Doctor Who follows a formula for the most part while I enjoyed the previous episode I do feel this one was probably better. Although I think in the case of this particular two parter if it didn't prove to be better I probably would have hated it. Anyway if you didn't know already a race of creatures who live under the planet want the Earth back where they resided previously before the human race arrived. When I say its run of the mill you get the characters into tight situations the and the creatures end up on the brink of killing them and well you know. You have the aggressive creatures and then you have the more diplomatic of the creatures including the scientist. It may seem like I'm moaning and groaning but it would have been extremely difficult for the episode to avoid clichés so I'm sort of relieved that it had them, however strange that sounds. Despite of this it was a good episode that was gripping for the most part and managed to hold my attention from start to finish. Onto the ending and it is something I need to address I wasn't really expecting the ending we got and it showed Doctor Who can have an emotional tone to it as well as having the Sci-Fi element. We see Rory shot by one of the creatures at the finale saving the Doctor in the process and it actually surprised me that he died. Then we see the crack in the wall from Amy's Bedroom and anything that gets absorbed by it seizes to exist and also never has existed in the past which is quite creative. Rory gets absorbed it and the Doctor tries his best to get Amy to remember him but it doesn't work. As mentioned it shows Doctor Who's ability to have an emotional tone to it but also shows its not afraid to have a tragic ending. I know I've blown the whole finale but I had to talk about it and share my views as it was the strongest part of the episode. Like the Waters of Mars episode the ending proved to be the strongest part and actually made it one of the most memorable of the series so far.
14 Reviews
Journey to the Centre of the Earth...
Xstal10 December 2021
An army of Silurians, all ready to join the fight, just waiting to be roused from their millenniums of night, the apes above will have to fight for all that they're worth, once the subterranean lizards seek to reclaim planet Earth.
Unispired but not without It's surprises
The-Last-Prydonian30 May 2010
After last weeks entertaining and promising if flawed opening to this two part story, "Cold Blood" carries on from where "The Hungry Earth" an episode which owed much to the classic B-movie "Invaders from Mars", writer Chris Chibnall continues with the tale to deliver what ultimately culminates in a shockingly powerful and emotional denouement. To some extent a lightweight story with some hairy moments it eventually goes to some very dark places very quickly with a story that neatly exploits the fragility and basic flaws of human nature and the brutality and hatred that prejudice can instill in people.
Starting where the previous episode left, with the Doctor and Nasreen Chaudry, head of the mining expedition seen the previous week, having discovered that all tat consists of the Silurian race is not a mere tribe but a whole civilisation. In an attempt to prevent a potential war the Time Lord intends to exchange a Silurian who he along with the humans had captured in return for the humans in their possession who include Amy. The Silurian's as revealed before want control over the Earth again and plot to exterminate every single human off the face of the planet but the Doctor wishes to broker a deal which would allow both humans and Silurians to share the planet. But achieving such an aim might be more difficult than imagined. Especially when the worst that can happen, does.
"Cold Blood" marks the best script penned by Chibnall thus far when you consider some of his less rewarding work on "Torchwood" for example. It's tightly paced, with sympathetic and likable characters and although it occasionally wallows in sheer cheesiness and arguably relies on the odd plot contrivance to further it's basic yet effective plot, it's never the less a tort and thrilling run around. There are ultimately a number of the predictable clichés which come with a story regarding what is essentially the clash of two cultures who eventually have to fight to find some common ground. The fact that the Silurian prisoner Alaya is actually the sister of Resctac the military commander of the reptilian race seems all too convenient a plot device to provoke further animosity while Restac her self as with her sister are never properly developed and come across as just two angry two-dimensional caricatures who merely spit out venomous bile about humans. And there are of course the requisite, more benign Silurian protagonists although given the plot are more or less a necessity.
It's thank god then that the stories denouement partially makes up for these flaws with a chilling and emotional climax which would hopefully silence detractors who have accused the show as being too sugar coated and aimed at kids. Like "The Waters of Mars" it has an exceedingly grim conclusion although arguably more effectively handled and less heavy handed, utilising the tale to include the cracks in time seen throughout the series beautifully. The episode nicely exploits the callousness and perhaps the ultimate futility of war when understanding and diplomacy would be better used with Smith's Doctor playing mediator or peacemaker. Even the humans and not simply the Silurians are not totally depicted as being entirely good or bad and the shades of grey that consist in every one of us are employed with sublime craftsmanship as with nobility seen on either side.
The performances as has more or less been seen to be through out the fifth series are uniformly excellent with both Smith and Gillan once again proving to be as ever dependable in their respective roles with Gillan in-particular worthy of note giving it her all in the stories shocking climax. As is the same can be said for Arthur Darvill as Rory who proves to be growing to be more and more endearing. Inspired support as displayed in THE from Meera Syal, Robert Pugh, Nia Roberts et al while Samuel Davies as young Elliot may very well be an up and coming name to look out for in future. And It's largely due not only Davies likable performance but Chibnalls characterisation that Elliot doesn't slip in to the usual pitfall of an irritating, contrived child protagonist.
