Smile is the second episode of the main run of the tenth series of the modern era and the 36th overall. It is the last appearance of Nardole's first run in the TARDIS but we will be seeing him again.
I was fearful about Emoji Robots and a return of Frank Controll Boyce and even more so when the two were put together. Every writer deserves a second chance and I for one was willing to give it to him. My review for Frank's last script, In the Forest of the Night, did not get a negative feedback at the time but I would certainly say that it is less than good in my mind now. This was a lot better than his last contribution but why will be said below. Now before I get on to the Pros and the Cons of the episode I would like to talk about Nardole. Nardole's first run in the TARDIS is over. He is a sort of a part time companion not really seen since K9 who is on and off in the Doctor's travels. I believe that his lack of appearance is due to Frank not being able to fit him into the story, which I believe is the same for Dollard and Barlet for the upcoming scripts. This story was the first one filmed along with its predecessor so it is even possible that Nardole wasn't even brought back at this point. Nardole will be back proper from Episode 5 and he probably will have some inclusion to Episode 4 and possibly the end of 3 because it is set in present day Earth.
This is Bill's first trip to the future proper and next week it will be the past. I just thought it would be interesting to see out of the main modern companions whether they went to the future or the past first.
Rose - Future
Martha - Past
Donna - Past
Amy - Future
Clara - Future
Bill - Future
Pros
Mostly Original Story - Many elements rely on old continuity but generally it is very original in its ideas and focuses on the worry of future AI
The Stunning Visuals - The visuals were one of the most dutiful for Doctor Who as a whole. Gough did another good job as director
The Doctor and Bill - The episode was mostly centred around the Doctor and Bill and further cemented their friendship with more questions being asked.
Cons
Waisted guest stars - Guest stars are becoming more and more rare in Doctor Who as they are running out of people to actually be guest stars in the show. Ralf Little is one of two confirmed guest stars for this series a long with David Suchet so there aren't many this series. Ralf Little was tremendously underused
A Bit Boring in Places - It was a bit slow and odd at places with some odd dialogue as well. This is something that Frank did last time round.
The climax - I don't hate the on and off switch idea but I do find it an easy get out of jail card to play
The Doctor Rating
The 12th Doctor: 8/10 - He had no opportunity to shine really. In hind site I would have given him a 9 in the last episode
Companion Rating
Bill: 8/10 - Inquisitive but on re-watch some of her dialogue can be a bit annoying and her upsetting scenes are a little fake.
Enemy Rating
Emoji-Bots: 7/10 - They are very cute but dangerous however not as dangerous as they should be.
The Vardi: 7/10 - Slow and they don't manage to capture the Doctor in time. They are not original but are still a clever idea.
Story Rating
Story: 8/10 - The actual foundation of the story is a good one
Scariness: 7/10 - The emoji bots lower this as they aren't that threating
Humour: 6/10 - No laugh out loud moments but a few moments for a silent chuckle
Seriousness: 8/10 - Skeletons and death! Good to see it
Continuity: 7/10 - A few indirect references to past episodes but the climax of the story and some other plot pieces lowers this mark
Rest of Cast
Goodthing: 7/10 - Played by Mina Anwar who played Gita Chandra. Good for her little bit.
Nate: 7/10 - A perfectly reasonable child actor
Steadfast: 6/10 - No shame to actor Ralf Little but he was very underused for a higher mark
Total: 86/120
1. The Return of the Doctor Myserio - 72%2. The Pilot - 74%
3. Smile - 71.66%
So Smile is the lowest episode of the series by this format of scoring and I would concur with it.
Smile: 7/10
A low 7 that could change in the future. So far unfortunately I would state this series all have weak 7's and no strong ones. All are more likely to be lowered than raised later on in the series.
No comments:
Post a Comment