The Long Game

[elisi]

My 14 year old wanted to do a Doctor Who re-watch, so we started with [New Who] S1. It's all rather lovely and my hat off to RTD. He did an amazing job. And then last night we watched The Long Game, which I mostly remembered for 'Adam, the bad companion'. Except that's not what it's about... (the clue is rather in the title)

And this line really made me sit up:

EDITOR: Create a climate of fear and it's easy to keep the borders closed. It's just a matter of emphasis. The right word in the right broadcast repeated often enough can destabilise an economy, invent an enemy, change a vote.

HI THERE WARNING FROM THE PAST! Isn't it fun to have seen this play out in real time and living in the midst of it?

Comments

[ruuger]

This is one my favourites from the 9th Doctor era. Parts of it are very dated but those parts that are still relevant, are very relevant indeed.

(also, this episode is one of my arguments against "Twelve is meaner than other Doctors" because what the Doctor does to Adam is beyond cruel)

I'm not a huge fan of the first series in general, because I feel like often the writing doesn't match Eccleston's strengths as an actor (I would have loved to have seen what he'd have done with the kind of scripts that Capaldi had), plus the editing often undermines his performance, but the Bad Wolf arc is probably my all-time favourite series arc.

[elisi]

This is one my favourites from the 9th Doctor era. Parts of it are very dated but those parts that are still relevant, are very relevant indeed.
They really are. :(

(also, this episode is one of my arguments against "Twelve is meaner than other Doctors" because what the Doctor does to Adam is beyond cruel)
Nine is... generally harsh? He basically executes Cassandra and doesn't even flinch. I think all the Doctors have that basic, ruthless streak, the only difference is how close to the surface it sits, and how much they let it show through.

KOVARIAN: The anger of a good man is not a problem. Good men have too many rules.
DOCTOR: Good men don't need rules. Today is not the day to find out why I have so many.

I'm not a huge fan of the first series in general, because I feel like often the writing doesn't match Eccleston's strengths as an actor (I would have loved to have seen what he'd have done with the kind of scripts that Capaldi had)
Yes, they are very much finding their way, but. It's so solid? The bones are great, even if the tone is a little wobbly at times. And Eccleston just shines.

the Bad Wolf arc is probably my all-time favourite series arc.
Good choice.