This episode starts off well with an intriguing scenario. However, soon after, it starts losing its way. One over-riding problem was the way in which certain scenes were set up and directed. The direction tarnished the whole episode to the point where supposedly relevant scenes came off as misfired opportunities and scenes that were already weak, were made to look worse.
The writing wasn't much better. For the most part, it lacked strength and cohesion. And I appreciate that, in the past, the writing has often lacked cohesion to the benefit of keeping the audience intrigued. Well, that trick didn't seem to work on this occasion.
I also wasn't too happy with the dismissive manner in which the Doctor handled the impending death of two of the soldiers. The lack of care by the Doctor was of concern. It was as if the Doctor was saying...."Hurry up and die so I can move onto the next scene". Sure, the Doctor had his logic for the manner in which the first soldier died however there wasn't a trace of remorse or sympathy from the Doctor for that soldiers upcoming plight.
And as people are aware, music is supposed to build a wonderful synergy with the events unfolding on screen. Well, that didn't happen too much here. The scene where the Daleks invade the hidden ship is a perfect example. Not only was there poor depth of field camera-work in this scene (that robbed it of it's power) but the music also seemed out of context.
I have, for the most part, enjoyed the revival of this show since 2005. And I appreciate this season has only just started. I hope it has continued success however I can't say I'm overly excited so far....
The writing wasn't much better. For the most part, it lacked strength and cohesion. And I appreciate that, in the past, the writing has often lacked cohesion to the benefit of keeping the audience intrigued. Well, that trick didn't seem to work on this occasion.
I also wasn't too happy with the dismissive manner in which the Doctor handled the impending death of two of the soldiers. The lack of care by the Doctor was of concern. It was as if the Doctor was saying...."Hurry up and die so I can move onto the next scene". Sure, the Doctor had his logic for the manner in which the first soldier died however there wasn't a trace of remorse or sympathy from the Doctor for that soldiers upcoming plight.
And as people are aware, music is supposed to build a wonderful synergy with the events unfolding on screen. Well, that didn't happen too much here. The scene where the Daleks invade the hidden ship is a perfect example. Not only was there poor depth of field camera-work in this scene (that robbed it of it's power) but the music also seemed out of context.
I have, for the most part, enjoyed the revival of this show since 2005. And I appreciate this season has only just started. I hope it has continued success however I can't say I'm overly excited so far....