A solid then if not overwhelming classic episode which neatly concludes this two parter CB highlights the upward spiral of the Moffat era. Enjoyable, intelligent although perhaps hardly inspired or original it's never the less without it's surprises and with hints that the best and most shocking might be yet to come I can only hope Moffat delivers on his promise.
Starting where the previous episode left, with the Doctor and Nasreen Chaudry, head of the mining expedition seen the previous week, having discovered that all tat consists of the Silurian race is not a mere tribe but a whole civilisation. In an attempt to prevent a potential war the Time Lord intends to exchange a Silurian who he along with the humans had captured in return for the humans in their possession who include Amy. The Silurian's as revealed before want control over the Earth again and plot to exterminate every single human off the face of the planet but the Doctor wishes to broker a deal which would allow both humans and Silurians to share the planet. But achieving such an aim might be more difficult than imagined. Especially when the worst that can happen, does.
"Cold Blood" marks the best script penned by Chibnall thus far when you consider some of his less rewarding work on "Torchwood" for example. It's tightly paced, with sympathetic and likable characters and although it occasionally wallows in sheer cheesiness and arguably relies on the odd plot contrivance to further it's basic yet effective plot, it's never the less a tort and thrilling run around. There are ultimately a number of the predictable clichés which come with a story regarding what is essentially the clash of two cultures who eventually have to fight to find some common ground. The fact that the Silurian prisoner Alaya is actually the sister of Resctac the military commander of the reptilian race seems all too convenient a plot device to provoke further animosity while Restac her self as with her sister are never properly developed and come across as just two angry two-dimensional caricatures who merely spit out venomous bile about humans. And there are of course the requisite, more benign Silurian protagonists although given the plot are more or less a necessity.
It's thank god then that the stories denouement partially makes up for these flaws with a chilling and emotional climax which would hopefully silence detractors who have accused the show as being too sugar coated and aimed at kids. Like "The Waters of Mars" it has an exceedingly grim conclusion although arguably more effectively handled and less heavy handed, utilising the tale to include the cracks in time seen throughout the series beautifully. The episode nicely exploits the callousness and perhaps the ultimate futility of war when understanding and diplomacy would be better used with Smith's Doctor playing mediator or peacemaker. Even the humans and not simply the Silurians are not totally depicted as being entirely good or bad and the shades of grey that consist in every one of us are employed with sublime craftsmanship as with nobility seen on either side.
The performances as has more or less been seen to be through out the fifth series are uniformly excellent with both Smith and Gillan once again proving to be as ever dependable in their respective roles with Gillan in-particular worthy of note giving it her all in the stories shocking climax. As is the same can be said for Arthur Darvill as Rory who proves to be growing to be more and more endearing. Inspired support as displayed in THE from Meera Syal, Robert Pugh, Nia Roberts et al while Samuel Davies as young Elliot may very well be an up and coming name to look out for in future. And It's largely due not only Davies likable performance but Chibnalls characterisation that Elliot doesn't slip in to the usual pitfall of an irritating, contrived child protagonist.
A solid then if not overwhelming classic episode which neatly concludes this two parter CB highlights the upward spiral of the Moffat era. Enjoyable, intelligent although perhaps hardly inspired or original it's never the less without it's surprises and with hints that the best and most shocking might be yet to come I can only hope Moffat delivers on his promise.
Saved By The Ending
Theo Robertson29 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I did enjoy last weeks episode mainly down to the fact the early 1970s Pertwee era was my favourite period of the classic show . The Hungry Earth borrowed so many elements of the Perywee era in its plot devices , such as The Silurians and Inferno from season 7 , The Deamons from season 8 and The Green Death from season 10 . By a bitter irony writer Chris Chibnall once appeared on a BBC show called Open Air in 1986 where he accused Pip and Jane Baker of being " unoriginal " . Is this a valid criticism of any writer , especially one who writes for DOCTOR WHO ? In 1963 Sydney Newman created the show which is basically a rip off from HG Wells THE TIME MACHINE . Jon Pertwee's glorious moody and atmospheric debut season was very much a steal from Nigel Kneale's QUATERMASS serials from the 1950s whilst Nigel Kneale was also an influence on the early Tom Baker era along with Hammer horror films . So unoriginality isn't necessarily a criticism . The Hungry Earth was enjoyable fare
The problem with Cold Blood is that it's painfully generic . After last weeks wonderfully understated cliffhanger there's a annoying sensation that all the characters have wandered in to an episode of any telefantasy show you want to name . The story could have been set in a space station from any American show you could name be it STAR TREK , V or THE OUTER LIMITS . The Silurians them self suffer greatly from this . And the make up doesn't help - they look like people with their faces painted green with a silly hat on Anyone reminded of V ? I was reminded more of LOST IN SPACE The original Silurians , the original inhabitants of Earth were paradoxically one of the most " alien " species the classic show had come with , especially their voices . Here their voices spoken by the actors themselves are very mundane . This isn't helped by Chibnall having them speak in prosaic lines where they state they're a noble race and the humans must be wiped out as in
" We are a noble race and these filthy ape vermin must be destroyed "
Only to have the painfully clichéd good Silurians state
" Yes we are a noble race but so are these humans "
" No we must destroy the humans "
" No we ...... "
