So, watched THE SONTARAN STRATAGEM...
...and it was amazing! Seriously, amazing! Loved it. :)
I will admit that I've always loved "Daleks in Manhattan"/"Evolution of the Daleks" (and yeah, I know, unpopular opinion and all, but I loved the characters, and Dalek Sec's arc was really intriguing and well done. *), and thus far, I think that "The Sontaran Stratagem" has surpassed these two episodes. For one thing, seeing Martha again was really lovely. :) Especially her running into Ten's arms (d'awww. :3), and her bonding with Donna (with a bit of a Crowning Moment of Funny with Ten's reaction. XD Just sort of like, "Oh, here we go again." **), and the revelation of her being engaged to Tom Milligan (I'll admit it really sucks that she and Tom didn't get married; they were really cute. :) and having a job at UNIT. (And may I say that Martha giving orders to UNIT soldiers? Fucking. Awesome.) And Martha's later conversation with Donna in regards to family and all -- that was really well done, and very sad. Though it's really heartening to know to at least know that Martha's family is on the way to recovery after what they endured in "Sound of Drums/Last of the Time Lords". *** Seriously, those poor people. :( *Hugs them* A lot of "Last of the Time Lords" was harrowing, but what they experienced was perhaps one of the most harrowing television I've seen.
But anyway, back on topic.
I also really liked the villains of the episode: Luke Rattigan and the Sontarans. (Also, is it just me but are the Sontarans a lot like Klingons? At least personality-wise) I know some standout scenes were those two poor UNIT soldiers who came in contact with General Stahl and were subsequently hypnotized. And then there's also the matter of near the end, when they're doing the little "Sontar-HA!" chant. Seriously, how chilling was that? And Stahl's first meeting with the Doctor. I also liked the nifty backstory in regards to where the Sontarans were during the Time War -- basically, not being allowed to fight. (I kind of debate them calling the Last Great Time War "glorious" -- basically -- but considering that's kind of in their nature...yeah) And their interactions with Rattigan, such as him wondering how the Sontarans can tell each other apart (yeah...*uncomfortable*) and being told that the Sontarans would think the same regarding humans. It's one of those neat little details, how non-humans perceive humans, that I think sci-fi and fantasy should explore more often. I also liked the whole "Sontarans must not show pain!" prior to being teleported back onto the ship, and earlier than that, Stahl apologizing to the two UNIT soldiers for "disabling" them. Honestly, for beings putting killer GPSes in cars along with converters that release poisonous gas...they're oddly polite. I also liked the touch of one of the Sontarans telling Martha not to struggle or she'd hurt the clone being grown there. Sort of a nice reversal of the usual "don't struggle" thing, and it gives nifty info about the clone as well; basically, having a weak thorax. So basically, it's not the matter of Instant Clone Just Add Bubbling Green Liquid; there's a certain sort of procedure involved.
And considering I can be crap at details, that's a pretty nifty thing to remember.
