Review: Doctor Who Series 1 episodes: “Bad Wolf” and “The Parting of the Ways”
by Franco Romualdez
Fantastic.
Having watched the Matt Smith incarnation of The Doctor first, I ready didn’t know what to expect when I decided to give the first four series of Doctor Who’s modern era a shot. Needless to say I was thoroughly surprised by how well they matched up. The conclusion of the first series, followed by the parting of the 9th Doctor, was every bit as epic as expected from a Doctor Who season finale. The finale is presented through a two-part episode, however both episodes differ greatly in both their theme and presentation. The first episode set on a space station called Game Station that serves as the set for thousands of reality shows (more awesome than it sounds), and the second episode involves the return of the Daleks. Everything ties in very well in the end though, and you’ll have to watch it to find out exactly how.
A whole lot of crazy
In the first episode entitled “Bad Wolf” we are introduced to the Game Station, here we meet a variety of interesting characters, the most notable of whom is Lynda Moss (played by Jo Joyner). Lynda serves as the Doctor’s temporary companion, as Rose is busy trying to survive a deadly game of “The Weakest Link.” The Doctor meets Lynda when he finds himself presented as a new housemate in a very surreal adaptation of “Big Brother.” Meanwhile, through a bit of comic relief, we get to see Jack Harkness get “queer eyed” by two robots. The first episode ends when it is revealed that the Daleks have returned, with only the Doctor standing between them and the Universe.
-Cause this is what I’m gonna do - I’m gonna rescue her! I’m gonna save Rose Tyler from the middle of the Dalek fleet, and then I’m gonna save the Earth, and then - just to finish you off - I’m gonna wipe every last stinking Dalek out of the sky!-
The quote above pretty much sums up the challenges the 9th Doctor faces in his final outing. However it is Rose Tyler (Not the *Spoiler* Dalek Emperor) who ultimately steals the spotlight in this episode, this is because through matters that I won’t explain (go watch it), she becomes the most powerful being in the universe. Of course all good things must come to an end though, and thus The Doctor must sacrifice himself in order to save Rose from succumbing to her own power. And for the first time in the modern era of the show, our hero regenerates.
Say hello to number 10.
Verdict
The two-part season finale is grand in both its significance to the Doctor Who canon, and on its entertainment value. From entertaining reality show parodies to the return of the Daleks, this season finale, like all the others in the Modern era of Doctor Who is a must see.
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