I kept expecting someone to start claiming " No I'm Spartacus " such is a the repetitive tone of the dialogue . And where as in their debut tale the Doctor tried to negotiate a peace plan between the humans and the reptiles here negations re held by a strippergram pointing a ray gun at the Silurian leader and telling him to " stick them up buster " . I'm sure George W Bush was a much more articulate peacemaker
That said the episode will probably be remembered more for its ending rather than any intricate plotting of the main story ., the ending being that Rory dies and is consumed by the crack in time so that he has never existed in the first place . I'm not sure if Arthur Darvill will go on to be a big name actor but he's very effective as Rory in this episode . Unfortunately the one thing that will undermine this series twist is if he gets resurrected later in the show . One can't help noticing that this season isn't too far away from the RTD era and the one massive flaw RTD had was bringing back previous companions after they'd been written out of the show . One fears that Moffat will cheat the audience as did his predecessor
In summary Cold Blood is a slightly mediocre episode that could have been any episode from any science fiction show from television but is saved greatly by shock twist of having a semi regular character being written out of the show . It's easy to understand why some of the newer fans loved this episode and the message boards are full of users saying that they were in tears at the end of this episode . But ask yourself this - would you have enjoyed the episode so much if it had a very happy ending where you would perhaps have been more critical of the plot itself ? As for Cold Blood it left me cold for the most part
The problem with Cold Blood is that it's painfully generic . After last weeks wonderfully understated cliffhanger there's a annoying sensation that all the characters have wandered in to an episode of any telefantasy show you want to name . The story could have been set in a space station from any American show you could name be it STAR TREK , V or THE OUTER LIMITS . The Silurians them self suffer greatly from this . And the make up doesn't help - they look like people with their faces painted green with a silly hat on Anyone reminded of V ? I was reminded more of LOST IN SPACE The original Silurians , the original inhabitants of Earth were paradoxically one of the most " alien " species the classic show had come with , especially their voices . Here their voices spoken by the actors themselves are very mundane . This isn't helped by Chibnall having them speak in prosaic lines where they state they're a noble race and the humans must be wiped out as in
" We are a noble race and these filthy ape vermin must be destroyed "
Only to have the painfully clichéd good Silurians state
" Yes we are a noble race but so are these humans "
" No we must destroy the humans "
" No we ...... "
I kept expecting someone to start claiming " No I'm Spartacus " such is a the repetitive tone of the dialogue . And where as in their debut tale the Doctor tried to negotiate a peace plan between the humans and the reptiles here negations re held by a strippergram pointing a ray gun at the Silurian leader and telling him to " stick them up buster " . I'm sure George W Bush was a much more articulate peacemaker
That said the episode will probably be remembered more for its ending rather than any intricate plotting of the main story ., the ending being that Rory dies and is consumed by the crack in time so that he has never existed in the first place . I'm not sure if Arthur Darvill will go on to be a big name actor but he's very effective as Rory in this episode . Unfortunately the one thing that will undermine this series twist is if he gets resurrected later in the show . One can't help noticing that this season isn't too far away from the RTD era and the one massive flaw RTD had was bringing back previous companions after they'd been written out of the show . One fears that Moffat will cheat the audience as did his predecessor
In summary Cold Blood is a slightly mediocre episode that could have been any episode from any science fiction show from television but is saved greatly by shock twist of having a semi regular character being written out of the show . It's easy to understand why some of the newer fans loved this episode and the message boards are full of users saying that they were in tears at the end of this episode . But ask yourself this - would you have enjoyed the episode so much if it had a very happy ending where you would perhaps have been more critical of the plot itself ? As for Cold Blood it left me cold for the most part
A tragic loss
Tweekums30 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This episode, the second in the story, is as good as if not better than the first part. The first part ended with Amy about to be dissected and the Doctor and Nasreen finding the underground city. Amy manages to escape but the Doctor is almost immediately captured and has to try to talk the Silurians into freeing them and not attacking humanity. Unfortunately unbeknownst to him his one bargaining chip, the Silurian captured in the previous episode has been killed by the mother who's son was captured. When an exchange is offered Rory brings the dead Silurian which leads the Silurian military being determined to kill all the humans and the Doctor.
This was one of the most emotional episodes of Doctor Who which ends with an unexpected and tragic death, made even worse by the fact that the crack reappears meaning the loss will not be remembered. Prior to that we get an interesting moral situation; the mother's actions against the captured Silurian shows that humanity aren't the good guys in this story and have no more or no less right to the planet than the Silurians. If the death of a character wasn't enough the ending where we see what the Doctor pulled from the crack suggests there are far more serious dangers to come before this series is over.
This was one of the most emotional episodes of Doctor Who which ends with an unexpected and tragic death, made even worse by the fact that the crack reappears meaning the loss will not be remembered. Prior to that we get an interesting moral situation; the mother's actions against the captured Silurian shows that humanity aren't the good guys in this story and have no more or no less right to the planet than the Silurians. If the death of a character wasn't enough the ending where we see what the Doctor pulled from the crack suggests there are far more serious dangers to come before this series is over.
