Doctor Who: Season 14: episode 2: Wild Blue Yonder by Russell T Davies (TV episode review).
The wait is over, and it’s time for another episode of ‘Doctor Who’ titled ‘Wild Blue Yonder’. After rewatching the first episode last night, I can confirm it still holds up quite well. Russell T Davies has certainly raised the bar for all subsequent writers.
While waiting, I checked out the ‘Doctor Who Annual 2024’. It features an abundance of photos, more than usual, including some from Ncuti Gatwa’s episodes. It provides a rich history for young fans to learn about early regenerations, enemies, and sonic screwdrivers.
I also caught the tail end of the latest ‘The Weakest Link’. Anne Robinson, the host, certainly looked worn.
As always, I’ll keep spoilers to a minimum. However, if you’re uncertain, it’s best to read this after watching the episode. Don’t forget, in the UK, you can press the red button for extras or tune into BBC3 on channel 23.
The episode takes us back to 1666 where Isaac Newton, portrayed by Nathaniel Curtis, encounters a damaged TARDIS and its occupants. This interaction promises to change Mavity forever. The age-old tale of the apple falling from the tree seems more than just an anecdote. No doubt, this will spark questions from young viewers to their history or science teachers.
Meanwhile, the TARDIS materializes at the edge of the universe aboard a vast starship. In a surprising turn, it flushes out its occupants before self-destructing the interior. The Doctor, using his sonic screwdriver, manages to regenerate the TARDIS by connecting it to the keyhole. He and Donna then leave to explore, only to rush back upon hearing the TARDIS dematerialize. The Doctor explains that the TARDIS’s HATS protocol triggers dematerialization in the face of imminent danger, but with the sonic screwdriver attached, he can’t recall it.
As they explore the deserted starship, they ponder its emptiness and impending events. A critical moment arises when they encounter doppelgängers of themselves, leading to a tense situation of identity and survival. I won’t delve deeper into spoiler territory, but with a minimal cast and spectacular special effects, this episode is a prime example of a ‘bottle show’, keeping major cast costs low while still delivering an intriguing narrative. Despite the lack of physical appearance from the horse-like aliens, their mysterious presence at the universe’s edge leaves room for future exploration.
This episode, compared to the previous one, is quite unique. It’s more metaphysical, with more dialogue than action, which might not appeal as much to younger viewers. However, the action scenes are impactful when they occur.
I’m not entirely convinced by the usage of ‘mavity’ by Donna in ‘TARDIS Uninvited’. Given her position outside of time, it seems unlikely she’d use such a modern term. It appears this might become a recurring joke in the series.
The episode’s extensive use of CGI blurs the line between reality and digital effects, making it hard to distinguish between the two.
‘The Wild Blue Yonder’ is likely to spark much debate due to its content. Nevertheless, the finale makes any reservations forgivable.
Geoff Willmetts
02 December 2023
