Donna’s comment “and that suit should not to worn past the age of 35” was funny because Tenant turned thirty five when he last played The Doctor with Donna Noble.
Dame Lady Her Excellency Miriam of Margolyes, still killing it in her 82nd year, folks. Probably my second favourite British acting octogenarian after Lord Sir Brian of Blessed.
I was almost expecting a turn. I started getting that feeling once I thought the Meep looked like a cute gremlin. Immediately after that I thought-but gremlins turn bad! Of course I hadn’t read the comic. I guess they were pretty sure the turn was coming if they figured they’d stay true to the original story.
Sidebar, I actually have written an ode, in the style of McGonagall and Milligan, after I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Brian Blessed at a Q&A/screening of Flash Gordon back in my uni days a decade ago, and he launched, apropos of nothing, into an hour+ set of him doing his various routines, explaining his life and career and various crazy adventures; the man required no microphone nor additional means of amplification - just a stage, a captive audience, and for the host to get out of his way and let the man work the crowd. This was my ode to the occasion. OooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooyezoyezoyez! Gather round, folks, for the Ballad of Brian Blessed... T'was in the spring of 2014, son, When Lord Sir Brian Blessed struck the town of Lincoln without rhyme or rea-son. Late that night, without any warning, He blew out the venue's entire PA system, simply by yawning!
That little moment in the kitchen with Sylvia was quite nice. The character of Sylvia had always struck me as being slightly conservative so I was concerned about what her relationship with Rose might look like. But it was great to see her really trying (maybe not getting it 100% right) but still trying. And also seeing her protect Donna as well…it’s not a side of her we saw a lot in season 4.
I thought it was great, we don't see that in media very often and it felt very real. We see lots of stories about people being antagonistic towards trans people, and stories about people accepting trans people, but we don't often see that real messy situation of trying and failing, but trying again.
I really don't care about anyone who finds it woke; they can get stuffed. This kind of representation means the world, especially in terf island with everything that's going on. I so appreciate RTD being bold and unapologetic about it all. Bring it on!
Fun fact: from the attitude of the population wise the UK is actually a top 3 or 5 country for trans people in Europe. It's just the government that's so far behind.
yes and no. I dont like they need a "outerworldy reason" to have rose. like as if it is something unnormal or something that only happens because of the doctor and not show it as something totaly normal which i would have liked more because it feels like without the doctor she would not exist like she is and thats what i dont like
The representation is great, the 'wokeness' isn't an issue but at times it did definitely feel like stuff was put in the script just to make a point... but that's just an issue with moments of poor writing really. That said, I'm glad there is trans representation, even if it isn't handled as well as it could have been.
To be fair. I still don't like her. She got better, but she still has this tyrannical approach to w/e she thinks is right... Which means that the writing/directing and acting deserves a big helping of props, since it's been so long and she's stayed consistent with that slight change. Pretty impressive. (same with all the returning actors, didn't feel like anyone skipped a beat)
7:13 "That says grandMISTRESS." It's a callback to Jodie Whitaker's "Come to Daddy, er, Mummy," in The Ghost Monument, but even better, Spyfall Part 2: "Go about your day, knowing that you may tell people you were privileged to witness the Marvelous Apparating Man! Lady. Apparating Lady! Every time." No, Chibnall haters, Pluto ain't a planet and the Doctor is the Timeless Child. Deal with it. Jodie was so good.
Appreciate the mention of the ham-fistedness of the "let it go" bit. That was the ONE thing that really didn't sit well with me, because it felt like a low blow insult kind of thing -- not how you change minds, let alone hearts. Everything else was fine, or even fantastic. Positive representation? Hell yes! Once upon a time, that made a huge difference for me, personally -- the day my grandmother told me how much she loved Jack on Will & Grace! Although, I suppose it's KIND of fitting, because David Tennant previously didn't want to go... But also kind of wrong, given Peter Capaldi's final words were, "Doctor, I let you go." So I guess, I kinda get where they were trying to go; I just don't think they stuck the landing.
Hell, I'm still trying to let this go 😂 It definitely feels like a low blow that kinda undermines a lot of the messaging of this episode and just ignores the fact that the doctor was feminine presenting a couple hours ago 😅 But I'll work on it, it's definitely toxic masculinity on my part and not at all bad writing 🤦♂️
26:00 - honestly, fuck those people. They aren't fans, they're fun police. They care less about being fair than being right. Was some of the "woke" stuff on the nose? Sure. Was it significantly more on the nose than other stuff RTD has written? Not really. I saw the look on both your faces for that sequence in the kitchen and I have been adjacent to conversations like that between friends, family and colleagues. Trans, enbee and genderqueer young adults deserve to have their right to existence and visibility not only tolerated but championed, and personifying that in the form of Donna Freaking Noble... *chef's kiss*
I choose to believe that Donna and Rose were only able to "let it go" because it was reduced in power by being split between the two of them, and that Donna was just cracking a joke at The Doctor's expense.
First time I saw the new TARDIS interior, with all the ramps, I thought "Shirley from UNIT is gonna come for at least one trip". Then Donna spilt her coffee on the console and I thought "OK, TARDIS is gonna regenerate again!" 🤣
When you started talking about the offscreen relationship between David and Catherine, it reminded me how much I would love if they found a way to include Michael Sheen into one of remaining episodes with David. Those two together is always guaranteed TV gold. It’s one of the inviolate laws of the universe.
The best part of the reaction was in the discussion afterwards when Paula’s answer to the assertion that women knew how to “let go” was “I can’t let anything go. What are you talking about?” 😂😂😂😂
@@fayesouthall6604 That's a maturity trait and it can come at a lot of different ages. I've known people in my life who were more mature as 16 years olds than people in their 30s. I just found the moment funny because you know in the writers room "we are really going to stick it to those anti woke anti women haters who is going to lose their minds for Rose simply being a character in it." And seemingly forgetting that like Star Wars or Pixar, it's meant to be written for all ages where a child and an adult can watch it, and there will be things that have extra meaning for the adult. And if they had spent 5 minutes thinking about it they would realize that the zinger will for a child mean "sorry young boy who might be new to the show, or just came of 13 being your first Doctor, who has no bad notion against anyone, you are lesser than because you are a boy." When a show like Harley Quinn makes fun of those same people, first of that show is TV-MA secondly they know how to target those people without giving them ammunition. I knew that clip would go viral across all the hate watchers, and like clock work it's been the main take away.
OMG, You're... You're in the same room... We said you could never be back in the same room or else catastrophe... Oh, wait... That's the plot of Donna...
Was he really? Huh, i definitely did not notice at all, and I've seen clips of the Toymaker plenty times and am very familiar with the Batman films. Interesting.
Lots of silly comments on social media (Particularly Twitter) accusing Star Beast of being the beginning of the end of Doctor who. Personally I don't understand why people get so upset by it as the show is just reflecting what's going on in the world today and there are much more important things to worry about (Wars/Cost of living) One of the silliest comment was several people ask how someone in a wheelchair was able to cross her legs. Doctor Who was the second most watch show on British television on Saturday only being beaten by Strictly come dancing (Our version of Dancing with the stars) Lastly it's great to see you back together again.
The let it go was very RTD, a bit over the mark and preachy, but the rest all toed that line well and made it suitably fun for a special. I really liked the cinematography and creature design. It all feels modern but still has that DoctorWho low budget charm.
As a trans woman who only found you two because I’m primarily a Red Dwarf nerd, this was a joy to watch with you. I’m so glad what this episode will do for kids’ understanding that I never got.
If you feel like it, I'd love to hear your perspective on the non.-binary resolution. It kinda felt not right for me. I couldn't name what exactly was not working for me., but I guess what I ended up with is: Rose is presented as female the entire show. Her pronouns are stated, and based on that one scene it seems clear to me, that his is her dead name not her birth name. So the sudden non-binary thing hasn't really established before.
As someone the show strove to represent, I'm wondering if you'll indulge my curiosity? I know a lot of people are going to have issues with the scene discussing pronouns. I was wondering two things. Firstly, what did you think of that scene? And second, how would you like to see such representation be presented in the future? I won't deny I have some trouble with some of these issues, not due to being able to accept the idea of trans people, which frankly has been around for a lot longer than people realize. Rather it's the way some shows go about addressing these issues in a very heavy handed way. They come across to me as similar to very militant vegans; they're so aggressive in trying to get their message across they actively turn people away from their philosophy. Please feel free to tell me to stick my out of touch head up my backside if you like. It would probably do my back no end of good. :P
@@gestaltdude I mentioned children earlier because I thought it was a good level of education for them, in the same way Captain Planet strove to teach kids my age in the 90s about conservation. From an adult point of view, I could see how it could grate, if only because we’ve heard “Did you just assume” as a meme for years by this point. But when it comes to adults, either you understand the importance of pronoun use for trans people or you don’t - you’re not going to learn it from Doctor Who. And as an adult, Captain Planet would probably feel preachy too.
If no one else mentioned it - This story was based of a comic from 1980 which featured the 4th Doctor and K9, and meeting a new companion Sharon. It was reprinted in 1984 in a america in Marvel's Doctor Who #1. The Meep and the Sgt and Constablile are pretty much exactly like their comic book counterparts. And they were created by Dave Gibbons, who would go on to draw Watchmen
30:44 - Tennant and Tate's chemistry transcends the medium or text of whatever they are in together. They play nemeses in the reboot of DuckTales and despite being cartoon ducks who are fighting each other, the old married (or I guess bitterly divorced) couple energy is so strong.
