Rate the new Dr Who episode 4

[MonsterMash]

No.4 and the first multipart story.

 

[Cthulhudrew]

That's how I like my Doctor Who- leaving you hanging until the next week's chapter!

Good story, a lot of character bits (even though they haven't touched on the Time Wars this episode). All throughout the episode, I kept asking myself- where is U.N.I.T.? Why hasn't the Doctor gotten in touch with Brigadier Lethbridge-Stuart or Harry? Surely he can use his contacts to get to the bottom of the spaceship mystery? I know they seem to want to "clear the decks" a bit so new viewers can get on board, but this would have been an opportunity to bring in past history in an introductory manner...

... and lo and behold, 3/4 of the way through the show, who do we see on television? U.N.I.T! And the Doctor talks about his past with them. This show is really hitting all its marks with me.

I still think Eccleston smiles too much- or maybe its just his goofy smile that bothers me- but I like this incarnation of the Doctor. Can't wait for next week's ep.

 

[Viking Bastard]

I liked it. It's so wacky.

Farting fat aliens in skinsuits that open with a zipper. Wonderful!

 

[MonsterMash]

That's how I like my Doctor Who- leaving you hanging until the next week's chapter!

Good story, a lot of character bits (even though they haven't touched on the Time Wars this episode). All throughout the episode, I kept asking myself- where is U.N.I.T.? Why hasn't the Doctor gotten in touch with Brigadier Lethbridge-Stuart or Harry? Surely he can use his contacts to get to the bottom of the spaceship mystery? I know they seem to want to "clear the decks" a bit so new viewers can get on board, but this would have been an opportunity to bring in past history in an introductory manner...

... and lo and behold, 3/4 of the way through the show, who do we see on television? U.N.I.T! And the Doctor talks about his past with them. This show is really hitting all its marks with me.

I still think Eccleston smiles too much- or maybe its just his goofy smile that bothers me- but I like this incarnation of the Doctor. Can't wait for next week's ep.

Yes I like having the cliffhanger back.

With UNIT presumably Lethbridge-Stuart and Harry would be retired by now, but the reason of not contacting them because he'd regenerated didn't really fit as after all UNIT had seen the regeneration from Pertwee to Tom Baker.

 

[Viking Bastard]

Can someone perhaps give me the backstory to UNIT?

 

[Cthulhudrew]

Can someone perhaps give me the backstory to UNIT?

From what I recall, it's a paramilitary operation that is part of the United Nations (hence, the U.N. in unit). It's purpose is to gather intelligence on, and deal with, paranormal and extraterrestrial activity that takes place on Earth. It was primarily part of the series during the Third Doctor's run (Jon Pertwee), when he was confined to Earth due to the Time Lords punishment. It may have appeared as early as the second Doctor, though, in an episode or two (not exactly sure). The operation also made several appearances during Tom Baker's run, and periodic appearances in other incarnations.

U.N.I.T. was led by Brigadier Lethbridge-Stuart- or at least that's who primarily worked with the Doctor. Several of the Doctor's companions were part of or associated with U.N.I.T., such as Penny, Sarah Jane Smith, Harry (can't think of his last name), and there is one other, IIRC- another woman during Pertwee's run.

The last I heard, Lethbridge-Stuart was retired (though doubtless still has contacts with them), Harry was working for MI-5 or something. The operation itself still continues- it's sort of like the X-Files, I guess, though with a much larger personnel staff and a much larger budget. They try to keep public awareness of all the extraterrestrial activity low, to keep people from panicking.

That's all I recall offhand- really, this episode pretty much gave you all the info you need, which was cool (and I was so happy they mentioned and used it). Do a Google on U.N.I.T., and you should get some really good info.

Just found this link, here, which talks about it a bit.

 

[Flexor the Mighty!]

It was fun. The farting got to be a bit much but overall I was happy to see U.N.I.T. mentioned again. Though his bit about the not being recongnized is funny since he worked with U.N.I.T. in his 2-5th incarnations. Hell Troughton met the Brigadier before he was the Brigadier, he was just a group captain back then. U.N.I.T. was most active during the Pertwee years as Liz Shaw & Jo Grant were both with U.N.I.T. IIRC.

Too bad I have most of America still can't even give this show a try.

 

[lrsach01]

The fart jokes were heavy handed though...it would have been a better episode with out them.

 

[Plane Sailing]

Yes I like having the cliffhanger back.

Although they rather spoil the effect by then showing "what happens next week" and we see all the people who were being hung over a cliff quite happily carrying on... Some better thought needed there BBC!

 

[MonsterMash]

Although they rather spoil the effect by then showing "what happens next week" and we see all the people who were being hung over a cliff quite happily carrying on... Some better thought needed there BBC!

I noticed that too - might be a case of sending a letter (in green ink) to them pointing this out.