Squee Challenge, Day Nine: Recap
Episode Watch: re-cap with images/reaction gifs
Posting from DW because LJ is being ridiculous.
Same old shot of Earth sort of like the beginning of Rose.
And meanwhile, back on Earth, Jackie Tyler is just making up the house for Christmas.
I have to say I love this detail. It shows how much Jackie is really thinking of Rose and all, how worried she is about her (which comes to the forefront in "Love and Monsters"). Sort of saying so without having to tell us, really.
Meanwhile, Mickey's in the garage when he hears the familiar TARDIS sound.
Mickey and Jackie run out into the square to meet the TARDIS.
That's some seriously crazy driving the TARDIS has going on. It must be drunk.
Ten's first appearance. Rather cheerful, really, for such a rough landing. (Alternatively, maybe the Doctor just Drives Like Crazy? After all, there was that remark to Martha about how he did the flying the TARDIS test in "The Shakespeare Code".)
The Doctor takes time to wish both Jackie and Mickey (who are no doubt very confused) a Merry Christmas before summarily passing out.
Rose comes out of the TARDIS just then to say, when Mickey asks where the Doctor is, that it is the Doctor.
Jackie is still very confused all things considered, and asks the question that's somehow funny and serious at the same time, considering the circumstances: "Doctor who?"
As much as I love the new opening credits for Season Seven B (just because of how creative they are. Creative credits are always a plus in my book; see stuff like Monsters Inc, Farscape, etc.), there's something about the sheer nostalgia in this one that really gives it a special place in my heart.
When we get back from the credits, Jackie and Rose are examining the Doctor, who is currently holed up in bed sick as a dog, with a stethoscope that Jackie apparently borrowed off a medical student.
Rose listens if only to make sure both hearts are beating. And I've got to say, really, that heartbeat sound really does creep me out. I don't know why.
I have to say that in an episode that is honestly filled with great bits, this part is one of my favorites, in regards to the Doctor having two hearts. "Anything else he's got two of?" "Leave him alone!" So yeah, that's one of many cases where I talk about the humor in there.
And then comes the more dramatic bits, with Rose confiding in Jackie about how lost she feels now that the Doctor's regenerated. Sort of the whole "I keep forgetting he's not human" thing. Poor Rose. Let's just say that -- spoiler alert -- it's about to get worse for her from here.
And then it changes right back to humor (and incidentally, Rose's expressions above are pretty indicative of how I'm feeling realizing the sheer amount of whiplash this episode has. *Rubs neck*) what with the mentioning of a friend of Jackie's staying over at the house. And leaving his pajamas around, apparently. And a bathrobe. With snacks in there (which incidentally, will come in handy later). Incidentally, I love Billie Piper's expressions in this scene. She has a very lovely, expressive face, and some pretty good surprised expressions, amongst many other awesome ones.
Hi again, Harriet Jones!
Jackie tells Rose a bit about what Harriet's been doing (including paying those like Jackie more, which is pretty awesome). In fact, I think both in "The Christmas Invasion" and "Army of Ghosts" (and to a certain extent considering that the audience knew it but Elton didn't quite, "Love and Monsters"), Jackie has very occasionally been Miss Exposition, sort of a whole "okay, here's what you missed since you left" thing. But it never comes off as super-obvious. It all feels very natural. I envy that.
This is Mr. Llewellyn. He's in charge of the Guinevere One mission (also known as trying to explore Mars). Let's say it goes wrong. And by "wrong", I mean Worst Case Scenario level wrong.
Just the beginning of the Worst Case Scenario levels of wrong...
Meanwhile, Mickey and Rose are going Christmas shopping.
I really have to say that I like this scene. It's funny, but it has a sort of undercurrent to it; Rose sort of trying to adjust to Earth life again after seeing so many wonderful things (plus worrying about the Doctor) and Mickey just wanting a normal Christmas with Rose for once. All that, just by adding humor. It's amazing.
Unfortunately for both Mickey and Rose, not even Christmas is safe (especially not Christmas), thanks to the scariest Santa robots ever. And their shooting at Rose and Mickey.
Mickey and Rose proceed to run for it, and get in the nearest taxi.
And then phone Jackie as well.
Meanwhile, Ten is still very, very ill.
Just a quick question -- in the old series, did the Doctors, after each regeneration, start all but puking up regeneration energy? And why are they doing that? Is it sort of the new body's way of healing itself? Then again, considering that Nine absorbed all the Time Vortex (and as he says to Rose, "Every cell in my body's dying.")...well, no wonder Ten's just puking up regeneration energy, having neuron implosions, etc. His new body is literally trying to put itself back together after what Nine did.
Jackie is on the phone when Rose bursts in, switches off the phone (rude, yeah, but she has to get Jackie's attention somehow), and tells Jackie that they have to leave. Jackie is, honestly, pretty confused.
It's then that they notice a tree. That was delivered by Rose, apparently, even though Rose didn't buy a tree while they were out shopping. Oh dear...
And then the tree comes to life and starts trying to kill them. While "Jingle Bells" is playing. I just... XD I just love this show so much. XD
While Rose and Jackie are doing the sensible thing and running for it, Mickey pulls off a You Shall Not Pass, with a chair. Another thing about that scene which is absolutely priceless. XD
And even barricading the door doesn't help (bit of a pro-tip; barricading the door with your body rarely works. Mickey and Jackie are lucky that they weren't seriously injured, I mean, Jesus Christ. 0.0), because the Christmas tree just breaks down the door.
"I'm gonna get killed by a Christmas tree!" Also another one of my favorite parts in the episode. XD
"Help me."
Ten practically shoots out of bed the moment that he hears Rose say "help me" and destroys the tree. Quite the impressive explosion, I must say.
Also, Ten, how do you have such perfect hair even after you've stayed in bed? Seriously, you're like the king of perfect hair. And he looks very dignified and powerful for a man in his pajamas. (And I should get back on topic)
Another one of my favorite parts in the episode. And I have to sympathize with Ten; a neuron implosion must fucking hurt. And going along with the theory that Ten's body is trying to put itself back together after Nine absorbed the Time Vortex, he no doubt needed a good lie down and tea to heal him up while his body starts mending itself (and no doubt suffering bits and pieces of regeneration difficulty), and getting woken up in the middle of it...yeah. Combine that with Jackie Tyler randomly suggesting shit that really won't help a bit, and...yeah. Poor Ten.
But on another note, I really love how Ten finally goes, "I need you to shut up" (which really sort of describes me at times when I'm really cranky), and Jackie musing he hasn't changed there. I just love their relationship in general; it's hilarious (with the occasional bit of Aw Look They Really Do Love Each Other here and there).
Meanwhile, Ten tries to get some important information to Rose about what's happening, only to stop at "Something is coming" and then faint. Cryptic information, thy name is this scene.
(On another note, I'm rather confused as to how the Master and River never really got this sort of thing. I mean, the Master, maybe -- maybe he had to take a while to get used to his new regeneration once he reached the present day. Or not -- but River was pretty much fine after she regenerated. Then again, it's probably a stupid question. I'm thinking they probably have more control over it than the Doctor does. Less regenerations in danger of failing, regenerations with early stage homicidal tendencies, etc. I'd probably just mark this up to a one episode thing, but it's been there in "Castrovalva", "The Twin Dilemma", "The Eleventh Hour" -- remember Eleven's inability to decide on the foods he wanted before settling on fish fingers and custard? -- so... *Makes note to research regeneration a bit more. It probably varies depending on the Time Lord/Lady, but still, I am a tad confused*)
While the Doctor is still very much ill (one heart beating, to boot), Rose and Jackie watch the news
Meanwhile, Mickey goes to research the matter of pilot fish.
Basically, the pilot fish are sort of preludes to much bigger fish (or basically, "There's always a bigger fish."), so...yeah, the Doctor's "something is coming" isn't so cryptic after all.
It's then that Jackie observes that the "rocks" don't look like rocks.
Say hi to the Sycorax! Also known as one of the scariest Doctor Who monsters ever.
And cue the obligatory around-the-world news montage, also known as one of the best ways to handle exposition. Getting a lot out quickly.
And cue the government meeting scene.
I have to love that even as Prime Minister, Harriet Jones hasn't grown out of the habit of introducing herself. It's a pretty oddly endearing trait.
"Well, yes, I know who you are." And a Running Gag was born.
