in there that I missed?
PPS – Ok, so that Shakespeare anagram wasn't right. You believed it for a second though didn't you?
“Napier” says:
Hey Herc, how's it going?
Sent you a couple of reviews in last season when I felt the eps were deserving and have to say that by the second episode this year I already have the urge to put quill to parchment!
So forget the Dan Brown-ish title (though it does make a weird kind of sense!) - this is a story set seriously back in the day. 1599 to be precise. And if there's one thing the BBC can do in spades then it's period drama. And this has got to be a contender for the best dressed set yet. Taking in the actual Globe theatre itself via the streets of Warwick we get as true a sense of Shakespeare's times as it's possible to get, all viewed through the new-to-time-travel eyes of one Martha Jones. Who is fantastic BTW. A real breath of fresh air after (the still much loved) Rose Tyler. Her stamp on the whole piece is a new intelligence. From questioning the nature of paradox to bringing up the (rereshingly not swept under the carpet) treatment of black culture back in the day she's a revelation. And still carrying a pretty big torch for the Doc as she goes. One that the man himself remains blind to for now. The dope!
So anyway. Shakespeare. Well he's a genius, 'natch. And ripe for exploitation by a trio of witches. Or Carrionites, as the non-magic loving, rationale seeking producers would have you believe (Doctor Who always being one for the de-bunking of magic - despite the numerous and hilarious Harry Potter references!). The playing of The Bard as Rock Star is inspired. Not only that, we're treated to a raft of in jokes as the Doctor lets slip a volley of quotes that Our William eagerly seizes upon. The two have met before of course in Who history - but this is the first time from a linear sense of time that Will has come across the Doctor and the sense of playfullness between them is apparent. But also the pathos as Shakespeare reveals the loss of his son - though quickly turned into literary opportunity: "To be or not to be..."
The whole piece has a sense of drama to it as the fabled lost play "Love's Labours Won" merges with the intriguing use of words as opposed to maths to create an Elizabethan apocalypse to be thwarted by the triumvirate of Doctor, Martha and Shakespeare. And the use of wordplay is not just restricted to Shakespeare. Gareth Roberts has conjured up a screenplay that matches the best of the modern era, not just in wit, but also characterisation, from the lovestruck Martha to the lustful Bard to the indifferent Timelord. Truly this stands up to be one of the best Who's in ages.
The coda too has some brilliantly inspired moments, from the ripping off of Shakespearean names being validated, to the second instance of events past having happened in the Doctor's future. In fact the second episode in a row to pull such a trick. Perhaps a pattern is emerging for this season?
Who knows...
If you use this call me "Napier."
Cheers!
“Kelvington” says:
Doctor Who The Shakespeare Code
This week the Doctor and Martha travel back in time when witches were real and the Bard still lives. While not the best outing for “Doctor Who” it was certainly a fun one. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare then you will certainly
find all the in jokes and references clever and funny. However, if you saw the film “Shakespeare In Love” you might find it a bit dull.
This episode borrow heavily from the afore mentioned film, but still keeps an air of humor and levity by introducing some witches, well, they’re not really witches but aliens who look like the archetype witch we all know from
Halloween and our love lives.
The Doctor of course know who they are, or at least susses it out quick enough and we discover that they are aliens trying to get into this world, they use words or spells like we use math and science, and they have enchanted Shakespeare to write those words and have his troupe perform them in the lost sequel to “Love’s Labours Lost” called simply enough, “Love’s Labours Won”. Of course the Doctor and Martha try and intervene and stop the aliens, all the while Shakespeare tries to woo the lovely Dr.
Jones.
While I have a few quibbles with this episode and a trend the show is taking in general, I want to point out the amazing work The Mill has done in making the old Globe theater come back to life. Both on the outside and inside it looked wonderful and great to see it displayed so well, along with some amazing backdrops and cityscapes of that era.
Now to my quibbles, the writers are talking way too much about Rose, she’s gone, get over it, even if the Doctor loved her, they never talked this much about Adric, and the Doctor killed him. So enough with Rose talk.
