NuWho Rewatch: The Rise of the Cybermen/Age of Steel

[purplecat]

Slightly later in the season than usual along comes the Big Dumb Two-parter.

In principle the Big Dumb Two-parter isn't a bad idea. Having something action-filled, a bit over the top, and generally fun just as you reach the first natural slow point in a season seems like an obvious idea. For some reason, though, these two parters have had a tendency to be really very dumb indeed. Actually, this is one of the least dumb of the selection. It's setting up the background needed for Rose's eventual departure and, in retrospect, some of it is skewed by the need to line up those particular ducks but mostly it is Doctor Who having legitimate fun with the idea of an alternate universe.

The characters are mostly a bit predictable (esp. Lumic). The Preachers get the best development which is nice given the temptation must have been to make them a much more generic rebel band. However the hints at relationships between them, the contrast between Mickey and Rickey, and Mrs Moore's guarded caution are all a bit different.

It's amusing how cutting edge the whole story clearly finds the concept of the Internet on your phone.

To be honest, given what this is, there isn't a lot to object to. It's brash and a bit sketchy in places, but it isn't nearly as stupid as a lot of these early season two parters tend to be.

Comments

[daniel-saunders.livejournal.com]

Again, I liked this, both at the time and subsequently. I've never understood why it gets mocked so much by fans. I did think the powerful ending was undercut by Doomsday, but then Doomsday was new Who's first 'jump the shark' moment for me.

[purplecat]

I think the alternate universe idea is a little... odd... when take out of the context of where the arc is heading. But Who has encompassed odd in many ways and many forms. I think in someways Doomsday makes it harder to appreciate this for what it is.

[daniel-saunders.livejournal.com]

I think in someways Doomsday makes it harder to appreciate this for what it is.

I think that was one reason I disliked Doomsday so much: I didn't just think it was a bad episode, but it was retroactively undermining a story I liked a lot more.