Also, I have to say that Mr. Llewellyn is absolutely adorable. I don't know, something about the beard. And the voice. And just how...nice he is. Makes it suck all the more when...well, you'll see later.
(I have weird minor character attachments, I really do)
There's also Alex, Harriet Jones' "right hand man", who she's trusting to put out a cover story, and in a nod to something that happened during, I believe, the original broadcast on PBS of "The Horror of Fang Rock", it's a cover story about students pulling a prank. Basically, for the original incident this is sort of based on (and keep in mind that Russell T. Davies had been watching Doctor Who since he was a kid, so he was no doubt pretty familiar with this), someone sort of hijacked the signal during the PBS broadcast, and...well, I've got video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqgeM6rWSkw.
Enjoy your nightmares, everybody!
Meanwhile, back at the Tyler residence, Mickey observes the spaceship coming straight for Earth, and asks Rose if she ever encountered the aliens in her travels (the answer is no, really). Also, more bad news; the TARDIS is down (although I guess that might have been a result of the rather rough crashlanding she experienced, and half of it might be Ten's sickness), so Rose has little to no clue what the Sycorax are saying.
And back with Harriet and company, the President is insisting he take control of the situation. Harriet replies that no, the president is not her boss, "and he's certainly not turning this into a war". Which, besides the obvious stab at Tony Blair and such, definitely puts Harriet's actions at the end of the episode into perspective. No, she wasn't starting a war, but she did act...morally ambiguously to say the least in regards to the Sycorax, though for good reason. It sort of shows how desperate circumstances and the need to protect can sometimes lead you to do something you never thought you'd do.
(That's my perspective anyway; I could be wrong)
In the midst of the news montage, Jackie's by Ten's bedside, asking him what he needs. And calling him "sweetheart". Just...d'awww. <3
Even in the midst of the serious threat, I like Davies adding a bit of humor in there. The matter of "Sycorax rock", made funnier by the translator's response "as in the modern sense they rock".
Harriet Jones, considering the situation, responds with a lot of...well, coolness, really. Sort of a "this is a day of peace, we extend it to you, but trust me, this planet is armed and we're not going to surrender without a fight" thing. Spoiler alert: the Sycorax don't take it well, sadly. Still, good effort, Prime Minister. Good effort.
D'awwww...
While Jackie's napping with Ten, Rose looks on sadly and says that the proper Doctor wouldn't really do this, that he'd get up and save them. Which...ouch. It really does say a lot about how Rose is feeling, the whole Despair Event Horizon that she's experiencing at the moment.
Honestly, though, I think Ten going into a sort of sleepy state is pretty realistic, all things considered. After all, in the first stages of his regeneration, Six was pretty unpredictable, and Five got a lot worse than Ten -- and keep in mind, the two had suffered poisoning and falling off a building, respectively.
Mickey, meanwhile, says, "You really love him, don't you?"
Cue hug. It's just a moment of togetherness and Aw Look They Really Do Love Each Other for all four of them, and I love it.
Meanwhile, the Sycorax (*rubs neck from more Mood Whiplash*) don't take what Harriet Jones said very well, and thus...yeah, let's say it's one of the creepiest scenes in Doctor Who, which says volumes.
Seriously, just the entirety of the blood control (yes, it's blood control. Did I mention that it's targeted at A positives because Mr. Llewellyn had A positive blood on Guinevere One? Yep...) scene just gives me the creeps. Especially the fact that...well, the hypnosis is very understated, and there's this hauntingly beautiful track (which I think also plays at Bad Wolf Bay in "Doomsday") as they walk up to the roof.
Did I also mention that it's not just happening in Britain, but over the whole world? Yeah...
Actually, come to think of it, it's a pretty common theme in the RTD era (and Torchwood: Children of Earth) -- the whole "happening all over the world" thing.
Meanwhile, poor Rose (who, with Mickey, has gone at least up to the rooftops to see what the hell is going on) seems to have hit the Despair Event Horizon. Which, when Rose hits the Despair Event Horizon, you know it's not good. Sort of like the Doctor giving up.
Meanwhile, Harriet Jones, Alex and Mr. Llewellyn examine the records of the people who walked to find out what they have in common.
It's then that Mr. Llewellyn realizes the connection: all of them are A positive. And all because he included those vials of A positive blood on Guinevere One (no doubt in case of emergencies). My guess is that the Sycorax found it, scavenged it, and went, "Oh hey, free blood vials! Let's control the A positives!"
In the meantime, Harriet Jones takes over if only to give a speech to the general public to tell them to remain calm as well as plead to the Doctor to help. I love this scene, I really do. The music, Penelope Wilton's acting (seriously, the Doctor Who cast is fucking flawless, all of them), the moment of bleak humor with the Royal Family apparently being on the roof as well, and the fact that while Harriet Jones keeps her composure, her plea to the Doctor for help...yeah. *Sniffle*
Also, Rose breaking down in this scene just breaks my heart. ;.;
Cue the spaceship of the Sycorax ultimately making an entrance via sonic wave. A sonic wave so powerful that it shattered glass. (Which reminds me...Elton was, according to his account in "Love and Monsters", asleep at that time before getting woken up. And Donna was apparently hungover at the time -- I think. It's this knowledge that actually, in hindsight...Jesus)
Rose and Mickey watch as the Sycorax spaceship passes overhead.
As do the others.
Seriously, holy shit, look at that thing. Even this screencap doesn't do it justice.
With the threat of the Sycorax ship looming overhead, Rose proposes the only possible thing they can do at the moment: hide in the TARDIS. (Which sort of helps later)
I like this bit. Although it kind of hurts with Rose's whole "I'm useless!" thing -- that whole feeling that when she's traveling with the Doctor, she knows what to do, but feels useless at home. Just...poor Rose. :(
Meanwhile, the Sycorax tell Harriet Jones to stand forward. And come aboard.
She and her cabinet are subsequently beamed up. (Also love Harriet Jones' line, "I believe it's called a teleport." That's...made of win. XD)
On the Sycorax ship. Mr. Llewellyn also takes time to suggest that maybe, with the helmets, the Sycorax kind of look like...well, humans.
Spoiler alert: not so much.
Seriously, is it odd for me to say that they look scarier without the helmets than with them?
Major Llewellyn steps forward if only to reason with the Sycorax. Unfortunately, let's say that the Sycorax leader doesn't feel like showing compassion to those of Earth and...
...yeah.
(Seriously, that poor man. :( I really liked him)
And then they kill the Major.
Seriously, holy shit.
After two of her colleagues are brutally murdered, Harriet stands forward just to avoid anyone else dying. Also, have to love how the Sycorax picked up on the "Yes, we know who you are" thing. And later, even the Daleks.
But seriously, poor Harriet. She's caught in a dilemma; either surrender and have half of humanity sold as slaves, or not surrender and have one third possibly die. Definite kudos to her for trying to keep her cool in the situation. Seriously; that's why she's a pro. One of many reasons, really.
While Mickey and Rose are carrying the Doctor into the TARDIS, Jackie's carrying food and supplies along. (Hey, it's only practical!)
Have to say, I love Jackie's reaction as she enters the TARDIS.
While Jackie leaves to get more food, and Rose is, to say the least, rather down, Mickey sort of cracks a joke about tea (keep in mind, the tea will become important later). "Like we're having a picnic while the world's coming to an end. Very British." Seriously, I love that; it's sort of like even when things are going to shit, you can still have a bit of a laugh. Very much needed in both fiction and real life, I think.
Mickey also suggests (no doubt inspired by seeing how everything worked in "Aliens of London/World War Three", an example of a Chekov's Gun actually being fired early) using the TARDIS systems to see what's going on. Unfortunately...yeah, the Sycorax don't take that well and assume that Harriet Jones is plotting against them.
The TARDIS is beamed onboard.
Rose, not really realizing they were beamed aboard (seriously, someone would have noticed, maybe?), decides to go outside and talk with Jackie, only to be captured by the Sycorax.
Mickey, in his rush to rescue her, knocks over the thermos of tea -- which, incidentally, proves vital to saving Ten. So...good one, Mickey. Seriously.