Second, stop with the pop culture references, when a companion does it, it’s fine, but when the Doctor talks about “Back To The Future” and “Harry Potter” like they are on his DVD shelf, it’s just stupid. There was a time
when the Doctor could explain things without using pop rferences. That time needs to return. We don’t mind a bit of technobabble but when your talking about the TARDIS and time travel and you have to mention Marty McFly for anyone to get it, well, you’ve lost me.
Overall, it was a good show, but not a great one. While I know we don’t really leave Earth much this season, it would be nice for them to leave some of the pop references back in the TARDIS.
Just my 2¢
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"The Shakespeare Code"
WRITER: Gareth Roberts
DIRECTOR: Charles Palmer
CAST: David Tennant (The Doctor), Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones), Dean Lennox Kelly (William Shakespeare), Christina Cole (Lilith), Jalaal Hartley (Dick), Sam Mark s (Kemp) & Matt King (Peter)
Synopsis: The Doctor and Martha arrive in Elizabethan England, where they discover William Shakespeare is being controlled by three witches...
The most believable Doctor Who episodes are undoubtedly period adventures, as the BBC is beyond reproach when it comes to costume drama. Gareth Roberts' The Shakespeare Code is a fun adventure, with The Doctor and Martha arriving in 1599 and meeting the Bard himself at the Globe Theatre. Unfortunately, in shades of Macbeth, three troublesome witches/aliens are controlling Shakespeare for nefarious purposes...
It's only Freema Agyeman's second outing as the Doc's new companion and already Billie Piper's absence is forgotten. She's wonderful as Martha; believably excited by events and refreshingly knowledgeable about things like time paradoxes. It's about time a companion showed the same level of intellect as the average viewer. The few moments spent developing her relationship with The Doctor were very good, particularly when they share a bed and Rose (almost treated as The Docor's "ex") is mentioned...
Dean Lennox Kelly is fine as a youthful William Shakespeare (almost a double of Kenneth Branagh), although the script was far more interested in literary in-jokes than any real character insight or development. Still, the episode treated Shakespeare with reverence and teachers will be applauding the fact he's been made cooler through his association with The Doctor!
The supporting cast are good, but only Christina Cole has a role of any note, playing Lilith the head witch. She's agreeably villainous and looked suitably scary spitting her dialogue through fangs, or cursing The Doctor from a flying broomstick.
The production throughout is magnificent. The set design is terrific and the CGI-assisted shots of 16th-century London are sublime. There are very few television shows that do such a brilliant job at recreating history and the visuals are a treat. The only downsides were some rubbery witch make-up and unconvincing spectres.
There was a strong sense of energy and pace throughout and the storyline developed nicely. The witch's master plan was original (investing power in humble words) and the reasoning behind Shakespeare's importance nicely made. At times the script overused gags that quoted Shakespeare to amusing effect, but that’s a small complaint when the allusions and quips were so well made.
Overall, The Shakespeare Code was a very enjoyable and entertaining frolic around Olde England . The actors lapped up Roberts' script and seemed to enjoy running around the impressive sets. David Tennant is just a marvel of enthusiasm and machine gun delivery, grabbing the script by the scruff of its neck when required.
It was also interesting to see The Doctor comment on racial issues, time-travel dilemmas (using Back To The Future as an example!) and the treatment of the mentally ill at Bedlam Hospital, where they're whipped and seen as entertainment.
An intelligent adventure, deftly told and with something for everyone. Many of the jokes and references will fly over children's heads, but they'll enjoy watching The Doctor versus the spooky witches. Who knows, it may even tempt some of them to pick up Hamlet in school...
THE GOOD
1. Freema Agyeman: sexy, competent, expressive, passionate and engaging.
2. The production design was magnificent, particular the sets and costumes. The FX used to show various landscapes were also excellent.
3. The literary references and in-jokes about Shakespeare (and even Harry Potter)m was amusing, if slightly overused. I particularly enjoyed seeing Martha's square off to Shakespeare about his joke-telling skills.
