Doctor Who: Season 26

[altariel]

Battlefield
mraltariel: Well, this season picks up where the last one left off. Lots to like here - and they manage this very figgy pudding remarkably un-flatulently.
altariel: We all want some figgy pudding.
mraltariel: From time to time.
altariel: Confused, but enjoyable to watch. Particularly Bambera and Ancelyn. And the Brig, and the Destroyer, and the people in the pub.
mraltariel: And a shout out for Ace's friend of the week. And the Doctor's coinage. Especially the mobile one.
altariel: Yes, Ace gets a girl friend every week in this. Although one is her gran.

Ghost Light
mraltariel: Maybe it is just a delusion that comes with the passage of the years, but I'm fairly certain I got this the first time round, and it isn't nearly as confusing as people say it is.
altariel: That's the way to the Zoooooooo! That's the way to the Zooooooo!
mraltariel: All the plot is there on the screen, unlike several of the episodes in the last couple of years, and most of the episodes of the new series.
altariel: The monkey house is nearly full but there's room enough for yooooooooooou!
mraltariel: And there are some smashing performances; I like Nimrod and the policeman particularly.
altariel: Take a bus to Regent's Park. Make haste before it shuts!
mraltariel: And how could I forget big camp glowy John Hallam?
altariel: On Monday I shall come and bring you such a lot of nuts!
mraltariel and altariel: Oi!

The Curse of Fenric
mraltariel: Is this the best ever Doctor Who? Why yes, I think it probably is. And before anyone picks holes in the plot, I don't care.
altariel: This story.
mraltariel: Yes?
altariel: Shits over any Doctor Who that has come before or since. It is phenomenal.
mraltariel: I have to agree. The design is great, the script...
altariel: ...the pace, the music, the ambition, the depth of characterisation, richness of theme...
mraltariel: And the monsters!
altariel: And the book's good. And...
mraltariel: And?
altariel: Nicholas Parsons!
mraltariel: And he chants his companions' names as an act of faith.
altariel: It is AWESOME!

Survival
mraltariel: Well, this is a bit of a hidden gem. Not exactly hidden, I suppose. They did broadcast it, after all. Then release it on DVD.
altariel: Great script, bringing in a fresh voice that's not mired in the show's conventions.
mraltariel: And then making her deal with The Master. Which she does rather well. Good old Ainley is much better than in his previous outing. And like his natty costume.
altariel: And another girl chum for Ace. This season has been Bechdel-tastic.
mraltariel: It has also been surprisingly consistently themed. This is the third one about evolution.
altariel: And the third one about rejection of conflict.
mraltariel: Just a different three.
altariel: Perhaps, "competition" is the single theme running through the whole series.
mraltariel: This is supposed to be "Survival" you know - the "series summary" is just below...


Ranking
The Curse of Fenric
Ghost Light / Survival
Battlefield


mraltariel: Perhaps, "competition" is the single theme running through the whole series.
altariel: Very astute, Minister.
mraltariel: Well, that was an excellent Season. Really, really good. I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next one, now.
altariel: A small jewel in the crown of the BBC. Season 27 is going to be remarkable.
mraltariel: Unless this was the high point. It could all go downhill from here again - like after Season 1.