One of my favorite bits in this episode. I mean, d'awwww. It's one of those moments, really, even in the midst of all that danger, where you just have quiet character moments. That and really...Rose needs all the hugs she can get, poor girl. (Seriously, you know the whole "The Doctor must suffer" episodes? This is a more "Rose Tyler must suffer" episode, poor thing. And really, as you get closer in, you'll see why)
Rose, in the Doctor's absence (and randomly mistaken by the Sycorax to be Earth's representative), tries to at least negotiate with the Sycorax at the risk of her life.
Unfortunately, Rose really doesn't know what to do, and ends up...well, borrowing a lot of names of previous Monsters of the Week ("The Slitheen Parliament of Raxicorifallapatorious" and "the Gelth Confederacy" to name a few). Needless to say, the Sycorax don't buy it.
(Did I mention poor, poor Rose?)
It's in the midst of the Sycorax leader's rant that Alex realizes that wait a second, the Sycorax leader is talking English! But he doesn't like English; he only speaks his native tongue. It means the TARDIS is working again.
And if the TARDIS is working again, then...well, so is the Doctor.
"Did you miss me?"
I just love Rose's expression there. Seriously. Just that "Oh thank God" sort of expression.
Also, the Doctor enters with quite the bang. Disarming the whip, for example, and breaking the Sycorax's weapon over his knee.
And another one of many things that proves that the Tenth Doctor's a badass; he can look right in the face of the Sycorax leader and say, "I'm busy." Complete with that little pointy finger. It sort of reminds me, oddly enough, of Han Solo's reaction when C-3PO tries to warn him about the malfunctioning hyperdrive (different circumstances, but still). Then again, considering some of the episode's similarities to Star Wars (see later), and the show having some degree of Star Wars influence (emphasis on "some"; it still very much is Doctor Who, after all)...well, it wouldn't be much of a stretch.
Also one of those things that makes the Doctor the Doctor; he can look right into the eyes of the Sycorax leader, and it's the Sycorax leader that shuts up.
Ten proceeds to go on and ask Rose about his appearance. More specifically, how does he look, and is he ginger?
Rose, of course, says no (to the ginger part, that is).
Ten proceeds to...not be terribly happy that he wasn't ginger (and starting a fandom running gag, which was also continued in "The End of Time Part Two", after Ten regenerates into Eleven. Poor guy. Still not ginger. I think my brother might have suggested the next doctor not be ginger just for the sake of pissing the Doctor off again. XD), and then yell at Rose for giving up on him.
Of course, the Doctor sort of realizes in mid-rant that he's being rude. "Is that who I am now? Rude and not ginger?" And no, I'm not going to lie, I love this scene so very much. XD
Ten goes to talk with Harriet Jones. Honestly, I will admit, there's something about the way they're talking, about the whole "landslide majority" thing that...well, it kind of warms and yet breaks my heart considering what comes later. (Dammit Davies...)
The Doctor and the Sycorax leader face off. And seriously, I don't think that I can do this justice in mere screencap form, so...here's a GIF:
Not to mention his whole speech about who he is. It really sums up who he is (plus, giving him a bit of a bluffing-the-monster-of-the-week thing like in "The Long Game", etc.). Who he is varies from one incarnation to the next. "Doctor who?" indeed.
And I have to say, I love Rose's little smirk after he says "sexy". It's a really sweet touch. It's one of many things I love about the Doctor and Rose; even in the midst of utter danger and such, they can still have moments of laughing and joking and whatnot. It's something that I really love in fiction, and in fictional relationships, whether they be familial, platonic or otherwise. Humor's a pretty powerful thing. (And really, after the honestly tense earlier scenes, I think we needed that)
And then he discovers the matter of the blood control.
And of course, the Doctor goes and presses the big shiny not-to-be-pressed-under-any-circumstances button.
Don't worry, though, everyone's all right.
The Sycorax leader, naturally, tries to say that they "allow" the humans to live (which, seriously, dude, no. You don't just "allow" who lives and who dies. Then again, I suppose the Sycorax leader was just saying it for the sake of covering his ass). The Doctor, naturally, calls bullshit.
The Doctor then goes on to explain that yes, blood control is a lot like hypnosis; you can convince someone to walk like a chicken or dress like Elvis, but you can't really make them...well, you know. Human survival instinct and all that.
And then comes this scene. It's one of those moments that's funny and heartwarming at the same time. Because on the one hand, he's trying to get the Sycorax to leave Earth be, but on the other hand...yeah, he's quoting the Lion King. "The Circle of Life", to be more precise. Also known as one of Ten's best moments. (I might have to type them up sometime, just to show people why I love this character so much. Not just this incarnation, but this character; the fact that he's the most developed of the new Doctors definitely helps)
After the Sycorax leader essentially says "no", the Doctor decides to settle this the only way possible: in mortal combat!
(Sorry, I had to)
"Well, that seemed to have struck a chord." So, the Sycorax are very imperialistic in nature, conquerors, and they love their combat. All that information in one episode; I'm impressed.
"For the planet."
"For the planet."
Seriously, there's something about this scene that really gives me chills. I think the sense of jeopardy and tension helps as well; the fact that it's a battle to save the Earth.
Ten goes on to do something that is pretty useful in stuff like playing KOTOR II: run the hell away. To an open space, of course; it's only pragmatic. More room for movement and all.
Seriously, much love for how the duel outside is filmed. Just the slow motion, the music, the epicness... (Also, fun fact; apparently, in Doctor Who Confidential, it was said that they didn't want the Doctor being too aggressive in the fight -- because kids look up to him, and besides, I doubt it would be the Doctor's style. He doesn't fight unless he absolutely has to, after all, so they made him more on the defensive, and the Sycorax leader on the offensive)
In the grand Star Wars homage, Ten gets his hand cut off.
And just when it seems all is lost, lo and behold, Ten grows his hand back!
I remember in the Doctor Who Confidential for "Tooth and Claw" (called "Fear Factor", in case you're wondering, and the same one I was discussing earlier with the Doctor being a role model for kids), that someone sort of said that there had to be a limit on the amount of graphic content in Doctor Who, basically, and that the audience had to be scared, but in a sort of a reassuring way. Sort of like, "Don't worry, it's all going to be fine". That's why there's no blood when the Sycorax leader cuts Ten's hand off, and why Ten grows his hand back (and it's a pretty interesting add to Time Lord lore).
(And really, considering that it's aimed at kids, it's a pretty wise move. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't take risks, but at the same time, being aware of your target audience is a pretty wise thing to do)
Sycorax Leader: Witchcraft.
Tenth Doctor: Time Lord.
In the midst of this, Rose tosses the Doctor a sword. Also got to love when the Doctor says, "Am I still the Doctor then?" and Rose says, basically, no complaints from her.
And the "fighting hand" line.
Being the Simba in this scene, the Doctor offers the Sycorax a last chance: leave the planet and never return. All things considered, it's a good lesson, I think, to teach kids. Nonviolence. After all, we live in a pretty violent world. That and the Doctor is well-rounded enough and likable enough to not be too grating in terms of a sort of "role model" character. (And he's handy in teaching kids what not to do as well, in a way)
Spoiler alert: the Sycorax leader, being the Scar in this scene, doesn't keep his word.
With everything seemingly all right, the Doctor makes a comment about "not bad for a man in his jim-jams. Very Arthur Dent. Now there was a nice man." and goes to chat with Rose. Much love for their camaraderie in this scene, and the Doctor's remarks about the satsuma in his dressing gown. Although, considering how it actually saves his life later...don't be so critical of it, Doctor. XD
"No second chances. I'm that sort of a man." (All after throwing a satsuma at the button that releases the Sycorax leader to falling to his death. Told you the satsuma would come in handy)
Funny thing is, though, in regards to the "no second chances" thing, is that whenever he gives them out, he actually sort of expects them to go along with those second chances (or at least, he sort of hopes they do). Even with the Sycorax leader and such, he was at least hoping that "okay, we can resolve this without anyone getting hurt" (he seems to be trying for that whole "everybody lives" scenario, although arguably not as much as Eleven). And yet when the Sycorax leader breaks his word to try and kill the Doctor, he doesn't hesitate in disposing of the Sycorax leader. It's a sort of yes, Ten's a very nice guy most of the time, but don't piss him off.
Back in the Sycorax lair, the Doctor tells the Sycorax in question that they're not to scavenge Earth for the rest of time, and should they go back to the stars and tell others of Earth, they should know that Earth...well, as the Doctor says, "It. Is. Defended."