4. The Doctor's attitude to the backward elements of Elizabethan England (such as their treatment of the mentally challenged) was refreshing to see.
THE BAD
1. The CGI for the ghostly apparitions was a bit awkward and poorly animated.
2. The make-up for the witches looked a bit rubbery and fake.
THE GEEKY
1. William Shakespeare previously appeared in Doctor Who in "The Chase and Planet Of Evil". The Doctor also claimed to have helped transcribe Hamlet in "City Of Death ". Writer Gareth Roberts originally included a reference to "City Of Death ", but it was later removed because, according to the writer, "it was so sly it would have been a bit confusing for fans that recognized it and baffled the bejesus out of everyone else."
2. The Shakespeare Code is the third "celebrity historical" episode of the revived series, following The Unquiet Dead (Charles Dickens) and The Girl In The Fireplace (Madame de Pompadour).
3. Psychic paper doesn't work on geniuses like Shakespeare.
4. Writer Gareth Roberts began his career on the Virgin New Adventures series of Doctor Who novels with "The Highest Science" (1993). He wrote several more, including "Only Human" (2005), when the new series was airing, before writing the "Attack Of The Graske" interactive mini-episode in 2005.
5. The Doctor carries a spare toothbrush around with him!
6. This is apparently the most expensive episode of the revived series (and therefore the entire series, let's be honest!)
7. Dean Lennox Kelly (Shakespeare) is most famous for his role as Kev Ball in the drama Shameless.
8. The Doctor uses Back To The Future as an example of how time-travel work s!
9. The Doctor has already read the seventh Harry Potter book. He seems to be a big fan of J.K Rowling too!
10. The Doctor uses the "Sir Doctor Of TARDIS" title given to him by Queen Victoria in last year's "Tooth And Claw".
RATING:
4 / 5
NEXT WEEK: The Doctor takes Martha to a much grittier New Earth, where he meets the Face Of Boe and discovers the streets are being ruled by sinister Pharmacists...
AnyWho...... tonight's ep (The Shakespeare Code) saw new girl Martha Jones take her first journey through time with the Doctor. Much like he did with Rose he tries to impress her by taking her someplace that would blow her mind. In this case it was back to 1599 to meet some bloke named Bill.
Of course all's not well that starts well, as wherever the Doc goes he tends to run into mayhem. The threat here took the form of three 'witches' who are plotting to use the power of Shakey's words for their own goals.
In fact the whole episode was built around being wordy. If anyone still thinks this is a silly kids show then they should take a look at this ep. There's intelligence and wit running through the entire script. Chock full of references to Shakespeare's works, as well as other noted writers. Also to JK Rowling.
The best thing about it though was it was shot like a horror movie. It had a brilliantly dark atmosphere, some great creepy effects, and scary looking (for 7pm) witches. This show has always been a perfect stepping stone into the world of horror watching and tonight's was a prime example.
Christina Cole played the head witch with pure textbook wickedness. Dean Lennox Kelly did a marvellous turn as Shakespeare, giving him the characteristics of some medieval rock star.
Oh, for the word hounds among you - William Shakespeare is revealed to be an anagram of "I help a Master awake"
Apologies if that's a spoiler.
Martha My Dear further banishes thoughts of Rose from my head (until we get reminded of her again that is). I like the way Martha continues to question the big issues of time travel and suchlike, and the Doctor helpfully explaining using Back To The Future as a guide.
Freema also showed very believable wonder at stepping out into history.
While David Tennant again put himself up there with the best of the Docs.
And how cool was it to see Super Hans locked in Bedlam? I was almost expecting him to start ranting about people liking Coldplay.
Terrific stuff.
from
The Handsome 12th Doctor
PS – Was there a Saxon reference in there that I missed?
PPS – Ok, so that Shakespeare anagram wasn't right. You believed it for a second though didn't you?
Sent you a couple of reviews in last season when I felt the eps were deserving and have to say that by the second episode this year I already have the urge to put quill to parchment!
