Squeaky Bun Time

*SPOILERS*

You know, I’ve got to admit, I’ve just started this post towards the climax of tonight’s episode of Dr Who, called Cold Blood.

I’m impressed!

No, seriously, I am … !

Cold Blood is the concluding half of the Hungry Earth/Cold Blood two parter, written by Chris Chibnall.

And it’s an episode that sees World War Three triggered over the death of Silurian warrior, Alea, played by Neve Campbell …

Who also played her sister, and commanding officer, Rastick.

Actually, I’ve got to admit, this is a beautifully cast pair of episodes: from Meera Syal as Nesreen Choudary, to former Hitchhiker star, Stephen Moore, as Eldane, the Homo Reptilia leader.

And a pair of episodes that are …

Actually, vaguely familier …

Now, it’s been a while since I’ve seen the original Jon Pertwee story that first featured the Silurians, but — from what I can remember — the plots seem broadly similar: both see the Silurians being awakened from their eons-long sleep by drilling, internal conflicts between factions, what have you.

But there is differences, definitely … !

I don’t think the original saw one of the Silurians killed, but don’t quote me on that.

And I don’t think the original was part of an season with a central story arc.

Cold Blood and Hungry Earth are.

And, as part of the climax of tonight’s episode … ?

We see Matt Smith’s eleventh Dr reach his hand inside the Crack — on a cave wall in the Silurian city — and retrieve … something … a touch portentous.

We see a nice bit of opening and closing narration from Stephen Moore, dropping some nasty hints.

And we see the kind of seriously emotional scene we’ve not seen since Tennent’s regeneration.

Or the death of Adric, in the Peter Davison era Earthshock.

Which should be telling you something …

•••••

Can I make a confession, here … ?

I’ve got to admit that what I thought would happen, is happening.

I’m definitely warming to Matt Smith’s more intellectual version of the Doctor.

I think the combination of writing on Cold Blood — and a coupler of the other episodes of this season — and Smith’s presentation of the character, makes for a very different Doctor, lightening to Tennent’s fire, Ecclestone’s dark broodiness, Davison’s naivete and idealism: I’m thinking there’s traces of both Bakers alienness, of Pertwee — and Hartnell’s — intellect.

And definite traces of a certain Mr Troughton …

To sum it up … ?

I’m thinking the shakedown is over.

I’m thinking the Smith and Moffat era is shaping up …