Also known as one of the most awesome moments in "The Christmas Invasion". Seriously, Doctor? You are brilliant.
Back on the ground, the others watch and rejoice as the Sycorax ship flies away. Love all of it, really, but Rose hugging Alex and the Doctor hugging Harriet are definitely major highlights.
Harriet asks the Doctor if there could be more alien threats out there. The Doctor says, basically, yes, it's very likely, which...yeah, what happens next. Really shouldn't have said that, Doctor.
Meanwhile, Jackie reunites with the others. I have to say I love her line about "Oh my God it's the bleeding Prime Minister!" Seriously. And Ten's remark about all he needed being a cup of tea. And Jackie's sort of I-told-you-so about it. :3
Cue hugs all around.
I have to say that I love the look on Harriet Jones' face after she says, "Tell them to fire." It's that sort of...well, maybe it's conveyed a bit better when it's actually moving, but it's that sort of "May God forgive me" face. She knows what she's doing is possibly horrible, but if she has to defend the Earth, she'll do it.
The Sycorax ship, in mid-flight, explodes.
To say that Ten's anger is a thing to behold is probably putting it mildly.
I also have to admire David Tennant's acting in all of this; instead of just playing it for yelling and screaming, he's playing it for a sort of Tranquil Fury, the sort of so-mad-I'm-mostly-quiet thing. Just look at his face; you can feel the fury just bleeding out. And while I don't like what he does in that scene, I really like that Russell included it because...well, I want to see my heroes not always making the right decisions, I want to see my heroes not always being right. And yeah, I don't really like it when the writers treat the heroes as being in the right when common sense says that they're quite clearly in the wrong (see also how the Council handled the matter of Darth Caedus in the Legacy of the Force novel Invincible, although YMMV), but I think there's a clear difference between that and just showing the heroes making mistakes (sometimes small, sometimes huge). And at the very least, the scene shows it as terrifying, as it's meant to be
Also, look at Rose's face. She just looks freaking horrified
Harriet, of course, tries to defend her decision, and really, she makes very good points -- the fact that Earth really has to defend themselves. And that the Doctor isn't always there (considering Mr. Llewellyn and the Major both being killed, as well as the events of Torchwood: Children of Earth, she has a very valid point)
Unfortunately, the Doctor really isn't up for listening, instead laying into Harriet saying that he gave the Sycorax the wrong warning -- that he should have told them to run and hide "because the monsters are coming, the human race!" Which...Doctor, there are some areas where it's true, yes, but not this. Harriet Jones...you might not have liked what she was doing, but she's not a monster. She's a good person who did a morally ambiguous thing to keep the human race safe. I mean, you do that at times, don't you?
Unfortunately, I think the Doctor has unrealistically high hopes. I believe SF Debris may have presented the theory in (I think) his review of "An Unearthly Child" that one of the First Doctor's companions stopping him from committing murder shaped the Doctor as a whole and was really the turning point for the Doctor becoming who he was. And I'm thinking that after the Time War all but shattered him, Rose put Nine back together, in a way. And with that...stuff that he probably would have understood slightly in his Ninth incarnation seem repulsive to him in his Tenth one. And his high view of humanity in general makes stuff like this, "Last of the Time Lords" (with the reveal of the Toclafane) and "Midnight" (when he's nearly murdered) pretty devastating to him. (Then again, I think injustice, perceived or otherwise, of any kind, is enough to get Ten pissed)
The argument proceeds to get more heated from there, with Harriet Jones essentially calling the Doctor an "alien threat" (well, okay, to be more precise, she says, "And what does that make you, Doctor? Another alien threat?" Either way, admittedly gets me a tad squirmy), and the Doctor saying that he can bring down her government in a single word, or at least six.
"Don't you think she looks tired?"
Seriously, though, that scene...it's a subtle sort of scary, but it's scary all the same. Because really, in the end, all the monsters are mostly there for set-dressing. The real scariest element is the Doctor himself. It says volumes that stuff like "Dalek", "Human Nature/Family of Blood", "The Waters of Mars", "The Name of the Doctor", "A Good Man Goes To War", and to an extent this...sometimes the scariest element is the Doctor and the things he does. (And yet at the same time, they continue to keep him likable and understandable and heroic. Quite the balancing act)
Also, just the sheer panic in Harriet Jones' voice with the whole "What did he say?" and yelling after the Doctor...yeah, ouch.
And I have to say that Harriet Jones' face in that scene is just really depressing (can't say if I got quite the right cap of it per se, but still). As well as her "I'm sorry". It's such a small thing, but it says so much. Just...dammit, Penelope Wilton. (And dammit, Doctor Who, while I'm at it)
And then faster than you can say "Ow, my neck!" it cuts to the Doctor picking out clothes and such while the original version of "Song for Ten" (BTW, how is the original version not on the soundtrack? It's amazing. Nothing against the Neil Hannon version, though) is playing.
Honestly, as much as I love the scene, I do wish that they'd spent more time on the consequences of deposing Harriet Jones and such. It just strikes me as a tad odd because...well, Doctor Who is usually pretty good about consequences and such. (I think I recall a deleted scene from, I believe, "Last of the Time Lords" where the Master of all people called the Doctor out on it, but it didn't really make it into the final episode. Although why the Master would call the Doctor on that is kind of curiosity-inducing, though then again, maybe Even Evil Has Standards.)
That said, it really is a nice scene.
I just love that whole bit with Rose, Jackie and Mickey at the table and such. It's really sweet. :)
And Ten taking an eternity to find good clothes that fit him. Part of it is because, well, he's a new man now; he has to find clothes that suit him, and part of it is...well, trying to impress Rose. XD
Seriously, there's something about it that really cracks me up. XD
And then, he goes into the kitchen, and...
...well, Rose very much approves, to say the least. Which pleases Ten greatly. (Seriously, d'awww. <3)
Meanwhile, the family goes through the whole thing of opening crackers, putting on hats, etc.
I just love the look on Ten's face in that scene, while Rose puts on a paper crown. It's just so cute. <3
Unfortunately, this moment of happiness can't quite last because Harriet Jones. (Also I have to say, wow, Ten, that whole "Don't you think she looks tired" thing went by quickly)
Even Ten looks a little grim/worried right there. And really, considering Season Three and the rise of the Master (plus Brian Green in TORCHWOOD: CHILDREN OF EARTH)...yeah, Nice Job Breaking It Hero.
Everyone goes outside just to enjoy the snow. Now, granted, it's not really snow, just ash from where the Sycorax ship broke up in the atmosphere when Harriet Jones had Torchwood shoot it down, but still...well, it's definitely something.
The Doctor says now that it's all over, he's heading off. Rose expresses her worry about him traveling on his own, as well as the whole "now that you changed, I thought you wouldn't want me anymore" thing (which, ironically enough, the Doctor was sort of thinking the same thing), only for the Doctor to say that no, he would love it if Rose came along.
Mickey, meanwhile, says, "You're never going to stay, are you?" Rose's reply of how there's so much out there to see...well, it definitely says volumes about her character, especially considering in the opening narration of "Army of Ghosts" she says that nothing really happened the first nineteen years of her life. It definitely gives a new perspective on why she went traveling with the Doctor -- she wanted to see the world beyond...well, the life she lived.
And I have to love how Mickey responds to that. He's definitely come a long way from how he reacted in Season One. For however people may say that they're not interested in the domestics...well, I kind of like them. Among many things, they allow development to the more secondary characters and whatnot, which is really honestly a very good thing. And it allows themes (especially with Mickey's journey in Season Two) of how anyone can be a badass. Anyone. (A very good message to send, really. You don't have to be a super-powerful being of super perfection to be heroic)
Jackie, meanwhile, says, "Well, I reckon you're mad. The pair of you. It's like you go looking for trouble." To which Ten replies, "Oh, trouble's just the bits in between!" Which...I must say I want on a T-shirt or something.
Also, I love how Russell included the Ninth Doctor's original catchphrase, "Fantastic" in there. I remember that there was apparently a deleted scene involving the Doctor trying to say his old catchphrase, but he can't because...well, he doesn't have the teeth anymore. XD I kind of wish that we had that deleted scene in there, but still...this bit is lovely. A final nod to the Ninth Doctor.
"That way?"
"Hmmm?"
"Yeah, that way."
And on that sweet, hopeful note, promising more adventures to come, the episode ends.