So forget the Dan Brown-ish title (though it does make a weird kind of sense!) - this is a story set seriously back in the day. 1599 to be precise. And if there's one thing the BBC can do in spades then it's period drama. And this has got to be a contender for the best dressed set yet. Taking in the actual Globe theatre itself via the streets of Warwick we get as true a sense of Shakespeare's times as it's possible to get, all viewed through the new-to-time-travel eyes of one Martha Jones. Who is fantastic BTW. A real breath of fresh air after (the still much loved) Rose Tyler. Her stamp on the whole piece is a new intelligence. From questioning the nature of paradox to bringing up the (rereshingly not swept under the carpet) treatment of black culture back in the day she's a revelation. And still carrying a pretty big torch for the Doc as she goes. One that the man himself remains blind to for now. The dope!
So anyway. Shakespeare. Well he's a genius, 'natch. And ripe for exploitation by a trio of witches. Or Carrionites, as the non-magic loving, rationale seeking producers would have you believe (Doctor Who always being one for the de-bunking of magic - despite the numerous and hilarious Harry Potter references!). The playing of The Bard as Rock Star is inspired. Not only that, we're treated to a raft of in jokes as the Doctor lets slip a volley of quotes that Our William eagerly seizes upon. The two have met before of course in Who history - but this is the first time from a linear sense of time that Will has come across the Doctor and the sense of playfullness between them is apparent. But also the pathos as Shakespeare reveals the loss of his son - though quickly turned into literary opportunity: "To be or not to be..."
The whole piece has a sense of drama to it as the fabled lost play "Love's Labours Won" merges with the intriguing use of words as opposed to maths to create an Elizabethan apocalypse to be thwarted by the triumvirate of Doctor, Martha and Shakespeare. And the use of wordplay is not just restricted to Shakespeare. Gareth Roberts has conjured up a screenplay that matches the best of the modern era, not just in wit, but also characterisation, from the lovestruck Martha to the lustful Bard to the indifferent Timelord. Truly this stands up to be one of the best Who's in ages.
The coda too has some brilliantly inspired moments, from the ripping off of Shakespearean names being validated, to the second instance of events past having happened in the Doctor's future. In fact the second episode in a row to pull such a trick. Perhaps a pattern is emerging for this season?
Who knows...
If you use this call me "Napier."
Cheers!
This week the Doctor and Martha travel back in time when witches were real and the Bard still lives. While not the best outing for “Doctor Who” it was certainly a fun one. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare then you will certainly
find all the in jokes and references clever and funny. However, if you saw the film “Shakespeare In Love” you might find it a bit dull.
This episode borrow heavily from the afore mentioned film, but still keeps an air of humor and levity by introducing some witches, well, they’re not really witches but aliens who look like the archetype witch we all know from
Halloween and our love lives.
The Doctor of course know who they are, or at least susses it out quick enough and we discover that they are aliens trying to get into this world, they use words or spells like we use math and science, and they have enchanted Shakespeare to write those words and have his troupe perform them in the lost sequel to “Love’s Labours Lost” called simply enough, “Love’s Labours Won”. Of course the Doctor and Martha try and intervene and stop the aliens, all the while Shakespeare tries to woo the lovely Dr.
Jones.
While I have a few quibbles with this episode and a trend the show is taking in general, I want to point out the amazing work The Mill has done in making the old Globe theater come back to life. Both on the outside and inside it looked wonderful and great to see it displayed so well, along with some amazing backdrops and cityscapes of that era.
Now to my quibbles, the writers are talking way too much about Rose, she’s gone, get over it, even if the Doctor loved her, they never talked this much about Adric, and the Doctor killed him. So enough with Rose talk.
Second, stop with the pop culture references, when a companion does it, it’s fine, but when the Doctor talks about “Back To The Future” and “Harry Potter” like they are on his DVD shelf, it’s just stupid. There was a time
when the Doctor could explain things without using pop rferences. That time needs to return. We don’t mind a bit of technobabble but when your talking about the TARDIS and time travel and you have to mention Marty McFly for anyone to get it, well, you’ve lost me.
