Soundtrack: Elton John - "Blue Moves". Because it's good. Okay - so: major confession time. Last night's episode of "Doctor Who"; entitled "The Unicorn and the Wasp"; might just be(come) one of my favourite DW stories ever. And, considering the slight variation in publicized fan opinions; where some people voice severe rage and disappointment, whereas others cry out in euphoric praise; I intend to state the many and precise reasons for my sheer, complete and enthusiastic approval. Let me begin by confirming that this is indeed an occasion of the outmost "hate it or love it"-kind; as various spectators have claimed before me, over the past 24 hours since it got aired. The fact that it all comes down to taste and preferences has, however, not prevented a number of fans from uttering extreme amounts of criticism and calling this the worst ep. this season. As I have mentioned in previous posts, this fourth series has, so far, been a regular love parade of brilliant episodes following even more brilliant episodes - one after the other, like pearls on a string. Absolutely stunning quality, overall, and almost unprecedented in the history of this show; hence becoming increasingly difficult to follow up. This was yet another long-anticipated chapter, and a rather exceptional one for many reasons. My immediate positive response might, first of all, have been caused by all the preview material; branding this as a one-off, historical affair; featuring some of the finest actors Britain has to offer, including one of David Tennant's best friends. Who just so happens to be a personal favourite of mine, as well. (The minor characters were terrific, in general, even the ones we barely noticed.) Also, my eagerness might be further due to this being the last episode out before a two week's absence of DW; brought about by (or, more rightly, blamed on) the Eurovision Song Contest; and consequently - perhaps - more thoroughly enjoyed and cherished; something to keep us going, that could make the wait worth while. For me, personally, it succeeded in doing so - and, very much too. A great, fun, dialogue-driven and action-packed ride from start to finish. Especially the dialogue is something I've learnt to appreciate. Not that I don't like big guns and running and fantastic aliens and planets and - yeah, you get it, I love all that too - but I prefer stories with a proper load of good lines involved. This one had countless such. In short, "The Unicorn and the Wasp", evolves around one of the greatest authors of all times, and creates an accurate depiction of the historical period in which she lived and worked. We've already had The Doctor meeting Charles Dickens and Shakespeare on-screen, now it was Agatha Christie's turn. And, of course, there my objective reviewing abilities come to an end. Simply cease to exist, for she is so absolutely marvellous and one of my childhood heroes, and I've been so looking forward to seeing her joining in with Donna & The Doc on their adventures. Writer Gareth Roberts did not disappoint - again, in my humble, subjective opinion. Naturally, he does have a lot of resources and resourceful folks around him to help. For instance, and this must be said to have been its greatest advantage, there is the immense, unlimited, endless and priceless interaction between Catherine The Great and Davey T. himself. A safe bet - in matters of charm, quality assurance and story-telling potential. These two have more natural chemistry than any other television duo I have ever seen; at least when based on 100% platonic friendship. This episode did include some hints about their relationship evolving into something else - in particular with the infamous snog; which was beautifully built up to and executed, thank God. Very cute, very strange and extremely shocking - which was the main idea, too. Second: the more they deny they're a couple, the more we speculate that they actually are. But this situation only marks a crossing point that can lead both ways, and I hold no fear the producers (RTD, that is) will destroy the special connection that has been established between the London lady and the Time Lord. They're too professional, all of them. As long as David and Catherine get to act on all that they possess of intelligence, wit and charisma - known as general talent - they make even the lamest of conversations seem totally ingenious. No guilt for has been placed on their shoulders by any critics, since the beginning of this series; in respect of episode shortcomings; not even by the most free-spoken and harsh individuals out there. Nor do they deserve any such. Regardless of flaws in direction and writing, regardless of how downright bad the episode appears to be; the minute the two of them get free camera access, all problems are forgotten, and we've suddenly got an above-average story of possible improvement. With their grand acting skills, they manage to generate more fun, lovability and viewing pleasure than one could ever have dreamt of. I am in awe. This time, they had the opportunity to really joke around, be silly and perfect their acts. Which they did; and with so much awesomeness, I don't know where to start. Well, I always try to emphasize how much I heart Catherine Tate - she's my idol, icon and ideal - so I guess this will be my point of departure, yet again. I've admired her since her very first appearance, but this episode was - undoubtedly - a unique high point; seeing that she even got to shine a bit more than usual. Gags, imitation, namedropping; no wonder she almost stepped into her ordinary comedy routine, now and then. I did see a tad bit of Lauren-ish habits, amongst her facial expressionism, but as a major Lauren-fan(atic) I could do nothing except applaud. Loudly. Still waiting for that unexpected "are you bovvered?!", but I don't think they would. Or dare.
