End of Time Part One on Second View (possible spoilers!)
chas_m
anyway here's some spoiler space:
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SPOILER SPACE, SPOILER SPACE, DOES WHATEVER A SPOILER SPACE DOES ...
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V
Having now had a chance to watch EoT part one a second time, I'm
finding it a bit better than my first impression (which was mostly
"what th...??").
I still think its flawed in that it's ALL setup with almost NO real
plot-forwarding, but the diversionary scenes (the Silver Cloak, the
coffee shop, Donna's first "cameo" appearance, the Ood-Sphere, even the
church bit) are actually rather good. Doctor Who (at least the present
incarnation) does do these little expository bits rather well, and even
when they go a bit silly (the whole "Silver Cloak" thing reminded me
FORCEFULLY of the final "classic" seasons) they are endearing in their
way. I like that the show never takes itself TOO seriously.
The "Master Race" ending was a bit indulgent and show-offish, but I'm
okay with that. The final bit with Timothy Dalton was more surprising,
it will be interesting to see how they handle that.
I think the big problem people have with this episode (beyond the
nearly-total lack of plot) is how the Master's resurrection was
handled, and the lack of any background on the Naismith family or the
Vinvocci, which would make us care about them in any way whatsoever.
Sadly, we don't, and I doubt that will get fixed given all that has to
happen in Part Two.
The Master's resurrection was one long bit of Extremely Silly to the
point where I thought Graham Chapman as his parody of Colonel
Lethbridge-Stewart might come in and stop it (except Graham's dead.
Pity.), but then the Master now has super-powers too? Oh dear oh dear
....
I'm perfectly okay with the "crazy" Master John Simm is giving us. The
Master's been through a hell of a lot that would have driven most other
characters nuts too, and there are clues in Part One that the Master
himself may be set on a different path soon ... but that's just
speculation at this point. But the super-powers are just daft and so
far pretty pointless. I noticed with interest that he doesn't seem to
be able to hypnotise people anymore either (other than by behaving
oddly).
Bottom line: this is another RTD script, meaning it has some really
sparkling dialogue, some good ideas, but way too much over-indulgent
heavy-handedness in places where "more story" would have been better. I
hope the new team can keep the good (humour, human compassion, good
dialogue) but tighten up the storytelling.
Last thought: the bit in the Confidential where they unveil the "long
shot" masks is honestly the most delightful part of the whole show so
far. Hella-mega-creepy fer days and stuff. I laughed and generally
squealed with delight at that part. :)
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Cheers
chas_m