Bravo!! I'll say!!, the Doctor AND a good story!! I have very little to criticise in this most taut & tense of thrillers. Graeme Harper has delivered his finest directorial piece since 'Caves Of Androzani' & that's saying something because his work is always solid at the very least.
I was absolutely stunned at the intensity of Tennant's performance, particularly when he was infected & had to be frozen to -200 degrees. For the first time in the Tennant era he seemed genuinely scared & genuinely in danger. "Martha!...I'm scared" ... David!...I believe you!! Martha put in her best knock thus far as well. What a team it seems we well have to cherish.
The special effects were first rate & I'm delighted to say that we finally have another 'fetishistic gesture' from an iconic Dr Who creation to add to the grand pantheon; Silurian wobbling it's head light... Sontaron taking off its helmet ... Cardinal Borusa arching his eyebrow...now...Red mask creature lifting it's visor & smouldering at its victim. Fantastic! Shame it's a bit close in looks to the 'Empty Child' mask design, but I'll still gladly take it & run away with it to the secret cave where I keep my 'Dr Who precious'!!
The guest cast were uniformly good. The leader was a touch wooden at times, but I feel harsh saying that because she was really more than competent. Riley was it? the guy who was stuck in the escape pod with Martha? Oh my giddy aunt! I would like about an hour with him & the boyfriend kidnapper from 'Gridlock'...no questions asked. Actually, the first victim from '42', the leader's hubby/ boyfriend? can come along too. That'll make four..tag teams..wuundanoogoo!
As the Co-Pilot noted, it was absolutely 'Planet of Evil 2007' (sounds like a sexy dance party actually). Wonderful that the homage/ tip of the hat was inspired & scary. It could have been 'Rose' tainting the Auton legacy all over again, but mercifully it wasn't. I was riveted. Even 'Muzza' Gold managed not to raise the 'BBC Horny Dalek Baritone Men's Choir' fader for minutes at a time. In fact, the score had me in mind of the 'Five Doctors' at times, which is never a bad thing & the silences were truly symphonic!
What a precious little gem this is! & it's only the beginning of the glory road home! I haven't been this excited since 'Doctor Dances', ok, maybe 'Bad Wolf' if you must push me, ok ok, maybe about 3 minutes of 'Army Of Ghosts/ Doomsday' damn you!. Anyway, fab little sweeties, just fab!!!!
Cardinal Borusa minced it best when he waxed through pursed lips;
"Oh Doctor!...9 out of 10"
Love, Lucozer.
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