**SPOILERS**
You know, I’ve got to admit, I’m writing this, with the CBBC channel on.
They’re showing ‘My Sarah Jane’, a loving tribute to both Elisabeth Sladen, and the character she played for so many years: there’s even a bit from Katy Manning, who played Jo Grant, Elisabeth Sladen’s predecessor as the companion.
Katy Manning has just called her “… the quintessential Dr Who girl”.
Coming from her, that’s quite something … !
»»•««
What was especially appropriate … ?
Was the simple fact that that tribute came after the opening episode of Series six of Dr Who: The Impossible Astronaut, complete with a dedication at the start of the episode.
And I impressed, I seriously am.
No, really, I am … !!
The Impossible Astronaut opens in Leadworth, when Amy and Rory — some time after they original appearances in series 5 — have been happily living for some time, and receiving a mysterious blue invitation to go to Utah.
They’re not the only ones.
Those invites turn out to be from the Doctor: one who’s also invited Dr River Song* and a mysterious old man.
Which is where things get complicated.
Amy and Rory’s invite is № 2. River’s is № 3: the old man’s, № 4.
But we only find out who received invite № 1 only after the Doctor is shot.
The Dr starts regenerating …
But is killed by the astronaut, before the regeneration cycle can complete it self.
It’s only after River, Amy and Rory gather back at a nearby Utah diner, that they find out the the Dr has given that first invitation …
To his younger self …
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And THAT lot’s all in the first twenty minutes, or so … !
It’s only when our heroes get back to the TARDIS, that the Dr’s younger self starts demanding answers: answer that Amy, Rory and River feel honour bound not to give him, know that he, in their shoes, would be doing the same.
It’s also where River does the Doctor the only thing she can: that they’ve been recruited — by Canton Delaware 3rd — to go back in time to find a mysterious little girl.
One that’s been plaguing President Richard Millhouse Nixon with calls, telling him that she’s scared “ … of the spaceman”.
Which is when we see the younger version of the old man we saw at the start of the episode: Canton Delaware 3rd, disgraced former FBI agent.
And the man who convinces Nixon that using the Doctor and co to tackle this little mystery could well be the thing … !
»»•««
Sound confusing … ?
Yes, it does, now I come to look at it, doesn’t it … ?
But The Impossible Astronaut is one hell of a piece of work that plays a lot better than it sounds, from the impression I may have given you, here: it’s also introduced us to the Silents, possibly a species that’ll be up there with the Weeping Angels as one of the nastier pieces of work in the Who universe.
It’s ALSO one that’s quite logical.
It gives us a married couple as a pair of companions for the Doctor. Complete with the unexpected, but sound and BIG revelation that Amy Pond gives us, at the cliffhanger, tonight
She’s pregnant.
I’m loving this series, already.
I’m not surprised at that.
After all, Stephen Moffat is one of the better writers that show has seen in a long time: and yes, I realise I’m including Russell T. Davies and the likes of the sainted Robert Holmes and Chris Boucher, from the original series, here.
He’s also possibly the only writer for the show that’s very aware of — and uses — one of the show’s built in features that other writers seem to take for granted.
That fact that one of Dr Who’s features is time travel …
I think Mr M’s demonstrated that quite well, tonight, with the slow loops that I believe will only resolve themselves at the end of the season.
»»•««
I’m also going to admit some thing else, as well.
I’m really impressed with Matt Smith.
Oh, now, granted, he has a superb script for The Impossible Astronaut, and and amazingly strong supporting cast — especially from Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill and Alex Kingston* — as well.
But I believe that where season 5 was a touch patchy, this first episode of season six sees his performance going up a notch or two.
The daffiness I’ve come to expect from him his still there: and frankly, I’d miss it if it wasn’t.
But The Impossible Astronaut sees Matt Smith putting on a darker edge to his performance that I, for one, felt matched Tennant’s rages and Ecclestone’s brooding presence, very well.
Yes …
I’m impressed …
Season Six …
Is firing on all cylinders …
* Is it me, or could I go for Alex Kingston … ? No, it’s not me, she’s a babe. OH MY GOD! I’m turning into me dad … !
4 comments:
I was quite happy with it as well. Look forward to getting to see it without commercials though (as BBC America is a commercial service).
The aliens are very creepy.
But don't we suddenly have too many companions?
-Sean
Oh, my God! Yes, I loved the show, too! But like I said on Twitter. They're going back to 1969. When Nixon was in office. And, yes, the Vietnam War was going on. But the reference to Watergate--nuh, nuh, nuh, no! That didn't happen until 1972! Sorry! :)
Hang on, though, Sean, too many companions … ? Ahem … !
And, Debbi, I’m rewatching the episode now: but wasn’t the only mention when River was talking to the Dr about Tricky Dicky … ?
I loved it. Easily the best season opener since the show first came back in 2005.
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