The Librarians Season 4 'And the Graves of Time' Review

Episode Four 'And the Graves of Time' reunites Eve with Nicole as she sets off on her own mission to find her. Once Eve does, she learns the curse of immortality is seeing everyone you love, die as you pass through time.

This episode also explores the conflict between Flynn and Jenkins as they try to persuade one another Nicole can and cannot be trusted. It's engaging to see these two friends become more distant because of the choices the Library has made them make.

 

Eve's doubts about the tethering ceremony are interesting because she admits she's afraid she'll be alone if any of the Librarians decide to leave the Library behind.  Her connection to the Library and her friends are making her question if it's worth giving up her mortality. 

There is not only drama but some lighter moments as Cassandra's excitement at getting to be Jenkins whilst he and Flynn track Eve and Nicole is delightful and her enthusiasm is nothing but infectious. 

 

Nicole's past brings a lot of questions for the Librarians and Eve; her presence casts a lot of mistrust within the Library. It's important the writers address the secrets of the Library because it's such a vast, magical and dangerous place to commit too. 

It is great to see Eve and Nicole begin to trust each other; their argumentative conversations are very entertaining. The fact they are working together strengthens Eve's loyalty to the Librarians because she states she 'never leaves a soldier behind.' 

The mission to retrieve an artifact that has the ability to kill an immortal creates uncertainty surrounding Nicole's motive for retrieving it. But she proves she can be trusted as the man also looking for it is Rasputin who Nicole thought she had killed centuries before.

But, the most amazing twist comes later when Jenkins transfers his immortality to Nicole when Rasputin stabs her with her artifact. It is incredibly moving to see the Librarians love for Jenkins show itself as Stone almost refuses to continue translating the text which completes the transference. 

Ultimately, this episode is another strong chapter that deepens the doubts Eve and Flynn have towards tethering themselves to the Library. As Flynn begins to see the Library as a kind of prison that has kept him from discovering who he is outside of the Library, his sudden departure is an effective way to end the episode. 

The friendship built between Eve and Nicole is an outcome which is greatly welcomed as they relate and learn from each other. We can only hope Flynn hasn't abandoned the Library for good, not just for him but for Eve and the Librarians too.

The Librarians Season 4 'And the Bleeding Crown' Review

Episode Five 'And the Bleeding Crown' sees residents of a small town turn old by an eighteenth-century arch enemy of Darrington Dare, a past Librarian from eighteenth-century London.  

As the Librarians investigate, Flynn lets his fanboy run riot as he meets his hero Darrington Dare after he saves Cassandra, Ezekiel, and Stone from a bunch of lumbering zombie clones with melting skin. 

 

Writer Tom MacRae encapsulates Flynn's amazement and Dare's eccentric and narcissistic tendencies remarkably well.  The energy Flynn and Dare create as they discuss the mystery behind the elderly overload is absolutely hilarious. It balances brilliantly with the big questions the episode generates. 

Flynn is becoming even more unsure of the rules of the Library as Dare states there can only ever be one Librarian.  This idea of a Librarian civil war is gripping and raises serious questions about whether the Librarians could turn against each other.

 

This is a daring idea and one which will test the Librarians friendship to the limits. The twist of this story is the Librarians becoming old too but it's not really them, it's their clones!  Seeing the Eve, Cassandra, Ezekiel, and Stone as elders who complain about the temperature and how tired they are is fantastically funny.

It is also wonderful to see Cassandra reflecting on what she will be like when she grows old, something she didn't believe would happen with her brain grape. Darrington Dare also learns something from Flynn who states he needs friends to be the Librarian and to ensure he survives longer. 

As Flynn tries desperately to save the Librarians from dying, he calls upon Jenkins to use his immortal life force to overload the crown of Dare's greatest nemesis. It's an exciting and gripping conclusion to a story that initially began as another general saving the day but turned into a quest for answers.

With the surprising twist, an imaginative plot and fantastic performances from the cast, 'And the Bleeding Crown' is another triumph and succeeds in feeding us more doubt and fear among the Librarians as they begin to question the Library and their role within it. 

The Librarians Season 4 'And the Silver Screen' Review

Episode 4 of 'The Librarians' sees Eve and Flynn transported into one of Eve's favorite classic noir movies after their attempt at a normal date ends up being another crazy adventure for the duo. Cassandra, Stone, and Ezekiel go against Jenkins wishes by following them into the movie world, first through a western than a sci-fi drama. Jenkins must find the magical artifact causing this magical conundrum before the Librarians are stuck in the fictional world forever.

