TV Review: Doctor Who Christmas Special 2005 "The Christmas Invasion" [Emz]

So this is one of my favourite episodes. I loved David Tennant's proper introduction as the 10th incarnation of The Doctor.

Here we have a few familiar faces popping up in this episodes. We have Rose's mum - Jackie (Camille Coduri) and Rose's Boyfriend/ ex-boyfriend - Mickey Smith (Noel Clarke). We also have a reappearance of Harriet Jones (Penelope Wilton). She was last seen in the double episodes Aliens of London and World War Three.

This episode was 1 hour long instead of 45 minutes like the series.

This episode aired on Chistmas Day 2005 (25th December) on BBC One.

Here is the Synopsis:

It's Christmas Eve and high above London, the alien Sycorax are holding the Earth for ransom. The Tenth Doctor must recover from his regeneration in time to save the human race from slavery.

Review:

I have loved this episode for a long time now. This episode pick up almost straight away from the end of The Parting of Ways.

The Doctor is still going through the regeneration process and instead of going to Barcelona (the planet not the city) he takes Rose home. This just happens to coincide with Christmas Eve.

The Doctor greets Jackie and Mickey on landing wishing them a Merry Christmas and then collapses.

They take the unconscious Doctor back to Jackie's flat and dress in in Pyjamas.

The events that follow obviously leave you thinking whats going on and in my case a bit of laughter for the second of the two events. 

So Mickey and Rose go Christmas shopping. Whilst out Rose notices they are being followed by a Santa brass band, as the Santas get closer, the aim their instruments and shoot fire at Rose and Mickey.

When they get back to Jackie's flat after being unsuccessful getting hold of Jackie on the phone, Rose notices a new Christmas Tree in the Living Room, almost on cue the tree begins spinning forcefully and destroying the living room. The amusing t]thing about this was Jackie exclaiming "I'm going to get killed by a Christmas Tree."

Rose wakes up The Doctor who destroys the Christmas Tree and check outside to see the Santas were controlling the Tree. The Doctor exclaims they are pilot fish and then something is coming. He then collapses again after waking up to soon.

We then learn about a Space probe heading for Mars, losing signal and then regaining in. they get images from a spaceship from The Sycorax exclaiming they were coming to Earth to enslave the human race. We are reintroduced to Harriet Jones, who is now Prime Minister and still introduces herself as she did in Aliens of London but instead on MP for Flydale North, "Harriet Jones, Prime Minister" this is now followed by "Yes, we know who you are."

The Sycorax head to Earth at a rapid rate and hypnotise one third of the Human Race. this turns out to be through the blood sample A+ on the Probe that the Sycorax picked up in Space.

Once the Sycorax hit the Atmosphere Harriet Jones and her fellow co-workers are transported onto the spaceship and try to get the Sycorax to leave, with no success. Two of the people with are are killed.

Whilst this is going on, Rose, Mickey and Jackie carry the Doctor to the TARDIS to hide. Whilst trying to get the monitor working, the TARDIS signal is picked up by the Sycorax and they are transported on board, both completely unaware.

Rose ends up leaving the TARDIS to search for her mum,, just to scream when she sees she on the Sycorax ship. Mickey comes after her and just manages to shut the TARDIS door.

Rose speaks for the Planet whilst The doctor, she uses words from aliens she has met over time to try and get the Sycorax to leave, with no success. 

Whilst speaking the Sycorax suddenly sound like they are speaking English, but confirmed that the Sycorax were not speaking any language but their own. So Rose realises the TARDIS is translating for them and then out steps the Doctor.

The Doctor, seemingly distracted asks Rose about his appearance before address the Sycorax leader. He quotes the Lion King whilst talking about the human race, after pressing a big red button which breaks the control the Sycorax have over One third of the human race.

After not succeeding to get rid of the Sycorax, The doctor challenges the leader to  a sword fight, during this he loses a hand, but luckily for the doctor as he is still within his Regeneration cycle, he grows a new hand.

He wins the fight but the leader comes for him, finding a Satsuma in his dressing gown, that belonged to Rose's mother's 'friend.' he fires in at a button and the leader falls off the ship.

