yes, they did.
Planet of the Dead Discuss and Grade SPOILERS!!!
- Thread starter captcalhoun
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Sure was.
Certain elements of this episode were a little similar to Gareth Roberts's (who was the co-writer) novel "Highest Science"-mainly the part about regular Londoners getting transported to an alien world. I'm pretty sure that there was some kind of wacky device he was using to track the wormhole in that too.
Isn't this the first time in NuWho that an episodes gotten dual writing credits?
You know, upon viewing the whole thing, I found the episode felt a lot like the old Doctor Who comics that were serialized in Doctor Who weekly/monthly/magazine. Specifically I believe there was one where the Doctor and Sarah Jane were transported via double-decker bus to an alien world, and "Planet of the Dead" was the title of one of the comic storylines, even! Not that it was a direct adaptation, it just feels very similar to those old stories. Especially with there being no 'permanent' companion.
Part of the reason why, I believe, is that RTD and I think Roberts were big fans of the comic serials (and I'm sure wrote for them as well). I think RTD even used the whole Deathsmiths of Goth thing from Alan Moore's Cyberman story in one of his write-ups in the reference books.
Part of the reason why, I believe, is that RTD and I think Roberts were big fans of the comic serials (and I'm sure wrote for them as well). I think RTD even used the whole Deathsmiths of Goth thing from Alan Moore's Cyberman story in one of his write-ups in the reference books.
Yup, unless you count Torchwood.
I finally got around to watching it this weekend. I gave it a grade of "Above Average" and found Michelle Ryan to be a very likable companion. I liked her better than Astrid, whom I very much enjoyed.
Finally saw this, and while I hardly EVER say this about the new DW, I gotta say I found this episode to be incredibly... dull. 
I can see what they were going for (and I have no problem with just a wacky, fun little romp on another planet), but this just fell totally flat for me from the start. Stranding a bus in the desert of an alien planet is definitely an inspired idea, but the execution here was completely humdrum and by the numbers. And we never dwell there long enough to get a true sense of isolation from it anyway.
On top of that, the Lady Christina character isn't all that interesting and the stingray aliens don't ever feel like a truly dangerous threat. In fact every element of the story comes across as contrived as hell.
Either the writers needed to dial up the wackiness and witty dialogue a LOT more, or they should have treated the central concept a lot more seriously than they did. What we got was something in the middle, which I just don't think worked at all.
I can see what they were going for (and I have no problem with just a wacky, fun little romp on another planet), but this just fell totally flat for me from the start. Stranding a bus in the desert of an alien planet is definitely an inspired idea, but the execution here was completely humdrum and by the numbers. And we never dwell there long enough to get a true sense of isolation from it anyway.
On top of that, the Lady Christina character isn't all that interesting and the stingray aliens don't ever feel like a truly dangerous threat. In fact every element of the story comes across as contrived as hell.
Either the writers needed to dial up the wackiness and witty dialogue a LOT more, or they should have treated the central concept a lot more seriously than they did. What we got was something in the middle, which I just don't think worked at all.
^ I kinda have to agree. It was a servicable story, but I haven't felt the least desire to rewatch any parts of it. Not really a good sign.
Well I watched it again and though I was doing something else at the same time, which probably didn't help, I found it kinda flat. Not bad, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first time. As a regular episode this would have been good, but part of the problem is that we didn't have another episode the week after.
The more I think about it the more I think the specials were a bad idea. I think they would have been better doing a mini series of 6 or 7 x 45 minute episodes. It does feel far too much like we're just marking time till Tennant goes now, which is a shame. Hopefully Waters and Mars and the last 2 will be far more epic. I do want to stress, I did like Planet of the Dead, it just wasn't, well special!
The more I think about it the more I think the specials were a bad idea. I think they would have been better doing a mini series of 6 or 7 x 45 minute episodes. It does feel far too much like we're just marking time till Tennant goes now, which is a shame. Hopefully Waters and Mars and the last 2 will be far more epic. I do want to stress, I did like Planet of the Dead, it just wasn't, well special!
Yeah it was just an episode of the show, no bad thing but is bound to disappoint a little when we only are being drip-fed Who this year.
I finally got around to watching it the other day.
I thought it was bellow average but since that wasn't an option on the poll I voted Crap.
Perhaps a bit harsh but then again perhaps not.
A pity really.
Lets hope the next special is better.
I thought it was bellow average but since that wasn't an option on the poll I voted Crap.
Perhaps a bit harsh but then again perhaps not.
A pity really.
Lets hope the next special is better.
Average. Finally got to see this one, and I won't say much because I'm sure it's all been said alreead. Although, next time make a poll with at least 5 points, not 4!
I wanted to like this one more. It had some very creative ideas. The life form that goes around devouring things is both simple and effective. It sounds natural because we see it on Earth. But, I didn't buy how they made wormholes. I'm sure there's been the Superman comparisons where he flew in circles fast enough to go back in time. Well, these things were only flying 300 mph based on statements in the episode! No where near fast enough to do anything.
Also, there was just too much goofiness combined with goofy music that took it down for me.
I did like the character of Christina. She would've made a great companion. The character of Carmen was wasted. Why endow a character with such great capabilities, take the time to develop them, but then totally not use it. Just for the ominous bunk at the end I guess. What a waste. Most of the other characters were just underdeveloped.
I enjoyed watching but it was a cheap mindless production overall.
Mr Awe
I wanted to like this one more. It had some very creative ideas. The life form that goes around devouring things is both simple and effective. It sounds natural because we see it on Earth. But, I didn't buy how they made wormholes. I'm sure there's been the Superman comparisons where he flew in circles fast enough to go back in time. Well, these things were only flying 300 mph based on statements in the episode! No where near fast enough to do anything.
Also, there was just too much goofiness combined with goofy music that took it down for me.
I did like the character of Christina. She would've made a great companion. The character of Carmen was wasted. Why endow a character with such great capabilities, take the time to develop them, but then totally not use it. Just for the ominous bunk at the end I guess. What a waste. Most of the other characters were just underdeveloped.
I enjoyed watching but it was a cheap mindless production overall.
Mr Awe
I enjoyed it. But I don't think Dr. Who and Lara Croft are two characters that mixed well.
The Dr. is getting a little to much praise from UNIT, etc... Otherwise, it was a good episode.
The Dr. is getting a little to much praise from UNIT, etc... Otherwise, it was a good episode.
I just rewatched this and while I originally voted "Average" I'd change that to "Above Average" now.
It still wasn't the greatest story but I really enjoyed the comedic interaction between Malcolm and the Doctor and found myself thinking Michelle Ryan would have made a good companion for the 11th Doctor.
Mind you, the opening still makes me think I've accidentally popped in the Return of the Pink Panther. I kept expecting Clouseau to be sent to Lugash.
It still wasn't the greatest story but I really enjoyed the comedic interaction between Malcolm and the Doctor and found myself thinking Michelle Ryan would have made a good companion for the 11th Doctor.
Mind you, the opening still makes me think I've accidentally popped in the Return of the Pink Panther. I kept expecting Clouseau to be sent to Lugash.
For those who might be interested, it looks like Planet of the Dead is being repeated on BBC HD tonight at 8:30
I dunno, it probably says something that this is probably the only Who story that I've never felt the urge to rewatch a second time.
Still hate the silly flying bus, and the fly headed aliens. (If you're going to design for an SF series, at least show a little friggin imagination!)
Still hate the silly flying bus, and the fly headed aliens. (If you're going to design for an SF series, at least show a little friggin imagination!)
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