87

 

The Idiot's Lantern

 

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I remember the first time I watched this and the next few times that followed it on DVD, I was absolutely petrified of the Wire. Such an incredible concept for a villain, and Maureen Lipman grabbed the role with two hands and played it perfectly. Sad that this has finished as low as it has, would have thought the least it could do is sneak into the top 50, but maybe it's just another really underrated episode. And everyone's Tobi's favourite Jamie Foreman makes an appearance in this episode (as probably one of the most detestable characters NuWho has had since the show's re-launch, but can't win them all...). And is it just me or did Billie just look absolutely STUNNING in this episode? The scenes at the beginning with her, the Doctor and the motorbike are fab. And then there's cute little Tommy Connelly <3 (see here, I mean *.*). I think after Rose had her face removed and planted in a television from so many years ago I don't even know what era it comes under, the episode got a bit farcical, but the resolution was well done and I miss the episode. *has sudden urge to watch it now, because why not?* Jester, why you gotta be so cruel? :(

 

Average 6.292

Highest score 10 (Calum Hood)

Lowest score -1 (Jester)

 

Oh I like The Idiot's Lantern, not the best ever but too low I think, just a bit of fun really. Eddie was obviously very unlikeable but that was the point I guess :heehee:

There are a couple of things with that one. Firstly, 1950s Britain is a particularly dull period historically, not quaint or war-y enough like the earlier 20th and 19th centuries and no particular exciting social movements like in later decades. That the only thing they could pick of interest is the Queen's coronation shows, and yes it was a big moment with everyone getting the new TVs but that's still quite a dull development.

 

The Wire makes sense as a villain in the 'this could happen to you' type way but I never felt enough threat from her and the episode really plodded along quite slowly, with some unlikeable/annoying characters (and Eddie wasn't one of them! He's literally just the typical patriarch of the time so he makes sense for a 50s piece, as much as it is funny to see Tennant taking him down a peg or two he's the best thing authentically about the whole episode). It's not offensively bad but not particularly exciting either.

Shame about Journey as I think it was one of the highlights of the season :( it's also one of those rare occasions where I actually commend Steven Moffat on his writing.

 

The Idiots Lantern was more creepy than interesting as the monster is feeding on people's faces? XD The characters ticked me off such as the dad who was just a horrid human being in my opinion.

Edited August 20, 201410 yr by Neil. S

86

 

Closing Time

 

http://news.thedoctorwhosite.co.uk/images/closingtimepromo1.jpg

 

Let's get a big chunk of these out of the way just in time for Series 8 gracing our screens this evening then, shall we? Next up is 'Closing Time', the penultimate episode from the best series to date, series 6. This was by far and away a massive improvement on the first of this so-called 'trilogy' (where is the third part?) of Craig Owen episodes. Although the one thing they both have in common is dire resolutions. Obviously the main criticism that this episode receives and will continue to receive for years to come because it was the Cybermen at the fore-front is that 'love' overcame and defeated one of the show's greatest enemies... Love... Obviously not the worst in the show's history, but I guess a lot of fans just thought it was pretty lame and showed really how desperate Gareth Roberts was to complete his script.

The premise of the episode on the whole however was fantastic. The Cybermen lurking beneath a department store in their spaceship, using the lift as transportation, Amy and Rory's cameo (which was a very touching moment considering where we were at that point with their story), basically everything up until Craig and the Doctor actually started to piece the puzzle together. And then of course there was the fabulous final three minutes of the episode where Madame Kovarian forced River into the Astronaut suit and dumped her in Lake Silencio ready to kill the Doctor. Beautiful drama.

 

Average 6.455

Highest score 10 (Michael!)

