2005 replies to this topic

[Royal Dalton]

Legend has it, she was also rather fond of Jon Pertwee's plunger...

[Peaceful]

Anyone wanna give me a report on The Beast Below?? It's annoying being in Australia with insomnia at 4am, wanting WhoGoss. Can't wait to move back to London!

[DamnCoffee]

Probably one of Moffats weaker episodes. It was enjoyable, but not in-depth enough. I wouldn't of minded finding out more about the Smilers, criminally underused, if you ask me.

Saying that though, I really do think we're in for the best Dalek episode ever...

[danslittlefinger]

Anything with the Daleks is brilliant. But I thought they were not going to be used anymore?
The Last Dalek episode with Tennant was the most moving thing I'd ever seen. You know the one.

[Royal Dalton]

It was alright, if nothing special. More of a slow burner than the first episode.

Think: Star Wars + The Demon Headmaster + Sophie Okonedo + Pinocchio + The Song of the Space Whale, etc.

Saying that though, I really do think we're in for the best Dalek episode ever...

Well, it'll certainly be the best knock-off of The Power of the Daleks, anyway.

[Lachesis]

I enjoyed 'The beast below' tremendously it had a nice air of mystery, allowed the viewer to join the Doctors road of discovery (very rare in new Who) and managed to deliver a nice emotional edge without those heavy handed emo-RTD mechanisms.

I dont share overt enthusiasm for Dalek episodes, they are just as hit and miss as other stories imo but the theme of 'Power of the Daleks' which seems to be unashamedly revisitied here is worthy of a double dip and the 'I am your Soldier' cry is nice throwback to whet the appetite ^^.

[sharpshooter]

Probably one of Moffats weaker episodes. It was enjoyable, but not in-depth enough.

Agreed.

Highlight of the episode for me? Smith getting angry and stating how Amy is "only human".

[Sniperscope]

Probably one of Moffats weaker episodes. It was enjoyable, but not in-depth enough.

Agreed.

Highlight of the episode for me? Smith getting angry and stating how Amy is "only human".

I've got pretty mixed feelings about this episode: theres a lot of unexplained & ill-conceived ideas.
Everyone in the world had left the earth, except for the English??? Why? Did they think the entire human race was overreacting to a bit of unseasonal sunshine or were they all just gleefully indulging in the awesome & free Costa del Sol holiday to end all holidays while all those foreigners buggered off from their beach?! Douglas Adams couldn't have written a better parody, but for Moffat this is serious drama!
I'm already tired of Scottish separatism that's been referenced now in both TEH and this episode.
The fact that for centuries political dissidents have been fed to a monster and kids are used as slaves is glossed over a bit in the wash-up & for this there is no direct retribution other than mournful looks. The nature of the society depicted in the spaceship, which could have been a fascinating dystopia (a la PARADISE TOWERS or HAPPINESS PATROL), instead is only superficially explored and there is the the lack of a well-considered resolution - will it all be business as usual with the Smilers once the Doctor has gone? Who knows? Who cares!
How does anyone "forget"? Hypnotic suggestion? Brainwash? Chemicals? Magic? It's never even hinted at - although Amy obviously went through the process or else how could she be surprised at seeing a recording of herself that presumably had been made seconds before pushing the "Forget" button. (Leaving aside the monumental serendipity of a huge "Record" button in what amounts to a Re-education centre...)
And why does everyone stand around at the end while the Doctor and Amy do their thing? It happened last week in TEH and has been part of a recurring directorial constipation in NuWho with static, overly talky denouement scenes that rely largely on flicking a few switches (as spectacularly evident in the conclusion to JOURNEY'S END).

However Matt Smith was excellent and I am so glad they have brought back the alien disdain of the Doctor when faced with the excesses of humanity and I really liked his line about their escape lacking dignity before straightening his tie. Very funny!
The set design was excellent - a lot of thought went into its WW2/1950s London look and the Smilers looked great. The graphic design was top notch with computer monitors forming union jacks, a lift monitor that looked like the old tv test pattern and interesting little posters in the backgrounds.

Daleks next week. Looks good...

Edited by Sniperscope, 14 April 2010 - 05:31 AM.

[DamnCoffee]

Probably one of Moffats weaker episodes. It was enjoyable, but not in-depth enough.

Agreed.

Highlight of the episode for me? Smith getting angry and stating how Amy is "only human".

Oh, I loved that. Eleven getting angry was brilliant.

I think he's going to be one of my favourite Doctors. I just love how he says..

"I have defeated you time and time again; I saved the whole of reality from you. I am the Doctor! AND YOU ARE THE DALEKS!"

...in the Victory of the Dalekss teaser. Honestly, I can't stress how much that line gave me goosebumps.

[Tybre]

Have to say, I quite enjoyed it. I can see where people would think it's one of the Moff's weaker episodes, but I'd have to disagree on that count.

[sharpshooter]

Watched it again and I like it a lot more second time around.

I like how it connected to The Doctor’s psyche, like most Moffat stories do. The connection Amy made to The Doctor and the Star Whale - both being old, lonely and kind. How unlike the voters in the episode, The Doctor can’t just push a button and forget what he has seen and done, namely The Time War. How The Doctor didn’t answer when Amy asked if he was a father.

As has been said, it was more of a slow burner compared to last week, but I think the episode again had good pace and flow. There's not much I'd change about it. Smith’s performance was again brilliant and I do feel he will become a favorite.