Cold boring with a story that is too little too late
dkiliane17 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
To be fair, my headline is a little harsh. All in all it's actually a decent episode but definitely not great. It feels slowly paced with the majority of the characters just standing around waiting, not knowing what is happening with the other characters. There are a lot of interesting themes that could and should have been explored more thoroughly (but in a more exciting way).
It does pick up toward the end with Restac's insurrection, but it kinda feels too little too late at that point. And a lot of this is Chibnall's penchant for being preachy, putting message above story. A strong message is good (and this episode had a few which could have been developed more) and the characterization of the majority of the supporting cast, especially Nazreen, was nicely done (although Ambrose continues to be annoying in her stubborn insistence on being stupid), but a strong story is essential and this episode just did not have that.
The very end, with the return of the crack in time and space, was rather random, seemingly thrown in to hurriedly try to advance the season's overarching story. And the loss of Rory, while poignant and well done, was not enough to save the episode and was even a little irritating after finally seeing him come into his own apart from the Doctor a little during this episode. Slightly better than the first part due to the (mostly) well rounded characterization in the episode. 7.5/10
It does pick up toward the end with Restac's insurrection, but it kinda feels too little too late at that point. And a lot of this is Chibnall's penchant for being preachy, putting message above story. A strong message is good (and this episode had a few which could have been developed more) and the characterization of the majority of the supporting cast, especially Nazreen, was nicely done (although Ambrose continues to be annoying in her stubborn insistence on being stupid), but a strong story is essential and this episode just did not have that.
The very end, with the return of the crack in time and space, was rather random, seemingly thrown in to hurriedly try to advance the season's overarching story. And the loss of Rory, while poignant and well done, was not enough to save the episode and was even a little irritating after finally seeing him come into his own apart from the Doctor a little during this episode. Slightly better than the first part due to the (mostly) well rounded characterization in the episode. 7.5/10
Cold Blood
MrFilmAndTelevisionShow7 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was in my view an improvement on the first part. I wondered how they would resolve the issues between them and their problems were resolved in a satisfying manner, I understand not everything was a fan of this two-parter but I thought it was good, not the best, not the worst, but enjoyable nonetheless, and I think thay audience enjoyment is the single most important thing for any TV show or film to produce.
Gone in the blink of an eye...
Sleepin_Dragon31 August 2015
A moral questioned is being asked, Alaya the Silurian that attacked and injured Tony, is being held prisoner up on the surface, Tony and Ambrose his daughter have reason to kill her, as does Rory because of Amy being taken. The Doctor and Nasreen have travelled down to the base of The Silurians, to seek the missing people. Having discovered there is a full Silurian society, they are imprisoned. Naturally The Silurian on Earth pushes somebody's buttons, and the Doctor's lost his bargaining tool.
I'd have to praise the little guy that played Elliot, possibly the most interesting character of the lot. Kid did a great job. I'd also like to praise Nia Roberts, little dubious in Part 1, but she was very good in this better scripted episode.
Second best bit, Nasreen and Amy discussing the future of Earth and Silurians with the Silurian leader. A great scene, really well played out. However they saved the best til last, the crack in the wall rears its ugly head once again, and the worst thing happens... It makes the opening of Part 1 seem relevant.
Silurian culture is very interesting, I praise Chris Chibnall for creating an interesting Silurian Society, there are different factions, different ideas and infighting.
I wasn't entirely in love with Part 1, I was fairly bored for most of it, and same for the best part of this one too. Watching it I keep thinking 'we've been here before, nothing original on show. The action scenes are pretty good, but overall it's just unsatisfying, it was too long over two episodes. 6/10
I'd have to praise the little guy that played Elliot, possibly the most interesting character of the lot. Kid did a great job. I'd also like to praise Nia Roberts, little dubious in Part 1, but she was very good in this better scripted episode.
Second best bit, Nasreen and Amy discussing the future of Earth and Silurians with the Silurian leader. A great scene, really well played out. However they saved the best til last, the crack in the wall rears its ugly head once again, and the worst thing happens... It makes the opening of Part 1 seem relevant.
Silurian culture is very interesting, I praise Chris Chibnall for creating an interesting Silurian Society, there are different factions, different ideas and infighting.
I wasn't entirely in love with Part 1, I was fairly bored for most of it, and same for the best part of this one too. Watching it I keep thinking 'we've been here before, nothing original on show. The action scenes are pretty good, but overall it's just unsatisfying, it was too long over two episodes. 6/10
"Be extraordinary."
boblipton19 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Although not as strong as the first half of this two-parter, THE HUNGRY EARTH, this episode of DOCTOR WHO does have its own strengths and virtues.
Throughout the long history of the show, the writers and producers have been aware of one of the strengths of science fiction and fantasy: to discuss important issues under an insulating blanket of symbolism, that allows us to view the major issues without getting caught up in the minor ones. When we read THE LORD OF THE RINGS, the issues are how to deal with the consequences of evil. We don't have to worry about why Sauron is evil, what unhappy events in his childhood led to his trying to conquer Middle Earth. There is a clarity of expression for those who, like Nasreen at the end of this piece can express what they want. Episodes in the 1970s covered issues of pollution, overpopulation and warmongering. This episode says that if we can make peace with those whose surface goals and immediate concerns differ from ours, our gains can be limitless. Even if we are not yet worthy.