Writer Noah Wyle creates a wonderful noir atmosphere as Eve and Flynn act out the film as is intended in the hope they will be transported back into the real world once the plot is followed through. Flynn's distress and Eve's delight is both funny and engaging because of their complete opposite reactions. Also, Flynn is clearly intrigued by Eve's love of the film and characters which adds another interesting element to their relationship.

 

The development of this relationship is becoming more compelling as they discuss doing 'normal' things like going to see a movie. Eve displays a slight irritation at not having enough time to do these normal things.  

However, this is soon forgotten as Eve relishes acting in her favorite movie. The chemistry between Noah Wyle and Rebecca Romijn is vibrant, exciting, warm, funny and unpredictable. Their conversations are compelling, silliness, respect, and love and it's fabulous to see them working as detectives.

 

Director Jonathan Frakes provides color, vibrancy, and variety as Cassandra, Stone and Ezekiel travel through a hilarious gun-off where Cassandra saves Stone and Ezekiel from being hanged. Then, they end up on a spaceship where they are kidnapped and all blued up in classic alien costumes.

It's a spectacularly imaginative and funny sequence being able to see the Librarians become fictions themselves. Also, it's even more hilarious to see that Cassandra is a fan of the sci-fi film she is now in and recounting the dialogue with absolute confidence and clarity.

 

As Jenkins works with the owner of the Hollywood Theatre, the daughter of the film's writer, the twist of the story resolves itself through a past regret as the true writer of the films reveals she is the mother of the owner of the theatre. 

It reigns the magic and drama of the story back to the heart of the series- showing the Librarians why they save the world and who they do it for. It's people. Strangers who they will never meet. 

 

'And the Silver Screen' is a highly creative, witty, exciting, compelling and heart-warming episode. Writer Noah Wyle and Director Jonathan Frakes create an adventure that is brimming with imagination, important questions and an emotional conclusion.

It's almost like Wyle is displaying our very own geeky consciousness through the Librarians. Eve's memory of watching her favourite noir movies with her grandmother is a feeling we relate to and it's the love and passion for a fictional world and characters that connects and inspires us. 

 

 

 

A Very Merry Christmas From Kryptonianwarrior.com!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Kryptonianwarrior.com!

We hope you get everything you asked Santa for and more this year! :D

The Librarians Season 4 'And the Christmas Thief' Review

It's Christmas! And the Librarians are getting all festive and cheerful if Cassandra gets her way with episode three, 'And the Christmas Thief.' In this episode, we are introduced to Ezekiel's mum, who along with her three adoptive daughters, worships the Patron Saint of Thieves, vengeful brother to Santa!

The Librarians are also tasked with keeping Santa's sleigh safe whilst he parties with Jenkins, Flynn and Eve on vacation. After Ezekiel visits his Mum on 'Thanks taking day', a darkened version of Christmas that celebrates greed instead of giving, he unintentionally reveals the library to his Mum. And after she steals the globe which controls the magic door, it's up to Ezekiel, Cassandra and Jacob to use Santa's sleigh to retrieve the globe and escape from the Patron Saint of Thieves.

Ezekiel's backstory is interesting because it allows Ezekiel's Mum relationship's with her son to develop Ezekiel's transformation as a dedicated and morally grounded Librarian. The thread between Ezekiel's choice of career and his defensive attack at pretending he doesn't care about people and his actions comes from his Mum's lack of belief in him.

More so, I loved the scene between Ezekiel, Cassandra and Stone when he tries to convince them he can retrieve the globe by himself. Cassandra acting like big sister and Stone fighting with Ezekiel like two squabbling brothers is a wonderfully playful scene. 

 

The Christmas elements of the episode give the plot a valuable lesson in why it is always better to give rather than receive. It's a testament to the writers that it's Ezekiel who is the barer of this noble truth.

As Ezekiel and his Mum head back to the Bank of Thieves to return a painting stolen from the Patron Saint, Cassandra and Stone contact Jenkins to ask him to help them repair the globe and open a door.

It's so uplifting to see Cassandra so excited and fascinated by magic. What's so unique and fabulous about all of the characters is their openness to express their playful and childlike side, something some adults may feel they cannot express even though every aspect of ourselves should be embraced and celebrated. 

Jenkins return comes with a great twist as he brings the Patron Saint a letter from Santa which gives him permission to gain ownership of the sleigh. But, there lies the conundrum as Stone reveals the Patron cannot accept something which is given to him willing, it must be stolen. 

The most poignant moment of the episode concludes with Ezekiel and his Mum giving back the gifts she stole using the magic door. It's a moving moment between a mother and son who have lost their way and found each other again, just in time for Christmas!

'And the Christmas Thief' is a festive treat full of warmth, family, laughter and drama. There is a fine balance between slapstick and complex character development, especially for Ezekiel. Every performance is strong and dynamic, giving the interactions between the characters charisma and clarity.

