Doctor Who 31.00: The Next Doctor

[annathepiper]

Wow. That was one of the most solid stories I've ever had the pleasure of seeing Russell T. Davies produce. David Tennant and David Morrissey FTW!


I was really, really wondering how they were going to play this and whether Morrissey would in fact be the next Doctor. Given the conflicting rumors I've heard about Paterson Joseph getting the part, I was pretty sure that for some reason Morrissey would turn out to not be a legitimate future regeneration. But I was not expecting an amnesia plot.

And oh, it was very well played. Showing us glimpses of Jackson's broken memories interspersed with flashes of data out of the infostamp was excellent. And playing off of that, the "sonic" screwdriver and the balloon-TARDIS were big hints, but I bet that what really sold Ten was when he had the stethoscope and was checking out the other "Doctor". Heard one heart. Had to have.

Morrissey was wonderful in general. I could totally have seen him as an actual Doctor. And oh, man, the look on his face when he starts remembering who he really is--and how the death of his wife kicked him into a fugue state, and how the Cybermen took his son.

Rosita = WIN! I liked Ten's little crack about her name, and how, even in one episode's worth of glimpse of her, seemed easily a match for Rose or Martha in general awesomeness.

Miss Hartigan, also excellent. I really loved how she had enough force of intelligence and will that the Cybermen could not actually quell her mind even as they tried to convert her. That? That is badassery, enough that the Doctor even respected it, and you could tell that he was genuinely grieved that he had to take her down.

Oh my the Cyber-King rising out of the Thames. DUDE. Stunning effects work, and very, very steampunk.

And sniff, Jackson got the Doctor to actually come and join the final Christmas dinner. Awww. <3

Beautifully, beautifully done all around!

Comments

[solarbird]

I was kind of wondering if he was going to be the Meddling Monk.

[lyricae.livejournal.com]

Did we miss it? *cries*

[arjache.livejournal.com]

Squeeee! Steampunk christmas! There really is a Santa!

I particularly liked the sepia-toned slideshow of all the regenerations. And the hot air balloon. Because Morrissey's Doctor really was The Wizard.

[annathepiper]

You didn't miss a broadcast. I employed Other Means.

[annathepiper]

Steampunk Christmas indeed. And much, much love for steampunk Cyberking! <3

I'm almost disappointed that Jackson wasn't actually a future Doctor. Because clearly, Jackson Lake is awesome, and there should be further adventures involving him!

[arjache.livejournal.com]

If nothing else he needs at least one novel. Maybe a comic series.

[morgie.livejournal.com]

This is making me sooooo curious!!

[annathepiper]

I can smell the fanfic on the wind already! ;) But yeah, I would totally buy a novel about him and his kid and Rosita having an adventure in the balloon TARDIS!

[annathepiper]

It was fun!

[mari-mac1109.livejournal.com]

Are me and my mother the only two people that thought that Miss Hartigan and Miss Foster have the exact same voice? Seriously. It's the scary way she says "children" I think.

Rosita was bomb. I wouldn't mind seeing more of her or more of Jackson Lake

[annathepiper]

We didn't think of the similarity at the time, but yeah, I could see it. (Not the same actress, I looked it up, but you're right, they do sound similar!)

I'd not be surprised if some Jackson/Rosita fanfic is going to crop up somewhere out there. ;) I'm thinkin' Captain Nemo crossover! Or League of Extraordinary Gentlemen!