Many thanks to Shadow of Reflection and the Medusa Cascade for the caps.
Posting from DW because LJ is being ridiculous.
Same old shot of Earth sort of like the beginning of Rose.
And meanwhile, back on Earth, Jackie Tyler is just making up the house for Christmas.
I have to say I love this detail. It shows how much Jackie is really thinking of Rose and all, how worried she is about her (which comes to the forefront in "Love and Monsters"). Sort of saying so without having to tell us, really.
Meanwhile, Mickey's in the garage when he hears the familiar TARDIS sound.
Mickey and Jackie run out into the square to meet the TARDIS.
That's some seriously crazy driving the TARDIS has going on. It must be drunk.
Ten's first appearance. Rather cheerful, really, for such a rough landing. (Alternatively, maybe the Doctor just Drives Like Crazy? After all, there was that remark to Martha about how he did the flying the TARDIS test in "The Shakespeare Code".)
The Doctor takes time to wish both Jackie and Mickey (who are no doubt very confused) a Merry Christmas before summarily passing out.
Rose comes out of the TARDIS just then to say, when Mickey asks where the Doctor is, that it is the Doctor.
Jackie is still very confused all things considered, and asks the question that's somehow funny and serious at the same time, considering the circumstances: "Doctor who?"
As much as I love the new opening credits for Season Seven B (just because of how creative they are. Creative credits are always a plus in my book; see stuff like Monsters Inc, Farscape, etc.), there's something about the sheer nostalgia in this one that really gives it a special place in my heart.
When we get back from the credits, Jackie and Rose are examining the Doctor, who is currently holed up in bed sick as a dog, with a stethoscope that Jackie apparently borrowed off a medical student.
Rose listens if only to make sure both hearts are beating. And I've got to say, really, that heartbeat sound really does creep me out. I don't know why.
I have to say that in an episode that is honestly filled with great bits, this part is one of my favorites, in regards to the Doctor having two hearts. "Anything else he's got two of?" "Leave him alone!" So yeah, that's one of many cases where I talk about the humor in there.
And then comes the more dramatic bits, with Rose confiding in Jackie about how lost she feels now that the Doctor's regenerated. Sort of the whole "I keep forgetting he's not human" thing. Poor Rose. Let's just say that -- spoiler alert -- it's about to get worse for her from here.
And then it changes right back to humor (and incidentally, Rose's expressions above are pretty indicative of how I'm feeling realizing the sheer amount of whiplash this episode has. *Rubs neck*) what with the mentioning of a friend of Jackie's staying over at the house. And leaving his pajamas around, apparently. And a bathrobe. With snacks in there (which incidentally, will come in handy later). Incidentally, I love Billie Piper's expressions in this scene. She has a very lovely, expressive face, and some pretty good surprised expressions, amongst many other awesome ones.
Hi again, Harriet Jones!
Jackie tells Rose a bit about what Harriet's been doing (including paying those like Jackie more, which is pretty awesome). In fact, I think both in "The Christmas Invasion" and "Army of Ghosts" (and to a certain extent considering that the audience knew it but Elton didn't quite, "Love and Monsters"), Jackie has very occasionally been Miss Exposition, sort of a whole "okay, here's what you missed since you left" thing. But it never comes off as super-obvious. It all feels very natural. I envy that.
This is Mr. Llewellyn. He's in charge of the Guinevere One mission (also known as trying to explore Mars). Let's say it goes wrong. And by "wrong", I mean Worst Case Scenario level wrong.
Just the beginning of the Worst Case Scenario levels of wrong...
Meanwhile, Mickey and Rose are going Christmas shopping.
I really have to say that I like this scene. It's funny, but it has a sort of undercurrent to it; Rose sort of trying to adjust to Earth life again after seeing so many wonderful things (plus worrying about the Doctor) and Mickey just wanting a normal Christmas with Rose for once. All that, just by adding humor. It's amazing.
Unfortunately for both Mickey and Rose, not even Christmas is safe (especially not Christmas), thanks to the scariest Santa robots ever. And their shooting at Rose and Mickey.
Mickey and Rose proceed to run for it, and get in the nearest taxi.
And then phone Jackie as well.
Meanwhile, Ten is still very, very ill.
Just a quick question -- in the old series, did the Doctors, after each regeneration, start all but puking up regeneration energy? And why are they doing that? Is it sort of the new body's way of healing itself? Then again, considering that Nine absorbed all the Time Vortex (and as he says to Rose, "Every cell in my body's dying.")...well, no wonder Ten's just puking up regeneration energy, having neuron implosions, etc. His new body is literally trying to put itself back together after what Nine did.
Jackie is on the phone when Rose bursts in, switches off the phone (rude, yeah, but she has to get Jackie's attention somehow), and tells Jackie that they have to leave. Jackie is, honestly, pretty confused.
It's then that they notice a tree. That was delivered by Rose, apparently, even though Rose didn't buy a tree while they were out shopping. Oh dear...
And then the tree comes to life and starts trying to kill them. While "Jingle Bells" is playing. I just... XD I just love this show so much. XD
While Rose and Jackie are doing the sensible thing and running for it, Mickey pulls off a You Shall Not Pass, with a chair. Another thing about that scene which is absolutely priceless. XD
And even barricading the door doesn't help (bit of a pro-tip; barricading the door with your body rarely works. Mickey and Jackie are lucky that they weren't seriously injured, I mean, Jesus Christ. 0.0), because the Christmas tree just breaks down the door.
"I'm gonna get killed by a Christmas tree!" Also another one of my favorite parts in the episode. XD
"Help me."
Ten practically shoots out of bed the moment that he hears Rose say "help me" and destroys the tree. Quite the impressive explosion, I must say.
Also, Ten, how do you have such perfect hair even after you've stayed in bed? Seriously, you're like the king of perfect hair. And he looks very dignified and powerful for a man in his pajamas. (And I should get back on topic)
Another one of my favorite parts in the episode. And I have to sympathize with Ten; a neuron implosion must fucking hurt. And going along with the theory that Ten's body is trying to put itself back together after Nine absorbed the Time Vortex, he no doubt needed a good lie down and tea to heal him up while his body starts mending itself (and no doubt suffering bits and pieces of regeneration difficulty), and getting woken up in the middle of it...yeah. Combine that with Jackie Tyler randomly suggesting shit that really won't help a bit, and...yeah. Poor Ten.
But on another note, I really love how Ten finally goes, "I need you to shut up" (which really sort of describes me at times when I'm really cranky), and Jackie musing he hasn't changed there. I just love their relationship in general; it's hilarious (with the occasional bit of Aw Look They Really Do Love Each Other here and there).
Meanwhile, Ten tries to get some important information to Rose about what's happening, only to stop at "Something is coming" and then faint. Cryptic information, thy name is this scene.
(On another note, I'm rather confused as to how the Master and River never really got this sort of thing. I mean, the Master, maybe -- maybe he had to take a while to get used to his new regeneration once he reached the present day. Or not -- but River was pretty much fine after she regenerated. Then again, it's probably a stupid question. I'm thinking they probably have more control over it than the Doctor does. Less regenerations in danger of failing, regenerations with early stage homicidal tendencies, etc. I'd probably just mark this up to a one episode thing, but it's been there in "Castrovalva", "The Twin Dilemma", "The Eleventh Hour" -- remember Eleven's inability to decide on the foods he wanted before settling on fish fingers and custard? -- so... *Makes note to research regeneration a bit more. It probably varies depending on the Time Lord/Lady, but still, I am a tad confused*)
While the Doctor is still very much ill (one heart beating, to boot), Rose and Jackie watch the news
Meanwhile, Mickey goes to research the matter of pilot fish.
Basically, the pilot fish are sort of preludes to much bigger fish (or basically, "There's always a bigger fish."), so...yeah, the Doctor's "something is coming" isn't so cryptic after all.
It's then that Jackie observes that the "rocks" don't look like rocks.
Say hi to the Sycorax! Also known as one of the scariest Doctor Who monsters ever.
And cue the obligatory around-the-world news montage, also known as one of the best ways to handle exposition. Getting a lot out quickly.
And cue the government meeting scene.
I have to love that even as Prime Minister, Harriet Jones hasn't grown out of the habit of introducing herself. It's a pretty oddly endearing trait.
"Well, yes, I know who you are." And a Running Gag was born.