That's a lot for a forty-five minute show with some time out for flashy set-pieces and season-arc concerns. And the message is buried. But it is there.
There are problems with this episode and they are those that afflict any work of great imagination in the real world: limitations of time (this could have easily used another episode); limitations of money (despite a fine special effects team, it could have used the sort of effects that would play well only on a big movie screen) and, most telling, limitations of its audience's imagination (in order to communicate cit must use existing symbols, and here we see settings like Verne's JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH and Edgar Rice Burroughs' PELLUCIDAR, combined with the common phobias about reptiles).
Still, there's a lot of ambition here and in the context of a TV series, it's a solid accomplishment: certainly it tells a coherent story and says something about the human condition, its heart, concerns and hopes. DOCTOR WHO has always suffered limitations but somehow always is more than the sum of its parts. That's because its symbols always add up to a sense of hope. We may not be worthy, but we yet can be.
Throughout the long history of the show, the writers and producers have been aware of one of the strengths of science fiction and fantasy: to discuss important issues under an insulating blanket of symbolism, that allows us to view the major issues without getting caught up in the minor ones. When we read THE LORD OF THE RINGS, the issues are how to deal with the consequences of evil. We don't have to worry about why Sauron is evil, what unhappy events in his childhood led to his trying to conquer Middle Earth. There is a clarity of expression for those who, like Nasreen at the end of this piece can express what they want. Episodes in the 1970s covered issues of pollution, overpopulation and warmongering. This episode says that if we can make peace with those whose surface goals and immediate concerns differ from ours, our gains can be limitless. Even if we are not yet worthy.
That's a lot for a forty-five minute show with some time out for flashy set-pieces and season-arc concerns. And the message is buried. But it is there.
There are problems with this episode and they are those that afflict any work of great imagination in the real world: limitations of time (this could have easily used another episode); limitations of money (despite a fine special effects team, it could have used the sort of effects that would play well only on a big movie screen) and, most telling, limitations of its audience's imagination (in order to communicate cit must use existing symbols, and here we see settings like Verne's JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH and Edgar Rice Burroughs' PELLUCIDAR, combined with the common phobias about reptiles).
Still, there's a lot of ambition here and in the context of a TV series, it's a solid accomplishment: certainly it tells a coherent story and says something about the human condition, its heart, concerns and hopes. DOCTOR WHO has always suffered limitations but somehow always is more than the sum of its parts. That's because its symbols always add up to a sense of hope. We may not be worthy, but we yet can be.
A dumbed-down rewrite of an old Pertwee classic
melwyn13 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
"The Hungry Earth" was fairly run-of-the-mill stuff. Predictable, and leaving me with a creeping suspicion that this was a bit of cheap filler rather than a proper, original story.
The strong suspicion I had at the end of "The Hungry Earth" was confirmed in this episode. This two-parter is simply a reworking of the classic Pertwee story "Doctor Who and the Silurians". But where the original was a complex and highly political story about values and tolerance, Chibnall's version barely scratched the surface of these issues.
Much of the politics of the original is set aside for predictable character-based drama, from an uninspiringly predictable set of characters. Only at the last when the negotiation, seemingly progressing well, is suddenly derailed, do we see any hint of the richness of the original story. But it simply isn't enough and it doesn't last.
I confess to not being a fan of Chibnall. He has a fondness for overblown set-pieces instead of proper stories, and likes to stick melodramatic character interactions into a story at the most inopportune times - like poking a stick into the spokes of a wheel, derailing the momentum of the story entirely. Ironically I missed the beginning of "The Hungry Earth" and so was initially unaware this was his handiwork.
That said, there are moments of good dialogue, but that is all that this story has going for it.
When you are reduced to plagiarising your own canon, things must be pretty desperate. I had high hopes for new Who under Moffatt and am becoming very disillusioned indeed.
The strong suspicion I had at the end of "The Hungry Earth" was confirmed in this episode. This two-parter is simply a reworking of the classic Pertwee story "Doctor Who and the Silurians". But where the original was a complex and highly political story about values and tolerance, Chibnall's version barely scratched the surface of these issues.
Much of the politics of the original is set aside for predictable character-based drama, from an uninspiringly predictable set of characters. Only at the last when the negotiation, seemingly progressing well, is suddenly derailed, do we see any hint of the richness of the original story. But it simply isn't enough and it doesn't last.
I confess to not being a fan of Chibnall. He has a fondness for overblown set-pieces instead of proper stories, and likes to stick melodramatic character interactions into a story at the most inopportune times - like poking a stick into the spokes of a wheel, derailing the momentum of the story entirely. Ironically I missed the beginning of "The Hungry Earth" and so was initially unaware this was his handiwork.
That said, there are moments of good dialogue, but that is all that this story has going for it.
When you are reduced to plagiarising your own canon, things must be pretty desperate. I had high hopes for new Who under Moffatt and am becoming very disillusioned indeed.
