Doctor Who TV series has 50th anniversary episode
The television show Dr. Who had it’s 50th anniversary show.
December 4, 2013
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Doctor Who has officially been soaring through time and space to reach television screens for 50 years. To celebrate, there was a 75 minute simulcast episode called The Day of the Doctor, which was a bit different from anything else the BBC hit has produced.
While the show traditionally only has one doctor that takes a new form every few seasons, this commercial-free special incorporated three of his reincarnations existing simultaneously.
The on screen chemistry throughout the episode was enjoyable, particularly the interactions between the Tenth and Eleventh Doctor (played by David Tennant and Matt Smith), and the version of himself he has always avoided (played by John Hurt) blended in but spiced up the storyline.
Thankfully past companion (typically a friend of the Doctor’s who travels with him through time and space), Rose Tyler (played by Billie Piper) and current companion Clara Oswald (played by Jenna Coleman) did not feel forced throughout the episode. Sadly, there was no reference or mention of the romantic relationship between the Tenth Doctor and Rose that is widely loved by viewers. In fact, their characters have little to no time on screen time together and Piper’s character tended to interact with Hurt. Despite this, it was certainly nice seeing her on the show again.
The script written by showrunner Steven Moffat was complex, gripping, touching and showcased how far the series has come since it’s start in the 1960s. It did not seem like certain characters were ignored for the sake of giving the greatest dialogue to fan favorites, but blended naturally and with ease. The character that seemed to have the best arch throughout the 75 minute special was the Eleventh doctor and Matt Smith’s performance was superb and it will be interesting to see what happens to his character until his exit from Doctor Who during the annual Christmas episode.
The 50th anniversary special was certainly a major risk, but it was entertaining and refreshing, and despite how lovely it was seeing the Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler again, it will be best seeing where the story takes the Eleventh Doctor and his companion, Clara. It was certainly a glorious day for The Doctor.
Michelle Leddon • Dec 10, 2013 at 2:26 pm
I definitely understand where you’re coming from and it was certainly a bit tough to follow my advisor’s advice of not going ot in depth to make the review easy for someone that does not watch the series easy to understand.
Personally, I think that Davies is an excellent writer, but Moffat by far is a better showrunner. I think people’s expectations are going to be higher thanks to the success of Sherlock. However, I think that it’s tricky to even compare the two because the cast of Sherlock and the show itself is in a league of it’s own.
I think that Hurt’s appearance was too special to have it’s own show. To see that Doctor in more than one episode would make him seem much less important and impactful.
The Critic Critic • Dec 9, 2013 at 7:02 pm
“What’s your rating of A-?”
My main prvlem with this review is the complete lack of depth. Or at least, the way you completely ignore evaluating on what you’ve brought up. It’s almost as if you haven’t even see the episode.
As for the show itself, the main problem with it is how seriously it takes itself. I used to think of it almost like a British Power Rangers in the sense that it was ridiculously campy, but still fun to watch. The modern series is crammed with nonsensical logic(atmosphere ignition, pulling an entire planet, paradox machine) that the viewer’s supposed to lap up and shrug off. Not to mention, ever since Davies got the job, it’s been drifting more from a sic-fi to a fairy tale. Somehow, I thought once Moffat was put as head writer, things would start shaping back into season 1, but no, it’s even more overly whimsical.
That being said, season 7’s been a step up from earlier seasons ever since The Snowmen, and to be completely honest, I’m ecstatic about seeing Capaldi’s Doctor. I’m glad they finally chose an older actor to play the Doctor, and hopefully he’ll lean more on the serious side(I know this is contradicting what I just said, but the way Smith and Tennant attempted to blend seriousness and silliness was painful(though in Tennant’s defense, his writing was godawful)).
One more thing, I think if they get a talented actor like Hurt, why give him a one-off special rather than his own series?
The Critic Critic's Mom • Dec 11, 2013 at 9:21 am
Hi Son! I finally got on the internet and am so happy to see your witty remarks! By the way, did you manage to do the laundry that I asked you to do? If you don’t do it, I won’t let you play on your Gamecube tonight. Also, feed your pet parrot, he seems to be getting agitated. I don’t want him to be snapping at me whenever I’m cleaning your pigsty of a room.
Lots of hugs!! Love you darling! Be sure to be home by 6 tonight so we can all watch The Goldbergs as a family!