Dinosaurs On A Space Ship

[poliphilo]

Earlier incarnations of the Doctor didn't go in for kill and quip. It was one of the things that differentiated the character from other super hero types like Bond or Arnie. I sense (and deplore) a growing amorality. 

Otherwise this second episode fully delivered on the promise of its title. Production values have never been higher. Rory's Dad is the new Wilf Mott (only Wilf Mott moved me). 

Comments

[strange-complex.livejournal.com]

Yeah, they did. Not actually seen last night's yet, as I was out at a party, but from what I hear of it, it didn't take the Doctor anywhere he hadn't been before.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I'd heard about that incident but hadn't seen it. I hate the oompah-oompah comedy music.

So, it's been done before. But it's ugly and a bit of an aberration and I'd rather they didn't go back there.

[strange-complex.livejournal.com]

Oh, indeed. That scene caused a lot of controversy at the time, and still does. I really love stories which show the darker side of the Doctor's character, as long as they also acknowledge that, explore it and work through its implications. It's the 'kill and quip' model, as you say, with no accompanying sense of moral compass, that's problematic.

(Still haven't seen last night's, though!)

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I'm all for the Doctor being dark, but I don't like him to be morally trivial. Matt Smith's Doctor is a bit of a lightweight, I think.

[haikujaguar.livejournal.com]

How did that happen, I wonder? Are all the episodes being written by the same person now?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I've no idea.

There's a small team of writers presided over by a show-runner who sets the tone and constructs the larger story arc.