awkwardreviews

Let me just start off by saying that I have not seen the previous incarnations of the “Doctor Who” series, in fact, I haven’t heard much about it apart from the rabid fans and the crazy “blue box” that can be there one moment, and gone the next.

I will say this, this is the first episode I have ever seen, and I can already tell that this is inherently “Dr. Who”, no show that I’ve ever even heard of can get away with what this show did in this episode, and somehow receive some very good reviews. Now I know this show may get better (and I really hope it does), because right now, it appeals to the lowest common denominator.

This show is not, the following: Pretty, well directed, mind-boggling, intense, scary, fantastically acted, or even all too interesting. However, this is what the show is: Cliché, absurd, silly, campy, and pretty stupid. But hey, this is my opinion after I saw a trashcan eat a human.

Now I’m not too sure why exactly the writers chose to make the first episode have the most laughably silly threat I’ve ever seen in a, what is supposed to be, intense and mystifying TV-show. I mean… something that controls the plastic, too… take over the world? Out of all the ways this could have been done, let us rig slow-walking manikins with firearms and have them rampaging the streets.

Now wait, what am I doing? I’m reciting my thoughts after I first saw this, but upon second watch through it became abundantly clear that the show WANTED to do this. Its mission was to provide a healthy dollop of silliness. And I really hope I’m correct when I say that… because if not… then oh boy.

The laughably bad CGI and the not-so-intimidating monsters set the mood for a campy, cheesy, and corny TV-show that I think I gained some proper enjoyment out of, actually. Well… my enjoyment may have come from me laughing like a madman at all the silliness the show (hopefully intentionally) brings to the table. And I would be just a terribly cynical person if I didn’t enjoy a good amount of campiness.

Was this a riveting, exciting, thought-provoking, and engaging episode of TV? Of course not! This was absurdly silly, with the most intense moment occurring when Rose (apparently the new assistant of the Doctor?) knocked at the door of a stranger’s home.

Let me take a moment to talk about the characters. Rose, whom was established as the lead of the show in the beginning of the episode is… decent? She’s not interesting, deep, or too entertaining, but she does do her job to some extent (I guess). Her boyfriend? Yeah… I don’t even remember his name. Her mother, whom delivered some very cringe-worthy material is a two dimensional caricature. And finally, the Doctor, is a happy-go-lucky time traveling alien who is oddly charming in his own way. He’s clearly the most entertaining aspect of the show, making me giggle or laugh NOT at the shoddy CGI or mediocre acting, but at his well-delivered and way-to-happy-for-the-occasion lines.

There is not much to say plot wise, so I will say that I thought it was odd, the pacing was off-putting, and the badly animated alien was less intimidating than a wet cucumber. However, I have to say, I really did enjoy a few bits and pieces of this episode.

Whilst I’m alone, sitting on my couch, watching a tv-show, I very rarely laugh out loud. I will proudly say I cackled at this show more than once, and that alone provides a memorable and sort of fun experience, in a corky kind of way.

This is no masterpiece, hell, it’s not even high-class media… in fact, I’m not even too sure what it is. I do know one thing though, I’m eager to see on how this show improves, because despite all its glaring flaws, it’s an odd piece of entertaining ruckus.

P.S- So… I’m not too sure whether this show is rated PG-13… or… what’s up with that? Cause I’m pretty sure a father was brutally gunned down in front of his wife and children.

Grade: C