Also, I have to say that Mr. Llewellyn is absolutely adorable. I don't know, something about the beard. And the voice. And just how...nice he is. Makes it suck all the more when...well, you'll see later.
(I have weird minor character attachments, I really do)
There's also Alex, Harriet Jones' "right hand man", who she's trusting to put out a cover story, and in a nod to something that happened during, I believe, the original broadcast on PBS of "The Horror of Fang Rock", it's a cover story about students pulling a prank. Basically, for the original incident this is sort of based on (and keep in mind that Russell T. Davies had been watching Doctor Who since he was a kid, so he was no doubt pretty familiar with this), someone sort of hijacked the signal during the PBS broadcast, and...well, I've got video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqgeM6rWSkw.
Enjoy your nightmares, everybody!
Meanwhile, back at the Tyler residence, Mickey observes the spaceship coming straight for Earth, and asks Rose if she ever encountered the aliens in her travels (the answer is no, really). Also, more bad news; the TARDIS is down (although I guess that might have been a result of the rather rough crashlanding she experienced, and half of it might be Ten's sickness), so Rose has little to no clue what the Sycorax are saying.
And back with Harriet and company, the President is insisting he take control of the situation. Harriet replies that no, the president is not her boss, "and he's certainly not turning this into a war". Which, besides the obvious stab at Tony Blair and such, definitely puts Harriet's actions at the end of the episode into perspective. No, she wasn't starting a war, but she did act...morally ambiguously to say the least in regards to the Sycorax, though for good reason. It sort of shows how desperate circumstances and the need to protect can sometimes lead you to do something you never thought you'd do.
(That's my perspective anyway; I could be wrong)
In the midst of the news montage, Jackie's by Ten's bedside, asking him what he needs. And calling him "sweetheart". Just...d'awww. <3
Even in the midst of the serious threat, I like Davies adding a bit of humor in there. The matter of "Sycorax rock", made funnier by the translator's response "as in the modern sense they rock".
Harriet Jones, considering the situation, responds with a lot of...well, coolness, really. Sort of a "this is a day of peace, we extend it to you, but trust me, this planet is armed and we're not going to surrender without a fight" thing. Spoiler alert: the Sycorax don't take it well, sadly. Still, good effort, Prime Minister. Good effort.
D'awwww...
While Jackie's napping with Ten, Rose looks on sadly and says that the proper Doctor wouldn't really do this, that he'd get up and save them. Which...ouch. It really does say a lot about how Rose is feeling, the whole Despair Event Horizon that she's experiencing at the moment.
Honestly, though, I think Ten going into a sort of sleepy state is pretty realistic, all things considered. After all, in the first stages of his regeneration, Six was pretty unpredictable, and Five got a lot worse than Ten -- and keep in mind, the two had suffered poisoning and falling off a building, respectively.
Mickey, meanwhile, says, "You really love him, don't you?"
Cue hug. It's just a moment of togetherness and Aw Look They Really Do Love Each Other for all four of them, and I love it.
Meanwhile, the Sycorax (*rubs neck from more Mood Whiplash*) don't take what Harriet Jones said very well, and thus...yeah, let's say it's one of the creepiest scenes in Doctor Who, which says volumes.
Seriously, just the entirety of the blood control (yes, it's blood control. Did I mention that it's targeted at A positives because Mr. Llewellyn had A positive blood on Guinevere One? Yep...) scene just gives me the creeps. Especially the fact that...well, the hypnosis is very understated, and there's this hauntingly beautiful track (which I think also plays at Bad Wolf Bay in "Doomsday") as they walk up to the roof.
Did I also mention that it's not just happening in Britain, but over the whole world? Yeah...
Actually, come to think of it, it's a pretty common theme in the RTD era (and Torchwood: Children of Earth) -- the whole "happening all over the world" thing.
Meanwhile, poor Rose (who, with Mickey, has gone at least up to the rooftops to see what the hell is going on) seems to have hit the Despair Event Horizon. Which, when Rose hits the Despair Event Horizon, you know it's not good. Sort of like the Doctor giving up.
Meanwhile, Harriet Jones, Alex and Mr. Llewellyn examine the records of the people who walked to find out what they have in common.
It's then that Mr. Llewellyn realizes the connection: all of them are A positive. And all because he included those vials of A positive blood on Guinevere One (no doubt in case of emergencies). My guess is that the Sycorax found it, scavenged it, and went, "Oh hey, free blood vials! Let's control the A positives!"
In the meantime, Harriet Jones takes over if only to give a speech to the general public to tell them to remain calm as well as plead to the Doctor to help. I love this scene, I really do. The music, Penelope Wilton's acting (seriously, the Doctor Who cast is fucking flawless, all of them), the moment of bleak humor with the Royal Family apparently being on the roof as well, and the fact that while Harriet Jones keeps her composure, her plea to the Doctor for help...yeah. *Sniffle*
Also, Rose breaking down in this scene just breaks my heart. ;.;
Cue the spaceship of the Sycorax ultimately making an entrance via sonic wave. A sonic wave so powerful that it shattered glass. (Which reminds me...Elton was, according to his account in "Love and Monsters", asleep at that time before getting woken up. And Donna was apparently hungover at the time -- I think. It's this knowledge that actually, in hindsight...Jesus)
Rose and Mickey watch as the Sycorax spaceship passes overhead.
As do the others.
Seriously, holy shit, look at that thing. Even this screencap doesn't do it justice.
With the threat of the Sycorax ship looming overhead, Rose proposes the only possible thing they can do at the moment: hide in the TARDIS. (Which sort of helps later)
I like this bit. Although it kind of hurts with Rose's whole "I'm useless!" thing -- that whole feeling that when she's traveling with the Doctor, she knows what to do, but feels useless at home. Just...poor Rose. :(
Meanwhile, the Sycorax tell Harriet Jones to stand forward. And come aboard.
She and her cabinet are subsequently beamed up. (Also love Harriet Jones' line, "I believe it's called a teleport." That's...made of win. XD)
On the Sycorax ship. Mr. Llewellyn also takes time to suggest that maybe, with the helmets, the Sycorax kind of look like...well, humans.
Spoiler alert: not so much.
Seriously, is it odd for me to say that they look scarier without the helmets than with them?
Major Llewellyn steps forward if only to reason with the Sycorax. Unfortunately, let's say that the Sycorax leader doesn't feel like showing compassion to those of Earth and...
...yeah.
(Seriously, that poor man. :( I really liked him)
And then they kill the Major.
Seriously, holy shit.
After two of her colleagues are brutally murdered, Harriet stands forward just to avoid anyone else dying. Also, have to love how the Sycorax picked up on the "Yes, we know who you are" thing. And later, even the Daleks.
But seriously, poor Harriet. She's caught in a dilemma; either surrender and have half of humanity sold as slaves, or not surrender and have one third possibly die. Definite kudos to her for trying to keep her cool in the situation. Seriously; that's why she's a pro. One of many reasons, really.
While Mickey and Rose are carrying the Doctor into the TARDIS, Jackie's carrying food and supplies along. (Hey, it's only practical!)
Have to say, I love Jackie's reaction as she enters the TARDIS.
While Jackie leaves to get more food, and Rose is, to say the least, rather down, Mickey sort of cracks a joke about tea (keep in mind, the tea will become important later). "Like we're having a picnic while the world's coming to an end. Very British." Seriously, I love that; it's sort of like even when things are going to shit, you can still have a bit of a laugh. Very much needed in both fiction and real life, I think.
Mickey also suggests (no doubt inspired by seeing how everything worked in "Aliens of London/World War Three", an example of a Chekov's Gun actually being fired early) using the TARDIS systems to see what's going on. Unfortunately...yeah, the Sycorax don't take that well and assume that Harriet Jones is plotting against them.
The TARDIS is beamed onboard.
Rose, not really realizing they were beamed aboard (seriously, someone would have noticed, maybe?), decides to go outside and talk with Jackie, only to be captured by the Sycorax.
Mickey, in his rush to rescue her, knocks over the thermos of tea -- which, incidentally, proves vital to saving Ten. So...good one, Mickey. Seriously.
One of my favorite bits in this episode. I mean, d'awwww. It's one of those moments, really, even in the midst of all that danger, where you just have quiet character moments. That and really...Rose needs all the hugs she can get, poor girl. (Seriously, you know the whole "The Doctor must suffer" episodes? This is a more "Rose Tyler must suffer" episode, poor thing. And really, as you get closer in, you'll see why)
Rose, in the Doctor's absence (and randomly mistaken by the Sycorax to be Earth's representative), tries to at least negotiate with the Sycorax at the risk of her life.