Lowest score -1 (Heezus)

 

85

 

Gridlock

 

http://www.nexusroute.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/drwhogridlock1.jpg

 

Series 3's first casualty here, and I don't even remember this episode that much at all. Probably because it's my least favourite series? But I can recall a lot of other episodes from the series so this is probably just the definition of 'filler material'. New New New New New New New New New New New New New New New Earth was where the Macra (brilliant idea for a villain to bring back to the show, but their potential was absolutely WASTED, I think) were lurking beneath a massive traffic jam of futuristic cars that actually looked pretty cosy and I'd love to have been in one of them! We also saw Novice Hame make her return in this episode to send the Doctor a message from the Face of Boe who also had a message for the Doctor in the form of 'You are not alone' (Y.A.N.A; Professor Yana). But other than that, pretty bland episode. Oh, Martha got kidnapped. Good, shame it wasn't a permanent measure. Brannigan was funny I guess. I probably don't hate this episode as much as I'm making out, but I'd certainly need to watch it again.

 

Average 6.458

Highest score 11 (Heezus)

Lowest score 0 (Michael!, Regina)

 

Oh I like Closing Time :( A lot of fun in a series that was mainly a bit of a chore to watch, was very much welcomed as silly as it was. Gridlock isn't bad, I enjoy it more nowadays than I used to, still not the best in series 3 though.

Recount for Gridlock?! Honestly didn't expect to find that one for ages. Masterpiece of an episode built around a unique concept with some cool social commentary.

What a major injustice. Gridlock is a brilliant episode, I agree with everything Iz has said!

Gridlock and Closing Time are both crap so good to see them go, The Idiot's Lantern deserves a bit better

Well ... last night's episode would haveranked in the low top 20 if it had been shown before the rate. Truly atrocious.

 

GAwwwd Gridlock was painful viewin!

Edited August 24, 201410 yr by Rate Slayerrrrrr

84

 

Cold Blood

 

http://www.doctorwhotv.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Hungry-Earth-Crack-1-570x321.jpg

 

So we've now lost both parts of Chris Chibnall's series 5 story, and it doesn't come as that much of a surprise really. The story itself really is very good, but it's never struck me as one that's had the fans talking (new Silurian design aside). This story really proved Neve McIntosh's worth in the show. Restac was such a despicable character, but for all the right reasons. Grieving for her dead sister and seeking vengeance on every single human (including those who walked among her and her race beneath the ground), it was interesting to watch it all play out.

This commentary's running dry because I don't actually remember a great deal about the episode now that I think about it, aside from the ending... Let's talk about that for a minute. Rory was killed (shocker), and was consumed by the crack in time, meaning that he never existed at all, and Amy would never remember him. This was a brilliant concept. Not only did we banish the show of one of the most pointless companions to date, but we were back to seeing Amy on her own as we loved her in previous episodes for the next couple. And then of course, we also saw a glimpse of the TARDIS' future when the Doctor put his hand through the crack and took a piece of shrapnel. Whatever could it have meant? :o That was a great moment (and quite unexpected, if I remember correctly). I also really loved Meera Syal in this episode [random fact].

 

Average 6.636

Highest score 9 (Calum Hood)

Lowest score 3 (Regina)

 

 

83

 

Day of the Moon

 

http://www.vorticeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/DW-Day-of-the-Moon-11.jpg

 

Joseph, I really really really hate you right now. One of the best episodes of series 6 (well, probably in my top three because this opening two-parter was just absolutely fantastic and one of the best stories from NuWho) falls next... This was packed with so much and it was just really amazing. Every second of it. The main criticism I suppose is that it was far too confusing for the casual viewer to understand and there was a fair amount of stuff going on. But every time this silly point is always raised I find myself asking 'Why should Moffat have to write Doctor Who for the casual viewer? (yes, it gains the show new fans, but...) Why write a show and alienate fans (yes, some fans were still alienated by this script, but who cares)... Just, why?' This script was divine, and absolutely one of Moffat's best!

The opening montage of the episode where Amy, Rory and River are on the run is fantastic, two being chased across a desert while River finds herself at the top of a multi-storey building (and then ending with a little splash in the swimming pool after she elegantly lets herself fall from the height). The whole idea of capturing Amy, Rory and River so they could all be taken to Area 51, reunited with the Doctor and run away in the TARDIS and save the day was very clever. The scenes with Amy in the orphanage as well were absolutely stunning; taken away from the Doctor, Rory and River and held hostage in the Silence's spaceship (yes, THAT one from 'The Lodger' that we just knew was going to come back again) after an encounter with the astronaut (and a picture of herself holding a child - what is this madness?!). And then of course there was the scene where the Doctor confronted an injured Silent and then discovered that they were in fact the race he had heard so much about but had never actually met. The look of horror in his face was priceless. There was the really amazing moment as well where River was shooting Silents on the ship left, right and centre with the Doctor standing there looking like a hot mess trying to do something with the sonic to help out. "Archaeology" *shoots*. Perfect.

