"The sound of drums"

[from_the_corner]

I have to start with this – I was a bit disappointed.

Don’t throw the stones yet!

“Utopia” was a total blast and I can imagine it’s hard to write three episodes in a row (and the ones that are in fact one storyline), and made all of them equally fantastic. Still, there were things in “Sound of drums” that irritated me a little.

I think there was much too much running (on the Doctor & Co. part), than actually doing anything. I don’t know, it felt like a (clumsy) way to fill the (too many?) gaps between really important parts.

Now, the Doctor. Obviously, at the beginning he didn’t know what to do. Then he came up with a plan (which he didn’t feel like sharing). And this was Doctor-like behavior. But I got a feeling, he acted like a student, trying to out-smart a teacher. I know, the Master had huge advantage, but on a basic level he and the Doctor are equals, right? Well, to me it didn’t looked like this at all, and I really think it should (unless it’s something from the classic series and the Master is in fact better in all Timelord stuff).

John Simm was the absolute star of the episode. I actually liked his parts better, than everything  the Doctor & Co. did. I hope we’ll get to see him in 4^th season (I’m avoiding spoilers like crazy, so I don’t know if there’s a chance for this).

I liked they didn’t elaborate much on how they got back to Earth. And I hope we’d get to see Torchwood!Jack doing some cool stuff with his wristband, now that it’s fixed (and even upgraded).     

I liked the way Martha and Jack looked to the Doctor, expecting him to have the way to fix the situation. I know, it’s nothing unusual, but it was much more evident, with the Doctor unable to deliver the solution. And is it just me or Martha looked more and more disappointed with the Doctor as the episode progressed? Not that I blame her, actually.

I loved the Gallifrey flashback. Simple and elegant way to explain the Master’s madness.

I loved Jack’s “You, too, huh?” after the “it’s like when you fancy someone and they don’t even know that you exist” remark. The way he sounded a bit sad…

I don’t know why, but the scene when the Doctor and Jack walked alongside, with both their coats flowing – it just made me smile (yeah, sometimes I have surprisinlgy strong reaction to silly, unimportant scenes).

I had one “but” about the Saxon’s Earth “history” – he said he helped to design the “Valiant”. Come on, now! I understand it’s supposed to be an explanation how he incorporated Tardis in it. But he’s been on Earth only 18 months and this probably takes at least this long to actually create all the schematics. But to built the actual thing? I don’t think two years would be enough, even if the whole world contributed to this.

And what he did to poor Tardis! The bastard…

Oh, and can someone please, explain to me, why Martha teleported herself back to Earth, right in the middle of all the slaughter?? Maybe my English is just not good enough and I missed something here, but it just doesn’t make sense. Now, I would’ve absolutely understood if she went someplace else on the ship, just to take herself out of the direct danger. Or was it just to show a burning city?

And finally – I absolutely love how Jack behaves towards the Doctor. Despite not too warm welcome, despite what the Doctor very clearly thinks about Jack (now) and occasional snide remarks – all Jack ever shows is faith and respect.    

All in all – good episode, even if I expected a little more. I still hope the last one will blow my socks off.  

Comments

[from-the-corner.livejournal.com]

Well, for me, it still doesn't.

First - Martha doesn't have any contacts, that could help in this situation. If I was to really stretch it, I could say she might try to contact the Torchwood again. Not that I think they have any real means to help, but at lest they'd understood what's going on. Not that I believe this could be a reason.

And second - how Jack can be too weak? He can't die, after all. Even if he was a bit queasy from his latest death, and the teleporting would have actually killed him again, so what? 5 minutes and he's good as new :D