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Ninth Doctor

Boom Town: A Breath Before the Storm and a Deeper Look into the Heart of Who

by hutchm February 9, 2025

written by hutchm

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.

February 9, 2025 0 comments

Doctor Who

Dalek: Facing the Shadows of the Past (1.6)

by hutchm January 18, 2025

written by hutchm

Continuing my “catchup” of all things Doctor Who, let’s talk about the reintroduction of the Daleks to the Who Universe. “Dalek” (episode 1.6) is a landmark episode in the revived Doctor Who series and is a very different story to the comedy (and flatulence) we saw in the Aliens of London with the Slitheen. It marks the first proper appearance of the Doctor’s most iconic enemy since the show’s return, and it does so with chilling intensity. This episode delves into the deep-seated trauma the Doctor carries from the Time War, forcing him to confront the very creature he thought he had destroyed forever.

The episode begins with the Doctor and Rose visiting a high-tech underground bunker owned by Henry van Statten, a wealthy collector of alien artifacts. Van Statten has captured a living Dalek, weakened and damaged, but still incredibly dangerous. The Doctor, upon seeing the Dalek, is thrown into a state of panic and rage. We see a side of him we haven’t witnessed before – raw, vulnerable, and consumed by hatred. This stark contrast to his usually jovial and adventurous self highlights the profound impact the Time War has had on him.

The Dalek, meanwhile, begins to absorb energy and information from its surroundings, gradually regaining its strength and malevolence. It escapes its confinement and embarks on a rampage, showcasing the ruthless efficiency and destructive power that makes the Daleks so terrifying. The episode is a masterclass in suspense, as the Dalek stalks the corridors of the bunker, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake.

https://youtu.be/E6nXLSkqAUo?si=wijzXfSMpTZvKxWq

“Dalek” is not just a thrilling action-adventure; it’s also a powerful exploration of the psychological scars of war. The Doctor’s confrontation with the Dalek forces him to confront his own inner demons. He is forced to relive the horrors of the Time War, the pain of loss, and the guilt of survival. This internal struggle is as compelling as the external conflict with the Dalek.

The episode also raises important questions about the nature of humanity and the dangers of hatred. Van Statten, with his arrogance and obsession with power, serves as a cautionary tale. He sees the Dalek as a weapon to be exploited, failing to recognize the true danger it poses. In contrast, Rose, with her compassion and empathy, sees the Dalek as a living creature, capable of suffering and perhaps even redemption.

Resolving the Crisis:

The climax of the episode is both tragic and hopeful. The Dalek, having absorbed Rose’s DNA, begins to develop a sense of empathy and self-loathing. It recognizes the atrocities it has committed and chooses to self-destruct rather than continue its path of destruction. This act of self-sacrifice is a powerful moment of redemption, suggesting that even the most hardened enemy can find a glimmer of humanity within themselves. The Doctor, witnessing this, is left to grapple with the complex emotions of grief, anger, and ultimately, a sense of closure.

“Dalek” is a powerful and unforgettable episode that showcases the very best of Doctor Who. It’s a thrilling adventure, a chilling horror story, and a poignant exploration of the human condition. It reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable evil, there is always the possibility of hope and redemption.

January 18, 2025 1 comment

Doctor Who

Swinging with the Doctor: “The Doctor Dances” and the Joy of Hope

by hutchm January 12, 2025

written by hutchm

“Everybody lives, Rose! Just this once, everybody lives!” This iconic line from “The Doctor Dances” (episode 1.10) perfectly encapsulates the heart of this brilliant episode. Now that I’ve gotten “back on the wagon” with regards to posting, I realize that I’ve left a few too many gaps in my efforts to capture all of the shenanigans of Doctor Who, so let’s see what I can do to rectify that!

As the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston delivers a performance brimming with manic energy and dark humor, yet tempered with a deep-seated weariness from the Time War. This episode, penned by the future Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat, masterfully blends wartime drama, chilling horror, and heartwarming triumph.

