On TV: Saturday 17th September 2011
Channel: BBC One 7.10pm
Episode Type: Episode 11/13
In 1 Sentence: A fascinating thrill ride that is hilarious, dark and odd all at the same time: but that’s the Doctor Who we know and love!
BBC Summary: The Doctor, Amy and Rory investigate a hotel of horror where repeat business is low but the body count is high... A mighty monster stalks the corridors and the rooms hold visions of Angels, apes and creepy clowns. Who - or what - has brought them to this place? And can the Doctor solve the mystery before the residents check out in grisly style?
SPOILERS
My Review: That then, where do I start with this episode?! From the brain behind Being Human, Mr Toby Whithouse brings us another dolloping of fantastical dark comedy, with brilliant twists and turns.
The most important element for me in this episode was how funny it was. Almost every single line was either laugh out loud funny, sneaky funny or dark funny. Having David Walliams guest starring definitely helped but then the regulars did a good job as well. Casual, throw-away lines that made you think; the writing was one top form.
And the direction was very exciting. The flashes of those gradually being taken over making strange faces... excellently spooky and added an extra layer to the drama, making it even more dark and interesting. I genuinely didn’t know what would happen next. What room would they stumble into? That depth of mystery pushed the story on and it was very well handled. When Amy finds her room, it was so beautiful. The Doctor broke down her faith, speaking to her like he never has done with previous companions. He told her the truth. He is no god, but just a mad man in a blue box. But that’s why the ending was as powerful as it was. I didn’t see it coming.
Is it really the end for Amy and Rory? No! What happened to their mission to find their daughter - the very reason they made crop circles to find the Doctor again in Let’s Kill Hitler. You can’t tell me that in only two or three episodes they’ve given up. The Amy I know wouldn’t let go of the Doctor like that, let alone her baby daughter. But it was a nice sentiment. The Doctor is saving them. For once he’s putting them before himself and letting them go. It’s a big step in their relationship and I really hope that after this season’s finale that they can go live happily ever after together. But while Melody is still out there, and there’s a chance to save the Doctor’s life, there’s no chance they’ll let it lie.
But the best thing about the Pond’s (temporary) vacation from the TARDIS is that the brilliant Craig can return with what looks like a promising episode...
Score: 8/10
No comments:
Post a Comment