Overall, it was a good show, but not a great one. While I know we don’t really leave Earth much this season, it would be nice for them to leave some of the pop references back in the TARDIS.
Just my 2¢
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+ Expand All
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Otherwise he never would've gotten his second play. Shame on Dr. Who for not paying attention to Sandman canon! ;)
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And where the hell is Sarah Jane Adventures???
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Bloody good show.
I like these historical Who episodes and Shakespeare with Witches worked great.
Great acting, story and production values. -
On Friday I watched CHILDREN OF MEN on DVD and on Saturday I saw SUNSHINE and DOCTOR WHO. What a fabulous combination. This week's episode was ok, but I didn't enjoy it as much as last week. The Doctor using Shakespearean quotations followed by the Bard saying "I'll use that" was a tad overused. And I agree that the Doctor shouldn't use pop cultural references so much. Fine if a companion does it, but the Doctor making such allusions makes him seem less alien and so a little less intriguing. Overall a fun episode if purely standard as new WHO goes. 3 stars from me.
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Some great special effect moments considering the budget restraints. Yes, the whole Shakespeare coming up with quotes from from his plays has been done loads of times before now but it was still fun to watch. I thought the popular culture references were well done myself. Martha Jones:'This is all a bit Harry Potter ain't it' The Doctor:'Wait till you read the seventh one. I cried my eyes out'. They even shoehorned in an Expeliarmous too! The writing zipped along nicely, they had a sexy villainess and Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones) what can you say other than you so would if you could....
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If you remember in the first episode of series 1 the Doctor picks up a book in Rose's flat (I do believe it was 'The Lovely Bones', soon to be turned into a movie by Peter Jackson) he seems to read the whole book in two seconds like Johnny Five, so it's not a stretch to suggest he did this sometime with the last Harry Potter book. The episode itself was a bit stupid in places, but saved by the beautiful actress playing the main witch and the recreation of 1599. Shakespeare himself was a bit underwhelming. He didn't have anything to do in the episode apart from stealing things the Doctor said for future plays.
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Watching characters inspire Shakespearean quotes may be fun to watch once, twice or (at a push) three times. But after four or five variations on the same joke in one episode I felt that it was wearing a little thin. I don't mind the pop culture references too much as long as they aren't shoehorned into every other episode. If it started to get like SHREK in that regard it would really annoy me.
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I think Wills body will be used by the new Master.
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Dom was a fun guy too.
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Pooley and O'Malley would make fine foils for the doctors wit. Of course Norman has travelled in time, so he can speak from experience.
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Somebody hurry and hook a geek up...
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It was pretty enjoyable, though I do have to say that I enjoyed Charles Dickens' appearance in the first season more than this. That's saying quite a bit, considering I _loathe_ Dickens' writing. I don't think it's the actor's fault though...he seemed to do a fine job in the role. The script just wasn't quite as good as the one for "The Unquiet Dead."Wow, I just started playing "The Unquiet Dead" to refresh myself. I'd forgotten how awesome Eccleston was. I'd _love_ to see Eccleston's Doctor meet Agyeman's Martha Jones. How about it, RTD? Can we get a "Two Doctors" episode with Tennant, Eccleston, Agyeman, and possibly Barrowman and Piper in the Fourth Season?Back to the episode though...I loved the response from the Queen at the end. I also agree with everyone else here...tone done the pop culture references, mmkay?
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This was definitely the best episode yet for the revived series. The humor was right in place, each joke was well delivered and appropriate. Martha is already a much better companion than Rose, bring a lot of personality to the role, and the interplay between the two is really neat. And the storyline itself was very well crafted, using many aspects, including the structure of the Globe Theater, in fitting with the witches' plans. And Shakespeare constantly planning on using the Doctor's lines and whatnot, great stuff. This season's looking great so far.
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be trying to court ms. rowling into letting them create a spin-off potter series?
aside from that, excellent episode, next week's reeks of fifth element visually, and even has a hitchiker refernce.
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but not quite as good as last week's. The Potter references were a little overdone, certain jokes were overused and the ending felt a little rushed. Still there were loads of little things to enjoy in this episode.
