Doctor Who Series 6, Episode 2 (Day of the Moon) and 3 (The Curse of the Black Spot)
Directed by Toby Haynes (Day of the Moon) and Jeremy Webb (The Curse of the Black Spot)
Written by Steven Moffat (Day of the Moon) and Steve Thompson (The Curse of the Black Spot)
Staring: Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Alex Kingston, Mark Sheppard, Stuart Milligan, Chukwudi Iwuji, Hugh Bonneville, Lily Cole, and Frances Barber
BBC America
Air date: April 30, May 7, 2011
Exams put my review of the new Doctor Who episodes Day of the Moon behind a bit more than I’d like, so I figured I’d lump it in with my The Curse of the Black Spot review. This ended up being a good thing, cause I have lots to say about one of these episodes and not so much to say about the other. Hit the jump for the full review.
After their victory against The Silents, the Doctor (Matt Smith) and his companions decide to head off into the seas of the 17th century, where in responding to a distress signal they come face to face with the famous pirate, Captain Henry Avery (Hugh Bonneville). But not all is as it seems – for Avery’s ship is stuck in calm waters, haunted by the curse of a Siren (Lily Cole), who comes to claim those that have been marked with the Black Spot…
During TARDISblend 25, we review the events of Doctor Who: The Curse of the Black Spot, and find ourselves to be somewhat disappointed at the poor editing and pacing of what could have been a very fun episode. From missing pirates to “Kenny from South Park” (Arthur Darvill), we find the saving grace to be elements of the overarching story arc and discuss who the mysterious Madame Kovarian (Frances Barber) could possibly be and why only Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) can see her.
We also discuss some in-universe fan debating over the use of the Sonic Screwdriver during this season. Our Classic Doctor Who recommendations this week also tie into ships and/or pirates, and we take a flashback to the Secondary Console Room in the TARDIS during the Tom Baker era. All this and more on the latest TARDISblend!
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press