The Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials continue with the intriguing Wild Blue Yonder, seeing The Doctor and Donna in a new, terrifying adventure. But is it good? Join me for my immediate thoughts in this LIVE review!
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The Ganger's form in the chase scene looked like a wet, stretched out greyhound. That's not as intimidating or scary as being chased by something that can crush you, nevermind the fact that it's your own self chasing you.
Tbh the puppets and practical effects make up for the cgi, also the not things are meant to look fake so 😀
I feel like it didn’t know what it wanted to be. It had the tone of midnight with too much goofiness to keep the tone all the way through. Tennant’s performance was great in this one tho. I think it’s underwhelming for a 60th anniversary special. It’s a shame that the farewell for the greatest character in New Who: Wilfred is in this underwhelming episode.
I was hoping the “mavity” thing with Isaac Newton was actually going to be a plot point given that it was used throughout the episode, so I was kind of perplexed as to why it (and that whole beginning sequence) was even there. Doesn’t really make sense to do all of that for a couple of cheap laughs imo.
But overall, I really enjoyed this episode. It was a fun little character piece with 14 and Donna. Sure, the CGI could’ve been better, but as others mentioned, it’s actually a plus that the No-Things look like they’re straight out of the uncanny valley, and I’ll take a fun story w/ shoddy CGI over a well-polished turd any day of the week.
Regarding the casting of an Indian for the role of Sir Isaac Newton, sure it was a bizarre/unnecessary decision, but is this really going to be the thing that keeps people up at night? I understand being put off by the “male presenting time lord” line in the last episode, but this? Ricardo Montalban, a Mexican-American actor, played a fantastic villain of Indian descent in Star Trek II, and no one in their right mind complains about that.
One fair point that some have mentioned is that this is supposed to be a 60th anniversary special, not just a “greatest hits tour” for Tennant and Tate. However, in fairness, we’re getting two classic villains from the show, as well as “Tales of the TARDIS,” and I’d personally rather have semi-nostalgic episodes that propel the show forward than a mess of an episode like “The Power of the Doctor.”
They just did Mandela catalog alternates in doctor who basically lmao
My only issue is they haven’t felt like 60th specials yet. They just feel like (great) sequels or epilogues to 10 and Donna. I love the episodes, they are so well made and feel like I am back to being 8 years old again.
Again doesn’t feel like specials. I did not like the 50th very much. I loved the time war things but hated all the zygone stuff not good. Similar feeling for this. It isn’t special enough. I was hoping this would be a twist in that it was a form of hell/purgatory for 10/14 maybe flux/ toymaker or trickster related. I said early on it feel like a torture escape room. Could have been a test or game to mess with 10/14 make him pay. In isolation it was amazing but not a special
Edit
This could have really worked if it was a ‘the Martian’ vibe of existential pschy reflection. There were moments of that were the doctor admitted to his guilt of flux. That would have been amazing. Have it the real doctor and Donna are separated and spend longer with the copies how act as a way for them to let out their traumas. Have it so they make confessions, character growth and explorations. Then have the twist they copies we’re learning about them to escape using the informations to manipulate the real doctor and Donna. Have it spread over a longe period of time so it does feel desperate and we worry that Donna may die and never see her family again. I liked the scene of the four trying to work things out but the not working things out, felt a little ghostbusters. The captain moment really was heartbreaking. I did like that because they had copied many people and turned into them, they had lost who they were and became evil as a result, could have had a nice message that people are not only the bad parts we see or experience with them, that we can inherit and copy positive parts too.
I really liked this episode, so much more than the Star Beast.
I think I'm just a fan of the more creepy elements, and general sinister tone.
That weird skit at the beginning was completely unnecessary in my opinion. My Dad & I were both very confused when the show started to present a half Indian guy as Isaac Newton. The whole mavity joke was a bit odd too. If this doesn't tie into anything I'll be surprised. Or is this RTD trying to retcon races of historical figures as well as the physical condition of DW villains?
It's alright having a diverse cast, no one is saying it's not. But to change the race of a historical figure is a stupid decision, simple as.
While obviously not the best era, but I was a little reminded of both of Zellin & Rakaya from Can You Hear Me, and Swarm & Azure from Flux. There's something about the Nothings (that's what I've seen people call them) that have that slightly campy creep factor that's very entertaining.
And this time I like just how mysterious they were. I can see why people said this was a little similar to Midnight, as it explores the idea of a creature that copies with an unknown origin.
Also, in complete contrast to the last episode, no Tardis & no Sonic. Excellent set up, always helps the tension ramp up immediately.
As for the CG, yeah it was certainly all over the place. When I saw the spaceship the first thing I thought was: Ah the perfect DW location, an endless corridor to run down. In a way the plastic looking CG worked and didn't at the same time, it's meant to be something other and inhuman, but it's shots like Tennant's blurry head between his legs, or Catherine Tate in a puddle that's a bit too Sharkboy & Lava Girl for me.
I'm just glad there was a glimpse of excellent practical effects with the giant hands on Tennant.
