Having now watched this for the second time, I think it's probably in my top 5 new series episodes. The script was excellent and it was an original self-contained adventure with some excellent characters, some of the best visuals the show has ever had, and incorporated various elements of classic Who all in one episode. The premise of the story could easily have formed the basis for a Pertwee/Tom Baker episode but the resolve was uniquely Matt's, and showed further depth to his portrayal.
I'm convinced that anyone who disliked this episode was watching the wrong channel by mistake. Near-perfect IMO and on a par with Blink and the Doctor's Wife as far as new Who goes.
I enjoyed this episode too Visually lovely and deep themes to ponder over. Normally I don't enjoy the stories with children in the leads as much as other but I really liked it.
Had references to lots of films I enjoy such as Star Wars, Blade Runner. I even thought of Dune too. :):)
Haven't seen it myself, but judging by the Twitter feed as many people enjoyed it as didnt. Honestly I love DW but some of its fans are downright scary with their hate. My own philosphy is that no show runner owes you anything, if people are unhappy with a direction of a show, take a break and move on. Moffat/Smith will be gone soon and a new crew will take over.
I think he got some stuff out of his system so it was good for him.Plus I liked how he got Claras mums ring back.Trailer for next week is good too.Wonder if there will be any refrences to hunt for red october or crimson tide.:p:D:)
Two bits of dialogue from Matt really stood out - firstly the bit about Merry being unique, and the second when adressing the sun. Both were simply stunning and superbly acted. The first reminded us that The Doctor is a scientist, while the second had subtle atheist undertones (a recurring theme in the Moffat era - remember River's line about being a soldier too long to believe in a god). Both could have come out of the mouth of a eminent scientist such as Stephen Hawking or Richard Dawkins. Plus the speech when addressing the sun was among the most passionate speeches by any Doctor ever. Rather than David Tennant whiny emo speeches, this came across as genuine, real hurt. And I loved the nod to Bladerunner!!!
Two bits of dialogue from Matt really stood out - firstly the bit about Merry being unique, and the second when adressing the sun. Both were simply stunning and superbly acted. The first reminded us that The Doctor is a scientist, while the second had subtle atheist undertones (a recurring theme in the Moffat era - remember River's line about being a soldier too long to believe in a god). Both could have come out of the mouth of a eminent scientist such as Stephen Hawking or Richard Dawkins. Plus the speech when addressing the sun was among the most passionate speeches by any Doctor ever. Rather than David Tennant whiny emo speeches, this came across as genuine, real hurt. And I loved the nod to Bladerunner!!!
I agree...except I'm pretty sure Akhaten was a planet, not a star.
It certainly looked like a star though sometimes, but at others it was definitely a planet. I thought it was some kind of gas giant (hence the rings).
I agree...except I'm pretty sure Akhaten was a planet, not a star.
It certainly looked like a star though sometimes, but at others it was definitely a planet. I thought it was some kind of gas giant (hence the rings).
Phew. That clears up the one issue that I had with the episode - that the Doctor has left the other planets without a sun! Thanks for that!
Watched it a second time this morning...this episode is beautiful....and i love that some of you guys have sad "up there with Blink, Doctors Wife status" because it feels near enough that for me....I mean when i saw it the first time its got this kinda dark glow about it (if that makes sense) yes like Dune and the films of that kinda trippy/Sci-Fi stature....i love that.
And Matt...i bloody adore that man he is definitely over the course of three years proven many times over why he is my Favorite...and there he was again
Plus the stunts i loved too in the Pyramid with the Vigil were expertly done! I just loved it....like on the same level as i loved Bells but for different reasons....and yes the script, cast, direction was top...again
And i cannot wait for COld War.....i have a feeling that with Hide being Neil Cross first episode he wrote may see something further ahead maybe which is why they were filmed/aired in this order maybe??
I thought the acting was great from the doctor and Clara. I really like Clara as a companion. It wasn't a classic episode for me, the story was a bit of a let down but it was defiantly enjoyable.
Phew. That clears up the one issue that I had with the episode - that the Doctor has left the other planets without a sun! Thanks for that!
yeah it was a possesed gas giant planet. I did have that thought myself though, the fact that it was called Akhaten... than the planets were the Ri.gs of Akhaten should have made me realise sooner... maybe not making it look so firey initially would have helped... or the doctor calling it a sun... dammit... now I'm confused again... a third watch might clear that up... I've already changed my mind on second viewing though it's gone from average to above average... not quite good though for me.
Bit of a bump, but did anyone like tonight's offering? I loved it. I wouldn't go as far to say that all 13 seconds were flawless. There was a bit of a kerfuffle in the middle and perhaps the odd misstep at the end, but that's because it seemed a bit rushed, could have used an extra act... even if it was already a two-parter. I hate to say it, but the next-time trailer was possibly the best part!
Ian Hislop and Paul Merton as guest Doctors! Lovely stuff.
Comments
I'm convinced that anyone who disliked this episode was watching the wrong channel by mistake. Near-perfect IMO and on a par with Blink and the Doctor's Wife as far as new Who goes.
Had references to lots of films I enjoy such as Star Wars, Blade Runner. I even thought of Dune too.
:):)
I agree...except I'm pretty sure Akhaten was a planet, not a star.
It certainly looked like a star though sometimes, but at others it was definitely a planet. I thought it was some kind of gas giant (hence the rings).
Phew. That clears up the one issue that I had with the episode - that the Doctor has left the other planets without a sun! Thanks for that!
And Matt...i bloody adore that man he is definitely over the course of three years proven many times over why he is my Favorite...and there he was again
Plus the stunts i loved too in the Pyramid with the Vigil were expertly done! I just loved it....like on the same level as i loved Bells but for different reasons....and yes the script, cast, direction was top...again
And i cannot wait for COld War.....i have a feeling that with Hide being Neil Cross first episode he wrote may see something further ahead maybe which is why they were filmed/aired in this order maybe??
Beautiful, moving, uplifting. Just wonderful TV.
yeah it was a possesed gas giant planet. I did have that thought myself though, the fact that it was called Akhaten... than the planets were the Ri.gs of Akhaten should have made me realise sooner... maybe not making it look so firey initially would have helped... or the doctor calling it a sun... dammit... now I'm confused again... a third watch might clear that up... I've already changed my mind on second viewing though it's gone from average to above average... not quite good though for me.
Also loving the 'ring' double meaning in the title. (And for that matter, the juxtaposition of Bells and Rings with the first two titles.)
Ian Hislop and Paul Merton as guest Doctors! Lovely stuff.