(So yeah, I'm not just writing all these reviews for my own amusement; I kind of have a reason for them. Basically, learning to write better)
And then there's Luke Rattigan. Jesus Christ, Rattigan. I know that his utter glee at *simultaneous deaths* occurring thanks to the ATMOS system was...ugh, really disturbing. And the ATMOS itself -- it doesn't help that my mom's GPS seems to be determined to be the anti-GPS on occasion, so...yeah. Massive paranoia fuel there. (DOCTOR WHO: making you scared of the freaking universe itself since 2005!) And when the Sontarans activate all the converters in the cars and people start dying -- and Wilf starts choking to death right there in the car. That was just so many levels of D: so very much. (Seriously, poor Wilf: getting picked on by his daughter, nearly choking to death on ATMOS gas, having to see World War II reoccur in front of him in the "Turn Left" timeline, nearly killed by a Dalek, having the threat of his granddaughter's head literally exploding hovering over him every day, tied up and nearly killed by the Master, nearly dying in a radiation booth, having to no doubt live with contributing to the Doctor's regeneration...and yet he's pretty much always friendly and cheerful and sweet and optimistic and badass. It's really one of many reasons I love him. Not to mention his supporting Donna and his concern for the Doctor. They're almost like his babies. <3 But I digress. :) But seriously, my brother was so excited to watch the next episode to make sure Wilf was okay. (I swear I've got him addicted to DOCTOR WHO. XD He's been constantly looking forward to it and everything. :) And he and Mom are both becoming fans of Wilf. :)
Speaking of Wilf, I liked his conversation with Donna, and his properly meeting the Doctor. And learning more about Donna -- especially the "little General" thing. It just gives me the image of bb!Donna randomly bossing around other people. XD Seriously, most adorable image ever, y/y? :) And the "She takes care of me" line from the Doctor. I just love how well that line sums up their relationship. Because no matter what happens, Donna's there for him. Always ready to save him -- hell, it's revealed in "Turn Left" that he would have died in the Racnoss chamber if Donna hadn't been there. Not to mention being there to help him pull the lever in Pompeii. And...well, a lot of other things. Which really makes "Journey's End" all the more heartbreaking. Donna lost her memories of all the amazing places she had been and all her accomplishments, and the Doctor lost a friend. And Donna also lost a friend, because...well, I'm certain she'd call the Doctor the best friend she'd ever had as well. *Sighs* Dammit, this just took a right turn into depressing. Here's a WALKING DEAD and GHOSTBUSTERS parody: http://cheezburger.com/7114000640.
I also really liked Donna returning home if only temporarily and having those flashes of all she'd seen with the Doctor (although I'm fairly surprised that "The Runaway Bride" wasn't in there). Just...poor thing. Sort of like "I've seen all these amazing things and now I have to return home". Which becomes all the more depressing after "Journey's End". She's done so much, and then she has to return to Square One again. *Sighs* Damn, I just made things depressing again. Here's Picard and a bunch of balls: http://cheezburger.com/7027223808.
Anyway, I also loved Donna just running over and hugging Wilf. That was just so cute. :)
I also liked Donna learning to fly the TARDIS with the Doctor. After the horrifying opening scene with the ATMOS and that car *driving into the fucking water oh my God*, I liked that moment of cuteness before Martha calls. And the Doctor warning her about possibly hitting the '70s (although one has to wonder how that has to work), and the response to Donna's question about possibly "denting" the '70s, with the "someone certainly did". Honestly, something about the Doctor teaching Donna to fly the TARDIS was really cute. :) And Martha calling the Doctor out on the whole "no guns" thing (I mean, I love you, Ten, but sometimes you can be really irrational. I mean, of course an army's going to have guns!). And Donna calling out UNIT for randomly arresting other civilians; it's really one of many reasons I love her. :) And the callback to "Dalek" with the "in-tru-da window!" I dunno; I just love callbacks. :) And the poke at the UNIT date controversy. Honestly, all of this episode. Fucking amazing and awesome and amazing. 'Nuff said.
* And really, as long as I love the characters, I can forgive anything.
** And by which I mean "School Reunion". Also adds a bit of Fridge Brilliance in regards to why he does the "No fighting"; he doesn't want a repeat of "School Reunion".
*** I think the really tragic thing is that Mrs. Jones was doing all this to keep Martha safe. I don't know whether or not I would have done the same in her position, but I can understand where she was coming from. Honestly, I really loved the Saxon arc, and one of many reasons why is the whole hitting-close-to-home aspect; there's just something frightening about it. And it's one of many reasons -- mostly for the sets-up-more-story-possibilities thing -- I don't think the show suffered for focusing more on the companions. And it ties into the matter of theme also; it's not just the actions of immortal face-changing beings in blue boxes that matter, but the small, everyday actions of people like Martha, Donna, Rose, etc.