 Merry Christmas and to all a good night!

The Librarians Season 4 'And the Steal of Fortune' Review

Episode 2 of Season 4's The Librarians 'And the Steal of Fortune' sees the team investigate the casino and horse racing establishment 'Fortune Downs' which is the only connection between the people who have experienced the worst luck possible. 

This leads on from the Librarians questioning Flynn about having a normal life. He admits as Librarians they cannot experience 'normality' because it causes too many distractions and emotional attachments which could put them in danger. 

But, Jacob refuses to believe this so he and Ezekiel visit an old friend. After Jacob's friend suffers a seizure to a bee sting that would otherwise have been harmless, they discover other victims of 'bad luck' as they realise magic is at the root of the probability inconsistencies. 

As they head to the casino, Cassandra and Ezekiel experience the normality that they were hoping for as Cassandra uses her incredible maths skills to calculate which number the ball will land on at the roulette table and Ezekiel becomes obsessed with winning money on the game machines.

It turns out the owner of the casino is only the lackey for the physical embodiment of the Goddess of Fortune, Fortuna. She is using magic to bring bad luck to anyone who looks at her so she can become flesh again and bring bad luck to the rest of the world. 

This is one of unique qualities the series has- incorporating mythology into a modern context and communicating it with precision and passion. There is plenty of humour in this episode; Cassandra's happiness at winning at the roulette table and Ezekiel going a bit crazy at the games machines is a wonderfully playful collection of scenes.

 

But, as Cassandra's winning cause her to be kidnapped and interrogated by Fortuna, it allows her to demonstrate some sneaky improvisation as she claims Saturn sent her to disrupt Fortuna's plan.

As a sub-plot, Flynn and Jenkins discuss the Library's origins and the after effects of Nicole's departure in the opening episode. It's really interesting to see their friendship tested because they are two longest members of the team with the most knowledge and experience of the Library, and even they are beginning to question if they can truly trust the Library.

'And the Steal of Fortune' is another wacky, fun and mythology driven story that continues to develop the characters and test the core friendships between them.

 

The Librarians Season 4 'And the Dark Secret' Review

The Librarians finally returned for their fourth season, beginning with 'And the Dark Secret' in which a secret sect of the Vatican Church uncovers an ancient map detailing the location of four cornerstones of the Library of Alexandria (the original library). 

Flynn and the team liaise with Flynn's previous Guardian, Nicole, who has been locked in a dungeon under the Library for five hundred years after she was sent back in time by a rift caused by an explosion that Flynn set off on their last adventure.

Jenkins and Flynn become conflicted about Nicole's motivations as Jenkins believes she cannot be trusted. But, Eve persuades Nicole to help them find the remaining cornerstone after she admits she hid the last remaining stone, which are being collected by Vatican priests, secret members of an order intent on destroying the Library and removing knowledge and wisdom from the world.

The Librarians are now at a stage where they are learning the sacrifices they need to make in order to become effective librarians. Cassandra is beginning to learn how to use her new powers, Jacob is loving giving his expertise on architectural history and Ezekiel is starting to question whether they can truly trust the Library and its secrets. 

The hunt for the cornerstones provides an Indiana Jones style adventure to the season opener. Cassandra's solution to breaking through crystal to get to the one of the stones brings a lightness and fun to this series story arc of whether you can truly trust the institution you dedicate your life too.  

It's a fascinating question and one that will make this season one of the most compelling, especially when the Librarians start to question their role within the Library and how much they must sacrifice. 

Flynn's revelation that he caused Nicole to be sent back in time after causing an explosion that was meant to save them, raised more questions about how he truly feels about being a Librarian. It certainly gave Eve and Flynn's guardian/librarian relationship some engaging conflicts. 

Prophecy is given a central focus and is a thought-provoking concept in itself. Jenkins states everything that has happened with the Library was destined and needed to happen. But, they are a point now where no-one knows what will happen.

For Cassandra, Jacob and Ezekiel, it's interesting to see them question their commitment and role within the Library. Cassandra is more openly accepting of her fear of the future which I believe will ensure she overcomes whatever challenges lay ahead for her. 

 

The resolution to the episode is strong as Cassandra and Jacob calculate how to generate enough energy to keep the rift that the cornerstones have created open so Flynn can save Nicole who is pulled through it. 

It showcases the Librarian's intelligence, resilience, bravery and adaptability and demonstrates how powerful they are as a team. It's a fast-paced, dramatic and intense conclusion to an already strong episode.

