Meeping Time
Doctor Who is back and for real this time, not like those Chris Chibnell seasons. Last night, "The Star Beast" premiered, the first of three 60th anniversary specials, all written by Russell T Davies, the man who brought the show back in 2005 and ran it for a few seasons. Also back is director Rachel Talalay from the 12th Doctor era (2014-2017) lending the special a narrative coherence not seen since that time. And, of course, David Tennant and Catherine Tate have returned to star and they're both fantastic as ever.
I enjoyed the special though I was reminded as much of Russell T Davies' weaknesses as of his strengths. "The Star Beast" is flattered by its contrast to the messy 13th Doctor era but, taken on its own, it ranks with only average Davies episodes. One thing it's definitely not is a good starting point for people unfamiliar with Doctor Who.
It begins with a long recap of Tennant's final season and an explanation of why Donna can't be allowed to see too much of the Doctor. Even this is not enough for the new viewer not to be bewildered by gags like the psychic paper or references to various aliens in doll form.
The dolls were made by Rose, Donna's daughter and the first properly transgender character on the show, played by Yasmin Finney. Finney is fine but Davies' treatment has a Guess Who's Coming to Dinner feel to it, kind of hokey and awkward. Donna and her mother talking about Rose in the kitchen felt like something from a PSA.
I liked how Rose had a shed where she goes to be alone and make dolls and it's where she stashes the alien Meep. But on that note, it seems like we should've gotten more reactions from Rose as revelations about the Meep started coming. Maybe the show didn't have time because it was focusing on the Doctor and Donna, but it felt like Rose was set up to be more of a main character.
I like how her name ended up being a clue that paid off, though. It's the kind of loose thread that in the Chibnall seasons would've just been a mistake or a leftover from a sloppy rewrite. In "The Star Beast", it's a hint that makes sense of a big payoff.
The new TARDIS interior is pretty great. It's perfect for the anniversary.
"The Star Beast" is available on Disney+ in most of the world and BBC's iPlayer in the UK. In the US, all previous episodes of the revived era are on Max, formerly HBOMax, and unrelated to Cinemax. The classic era of Doctor Who is available on BritBox. Is this all confusing enough for you?
X Sonnet #1793
The signal cords connect to make a web.
A linen sky conforms about the giant eye.
An empty farm awaits no Johnny Reb.
Construction starts as girls deliver pie.
Synthetic suits were suited best for sand.
As travel north's rerouted south, we turned.
Our answer song enlarged a little band.
Of burning hair, the spirits quickly learned.
Returning faces wear a single coat.
Beyond the age of thirty-five was ten.
Plus four would make the man another goat.
And senseless lunches craft another win.
Returning hearts were doubled twice from space.
A cart of clothes could fill the wooden case.