So overall? Loved it. Can't wait to see the next episode!
I will admit that I've always loved "Daleks in Manhattan"/"Evolution of the Daleks" (and yeah, I know, unpopular opinion and all, but I loved the characters, and Dalek Sec's arc was really intriguing and well done. *), and thus far, I think that "The Sontaran Stratagem" has surpassed these two episodes. For one thing, seeing Martha again was really lovely. :) Especially her running into Ten's arms (d'awww. :3), and her bonding with Donna (with a bit of a Crowning Moment of Funny with Ten's reaction. XD Just sort of like, "Oh, here we go again." **), and the revelation of her being engaged to Tom Milligan (I'll admit it really sucks that she and Tom didn't get married; they were really cute. :) and having a job at UNIT. (And may I say that Martha giving orders to UNIT soldiers? Fucking. Awesome.) And Martha's later conversation with Donna in regards to family and all -- that was really well done, and very sad. Though it's really heartening to know to at least know that Martha's family is on the way to recovery after what they endured in "Sound of Drums/Last of the Time Lords". *** Seriously, those poor people. :( *Hugs them* A lot of "Last of the Time Lords" was harrowing, but what they experienced was perhaps one of the most harrowing television I've seen.
But anyway, back on topic.
I also really liked the villains of the episode: Luke Rattigan and the Sontarans. (Also, is it just me but are the Sontarans a lot like Klingons? At least personality-wise) I know some standout scenes were those two poor UNIT soldiers who came in contact with General Stahl and were subsequently hypnotized. And then there's also the matter of near the end, when they're doing the little "Sontar-HA!" chant. Seriously, how chilling was that? And Stahl's first meeting with the Doctor. I also liked the nifty backstory in regards to where the Sontarans were during the Time War -- basically, not being allowed to fight. (I kind of debate them calling the Last Great Time War "glorious" -- basically -- but considering that's kind of in their nature...yeah) And their interactions with Rattigan, such as him wondering how the Sontarans can tell each other apart (yeah...*uncomfortable*) and being told that the Sontarans would think the same regarding humans. It's one of those neat little details, how non-humans perceive humans, that I think sci-fi and fantasy should explore more often. I also liked the whole "Sontarans must not show pain!" prior to being teleported back onto the ship, and earlier than that, Stahl apologizing to the two UNIT soldiers for "disabling" them. Honestly, for beings putting killer GPSes in cars along with converters that release poisonous gas...they're oddly polite. I also liked the touch of one of the Sontarans telling Martha not to struggle or she'd hurt the clone being grown there. Sort of a nice reversal of the usual "don't struggle" thing, and it gives nifty info about the clone as well; basically, having a weak thorax. So basically, it's not the matter of Instant Clone Just Add Bubbling Green Liquid; there's a certain sort of procedure involved.
And considering I can be crap at details, that's a pretty nifty thing to remember.
