And now its time to wrap up series 3 of Doctor Who’s reviews; and impressed as I was with the third volume of releases this forth volume blew me away.
For the first time in the series the 3 stories actually run very much as if they are all one, in stead of the usual two parter’s Utopia, The Sound Of Drums, and The Last Of The Timelords become a three part “Epic”.
Utopia
Having hitched his way on the side of the Tardis the Doctor, Martha, AND NOW Captain Jack arrive on a planet at the end of the universe. Here a group of humans are struggling to leave for the planet Utopia. Professor Yana and his faithful companion Chan. Yana wants to save his people, but his failing memory and old age seems to be preventing his completion of essential equipment; all the time the sound of drums beating in his head.
The first of many revelations are revealed about Captain Jack (but nothing knew to those who saw Torchwood) as he and the Doctor strive to ensure that the humans get to Utopia. All the time leaving Martha to unwittingly cause someone from the Doctor’s past to return; memories can be a terrible thing especially when the only key to your past is a watch.
In Utopia rather like the episode 42, you have 38 minutes building up to an event. This incredibly well crafted story is a build up, to the shows final five minutes. The result of this makes for not only one of the most breathtaking finale’s in the shows history but possibly in British television history. To go along with the impressive story you have the most epic musical score, the delivery of this also adding up to the build up of the shows climax.
Derek
Jacobi appears as Professor Yana and if I may not be shot down in flames for this, delivers the best performance I have ever seen him deliver, in the shows final 20 minutes as memories of the past and cursed words allow him to remember part of his history, Martha triggers the rest; all the while you feel for Jacobi as he slowly cries his way through his past, the tears and memories flooding through his heads you literally want to reach out and give this poor old boy a hug. And when the effects of all this past history come flooding back to the present (although technically the future) you see a very different side of Jacobi’s performance.
I cant flip onto the next part of my review without a mention of John Simm who makes a shocking appearance in the end before heading off to Earth in 2006 where he assumes the identity of Harold Saxon (yes I did get the year right as bear in mind Harold Saxon was mentioned numerous times last year in both Doctor Who and Torchwood). Simms last minute arrival is bound to cause a bit of nausea especially his “Bye Bye” speech, but bear in mind his reason for arrival.
The Sound Of Drums & The Last Of The Time Lords
Having used Captain Jack’s Vortex Manipulator to get Martha, The Doctor and Jack back to Earth 2007, they find that Harold Saxon has been installed as the Prime Minister and during his first cabinet meeting he ensures the assistance of his cabinet by illuminating them. While he takes control of the political side of things he sends his right hand woman onto the streets; Miss Dexter (Hollyoaks Elize Du Toit) is every bit as ruthless as Saxon. And under his orders repays the loyal help of Martha’s mother by putting her and the rest of the family into slavery.
If everything is working smoothly for Saxon and his “government” why are the sound of drums ever present and why are they banging out what sounds remarkably like the Doctor Who theme tune. While the Doctor always takes time out after a regeneration his nemesis seems to have forgotten that oh so fundamental element of “repair” and its not to long before Saxon realises that he might be out of his depth, not so much though that he does not feel the need for world domination, taking on the American President.
The Toclafane are a new race of creatures that join Harold Saxon in his plan for world domination, however this new race might not be entirely unfamiliar.
As the Valiant makes its impressive entrance its secret leads the way to an answer, a solution if you like to the events. But not before the truth has been exposed about some of the nicer Who characters. It seems that Jack, Martha and The Doctor have been bought together for a purpose, and for one of the Tardis crew its time to stand tall and be accounted for.
Having been totally blown away by Utopia, the last two episodes rocked my world. The story arch that has dominated three years of Doctor Who concludes while opening a whole new series of archs. I found myself really moved by the climax of both episodes especially the second part, as I looked around me I found that my fellow viewing companions had been brought to tears by the “horrific” events occurring on screen. Anyone who had any doubts as to David Tennant or Freema Agyeman’s casting in the lead roles will have no doubt after seeing this. Martha’s shining Rose Tyler moment comes like a bolt from the blue, and I had to stop myself from shouting out “Oh my God”
John Simms performance becomes far less erratic but still totally mental and at times disturbing. In one scene he is seen in a state of shall we say tiredness, slumped across a table quite literally banging out the Doctor Who theme tune with his ring. And this image for me creates one of the most disturbing of the three series. You get to see all the elements that make Simms so appealing to the public you’ll never look upon Simms as Sam Tyler (life on mars again) you’ll only ever see him in this form (until of course he does something more mesmerising).
You’ll need to be very eagle eyed for the final two episodes as a variety of characters pop in for cameo’s including a certain controversial politician. As is always the case with Doctor Who finale’s all sorts of people want to get in on the act for a few seconds.
Fans of Torchwood will be glad to find out what’s going on with Gwen and the others, while older fans will be pleased to see the return of UNIT. And for fans of Tom Bakers era as the Timelord there is a little nod in there for you to, fancy something a little sweet?
Music plays a core part of this two episodes as it did with Utopia with music varying from a thumping dance soundtrack, to more sedate classical moments; all the time however the sound of drums banging in the distance.
For Doctor Who fans and newcomers of the show, these three stories are enough to turn even the most critical voices into lovers of the show. The epic scale of these stories sits almost movie like. The sense of love making you smile the sense of loss making you cry. And its tears more than much else that stand out about these stories, there are some tearful farewells, but the firm hope of reunion after the storm has calmed. But don’t worry the Doctor wont be left alone in the Tardis, no you should be so lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky (if that’s not a hint what is); but what does she want with that ring?
Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride that is not only Epic in the annals of Doctor Who but something that looks as legendary as a movie; this big massive ending for the series features it all, old enemies, new enemies, a nod to the past, a nod to the future, with a scorching epic soundtrack and a couple of episode endings that will bring you to tears.
DVD is released on the 20th of August RRP around £12.99, with no special features.
One final word “Breeding!”
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 2004 - Science Fiction - Director: Alex Proyas - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Bruce Greenwood, James Cromwell, Chi McBride, Alan Tudyk
Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith
Advantages: Excellent pace, acting, directing, music. Will keep you on the edge of your seat. Disadvantages: A couple of cheesy alien side-kicks, and a slightly unbelievable future.
Advantages: Excellent pace, acting, directing, music. Will keep you on the edge of your seat. Disadvantages: A couple of cheesy alien side-kicks, and a slightly unbelievable future.
Jun 19th, 2007
(Jun 29th, 2007)
exceptional by (8%):
very helpful by (92%):