Still pretty basic
warlordartos22 March 2021
Fairly pedestrian and traditional DW story with significantly cerebral twists
jrarichards12 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
"Cold Blood" - as a concluding second part following on from "The Hungry Earth" - bears a strong resemblance to the Dr Who of old, even down to the occasionally implausible sets and special effects (albeit complementing a rather beautiful and remote Welsh mining location for the outdoor shots).
This is not surprising, and perhaps intentional, given that the episode's "monsters of the week" are the reptilian Silurians that first featured in 1970 alongside Jon Pertwee as The Doctor.
However, since a number of episodes in this season have swung in distinctly adult directions (from all points of view), it was very much indicated that episodes (more) accessible to the traditional youthful audience should come along, and here they are.
Yet the whole is made all the more valuable by a considerable dose of intellectual and meaningful stuff tacked on to the 2 episodes, and giving them a distinct dose of gravitas, notwithstanding the aforementioned more amateurish aspects. This is then Dr Who doing as it should do, by offering a more superficial adventure story that also injects between-the-lines ethical/moral content that can (rightly) push children to their intellectual and spiritual limits.
In this case, the debate revolves around the instinctive desire for safety as set against the intellectual and moral (and also excitingly adventurous) possibilities potentially afforded by negotiation and mutual consideration, even after conflict has already cost the first lives. It thus has much also to say about mistrust and even hatred based around differences in appearance and origin, as well as about the "ambassadorial" roles leading towards this new better and more peaceful world that the most unlikely of people may sometimes get to play.
There is a distinctly Biblical flavour here - even courageously so when it turns out that a doting mother behaves as a latter-day Eve in allowing an earthly temptation (albeit in this case a protective one) to spoil the potential paradise that is within reach, if only basic instincts and prejudices can be set aside. This is further reinforced by Matt Smith's delivery of an "eye for an eye" line, and in general the Smith version of the Doctor is again presented in a "tough love", mentoring kind of role that looks interesting and rather novel.
As often, supporting cast matters a lot to the quality of an episode. Stephen Moore is welcome as ever, and plays his "Gorbachev-esque" part nicely enough. (In general, there are some parallel features here with "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country"). Better still are the now-well-known Welsh actor Robert Pugh as miner Tony Mack, plus his work colleague and love interest Nasreen Chaudhry (as played by a face very well-known to Brits in the shape of Meera Syal). While this ostensibly looks like (and in the circumstances impresses as) a cross-cultural love interest, Nasreen is portrayed as an entirely integrated British person with a lifetime geological-technological passion, and this is impressive in itself, and does much for the subliminal underpinning of the episode's wider thesis and intentions.
Since the end also features dramatic events of key importance to the overall story in this series, in one way or another we may feel by this stage that we have borne witness to a fairly deep and challenging piece of work that leaves more to be chewed over subsequently than may at first sight seem to be the case.
This is not surprising, and perhaps intentional, given that the episode's "monsters of the week" are the reptilian Silurians that first featured in 1970 alongside Jon Pertwee as The Doctor.
However, since a number of episodes in this season have swung in distinctly adult directions (from all points of view), it was very much indicated that episodes (more) accessible to the traditional youthful audience should come along, and here they are.
Yet the whole is made all the more valuable by a considerable dose of intellectual and meaningful stuff tacked on to the 2 episodes, and giving them a distinct dose of gravitas, notwithstanding the aforementioned more amateurish aspects. This is then Dr Who doing as it should do, by offering a more superficial adventure story that also injects between-the-lines ethical/moral content that can (rightly) push children to their intellectual and spiritual limits.
In this case, the debate revolves around the instinctive desire for safety as set against the intellectual and moral (and also excitingly adventurous) possibilities potentially afforded by negotiation and mutual consideration, even after conflict has already cost the first lives. It thus has much also to say about mistrust and even hatred based around differences in appearance and origin, as well as about the "ambassadorial" roles leading towards this new better and more peaceful world that the most unlikely of people may sometimes get to play.
There is a distinctly Biblical flavour here - even courageously so when it turns out that a doting mother behaves as a latter-day Eve in allowing an earthly temptation (albeit in this case a protective one) to spoil the potential paradise that is within reach, if only basic instincts and prejudices can be set aside. This is further reinforced by Matt Smith's delivery of an "eye for an eye" line, and in general the Smith version of the Doctor is again presented in a "tough love", mentoring kind of role that looks interesting and rather novel.
As often, supporting cast matters a lot to the quality of an episode. Stephen Moore is welcome as ever, and plays his "Gorbachev-esque" part nicely enough. (In general, there are some parallel features here with "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country"). Better still are the now-well-known Welsh actor Robert Pugh as miner Tony Mack, plus his work colleague and love interest Nasreen Chaudhry (as played by a face very well-known to Brits in the shape of Meera Syal). While this ostensibly looks like (and in the circumstances impresses as) a cross-cultural love interest, Nasreen is portrayed as an entirely integrated British person with a lifetime geological-technological passion, and this is impressive in itself, and does much for the subliminal underpinning of the episode's wider thesis and intentions.
