Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
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Rich Flair
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Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
Series 3 continues with Martha getting "one trip." And he introduces her to The Bard himself. What did you think?
Patrick- Fast-Living Admin
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Re: Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
Gets better and better. A delight from one of the great Doctor Who writers, and hopefully a future showrunner. 5/5.
Rich Flair- Master Deviant
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Re: Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
Fantastic settings. Both conceptually and real. Some solid dramatic points.
Overall, as an engaged companion of some interest, this might be the best single episode for Martha of them all, in my humble. In fact I felt she fared better than Shakespeare, who seems somewhat after a type (generic Viggo Mortensen in Rings or some such). The portrayal of the titular fellow is what shifts it to a 4 from 5. The brief appearance of the Queen was, for me, a fun bit of the "WHAT? WHAT?" factor in Tennant's turn.
I rather enjoyed the idea of a classic witch; the witchery has strong dousings of Wizard Of Oz and Harry Potter, if steeped a bit strong in the latter. I do suspect the subjects of Shakespeare and classic witches could have provided much more given their own stories as opposed to be crammed one against the other in the same episode. For example, an episode wherein the Doctor and Martha are about in this period and encounter the witches, with their appearance here being a surprise return for them. In turn that would allow a bit more time for Shakespeare as he is more a bit of a could-be-companion here than the central interest in his own right.
None of this, to be sure, makes this episode any less than the remarkable adventure it is. Just thoughts. The meat and potato of the appeal here I think is just in taking advantage of what Who via TARDIS offers in seeing places and times; that there are famous personages referenced or portrayed is more of a gravy.
Overall, as an engaged companion of some interest, this might be the best single episode for Martha of them all, in my humble. In fact I felt she fared better than Shakespeare, who seems somewhat after a type (generic Viggo Mortensen in Rings or some such). The portrayal of the titular fellow is what shifts it to a 4 from 5. The brief appearance of the Queen was, for me, a fun bit of the "WHAT? WHAT?" factor in Tennant's turn.
I rather enjoyed the idea of a classic witch; the witchery has strong dousings of Wizard Of Oz and Harry Potter, if steeped a bit strong in the latter. I do suspect the subjects of Shakespeare and classic witches could have provided much more given their own stories as opposed to be crammed one against the other in the same episode. For example, an episode wherein the Doctor and Martha are about in this period and encounter the witches, with their appearance here being a surprise return for them. In turn that would allow a bit more time for Shakespeare as he is more a bit of a could-be-companion here than the central interest in his own right.
None of this, to be sure, makes this episode any less than the remarkable adventure it is. Just thoughts. The meat and potato of the appeal here I think is just in taking advantage of what Who via TARDIS offers in seeing places and times; that there are famous personages referenced or portrayed is more of a gravy.
Re: Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
gets 5 just for "57 academics just punched the air"
barnaby morbius- What about moi computer?
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Re: Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
Another decision to be made for me. 4 or 5?
The Co=Ordinator- Tony the CyberAdmin
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Re: Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
"generic Viggo Mortensen" - Shakespeare's not like this at all. He's a got a beard, but that's it.
Rich Flair- Master Deviant
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Re: Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
After the zany adventures on the Moon in the previous episode, this story really begins to establish the relationship between Martha & the Doctor. Poor Martha has the misfortune of being the rebound girl, and it never gets beyond her for that, really.
Gareth Roberts' witty script, replete with Shakespearean reference itself, is a genuine joy. My only niggle was with how the Carrionites were realized in CGI. They seemed to be substance-less, and that's always bothered me for some reason. Still, the end product was quite well worth it, and I remember at the time being enjoyed with the Doctor's little tease about JK Rowling and the 7th Potter novel (which we were all awaiting in the spring of 2007).
4/5
Gareth Roberts' witty script, replete with Shakespearean reference itself, is a genuine joy. My only niggle was with how the Carrionites were realized in CGI. They seemed to be substance-less, and that's always bothered me for some reason. Still, the end product was quite well worth it, and I remember at the time being enjoyed with the Doctor's little tease about JK Rowling and the 7th Potter novel (which we were all awaiting in the spring of 2007).
4/5
Patrick- Fast-Living Admin
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Re: Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
Shakespeare: How can a man so young have eyes so old?
The Doctor: I do a lot of reading.
I liked that from the start Martha is asking questions. She wants to know it's safe, what the rules are, that sort of thing. That sequence allows for a few nice time travel references. Martha's curious, she wants to understand.
I enjoyed this Shakespeare, he's intentionally played against expectations. He's a bit of a bloke, but the wiser man who wrote all those brilliant words sneaks out in his observations of The Doctor and Martha. He sees The Doctor doesn't return Martha's interest, even if she's chosen to ignore this. The Doctor's interactions with him are a highlight for me, kudos for explaining how the Sycorax came to be named in his works.
The Carrionites were great monsters, creatures that inspired stories. Their power of words, the delight Lilith took in her evil ways, it's all great fun. They also get a spiffy piece of music to accompany them in The Carrionites Swarm.
All in all, a fun setting with good performances, theatrical monsters and plenty of memorable dialogue. I'll give it a 5/5.
The Doctor: I do a lot of reading.
I liked that from the start Martha is asking questions. She wants to know it's safe, what the rules are, that sort of thing. That sequence allows for a few nice time travel references. Martha's curious, she wants to understand.
I enjoyed this Shakespeare, he's intentionally played against expectations. He's a bit of a bloke, but the wiser man who wrote all those brilliant words sneaks out in his observations of The Doctor and Martha. He sees The Doctor doesn't return Martha's interest, even if she's chosen to ignore this. The Doctor's interactions with him are a highlight for me, kudos for explaining how the Sycorax came to be named in his works.
The Carrionites were great monsters, creatures that inspired stories. Their power of words, the delight Lilith took in her evil ways, it's all great fun. They also get a spiffy piece of music to accompany them in The Carrionites Swarm.
All in all, a fun setting with good performances, theatrical monsters and plenty of memorable dialogue. I'll give it a 5/5.
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Re: Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
The Co=Ordinator wrote:Another decision to be made for me. 4 or 5?
One should never have to wonder at lodging a 5 should one? Perhaps then a strong 4.
Rich Flair wrote:"generic Viggo Mortensen" - Shakespeare's not like this at all. He's a got a beard, but that's it.
He was not but a beard? Gracious. Still. Good to hear a first hand account of ol' William. There is so much debate as to his looks or even his existence. By the by, just how old are you?
I jest. Will be watching this one again soon and I may come away with a better impression.
Re: Rate "The Shakespeare Code"
A strong 4 it is!
The Co=Ordinator- Tony the CyberAdmin
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