Speaking of memorable traditions, though, we did have some superb continuity-details here, and references (almost flashbacks!) to old DW episodes; especially with regard to said Dickens and series one's "The Unquiet Dead"; which made me happy. Next, another glimpse from the subtle plot involving four things and a lizard - oh, the Moffat inventiveness - that is being delivered to us in random bits and pieces, spread out across the seasons. Anytime David Tennant is made to look like Robin Hood, I squee. Such is life. (As a fangirl.) Moreover, there was David's best friend, Fenella Woolgar, as the crime fictionist herself, and she played it fabulously. All the real-life legends featured on DW; writers, scientists, musicians, et cetera; have been part of success stories, founded on very fortunate acting and script jobs. Dean Lennox Kelly was exceptional as last year's Shakespeare, probably the best interpretation I've seen of The Bard, but Fenella was in no way inferior. Also, her befriending Donna was part of the top points of this episode. Add to the list more absurd mimicry from David and Catherine's; The Doctor taking the art of pulling funny faces to a new level; and Donna wielding a magnifying glass; even fighting off giant wasps with it; The Doctor back in his brown suit, getting drunk on local specialties (this is a children's show, remember?), driving a period car, possibly without any kind of license whatsoever, loved those scenes to bits, and mocking said Donna; calling her a "plucky young girl" (hah!); along with the overuse of the psychic paper, the obviously evil vicar, the out-of-place-and-point revolver, the flapper style, the whole 1920's garden party theme, the plottings and schemings and paintings on the walls; I adored the lot of it! Also, the expected elegance from director master Graeme Harper, some outstanding CGI and gorgeous art direction - a department in which they've excelled themselves this series; costumes, photography and locations continue to baffle me. And, did I mention the jewellery? Loved the necklaces! Of course, Murray Gold had provided some lovely music fit in with the rest; no surprises there. The literary overtones of the story further added to my pleasant experience; perfect for a literature student nearing her exam period. Only contributing to my interest in the subjects of my studies, not depriving me of relevant focus. Nice things. David Tennant's "big and mighty fireplace séance" was as good as it gets; the whole Hercule Poirot atmosphere (or, eh, parody) was priceworthy; and only got better by having the actual woman who's behind the Belgian detective sitting right next to him. They did a lot of tie-in, inside, for the peculiarly interested-sort of lines; much appreciated by me, perhaps not as much by the general public. I suppose the slow pace and rather defined topic are other reasons why this episode will maintain its split reputation. You're either completely absorbed - or it's just not your cup of tea. Anyway, in order to like it, you do have to be a somewhat dedicated supporter of the crime fiction style, and know your thus-related trivia. In fact, the entire episode was a alternate take on the classic, British crime drama - easily compared to Foyle's War, said Poirot, Prime Suspect or Midsomer Murders. With all the obligarory elements, suspects, confrontations, effects and very mild violence present. Some sexual "controversy", haha, groundless suspicion, murderes in disguise, less criminal subplots, blunt accusations, harmless flirting (see above-mentioning of a certain snog) and the lovely "who killed him, then?"-duel between Donna, The Doctor and Agatha. In addition, and possibly for the first time ever, they did the whole flashbacks of previously unseen scenes; which is so crammed with absolute brilliance, I was rendered speechless for a moment or two. Last, there were some sweet reminiscing in the TARDIS before the strikingly appropriate ending - "onwards" indeed, although I must say I'd like an even closer look at that wooden box of The Doctor's. Proper memory lane, there. Wonder where he's stored the pictures of Rose? And - her belongings?! No mentionings of her, unfortunately, that would have made this episode a Number One. Some more disadvantages, to regain a little of my objectivity; or maybe not; since I hate slapstick humour and this ep. held a couple of bordering-on-lousy attempts. Plain nonsense, very unnecessary. But the mess-around in the kitchen was rather amusing, all in all, I have to admit. Wasn't too keen on the wasp-transformation, though, a little too much animorphs-ripoff for my taste. And the editing was crap; the continuity in DW has never been that agreeable, but this was a low point. That aside, it was a truly wonderful piece of Saturday entertainment which, more than anything, proves the diversity that is the "Doctor Who" universe; with its multiple alterations in terms of theme and setting, and the unlimited potential this show beholds - for new and ever-so-exciting adventures. The Doctor really can travel anywhere, anytime, anyplace - and he does so in an impossible number of fashions. From space suits to coctail dresses, from kitchen maids to UNIT soldiers. The only TV show I know that defines the whole of Time and Space, whilst also having made this its subject and sole ambition. Changeability, that's what it's all about. He never stops. He never settles down. Trouble follows in his wake, but he never needs look back. As for myself, on the other hand, I want to get my hands on the DVD's and rewatch the first seven episodes of series four as soon as possible, and more times over again than I'll admit here. I bow to the Brits; you carry on magnificently!
1 comment:
eg så "the unicorn and the wasp" nå. den er fantastisk. :-)
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