Jun 072010
 

I’m starting with my thoughts on this week’s Doctor Who episode “Vincent and The Doctor” and working backward. Call it a timey-wimey privilege. First off, I’d like to say that I recently made it dry-eyed through two very moving awards ceremonies and a touching graduation ceremony; what I did not make it dry-eyed through was this episode. I was vaguely familiar with the life of Vincent van Gogh, and though the show may have taken liberties with the portrayal of his daily life, I was floored by my own reaction to the episode. The writing, the visuals, and the excellent, excellent acting were beyond anything I expected from this one. I appreciated the shades of “The Shakespeare Code” (another favorite of mine) and how Vincent was tied in with the “villain” of the episode. I was not quite prepared for the Starry Night scene, and nothing, NOTHING could have prepared me for the “visit” Vincent took with The Doctor and Amy. I was so genuinely overjoyed and saddened simultaneously that I was nearly immobile for the rest of the episode. I freely admit to having tear-soaked sleeves. I think I’m not the only one. That one scene was instantly added to my top ten scenes of all time, quite possibly the top five. I love this show, guys.

Moving back: I may be the only viewer who thought the crack was sealed for the rest of this series. I don’t know why I thought it was, and I was actually a bit surprised to see it again. The shock of the events at the end of “Cold Blood” was nearly overridden by the opening of the crack, but I’m not disappointed that it’s still relevant. The Doctor, always so brave, reaching into the crack to pull out “shrapnel” was frightening enough, but when the collected fragment was revealed, I let out an audible gasp and my heart raced. This isn’t good. No, it’s not good at all. :eek: Seems to me that The Doctor and Amy are due for some serious treachery in the remaining episodes. Whoa. I’ll definitely be watching on the edge of my seat!

Mood:Touched emoticon Touched

May 162010
 

This week’s Doctor Who episode, “Amy’s Choice”, was one of my favorites so far. Although what we saw was a bit confusing (or rather, confused), the overall storyline gave us a chance to see deep into our Doctor’s mind. This Doctor is not quirky. He is not happy-go-lucky. He is not satisfied. What he is, is badly damaged. When the Ninth Doctor appeared, we got a good look at the guilt, regret, and loneliness. Ten all but hit us over the head with the constant reminders of the same. This is different. Eleven has internalized all of the trauma and seems to be trying to heal through continuing on. On paper, it seems cliche and boring. Eleven, however, gives haunting flinches and gazes that subtly remind us that all is not well.

This episode did two much needed things in a very simple way. It used “dreams” to allow us to wrap up the issue of Amy’s choice and to remind us that our Doctor is carrying his demons heavily. I’m enjoying the season possibly even more than Nine’s because I honestly do not know what to expect from The Doctor, and that is a very good feeling.

Mood:Contemplative emoticon Contemplative

May 102010
 

I didn’t particularly love this week’s episode of Doctor Who. It didn’t seem very fresh, and I thought it would be one of my favorites. Rory was a highlight, and The Doctor continues to wow me. Rosanna was a fantastic antagonist, I and wouldn’t have minded seeing her stick around for a bit. The most frightening thing is how much Amy did not wow me; and I’m all about some Amy. I don’t know if I’m still reeling from her indiscretion last week, or if the writing wasn’t quite “there” this week, but I’m hoping to be a lot more satisfied next week.

I’m completely over the teeth thing. Why have we had two sets of baddies already with teeth that are so long that no matter how pointed they are, the owners wouldn’t be able to open up wide enough to actually bite?!? I can’t get scared of bad guys if I’m laughing at them. I just can’t do it. Also? “Our planet was lost…wah wah wah” We did this. Last year. Maybe it was the delivery of the line, and maybe it was because we did just do this, but I’m not as sucked in to the story’s potential as I’d like to be at this point. Pun, y’all. PUN. Sucked in? VAMPIRES?!? OK, not really, but still…

Next week: My word, that Doctor has amazing profile close-ups!!

Mood:Indifferent emoticon Indifferent