'And the Dark Secret' sets up the over arcing themes of trust and uncertainty for the future effectively. Each member demonstrates their skills and unique abilities brilliantly, culminating in a compelling, funny and fast-paced opening for the series. It's good to have the Librarians back saving the world!

 

The Legend of Korra- Turf Wars Part 1 Review

 

After Book Four of The Legend of Korra ended, many of us were feeling hollow and sad that it was over and we wouldn't be able to see what happens after Korrasami entered the spirit world together. But, never fear, for the amazing creative team at Dark Horse comics decided to continue the series in comic form, with creator Michael Dante Dimartino as writer! 

And behold, Turf Wars Part One is here, and it continues straight after that lasting image of Korrasami as they walked hand in hand into the sparkly spirit world. Artist Irene Koh takes the lead on the artwork and delivers stunning blockades of mesmerising colours and her own style of the characters and avatar world. 

Writer Michael Dante DiMartino brings the character to life beautifully. With less room for dialogue, he takes it as an opportunity to explore the thoughts and feelings of Korra and Asami with grace and poignancy.

Their conversations about how their feelings grew and changed over the three years they were apart were moving and powerful. They've both developed so much over the last two books, and here it shows.

Irene Koh's details of Korra and Asami blend perfectly with the purple sunset colours; adding to the warmth that the dialogue feeds to the audience. 

The characterisation is perfect, DiMartino proves he knows these characters and their relationship, as well as he does Aang.  

The honesty that Korra and Asami share with each other is refreshing in that their open-mindedness towards their relationship strengthens the connection they share. It's entirely gripping because their relationship has developed so organically that it brings out different aspects to their personalities. 

Front Cover

As they head back to the spirit world, the new spirit portal is creating social and polticial backlash in the form of an old business associate of Asami's father. His interference is met with spiky eyebrow stares from Asami as her history with him adds some interesting mystery to her teenage years.

Mako and Bolin grace the page with their usual hilarity and sweetness. Bolin is happy to be working with his brother and the police force. But, Mako is not too keen which presents an interesting question of why.

It adds depth to his character because it's clear that Mako's career has become incredibly important and meaningful to him. This is a positive step towards developing his character and understanding how he is exploring who he is through his work.

He and Bolin find themselves in a street battle between the triple threats and the creeping crystals which enables the ripples of the battle with Kuvira to take centre stage. The criminals of the city are vying for their own place to call their own. 

This ties in well with the citizens of the city who are staying in a temporary evacuation camp. Korra gives one of her most inspiring and empowering speeches; displaying her maturity and strength. 

There's aparticular moment before Korra gives her speech that is fascinating from Asami's point of view. 

Korra asks her if she will come with her to she give her speech, but Asami deflects and says she should stay back and do something practical to help. This creates a little tension between the two as Korra was hoping for support from Asami and wonders what she means by 'practical'. 

Asami is clearly more comfortable helping the cause by designing and drawing up plans for new housing developments. It's as if she doesn't believe she could be of any emotional support for the people of the city, even though, she was the one who was the inspiration and hope for Korra throughout her recovery. Asami should have more faith and belief in herself that she is an inspiring person who can offer citizens a lot more than just the practicalities of engineering a new city. 

Overall, the beginning of the new trilogy is a strong, beautiful and funny chapter in exploring Korra and Asami's relationship and balancing the conflict of the new opposition for Korra and team avatar.

The Next Avatar- Korrasami Fan Comic

Being a fan of the Legend of Korra and The Last Airbender, I came across this beautiful fan comic dedicated to the Next Avatar and features Asami, now an old lady, passing on some of Korra's belongings. If you're also a fan, be ready to be moved and cry!

                                       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV5NYiFPFWA

Doctor Who- The Fan Show: LGBTQ in the World of Doctor Who

The Doctor Who Fan Show held a discussion with fans Benjamin Cook (writer & youtuber), Bethany Black (writer, actor & comedian), Alex a.k.a Torchwood Boy (Youtuber) and Doctor Who's first director Waris Hussein to discuss LGBTQ representation, the importance of Doctor Who reflecting society and Torchwood being an educational platform.

 

SDCC Dark Horse The Legend of Korra Panel 2017

It's been two years since the incredible The Legend of Korra series ended but Dark Horse is continuing the series with a brand new comic story- Turf Wars! Below you can see artist Irene Koh, actor Janet Varney (Korra) and writer Michael Dante DiMartino talk about the series and how it's been adapted for the comic world! 

 

SDCC Doctor Who Panel 2017

The Doctor Who cast and writers Steven Moffat & Mark Gatiss were at San Diego Comic Con on Sunday and here you can watch the full panel. Expect humour, emotional speeches, fan debates and a standing ovation!