Did anyone notice the Karvanista toy? And even the howling he did in The Vanquishers was in the background, meaning Donna even shares memories of the Doctor after she left.
Considering there was a lot of hoo-hah on social media regarding the possibility of RTD "erasing" Chibnall, I'm glad he's already proving those people wrong, with multiple references to the Doctor having just been a woman and the Karvanista shout-out
In the behind the scenes stuff Tennant said he didn't know who "the Boss" is - but the producer did. Fan speculation suggests it's something being set up for the next series.
We knew Shaun Temple was going to be well acted - Karl Collins used to be a detective in Police procedural (police station) drama The Bill. Was in film Attack the Block also starring Jodie Whittaker.
I laughed pretty good when Paula got beeped when she accidentally said the show you haven't announced yet. Lol. Nice to see you Gals in the same room for once. Keep up the great work
33:18 I loved the 14th Doctor's reaction to the new Tardis. Made me so happy. But later I was confused. He's been inside the Tardis since he regenerated. Wouldn't he have seen it already? There's also the Children in Need clip and they actually have a completely solo comic book adventure for the 14th doctor that takes place before this (called The Liberation of the Daleks). I went back and looked though. In the Children in Need clip, and the comic, if you look close, it's still the 13th Doctor's Tardis on the inside. Good attention to detail there. At the beginning of this episode it's just dark inside when he opens the door. You can't tell. But that is yet another thing to explain later. We have a Doctor who has returned to one of their old faces, regenerated new clothes with their new body, and now a tardis that didn't change at the same time as the Doctor regenerated. I mean it obviously doesn't always happen. 9 and 10 had the same Tardis and Sonic Screwdriver. But it feels like clues to the coming conflict. We'll find out. Moreover, I don't care if it makes sense. That moment was pure joy!
There was some stuff here that I think didn't work, a lot of it did work. But the absolute highlight of this episode for me was Donna, after hearing she can save everyone but it will kill her, not hesitating for a second to say "Okay." No contemplation, no grumbling, no weighing options. Just "of course I'll do it." And I like how it wasn't "I don't care about the world, I care about my daughter." Obviously both are important and I think it would have diminished the moment if they did it that way. The icing on the cake was, of course, David channeling the scene where Ten has to save Wilf, complete with a wall of glass separating the two of them.
Has anyone else noticed that Rose is....A Toymaker? Actually, I found out last night that the actor who plays Donna's husband Shaun is the cousin of my best friends brother in law.
The utter emotional rollercoaster of Donna willing to sacrifice herself to save everyone x Donna remembering and being annoyed about the money. Like you both, I went from weeping my heart out to laughing my head off. And that’s the magic of RTD Who! ❤❤
Tbh, it wasn't that emotional for me - cause we know she would do it from Pompei episode and obviously they wouldn't kill both Donna and the Doctor in first episode.
It’s really funny when you say The Meep is Dobby-like when they’re being voiced by Professor Sprout 😆 Lots of people getting their pitchforks out over this episode.. I loved it. Camp, funny, whimsical timey-wimey stuff!
Donna was one of my favorites. It was such a joy to see her again. And I think she channeled Twelve a bit in her delivery of "I wanted to be like you".
My main complaint with this episode is that - once again - we have people being skeptical that there are aliens. I'm sorry, *what?* At this point, there have been, what, a one, two dozen alien invasions of London alone? Invasions at Christmas are so common that a Matt Smith Christmas episode had London essentially empty because everyone had left to avoid the Christmas invasion! There is literally *no* way aliens coming to Earth *all the time* isn't common knowledge. For petes sake, Davies, lose that meme! Bury it deep beneath the Earth and never, ever use it again. Well, that and a cute alien named "Meep" has kinda been done...on Phineas & Ferb ;) "With this spell declared, let the pain be shared"
The introduction and epilogue are shot in Camden Markets in London, one of the best places in the UK for independent market sellers and funky bespoke fashion - the Cyberdog store in the background is a real store for a clothing brand that sells cyberpunk/rave culture fashion. My wife and I visited it whilst in town for a Dresden Dolls concert 5 years ago on Halloween, so this gave me sincere nostalgia.
Things I learned in Doctor Who: Tea in TARDIS: no problem / Coffee in TARDIS: We are doomed! Great episode! And it´s always a pleasure to see you both, specially in the same room!
Honestly I think the Tardis just went “ah I see what you did there Donna, you want an adventure? Sure I can do that and I’ll totally cover for you and make it look like an accident.”
@@bunnyslippers5183 The bit that I loved was Donna talking about losing her job because she dumped coffee in the computer and then when she dumped it on the TARDIS console she yells "Oh my God, I've done it again!"
It's great seeing you both here in all new territory. I hope to enjoy the ride with you. TL:DR, I loved it except for one scene. It was truly heartening to witness the Doctor and Donna together; their every scene brought a smile to my face. The actors' exceptional performances, coupled with Donna's willingness to sacrifice for her child and others, struck a chord in my heart, akin to her previous impactful moments in Pompeii and with the Ood. The decision to erase her memory has always felt like a great loss for both the Doctor and Donna, and finally seeing the Doctor's distress over it brought a much-needed sense of closure that left me feeling content. The Meep's twist was great. I saw it coming, yet it was brilliantly executed and expertly voiced. This villain is genuinely frightening. While I'm aware of its existence in other media, this performance was insanely impressive. I'm eager for a return of this villain, hopefully when least expected; it'll be chilling. I haven't liked a villain this much since The Silence. In "Midnight," the Doctor has a conversation with a woman who shares her recent breakup with the woman she loves. It's a simple interaction between two individuals-one is gay, the other a Time Lord. The beauty lies in its complete normalcy; there's nothing peculiar or uncomfortable. Doctor Who has typically approached storytelling in this inclusive manner, until now. The pronoun scene felt awkward; it seemed more like an Earth-centric topic. As a writer, I get expressing a stance, but in a conversation between aliens, it felt out of context. It might've fit better in a scene involving Rose and the people who were rude to her earlier in the show. The scene with "never being able to understand if presenting as male" felt intentionally hurtful and set a negative tone for the specials, alienating a significant portion of the audience. Hatred against people for being male has sadly become common, but hatred towards any group is still hatred. We shouldn't punch down one group to elevate another. To quote The Doctor, "Never be cruel" and "hate is foolish". I'm not skipping Doctor Who because of one insulting scene, I've been around since the end of #3 and the start of #4 (Tom is my Doctor, and Sarah Jane my companion). I'm looking forward to seeing Neil Patrick Harris and to continuing this final journey with The Doctor and Donna.
This was such a joy from beginning to end. Yes a couple of heavy-handed moments, but whatever... heavy-handed with the best intentions. And watching your reactions was the cherry on the top 😃
It's my birthday today and getting to watch this reaction was the perfect gift. Just what I was wishing for! The secondary aliens in this story, the Wrarth, who you speculated were from Classic Who, were actually from the original comic story, they and the Meep look really true to the original comic images. Instead of Rose, the Meep is found in the comic by a schoolgirl named Sharon who becomes a short lived companion to the Doctor in the strip. Originally featured in Doctor Who Magazine, the story was later reprinted in Marvel's Doctor Who comic in America, which ran a little short of two years, though in the reprint the Meep was colored blue. The Meep returned in a couple of subsequent comic strips, including one where there was a conflict with the 8th Doctor. In addition to the Big Finish audio which adapts the original 4th Doctor/Meep story, there's an audio where the Meep clashes with the 6th Doctor.
the meep was the only thing i could remember from the comic. and as it's a memory from over 40 years ago, it was a pretty hazy one, but i was proper excited when i found out meep was going to be a character. i just wish they could have kept it's deceptive nature running a bit further (ie let the audience work out it was lying before the characters did, so we could watch it being manipulative) rather than have the sharp switch.
There’s a commentary version of this episode on iplayer with Tennant and 2 others watching and commentating on the episode. When talking about the tardis reveal David said “I’m not acting at all, I had the time of my life!”. Would really recommend watching that. Really fun to see his reactions to stuff, and hear some insight! :) Thanks for the reaction!
I've been so hyped for this reaction. And I smiled soooo big when you guys were next to each other..haha, love seeing you guys together in person for such a big reaction!!
I've seen the episode once and a few people react to it by now, and there is one major question that has yet to be answered. Just how big was the smegging sausage roll????!!!! I must know. On a side note, when people have asked why they Donna didn't just "let it go" in the first place, I've found an analogy that helps. Imagine a power generator overloads, and there is only one cable leading from it. There is too much power for that one cable to handle; it will burnt out and the generator will still blow. Add another cable to share the load, the power can be safely drawn out with minimal damage to the cables. On another side note, if you didn't already know, you'd never guess it was harry Potter's Professor Sprout, the herbology professor, providing the voice of the The Meep, would you?
