Series 5 of Doctor Who ushered in a new era with Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor, Karen Gillan as Amy Pond, and Steven Moffat taking the reins as showrunner. While the series brims with creativity, charm, and standout episodes, its inconsistency in tone and pacing makes it a mixed experience at times.
I thought there were a few weak episodes, namely Victory of the Daleks and the Silurian two parter. Both of these were slightly cringe inducing and ruined the flow of some bloody good episodes of Doctor Who.
It was a tall order to replace both RTD and David Tennant, and also Catherine Tate, but Steven Moffat, Matt Smith and Karen Gillan were all up to the task in hand. This was proven very, very quickly as The Eleventh Hour is peak Doctor Who. Every new reveal in this episode is magical. The minute Matt Smith clicks his fingers to open the TARDIS doors for Amy I am well and truly on board!
In my opinion Moffat never, ever lets us down. The Beast Below is probably his weakest story, but it is still very good, and it looks beautiful. The shot of the Space Whale carrying Starship UK is so series 5.
As I mentioned, Victory of the Daleks just isn't for me. I was put off by the characters, and it all seemed a bit unrealistic to me. Daleks in World War II is unrealistic I hear you say?? Well I mean the human characters were all a bit like caricatures, they didn't react how I think humans would react, it is also a turn off for me if this happens. I have the same issues in the Silurian two parter. The idea is good, but the characters let it down.
We had the Weeping Angels back, we had River Song back, and both were very welcome additions. I loved the new direction the show was going in, it all felt so new and different - something that Doctor Who excels at. No two eras are the same. RTD's era was big and brash and brilliant, this felt more contained, but no less brilliant. The cliffhangers felt different, the pre-title sequences felt different, it was a brand new show with the same old big heart that it always has.
There was plenty of emotion during this series, a lot involving the many deaths of Rory Williams. The Doctor gave some banger speeches, we had the Stonehenge one, saying goodbye to Amelia, his chat about Vincent's struggles with Amy.
The episodes that would be classed as mid are very good also. The Vampires of Venice is fun, Amy's Choice has Toby Jones putting in an epic performance as the Dream Lord, The Lodger is an underrated gem.
This series is bookended by a classic opener and an equally classic finale. The Pandorica Opens is more like an RTD Doctor Who, but then it is flipped with the more personal story of Amy Pond in The Big Bang. We have lots of time travelling shenanigans and some really beautiful moments.
All in all I would class this series as a massive success. Especially considering the giant Tennant shaped hole that needed filling.
Highlights of the series:
"Hello, I'm the Doctor. Basically, run."
The Doctor showing Amy around the TARDIS for the first time
The Doctor and Craig Owens playing football
Father Octavian's death
"We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?"
Vincent being shown his art
Amy's wedding speech
My final thing to say about this series is Matt Smith was absolutely a brilliant bit of casting. He is so good in this role. I love Eleven. I love how angry he gets, how silly he can be, how sad he can be, he does it all and it is utterly enthralling.
I am excited to continue on the journey with him, and I am very excited to rewatch the entirety of series 6 next.
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