Ah, “The Long Game” . Not exactly a fan favorite, is it? Some folks find it a bit… meh. But you know what? I think it deserves a closer look. Because beneath the surface of this seemingly straightforward episode lies a whole lot of juicy stuff. We’ve got media manipulation, corporate greed, questionable companions, and even a hint of what’s to come in the season finale. So, buckle up, fellow Whovians, and let’s dive deep into the world of Satellite Five!
Welcome to the Year 200,000! (Where Everything’s a Bit Rubbish)
The TARDIS lands on Satellite Five, a massive space station orbiting Earth in the year 200,000. Humanity has supposedly reached its peak, with a glorious empire spanning the stars. But something feels off. The Doctor, ever perceptive, notices the lack of alien life and the strangely subdued atmosphere. And then there’s the food court. Beef-flavored soda? Seriously?
Rose, bless her cotton socks, is still buzzing from her previous adventures. She’s eager to show off her time-traveling expertise to Adam, the new kid on the block (and potential love interest – more on that later). But the Doctor, ever the cynic, is already sensing something sinister lurking beneath the shiny facade of Satellite Five.
The Doctor quickly realizes that the station is being used to feed misinformation to humanity, keeping them stagnant and controlled. The real puppet master? The Jagrafess, a monstrous alien who needs the station’s cold environment to survive. It’s a layered plot, weaving together the thrills of a space adventure with biting criticism of media manipulation and passive consumption of information.
Meet the Editor (He’s a Bit of a Git)
Enter the Editor, played with smarmy perfection by Simon Pegg. He’s the head honcho of this media empire, controlling the flow of information to the masses. And let’s just say, he’s not exactly a beacon of journalistic integrity. He’s more interested in ratings and control than truth and accuracy.
The Doctor, naturally, sees right through him. Their interactions are a highlight of the episode, with Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor delivering some brilliantly deadpan responses to the Editor’s increasingly desperate attempts to impress him.
Adam’s Folly
This episode also gives us a rare look at what happens when a companion can’t hack it. Adam, a young man who joined the TARDIS crew in the previous episode, quickly shows he’s not up for the moral challenges that come with time travel. Instead of helping the Doctor, he tries to download future knowledge into his brain, hoping to exploit it for personal gain when he returns home. It’s a classic case of human greed and short-sightedness, and the Doctor’s swift banishment of Adam is a sobering reminder that traveling with a Time Lord is a privilege, not a right.
The Jagrafess: A Big Bad with a Silly Name
The real villain of the piece is the Jagrafess, a giant slug-like creature who controls the Editor and, by extension, the entire human empire. It’s a bit of a goofy concept, I’ll admit, but it serves its purpose. The Jagrafess represents the ultimate in corporate greed and media manipulation, feeding on the ignorance of the masses to maintain its power.
Social Commentary in Space
Russell T Davies, the writer and showrunner, deftly uses “The Long Game” to critique how media can be used to manipulate public opinion. Satellite 5’s control over what information reaches the masses is a not-so-subtle jab at real-world issues of censorship and media bias. It’s especially prescient in our current age, where information (and disinformation) is a tool wielded with often devastating consequences.
The episode also explores the theme of complacency—how easy it is for people to fall into routines, accepting the status quo without question. The humans on Satellite 5 never question the heat waves or the news they’re fed; they’ve been numbed into submission. It’s a nudge for us, as viewers, to stay curious, to question the narratives presented to us, and to recognize when we’re being fed a story rather than the truth.
The Ninth Doctor Shines
Christopher Eccleston’s Doctor is known for his gruff exterior masking a deep well of compassion, and “The Long Game” showcases that balance beautifully. He’s stern with Adam, disappointed but resolute in cutting him loose. Yet, he’s also caring towards Rose, protective of the people on Satellite 5, and determined to right the wrongs he uncovers. His righteous anger at the abuse of power feels incredibly earned and underscores his deep-seated belief in freedom and truth.
Why This Episode Matters
“The Long Game” might not have the emotional heft of episodes like “Father’s Day” or the sheer terror of “The Empty Child,” but it plays a crucial role in setting up the finale of Series 1. It’s a key piece of the puzzle that leads to the explosive events of “Bad Wolf” and “The Parting of the Ways.” Plus, it introduces concepts and characters that resonate throughout the rest of the Doctor Who reboot—like the dangers of unchecked technological advancements and the consequences of abusing power.
A Few Fun Tidbits
- Simon Pegg as the Editor is such a treat! His icy performance adds a layer of sophistication to the villainous role.
- The Jagrafess (or the Mighty Jagrafess of the Holy Hadrojassic Maxarodenfoe, if you prefer!) is one of those delightfully grotesque alien designs that Doctor Who does so well.
- Adam’s downfall is one of the few times we see the Doctor truly lose faith in a companion, setting a precedent for just how high the stakes are when traveling with him.
Conclusion: The Lesson of “The Long Game”
What makes “The Long Game” stick with us is its core message—question everything. Don’t take the world at face value, and be wary of those who control the flow of information. It’s a lesson as relevant today as it was when the episode first aired, and it’s one that Doctor Who fans (and anyone, really) would do well to remember.
