Archive for July, 2010

Doctor Who Series 5 Episode 7: Amy’s Choice

Posted: July 24, 2010 by datechguy in doctor who
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We get a very offbeat episode with Amy’s Choice We get two realities and have to choose from, choose wrong and you die.

The entire episode is about a choice between the quiet life that Rory wants for him and Amy and adventures in the Tardis. In those terms it is a really interesting dynamic again the clash between the Doctor & Amy for her attention, thus Amy’s Choice.

The Character of the Dream Lord is really good and is played fantastically well by Toby Jones. His scenes with both the Doctor and Amy are classic and his line to Rory “Well that’s one delusion I’m not responsible for.” is awesome.

The final decision is left to Amy revealing a lot more of herself than she thought. I didn’t like the explanation who the Dreamlord was, kind of a cop-out but with that exception there is very little to complain about. For some it might not be their cup of tea.

Rating **** 1/2

Last Episode: Vampires of Venice

Next Episode : The Hungry Earth

Doctor Who Series 5 Episode 6: The Vampires of Venice

Posted: July 24, 2010 by datechguy in doctor who
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Considering the Vampire Craze it was inevitable that we would have a vampire episode in Doctor who.

Way back in Season 18 (Tom Baker era) it was established that there was a war between the Time Lords and the “minions of the great one” (vampires) so for us old timers this was no surprise, but there question is, are these Vampires stalking Venice of 1580 or is something worse going on?

Around this conundrum we have Rory Williams. Introduced in episode 1 we found out last episode that he was the person Amy was due to marry the night she took off with the Doctor. The time lord decides that what is necessary is to take Rory along so they can have a “date” together, so its off to Venice and the tension begins.

More important and interesting than the actual adventure is the clash between Rory and Amy and Rory and the Doctor. There is plenty of humor in this episode from cakes to Library cards.

The Doctor's Library card via the Doctor Who Wiki

Rory in a lot of ways represents, we; the geeks who watch the show, and the people who are left behind. Unfortunately the resolution is a little weak and some of the logic is so so. (Yes I’ll risk the irreplaceable members of the group when I have 10,000 others to choose from. I guess even blue blood is thick than water)

Matt Smith’s confrontation scene with Rosanna Calvierri is a real high point in terms of drama and range. It is here where we get a glimpse of the fury of a time lord that we saw a lot of in the past 5 years.

The strengths outnumber the weaknesses and the introduction of Rory as a semi regular holds great potential, but I expected a better ending.

Rating ****

Last Episode: Flesh and Stone

Next Episode: Amy’s Choice

Doctor Who Series 5 Episode 5: Flesh and Stone

Posted: July 24, 2010 by datechguy in doctor who
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Flesh and Stone starts with a quick resolution to the amazing cliffhanger of Time of the Angels and it has it all. Action, Comedy (some of the funniest moments of the season are here) drama, a touch of sex and of course comfy chairs.

One can’t overstate how well Kingston and Smith work together here, Karen Gillian (remember her) however carries off an important role and everything here works brilliantly.

Be aware that an important plot twist takes place that you might miss if you aren’t careful.

Not counting the premiere this was the best episode of the run to this point.

Rating *****

Last episode Time of the Angels

Next Episode Vampires of Venice

Doctor Who Series 5 Episode 4: Time of the Angels

Posted: July 24, 2010 by datechguy in doctor who
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The time of the Angels brings back two of the most interesting characters from the 10th Doctor’s time both created by Stephen Moffat. The first being River Song Played by Alex Kingston from Silence in the Library and the second the Weeping angels from Blink.

Alex Kingston has a lot of fun with this role (and will have a lot more later in the season), the interaction with the Doctor really works. Considering that in real life Kingston is old enough to be Matt Smith’s mother although on camera he is centuries older (I say millennia as I’m an audio fan and the doctor lies 903 is way too low) than her, there is real chemistry here, and there will be more to come.The tweaking of the Angels is acceptable and the cliff hanger at the end of this first of a two part episode really works.

After seeing this episode you won’t be able to wait for the next one, and lucky for you you don’t have to.

Rating **** 1/2

Last episode: The Victory of the Daleks

Next Episode: Flesh and Stone

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