Oh Voyage of the Damned was such a delight and I think my favourite of the christmas special. This episode really is made by a fantastic ensemble cast. Who knew Kylie Minogue was a fantastic actress. Astrid Peth may be one of my favourites of the "companions that never were" Minogue really sells her wonder, that sheer delight at being on earth, her empathy for Bannakaffalatta and her ultimate sacrifice were so well done. If I were to change one thing about the ep was the romantic angle of their relationship (its a bit of a played out trope tbh) But honestly that's just nitpicking because she was just brilliant throughout. A great character with an excellent dynamic with the doctor I'm sad we never could see explored.
But this episode isn't just Asterid, the entire ensemble was brilliant. The episode takes its time to flesh out all of its characters so every death, even of one of minor characters like the Steward mean something. My favourites were probably Alonso his bravery and honour when facing down his mutinous captain and his sheer determination to protect the ship was amazing. I also loved Mr. Copper. Keeping Up With Appearances was a childhood favourite of mine so I'll always love seeing Clive Swift in anything but his story of lying to get on the ship after a life unsept with nothing to his name made for such a compelling and unique POV.
Finally this episode was truly made by the Doctor's response to Astrid's death. You really get the sense that seeing all that death and destruction, being faced, yet again with the fact that he can't save everybody is breaking the Doctor. That final sad note as he tells Mr. Copper he travels alone after being filled with so much hope at the prospect of traveling with Astrid felt like suck a key moment for Ten's character and was brilliantly performed by Tennant/
All in The Voyage of the Damned is a great episode. With its thrilling fast paced plot, a fantastic ensemble cast and some key character moments for 10 its easily in the top ranks of the Christmas specials. Just brilliant.
Review by TshepisoBlockedParentSpoilers2023-10-20T04:03:35Z
Oh Voyage of the Damned was such a delight and I think my favourite of the christmas special. This episode really is made by a fantastic ensemble cast. Who knew Kylie Minogue was a fantastic actress. Astrid Peth may be one of my favourites of the "companions that never were" Minogue really sells her wonder, that sheer delight at being on earth, her empathy for Bannakaffalatta and her ultimate sacrifice were so well done. If I were to change one thing about the ep was the romantic angle of their relationship (its a bit of a played out trope tbh) But honestly that's just nitpicking because she was just brilliant throughout. A great character with an excellent dynamic with the doctor I'm sad we never could see explored.
But this episode isn't just Asterid, the entire ensemble was brilliant. The episode takes its time to flesh out all of its characters so every death, even of one of minor characters like the Steward mean something. My favourites were probably Alonso his bravery and honour when facing down his mutinous captain and his sheer determination to protect the ship was amazing. I also loved Mr. Copper. Keeping Up With Appearances was a childhood favourite of mine so I'll always love seeing Clive Swift in anything but his story of lying to get on the ship after a life unsept with nothing to his name made for such a compelling and unique POV.
Finally this episode was truly made by the Doctor's response to Astrid's death. You really get the sense that seeing all that death and destruction, being faced, yet again with the fact that he can't save everybody is breaking the Doctor. That final sad note as he tells Mr. Copper he travels alone after being filled with so much hope at the prospect of traveling with Astrid felt like suck a key moment for Ten's character and was brilliantly performed by Tennant/
All in The Voyage of the Damned is a great episode. With its thrilling fast paced plot, a fantastic ensemble cast and some key character moments for 10 its easily in the top ranks of the Christmas specials. Just brilliant.