Since the end also features dramatic events of key importance to the overall story in this series, in one way or another we may feel by this stage that we have borne witness to a fairly deep and challenging piece of work that leaves more to be chewed over subsequently than may at first sight seem to be the case.
Cold Blood
studioAT20 March 2022
Of course, the final scenes are very impressive and well-written (by Chibnall no less), but there is a whiff here of an over stretched storyline that probably needed an hour run time rather than being made to play out over two episodes.
Good overall though.
Good overall though.
Enjoyable enough.
wetmars13 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The Doctor and Nasreen explore the underground Silurian city to find Amy. The alarms sound, alerting the Silurians that there are hostile life forms detected in Area 17. The Silurians use their gas weapons on both of them. Meanwhile, in the Laboratory, the Silurian Scientist makes an audio note that the human female appears to be more resistant to the cold than the males. The Silurian Scientist starts to commence dissection until the alarms sound on. She pickpockets the Scientist Silurian's medical gear, leaving her and Mo alone. Amy pressed a random button on a wall panel. A screen lights up showing that Elliot is still alive. It is revealed that Mo is the father of Elliot. Amy suspects that the screens are monitoring something. Maybe vital signs. Mo and Amy find some weapons to get the Silurian Scientist from the lab and force it to release Elliot. The Doctor is taken for a medical scan for decontamination. The Silurian Scientist turns off the decontamination machine since the Doctor stated that he has two hearts. The Silurians decide the Doctor to be executed. Amy and Mo find a couple of Silurians, yet. Amy and Mo arrive at the Cryo-chambers. Amy lights up two containing Silurians. She opens the chamber and goes inside. She thinks that the Silurians are in some sort of suspended animation. The two take the Sonic discs. Oh my, I have truly missed those. They're a great designed weapon.
The two have discovered a bunch of Silurians. It reminds me of that part in Planet of the Daleks where 3 and Jo discover an army of Daleks, lol. Mack's condition is getting worse by the minute. The Doctor and Nasreen are taken to the Great Gardens. The Doctor answers Nasree's question "So, why did they go into hibernation in the first place?" explaining that their astronomers predicted the planet heading to Earth on a crash course. They built a life underground and put themselves to sleep for millennia to avert what they thought was the apocalypse when in reality. It was the moon coming into alignment with the Earth. The Doctor mentions the events of Doctor Who and the Silurians where he met another tribe of Homo Reptilia. Similar, but not identical. The Silurian asks the Doctor if the other of their species has survived. The Doctor responds that the humans attacked them, and they died. Sometimes, I can never forget the Brigadier for his questionable actions. Man. I do indeed love Classic Who references. The Doctor is taken to the court for their execution. Amy and Mo enter the Court armed with the Sonic disc. Restac disarms them quickly. The three are prepared for execution. The War Games Episode 1 flashbacks here. A computer screen in a box comes to life showing Restac. Rory claims himself as the Ape Leader. Restac demands them to show Alaya. She threatens that she will kill them one by one if she is harmed. Ambrose demands Restac to give back to her family. Restac instead demands the Execution Squad to fire until Eldane comes to interrupt, stopping the Execution.
The Doctor transmits through the computer screen ordering Rory to go to the drill storeroom. Explaining that there is a large patch of Earth in the middle of the floor and that the Silurians are going to send up transport discs to bring them back down using geothermal energy and gravity bubble technology which is how they travel. The Doctor demands the first meeting of representatives of the Human Race and Homo Reptilia is in session. Elliot is unhooked from the wires. Eldane deals with the two that they will live in areas that aren't habitable to humans. Australian outback, the Sahara desert, and the Nevada plains. The Silurians can bring new sources of energy, new methods of water supply, new medicines, scientific advances, and more. If Humans and Silurians work together, the planet can achieve greatness. The army of Silurians is awakened, establishing a war between them and the Humans. What's worse is that Mack lays Alaya on the floor. The Army of Silurians arrives in the Courtroom. They eventually discover Alaya is dead. Ambrose tells the Doctor that their drill is set to start burrowing again in 15 minutes. Everybody runs back to the Silurian Lab as the Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver against 'em. The Doctor advises Elliot and Mack to keep their eyes on the screen. He advises Amy to keep reminding him how much time they have. The Doctor eventually discovers that Mack isn't dying. But, mutating. The Doctor has a plan to release an energy pulse channeling up through the tunnels to the base of the drill. Finally. Eldane comes to help, planning he could use Toxic Fumigation which is an emergency failsafe meant to protect his species from infection. A warning signal to occupy cryo-chambers. After that, citywide fumigation by toxic gas. Then the city shuts down. The Doctor makes a deal for Eldane to activate shutdown. The Doctor will amend the system, setting the alarm for a thousand years to sort the planet out. The Doctor cancels the fluid controls and the energy pulse. Mack stays in the Silurian Base. Toxic fumigation is initiated. The team runs for their lives. Nasreen stays with Mack. The Cracks in Time appears near the TARDIS. Restac attempted to shoot the Doctor in revenge. Rory takes the blast and slowly dies. The crack shallows him. The Doctor tries to make Amy remember Rory. But, fails. The two exit the TARDIS, faring goodbye to the Family. They all dash outside just in time to see the drilling base explode. The Doctor examines a piece of shrapnel, horrified to discover it's a part of the TARDIS' outer shell.