First of all...WHOA! Both of you, in the same room together, watching Doctor Who? What is this, 2019? As for the episode itself: loads of camp; powerful hard-hitting emotional scenes; a rushed reset button ending - RTD is back! I'm not going to act like "The Star Beast" was a masterpiece or anything, but after five years of Who that often felt borderline unwatchable, I'll gladly accept a basic competent script like this (I'll try and keep my Chibnall era criticisms to a minimum, there's been more than enough of that over the last few years). Right off the bat, Tennant and Tate are once again on top form, both fit back into their respective roles like it was just yesterday and re-establish their fantastic chemistry right away. Their rapport is as wonderful as it was, and the dialogue that Davies has provided them is full of sparkling wit and charm. At the same time, both actors are able to convey the passage of time perfectly, with Tennant doing a great job at playing the Doctor with a greater deal of age and weariness and helping Fourteen feel like a very different character from Ten, while Tate clearly relishes the opportunity to play Donna as a fierce yet supportive mother. And in addition to the great comedic banter, the emotional scenes between the pair hits really hard, especially the climactic scene before Donna's memories are restored; even with the knowledge that Donna isn't going to die here, seeing the Doctor's dilemma play out was honestly beautiful and gut-wrenching. On that note, I quite like the way the whole metacrisis stuff was resolved in this episode; you can make the argument it's very easy and kind of a deus ex machina, but I think it was a clever way to get around the whole issue, especially since (again) it's something that wouldn't have been on the table back in 2008, but Davies takes advantage of the passage of time to find a better solution to that whole thing. In addition to the Doctor and Donna, I loved all the supporting characters, especially the rest of the Noble family. I'll admit that Rose was kind of underexplored as a character, but she's a very likeable and fun presence, and Yasmin Finney's performance was great - I really hope we see more of her going forward. I also like the fact that her being transgender wasn't something that was just glossed over and ignored; I'm not the right person to talk about whether it was handled well or not (since I'm a straight cisgender guy), but it's great to see that was something that was actually key to her character. The other members of the family were great too, I think it's nice to see that Sylvia has become a much nicer and more sympathetic character and Jacqueline King plays the character - both in the comedic and dramatic moments - perfectly; Shaun was a great presence too, for someone who was honestly a background player in "The End of Time", I liked seeing him get a much larger role here. In terms of the other major new characters, the Meep was a great villain, funny, oddly adorable and utterly unhinged. The practical effects used to bring them to life were outstanding, and Miriam Margoyles was honestly the perfect choice for the character's voice. I also really liked Shirley, UNIT's new scientific advisor - from her no-nonsense demeanour, to Ruth Madeley's excellent rapport with Tennant, to the fact she has literal stun dart guns in her wheelchair (great to see more disabled representation in Who BTW), she's a great new addition to the cast, and I'm hopeful we'll be seeing her again soon. In all honesty, "The Star Beast" felt like your typical RTD opening episode, namely a light-hearted fun romp that's more focussed on the characters than the story. The plot of the episode was honestly pretty boiler-plate, and the resolution was a little easy in much the same way as "Last of the Time Lords" was. That said though, the story was well-paced, managing a delicate balance between comedy, drama and action and providing a fun narrative that acts as both a nice epilogue to series 4 and a great opening to this new era of Who. A large part of this is due to the direction from Capaldi-era MVP Rachel Talalay, who once again does a great job with this episode. The action was staged brilliantly, the character moments were intimate and powerful, and that TARDIS reveal was just amazing. Speaking of which, my word is that beautiful! After the horrendous monstrosity that we were stuck with during Whittaker's era, it's nice to see an interior that feels big and expansive, and actually allows for both good blocking and dynamic camera movements. Overall, a pretty solid start to the 60th anniversary celebrations, and a promising opening for this new period of the show's history. Tennant and Tate are as excellent as ever, the rest of the supporting cast is great, and the whole story is a big highly entertaining romp that left me with a big smile on my face for most of the runtime. I'm not going to act like this is some revolutionary story or a major return to form for the show (it's still a little early to say that), but I'm very optimistic about its future going forward. Anyway, off we go now, into the "Wild Blue Yonder"...
Head's up there are already upset fans. LOL doesn't matter. It's canon now, what are you gonna do? This was just fantastic, it was the familiar escape into madness I've been missing from Doctor Who in a very long time. The cast is excellent, the writing spectacular, music just phenomenal, and the villain is actually pretty terrifying to me. Plus that Disney budget is in full effect. Doctor Who's 60th came swinging like a boxer in the ring.
This was a very solid return to the RTD style of writing. I’m not a huge fan of the sonic suddenly making forcefields and tv screens - that kinda screams of “I have a bigger special effects budget, let’s go nuts.” I agree with you that the “male presenting time lord” line was unnecessary. If it was a reference to “I don’t want to go” of the 10th, it could’ve easily been a “something you were never able to do, just let it go.” I thought the handling of the dead naming and awkwardness of the previous generations around tripping up was very delicate, but accurate. I don’t think it had been confirmed that Rose was trans until that scene, (someone correct me if I’m wrong) so it felt like a natural way to confirm that about the character. Overall, a great episode, looking forward to more soon!
I JUST came to this realization! Regardless of whether Donna gets more money or not, she will never have to worry about money again as she will be permanently employed by UNIT!!!
Deus machina exactly! This story has all the strengths of RTDs writing, but also his weakness of rather disappointing resolutions that don't quite live up to the amazing build up. But at least it wasn't as lame as 'planet Earth restored'! 😅
34:00 - it's funny, Karl Collins' breakout role on British TV was as Detective Danny Glaze on The Bill, a police procedural that ran for just shy of three decades, and when he was introduced he had a sort of 70s throwback afro and a leather jacket for a while - he eventually shaved it to his more recognisable style. And now, various press shots of Ncuti Gatwa have him in a leather jacket and sporting an afro. Time truly is a flat circle.
Definitely me spending 2 minutes quoting Batman vs Superman when she said Rose "Why did you say that name?". Loved that she gave away all the money and got mad about it when she became herself again. As someone who thought the Tate era was the low point of the New Who era until Kill The Moon ruined Clara so thoroughly and then went into Bill the perpetually confused before Jodie rescued it, I still really, really enjoyed it. Would it have been better with Freema in it instead of Catherine? Probably, but I get that David and Catherine are huge friends in real life and have good chemistry on screen. And I do love that they keep putting really cool women in UNIT. She was awesome. Also, the new TARDIS is so very 1st Doctor with it so very, very, very white that I do love it.
started watching and was 6min mark into star beast when realised you were in same location TOGETHER I was too excited to see this reaction to notice 😀😃😃😄
Some heavy handed moments, but it didn't come at the cost of story, which is my biggest issue with a lot of forced representation over organic representation. So often it'll be the prime focus, over telling the story which makes things fall apart, in a story telling industry. Representation is important sure, and can be beautiful when done well but if it hinders your story, you're failing to make a good product. All in all this was super fun, the new villain was a joy, David and Catherine are every bit as adorable together as David and Michael over in Good Omens for differing reasons, the humour was on point, Cath's delivery has always been top tier ever since she had her sketch comedy show so that's no surprise. The emotions were hard hitting and both painful and joyful, this was a great start. The only big problem I found with it is... it's not going to last. I want more of these two, but this is just a special until 15 comes around. They're Eccleston-ing me, just giving me one go around before a 'see ya' Ever since this new Who began, I've always wanted more of him, even though I fell in love with David, he is /my/ Doctor always. "Oh my God I've done it again!"
Two bits were a little clunky... could have been said smoother. BUT sometimes ya gotta hammer things home.... otherwise the closed-minded will find a way to deny what's being heralded. So go on, RTD... loudly let 'em know. Loved it. Tennant & Tate shine.
It was a lovely episode. Hoping it does a lot of good for folks that need to hear it, and know the Doctor and Donna has their backs. Wish there was stuff like this episode when I was younger. I think the only thing that bothered me was the line you two talked about. With Donna being the least likely person--guy, gal, or non-binary pal--that comes to mind to ever let go of something. She sure didn't let go of giving up all that money. 😆People are not a monolith, regardless of gender, presentation, or otherwise. It's kind of the only sour note for me, because we'd just established in the scene not long before that, how the Doctor is male, female, neither, and more. Which was fantastic. It's ok to not like that line (or it being a very RTD solution, like the Tinkerbell clap if you believe/space god Doctor stuff), if it's for the right reasons. A better line might have gone something like, "Maybe it's something you never considered, because you sure haven't let go of that face, skinny man." Which would harken back to what she'd already been poking at the Doctor with. Maybe a follow up by the Doctor echoing something along the line of Tom Baker's line as the Curator version of them about revisiting faces of "old favorites." That meeting might not be remembered by current them (if I recall how that worked in that episode), but perhaps echoes of it filtering through, and also what they'd think of over time anyway. It allows for a kind of jab, but it's still playful without dipping into a touch of likely unintentional misandry, and allow for a follow up by the Doctor that could have been either comical or something more earnest, or split the difference. Would also let that scene breathe a bit more, if that makes sense. If anyone's upset by the binary/non-binary line? Pfft. "Binary" is the loop Donna got stuck on for a bit which was what she said shortly before the memory wipe. I don't know if they were mad about it back then. Unless they also get mad at binary star systems, oh no scary numbers. 😆 I can see it now, "numbers gone woke" and "RIP Numbers." 😝The metacrisis DoctorDonna got passed on from the two of them to one more person (Rose Noble) with the energy/mind aspect, so no longer two, no longer binary. Yes, it also works as a sort of "hello non-binary fans out there, you're cool."