The Doctor orders the Sycorax to leave and then they are all Transported back to earth. Harrier Jones uses Torchwood to destroy he ship as it leaving, making the Doctor very angry. He says he can take her down with just 6 words. Her tells her assistant, "Don't You Think She Looks Tired?"

Ending the episode, The doctor finds a new outfit and spends Christmas dinner with the Tylers and Mickey before Rose and The doctor decide where to go next.

I enjoyed this episode so much, from the aliens to Harriet Jones' return. I also enjoyed some brilliant quotes from Jackie and The Doctor, such s Jackie asking what else The Doctor has two of when Rose tells her he has two Hearts.

Favourite quotes - The Tenth Doctor: Look at these people, these human beings. Consider their potential! From the day they arrive on the planet, blinking, step into the sun, there is more to see than can ever be seen, more to do than - no, hold on. Sorry, that's The Lion King...

The Doctor: My head!

[groans in pain]

The Doctor: I'm having a neuron implosion... I need...

Jackie Tyler: What do you need?

The Doctor: I need...

Jackie Tyler: Just say it!

The Doctor: I need...

Jackie Tyler: Tell me, tell me, tell me!

The Doctor: I need...

Jackie Tyler: Painkillers!

The Doctor: I need...

Jackie Tyler: D'you need aspirin?

The Doctor: I need...

Jackie Tyler: Codeine? Paracetamol? Oh, I dunno, Pepto-Bismol?

The Doctor: I need...

Jackie Tyler: Liquid paraffin? Vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E?

The Doctor: I need...

Jackie Tyler: Is it food? Something simple? Bowl of soup? Nice bowl of soup? Soup and a sandwich? Bowl of soup and a nice ham sandwich?

The Doctor: I *need* you to *shut up*!

Jackie Tyler: Oooh, he hasn't changed that much, has he?

The Doctor: We haven't got much time. If there's pilot fish then... why is there an apple in my dressing gown?

Jackie Tyler: Oh, that's Howard's, sorry.

The Doctor: He keeps apples in his dressing gown?

Jackie Tyler: He gets hungry...

The Doctor: What, he gets hungry in his sleep?

Jackie Tyler: Sometimes.

The Doctor: [still recently regenerated] Am I... Ginger?

Rose: No, you're just sort of... brown.

The Doctor: Aww, I wanted to be ginger. I've never been ginger. And you, Rose Tyler, fat lot of good you were. You gave up on me. Ooh, that was rude. Is that the kind of man I am now? Am I rude? Rude and not ginger?

Thats only a few but i'd be here for ages if I posted all of them.

I will start reviewing Series 2 soon.

Till then

Emz x

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TV Review: Beyond Series 1 Episode 2 "Tempus Fugit" [Emz]

So I have finally watched the second episode. This episode is a mixture of Holden trying to adjust to his life, but also being very wary of people around him.

Here is the plot:

Holden tries to forget about the strange events he has experienced and lead a normal life; Holden attends a college party with Luke, but his memories of Willa cause trouble; Tom and Diane attempt to bond with their now-adult son.

Review:

This was an interesting episode. it continues on from last time but Holden is very jumpy as he doesn't understand what is happening to him.

He keeps seeing people and places but he isn't physically there. The biggest reaction is when his brother takes him to a college party and he inhales drugs through a game. The effect ends up making him burn the house down by accident.

We also see the man in the yellow jacket from last time and find out he is working for someone called Frost.

I will review episode 3 eventually

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: 12 Monkeys Season 1 Episode 3 "Cassandra Complex" [Emz]

So here we are with episode 3, The Cassandra Complex. This episode takes Cole to Haiti in the search for the night room.

Here is the plot:

Cole is led to Haiti in 2014, where a dangerous outbreak proved to be a devastating moment in Dr. Railly's life.

Review:

It's interesting to see how this story is developing. Cole is travelling into the past and is changing the way things are happening in the future. He's also meeting people when he knows who the are but they don't know who he is. 