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I like this week's episode but I have to say that I've grown quite tired of the 45 or so minute long episodes. They simply aren't long enough in many cases. In the old days when the Doctor got a new companion we would have gotten at least 15 minutes of introduction and getting to know you between the Doctor and the companion and in this episode we got maybe 3. There would have been a lot more room for character development than we are getting here. Sure it is fine, but it hurts the stories from time to time.
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Dammit, people...I had to wait a whole DAY to see "Smith and Jones" and there's still no posting for "The Shakespeare Code." Stop playing WORLD OF WARCRACK and fetch me my DOCTOR WHO before I unleash my unholy minions of...um....unholiness.
Ah, well. Good thing someone's posted the first animated episode from TOTALLY DOCTOR WHO. You'd think Herc would have been all over that since Giles is in it...
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If you're willing to watch it "illegally", just get a Torrent client and download it that way. It's far higher quality, and it's a copy that you can keep locally until the DVD sets are released, or Sci-Fi decides to air the episode.
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Martha's character mentioned in this episode the perils of time travel in terms of what might happen if a time traveler stepped on a butterfly causing damage to the future (disrupting evolution). That of course referenced the Ray Bradbury story "A Sound of Thunder". Christina Cole - who was the lead witch in this episode - used to star on the British series *Hex* (also about witchcraft with her character being a witch of sorts) alongside actress Jemima Rooper (hot lesbian ghost sidekick). Jemima Rooper starred in the movie version of *A Sound of Thunder* a couple of years back. Where's my famous no-prize?
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All the talk about ancient magic and the power of names was very close to Angle season 4 when they kill Jasmine.
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I hope that the download link provided by an earlier poster will be removed soon. Pointing out the existence of torrents/uploaded files/youtube videos is fine but I feel that AICN is not the place to provide links to such material. I admit that I have downloaded TV shows in the past and will probably do so again. I do not believe that downloading and watching TV shows in this manner is wrong per se. But it has been frowned on at AICN in the past and, as guests, we should respect these boundaries. So blame me if and when the link is removed, but I hope that it would have gone even if I hadn't pointed it out.
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What a great episode!
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The idea goes back much, much longer.
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Names as power is an old idea. It's a big feature in the Neil Gaiman Books of Magic stuff. Which is also Harry Potter version 1.0.
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Now before I get bombarded with geek hate I just want to say I like the idea of the revamped Dr Who and don't mind the actors they've got on board. I also like most of the production values, even though most of it revolves around CGI monsters. But what I hate is a lame plot and an ill-thought out story. Also, how come wherever the Doc and his side-kick go, whether it be 400 years ago or in the future, everyone speaks as if they're living on the 21st Century housing estate? Originally, Dr Who was meant to be part educational-part entertainment. Not anymore. History's thrown out of the window in favour of a few modern smart alec comments and dialogue that wouldn't fit nor make sense in the period inwhich it's set. Most of us understand that the English language has changed and words have taken on new meanings. Basically, when the Doctor opens his mouth or his assistant utters a single word they'd be looked upon as unitelligable. In fact, they'd probably be burnt at the stake within minutes of stepping out of the TARDIS door!! The whole series is pretty much like that. In fact the only thing I really like about the new Who's are the Daleks. Trouble is I have to sit through so much drek to get to the Daleks I begin to lose my patience. Anyway, thought all these reviews were overated and the show was a clanger. Don't believe anyone who tells you it was a good episode... it wasn't.
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That is all.
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because of the Tardis and it also translates what the doctor & companion say doesn't it. Also why is football wrong
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Apparently you missed all that about the TARDIS translating ANY language, even Victorian English, into something the Doctor and his companion(s) can understand, and vice-versa. --- Martha Jones is dead sexy, and makes me forget all about Rose. Excellent costuming choice giving her tight jeans to accent her gorgeous ass! Bravo! --- This episode was excellent, the literary references were cute, and the final JK Rowling reference was quite funny. Five stars from me. --- Please let the Doctor and Martha go to a world where people (particularly sexy dusky-skinned companions) are expected to wear as little clothing as possible...