It isn't just the "forced" bits that are (already) pissing off a certain type of people. I have already heard alleged fans complaining about the mere existence of Rose, and her being trans...>sigh< The "let it go" thing I felt would have worked better had it just been a commentary on the Doctor: "Something YOU'VE never been able to do..." Because let's be honest, letting go IS exactly what the Doctor does not know how to do. (four and a half BILLION years in a confession dial, anyone?) I absolutely love so much about this episode though. Every member of the cast played so well and was so much fun, I love that Donna's husband is just so game and cool ("Oui monseur!" in response to the Doctor's "Allons-y!" was beautiful to me.) I LOVE the new TARDIS interior: such a perfect blend of classic Who mixed with this vast expansive and high tech look, TOTALLY accessible, and ALL THE ROUND THINGS EVER!!! Fantastic reactions, both of you, I have been looking forward to yours. I figured it would hit you both strongly and I was right. Keep being awesome!
Fans complained about K9 for years. Fans will complain about every and any new thing in their favourite show. I don’t think anyone is against the addition of a trans character but many are fed up of the baiting and bigot shaming where certain Twitterati go all witch finder General on supposed Transphobes? It’s like just write another good LGBT character like Captain Jack or Bill when she wasn’t constantly telling everyone about her preferences and there will be more fans than haters! Problem is it’s become a great excuse to cover bad writing with the Scooby Doo yell of “If it wasn’t for them pesky bigots…” etc. 😅
It lovely to see comic legends The High Meep of All The Beep and the Wraith Warriors on screen at last. Especially keeping the basics of original story, with both looking like comic
Wrarth, yes. I miss that peaceful scene of the Wrarth Policemen sitting around the table in the kitchen, eating cake and drinking tea, but we got a gunfight instead. Time marches on.
Here's something I wrote elsewhere back in January 2020 with reference to Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall's run. I could edit it to be more specific to this episode, and RTD, but the sentiment would be the 100% same: Well, I'm still loving Doctor Who, but ugh, the fans. Worse than Star Trek fans, and that's saying something. The word that's getting under my skin is "preachy". I know what "preachy" means. It's the word you use when someone's giving you good advice, and deep down you know they're right, but you don't want them to be because it would spoil your fun. I know this, because I had a number of "preachy" teachers at school who wagged their fingers at me. Suffice to say I wasn't always the ideal student. Science fiction is mostly commentary about the present day, and it's mostly fairy tales and fables. The difference being that a fable comes with a moral at the end. It seems the new show runner likes the fables, while his predecessor was all about the fairy stories. T'aint no big deal. In fact, it's rather nice to have your beliefs endorsed from time to time. So, yeah, I'm giving the 12th Doctor a completely unironic high five here, and saying "Preach it, sister!" There was always this aspect to Doctor Who and Star Trek when I watched them as a kid, and they're no different now. Wanna bet there were viewers back then who thought they were "preachy"? Of course there were. Frankly, stuff them. I don't need anyone raining on my parade and telling my why I shouldn't be enjoying something I have loved for as long as I can remember.
I am completely convinced that the TARDIS set up that whole ending on purpose to get the two of them on am adventure. It knows the future, so it would be quite the coincidence that it just so happened to recontruct a main chamber that just happened to have a coffee maker just when Donna came back. It knew what it was doing.
The opening is in Camden market, in North London. Whatever shots were on location must have been at like 4 in the morning because I've never seen it that empty
To be fair, the series is starting again on Disney Plus with none of the previous seasons, so on there it kind of HAS to be Season 1. But effectively, for UK and previous season watchers, it's Series 14.
I'm gonna add this here again even though I already put it in the Discord. It's so cool seeing you two actually sitting next to each other in REAL SPACE!
It was perfect., and clever. Tired of people that feel attacked by everything., those people can maybe just watch something else. Doctor Who is BACK to form.
That’s your opinion and is as valid as anyones but I don’t think this is anything like the old RTD stuff? Once the member berries stop giving you nostalgia hits I think it’s not going to be rejuvenated WHO we need. Ncuti Gatwa will have a mountain to climb if RTD doesn’t come up with something more character based and immersed and with less pulpit preaching! His talk about Davros and wheelchair evil was cringe to the max…and I am disabled.
Nice. Before iwatch full reaction i just want to point out that invarious episodes both 10th and 11th doctors read their screwdrivers - 11th especialy. Edit: Great reaction.
Loved the story! (And loved your reactions to it!) I got a little bit of a humility check for my memory. I have the comic this story is based on! Well, not the original Doctor Who Weekly that came out in the UK in 1980, but I bought the American reprint in 1984. Didn't remember it all while I was watching the show. After, I went online to see reactions, saw a reference to the comic, and, boom, the cover of the comic popped into my head. Fun thing memory!
Grandmaster of the Knowledge, all London Black Cab drivers have to spend 3-4 years learning the streets in a 6 mile radius of the centre of London. They must then pass a test called The Knowledge to get their licence, no need for GPS for them. It’s also shown to make their brains very plastic and good at picking up other information.
With the "let it go" moment I took that as a Donna moment, especially after the first thing that she said after being unlocked was about the lottery winnings, also a swipe at The Doctor for going back to a face. To be honest I just saw it as an "eh moment, that's a conclusion to that."
![[PLAYTEST] EVE Vanguard - Groundbreak [Full Live]](/img/1.gif)
Reaction starts around 5:47 👀😂
WOW NO SH*T 😂 THANKING U FOR THAT INFORMATION 😂😂
rude, assuming we don't want to watch whole video, especially for such big comeback episode
@@mjm3091 THANK YOU FOR THAT 😭
@@mjm3091 The chaotic befores and afters are two of the things that keep me watching! 😤
Honestly it was lovely watching you be in the same physical space again. What a perfect time for that to happen.
The name Jason comes from the Greek “healer”…so Donna named her son effectively “doctor”
Interesting!
Oooo! Nice catch.
You mean her daughter?
No, her daughter named herself
Donna’s comment “and that suit should not to worn past the age of 35” was funny because Tenant turned thirty five when he last played The Doctor with Donna Noble.
That switch from "meep meep" and "pretty lady" to "TO HELL WITH THIS" was JARRING. 😂😂😂😂 Donna being Donna. I loved everything
Dame Lady Her Excellency Miriam of Margolyes, still killing it in her 82nd year, folks. Probably my second favourite British acting octogenarian after Lord Sir Brian of Blessed.
I was almost expecting a turn. I started getting that feeling once I thought the Meep looked like a cute gremlin. Immediately after that I thought-but gremlins turn bad!
Of course I hadn’t read the comic. I guess they were pretty sure the turn was coming if they figured they’d stay true to the original story.
Sidebar, I actually have written an ode, in the style of McGonagall and Milligan, after I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Brian Blessed at a Q&A/screening of Flash Gordon back in my uni days a decade ago, and he launched, apropos of nothing, into an hour+ set of him doing his various routines, explaining his life and career and various crazy adventures; the man required no microphone nor additional means of amplification - just a stage, a captive audience, and for the host to get out of his way and let the man work the crowd. This was my ode to the occasion.
OooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooyezoyezoyez! Gather round, folks, for the Ballad of Brian Blessed...
T'was in the spring of 2014, son,
When Lord Sir Brian Blessed struck the town of Lincoln without rhyme or rea-son.
Late that night, without any warning,
He blew out the venue's entire PA system, simply by yawning!
That little moment in the kitchen with Sylvia was quite nice. The character of Sylvia had always struck me as being slightly conservative so I was concerned about what her relationship with Rose might look like. But it was great to see her really trying (maybe not getting it 100% right) but still trying. And also seeing her protect Donna as well…it’s not a side of her we saw a lot in season 4.
I thought it was great, we don't see that in media very often and it felt very real. We see lots of stories about people being antagonistic towards trans people, and stories about people accepting trans people, but we don't often see that real messy situation of trying and failing, but trying again.
I really don't care about anyone who finds it woke; they can get stuffed. This kind of representation means the world, especially in terf island with everything that's going on. I so appreciate RTD being bold and unapologetic about it all. Bring it on!
Fun fact: from the attitude of the population wise the UK is actually a top 3 or 5 country for trans people in Europe. It's just the government that's so far behind.
yes and no.
I dont like they need a "outerworldy reason" to have rose. like as if it is something unnormal or something that only happens because of the doctor and not show it as something totaly normal which i would have liked more because it feels like without the doctor she would not exist like she is and thats what i dont like
The representation is great, the 'wokeness' isn't an issue but at times it did definitely feel like stuff was put in the script just to make a point... but that's just an issue with moments of poor writing really. That said, I'm glad there is trans representation, even if it isn't handled as well as it could have been.
In the comics, Meep hiding in the toys happened before E.T. came out!
My absolute FAVOURITE part was Donna fully ready to drop kick that furry little fuck for calling Rose weird😭😭😭
Donna's mom had amazing growth in 15 years. I couldn't stand Sylvia back in the day but now she's actually supportive and protective of Donna.
she was working so so hard to protect Donna the whole time!
@@PaulaDeming yes I loved that. Also Paula I love the earing for jodie
It felt like the Doctor's clapback to Sylvia's "She is [important] to me," really sunk in for her.
