This is the UK, a flat space colony which sits on the back of a giant star whale floating through space.
All I’m saying it, if they ever go back here the Doctor better be wearing a hat saying he’s a Wizzard.
Not much to be said about the episode that hasn’t been already said on Twitter – I thought the episode was very unsubtle in it’s points and subtext, but the messages about political choice were fun nonetheless – especially “Every five years, you choose to forget.”
Our Inverness girl Amy was lovely as the assistant, she really starred in this episode and currently has a good relationship going on with the Doctor that’s just childishly innocent enough to nod back to how they met.
It was also great seeing Matt’s take on the Doctor when his personality becomes less human and more Timelord. When the Doctor distances himself from humans is always some of my favorite parts, whether he’s talking about how powerful he is, his past, what all he’s done in his time, and even when he’s simply giving the aliens a point of view. It’s these moments that give the Doctor his flair as a unique character – he isn’t human, and if he’s always acting like one he loses a lot of what makes him the Doctor. In the last two episodes particularly he seems to be having trouble keeping his usual level of respect towards humans, though after this episode that will probably slacken off a bit.
Personally, though, I think Matt needs a bit more practice at conveying emotional intensity. When he spoke about what he was going to have to do to this episodes alien, the dialogue was perfect but the delivery fell a little flat. I think it’s because I’m used to Nine and Ten, who could suddenly switch to serious dialogue with some big clues in their body language and tone.
Liz 10 was a fantastic character for the first half of the episode, but she lost her brilliance quickly as soon as they got into the tower. I was half-hoping the mask would mean she was half-Smiler and the mystery as to what was going on with them would deepen, but it was glossed over instead. It was fun while it lasted.
This episode is a lot more enjoyable after the Discworld connection was made, though, so thanks to Hannah for pointing it out. You can check out her blog over here.
The next episode is the one I’m really excited about though, despite it’s weird and wonderful concept. Stereotypically British Daleks spouting lines that were tailor-made for me to love. I’ll be counting the minutes. I hope one of them has a top-hat and monocle, c’mon Moffat!