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If the calibre of the first two episodes is reflective of the new series as a whole then we are in for a treat. Witty, scary and fun ie. Doctor Who as it should be. And Christina Cole...damn she's a hot one. I should watch 'Hex'.
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I keep hearing about this arch nemesis the Master, and I'm kind of surprised he/she/it hasn't surfaced yet since the show started. Also, who do you have to beat to a pulp to arrange for Tom Baker to guest star?
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...pops up towards the end of the current series.
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My apologies, it will not happen again. Sorry.
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In case any of RTD's fairy-folk are reading:
1) 1st Multiple doctor episode should be: current doctor meeting (young) dorky version of 1st doctor just after fleeing from Gallifrey
2) 2nd Multiple doctor episode should be arc involving fractured past timelines, and have old, old Tom Baker (never killed by Master), and 2nd & 3rd doctors played by sons of originals, etc, etc -
Martha was again very good. I hope this was the last referece to Rose in this series. I also hope the rest of the writers show some restraint when it comes to references.
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I liked Rose. Just because Martha is good, doesn't mean Rose was rubbish, or should be forgotten. Given all the build-up over the Rose/Doctor relationship in the prior two seasons, it would be very odd if the Doctor forgot her immediately.
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but she didn't grow and displayed such shockingly selfish behavior in the 2nd series and as time went on, she displayed such little reguard for abandoning her mother or abandoning Mickey AND causing him to be the local town murder suspect. She left a very bad taste in my mouth, and if you read some series 2 talkbacks, you'll see I wasn't the only one. I'd like to forget the bad taste and move forward.I'd also like to clarifiy that my use of the word "references" in the previous post meant references to outside work like Shakespear, Spock, Back to the Future, etc., rather than just references to Rose.
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But the witch make-up was indeed shite.
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Not everything on TV has to refer to the Buffyverse -- there actually WERE some concepts out there before Whedon spewed anything out, and yeah, most of what he did spew out was gleaned from other sources (like traditional witchcraft, Shakespeare, etc.). That said, I loved this DW episode and have to laugh at all the people herein who are dissing it -- it's so cool to be contrary, isn't it, fanboys? It could have been the greatest TV episode ever written and some nerd on this board would crap all over it. Anyway, Maetha rules, Tennant is getting better all the time, and the little geek references were hilarious. You people have no joy in your withered souls.
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Why would Doctor Who be so happy to give plugs to J K Rowling? Surprised noone's mentioned the obvious - David Tennant played one of the main villains in the film of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. It's worth watching out for if you see it again - he can use his manicness for evil as well as good.
Am secretly hoping the Tardis will pop up in Manchester in 1973 and that the Doctor and Martha will have to help an increasingly confused Sam Tyler and Gene Hunt. ("My name is the Doctor. I got into a Tardis and now I'm back in 1973. Am I mad, in a coma or a time lord? Whatever's happened I feel like I've landed on another planet..."). Only, of course, that would complicate things further what with the much anticipated arrival of Sam Tyler / John Simm as The Master / Mr Saxon later on in the series... -
towards the end, when the identity of the Mysterious mr Saxon is finally revealed.
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First of all, Herc, why do you insist on referring to it as season 29? All official documentation, DVD covers, production notes, EVERYTHING, refers to it as "series three". It's a NEW series, by a NEW production team, produced by a DIFFERENT part of the BBC. Yes, it's in-continuity, but it's essentially to the original series what Star Trek : TNG was to that show's original series. Stop trying to make yourself sound smart by calling the episodes "29.2" and whatnot - pedantry only works if you're correct, and in this instance, you're completely at odds with the people ACTUALLY MAKING THE SHOW.
>"ANY language, even Victorian English"
I'm assuming you mean Elizabethan English, since Victorian English dates from the 19th century, and is hardly that different to the dialects that are in existence now! And in fact, even in the 16-17th century, language wasn't that different! The people who complain about the slightly "modernised" speech seem to be missing something here - it's called ARTISTIC LICENSE.