Thoughts?
I am not interested in the subplot between Rory, Mack, and Ambrose in the first ten minutes, but it got better. Like they always say, the first part is better than the second part. I am not a big fan of the Silurians' wearing combat masks. They could have gone with the original concept art for goodness sake. Give me a break. On the positive side. I did find all of the characters well-written, so is the story from my point of view. Teamwork is the key. I found Amy to be tolerable in this one, where she isn't annoying. Rory was sadly left out. I am not a big fan of the writers who keep on killing Rory. Why? I do like how the Doctor still fails to achieve peace between the Silurians and Humans. As for Chibnall. I find this to be his second-best story behind 42. Good pacing, and enjoyable.
7/10.
The two have discovered a bunch of Silurians. It reminds me of that part in Planet of the Daleks where 3 and Jo discover an army of Daleks, lol. Mack's condition is getting worse by the minute. The Doctor and Nasreen are taken to the Great Gardens. The Doctor answers Nasree's question "So, why did they go into hibernation in the first place?" explaining that their astronomers predicted the planet heading to Earth on a crash course. They built a life underground and put themselves to sleep for millennia to avert what they thought was the apocalypse when in reality. It was the moon coming into alignment with the Earth. The Doctor mentions the events of Doctor Who and the Silurians where he met another tribe of Homo Reptilia. Similar, but not identical. The Silurian asks the Doctor if the other of their species has survived. The Doctor responds that the humans attacked them, and they died. Sometimes, I can never forget the Brigadier for his questionable actions. Man. I do indeed love Classic Who references. The Doctor is taken to the court for their execution. Amy and Mo enter the Court armed with the Sonic disc. Restac disarms them quickly. The three are prepared for execution. The War Games Episode 1 flashbacks here. A computer screen in a box comes to life showing Restac. Rory claims himself as the Ape Leader. Restac demands them to show Alaya. She threatens that she will kill them one by one if she is harmed. Ambrose demands Restac to give back to her family. Restac instead demands the Execution Squad to fire until Eldane comes to interrupt, stopping the Execution.
The Doctor transmits through the computer screen ordering Rory to go to the drill storeroom. Explaining that there is a large patch of Earth in the middle of the floor and that the Silurians are going to send up transport discs to bring them back down using geothermal energy and gravity bubble technology which is how they travel. The Doctor demands the first meeting of representatives of the Human Race and Homo Reptilia is in session. Elliot is unhooked from the wires. Eldane deals with the two that they will live in areas that aren't habitable to humans. Australian outback, the Sahara desert, and the Nevada plains. The Silurians can bring new sources of energy, new methods of water supply, new medicines, scientific advances, and more. If Humans and Silurians work together, the planet can achieve greatness. The army of Silurians is awakened, establishing a war between them and the Humans. What's worse is that Mack lays Alaya on the floor. The Army of Silurians arrives in the Courtroom. They eventually discover Alaya is dead. Ambrose tells the Doctor that their drill is set to start burrowing again in 15 minutes. Everybody runs back to the Silurian Lab as the Doctor uses his sonic screwdriver against 'em. The Doctor advises Elliot and Mack to keep their eyes on the screen. He advises Amy to keep reminding him how much time they have. The Doctor eventually discovers that Mack isn't dying. But, mutating. The Doctor has a plan to release an energy pulse channeling up through the tunnels to the base of the drill. Finally. Eldane comes to help, planning he could use Toxic Fumigation which is an emergency failsafe meant to protect his species from infection. A warning signal to occupy cryo-chambers. After that, citywide fumigation by toxic gas. Then the city shuts down. The Doctor makes a deal for Eldane to activate shutdown. The Doctor will amend the system, setting the alarm for a thousand years to sort the planet out. The Doctor cancels the fluid controls and the energy pulse. Mack stays in the Silurian Base. Toxic fumigation is initiated. The team runs for their lives. Nasreen stays with Mack. The Cracks in Time appears near the TARDIS. Restac attempted to shoot the Doctor in revenge. Rory takes the blast and slowly dies. The crack shallows him. The Doctor tries to make Amy remember Rory. But, fails. The two exit the TARDIS, faring goodbye to the Family. They all dash outside just in time to see the drilling base explode. The Doctor examines a piece of shrapnel, horrified to discover it's a part of the TARDIS' outer shell.
Thoughts?
I am not interested in the subplot between Rory, Mack, and Ambrose in the first ten minutes, but it got better. Like they always say, the first part is better than the second part. I am not a big fan of the Silurians' wearing combat masks. They could have gone with the original concept art for goodness sake. Give me a break. On the positive side. I did find all of the characters well-written, so is the story from my point of view. Teamwork is the key. I found Amy to be tolerable in this one, where she isn't annoying. Rory was sadly left out. I am not a big fan of the writers who keep on killing Rory. Why? I do like how the Doctor still fails to achieve peace between the Silurians and Humans. As for Chibnall. I find this to be his second-best story behind 42. Good pacing, and enjoyable.
7/10.
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