The start of the first episode depends heavily on knowledge or familarity with noughties reality tv game shows (Big Brother, The Weakest Link, Bear With Me (that last one is made up I think)).
The plot is fairly simple.
We're stuck on the Satellite 5 again. The reality behind the reality TV is revealed and the Daleks are behind the curtain waiting to be revealed and they're invding and destroying everything. The Doctor has to choose between the devastating super weapon destroy everything and his own fear of guilt for using it (again).
The performances and the scenes are milked for the anguish and angst.
The stand out moment is when the emergency hologram turns to the camera.
THE DOCTOR
This is Emergency Programme One. Rose, now listen, this is important. If this message is activated, then it can only mean one thing.
Rose stares, wide-eyed.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
We must be in danger. And I mean fatal. I'm dead or about to die any second with no chance of escape.ROSE
(lunging forwards)
No!THE DOCTOR
And that's okay. Hope it's a good death.
Rose stops at the top of the ramp, just staring at him.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
But I promised to look after you, and that's what I'm doing. The TARDIS is taking you home.ROSE
I won't let you.
She rushes up the remainder of the steps. The Doctor's hologram continues to stare ahead of him, not looking at her.
THE DOCTOR
And I bet you're fussing and moaning now - typical. But hold on and just listen a bit more. The TARDIS can never return for me. Emergency Programme One means I'm facing an enemy that should never get their hands on this machine. So this is what you should do: let the TARDIS die.
Rose's mouth drops open ever so slightly in distress.
THE DOCTOR (CONT'D)
Just let this old box gather dust. No one can open it; no one will even notice it. Let it become a strange little thing standing on a street corner. And over the years, the world will move on and the box will be buried. And if you want to remember me, then you can do one thing. That's all. One thing.
(his head turns to face her, his eyes full of compassion - as if he knows she's there. His voice sounds less distorted--)
Have a good life. Do that for me, Rose. Have a fantastic life.
Rose just watches - can do nothing but look on as the hologram flickers before fading altogether.
No 3 in a great year...
Doctor Who is back baby!
LJM Rating 3.97+3.99/5.00
SPJ Rating 9.30+9.30/10
No. 27 (out of 171) and 27 (out of 172)
No comments:
Post a Comment