There was one moment I must've talked over, which I think improved the episode for me. I didn't hear that the Doctor thought Donna had finished with the rectangle things, and I just assumed it was cutting forward in time bit by bit, having the Doctor and Donna taking breaks over time, making the nervous tension stretch out. Did I just improve the episode with that idea?
And somehow this episode managed to handle the Timeless Child in a half decent way. Tennant's little breakdown after being reminded of what has happened to him was strong stuff. Still think there needs to be some more explaining on the current state of the universe, is it half destroyed? If so doesn't that cause humongous ramifications? Maybe the Toymaker might be a little result of it?
That Donna death fake out was a little odd. I thought it was well done, but having these three specials made this feel a little unnecessary.
But oh boy that ending. I'm not even the most familiar with the Tennant era, and by extension Wilf. But man that was an emotional little scene. Gutted that he apparently won't be in The Giggle at all.
Overall, a superior episode than The Star Beast in most regards, better acting, more cohesive story, a lovely touch of nostalgia and some slightly more impressive CG to a degree.
The tardis coming back at the end makes sense because It was ready it wasn't healing anymore it was ready to be used it again
I liked it more then star beast
i think the dopplegangers not being expanded on was actually a good choice, if they’re from outside what we can even conceive then it’s better than they stay mysterious, like the midnight entity and the devil
I absolutely loved this episode. First time since twice upon a time I felt like Doctor Who was really on solid ground
I thought it was excellent – it was supposed to be weird and unsettling. That's the vibe I got. Not goofy. Reminded me of episodes like midnight, impossible planet and listen.
I've seen people complain that those entity things weren't shape shifting into past doctors and companions, and it just left me wondering, why the hell do people want Dimensions in Time Part 2? What would some pointless goofy fan service actually do for the plot?
Yea I definitely didn't hate the beginning but it was ultimately very unnecessary and a little jarring
I really liked the episode. I think it was a really clean script (unlike a few times last week) the monster CGI was not great. The ship did look great though. The scene where the Doctor and Donna are first separated was wonderfully disorienting. The mystery was compelling and the Isaac Newton scene was great.
In my mind HADS got activated because of the aliens. Not the bomb. And TARDIS is a sentient being so she just came back when she knew the aliens will die and she had to save the doctor
I still found this much better than the first episode for some reason.
I have accepted that RTD is here to be a mad lad and royally piss off the "anti woke" mob on purpose and I'm loving it lmao
(a part from that "male presentation" thing last episode that was clunky af and didn't make any sense)
Ncuti's doctor should have been the one to save Donna at the end this episode – that would have worked SO much better!
Acc loved this episode but I thought it was gonna be a comment on AI whilst watching it !!! still not sure if it is or not yet !
The CGI didn't take me out of it until both the chase scenes. Before then I was hooked by how out of their element Doctor and Donna felt. Seeing Wilfred again was the best way to end it.
I thought the first half was boring. 2nd half much better. Didn't really notice any bad CGI. But the race change Isaac Newton was pathetic.
"Star Beasy is better than Wild Blue Yonder." Seems like the woke pondering really has its effects
I am really confused to what the purpose of this giant long ship was??? Like I was expecting it to be explained, but no
It is just a long long spaceship that for no reason changes a placement of those bars…
Have you ever seen "The Thing"? It's like that. There was nothing necessarily wrong here. It's meant to make you not sure what's coming next. Comedy and horror at the same time, creating an imbalance. The No-Things are learning to mimic us and not necessarily solid. It shows they have no known corporeal form. While I felt The Star Beast was basically The Force Awakens tugging at our nostalgia, this was more character and chemistry driven standard "monster of the week" formula 10th or 11th–even 12th somewhat–adventure. Which means the final will likely be the big epic game changer 60th Anniv Special you were expecting, setting up the passing of the torch to #15 from arguably the most popular Doctor of Nu-Who.
P.S. You seem to be completely forgetting they did the same "Series 1" reboot in 2005. If they hadn't it would have REALLY confused new fans who had no clue there were literally over two decades of Doctor Who that came before. So as much as fans may hate Disney for this decision it is not without precedent and makes quite a lot of sense if you think about it. Not everything is a political agenda or a sinister plot by The Mouse 😉
Donna almost dying is becoming an overused trope. Is this South Park?
I feel like the Newton Skit could've been a Children In Need Sketch
Honestly. I completely disagree with the cgi.
I freaking loved it. It might even be second to midnight as my favorite thing RTD has written for who. We only get three episodes of 14+ Donna, so this is exactly what I really wanted. Just a full hour of doctordonna with the only interruptions being monster exorcist versions of the same. With 10/14, there was always the sense of FUN of just poppping in somewhere strange and figuring out what was happening that Chibs never once got how to show in his storytelling.