We find the Doctor and Rose crash-landing in London during the Blitz. While Rose experiences the fear and excitement of dodging bombs with the spirited Nancy, the Doctor stumbles upon a terrifying mystery: children with gas masks permanently fused to their faces, eerily chanting “Are you my mummy?” The atmosphere is thick with suspense, the darkened streets and crumbling buildings adding to the sense of dread. This unsettling imagery is reminiscent of the eerie atmosphere in “The Unquiet Dead,” where the Gelth possessed the bodies of the deceased.

But what caused this terrifying phenomenon? The root of the problem lies with Captain Jack Harkness, though unintentionally. When Jack, a con man from the 51st century, planted a Chula ambulance in 1941 London, he inadvertently unleashed the Chula nanogenes. These microscopic machines, encountering humans for the first time, infected a dying boy named Jamie caught in the Blitz. Mistaking Jamie’s gas mask for part of his face, the nanogenes “healed” him, creating the first “Empty Child,” a zombie-like figure with a gas mask permanently fused to his face.

The nanogenes, designed to repair and enhance Chula soldiers, bestowed upon Jamie superhuman strength, telepathic abilities, and the ability to communicate through any device with a speaker grill. Tragically, Jamie, now the Empty Child, retained a child’s mentality and wandered the streets searching for his mother, spreading the infection with every touch. Anyone infected inherited the same gas mask face, head trauma, chest injuries, and a distinctive gash on their hand, becoming another Empty Child.

The episode cleverly uses the backdrop of World War II to explore themes of fear, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. The war itself becomes a metaphor for the Doctor’s internal struggles, haunted by the memories of the Time War as seen in “Dalek.” He carries the weight of survivor’s guilt, believing himself to be the last of his kind. The sight of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances mirrors his own battles against impossible odds.

The introduction of Captain Jack Harkness adds another layer of excitement to the story. Jack, with his roguish energy and sense of adventure, complements the Doctor and Rose’s dynamic. His quick wit and flirtatious nature provide a welcome contrast to the Doctor’s more serious demeanor. This episode marks the beginning of a fan-favorite character who would go on to lead his own spin-off series, Torchwood.

As the Doctor investigates the strange phenomenon, the mystery deepens. He uncovers a connection between the gas mask children and a strange metal cylinder that crashed from the sky. The episode keeps us guessing, expertly weaving together elements of science fiction and horror. The reveal of the “Empty Child” and its tragic origin is both heartbreaking and terrifying.

But “The Doctor Dances” is not just about fear and darkness. It’s also about hope and redemption. The Doctor’s determination to save everyone, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, is truly inspiring. His ingenuity and compassion shine through as he unravels the mystery and finds a way to reverse the effects of the nanogenes.

Resolving the Crisis:

https://youtu.be/F8X_6Dv5I4Y?si=icUwf1joPK3fLwzY

The climax of the episode sees the Doctor confront the source of the nanogenes – the Chula ambulance. With a mix of technological know-how and compassionate understanding, he rewrites the nanogenes’ programming. By holding the Empty Child, Jamie, and declaring him to be the “mother” the nanogenes were seeking, he provides a template for healing. The nanogenes, now recognizing a healthy human, undo the transformations, returning everyone to their original forms. This act of compassion and ingenuity underscores the Doctor’s unwavering belief in the sanctity of life. The moment when he declares “Everybody lives!” is a powerful reminder of the Doctor’s ability to bring hope even in the direst situations.

This episode is a testament to the power of Doctor Who to entertain, frighten, and ultimately uplift. It’s a story that reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. The Doctor’s unwavering optimism and his ability to find joy in the face of adversity are qualities that continue to resonate with audiences today. “The Doctor Dances” stands as a shining example of the Ninth Doctor’s era, and a testament to the enduring power of hope and heroism in the Whoniverse.

January 12, 2025 1 comment

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