Anyone whose spend more than a couple of minutes in my presence knows that I’m a Doctor Who fan. A Whovian. I’ve watched the show as long as I can remember, with Logopolis carved into my psyche. I survived the Hiatus, as we call the 16 year gap between Survival and Rose. I’ve devoured every spin off with delight (though I refuse to rewatch Torchwood’s Children of Earth).
So, I waited with great anticipation for the 60th anniversary episodes, and I was not disappointed.
The Star Beast
While the ‘twist’ was always fairly obvious to anyone who’s ever watched sci fi before – the cute critter is evil? Say it’s not so! – The Star Beast remains a nice reintroduction to Tennant and Tate (and The Hair which really ought to get its own credit, lol). Donna’s mum Sylvia also made a return and I much prefer her character in this episode.
I loved how Donna found herself helping the Doctor before she remembered completely, though some memories were already creeping through. I think that’s why she was driven. But the moment he unlocks her memory and she ‘becomes’ Donna properly remains such a funny scene. Kudos to Tate, who shows that in her expression alone.
Wide Blue Yonder
As creepy as all heck! Similar to Midnight, there’s no explanation of exactly what the Not-Things are – or where they came from. Even on a second viewing, the realisation that the Doctor and Donna have been copied remained slow for me. The fact I knew it was coming added to the creep factor.
The end with Wilfred… oh, Bernard Cribbins, how you are missed! That scene broke my heart and many ugly tears were shed. Wilf was an iconic character who added so much heart to the show. Him telling the Doctor he’d be proud to have him as a son! Gotta stop, getting weepy.
The Giggle
Wow, this was a bonkers episode! I loved it to bits. Neil Patrick Harris is good at evil! There’s a definite air of menace to his performance, even during the Spice Girls scene – the Toymaker’s cruelty is evident in his treatment of Mel and the poor soldiers (that screaming ball!)
I was so shocked by the Doctor getting zapped. I did not see that coming. Then there was disbelief at the bi-regeneration, although I do like the concept as it’s so different. And so needed by Tennant’s Doctor. Gatwa’s gives that list of heartbreaks, tying the present day Who to the classic series in a way the show hasn’t before (though The Night of the Doctor brought Big Finish into canon).
This isn’t complete nostalgia, although it was certainly a ‘yay!’ moment for old fans like me. It gives depth for newer fans without them needing context. It was really well done, imo.
The anniversary specials were touted as a ‘reboot’ to the series, and I think they achieved that, but without excluding fans who’ve been with the show for longer. Gatwa’s Doctor is fresh and fun, without the baggage and trauma of previous generations. He still feels greatly – and I do not agree that it’s too much – but he also feels lighter.
Tr;dr I loved the anniversary specials. Donna is my favourite companion, so I was delighted to have her back. And that she got a better ending than last time.