Really the only downside was confirming flux and the timeless child exist (BOO BOOOOOOO THIS MAN), but in the 30 seconds it was addressed it gave everything more emotional depth than they were ever given in all of seasons 12 and 13. I’m always in favor of anything that gives Tennant a chance to show off his chops
I am glad they kept much of this concealed, but it definitely didn't feel like a big event special
They are really leaning into the doctor accidentally naming things, they did the same with the children in need skit, named the daleks etc now hes changing the word gravity (realllllyyyy hope it gets dropped as its annoying as hell)
Im in agreement on the issac newtown race change, may aswell have done rosa parks as a white woman or asian etc…
And yes the spaceship was odd, looked very green screen, which was odd considering they said disney buying the global streaming rights apparently tripled their budget, seems that budget didnt matter or went into the bbcs pockets
This episode for me was like the almost people episodes meets the 42 episode
The cgi for the doubles was fine i thought it was meant to be like that, it was just the ship that was odd to me
Hey if the new 15th doctor season is woke and crap at least it will be known as the downfall era season 1, it will be easier to differentiate.
God i hope its good 😢, the writing in the whittaker era made me almost ashamed of my tardis tattoo lol really hate that they seem to be catering the show to new fans or pulling new fans in, kinda screwing the hardcore long time fans (by definition that makes us the true fans)
Probably get hate for this but look online at episode reviews, alot of trans youtubers loving and reviewing dr who and obviously having no issue with the woke/politics elements
Tbh id give daleks AND cybermen a rest in the next season, we have seen them alot over the years, obviously we will get new villains but im also good with older villains that we dont see much, like more slitheen, bring back the hath character but as rogue mercs or something, more ood content etc
The writing seems all ober the place at times
we have these specials that dont feel special beyond tennant and tate returning to the show.
We didnt get a 3 part large story with the toymaker, which we should have gotten imo
The tardis changed for no reason it seems, then donna damaged it and it needed to repair, this was the moment it changing would have made sense! Seemed so backwards to change it randomly then break it rather than breaking it then it repairs to the new console
Davies himself said the doctors clothes regenerated with him so he wasnt in drag (might upset people)
Yet we have lgbt stuff scattered in the episodes lol so which is it davies? Do you want to upset people or not?
The doctor donna thing not killing donna because she had a child and shared a connection with her child was fine, but to just get rid of it by "just letting go" was lazy and shitty writing
Then we have this episode with the tardis conveniently disappearing, and reappearing as nessesary just abit lazy i thought.
The newtown gag was crappy and was irrelevant to the episode, not sure why we had to have that included when the episode was taking place on a ship at the edge of the universe
Lastly they have now tried to make us think donna is dead in BOTH episodes now, if she dies in the next episode its gonna fall abit flat because of this..
dude this was incredibly erie to watch, i loved it it was just the two of them acting off themselves
It felt like a crossover of Doctor Who and The Thing. I loved it.
The new RTD era is going to be great going by these two episodes. This is Doctor Who. I love that he didn't sweep the Flux under the rug and instead honored and enhanced it.
I absolutely loved this episode to be honest, it was genuinely really tense and fucked up to me. I did have a moment where i questioned whether they would have Doc going into the next episode with the doppelganger, I was taken off guard and didn't think it was obvious at all. I thought the character interactions were great, and I actually liked the weirdness of the entities' CGI. How they acted reminded me a lot of something like Evil Dead II. Goofy, but freaky. I wonder if this episode was inspired by the Mandela Catalogue at all, considering the idea of manipulative mystic doppelgangers with disproportionate limbs wanting to take your place and end the world.
Ima be honest, I had 1-2 secs where I honestly believe Donna could die right then
I really liked it, gave me Sam Raimi vibes. Creepy atmosphere, goofy visuals
I loved apthe atmosphere when they realised where they were, felt so unsettling and eerie. Plus I felt like Tenant and Tate did a great job carrying the episode.
With the Issac Newton bit, I really don’t mind, I could see it being a little odd if the actor had particularly dark skin, but he was relatively pale
I enjoyed it immensely, as did the young people I was with. I love it when Doctor Who lands "family show" and this mostly managed that. I thought the VFX and weird-over-scary stuff worked really well. RTD's limitations are real, he's about "the feels" and little else, but these last two episodes are the most I enjoyed the show since Series 4.
Maybe I’m still just a child at heart but I loved the goofy cgi, it brought me right back to watching rtd’s original run in the 2000s. The bad cgi makes it unsettling to me because of the uncanny valley
Why do so many people defend the CGI BECAUSE it's Doctor Who? Don't you want Doctor Who with good CGI? Why defend it just because you're invested in the brand? I get it if you like the concepts, characters and emotions, but if people notice bad CGI, it's still a valid criticism.
It's one of the biggest and most recognizable brands in TV history backed by giant corporations, they have the resources to do better, they just choose not to.
Completely agree with you Harbo. Nothing outstanding here at all. Perfectly watchable (which is an improvement on Chibnall fer sure) but not anniversary material. Not hugely impressed so far.
I thought this trilogy would be full of old companions and previous special guests spread out over the short series, but they seem to have saved it all for the final episode, making the first two nothing special at all.