To be fair. I still don't like her. She got better, but she still has this tyrannical approach to w/e she thinks is right... Which means that the writing/directing and acting deserves a big helping of props, since it's been so long and she's stayed consistent with that slight change. Pretty impressive. (same with all the returning actors, didn't feel like anyone skipped a beat)
7:13 "That says grandMISTRESS." It's a callback to Jodie Whitaker's "Come to Daddy, er, Mummy," in The Ghost Monument, but even better, Spyfall Part 2: "Go about your day, knowing that you may tell people you were privileged to witness the Marvelous Apparating Man! Lady. Apparating Lady! Every time."
No, Chibnall haters, Pluto ain't a planet and the Doctor is the Timeless Child. Deal with it. Jodie was so good.
Appreciate the mention of the ham-fistedness of the "let it go" bit. That was the ONE thing that really didn't sit well with me, because it felt like a low blow insult kind of thing -- not how you change minds, let alone hearts. Everything else was fine, or even fantastic. Positive representation? Hell yes! Once upon a time, that made a huge difference for me, personally -- the day my grandmother told me how much she loved Jack on Will & Grace!
Although, I suppose it's KIND of fitting, because David Tennant previously didn't want to go... But also kind of wrong, given Peter Capaldi's final words were, "Doctor, I let you go." So I guess, I kinda get where they were trying to go; I just don't think they stuck the landing.
Hell, I'm still trying to let this go 😂 It definitely feels like a low blow that kinda undermines a lot of the messaging of this episode and just ignores the fact that the doctor was feminine presenting a couple hours ago 😅
But I'll work on it, it's definitely toxic masculinity on my part and not at all bad writing 🤦♂️
26:00 - honestly, fuck those people. They aren't fans, they're fun police. They care less about being fair than being right. Was some of the "woke" stuff on the nose? Sure. Was it significantly more on the nose than other stuff RTD has written? Not really. I saw the look on both your faces for that sequence in the kitchen and I have been adjacent to conversations like that between friends, family and colleagues. Trans, enbee and genderqueer young adults deserve to have their right to existence and visibility not only tolerated but championed, and personifying that in the form of Donna Freaking Noble... *chef's kiss*
I choose to believe that Donna and Rose were only able to "let it go" because it was reduced in power by being split between the two of them, and that Donna was just cracking a joke at The Doctor's expense.
"Those moments aside, this one really worked"
Sums up my thoughts exactly
trans girl watching here, seeing you two teary eyed when you realised rose is trans was a really sweet moment
the episode is LITERALLY LGBTQ+ for the win, and I love it!
David Tennant is in his 50's now and he's got the same energy as he did 15 years ago.
He said he did get out of breath after the takes of him running around the TARDIS, though! LOL
First time I saw the new TARDIS interior, with all the ramps, I thought "Shirley from UNIT is gonna come for at least one trip".
Then Donna spilt her coffee on the console and I thought "OK, TARDIS is gonna regenerate again!" 🤣
When you started talking about the offscreen relationship between David and Catherine, it reminded me how much I would love if they found a way to include Michael Sheen into one of remaining episodes with David. Those two together is always guaranteed TV gold. It’s one of the inviolate laws of the universe.
Michael Sheen was the voice of House - the planet that eats TARDISes
@@MichaelJohnson-kq7qg he deserves more than just a voice part. The guy does so much with his face, that it needs to be on screen.
@@TychoCelchu don't get me wrong, I want him to be the next Doctor, Im a big fan - I'm just pointing out he has had a part in Doctor Who.
David Tennant and Catherine Tate were both in Ducktales. ;)
Sorry, can I mention... David's "Why did it have to be this??!!" just completely breaks me every time. Devastating.
I think he said this when he first read the crap script.
@@peterholmes3011 cringe comment is cringe
@@chazo1367 You can't face the truth.
@@peterholmes3011 nah, you just wanna get upset about anything. The episode was a standard RTD experience.
@@chazo1367 Not upset just disappointed.
So fun fact: It was David Tennant's idea to have the Doctor run around the new Tardis interior.
A decision he regretted after 7 takes.
He denies that in an interview: he says was the director's idea.
Seeing Donna's whole family made me miss Bernard Cribbins so MUCH! I loved that man too, Doctor.
The best part of the reaction was in the discussion afterwards when Paula’s answer to the assertion that women knew how to “let go” was “I can’t let anything go. What are you talking about?” 😂😂😂😂
I’m a bit older than these two and honestly the older you get the easier it is to Let It Go.
@@fayesouthall6604 That's a maturity trait and it can come at a lot of different ages. I've known people in my life who were more mature as 16 years olds than people in their 30s. I just found the moment funny because you know in the writers room "we are really going to stick it to those anti woke anti women haters who is going to lose their minds for Rose simply being a character in it." And seemingly forgetting that like Star Wars or Pixar, it's meant to be written for all ages where a child and an adult can watch it, and there will be things that have extra meaning for the adult. And if they had spent 5 minutes thinking about it they would realize that the zinger will for a child mean "sorry young boy who might be new to the show, or just came of 13 being your first Doctor, who has no bad notion against anyone, you are lesser than because you are a boy." When a show like Harley Quinn makes fun of those same people, first of that show is TV-MA secondly they know how to target those people without giving them ammunition. I knew that clip would go viral across all the hate watchers, and like clock work it's been the main take away.
@@fayesouthall6604what has that got to do with sex ? Wud b termed sexist and cancelled if genders wer swapped
As I get older I find that i tend more towards Shooing it Away😀@@fayesouthall6604
MAD PADDINGTON I AM DEAD!!!!
OMG, You're... You're in the same room... We said you could never be back in the same room or else catastrophe... Oh, wait... That's the plot of Donna...
Great reaction as always. Miriam Margolyes as the voice of the Meep was great... and they actually managed to keep her from swearing. Love Miriam
Keeping Miriam from swearing is genuinely a miracle in itself 😂
a swearing meep would have been dope though.
@@ajandrianjafymusic Srsly, how much weed did they give her to make it through the Harry Potter movies and keep it PG.
The fun fact is the original celestial toy maker was played by the same actor who played Alfred in the Tim Burton Batman
Was he really? Huh, i definitely did not notice at all, and I've seen clips of the Toymaker plenty times and am very familiar with the Batman films. Interesting.
Lots of silly comments on social media (Particularly Twitter) accusing Star Beast of being the beginning of the end of Doctor who. Personally I don't understand why people get so upset by it as the show is just reflecting what's going on in the world today and there are much more important things to worry about (Wars/Cost of living)
One of the silliest comment was several people ask how someone in a wheelchair was able to cross her legs.
Doctor Who was the second most watch show on British television on Saturday only being beaten by Strictly come dancing (Our version of Dancing with the stars)
Lastly it's great to see you back together again.
No it's reflecting what's on twitter
The Meep being voiced by Miriam Margolyes is peak Doctor Who by the way
Madam sprout
Loved it. Damn copyright though, really wanted the reaction to Tennant saying “I loved that man.” My heart shattered hearing that.
4:36 feels like the moment in the 50th anniversary when 10 and 11 flex sonic screwdrivers 😂
"Compensating?" For what? "Regeneration, it's a lottery" oh cool, isn't he cool. Oops he's wearing sandshoes
The let it go was very RTD, a bit over the mark and preachy, but the rest all toed that line well and made it suitably fun for a special. I really liked the cinematography and creature design. It all feels modern but still has that DoctorWho low budget charm.
As a trans woman who only found you two because I’m primarily a Red Dwarf nerd, this was a joy to watch with you. I’m so glad what this episode will do for kids’ understanding that I never got.
This warms my hearts 🖤🖤
If you feel like it, I'd love to hear your perspective on the non.-binary resolution.
It kinda felt not right for me. I couldn't name what exactly was not working for me., but I guess what I ended up with is: Rose is presented as female the entire show. Her pronouns are stated, and based on that one scene it seems clear to me, that his is her dead name not her birth name.
So the sudden non-binary thing hasn't really established before.
As someone the show strove to represent, I'm wondering if you'll indulge my curiosity? I know a lot of people are going to have issues with the scene discussing pronouns. I was wondering two things. Firstly, what did you think of that scene? And second, how would you like to see such representation be presented in the future? I won't deny I have some trouble with some of these issues, not due to being able to accept the idea of trans people, which frankly has been around for a lot longer than people realize. Rather it's the way some shows go about addressing these issues in a very heavy handed way. They come across to me as similar to very militant vegans; they're so aggressive in trying to get their message across they actively turn people away from their philosophy. Please feel free to tell me to stick my out of touch head up my backside if you like. It would probably do my back no end of good. :P
@@gestaltdude I mentioned children earlier because I thought it was a good level of education for them, in the same way Captain Planet strove to teach kids my age in the 90s about conservation. From an adult point of view, I could see how it could grate, if only because we’ve heard “Did you just assume” as a meme for years by this point. But when it comes to adults, either you understand the importance of pronoun use for trans people or you don’t - you’re not going to learn it from Doctor Who.
And as an adult, Captain Planet would probably feel preachy too.
If no one else mentioned it - This story was based of a comic from 1980 which featured the 4th Doctor and K9, and meeting a new companion Sharon. It was reprinted in 1984 in a america in Marvel's Doctor Who #1.