Supergirl Panel SDCC 2017

A fan of Supergirl? Join the cast at San Diego Comic Con where they talk season 3, character development and what's to come on October 9th!

 

The Defenders Panel SDCC 2017

The Defenders cast were at San Diego Comic Con this weekend and here you can catch the full panel!

 

Spider-Man: Homecoming Review

Marvel's latest remake of the beloved Spider-Man takes a difference approach with the youngest Spider-Man, Tom Holland, as he struggles to balance his life as a teenager and his neighbourhood's local hero. 

The aftermath of the last few Avengers films is what brings us straight into Michael Keaton's Vulture setup; laying the foundations as to why he becomes Spider-Man's adversary. His motivation is relevant and believable making his character more flawed and human.

The tone of the film feels similar to the early days of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Peter's warm and youthful character is delightful and refreshing. Tom Holland brings warmth, sincerity, mischief and truth to the role. 

Marvel have stripped Spider-Man's story down to the richest and most important aspects of his journey. The relability of Tom Holland's version of Spider-Man is his believability that any fifteen year old could lead a life of danger and excitement. 

 

Writers Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley have given the Spider-Man franchise a unique voice that is witty, gripping and playful. The sincerity of the script is valuably important to the quality of the plot. 

Spider-Man and Vulture's conflict feels organic and original in terms of what they both want. Peter is clinging onto the life as Spider-Man; his lack of faith and belief in himself works effectively against Vulture whose faith in providing for his family leads him to make immoral choices.

Director Jon Watts gives the film a bright and stylish aesthetic, as well as, catering to the roughness of the New York streets and back alleys. The perceptive angles of Spider-Man's movements are dynamic and exciting. 

More so, the friendship between Peter and his best friend, Ned make for great character focus. They realistically portray two loyal friends who not only love one another but are comfortable and familiar that they can respectfully disagree with the other's choices. 

 

The film gives attention to Peter's social life with humour and spirit whilst allowing Spider-Man to show vulnerability as he pushes himself out from under huge chunks of concrete; a vital tool in proving that Peter has to work out who he is as a person and not to rely on his life as Spider-Man to be all he is. 

The concluding action scene is both exhilariating and emotionally powerful as Peter makes the courageous choice to save Vulture from an explosive death.

Tom Holland beautifully portrays Peter Parker with youthful spirit, playfulness, warmth, recklessness and mischief. The supporting actors bring their own unique energy to the story and each is as diverse and original as they should be. 

The script is full of jokes, compassion, humility, action and adventure that is thrilling, funny and provides a moral development for Spider-Man; showcasing why he is one of the best heroes Marvel has ever created.

Doctor Who 'The Doctor Falls' Review

Are you OK? Are you like me- a puddle of emotion and joy? I hope so. With the Master and Missy taunting the Doctor about their false victory, The Doctor does what he does best, he uses his wit, intelligence and kindness to do the best he can to save the children on floor 507 from becoming Cybermen. With Bill now a Cyberman and the Cybermen advancing, The Doctor's last days see him at his most heroic and noble.

The Doctor's heroic acts felt far more rich and powerful seeing as this was the 12th Doctor's last series finale.  Peter Capaldi's performance was stunningly poignant and immensely moving. You can see every regeneration, every death, every regret and mistake spread across those eyebrows.

 

Similarly, Michelle Gomez and John Simm were devishly deviant and ruthlessly disturbing in how they transfered their cruelty through such malicious ways. The Master's evolution has sparkled with divine truthfulness in this series as Missy has connected with her empathic consciousness. 

John Simm has equally excelled at his version of the Master; there's a sense that his insanity has matured somewhat but that awareness has made him just as cruel in his nature. He's all the more horrifying. 

Their chemistry is tantalisingly mischievious and they revelled in their own falsity at their glorified belief that winning is the ultimate victory. The Doctor's speech about the hardships of his values and motivation for saving people was superbly executed by Peter Capaldi, and undeniably reinvigorated my love and passion for the Doctor Who consciousness. 

Bill's predicament was beautifully visualised by Director Rachel Talalay; the switch between Human Bill and Cyber Bill was lavish and stylishly angled. Pearl Mackie's performance was dynamically emotional and fuelled with heart and fine artistry. 

The Cybermen's story has been one of the strongest this series, in particular, the Mondasian Cybermen's mythology and unnerving material aesthetic have added to the unique imagination the series pumps through its creative veins.

Heather's return was an unexpected but nice touch to the completion of Bill's story for this series. The symbolic science that her consciousness lives on regardless of her material body was a perfect tactic in aligning humanity's path to it's spiritual soul. 