In this episode he has to go one year into the past before he re-meets Cassandra. He is there to see someone else and he has to avoid Cassandra. When he shows up again in 2015 he has more secrets than when he went into 2014.

We also get a little insight into Cole's past in the future and t's quite clear it's not exactly a good one.

I am intrigued with the pace of the story and am looking forward to watching more.

Next up is Episode 4 "Atari."

Till then

Emz x

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TV Review: Doctor Who Series 1 Episode 1 "Rose" [Emz]

Being a big Doctor Who fan i'm surprised it's taken me this long to review anything Doctor who related.

This is the episode that started it all for me, prior to this I was either too young (1998 movie) or wasn't born (classic series.)

The episode first premiered on BBC One on the 26th March 2005.

Here is the Premise to the episode: 

When Rose Tyler meets a mysterious stranger called the Doctor, her life will never be the same again. Soon she realises that the whole of planet Earth is in danger.

Review:

As I stated above this is the episode that got me hooked on Doctor Who. I was 14 years old when it was first released... 

The way we meet Rose before the Doctor feels like we are seeing things from her point of view, also as a new viewer you are going through the motions with her, like who is this man and what is he doing.

The whole living plastic/ nestine consciousness thing was quite cool. Special effects were still developing in 2004/ 2005 but it was still effective. 

Anyway thats all for now.

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: Timeless Season 1 Episode 3 "Atomic City" [Emz]

So I have finally seen episode 3! This episode is called Atomic City and is based a year before JFK's assassination, 1962.

Here is the Premise for this episode:

Flynn and the team are on the run with the era's most infamous mistress in 1962 Las Vegas; Rufus meets an old mentor who may have dark motives; Lucy's personal life starts to crumble; Wyatt tries to change history.

Review:

I enjoyed the twists in this episode. They travel back in time after Flynn expecting to be trying to stop JFK's assassination a year early. But the story of course takes a twist. I really enjoy the way the story keeps going through different years in the past and each time at least keep coming up against different issues or perhaps its a good thing. With Lucy wearing a very skimpy waitress outfit and getting leered at by other men and Rufus being invisible due to the colour of his skin.

I will hopefully review episode 4 "Party at Castle Varlar" soon.

Till next time

Emz x

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TV Review: Strike: The Silkworm [Emz]

So these two episodes are based on the second book by Robert Galbraith (pseudonym for J.K. Rowling.) The Silkworm.

Here is the Premise for this story:

Strike is approached by Leonora Quine with a plea to locate her husband, the notorious writer Owen Quine, who has disappeared without a trace.

Review:

I enjoyed this story. The way it started of as a simple missing persons, but ended up as a murder was a little different. I really liked the characters and the way the story takes a twist. 

We also find out a little more about our main characters Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellicott as the story progresses onscreen.

I haven't read the books but in my opinion the idea of the story is portrayed well on screen. I think Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger portray their characters well.

I look forward to seeing Career of Evil in the new year. i would read the books but I have far too many books to go through at the moment.

Thats all for now

Till next time

Emz x

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DVD Reviews: Supergirl Season 2 Premiere " The Adventures Of Supergirl" [Emz]

SO I bought this on DVD last weekend and am slowly making my way through the season.

I thought I would start by reviewing the first episode of season 2. 

The first episode is called " The Adventures of Supergirl" and in this episode we meet Superman properly for the first time.

Here is the premise:

Supergirl and Clark team up to stop a new threat emerging in National City; Alex feels left out while Kara's family stays in town; a pod comes crashing down to earth.

So we have a few new faces this season. Including a new character, Lena Luthor she is portrayed by Katie McGrath best known for playing Morgana is the BBC series Merlin.

Review:

I enjoyed this episode. It showed the growth in Kara's character since we first met her at the beginning of Season 1. She is no longer an assistant and has now decided to be a reporter. She is still fighting Aliens and criminals as Supergirl, but is always facing new challenges. 

I also really liked the inclusion on Superman in this series, it was great to see how the writers got to bounce the characters off each other. I look forward to the rest of the season.

I probably won't post about every episode of this season but I may post another later on.

Till then

Emz x

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