(So yeah, I'm not just writing all these reviews for my own amusement; I kind of have a reason for them. Basically, learning to write better)
And then there's Luke Rattigan. Jesus Christ, Rattigan. I know that his utter glee at *simultaneous deaths* occurring thanks to the ATMOS system was...ugh, really disturbing. And the ATMOS itself -- it doesn't help that my mom's GPS seems to be determined to be the anti-GPS on occasion, so...yeah. Massive paranoia fuel there. (DOCTOR WHO: making you scared of the freaking universe itself since 2005!) And when the Sontarans activate all the converters in the cars and people start dying -- and Wilf starts choking to death right there in the car. That was just so many levels of D: so very much. (Seriously, poor Wilf: getting picked on by his daughter, nearly choking to death on ATMOS gas, having to see World War II reoccur in front of him in the "Turn Left" timeline, nearly killed by a Dalek, having the threat of his granddaughter's head literally exploding hovering over him every day, tied up and nearly killed by the Master, nearly dying in a radiation booth, having to no doubt live with contributing to the Doctor's regeneration...and yet he's pretty much always friendly and cheerful and sweet and optimistic and badass. It's really one of many reasons I love him. Not to mention his supporting Donna and his concern for the Doctor. They're almost like his babies. <3 But I digress. :) But seriously, my brother was so excited to watch the next episode to make sure Wilf was okay. (I swear I've got him addicted to DOCTOR WHO. XD He's been constantly looking forward to it and everything. :) And he and Mom are both becoming fans of Wilf. :)
Speaking of Wilf, I liked his conversation with Donna, and his properly meeting the Doctor. And learning more about Donna -- especially the "little General" thing. It just gives me the image of bb!Donna randomly bossing around other people. XD Seriously, most adorable image ever, y/y? :) And the "She takes care of me" line from the Doctor. I just love how well that line sums up their relationship. Because no matter what happens, Donna's there for him. Always ready to save him -- hell, it's revealed in "Turn Left" that he would have died in the Racnoss chamber if Donna hadn't been there. Not to mention being there to help him pull the lever in Pompeii. And...well, a lot of other things. Which really makes "Journey's End" all the more heartbreaking. Donna lost her memories of all the amazing places she had been and all her accomplishments, and the Doctor lost a friend. And Donna also lost a friend, because...well, I'm certain she'd call the Doctor the best friend she'd ever had as well. *Sighs* Dammit, this just took a right turn into depressing. Here's a WALKING DEAD and GHOSTBUSTERS parody: http://cheezburger.com/7114000640.
I also really liked Donna returning home if only temporarily and having those flashes of all she'd seen with the Doctor (although I'm fairly surprised that "The Runaway Bride" wasn't in there). Just...poor thing. Sort of like "I've seen all these amazing things and now I have to return home". Which becomes all the more depressing after "Journey's End". She's done so much, and then she has to return to Square One again. *Sighs* Damn, I just made things depressing again. Here's Picard and a bunch of balls: http://cheezburger.com/7027223808.
Anyway, I also loved Donna just running over and hugging Wilf. That was just so cute. :)
I also liked Donna learning to fly the TARDIS with the Doctor. After the horrifying opening scene with the ATMOS and that car *driving into the fucking water oh my God*, I liked that moment of cuteness before Martha calls. And the Doctor warning her about possibly hitting the '70s (although one has to wonder how that has to work), and the response to Donna's question about possibly "denting" the '70s, with the "someone certainly did". Honestly, something about the Doctor teaching Donna to fly the TARDIS was really cute. :) And Martha calling the Doctor out on the whole "no guns" thing (I mean, I love you, Ten, but sometimes you can be really irrational. I mean, of course an army's going to have guns!). And Donna calling out UNIT for randomly arresting other civilians; it's really one of many reasons I love her. :) And the callback to "Dalek" with the "in-tru-da window!" I dunno; I just love callbacks. :) And the poke at the UNIT date controversy. Honestly, all of this episode. Fucking amazing and awesome and amazing. 'Nuff said.
* And really, as long as I love the characters, I can forgive anything.
** And by which I mean "School Reunion". Also adds a bit of Fridge Brilliance in regards to why he does the "No fighting"; he doesn't want a repeat of "School Reunion".
*** I think the really tragic thing is that Mrs. Jones was doing all this to keep Martha safe. I don't know whether or not I would have done the same in her position, but I can understand where she was coming from. Honestly, I really loved the Saxon arc, and one of many reasons why is the whole hitting-close-to-home aspect; there's just something frightening about it. And it's one of many reasons -- mostly for the sets-up-more-story-possibilities thing -- I don't think the show suffered for focusing more on the companions. And it ties into the matter of theme also; it's not just the actions of immortal face-changing beings in blue boxes that matter, but the small, everyday actions of people like Martha, Donna, Rose, etc.
So overall? Loved it. Can't wait to see the next episode!