Unfortunately, Rose really doesn't know what to do, and ends up...well, borrowing a lot of names of previous Monsters of the Week ("The Slitheen Parliament of Raxicorifallapatorious" and "the Gelth Confederacy" to name a few). Needless to say, the Sycorax don't buy it.
(Did I mention poor, poor Rose?)
It's in the midst of the Sycorax leader's rant that Alex realizes that wait a second, the Sycorax leader is talking English! But he doesn't like English; he only speaks his native tongue. It means the TARDIS is working again.
And if the TARDIS is working again, then...well, so is the Doctor.
"Did you miss me?"
I just love Rose's expression there. Seriously. Just that "Oh thank God" sort of expression.
Also, the Doctor enters with quite the bang. Disarming the whip, for example, and breaking the Sycorax's weapon over his knee.
And another one of many things that proves that the Tenth Doctor's a badass; he can look right in the face of the Sycorax leader and say, "I'm busy." Complete with that little pointy finger. It sort of reminds me, oddly enough, of Han Solo's reaction when C-3PO tries to warn him about the malfunctioning hyperdrive (different circumstances, but still). Then again, considering some of the episode's similarities to Star Wars (see later), and the show having some degree of Star Wars influence (emphasis on "some"; it still very much is Doctor Who, after all)...well, it wouldn't be much of a stretch.
Also one of those things that makes the Doctor the Doctor; he can look right into the eyes of the Sycorax leader, and it's the Sycorax leader that shuts up.
Ten proceeds to go on and ask Rose about his appearance. More specifically, how does he look, and is he ginger?
Rose, of course, says no (to the ginger part, that is).
Ten proceeds to...not be terribly happy that he wasn't ginger (and starting a fandom running gag, which was also continued in "The End of Time Part Two", after Ten regenerates into Eleven. Poor guy. Still not ginger. I think my brother might have suggested the next doctor not be ginger just for the sake of pissing the Doctor off again. XD), and then yell at Rose for giving up on him.
Of course, the Doctor sort of realizes in mid-rant that he's being rude. "Is that who I am now? Rude and not ginger?" And no, I'm not going to lie, I love this scene so very much. XD
Ten goes to talk with Harriet Jones. Honestly, I will admit, there's something about the way they're talking, about the whole "landslide majority" thing that...well, it kind of warms and yet breaks my heart considering what comes later. (Dammit Davies...)
The Doctor and the Sycorax leader face off. And seriously, I don't think that I can do this justice in mere screencap form, so...here's a GIF:
Not to mention his whole speech about who he is. It really sums up who he is (plus, giving him a bit of a bluffing-the-monster-of-the-week thing like in "The Long Game", etc.). Who he is varies from one incarnation to the next. "Doctor who?" indeed.
And I have to say, I love Rose's little smirk after he says "sexy". It's a really sweet touch. It's one of many things I love about the Doctor and Rose; even in the midst of utter danger and such, they can still have moments of laughing and joking and whatnot. It's something that I really love in fiction, and in fictional relationships, whether they be familial, platonic or otherwise. Humor's a pretty powerful thing. (And really, after the honestly tense earlier scenes, I think we needed that)
And then he discovers the matter of the blood control.
And of course, the Doctor goes and presses the big shiny not-to-be-pressed-under-any-circumstances button.
Don't worry, though, everyone's all right.
The Sycorax leader, naturally, tries to say that they "allow" the humans to live (which, seriously, dude, no. You don't just "allow" who lives and who dies. Then again, I suppose the Sycorax leader was just saying it for the sake of covering his ass). The Doctor, naturally, calls bullshit.
The Doctor then goes on to explain that yes, blood control is a lot like hypnosis; you can convince someone to walk like a chicken or dress like Elvis, but you can't really make them...well, you know. Human survival instinct and all that.
And then comes this scene. It's one of those moments that's funny and heartwarming at the same time. Because on the one hand, he's trying to get the Sycorax to leave Earth be, but on the other hand...yeah, he's quoting the Lion King. "The Circle of Life", to be more precise. Also known as one of Ten's best moments. (I might have to type them up sometime, just to show people why I love this character so much. Not just this incarnation, but this character; the fact that he's the most developed of the new Doctors definitely helps)
After the Sycorax leader essentially says "no", the Doctor decides to settle this the only way possible: in mortal combat!
(Sorry, I had to)
"Well, that seemed to have struck a chord." So, the Sycorax are very imperialistic in nature, conquerors, and they love their combat. All that information in one episode; I'm impressed.
"For the planet."
"For the planet."
Seriously, there's something about this scene that really gives me chills. I think the sense of jeopardy and tension helps as well; the fact that it's a battle to save the Earth.
Ten goes on to do something that is pretty useful in stuff like playing KOTOR II: run the hell away. To an open space, of course; it's only pragmatic. More room for movement and all.
Seriously, much love for how the duel outside is filmed. Just the slow motion, the music, the epicness... (Also, fun fact; apparently, in Doctor Who Confidential, it was said that they didn't want the Doctor being too aggressive in the fight -- because kids look up to him, and besides, I doubt it would be the Doctor's style. He doesn't fight unless he absolutely has to, after all, so they made him more on the defensive, and the Sycorax leader on the offensive)
In the grand Star Wars homage, Ten gets his hand cut off.
And just when it seems all is lost, lo and behold, Ten grows his hand back!
I remember in the Doctor Who Confidential for "Tooth and Claw" (called "Fear Factor", in case you're wondering, and the same one I was discussing earlier with the Doctor being a role model for kids), that someone sort of said that there had to be a limit on the amount of graphic content in Doctor Who, basically, and that the audience had to be scared, but in a sort of a reassuring way. Sort of like, "Don't worry, it's all going to be fine". That's why there's no blood when the Sycorax leader cuts Ten's hand off, and why Ten grows his hand back (and it's a pretty interesting add to Time Lord lore).
(And really, considering that it's aimed at kids, it's a pretty wise move. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't take risks, but at the same time, being aware of your target audience is a pretty wise thing to do)
Sycorax Leader: Witchcraft.
Tenth Doctor: Time Lord.
In the midst of this, Rose tosses the Doctor a sword. Also got to love when the Doctor says, "Am I still the Doctor then?" and Rose says, basically, no complaints from her.
And the "fighting hand" line.
Being the Simba in this scene, the Doctor offers the Sycorax a last chance: leave the planet and never return. All things considered, it's a good lesson, I think, to teach kids. Nonviolence. After all, we live in a pretty violent world. That and the Doctor is well-rounded enough and likable enough to not be too grating in terms of a sort of "role model" character. (And he's handy in teaching kids what not to do as well, in a way)
Spoiler alert: the Sycorax leader, being the Scar in this scene, doesn't keep his word.
With everything seemingly all right, the Doctor makes a comment about "not bad for a man in his jim-jams. Very Arthur Dent. Now there was a nice man." and goes to chat with Rose. Much love for their camaraderie in this scene, and the Doctor's remarks about the satsuma in his dressing gown. Although, considering how it actually saves his life later...don't be so critical of it, Doctor. XD
"No second chances. I'm that sort of a man." (All after throwing a satsuma at the button that releases the Sycorax leader to falling to his death. Told you the satsuma would come in handy)
Funny thing is, though, in regards to the "no second chances" thing, is that whenever he gives them out, he actually sort of expects them to go along with those second chances (or at least, he sort of hopes they do). Even with the Sycorax leader and such, he was at least hoping that "okay, we can resolve this without anyone getting hurt" (he seems to be trying for that whole "everybody lives" scenario, although arguably not as much as Eleven). And yet when the Sycorax leader breaks his word to try and kill the Doctor, he doesn't hesitate in disposing of the Sycorax leader. It's a sort of yes, Ten's a very nice guy most of the time, but don't piss him off.
Back in the Sycorax lair, the Doctor tells the Sycorax in question that they're not to scavenge Earth for the rest of time, and should they go back to the stars and tell others of Earth, they should know that Earth...well, as the Doctor says, "It. Is. Defended."
Also known as one of the most awesome moments in "The Christmas Invasion". Seriously, Doctor? You are brilliant.