The Meep and the Sgt and Constablile are pretty much exactly like their comic book counterparts. And they were created by Dave Gibbons, who would go on to draw Watchmen
30:44 - Tennant and Tate's chemistry transcends the medium or text of whatever they are in together. They play nemeses in the reboot of DuckTales and despite being cartoon ducks who are fighting each other, the old married (or I guess bitterly divorced) couple energy is so strong.
Did anyone notice the Karvanista toy? And even the howling he did in The Vanquishers was in the background, meaning Donna even shares memories of the Doctor after she left.
Is THAT who that plushie was? I was struggling to figure that out. I thought it might be the werewolf when 10 was with Rose Tyler.
Considering there was a lot of hoo-hah on social media regarding the possibility of RTD "erasing" Chibnall, I'm glad he's already proving those people wrong, with multiple references to the Doctor having just been a woman and the Karvanista shout-out
Apparently, a metacrisis can remember things that have happened in a future memory of the crisis timelord
@@MichaelJohnson-kq7qg it’s the same mind after all, it seemed to have synced up like the cloud when the mets crisis reactivated.
love love LOVE your channel BLOOP!
I love the moment of specifying that this is 14th doctor and not 10th in 11:45
In the behind the scenes stuff Tennant said he didn't know who "the Boss" is - but the producer did.
Fan speculation suggests it's something being set up for the next series.
We knew Shaun Temple was going to be well acted - Karl Collins used to be a detective in Police procedural (police station) drama The Bill. Was in film Attack the Block also starring Jodie Whittaker.
When went on Disney+ and typed doctor who on the search bar I got this episode and Doogie Howser pop up. Well played, Disney
Donna angry about giving away all her money is peak Donna. Fun episode and fun reaction y'all. I have so missed all of you!
Also the boss is obviously Nerys.
I laughed pretty good when Paula got beeped when she accidentally said the show you haven't announced yet. Lol. Nice to see you Gals in the same room for once. Keep up the great work
hehe whoops
"OH MY GOD! I DID IT AGAIN!"
Oh, Donna, we missed you :3
33:18 I loved the 14th Doctor's reaction to the new Tardis. Made me so happy.
But later I was confused. He's been inside the Tardis since he regenerated. Wouldn't he have seen it already? There's also the Children in Need clip and they actually have a completely solo comic book adventure for the 14th doctor that takes place before this (called The Liberation of the Daleks).
I went back and looked though. In the Children in Need clip, and the comic, if you look close, it's still the 13th Doctor's Tardis on the inside. Good attention to detail there. At the beginning of this episode it's just dark inside when he opens the door. You can't tell. But that is yet another thing to explain later. We have a Doctor who has returned to one of their old faces, regenerated new clothes with their new body, and now a tardis that didn't change at the same time as the Doctor regenerated. I mean it obviously doesn't always happen. 9 and 10 had the same Tardis and Sonic Screwdriver. But it feels like clues to the coming conflict. We'll find out.
Moreover, I don't care if it makes sense. That moment was pure joy!
Maybe 'the desktop' changed like in 'The Eleventh Hour'? Not sure why, but maybe she just wanted a makeover.
@@NicoleM_radiantbaby Very possible.
There was some stuff here that I think didn't work, a lot of it did work. But the absolute highlight of this episode for me was Donna, after hearing she can save everyone but it will kill her, not hesitating for a second to say "Okay." No contemplation, no grumbling, no weighing options. Just "of course I'll do it." And I like how it wasn't "I don't care about the world, I care about my daughter." Obviously both are important and I think it would have diminished the moment if they did it that way. The icing on the cake was, of course, David channeling the scene where Ten has to save Wilf, complete with a wall of glass separating the two of them.
4:46 Aw yeah! I had that one as a kid. I can't remember if it was from the magazine but the only other option was finding it in an Argos catalogue.
Has anyone else noticed that Rose is....A Toymaker?
Actually, I found out last night that the actor who plays Donna's husband Shaun is the cousin of my best friends brother in law.
It was almost as hard to wait three days for the Gals' reaction as it was to wait a year for the episode. Well done!
so glad you enjoyed and that it was worth the wait!
The utter emotional rollercoaster of Donna willing to sacrifice herself to save everyone x Donna remembering and being annoyed about the money.
Like you both, I went from weeping my heart out to laughing my head off. And that’s the magic of RTD Who! ❤❤
Tbh, it wasn't that emotional for me - cause we know she would do it from Pompei episode and obviously they wouldn't kill both Donna and the Doctor in first episode.
Genuinely cried seeing him run around the Tardis
It’s really funny when you say The Meep is Dobby-like when they’re being voiced by Professor Sprout 😆
Lots of people getting their pitchforks out over this episode.. I loved it. Camp, funny, whimsical timey-wimey stuff!
oh that's why the voice sounded so familiar!
Donna was one of my favorites. It was such a joy to see her again. And I think she channeled Twelve a bit in her delivery of "I wanted to be like you".
My main complaint with this episode is that - once again - we have people being skeptical that there are aliens.
I'm sorry, *what?*
At this point, there have been, what, a one, two dozen alien invasions of London alone? Invasions at Christmas are so common that a Matt Smith Christmas episode had London essentially empty because everyone had left to avoid the Christmas invasion! There is literally *no* way aliens coming to Earth *all the time* isn't common knowledge.
For petes sake, Davies, lose that meme! Bury it deep beneath the Earth and never, ever use it again.
Well, that and a cute alien named "Meep" has kinda been done...on Phineas & Ferb ;)
"With this spell declared, let the pain be shared"
@captainamerica3067 Hmmm, and reading the Wikipeda entry, this special is literally a live-action version of the story he was in. Interesting.
The introduction and epilogue are shot in Camden Markets in London, one of the best places in the UK for independent market sellers and funky bespoke fashion - the Cyberdog store in the background is a real store for a clothing brand that sells cyberpunk/rave culture fashion. My wife and I visited it whilst in town for a Dresden Dolls concert 5 years ago on Halloween, so this gave me sincere nostalgia.
I kinda feel the boss is going to be something that continues on to the 15th Doctor.
The bit with the barristers wig is a call back to a Tom baker episode where the doctor wore the same wig.
Things I learned in Doctor Who: Tea in TARDIS: no problem / Coffee in TARDIS: We are doomed! Great episode! And it´s always a pleasure to see you both, specially in the same room!
Honestly I think the Tardis just went “ah I see what you did there Donna, you want an adventure? Sure I can do that and I’ll totally cover for you and make it look like an accident.”
@@bunnyslippers5183 I can buy that too... TARDIS knows fun!
@@bunnyslippers5183lo😂
@@bunnyslippers5183 The bit that I loved was Donna talking about losing her job because she dumped coffee in the computer and then when she dumped it on the TARDIS console she yells "Oh my God, I've done it again!"
@@michlkwitz that made me laugh too!
It's great seeing you both here in all new territory. I hope to enjoy the ride with you.
TL:DR, I loved it except for one scene.
It was truly heartening to witness the Doctor and Donna together; their every scene brought a smile to my face. The actors' exceptional performances, coupled with Donna's willingness to sacrifice for her child and others, struck a chord in my heart, akin to her previous impactful moments in Pompeii and with the Ood. The decision to erase her memory has always felt like a great loss for both the Doctor and Donna, and finally seeing the Doctor's distress over it brought a much-needed sense of closure that left me feeling content.
The Meep's twist was great. I saw it coming, yet it was brilliantly executed and expertly voiced. This villain is genuinely frightening. While I'm aware of its existence in other media, this performance was insanely impressive. I'm eager for a return of this villain, hopefully when least expected; it'll be chilling. I haven't liked a villain this much since The Silence.
In "Midnight," the Doctor has a conversation with a woman who shares her recent breakup with the woman she loves. It's a simple interaction between two individuals-one is gay, the other a Time Lord. The beauty lies in its complete normalcy; there's nothing peculiar or uncomfortable. Doctor Who has typically approached storytelling in this inclusive manner, until now.
The pronoun scene felt awkward; it seemed more like an Earth-centric topic. As a writer, I get expressing a stance, but in a conversation between aliens, it felt out of context. It might've fit better in a scene involving Rose and the people who were rude to her earlier in the show.
The scene with "never being able to understand if presenting as male" felt intentionally hurtful and set a negative tone for the specials, alienating a significant portion of the audience. Hatred against people for being male has sadly become common, but hatred towards any group is still hatred. We shouldn't punch down one group to elevate another. To quote The Doctor, "Never be cruel" and "hate is foolish".
I'm not skipping Doctor Who because of one insulting scene, I've been around since the end of #3 and the start of #4 (Tom is my Doctor, and Sarah Jane my companion). I'm looking forward to seeing Neil Patrick Harris and to continuing this final journey with The Doctor and Donna.
