A mixed bag for Episode 2 of Doctor Who. On one hand it was a sweeping historical epic full of moral and emotional tension. On the other, it was all a bit 'Carry On' and suffered from trying to cram in too many concepts that came across far too superficially. This would have been an absolutely amazing 2-part episode, but squeezed into 45 minutes it was good rather than great.
The first 15 minutes felt too jokey. Donna was too Catherine Tate and the Doctor was kind of in her comedy-shouty shadow. She comes into her own when she plays to her strengths, which is being a strong female character. Her refusal to be sacrificed was a great moment.
When the storyline turned to the ethical dilemma faced by the Doctor, it became totally gripping. The last 15 minutes were totally breathtaking. There were just too many concepts squeezed into the middle section for any meaningful grip to take hold. I wasn't sure whether I should have been more interested in the Psychic Sisters, or the Stone Priestess, or the Evil Henchman, or the Big Stone Alien Firebreathing Monster or the Marble Circuitry. All great ideas that nobody would have wanted to cull, but the result felt disappointingly shallow. Overall I enjoyed the spectacle of the whole thing, and turning it round from Hollyoaks in Rome to a lump-in-the-throat was a fantastic achievement.
Onwards and upwards! Looking forward to Oodworld next week.
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