>"History's thrown out of the window in favour of a few modern smart alec comments and dialogue that wouldn't fit nor make sense in the period inwhich it's set."
If you knew anything about Shakespeare, you'd know that his portrayal in that episode - Manc accent and modern affectations aside - was actually quite consistent with what is known about him in his earlier years.
>"next week's reeks of fifth element visually, and even has a hitchiker refernce."
I don't think that's a H2G2 reference (we have already had one, after all) - I think he was just referring to him as, you know, a hitchhiker.
>"And where the hell is Sarah Jane Adventures???"
On its way! Be patient! It's being worked on at the moment, it's not like RTD and co are able to commit to three series at once. It will also kick Torchwood's arse. -
Where was the Mr Saxon reference again?
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Okay, I know it's going to be impossible to be COMPLETELY unspoiled about this season, but I AM trying... and to further my aims, I shall HAVE to stay away from further reviews. Oh, by the way, thanks, you fucking fucktard fuckwad.
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I didn't see any spoilers in the reviews that warranted getting that angry about. Which got you so mad? Not the Shakespeare anagram surely? That was just a joke.
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thing. It should be noted that there was speculation the Master would show up in series 2 as well, and that RTD says he doesn't like the Master and isn't interested in him. It was also speculated that Davros would be in the series 2 finale...oh, and that he would be in the series 1 finale too. With all that said, all signs still point to the Master appearing this season, as well as some other classic villians I won't mention because I don't want to be called a fucking fucktard fuckwad for discussing Doctor Who in a Doctor Who talkback.
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If you really, really want to avoid spoilers, best advice is to stay away from anything that could have them. Including reviews, and these talkbacks.
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his NA books had a lot more imagination. Still a great ep, tho.
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First of all, the 1st two episodes of the new season have been pretty good. Not last season's finale, or Satan Pit/Mysterious Planet good, but not too bad. The Judoon from Smith and Jones were too similar(armor and helmet-wise) to Sontarrans. Would have probably gone with an update of that classic race. Thankfully, Russell didn't hit us with too much modern-day soap/Coupling/Friends content like he did with Runaway Bride. We did get away from Earth...sort of, but maybe that will change in future seasons. As for the latest outing, I largely enjoyed it. Not as good as the Dickens episode from season 1, but okay. One problem for me (particularly in Davies' episodes, and in some others) is the over-use of pop culture references. This sort of thing works well in Free Enterprise, or the Kevin Smith movies, but seems too out of place in Doctor Who. And, while I'm at it, the occasional sexual references, etc. just don't gel for me. I know I'll be accused of being a prude, or a gay basher, and that couldn't be farther from the truth. I have listened to some of the nastiest stand-up comics for years, love South Park, and have NO problems with the homosexual community. Sometimes, it seems like the show has become an occasional political and sexual agenda platform. That content in other venues is fine whether you agree, or not. I just don't care for it in Doctor Who, despite the fact that they have to make the show palatable to newer audiences. That said, I think Russell has captured some of the old program's spirit, on a deeper emotional level. Should probably(like G. Lucas)stay away from the writing as much(short of his good season finale ep's and Tooth and Claw). Well, I've rambled enough. Just my thoughts about the new show. I'm an old fan going back to 1983-1984, and the new series has largely pleased me. With a little tinkering, it could be perfection.
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Someone stated "The Tardis translates whatever the doctor & companion say into the language they come across and vice versa"... Well, how come Shakespears' plays weren't translated into modern English then? I sniff a huge flaw here!! Besides it's a real cheap cop out. I suppose the Tardis distorts what they're wearing also? I still think it was a weak episode, and I much prefer it when the Daleks come into it.. or the Cybermen for that matter.
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supposed to be shite. That's half the fun. The crappy latex monster suit or seeing the set wobble... where's everyone's sense of fun these days?! DW these days IS a kids program though... back when I was cutting my teeth on Tom Baker, it felt like an adult's program we were allowed to watch. Much better back then, eh.
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