30 days of Doctor Who

[kindkit]

Day 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.



Day 01 - Your Favorite Quote
Day 02 – Your Favorite Classic Series Episode
Day 03 – Your Favorite New Series Episode
Day 04 – Your Favorite Doctor
Day 05 – Your Favorite Companion
Day 06 – Whatever Tickles Your Fancy
Day 07 – Your Favorite Piece of Music
Day 08 – A Who-Related Photo That Makes You Happy
Day 09 – A Who-Related Photo That Makes You Angry/Sad
Day 10 – A Who-Related Photo That You Took
Day 11 – Your Favorite Season (Classic or New)
Day 12 – Whatever Tickles Your Fancy
Day 13 – Your Favorite Villain
Day 14 – The Villain Who Scared You the Most
Day 15 – Favorite Who-Related Tumblr
Day 16 – Your Favorite Who-Related FanFic
Day 17 – A Piece of Who-Related FanArt
Day 18 – Whatever Tickles Your Fancy
Day 19 – The Scene That Made Your Cry the Most
Day 20 – The Character Who Is Most Like You
Day 21 – Your Doctor Who OTP
Day 22 – A Who-Related Fan-Site
Day 23 – A Who-Related YouTube Video
Day 24 – Whatever Tickles Your Fancy
Day 25 – Favorite Who Actor
Day 26 – Favorite Who Actress
Day 27 – An Episode You Wish Hadn’t Been Made
Day 28 – An Episode Idea You Created Yourself
Day 29 – Who You Think Should Be the Next Doctor
Day 30 – Whatever Tickles Your Fancy

Comments

[st_aurafina]

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.

I just rewatched this episode tonight, with that particular scene in mind. It's amazing, and I wish that John Barrowman could always be that nuanced. (I love Jack, but he's a steam-train of a character.)