The Snowmen Review
Review of Doctor Who 7x06: The Snowmen. Spoilers of course.
Overview
A new Companion, a new set of credits, a new TARDIS and an engaging mystery for the second half of series seven. This was certainly a interesting episode. And while there were parts of it that didn’t work, overall, this was pretty good if you ask me.
Episode Summery
Let’s get it out of the way right away. This episode was not strong on plot. This was a character driven piece, exploring the Doctor, how he has reacted to losing the Ponds, and introducing the new companion - or a version of her anyway. The plot, with the sentient snow and the Great Intelligence, was very much bolted on, in order for the Doctor and Clara to have a reason to interact.
That said, it was a nice long distance call-back/set up. The last time the Doctor tangled with the Great Intelligence, was in his Second Incarnation, when - and here’s the thing - they took over the London Underground. So in his Eleventh Incarnation the Doctor set up an invasion that he has already dealt with. Timey-Wimey indeed.
The best thing to do here is to look past the story and focus on the characters. If you do that, you’ll love it.
The Doctor
The Doctor was a bit of a mess this episode. Torn up following the Pond’s exit, he has been sulking for an unspecified but surely lengthy period of time - judging by the state of the TARDIS paint work in his newly renovated TARDIS refusing to get involved in the affairs of universe any more. As he said to Strax, “Over a thousand years of saving the universe and do you know what I’ve discovered? The universe doesn’t care.”
All it took however was for Clara - inquisitive, intelligent, fearless Clara - to make an appearance in his life, and before he knew it, he was back in the game.
Matt plays overexcited and Tiggerish very well and we know that he can also play dark and angry. Here however we got to see him play sad and tired. Its often said that Matt does a good job of playing a old man in a young man’s body and you could see it here.
Having got the spark of adventure back it’ll be interesting to see how having a new companion, changes the way the Doctor acts.
The Companion
Clara, Clara, Clara. Who exactly are you? Part time barmaid, part time governess, able to switch roles seamlessly. Ancestor of Oswin Oswald, junior entertainment manager and Dalek and a girl in the twenty first century. A mystery, wrapped inside a puzzle. Defiantly companion material.
The mystery of who exactly Clara Oswin Oswald is, will I think be the plot arc of the second half of season seven. But focusing on this episode alone, she was fantastic. Intelligent, observant and willing to take charge, Clara is more than able to keep up with the Doctor and was just the person he needed to shake him out of his funk. If Modern Clara is anyway similar, then she is going to be brilliant.
As for Strax, Vastra and Jenny, it was nice to see them again. It was once said by Sarah Jane that for the loneliest man in the universe, the Doctor has the biggest family in the world, and we saw here that that family extend throughout time. They really cared for him and wanted him to be happy.
I still want my Paternoster Gang spin-off though.
The TARDIS
New TARDIS interior and new credits, both retro, both harking back to the classic series. I suspect this has something to do with the upcoming 50th anniversary.
It wasn’t explained why the Doctor changed the TARDIS interior, but I suspect it had something to do with the old one holding too many memories of the Ponds. Anyway, despite the new one being a bit cold and high tech - I do miss the steampunk - I loved it. A good combination of old and new.
And this season we get to see inside.
The Costume
A new companion and a fresh start means a new costume. While the bow tie has stayed, the new look is rather Victorian and gothic, harking back to the days of the Eighth Doctor. Matt Smith described it as “the Artful Dodger meets the Doctor.”
While it’s clear from the next series trailers that this look does change a bit, it doesn’t change much. Perhaps once again, his old clothes held too many memories for him to continue wearing them.
The Bad Guy
It’s a shame that Doctor Simeon didn’t have more to do this episode, because Richard E Grant makes a very good Doctor Who villain. Steely, determined and cold, he was a brilliant front man for the Great Intelligence. I just would have liked him to get some more screen time and character development.
And did anyone recognise who was voicing the Great Intelligence. That’s right. It was Sir Ian McKellen. Doctor Who really attracts great guest stars doesn’t it?
Conclusion
While it doesn’t function very well as a standalone episode as a lead in to the next half of series seven, and as introduction to the new companion it was brilliant. Having seen what Jenna-Louise Colman is capable of I can’t wait for the next half of the series.
Bring on the Doctor and Clara.