Good comment! I don’t have much hope for the show myself anymore, but your comment reminded me of better times. 👍
This was such a joy from beginning to end. Yes a couple of heavy-handed moments, but whatever... heavy-handed with the best intentions. And watching your reactions was the cherry on the top 😃
It's my birthday today and getting to watch this reaction was the perfect gift. Just what I was wishing for! The secondary aliens in this story, the Wrarth, who you speculated were from Classic Who, were actually from the original comic story, they and the Meep look really true to the original comic images. Instead of Rose, the Meep is found in the comic by a schoolgirl named Sharon who becomes a short lived companion to the Doctor in the strip. Originally featured in Doctor Who Magazine, the story was later reprinted in Marvel's Doctor Who comic in America, which ran a little short of two years, though in the reprint the Meep was colored blue. The Meep returned in a couple of subsequent comic strips, including one where there was a conflict with the 8th Doctor. In addition to the Big Finish audio which adapts the original 4th Doctor/Meep story, there's an audio where the Meep clashes with the 6th Doctor.
Happy Birthday!! And thank you for the extra info :)
the meep was the only thing i could remember from the comic. and as it's a memory from over 40 years ago, it was a pretty hazy one, but i was proper excited when i found out meep was going to be a character. i just wish they could have kept it's deceptive nature running a bit further (ie let the audience work out it was lying before the characters did, so we could watch it being manipulative) rather than have the sharp switch.
There’s a commentary version of this episode on iplayer with Tennant and 2 others watching and commentating on the episode. When talking about the tardis reveal David said “I’m not acting at all, I had the time of my life!”. Would really recommend watching that. Really fun to see his reactions to stuff, and hear some insight! :) Thanks for the reaction!
I've been so hyped for this reaction. And I smiled soooo big when you guys were next to each other..haha, love seeing you guys together in person for such a big reaction!!
You asked if they were a classic alien, yes and no, they were from a fourth doctor comic same as the meep
I've seen the episode once and a few people react to it by now, and there is one major question that has yet to be answered.
Just how big was the smegging sausage roll????!!!! I must know.
On a side note, when people have asked why they Donna didn't just "let it go" in the first place, I've found an analogy that helps. Imagine a power generator overloads, and there is only one cable leading from it. There is too much power for that one cable to handle; it will burnt out and the generator will still blow. Add another cable to share the load, the power can be safely drawn out with minimal damage to the cables.
On another side note, if you didn't already know, you'd never guess it was harry Potter's Professor Sprout, the herbology professor, providing the voice of the The Meep, would you?
First of all...WHOA! Both of you, in the same room together, watching Doctor Who? What is this, 2019?
As for the episode itself: loads of camp; powerful hard-hitting emotional scenes; a rushed reset button ending - RTD is back! I'm not going to act like "The Star Beast" was a masterpiece or anything, but after five years of Who that often felt borderline unwatchable, I'll gladly accept a basic competent script like this (I'll try and keep my Chibnall era criticisms to a minimum, there's been more than enough of that over the last few years).
Right off the bat, Tennant and Tate are once again on top form, both fit back into their respective roles like it was just yesterday and re-establish their fantastic chemistry right away. Their rapport is as wonderful as it was, and the dialogue that Davies has provided them is full of sparkling wit and charm. At the same time, both actors are able to convey the passage of time perfectly, with Tennant doing a great job at playing the Doctor with a greater deal of age and weariness and helping Fourteen feel like a very different character from Ten, while Tate clearly relishes the opportunity to play Donna as a fierce yet supportive mother. And in addition to the great comedic banter, the emotional scenes between the pair hits really hard, especially the climactic scene before Donna's memories are restored; even with the knowledge that Donna isn't going to die here, seeing the Doctor's dilemma play out was honestly beautiful and gut-wrenching. On that note, I quite like the way the whole metacrisis stuff was resolved in this episode; you can make the argument it's very easy and kind of a deus ex machina, but I think it was a clever way to get around the whole issue, especially since (again) it's something that wouldn't have been on the table back in 2008, but Davies takes advantage of the passage of time to find a better solution to that whole thing.
In addition to the Doctor and Donna, I loved all the supporting characters, especially the rest of the Noble family. I'll admit that Rose was kind of underexplored as a character, but she's a very likeable and fun presence, and Yasmin Finney's performance was great - I really hope we see more of her going forward. I also like the fact that her being transgender wasn't something that was just glossed over and ignored; I'm not the right person to talk about whether it was handled well or not (since I'm a straight cisgender guy), but it's great to see that was something that was actually key to her character. The other members of the family were great too, I think it's nice to see that Sylvia has become a much nicer and more sympathetic character and Jacqueline King plays the character - both in the comedic and dramatic moments - perfectly; Shaun was a great presence too, for someone who was honestly a background player in "The End of Time", I liked seeing him get a much larger role here. In terms of the other major new characters, the Meep was a great villain, funny, oddly adorable and utterly unhinged. The practical effects used to bring them to life were outstanding, and Miriam Margoyles was honestly the perfect choice for the character's voice. I also really liked Shirley, UNIT's new scientific advisor - from her no-nonsense demeanour, to Ruth Madeley's excellent rapport with Tennant, to the fact she has literal stun dart guns in her wheelchair (great to see more disabled representation in Who BTW), she's a great new addition to the cast, and I'm hopeful we'll be seeing her again soon.
In all honesty, "The Star Beast" felt like your typical RTD opening episode, namely a light-hearted fun romp that's more focussed on the characters than the story. The plot of the episode was honestly pretty boiler-plate, and the resolution was a little easy in much the same way as "Last of the Time Lords" was. That said though, the story was well-paced, managing a delicate balance between comedy, drama and action and providing a fun narrative that acts as both a nice epilogue to series 4 and a great opening to this new era of Who. A large part of this is due to the direction from Capaldi-era MVP Rachel Talalay, who once again does a great job with this episode. The action was staged brilliantly, the character moments were intimate and powerful, and that TARDIS reveal was just amazing. Speaking of which, my word is that beautiful! After the horrendous monstrosity that we were stuck with during Whittaker's era, it's nice to see an interior that feels big and expansive, and actually allows for both good blocking and dynamic camera movements.
Overall, a pretty solid start to the 60th anniversary celebrations, and a promising opening for this new period of the show's history. Tennant and Tate are as excellent as ever, the rest of the supporting cast is great, and the whole story is a big highly entertaining romp that left me with a big smile on my face for most of the runtime. I'm not going to act like this is some revolutionary story or a major return to form for the show (it's still a little early to say that), but I'm very optimistic about its future going forward. Anyway, off we go now, into the "Wild Blue Yonder"...
They aren’t in the same room are they I can see a line down the middle of the screen?
@@otps8035 they are. It’s just the decorations in the background are creating that line effect.
I love that after this aired I repeatedly saw Twitter posts saying that the Trans community has forgiven Sylvia Noble.
Head's up there are already upset fans. LOL doesn't matter. It's canon now, what are you gonna do? This was just fantastic, it was the familiar escape into madness I've been missing from Doctor Who in a very long time. The cast is excellent, the writing spectacular, music just phenomenal, and the villain is actually pretty terrifying to me. Plus that Disney budget is in full effect. Doctor Who's 60th came swinging like a boxer in the ring.
Loved the episode and your reaction. There is an obvious answer to how the car fitted all the people. It is bigger on the inside!!
haha that must be it!
It’s cos it’s a taxi!
The comic strip does continue the meep storyline, including an encounter with Tom Baker, not number 4 but actually the actor. Very meta.
This was a very solid return to the RTD style of writing. I’m not a huge fan of the sonic suddenly making forcefields and tv screens - that kinda screams of “I have a bigger special effects budget, let’s go nuts.” I agree with you that the “male presenting time lord” line was unnecessary. If it was a reference to “I don’t want to go” of the 10th, it could’ve easily been a “something you were never able to do, just let it go.”
I thought the handling of the dead naming and awkwardness of the previous generations around tripping up was very delicate, but accurate. I don’t think it had been confirmed that Rose was trans until that scene, (someone correct me if I’m wrong) so it felt like a natural way to confirm that about the character.
Overall, a great episode, looking forward to more soon!
the aliens in this episode come from one of the doctor who comics
Best reaction online, hands down. Thank you.
I JUST came to this realization!
Regardless of whether Donna gets more money or not, she will never have to worry about money again as she will be permanently employed by UNIT!!!
Deus machina exactly! This story has all the strengths of RTDs writing, but also his weakness of rather disappointing resolutions that don't quite live up to the amazing build up. But at least it wasn't as lame as 'planet Earth restored'! 😅
Or possibly Dea machina in this case? 🤔
Very good! 👏👏
34:00 - it's funny, Karl Collins' breakout role on British TV was as Detective Danny Glaze on The Bill, a police procedural that ran for just shy of three decades, and when he was introduced he had a sort of 70s throwback afro and a leather jacket for a while - he eventually shaved it to his more recognisable style. And now, various press shots of Ncuti Gatwa have him in a leather jacket and sporting an afro. Time truly is a flat circle.
Definitely me spending 2 minutes quoting Batman vs Superman when she said Rose "Why did you say that name?". Loved that she gave away all the money and got mad about it when she became herself again. As someone who thought the Tate era was the low point of the New Who era until Kill The Moon ruined Clara so thoroughly and then went into Bill the perpetually confused before Jodie rescued it, I still really, really enjoyed it. Would it have been better with Freema in it instead of Catherine? Probably, but I get that David and Catherine are huge friends in real life and have good chemistry on screen. And I do love that they keep putting really cool women in UNIT. She was awesome. Also, the new TARDIS is so very 1st Doctor with it so very, very, very white that I do love it.