Back on the ground, the others watch and rejoice as the Sycorax ship flies away. Love all of it, really, but Rose hugging Alex and the Doctor hugging Harriet are definitely major highlights.
Harriet asks the Doctor if there could be more alien threats out there. The Doctor says, basically, yes, it's very likely, which...yeah, what happens next. Really shouldn't have said that, Doctor.
Meanwhile, Jackie reunites with the others. I have to say I love her line about "Oh my God it's the bleeding Prime Minister!" Seriously. And Ten's remark about all he needed being a cup of tea. And Jackie's sort of I-told-you-so about it. :3
Cue hugs all around.
I have to say that I love the look on Harriet Jones' face after she says, "Tell them to fire." It's that sort of...well, maybe it's conveyed a bit better when it's actually moving, but it's that sort of "May God forgive me" face. She knows what she's doing is possibly horrible, but if she has to defend the Earth, she'll do it.
The Sycorax ship, in mid-flight, explodes.
To say that Ten's anger is a thing to behold is probably putting it mildly.
I also have to admire David Tennant's acting in all of this; instead of just playing it for yelling and screaming, he's playing it for a sort of Tranquil Fury, the sort of so-mad-I'm-mostly-quiet thing. Just look at his face; you can feel the fury just bleeding out. And while I don't like what he does in that scene, I really like that Russell included it because...well, I want to see my heroes not always making the right decisions, I want to see my heroes not always being right. And yeah, I don't really like it when the writers treat the heroes as being in the right when common sense says that they're quite clearly in the wrong (see also how the Council handled the matter of Darth Caedus in the Legacy of the Force novel Invincible, although YMMV), but I think there's a clear difference between that and just showing the heroes making mistakes (sometimes small, sometimes huge). And at the very least, the scene shows it as terrifying, as it's meant to be
Also, look at Rose's face. She just looks freaking horrified
Harriet, of course, tries to defend her decision, and really, she makes very good points -- the fact that Earth really has to defend themselves. And that the Doctor isn't always there (considering Mr. Llewellyn and the Major both being killed, as well as the events of Torchwood: Children of Earth, she has a very valid point)
Unfortunately, the Doctor really isn't up for listening, instead laying into Harriet saying that he gave the Sycorax the wrong warning -- that he should have told them to run and hide "because the monsters are coming, the human race!" Which...Doctor, there are some areas where it's true, yes, but not this. Harriet Jones...you might not have liked what she was doing, but she's not a monster. She's a good person who did a morally ambiguous thing to keep the human race safe. I mean, you do that at times, don't you?
Unfortunately, I think the Doctor has unrealistically high hopes. I believe SF Debris may have presented the theory in (I think) his review of "An Unearthly Child" that one of the First Doctor's companions stopping him from committing murder shaped the Doctor as a whole and was really the turning point for the Doctor becoming who he was. And I'm thinking that after the Time War all but shattered him, Rose put Nine back together, in a way. And with that...stuff that he probably would have understood slightly in his Ninth incarnation seem repulsive to him in his Tenth one. And his high view of humanity in general makes stuff like this, "Last of the Time Lords" (with the reveal of the Toclafane) and "Midnight" (when he's nearly murdered) pretty devastating to him. (Then again, I think injustice, perceived or otherwise, of any kind, is enough to get Ten pissed)
The argument proceeds to get more heated from there, with Harriet Jones essentially calling the Doctor an "alien threat" (well, okay, to be more precise, she says, "And what does that make you, Doctor? Another alien threat?" Either way, admittedly gets me a tad squirmy), and the Doctor saying that he can bring down her government in a single word, or at least six.
"Don't you think she looks tired?"
Seriously, though, that scene...it's a subtle sort of scary, but it's scary all the same. Because really, in the end, all the monsters are mostly there for set-dressing. The real scariest element is the Doctor himself. It says volumes that stuff like "Dalek", "Human Nature/Family of Blood", "The Waters of Mars", "The Name of the Doctor", "A Good Man Goes To War", and to an extent this...sometimes the scariest element is the Doctor and the things he does. (And yet at the same time, they continue to keep him likable and understandable and heroic. Quite the balancing act)
Also, just the sheer panic in Harriet Jones' voice with the whole "What did he say?" and yelling after the Doctor...yeah, ouch.
And I have to say that Harriet Jones' face in that scene is just really depressing (can't say if I got quite the right cap of it per se, but still). As well as her "I'm sorry". It's such a small thing, but it says so much. Just...dammit, Penelope Wilton. (And dammit, Doctor Who, while I'm at it)
And then faster than you can say "Ow, my neck!" it cuts to the Doctor picking out clothes and such while the original version of "Song for Ten" (BTW, how is the original version not on the soundtrack? It's amazing. Nothing against the Neil Hannon version, though) is playing.
Honestly, as much as I love the scene, I do wish that they'd spent more time on the consequences of deposing Harriet Jones and such. It just strikes me as a tad odd because...well, Doctor Who is usually pretty good about consequences and such. (I think I recall a deleted scene from, I believe, "Last of the Time Lords" where the Master of all people called the Doctor out on it, but it didn't really make it into the final episode. Although why the Master would call the Doctor on that is kind of curiosity-inducing, though then again, maybe Even Evil Has Standards.)
That said, it really is a nice scene.
I just love that whole bit with Rose, Jackie and Mickey at the table and such. It's really sweet. :)
And Ten taking an eternity to find good clothes that fit him. Part of it is because, well, he's a new man now; he has to find clothes that suit him, and part of it is...well, trying to impress Rose. XD
Seriously, there's something about it that really cracks me up. XD
And then, he goes into the kitchen, and...
...well, Rose very much approves, to say the least. Which pleases Ten greatly. (Seriously, d'awww. <3)
Meanwhile, the family goes through the whole thing of opening crackers, putting on hats, etc.
I just love the look on Ten's face in that scene, while Rose puts on a paper crown. It's just so cute. <3
Unfortunately, this moment of happiness can't quite last because Harriet Jones. (Also I have to say, wow, Ten, that whole "Don't you think she looks tired" thing went by quickly)
Even Ten looks a little grim/worried right there. And really, considering Season Three and the rise of the Master (plus Brian Green in TORCHWOOD: CHILDREN OF EARTH)...yeah, Nice Job Breaking It Hero.
Everyone goes outside just to enjoy the snow. Now, granted, it's not really snow, just ash from where the Sycorax ship broke up in the atmosphere when Harriet Jones had Torchwood shoot it down, but still...well, it's definitely something.
The Doctor says now that it's all over, he's heading off. Rose expresses her worry about him traveling on his own, as well as the whole "now that you changed, I thought you wouldn't want me anymore" thing (which, ironically enough, the Doctor was sort of thinking the same thing), only for the Doctor to say that no, he would love it if Rose came along.
Mickey, meanwhile, says, "You're never going to stay, are you?" Rose's reply of how there's so much out there to see...well, it definitely says volumes about her character, especially considering in the opening narration of "Army of Ghosts" she says that nothing really happened the first nineteen years of her life. It definitely gives a new perspective on why she went traveling with the Doctor -- she wanted to see the world beyond...well, the life she lived.
And I have to love how Mickey responds to that. He's definitely come a long way from how he reacted in Season One. For however people may say that they're not interested in the domestics...well, I kind of like them. Among many things, they allow development to the more secondary characters and whatnot, which is really honestly a very good thing. And it allows themes (especially with Mickey's journey in Season Two) of how anyone can be a badass. Anyone. (A very good message to send, really. You don't have to be a super-powerful being of super perfection to be heroic)
Jackie, meanwhile, says, "Well, I reckon you're mad. The pair of you. It's like you go looking for trouble." To which Ten replies, "Oh, trouble's just the bits in between!" Which...I must say I want on a T-shirt or something.
Also, I love how Russell included the Ninth Doctor's original catchphrase, "Fantastic" in there. I remember that there was apparently a deleted scene involving the Doctor trying to say his old catchphrase, but he can't because...well, he doesn't have the teeth anymore. XD I kind of wish that we had that deleted scene in there, but still...this bit is lovely. A final nod to the Ninth Doctor.
"That way?"
"Hmmm?"
"Yeah, that way."
And on that sweet, hopeful note, promising more adventures to come, the episode ends.
Many thanks to Shadow of Reflection and the Medusa Cascade for the caps.