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30 days of Doctor Who
Jun. 22nd, 2010 04:09 pmDay 03 – Your Favorite New Series Episode
I would say "Blink," which is exceedingly clever storytelling. But the Doctor is hardly in it. So I'm going to pick my favorite characterization/relationship episode instead: "Utopia." This was my introduction to the Master, and I love how Derek Jacobi plays the transformation once he opens the fobwatch (especially in contrast to the way Yana and the Doctor were clearly drawn to each other), and then the regeneration scene. The reunion of Jack and the Doctor is also great, and John Barrowman shows a lot more subtlety than usual in his acting here (and in "The Sound of Drums" as well). I'm fascinated by Jack's vulnerability in relation to the Doctor, his need for the Doctor's approval and affection. The scene with Jack in the irradiated engine room, when he and the Doctor finally communicate--but only through a wall--is lovely and painful.
There are certainly problems with this episode--not least the way Chantho's characterization is rooted in racist stereotypes. I don't want to downplay or defend that.
For me, the rest of the episode is enough to make it a favorite. Your mileage may definitely vary.
( previous and upcoming meme questions under the cut )
I would say "Blink," which is exceedingly clever storytelling. But the Doctor is hardly in it. So I'm going to pick my favorite characterization/relationship episode instead: "Utopia." This was my introduction to the Master, and I love how Derek Jacobi plays the transformation once he opens the fobwatch (especially in contrast to the way Yana and the Doctor were clearly drawn to each other), and then the regeneration scene. The reunion of Jack and the Doctor is also great, and John Barrowman shows a lot more subtlety than usual in his acting here (and in "The Sound of Drums" as well). I'm fascinated by Jack's vulnerability in relation to the Doctor, his need for the Doctor's approval and affection. The scene with Jack in the irradiated engine room, when he and the Doctor finally communicate--but only through a wall--is lovely and painful.
There are certainly problems with this episode--not least the way Chantho's characterization is rooted in racist stereotypes. I don't want to downplay or defend that.
For me, the rest of the episode is enough to make it a favorite. Your mileage may definitely vary.
( previous and upcoming meme questions under the cut )
