Ah, “Boom Town”! This episode is like that unexpected detour on a road trip that turns out to be way more interesting than you thought it would be. On the surface, it seems like a light-hearted romp with the Slitheen, but trust me, there’s so much more going on beneath the surface!
“Boom Town” stands as a curious anomaly in the first season of Doctor Who. Sandwiched between the emotionally charged two-parters of “The Empty Child”/“The Doctor Dances” and “Bad Wolf”/”The Parting of the Ways,” it initially appears as a light-hearted breather episode. However, beneath the surface lies a complex exploration of morality, consequences, and the evolving dynamics of the TARDIS team. This episode, while perhaps not as action-packed as others, delves into the heart of Doctor Who, questioning the very nature of the Doctor and his role in the universe.
We’re back in Cardiff – remember that rift from “The Unquiet Dead”? – and the TARDIS needs a bit of a top-up. But hold on, who’s that running the show? None other than Margaret Blaine, the last surviving Slitheen from that whole Downing Street fiasco! She’s now the mayor, and she’s got a cunning plan to blow this popsicle stand… I mean, Cardiff… sky high! Of course, our intrepid Ninth Doctor, along with Rose and the ever-charming Captain Jack, aren’t going to let that happen.
But here’s where things get really interesting. The Doctor catches Margaret, and suddenly he’s faced with a moral dilemma that would make even a Time Lord’s head spin. Does he send her back to her home planet, knowing she’ll be executed? Can he, the defender of all life, actually condemn someone to death, even a scheming, farting Slitheen? This question hangs over the entire episode, and it’s fascinating to watch Nine wrestle with it.
And speaking of wrestling, there’s a brilliant dinner scene where the Doctor and Margaret go head-to-head, both literally and figuratively. She tries every trick in the book to escape – poison, hidden weapons, you name it – but the Doctor’s always one step ahead. It’s tense, it’s funny, and it gives us a real glimpse into the Doctor’s darker side. He’s not just a whimsical wanderer; he’s a force to be reckoned with, and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty when he has to.
Meanwhile, Rose is having her own dilemmas to deal with. Mickey’s back, and he’s not exactly thrilled about being left behind while Rose gallivants through time and space. Their relationship is clearly strained, and it’s heartbreaking to watch them try to reconnect while knowing it might be impossible. This episode really highlights the sacrifices that come with traveling with the Doctor, and it adds a layer of emotional depth that you might not expect from a story about farting aliens.
And let’s not forget Captain Jack! He’s settling into the TARDIS team like a comfy pair of space boots, and his banter with the Doctor is just brilliant. We even get a hint of the leadership qualities that will make him such a fantastic character in Torchwood later on. It’s clear that this TARDIS team is something special, and it’s a shame it doesn’t last longer.
But back to Margaret. Just when you think you know how it’s all going to end, the TARDIS throws a curveball. The heart of the TARDIS activates, and Margaret is de-aged back into an egg! It’s a bit of a wacky solution, but it lets the Doctor off the hook and gives Margaret a chance to start over. And hey, who doesn’t love a bit of timey-wimey magic?
“Boom Town” might seem like a filler episode at first glance, but it’s actually a crucial part of the season. It gives us a chance to breathe before the epic finale, and it delves into some really important themes about morality, consequences, and the ever-changing dynamics of the Doctor’s relationships. Plus, it sets up some important elements for the future of Doctor Who, like the recurring Cardiff Rift and the development of Captain Jack’s character. Oh, and did I mention the nuclear power plant is called “Blaidd Drwg”? That’s Welsh for “Bad Wolf,” and it’s another little piece of that season-long mystery that’s about to explode in the finale!
So, if you’re looking for a Doctor Who episode that’s both fun and thought-provoking, “Boom Town” is definitely worth a watch. It’s a reminder that even in the quieter moments, this show can pack a punch and leave you pondering the big questions long after the credits roll.