http://borg.com/2012/03/21/best-of-the-best-retro-review-doctor-whos-blink/
Paragraph 1:
“People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint – it’s more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey… stuff.”
As a fan, I can't help but love this opening paragraph. The author quotes one of the most famous lines from the long-running television series, which automatically makes you want to read more. Then, she name drops, mentioning both David Tennant and Carey Mulligan. To someone that has never seen the series, these two names alone may make them want to read on. Another thing I like about this first paragraph is the brief introduction of key characters, i.e. the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) and Sally Sparrow (Carey Mulligan, Never Let Me Go, The Great Gatsby)
Paragraph 2:
Upon reading this paragraph, I would say this review is likely directed towards fans of the series. The review is talking about one episode in particular, but nods to writers Stephen Moffat and Russell T. Davies, both of whom you would be very familiar with if you watched the series (their names are written in large print at the beginning of every episode, directly under the episode title). "Blink" was a good episode to choose for a review, as many of the fans consider it to be the best episode of the entire series, and for good reason.
Paragraph 3:
Here the review really begins to break down and dissect the episode. Doctor Who is a very plot-based series, and the plot generally centers around time travel. So what does this paragraph discuss? Time travel, of course! This episode is simply mind-blowing. "'Blink' is masterfully orchestrated and perfectly paced from the first moment, a complex puzzle of self-fulfilling, paradoxical prophecies that never misses a step or leaves the viewer remotely confused (even when we don’t know what’s going on)." This line describes the episode beautifully, and uses wonderful wording that really gives you a sense of the complexity and thought that clearly went into it.
Paragraph 4:
This paragraph delves further into the plot, focusing on the actual story of the episode. Here I like that the review mentions the love stories that came full-circle. "We are treated to the sweet love story of Kathy Nightingale and her young man from Hull, which comes full circle when her grandson brings her letter and photos to Sally–before the story even begins." Mind-blowing, isn't it?
Paragraph 5:
This paragraph is nice because it focuses on the oddity that the Doctor is actually not a primary character in this episode. They brought in a completely new character, with no previous affiliations to the series, and managed to make it work. I think it should have mentioned that this may have been the writers' way of saying the series is NOT all about the Doctor, that it is about the plot!
Paragraph 6:
I like this paragraph because it nods to the villains in the episode. Normally, the villains probably wouldn't be so important, but these are downright SCARY. There's just something about taking something so religious and "good" and turning it into something nightmarish. “'Blink' turns an archetype of holiness into a gothic nightmare, and the sweet innocence of Sally and Larry only makes them all the more startling." I also like that, since this review is from 2012 and the episode is from 2007, it makes a small connection to a more recent episode that includes the same villains. "And yet, for all the terror they inspire, they still “kill you nicely,” as the Doctor says. (They’re not always so nice, however, as Doctor Number Eleven and Amy Pond later learn.)"
Paragraph 7:
This paragraph is important because, as I said previously, this episode contains one of the most well-known and quoted lines from the series. The dialogue was simply intriguing, and I'm glad the reviewer gave a nod to it. Good job writers! I also LOVE that the reviewer made this connection that I didn't even catch: "Also, Sally’s parting admonition, “Don’t look at me, don’t look at me,” chillingly echoes the “Don’t blink” refrain of the episode."
Paragraph 8:
This last paragraph has a good point because with the way the episode is set you, you don't need any prior knowledge of the series to understand it.
The only connection I would also include is the metaphor of "don't blink." I feel the angels sending you away when you blink is a wonderful metaphor. Don't blink or you may miss you.. you may miss something? Just my thoughts.
1 comment:
Megan,
You write, "To someone that has never seen the series, these two names alone may make them want to read on." It's certainly a hook - I'd probably watch anything Carey Mulligan does. (Have you seen Drive?)
I think you're right in your assessment of a review based on one episode is indeed for established viewers. While the author does a few things to widen audience, I definitely don't have a very clear view of things from reading the review itself.
You write, " Doctor Who is a very plot-based series, and the plot generally centers around time travel." Good job recognizing this. When you're talking about wording, you're talking about "diction" rhetorically. When you're talking about various stories playing out in the same episode/show, you're discussing "plot arcs" or "subplots" (smaller story lines).
You write, " I think it should have mentioned that this may have been the writers' way of saying the series is NOT all about the Doctor, that it is about the plot!" Be careful with "should have/could have" statements: you can critique what's there, but generally you refrain from suggesting something SHOULD be included (it's not, so the point is actually rather moot).
On the whole, you did a great job here.
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