Merry Christmas, everyone!
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The Husbands of River Song Grade and Discussion thread
- Thread starter The Nth Doctor
- Start date
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Observations on the Grading Scale
I notice that the grades on this poll have been shifted down a notch compared to those to the rest of Series 9.
Previously we had Excellent/Very-Good/Good/Decent/Rubbish, (or episode-specific terms to represent such sentiments), which I found, and some others pointed out, seemed rather skewed out of balance, in that it had four degrees of positivity but only one option for a neutral or negative view.
The system used here is much more reasonable but it raises the question of equivalence between responses here and responses to other episodes. If we are to make true comparisons, we will need to work out the exchange rate.
I notice that the grades on this poll have been shifted down a notch compared to those to the rest of Series 9.
Previously we had Excellent/Very-Good/Good/Decent/Rubbish, (or episode-specific terms to represent such sentiments), which I found, and some others pointed out, seemed rather skewed out of balance, in that it had four degrees of positivity but only one option for a neutral or negative view.
The system used here is much more reasonable but it raises the question of equivalence between responses here and responses to other episodes. If we are to make true comparisons, we will need to work out the exchange rate.
Well it was silly, and a trifle ridiculous that River didn't recognise him but you know what?
I loved it! Funny, poignant and just a whole lotta fun.
So if the night lasts 24 years does this mean we have the potential for more 12/River adventures? I kinda hope so.
And I love that River's 'borrowed' the Tardis when the Doctor isn't looking
I loved it! Funny, poignant and just a whole lotta fun.
So if the night lasts 24 years does this mean we have the potential for more 12/River adventures? I kinda hope so.
And I love that River's 'borrowed' the Tardis when the Doctor isn't looking
"I'm an archaeologist from the future: I dug you up! See you in 400 years!"
A very silly romp but largely rubbish story that's saved by the terrific chemistry between Peter Capaldi and Alex Kingston, which brings us to perhaps to the final chapter of The Doctor/River Song story. A fitting closing chapter with all the typical River/Doctor banter, but this time, tables are turned and The Doctor is the one with the upper hand in the relationship. River's complete and genuine (no gotcha moment!) obliviousness to who The Doctor is (no pun intended) was sweet and a load of fun to watch, culminating to her terrific surprise when she finally realizes the truth. I only wish the story trappings were less ridiculous and more grounded, but I guess that can't happen in Christmas episode for some reason (with a couple of exceptions).
Has the opening sequence been Christmas-ized in the past and my memory is failing me once again?
A very silly romp but largely rubbish story that's saved by the terrific chemistry between Peter Capaldi and Alex Kingston, which brings us to perhaps to the final chapter of The Doctor/River Song story. A fitting closing chapter with all the typical River/Doctor banter, but this time, tables are turned and The Doctor is the one with the upper hand in the relationship. River's complete and genuine (no gotcha moment!) obliviousness to who The Doctor is (no pun intended) was sweet and a load of fun to watch, culminating to her terrific surprise when she finally realizes the truth. I only wish the story trappings were less ridiculous and more grounded, but I guess that can't happen in Christmas episode for some reason (with a couple of exceptions).
Has the opening sequence been Christmas-ized in the past and my memory is failing me once again?
1. The Christmas overlay of the title sequence saddened me. Doctor Who is a program which I thought would never sink so low.
2. Actually, there wasn't much Christmas in the story itself, was there?
3. The lack of children is surprising, given the trend in Moffat's prior specials. It was as if we were invited to the adults' party for the first time.
4. Seven years and seven months after Silence in the Library first aired, is this finally the character's end?
5. They sure got their money's worth out of the Trap Street set.
2. Actually, there wasn't much Christmas in the story itself, was there?
3. The lack of children is surprising, given the trend in Moffat's prior specials. It was as if we were invited to the adults' party for the first time.
4. Seven years and seven months after Silence in the Library first aired, is this finally the character's end?
5. They sure got their money's worth out of the Trap Street set.
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I noticed that as well. A bit jarring but not a big deal.
I'm going to watch "Silence in the Library" and "Forest of the Dead" right now and see how well it jives with this episode. In fact, I think this might be the first time I've watch the two-parter since seeing most, if not all, of River's subsequent episodes.
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Meh. Loved Alex and Peter, and both the scene whhere she finally recognises him, and the last scene, but otherwise... Forgettable fluff.
I loved the scene where River realizes he is the Doctor. River is giving her big speech about how the Doctor is not sentimental and does not love her and then we see the look on the Doctor's face. Capaldi is a great actor. He managed to convey so much in just the way he looked at her. And it was so tender the way he softly said "hello sweetie".
This Christmas special was indeed mostly silly fun but like Doctor Who can do so well, it plays with your emotions. It makes you laugh and entertains you with ridiculous stories and then suddenly pulls your heart strings. The final scene with the singing towers was very touching and bitter sweet.
And, I definitely think that the last scene with the singing towers worked great with Capaldi and Kingston. I don't think it would have worked as well with Matt Smith because of the age difference. And even though in-story, the Doctor is much older now so River Song's line in Silence of the Library about the Doctor being so young then remains true, having an actor that is older that Tennant, makes that line ring more true from our human perception.
This Christmas special was indeed mostly silly fun but like Doctor Who can do so well, it plays with your emotions. It makes you laugh and entertains you with ridiculous stories and then suddenly pulls your heart strings. The final scene with the singing towers was very touching and bitter sweet.
And, I definitely think that the last scene with the singing towers worked great with Capaldi and Kingston. I don't think it would have worked as well with Matt Smith because of the age difference. And even though in-story, the Doctor is much older now so River Song's line in Silence of the Library about the Doctor being so young then remains true, having an actor that is older that Tennant, makes that line ring more true from our human perception.
What did I just watch?
I'm left scratching my head in confusion.
They played off each other quite well though. That part was enjoyable.
I'm left scratching my head in confusion.
They played off each other quite well though. That part was enjoyable.
I noticed that as well. A bit jarring but not a big deal.
I'm going to watch "Silence in the Library" and "Forest of the Dead" right now and see how well it jives with this episode. In fact, I think this might be the first time I've watch the two-parter since seeing most, if not all, of River's subsequent episodes.
The episode hasn't aired here yet, but I noticed that familiar street from the trailer. Looks like it got a nice paintjob.
Really enjoyed it!
How is having snow on the intro titles sinking low?
Wow. Badness personified. Capaldi and the ending were the only good things about it. That was pretty close to horrible. I laughed at the talking bag and loved Capaldi in this episode, but overall....ugh.