So, the first episode of the new season of Doctor Who was just simulcast around the globe. (If you missed it, BBC America's showing it multiple times for the rest of the day - I'm not sure about BBC.) In any case, what were your thoughts?
(By the way, if you missed it in the thread title, SPOILERS ARE WELCOME.)
I thought Jodie did a fine job in the episode and it seems like she'll be a good Doctor. She had some great lines ("Empty pockets? I hate empty pockets!") and did a good job in the role thus far. Of course, the first episode of any new regeneration of the Doctor tends to be a bit wonky, as the new personality hasn't entirely kicked in yet. It'll be interesting to see how she plays the role once the regeneration has time to finish in its entirety.
As for the story, it seemed kind of "just okay." Not the most exciting of plotlines - kind of a watered-down "Predator," really, with a less interesting alien. And there were a few bits that seemed contrived, like the Doctor whipping up a new sonic screwdriver from scratch. (I know there was alien technology there in that garage, but still.) Also, I was led to believe these were going to be 10 standalone episodes, so ending it on a cliffhanger like that was kind of jarring - added by the fact that on the original broadcast on BBC America at least, we didn't get a set of closing credits, just the shot of the Doctor and her three new "accidental" companions (although apparently they're just going to be referred to as "friends" now) hanging out in space, then a commercial break, and then a discussion panel that made me wonder if the episode was really over or not. Apparently it was. Not really my idea of "standalone."
So, my overall impressions: kind of a weak story line, but a strong first impression by the new Doctor. I have high hopes for the season; after all, Peter Capaldi was a great Doctor but he was burdened with some sub-par story lines as well (and a few that were just outright terrible).
Johnathan
(By the way, if you missed it in the thread title, SPOILERS ARE WELCOME.)
I thought Jodie did a fine job in the episode and it seems like she'll be a good Doctor. She had some great lines ("Empty pockets? I hate empty pockets!") and did a good job in the role thus far. Of course, the first episode of any new regeneration of the Doctor tends to be a bit wonky, as the new personality hasn't entirely kicked in yet. It'll be interesting to see how she plays the role once the regeneration has time to finish in its entirety.
As for the story, it seemed kind of "just okay." Not the most exciting of plotlines - kind of a watered-down "Predator," really, with a less interesting alien. And there were a few bits that seemed contrived, like the Doctor whipping up a new sonic screwdriver from scratch. (I know there was alien technology there in that garage, but still.) Also, I was led to believe these were going to be 10 standalone episodes, so ending it on a cliffhanger like that was kind of jarring - added by the fact that on the original broadcast on BBC America at least, we didn't get a set of closing credits, just the shot of the Doctor and her three new "accidental" companions (although apparently they're just going to be referred to as "friends" now) hanging out in space, then a commercial break, and then a discussion panel that made me wonder if the episode was really over or not. Apparently it was. Not really my idea of "standalone."
So, my overall impressions: kind of a weak story line, but a strong first impression by the new Doctor. I have high hopes for the season; after all, Peter Capaldi was a great Doctor but he was burdened with some sub-par story lines as well (and a few that were just outright terrible).
Johnathan
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