(S03E02) To be or not to be? That is the question.And so, the venerable Doctor and his new assistant Martha Jones arrived in London in the year 1599 to pay a visit to the Globe Theatre, where they would meet none other than Mr William Shakespeare.
Of course, this was not the first time our hero had met The Bard, but it was certainly one of the most memorable.
The central theme this week focused on the so-called 'missing' Shakespeare play (entitled Love's Labour's Won in this episode), which formed part of the mystery for The Doctor and Martha to unwravel.
The presence of three evil witches made the task all the more difficult, since their very existence -- and the future of their imprisoned species -- depended on play being read aloud in the specially-constructed Globe Theatre in order to release them from a sub-dimensional prison.
Frightening in parts, witty and sharp (come on folks, it's Shakespeare -- who wouldn't have fun with it?) this was the perfect opportunity for Russell T. Davies and company to get us right back on the bandwagon and straight at the heart of the action.
And, as I've said on numerous ocassions before, the best episodes of Doctor Who tend to be the ones set in the distant past. Certainly, they tend to be the episodes where the BBC excels; costumed drama, lavish sets and atention to detail. Where futuristic special effects often fail BBC dramas, the period piece often passes with flying colours, and Doctor Who can do both.
It was interesting to notice the continuation of The Doctor's grief for the loss of Rose in this episode. Even though she isn't actually dead, it almost seems as if he has dipped into a dark phase of his existence, repeatedly comparing Martha's approach to a mystery to his former companion's in the way someone would with a departed loved one. I think this is going to come to a head at some point, as Martha grows tired of the comparisons.
I have to say, I genuinely liked Rose. I liked Billie Piper too, but Freema Aygeman as Martha is a whole new ball game. She's witty, funny, strong and beautiful -- and if the writers are not careful, she could very quickly become the star of the show.
Nah, scratch that last suggestion -- David Tennant is fast becoming one of the best Doctors in the history of the series, and it's going to be a tough task to follow up his take on the character, should he decide to leave.
Next week's preview saw the promise of a return to the strange future world of New Earth, five billion and twenty-three years in the future, last seen in Series Two.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-09-2007 @ 8:34PM
MrC said...
Looks like it's time for the third and final encounter with the big face in the jar guy.
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4-09-2007 @ 9:14PM
Larry Hamilton said...
I don't hate Martha like I did when Rose left. She actually surprised me and turned out to be ok. But make no mistake, I'd welcome back Rose with open arms and let Martha be a thing of the past. I think most fans would. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if that happened sometime in the distant future. Billie has already said not being on the show is driving her nuts and she feels jealous like an ex girlfriend.
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4-09-2007 @ 9:50PM
Kenban said...
There are several things I am looking forward to and hoping that we see. I would like to see the return of Rose but if it happens its not going to be this season.
I suspect we are going to see the return of the Master either at the end of this season or sometime next season.
Also I think we might see an entire season about the return of the time lords. There has been nothing about what actually happened during the time war. Just that the Doctor knows that he is the last because he cannot sense any others. I believe he is wrong and that they will return. What better return of the time lords then to bring back both sides and spend a season on a time war.
If we see the return of the time lords we should see the return of Romana as well. There was an article that said she was the president during the time war.
The Master is the only thing I can see returning soon but I do expect most of it will occur at some point.
As I remember it the Doctor did say that if the Time Lords were still around travel to differant dimensions was easy. The whole reason there were problems was because he was the last. If she is written back into the show I suspect that might be when it happens after the return of the time lords.
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4-09-2007 @ 11:23PM
David said...
As an American I haven't seen the episode yet, so my comment is about next week's episode.
I LOVE THE NEW EARTH EPISODES!!! They are so wonderful and the huge head thing is amazing. I love this show!
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4-10-2007 @ 12:53AM
LordPaul said...
Ugh - 2 people wanting Rose back??
She's gone, get over it - the sooner they stop mentioning her the better. Don't you remember the episode with Sara Jane Smith when she said that the Doctor never talks about his companions. I think RTD made too much of Rose & it's tainted the show slightly.
I thought this episode was pretty good, the guy from Shameless playing Shakespear was a masterstroke :)
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4-10-2007 @ 2:36AM
dDub said...
Also as an American, I stumbled upon this show at the beginning of season 2 and have been eagerly watching (and backwatching missed episodes) ever since.
This was definitely one of those period episodes that gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling by integrating a new companion into the concept of actual time travel in a dream-like fashion.
Scenes where Martha and The Doctor step into the past and Martha asks if she "step on a butterfly..." and The Doctor retorts with "what have butterflies ever done to you" makes you completely forgive any historically inaccuracy's that can hamper other programs.
It reminds me of the late Farscape series where I felt no matter the seasons arc, I always felt like I was dreaming and could watch any episode over and over and could forgive any scientific or historical aspects and just be a kid watching TV again =P.
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4-10-2007 @ 7:11AM
KateG said...
I thought the best line was after Shakespeare flirted with Martha AND the Doctor.
The Doctor: Ohhh, Fifty-seven Academics just punched the air.
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4-10-2007 @ 3:14PM
sean tubbs said...
KateG, I couldn't quite make out what the line he said was before he made that comment, but it did sound like a great meta moment. I think. What did was said, exactly?
This episode was great. With the exception of the finale, Season 2 was a let-down and I've not been expecting much. But, so far, post-Rose #10 is doing quite well indeed.
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4-10-2007 @ 3:14PM
jccalhoun said...
I for one never thought Rose was that great. I liked her mom and Mickey much more than I like her. I like Martha much more. I mean how can you not love someone in a scifi show who has at least some knowledge of scifi (as in when she asked about changing the past)?
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4-11-2007 @ 11:07AM
Gaz said...
Since this is unavoidable, I'li join in: I like Rose better. Martha is ok, but so far she hasn't won me over, and as the season is only 12 episodes, time is runnig out.
Plus, I really want to see how she reconciles having a career as a doctor and having a large family with being a companion.
I don't think she is in any danger of taking over the show - David has looks, talent, charisma and charm to match none other around him.
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6-03-2007 @ 12:12AM
scott ray a said...
Has no one ever read any of the theories that Albert Einstien wrote? Imagine that in the Time War, the flow of Time is accidently aimed in a "U" turn and zaps the Time Continum, but instead of destruction of the universe, something else occurred.
A second time continum is formed. One where there are
no time sensative races, other than the face of Boe. His race is no more to him. The Doctor believes that he is the last of his kind.
Travel between universes is cut off. Also, with no eye of harmony, Tardis's can not run, yet the Doctor's still does.
ergo, Boe and the Doctor are not in the normal time continum. They are in the alternate one!
Tell that to big boy in London who is in charge of Doctor Who!
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