Donna and Sylvia's conversation about Rose in the kitchen is so true, I love it to death.
Lovely to see you sat back together on screen again. Great reaction!
started watching and was 6min mark into star beast when realised you were in same location TOGETHER I was too excited to see this reaction to notice 😀😃😃😄
HEHE LOVE THIS
Thank you both for a beautiful, joyful and heartfelt reaction! 🥰 I can always rely on the Gallifrey Gals for kindness and humour!
Was looking forward to your reactions as soon as I’d finished the episode. Glad I wasn’t the only one sobbing throughout the whole thing.
Some heavy handed moments, but it didn't come at the cost of story, which is my biggest issue with a lot of forced representation over organic representation. So often it'll be the prime focus, over telling the story which makes things fall apart, in a story telling industry. Representation is important sure, and can be beautiful when done well but if it hinders your story, you're failing to make a good product.
All in all this was super fun, the new villain was a joy, David and Catherine are every bit as adorable together as David and Michael over in Good Omens for differing reasons, the humour was on point, Cath's delivery has always been top tier ever since she had her sketch comedy show so that's no surprise. The emotions were hard hitting and both painful and joyful, this was a great start.
The only big problem I found with it is... it's not going to last. I want more of these two, but this is just a special until 15 comes around. They're Eccleston-ing me, just giving me one go around before a 'see ya' Ever since this new Who began, I've always wanted more of him, even though I fell in love with David, he is /my/ Doctor always.
"Oh my God I've done it again!"
Two bits were a little clunky... could have been said smoother. BUT sometimes ya gotta hammer things home.... otherwise the closed-minded will find a way to deny what's being heralded. So go on, RTD... loudly let 'em know. Loved it. Tennant & Tate shine.
It was a lovely episode. Hoping it does a lot of good for folks that need to hear it, and know the Doctor and Donna has their backs. Wish there was stuff like this episode when I was younger. I think the only thing that bothered me was the line you two talked about. With Donna being the least likely person--guy, gal, or non-binary pal--that comes to mind to ever let go of something. She sure didn't let go of giving up all that money. 😆People are not a monolith, regardless of gender, presentation, or otherwise. It's kind of the only sour note for me, because we'd just established in the scene not long before that, how the Doctor is male, female, neither, and more. Which was fantastic.
It's ok to not like that line (or it being a very RTD solution, like the Tinkerbell clap if you believe/space god Doctor stuff), if it's for the right reasons. A better line might have gone something like, "Maybe it's something you never considered, because you sure haven't let go of that face, skinny man." Which would harken back to what she'd already been poking at the Doctor with. Maybe a follow up by the Doctor echoing something along the line of Tom Baker's line as the Curator version of them about revisiting faces of "old favorites." That meeting might not be remembered by current them (if I recall how that worked in that episode), but perhaps echoes of it filtering through, and also what they'd think of over time anyway. It allows for a kind of jab, but it's still playful without dipping into a touch of likely unintentional misandry, and allow for a follow up by the Doctor that could have been either comical or something more earnest, or split the difference. Would also let that scene breathe a bit more, if that makes sense.
If anyone's upset by the binary/non-binary line? Pfft. "Binary" is the loop Donna got stuck on for a bit which was what she said shortly before the memory wipe. I don't know if they were mad about it back then. Unless they also get mad at binary star systems, oh no scary numbers. 😆 I can see it now, "numbers gone woke" and "RIP Numbers." 😝The metacrisis DoctorDonna got passed on from the two of them to one more person (Rose Noble) with the energy/mind aspect, so no longer two, no longer binary. Yes, it also works as a sort of "hello non-binary fans out there, you're cool."
yes yes yes to this, such good points all around
Not to mention the sexist comment about men
It isn't just the "forced" bits that are (already) pissing off a certain type of people. I have already heard alleged fans complaining about the mere existence of Rose, and her being trans...>sigh<
The "let it go" thing I felt would have worked better had it just been a commentary on the Doctor: "Something YOU'VE never been able to do..." Because let's be honest, letting go IS exactly what the Doctor does not know how to do. (four and a half BILLION years in a confession dial, anyone?)
I absolutely love so much about this episode though. Every member of the cast played so well and was so much fun, I love that Donna's husband is just so game and cool ("Oui monseur!" in response to the Doctor's "Allons-y!" was beautiful to me.) I LOVE the new TARDIS interior: such a perfect blend of classic Who mixed with this vast expansive and high tech look, TOTALLY accessible, and ALL THE ROUND THINGS EVER!!!
Fantastic reactions, both of you, I have been looking forward to yours. I figured it would hit you both strongly and I was right. Keep being awesome!
Fans complained about K9 for years. Fans will complain about every and any new thing in their favourite show.
I don’t think anyone is against the addition of a trans character but many are fed up of the baiting and bigot shaming where certain Twitterati go all witch finder General on supposed Transphobes?
It’s like just write another good LGBT character like Captain Jack or Bill when she wasn’t constantly telling everyone about her preferences and there will be more fans than haters!
Problem is it’s become a great excuse to cover bad writing with the Scooby Doo yell of “If it wasn’t for them pesky bigots…” etc. 😅
It lovely to see comic legends The High Meep of All The Beep and the Wraith Warriors on screen at last. Especially keeping the basics of original story, with both looking like comic
Wrarth, yes. I miss that peaceful scene of the Wrarth Policemen sitting around the table in the kitchen, eating cake and drinking tea, but we got a gunfight instead.
Time marches on.
@@stevetheduck1425 miss the bus too
Here's something I wrote elsewhere back in January 2020 with reference to Jodie Whittaker and Chris Chibnall's run. I could edit it to be more specific to this episode, and RTD, but the sentiment would be the 100% same:
Well, I'm still loving Doctor Who, but ugh, the fans. Worse than Star Trek fans, and that's saying something.
The word that's getting under my skin is "preachy".
I know what "preachy" means. It's the word you use when someone's giving you good advice, and deep down you know they're right, but you don't want them to be because it would spoil your fun. I know this, because I had a number of "preachy" teachers at school who wagged their fingers at me. Suffice to say I wasn't always the ideal student.
Science fiction is mostly commentary about the present day, and it's mostly fairy tales and fables. The difference being that a fable comes with a moral at the end. It seems the new show runner likes the fables, while his predecessor was all about the fairy stories. T'aint no big deal. In fact, it's rather nice to have your beliefs endorsed from time to time. So, yeah, I'm giving the 12th Doctor a completely unironic high five here, and saying "Preach it, sister!"
There was always this aspect to Doctor Who and Star Trek when I watched them as a kid, and they're no different now. Wanna bet there were viewers back then who thought they were "preachy"? Of course there were.
Frankly, stuff them. I don't need anyone raining on my parade and telling my why I shouldn't be enjoying something I have loved for as long as I can remember.
I am completely convinced that the TARDIS set up that whole ending on purpose to get the two of them on am adventure. It knows the future, so it would be quite the coincidence that it just so happened to recontruct a main chamber that just happened to have a coffee maker just when Donna came back. It knew what it was doing.
The opening is in Camden market, in North London. Whatever shots were on location must have been at like 4 in the morning because I've never seen it that empty
To be fair, the series is starting again on Disney Plus with none of the previous seasons, so on there it kind of HAS to be Season 1. But effectively, for UK and previous season watchers, it's Series 14.
For some of us old farts it's actually Season 40. 😉😊
I'm gonna add this here again even though I already put it in the Discord. It's so cool seeing you two actually sitting next to each other in REAL SPACE!
Gallifrey Gals together, side by side!! Allons-y!!
It was perfect., and clever.
Tired of people that feel attacked by everything., those people can maybe just watch something else.
Doctor Who is BACK to form.
That’s your opinion and is as valid as anyones but I don’t think this is anything like the old RTD stuff?
Once the member berries stop giving you nostalgia hits I think it’s not going to be rejuvenated WHO we need.
Ncuti Gatwa will have a mountain to climb if RTD doesn’t come up with something more character based and immersed and with less pulpit preaching!
His talk about Davros and wheelchair evil was cringe to the max…and I am disabled.
All the subtlety of a rubber mallet strapped to a brick.
You know what? Totally worth it.
Nice. Before iwatch full reaction i just want to point out that invarious episodes both 10th and 11th doctors read their screwdrivers - 11th especialy.
Edit: Great reaction.
Loved the story! (And loved your reactions to it!) I got a little bit of a humility check for my memory. I have the comic this story is based on! Well, not the original Doctor Who Weekly that came out in the UK in 1980, but I bought the American reprint in 1984. Didn't remember it all while I was watching the show. After, I went online to see reactions, saw a reference to the comic, and, boom, the cover of the comic popped into my head. Fun thing memory!
Grandmaster of the Knowledge, all London Black Cab drivers have to spend 3-4 years learning the streets in a 6 mile radius of the centre of London. They must then pass a test called The Knowledge to get their licence, no need for GPS for them. It’s also shown to make their brains very plastic and good at picking up other information.
With the "let it go" moment I took that as a Donna moment, especially after the first thing that she said after being unlocked was about the lottery winnings, also a swipe at The Doctor for going back to a face. To be honest I just saw it as an "eh moment, that's a conclusion to that."
David confirmed he doesn't know who 'The Boss' is in the audio commentry so it's not the toy maker