Writer Steven Moffat has produced a psychologically thrilling and powerful adventure that showcases everyone's artistic skill and ingenuity. The Mondasian Cybermen have certainly earned their right at one of the most captivating and horrifying versions of the Doctor's iconic enemies. 

The radiant imagery, passionate performances, gripping character arcs and blissfully golden musical score from Murray Gold makes The Doctor Falls one of the most emotionally twisting, decadently deadly and moving finale episodes the revived series has ever seen. 

Doctor Who 'World Enough and Time' Review

The penultimate episode to series 10 charters a new path for Missy as the Doctor enlists Bill and Nardole to act as her companions while she pretends to be 'Doctor Who' for the day. But before the titles even role, we're bombarded with the image of the Doctor glowing a glow that misty, golden regeneration energy signalling an end to his current incarnation.

Rewind to Missy's mission and we find a 400 mile long spaceship emitting a distress signal when Missy mockingly arrives and surveys the situation with as much sass and mischief as you'd expect but with a bucket load more.

 

Michelle Gomez is dazzling and wickedly naughty as she switches between cunning scientist to arrogant Time Lady. More so, the direction from Rachel Talalay as the Doctor explains his past history with the Master in correlation to Bill getting shockingly killed in so short a time, is a effective use of distracting us from her unexpected death.

As Bill is escorted away by 'the patients' to be repaired, the trepidation of Bill's recovery to the Doctor's explanation of how time moves slower the closer you are to the source of gravity added suspense and fear. In particular, Bill following the echo of the word 'pain' repeated incessantly by one of the Mondasian Cybermen was an unnerving and extremely horrifying moment.




As she befriends The Master in disguise, her solitude counteracts the Doctor's reconciled friendship that he begins to form with Missy. Once they reach the lower half of the ship, The Master reveals himself to Missy with sinister delight and satisfaction. John Simm performs  with a slightly more mature menace with a goatee beard not too unlike that of Roger Delgado's Master. 

The ship's conversion is absent throughout most of the episode yet subtly hints at Missy's personal evolution while prompting the question of whether survival holds any meaning when your humanity is exploitatively removed. 

 

 Peter Capaldi is vividly creative in his performance; his desperation at Bill's sudden death and resistance at feeling hopeful of Missy's evolution are both touching and tragic.

World Enough and Time is a suspenseful, tense, gripping and stomach-achingly funny episode that leads into the final episode; headlining a strong position as one of the best episodes if not the best of series 10.

The Aftershow- Producer Brian Minchin

What an episode! Just..... omygodhowdidBillnoMissyMastertwoofthemDoctorBillCYBERMAN! Yep, that was my reaction. Anyway, moving on, this week The Aftershow speaks to executive producer Brian Minchin about World Enough and Time. 

Doctor Who 'The Eaters of Light' Review

The Doctor and Bill argue over who knows more about the Ninth Legion as they land in Aberdeen, Scotland, 2nd century AD. The mystery of what happened to the Ninth Legion has baffled many people over the centuries. And now we have the answer- Interdimensional Locusts! As The Doctor and Bill go searching for the Romans, Bill stumbles upon an alien creature with biolumiscent tentacles and the Doctor meets the Picts who are at war with the Romans.

Writer Rona Munro- who is the only writer to have written an episode of Doctor Who from the classic and revised series- returns with an historical piece that explores the complexity of war through one of the guest characters, Kar.

Rona's first story was the last episode of the classic series, named Survival, back in 1989. Both of her episodes contain historical and tribe like mythology that blends wonderfully with the Doctor and companion of today.

 

The script is poetic and mysterious as a music melody becomes centre to Missy's continuing development in this episode. The tense atmosphere of the Romans and the Picts remind us of the richness and devastation of the countless wars that have been fought for thousands of years. 

Director Charles Palmer makes full use of the Scottish dampness and vast landscape (Wales doubling for Scotland) as he creates a frantic and unpredictable world; pulling the camera backwards as Bill stumbles from Kar's wrath and the chaotic confrontation with the creature and the Romans is an turbulent and exciting experience.

Actress Rebecca Benson's portrayal of Kar is beautifully real and creative as she explores the grief, regret, sorrow and fear of the position that she's had to uphold as gate keeper. Her character's complexity elevates the emotional scenes with the Doctor exceptionally well.

Bill's role as peace maker is another strong element of the story as we discover her growth as as a person and companion. Pearl Mackie brings some joyful moments of comedy and intelligence to the story. 

The creature itself is a curious and original design with the biolumiscent tentacles and prehistoric aesthetic giving it a ancient and lost quality to its appearance. It would have been great to have learned more about the creatures; how do they communicate? Where are they from? 

