ALARIS' REVIEWS

10th December 2009
Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars (2009)

Despite the fact that I like the TV series Doctor Who (2005), I seem to be constantly writing negative reviews. I blame this on Russell T. Davies, the outgoing executive producer and chief writer, who appears pathologically addicted to heavy handed dramatics. While I can't fault his genuine enthusiasm for the series, he doesn't seem to grasp that big explosions, gigantic cybermen, and lots of maniacal yelling doesn't equal exciting television.

The Waters of Mars is the third last TV special before the regular series resumes in 2010. This bottle episode takes place in 2059, with the Doctor dropping in on the first human base station on Mars. The very competent Commander Adelaide Brooke heads a small team of pleasantly ordinary scientists, but they rapidly discover that they're not alone on the red planet.

This episode is co-written by Davies, and up until ¾ of the way through, I was pleasantly surprised (especially after the incredibly unpleasant surprise of the previous special, Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead, 2009 ). The characters are reasonably sympathetic, the sense of isolation is handled nicely, and the dilemmas are surprisingly moving. Up to a point.

I've never warmed to David Tennant as the tenth Doctor. For me, he's always fallen slightly short, delivering passable dialogue when he should have been delivering epic speeches of searing intensity. I've been disappointed by the missed opportunities, when the writers have created a beautiful piece of work, but Tennant hasn't quite brought it to life.

To my surprise, The Waters of Mars contains what I consider one of Tennant's finest moments. The airlock scene towards the ¾ mark is both stark and poignant, the understated delivery exactly what was needed in so many earlier episodes. Unfortunately, it's all downhill from here.

Cue big explosions, gaping plot holes, and copious amounts of maniacal yelling. An interesting idea towards the end is let down by heavy handed dramatics, when plain dramatics would have been fine.

The Waters of Mars has a solid concept, and decent execution, right up until it all goes fireball shaped. I'm particularly annoyed because I feel like I was finally being offered an unexpectedly mature, thoughtful episode, only to find myself left with a fistful of ham.

Davies has enthusiasm to burn, but sometimes his scripts should meet the same fate.

Verdict: Not terrible for a Doctor Who special, but a little restraint could have gone a long way. A good effort that goes to waste.

If you like average Doctor Who , you might like this.

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