The moment that got me the most in this episode though was when the Doctor dropped River off back at Stormcage and they shared a kiss, only for River to discover that it was the last time she would kiss him (the first time he kissed her though). It was just really emotional. Ugh, so much praise for this episode, but I won't bore y'all with any more of my thoughts on it. But I do recommend you go back and watch it to remind yourselves what a perfect script brought to life on your television screens really is x

 

EDIT: How on EARTH could I forget the actual end of the episode where we saw the little girl that escaped the astronaut suit regenerate in the streets of New York?! omg. Such a perfect moment. If my memory actually stretches that far back, I had goosebumps at that point. This episode really excelled at being the best of the best, so much to just fanboy (or girl) over in the space of 45 minutes.

 

Average 6.727

Highest score 9 (Calum Hood, April, Rabbit Heart)

Lowest score -1 (Joseph)

 

Edited August 24, 201410 yr by Calum Hood

Day of the Moon should be lower. Part 2 of a two-parter should answer the questions from Part 1, not ask more... :angry:

'Day of the Moon' should be higher :(

 

Yes, it was just basically asking questions but it was setting up the rest of the series. It contained some of the most chilling scenes ever scene in the show, especially when they are in the orphanage and the creepy worker there. If you're looking for scary Who, then this shows how far they can push it.

Looking at the results so far it seems like this site is full of fans of RTD's era more than Moffat's. So few Tennant episodes gone and if I recall correctly none from Eccleston yet some Smith ones are seriously underrated although some are admittedly awful (I'm looking at you in particular Lodger/Closing Time)

Looking at the results so far it seems like this site is full of fans of RTD's era more than Moffat's. So few Tennant episodes gone and if I recall correctly none from Eccleston yet some Smith ones are seriously underrated although some are admittedly awful (I'm looking at you in particular Lodger/Closing Time)

 

We're just being fair, though.

Current standings:

 

Series 1 · 13

Series 2 · 10

Series 3 · 12

Series 4 · 13

Series 5 · 9

Series 6 · 9

Series 7 · 7

Specials · 9

 

-x-

 

I don't think it's *that* big a case of 'RTD's era is better than Moffat's era' (it really isn't), but more 'Moffat's era has more low lows than RTD's does'.

We're just being fair, though.

If people prefer that era then fair enough. I generally disagree that RTD's era is better (Eccleston himself aside). Although I greatly appreciate what he did for the show I think the 2nd half of Tennant's time was getting painful in places - more specifically Tennant himself. Having rewatched all of his episodes since voting in this I would say he's dropped right down the list of my favourite Doctors to somewhere around 9th.

If people prefer that era then fair enough. I generally disagree that RTD's era is better (Eccleston himself aside). Although I greatly appreciate what he did for the show I think the 2nd half of Tennant's time was getting painful in places - more specifically Tennant himself. Having rewatched all of his episodes since voting in this I would say he's dropped right down the list of my favourite Doctors to somewhere around 9th.

 

I always thought Tennant, jut like the Teletubbies and Gameboy before, was popular based on HYPE and not on MERIT.

 

Ecclestone is the true revival of the doctors.

 

However we are being fair with the result, except that last one should have been higher.

 

The scene where she regenerates after escaping the suit :o

 

I liked the fact it asked so many questions, it made it all the more intriguing.

 

But if I remember rightly a lot of us got lost in that series and didn't know the HELL what was going on because of the MASSIVE and ridiculous gap and the fact that so many questions were left unanswered before it. I still

don't really know who the Silence is or how they destroyed the Tardis!

 

It was rebooted as a straight-through-summer series and that's how it should have stayed.