But their presence gave the episode a mixture of threat, danger and savageness. The Doctor and Bill's argument that he can't fight every fight was an interesting theme to include as it fitted perfectly within the context of the story. Does the Doctor feel an obligation to sacrifice himself? Is it guilt, bravery or both? 

Missy's continued transformation is one of the most fantastic moments; her frustration at feeling waves of remorse and her amusement at being the maintenance worker for the TARDIS is such a new path for her character to travel towards that her friendship with the Doctor seems to be becoming even more complex and messy.

Rona Munro's return to Doctor Who has been a successful one; she's given us a rich, historical drama with an imaginative creature who's aesthetic is as beautiful as it is terrifying. Missy's story arc is shaping up to be one of the highlights of series 10 and as we head into the finale it looks like the Doctor and Bill are going to have their hands full with two Masters on the loose!

Doctor Who- Empress of Mars Review

NASA is interrupted by The Doctor, Bill and Nardole as they observe a bird's eye view of a statement made by Victorian residing on Mars, 'God save the Queen'. And when the TARDIS trio arrive on Mars in 1881, they encounter an Ice Warrior who plans to awaken his Ice Queen from her hibernation.

Writer Mark Gatiss takes inspiration from H.G Wells and the Edgar Rice Burroughs to conceive a camaraderie of savage Victorian British soldiers and the return of the almighty Ice Warriors! These iconic antagonists role influences their own development as the lone Ice Warrior, Friday, forms an alliance with the humans to ensure both species continue to survive.

 

 After the Monk trilogy, this story is satisfying in how it shows the Ice Warriors as more complex beings who are willing to learn and adapt to ensure peaceful alliance with other species. The Empress is intimidating, commanding and yet has nobility and is strategically tactful.

I was slightly disappointed with how The Doctor and Bill weren't given as active a role as I would expect. After the countless wars The Doctor has witnessed and contributed to I thought he might have used his intellect and brilliance to stop a potential war from coming to fruition. 

At that moment, he and Bill were the only two who would have had the respectability and resourcefulness to prevent a war. They were easily defeated which left me wondering why they were just letting events happen.

 

With a war initiated, Catchlove was menacing and selfish enough for us to believe in his greed. But, he and the other guest characters weren't given enough time to connect or relate to the audience.

As the story began to draw to a close, the Commander, who is revealed by Catchlove to be a deserter of the state, proves himself to be brave, loyal and yet continue to show signs of weakness. That weakness is vital to his growth at being a potentially interesting character because he is the only one of the soldiers to show multiple nuances of human nature. 

Nardole's sub-story reveals to be an important addition to the story as Missy is revealed to have piloted the TARDIS; saving The Doctor and Bill and agreeing to venture back into the vault. Her compliance and calm stature is becoming more disturbing.

Empress of Mars is a satisfying action adventure that provides the Ice Warriors with further developments but doesn't bring as many new ideas or themes to the table that could be considered original or new.

Doctor Who 'The Lie of the Land' Review

Bill begins to believe the Monk's lies especially after the Doctor leads humanity towards further oppression. But an unlikely ally provides the answers they need,  one that marks the end for Bill.

The concluding chapter to the 'Monk Trilogy' is provocative in it's ability to incite the uprise of humanity against the Monks. The notion that humanity will not resist oppressive forces if they know it's always been that way showcases the unique trait which separates the Monks from other invasive races.

 

Writer Toby Whithouse's script follows Bill's journey as she tells her Mum the story of her reunion with the Doctor and Nardole. It's crisp, confident and tense and as Bill makes the hardest decision she will most likely ever make- killing the Doctor- to ensure humanity has a chance to fight back against the Monks, the story superseds into complete lightness and humour. 

Pearl Mackie and Peter Capaldi deliver stunning performances as they bounce off each other's anger, frustration and desperation. Director Wayne Yip takes an opportunity to deliver some amitious and stylish shots; the flashes of the Monks lies flittering in front of the screen and the slow motion cuts are aesthetically fracturing, emphasising the fake world humanity now lives in.




The Monks defeat was concluded strongly; the intricacies of the human heart against political miss fire battled against the truth. Bill needs to deal with the fact that she shot the Doctor, even if it was as an act of betrayal and bravery. This one choice could challenge her understanding of her capabilities and how much the Doctor has come to mean to her.

Murray Gold's music is light yet intimidating and has a spy tinkering quality to it that's dramatic but sophisticated.  Bill's thought of her mother was the metaphorical scissor that cut the link between Bill's mind and the Monks power. 




This pure and raw thought was beautifully woven into the climax as Bill gave her mother a voice. This theme of love and trust being more powerful than any benevolent force is both liberating and what makes the show unique. The majority of defeats is the strength of one human and their memories, experiences and relationships rising up against the most intellectual and universal antagonists.