I think this is the best start to any new Doctor Who season. The lead in to next week's Dalek episode was handled well and that looks solid too.

[DamnCoffee]

Interesting Sharpy. I somehow enjoyed this second time round as well. I just wish we could find out more about the Smilers though, they seemed really interesting. I was looking forward to seeing him since I saw the trailer, and I feel that they were just a bit of a let-down.

I made a next time trailer, if you're interested. Since we didn't get one for it. They just showed an extended coming soon trailer after The Eleventh Hour.

[danslittlefinger]

Q: In the 'Claws of Axos", why did the Head Axonian (the huge eye) want to get the secret of Time Travel from The Doctor?
They had The Master as a prisoner for pete's sake.
Sorry if it's a dim question but I just re-watched it and it makes no sense (as if any of them do but that's besides the point.)

[Harry Fawkes]

Well, I must say that the producers of DW have done an excellent job. The new series is fresh and Matt Smith and Amy are great (I love Miss Pond). As for the music, isn't the new theme just yummy?

Well, all in all, I give the series 10 out of 10 so far and can't wait for Saturday!

HF

[DamnCoffee]

I wasn't sure about the theme at first, but it's grown on me. I hate the new title sequence though, but at least it's something fresh. I found the old one generic.

[Harry Fawkes]

Oh, yeah, by the way and before I jump into bed, did I mention I adore Ms Pond. Wow and wow!!! She is out for my heart. I thought Rose was great but our brand new DW companion is simply faaaantastic.

[Zorin Industries]

Curious little nod to THE IDIOT'S LANTERN in THE BEAST BELOW too...? The "Magpie Electricals" signage...? And why would that already defunct TV shop in the 1950's become a company with a big presence in the 29th Century?

Just putting that one out there...

And RIVER SONG....what might a smaller offspring of a river be called...? A POND perhaps?

Just putting that one out there too...!

[Head of S]

Curious little nod to THE IDIOT'S LANTERN in THE BEAST BELOW too...? The "Magpie Electricals" signage...? And why would that already defunct TV shop in the 1950's become a company with a big presence in the 29th Century?

Just putting that one out there...

And RIVER SONG....what might a smaller offspring of a river be called...? A POND perhaps?

Just putting that one out there too...!

The 'Magpie Electricals' logo is also on the back of the monitor in the TARDIS. Maybe it's relevant, maybe it's just an in-joke, maybe it's a red herring - Who knows? 'The Idiot's Lantern' was written by Mark Gatiss who writes this Saturday's 'Victory Of The Daleks'.

[marktmurphy]

Is the next episode worth watching?



End of discussion.

[jrcjohnny99]

Hi guys
recently I bought a large collection of Dr Who memorabilia;
obviously I kept a bunch of stuff for myself, but I have boxes of additional items that I'm now selling; these are all vintage items from the late 70s/early 80s.
Here's the link
http://shop.ebay.com...johnny99/m.html?

cheers

Johnny

[Lachesis]

Dr Who is on at 8.25pm...8.25...what are the BBC playing at, screw the football.....grrr sadly I am going out so wont get to see it till tomorrow now.....this makes mongo maddddd!

[DamnCoffee]

It's on BBCHD at 8:25.

It's on BBCOne in 3minutes...

[Lachesis]

It's on BBCHD at 8:25.

It's on BBCOne in 3minutes...

Oh well ...errr....hmmm..<shuffles around embarassed>...well I want to watch it in HD so I shall reserve the right to continue and be mad (but thanks for the heads up which i read too late ^^).

[DamnCoffee]

That was possibly the best Dalek episode I've ever seen. Some great moments, but quite vague. It would've been a lot better as a two-parter. Ah well, it was enjoyable. Brilliant to see a really REALLY angry 11 as well.

[Royal Dalton]

It was: The Power of the Daleks + The Evil of the Daleks + Alien + Spitfires in space + The theme from The Long Good Friday.

It was well made, but the story was too rushed. Which has always been a problem with these single 45-minute episodes. All Doctor Who stories should be two-parters, as far as I'm concerned.

Oh, and the new Daleks look crap.

[Tybre]

Anyone know if the Amazing Technicolor Daleks are a deliberate nod to the Cushing films or it's all just coincidence? Either way I have to say I do quite like the ATDs. Although it is going to be a bit hard to take a vibrant yellow Dalek seriously...

[DamnCoffee]

Anyone know if the Amazing Technicolor Daleks are a deliberate nod to the Cushing films or it's all just coincidence?

It was a nod, Gatiss confirmed it in confidential.

[Tybre]

So, finally actually seen the episode proper instead of just snippets. Still quite solid, though I do agree with what seems to have been the consensus amongst most that it felt a bit rushed in the early phases. Definitely could've stood by some more docile Daleks before the whole testimony bit, although I wouldn't be surprised there had been more of that in the script, which of course had to be cut due to time constraints. Like I said though, all in all a good outing. Next week should be really interesting, seeing as the trailer includes clips from what was apparently the first scenes they shot. Curious as to how Smith on Day 1 compares to Smith of Sept/Oct or whenever it was they were filming The Eleventh Hour. Sure he'll still be brilliant, regardless.

[marktmurphy]

Bit rushed but fun. Not at all sold on the new Daleks.

[DamnCoffee]

I'm still waiting for a Pink one to pop up in the season finale.