Christmas is here again and you know what that means... Death, destruction and divorce. But enough about Eastenders, it also means we get a brand new Doctor Who story! And there have been some great stories in the past involving flying Sharks, giant spiders and living Snowmen. So in this article, I will discuss my top 5 Doctor Who Christmas Specials (including this Christmas's Last Christmas). 5) The Time of the Doctor. First of all, I'm not big on regenerations at Christmas - I don't need that kind of emotion at Christmas which is why The End of Time didn't make the list. I thought this story handled regeneration much better - it wasn't soppy but still had feelings. There were problems on the arc front - everything was dealt with but it just involved you noticing everything (which people in the evening at Christmas can't do) and maybe meant you had to watch it more than once. There was a good mix of Christmas themes, arc and comedy and Matt Smith was just fantastic but it did feel restricted by the time.
4) The Runaway Bride. Most people feel Donna is a bit over the top in this story which I can understand, but for me she is why this story is in fourth place. I just LOVE Donna, the gobby temp from Chiswick and in her first story a year before she would become a companion she is hilarious - I can certainly tell Russell T Davies wrote this. I love how she sort of becomes a better person because of the adventure and she has some great scenes in the story such as her disappearing walking down the isle and jumping from a taxi into the TARDIS. The monster (a giant spider) was certainly terrifying though not something that was new to Doctor Who, it certainly makes you want to hide behind the sofa. The story wasn't a classic but was good enough to get into fourth place. 3) The Snowmen. This story had quite a dark tone, especially the scene where the group of Snowmen feast on the workers of Dr Simeon. Dr Simeon himself was very formidable and frightening fellow played to perfection by Richard E. Grant. And to add to the dark tone, the eleventh Doctor - usually a fun adventurous person is here a broken man after the loss of the Ponds. So after reading this, why is it third? Well all these dark themes are beautifully written with a great plot to introduce a new Clara which further adds to the mystery of the 'impossible' girl arc. There are also some great moments such as The Doctor as Sherlock. And the Snowmen are one of the most visually scary monsters in series 7. 2) Voyage of the Damned. A fun Christmas romp is how I would sum this story up. When I first watched this I was at first intrigued (a flying Titanic replica with a host of aliens on board, which was definitely appealing for my young self) then after about the first 20 minutes I was absolutely terrified. The "Heavenly" Host seriously scared me, which I loved - not to mention Max Capricorn. It had a good balance of action and emotion. On the one hand there were lots of explosions and effects and on the other hand there was Astrid's tragic death - played excellently by Kylie Minogue who was another good element to the story. The story could have maybe done with more Christmas themes though to get it into first place. 1) Last Christmas. Firstly, this isn't number one because its just aired which I see lots of fans doing - liking a story just because it's recent. No. This was perfection. Christmas stories I feel are always a bit iffy and this was probably the only story which was the perfect Doctor Who Christmas Special. In the past they've either been too Christmas (to the point where the arc is just completely ignored for a bit of snow eg: The Doctor the Widow and the Wardrobe) or too Doctor Who (Time of the Doctor) I feel they've never found the right balance until now. This story was scary, (the sleepers) funny (Shona), smart (Dream within a dream within a dream) and made perfect Christmas viewing (Sleigh ride over London, Santa). Overall and enjoyable watch!
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In this second of two Master themed articles, I will today, in this second of two Master themed articles discuss my top five Master stories. The Master was first introduced to us in the 1971 story 'The Terror of the Autons' played by Roger Delgado. He was conceived as the sort of Moriarty of Doctor Who, facing almost every Doctor and facing the 12th Doctor recently as she in 'Dark Water'. 5) Derek Jacobi. I Just love Jacobi's version of The Master. Already an established actor, Jacobi shines in the role. You just have to watch the outtakes for the story to see how much fun he's having. Only appearing in the one story (and half of it he's not even The Master) he still a success. That one line 'I... am... The Master' which is delivered so manically is enough to put him in fifth place (beating the guy covered in rotting flesh and Julia Roberts brother). 4) John Simm. Marmite in the Doctor Who world I would say - some like him others say he's the worst because of how he was written. I loved Simm's acting and character but I just couldn't believe he was The Master. I felt he would have been better as a new character. I enjoyed his chemistry with Tennant and Simm played the character he was given perfectly (dat laugh). I also enjoyed the 4 knocks arc. 3) Michelle Gomez. Just amazing. I must admit I felt confused and rather sad at Missy's master reveal but she has put any doubt about her being The Master to rest. Michelle is an excellent actor who plays the master with a sort of sadistic confidence. It was quite a risky thing having a female version of such an iconic villain but it was a good risk that certainly paid off and I can't wait to see her again soon. 2) Anthony Ainley. At first he appears as a kind of copy of Roger Delgado's Master (even down to the facial hair) but as you watch him you see Ainley's talents shine. He seems to flourish in the role with a mad gleam in his eye and the sadistic smile. Taking on a role that was previously held by an amazing actor must have been quite difficult, but he managed to stick with Doctor Who for the most stories, appearing all the way from Tom Bakers last to classic Doctor Who's last, he is very much a fan favourite, making kids hide behind the sofa for almost 10 years. 1) Roger Delgado. Such a talented actor making his untimely death all the more tragic. He was perfect for the role of The Master and indeed the success of the character was down to him. Often there is no competition between him - the first incarnation of The Master and the many others who have taken on the role, and rightly so. He, even now is still the Master and probably forever will be. His use of facial expressions like the stare that would probably kill you mixed with the dark costume creates an unsetteling combination. In real life Roger was quoted as being 'kind and a Gentleman'. |
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January 2015
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