Missy's development was poignant and powerful; she still has that razor sharp wit and accent bursts but the writers are beginning to investigate into why she has led such a destructive and selfish existence. 

 

 Michelle Gomez proves she can make us howl with laughter and weep as hard as stubborn toddler. The lasting image of her recounting the lives she has taken and being surprised at how much it hurts her is a testament to how much more there is to explore and learn about her character.

The Lie of the Land is a provocative, tense, powerful and unique exploration of an invasion story. The 'Monk Trilogy' has been a consistently strong set of episodes that have experimented with imagination and relevant issues.  Combine the two and you get a collection of adventure, tragedy, bravery, liberation and waves of memorable humour. 

Doctor Who 'The Pyramid at the End of the World' Review

As Bill's date with Penny is interrupted (again) by the secretary of the UN, The Doctor is brought to a 5000 year old pyramid that wasn't there yesterday. The Monks are ready to take the Earth, but first they need our consent...

The second chapter to the 'Monk trilogy' is an aesthetically grand and politically tense story as the Doctor wages a debate with the Monks and the three leaders of the most powerful armies in the world.

Factoring the Doctor's blindness into the plot, this vulnerability gives him an idea to blind the Monks so they can't view one of the many human weaknesses that will ultimately cause the end of the world. Their unusual and rule abiding reason for taking the Earth, only when humanity asks for it, is an original twist on a well-worn invasion concept.

 

The biochemical plot thread that runs alongside the Doctor's shenanigans with the Monks grows in importance as the story progresses. Writers Steven Moffat and Peter Harness have created a reverse logic to the Monks as they watch humanity's weakness, so that they can be asked to save them.

The Doctor's lack of explanation at how the bacteria kills the human body was thrown away far too easily. It almost made the cause of the end of the world rather silly when the Doctor described the bacteria turning people into 'gloop'. 

But, this small misshap didn't even register once the episode reached its cliff-hanger. At the crucial moment when the Doctor needs to be at his full strength he isn't and makes a mistake by telling Bill he's blind.

His honesty is gallant but motivates Bill into giving her consent to the Monks so they can take the reigns of Earth. Even though Bill has shown great admiration and care for the Doctor, here she demonstrates complete faith in the Doctor that he will be able to bring her world back. This development shows how far their friendship has come; almost reminiscent of a granddaughter making a huge sacrifice to save her grandfather. 

The Pyramid at the End of the World is tense, gripping and unusual in how the Monks conquer Earth. The Doctor's personal struggle and Bill's sacrifice was shocking and moving. This episode only adds to the stack of amazing and brilliant stories this series has produced.

Supergirl Season 2 'Neverless, She Persisted' Review

As Season 2 draws to a close, Supergirl has to sacrifice a life with Mon-El to save humanity after her combat with Rhea doesn't quite go to plan. Unfortunately, the concluding chapter to this season doesn't deliver enough high stakes or original conflict to make it a successful finale.

With Superman being infected with silver kryptonite, Supergirl's battle with her cousin felt a rather blatant attempt to zombify him and his presence didn't really fit into the fight between Supergirl and Rhea.

 

But, his emotional support for Kara after Mon-El's departure does provide some moving scenes, further strenghtening their bond. The final duel between Supergirl and Rhea wasn't as exciting or powerful as I thought it would be. There was a lack of dynamics within the fight sequence itself.

However, as the Daxamites began to attack multiple areas of the city, the rising threat posed was built-up well; propelling Supergirl to use Lena's intelligence to convert Earth's atmosphere to a poisonous lead substance that would kill very Daxamite, forcing them to flee. 




The sudden return of M'gonn didn't slot within the context of the story but the addition of the white martians did give team Super a higher chance of defeating the Daxamites. I was disappointed that Lena, Alex and Maggie didn't have more of an active role within the last episode, seeing as they've been such a huge part of this season's success.

It was wonderful to see Alex propose to Maggie, I can only hope their relationship continues to grow and evolve. Lena's involvement was such an important part to the saviour of Earth, and I cannot wait to see where her friendship with Kara will venture into and what challenges lay ahead for her. 



One of the strongest moments had to be the last scene with Supergirl and Mon-El. Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood performed remarkably well; showcasing a hugely emotional and powerful scene full of tragedy and sacrifice. 

Neverless, She Persisted managed to highlight how strong Supergirl really is, and that the most personal moments prove her real strength. This season has given us some brilliant characters; Lena, Maggie and M'gonn and succeeded in developing the main characters stories to new territory. 

The show has got a handful of complex and fantastic characters, and it's these that the writers should focus on because they really are 'super'!