30 Days of Television - Day 12
Day 12 - An episode you've watched more than 5 times
"Midnight"
I’ve already talked about my favorite Who episode of all time, “Blink.” I think it’s a little strange that my favorite episode of this show contains very little of the title character. However, my second favorite episode makes up for the lack of Doctor in “Blink.” I watch this episode every time it airs and occasionally watch it on DVD just because I like it so much. I don't know how many times I've seen it, but I'm positive it's more than five.
On Midnight, a planet made of diamonds poisoned by its x-tonic sun, the Doctor decides to take a long shuttle ride to see the Sapphire Waterfall. His companion stays behind to enjoy the leisure palace because she’s Donna and she’s awesome and she does what she wants. When the shuttle breaks down between the palace and the waterfall, the Doctor is left with a small group of frightened strangers and a monster, somehow impervious to the deadly rays of the sun, pounding on the outside of the shuttle.
I love so many things about this episode. I love how it starts out kind of goofy with the Doctor dismantling the obnoxious entertainment system and the small talk of the passengers as they pass time on their journey to the waterfall. I love the slow descent into horror when the shuttle breaks down and the mechanic thinks he sees something moving in the diamonds. I love the sense of claustrophobia when the knocking begins. I love that we never actually see the monster. I love the acting in this episode, especially Lesley Sharp as she mimics the voices of the passengers and David Tennant as he emotes terror when the Doctor’s words and movements are stolen. I love that this episode proves the Doctor needs a companion not just to save him from himself, but to save him from ordinary human beings as well. I love that I’m ashamed that I would behave exactly like the humans on the bus.
Past
Day 01 - A show that should never have been canceled: Futurama
Day 02 - A show that you wish more people were watching: Doctor Who
Day 03 - Your favorite new show (aired this TV season): Community
Day 04 - Your favorite show ever: Doctor Who
Day 05 - A show you hate: Charmed
Day 06 - Favorite episode of your favorite TV show: Doctor Who: "Blink"
Day 07 - Least favorite episode of your favorite TV show: Doctor Who: "Planet of the Dead"
Day 08 - A show everyone should watch: The Prisoner
Day 09 - Best scene ever: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "You're beneath me."
Day 10 - A show you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving: The Mighty Boosh
Day 11 - A show that disappointed you: Heroes
Day 12 - An episode you've watched more than 5 times: "Midnight"
Future:
Day 13 - Favorite childhood show
Day 14 - Favorite male character
Day 15 - Favorite female character
Day 16 - Your guilty pleasure show
Day 17 - Favorite mini series
Day 18 - Favorite title sequence
Day 19 - Best TV show cast
Day 20 - Favorite kiss
Day 21 - Favorite ship
Day 22 - Favorite series finale
Day 23 - Most annoying character
Day 24 - Best quote
Day 25 - A show you plan on watching (old or new)
Day 26 - OMG WTF? Season finale
Day 27 - Best pilot episode
Day 28 - First TV show obsession
Day 29 - Current TV show obsession
Day 30 - Saddest character death
"Midnight"
I’ve already talked about my favorite Who episode of all time, “Blink.” I think it’s a little strange that my favorite episode of this show contains very little of the title character. However, my second favorite episode makes up for the lack of Doctor in “Blink.” I watch this episode every time it airs and occasionally watch it on DVD just because I like it so much. I don't know how many times I've seen it, but I'm positive it's more than five.
On Midnight, a planet made of diamonds poisoned by its x-tonic sun, the Doctor decides to take a long shuttle ride to see the Sapphire Waterfall. His companion stays behind to enjoy the leisure palace because she’s Donna and she’s awesome and she does what she wants. When the shuttle breaks down between the palace and the waterfall, the Doctor is left with a small group of frightened strangers and a monster, somehow impervious to the deadly rays of the sun, pounding on the outside of the shuttle.
I love so many things about this episode. I love how it starts out kind of goofy with the Doctor dismantling the obnoxious entertainment system and the small talk of the passengers as they pass time on their journey to the waterfall. I love the slow descent into horror when the shuttle breaks down and the mechanic thinks he sees something moving in the diamonds. I love the sense of claustrophobia when the knocking begins. I love that we never actually see the monster. I love the acting in this episode, especially Lesley Sharp as she mimics the voices of the passengers and David Tennant as he emotes terror when the Doctor’s words and movements are stolen. I love that this episode proves the Doctor needs a companion not just to save him from himself, but to save him from ordinary human beings as well. I love that I’m ashamed that I would behave exactly like the humans on the bus.
Click to viewPast
Day 01 - A show that should never have been canceled: Futurama
Day 02 - A show that you wish more people were watching: Doctor Who
Day 03 - Your favorite new show (aired this TV season): Community
Day 04 - Your favorite show ever: Doctor Who
Day 05 - A show you hate: Charmed
Day 06 - Favorite episode of your favorite TV show: Doctor Who: "Blink"
Day 07 - Least favorite episode of your favorite TV show: Doctor Who: "Planet of the Dead"
Day 08 - A show everyone should watch: The Prisoner
Day 09 - Best scene ever: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "You're beneath me."
Day 10 - A show you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving: The Mighty Boosh
Day 11 - A show that disappointed you: Heroes
Day 12 - An episode you've watched more than 5 times: "Midnight"
Future:
Day 13 - Favorite childhood show
Day 14 - Favorite male character
Day 15 - Favorite female character
Day 16 - Your guilty pleasure show
Day 17 - Favorite mini series
Day 18 - Favorite title sequence
Day 19 - Best TV show cast
Day 20 - Favorite kiss
Day 21 - Favorite ship
Day 22 - Favorite series finale
Day 23 - Most annoying character
Day 24 - Best quote
Day 25 - A show you plan on watching (old or new)
Day 26 - OMG WTF? Season finale
Day 27 - Best pilot episode
Day 28 - First TV show obsession
Day 29 - Current TV show obsession
Day 30 - Saddest character death