Pandorica reaction post!

[dbskyler]

How do I even begin to react to this? Well, let's start at the beginning, and take things roughly in order:

Vincent! I must confess that when I saw that opening shot, I was worried that BBCA had pulled a fakeout on me and re-run "Vincent and the Doctor" instead of part one of the finale. It took me a moment to realize that I was in fact watching the new episode.

River! It was great to see her again, even though it wasn't a surprise. However, I was disappointed that she was already in the storm cage -- I had been expecting that the events of the Pandorica opening would be the events that caused her to be incarcerated. Apparently not, though. Does this mean we don't get to find out who River kills? I'll be disappointed if that's the case, and expecting Moffat to make it up to me next season.

I could have done without Churchill and Liz 10. I'm also not sure how I feel about River's Han Solo-esque wheeling and dealing.

Graffiti on the cliff face was clever, but not as clever as graffiti on the box-which-will-be-a-museum-piece. Is this going to be a running gag with River? I'm surprised she stuck to psychic paper in "Silence in the Library"! How mundane!

Vincent's painting of the exploding TARDIS was appropriately chilling.

Leave it to Moffat to make a Cyberman scary again. I'd been getting bored of them, but not after that empty head started going after Amy.

Rory! Rory's back! It's ROOOOOOORRRRRRRYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Then we got that scene between the Doctor and Rory, the "I'm missing something important, Rory" scene. I LOVE that scene. Seriously, I think it is my favorite Eleventh Doctor scene yet. The only problem was, the first time I saw it I was shrieking so much with laughter and general "OMG it's Rory, Doctor, catch on already!", I couldn't hear what the Doctor was babbling on about. But it's not a problem, as I've gone back to re-watch the scene something like five times or so since then. It still makes me howl with laughter. I especially love it when the Doctor pokes him. And then when the Doctor gets all happy for a moment. I also love the conversation later when Rory asks, "How am I here?" and the Doctor says, "Because you are." What a lovely and wonderful conversation.

Too bad Rory turns out to be an Auton . . . but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Daleks! Daleks and Cybermen and Sontarans, oh my! Actually, I could have done without all of them, too. I was looking forward to a new, horrendous monster to come out of the Pandorica, and wondering what it could possibly be, and like the Doctor, wondering if we'd met it before (I had visions of Sutekh . . . )

But the idea that it's the Doctor who goes into the Pandorica was pretty cool, I do have to admit it. Except -- now the Doctor's locked in the Pandorica! Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did like the name-checks on all those old Doctor Who aliens. I especially liked the Zygons. But how come there were Silurians there? Shouldn't they all be asleep? Did the Daleks wake them up just to get them to help build the Pandorica?

Speaking of Daleks, the bit about all universes exploding sounded an awful lot like Davros' plan during the finale of S4, so I don't think they have the right to complain, personally.

Triple cliffhanger! The Doctor's been sealed into the Pandorica! River's locked inside a TARDIS that is apparently about to explode! Amy's been shot by Rory! Oh NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So now, some thoughts:

--Overall, that was a very fun ride.

--I think that the mysterious force controlling the TARDIS is going to turn out to be the Doctor. I really hope that it will turn out to be Jacket!Doctor. In fact, I admit it, I will be very disappointed if we don't get Jacket!Doctor.

-- I don't think the TARDIS will explode, mostly because if it was going to explode, I think we would have seen it do so in the cliffhanger. A few bangs and flashes of the console do not an explosion make.

-- I really hope that Real Rory will come back. This episode just made me realize how much I've missed him. Time can be rewritten! Except for when the Doctor is part of events, like, um, when Rory was killed. But that's okay, because the Doctor can still save dead companions! Except for Adric. And all the rest. Okay, um, well, maybe Rory wasn't quite dead yet? Because cracks in universes erasing people can be unwritten, I'm pretty sure of that . . . right?

Is it next Saturday yet? How about now? Or now? Or now?

Comments

[tempestas-inu.livejournal.com]

YAAYYYY!!!

I dunno why, but I get a huge kick out of reading peoples reactions to episodes. Possibly because it allows me to squee some more (if they're positive anyway).

"Hello Sweetie". Yes, that's definitely her catchphrase and running gag. Also, geekery states that the first two greek letters on the cliffside are "Theta Sigma".

The Cyberman SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME. BIG TIME. I SCREAMED. TRUTHFULLY I CAN'T WATCH THAT WHOLE SCENE AGAIN BECAUSE IF FREAKED ME OUT SO BAD (I have a phobia of internal human anatomical parts.... yeah, um, I didn't handle River's debut episodes in S4 too well *shivers*).

RORY! Oh god, really, I loved every single scene with Rory in it in this episode... even if it eventually led to heartbreak. The first scene with him and the Doctor just kinda tells you that the Doctor got so used to having Rory around that when Rory came back he just completely forgot Rory wasn't supposed to be there. I liked that the Doctor was very encouraging to Rory ("Rory, you're going to have to be very brave" "Now go get her"). Again, one of my favorite thins about Eleven is how he cares about the people around him. I nearly cried when just when Amy begins to remember Rory, Rory suddenly realizes that he's not actually who he thinks he is: His screaming "I'm a thing I'll kill you! JUST GO!" and trying to convince himself "I'M RORY!" was just really heart wrenching, along with Amy trying to help him hang onto his humanity only to get shot. I've liked Rory since "Eleventh Hour" but I never expected to like him this much ;_;.

Oh and, loved the desperation the Doctor had when being locked in the Pandorica.

The cliffhanger just killed my brain, what with everyone either dying or facing a fate worse than death. I was a jittery excited mess for the week waiting for the Big Bang. THE WAIT'S ALMOST OVER! HANG ON!

....And I've talked WAAYYYY too much. Sorry!

[dbskyler.livejournal.com]

I get a huge kick out of reading peoples reactions to episodes.

I do, too! It's fun to see where we agree and where we disagree, and sometimes other people notice things that I didn't . . . okay, fairly often . . . and if nothing else, it lets you relive the squee!

Also, geekery states that the first two greek letters on the cliffside are "Theta Sigma".

Yep, they are! I didn't notice that (see above), but someone pointed it out in a reaction post, and I went back to check. :D

The Cyberman SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME.

I agree, that was seriously scary. Remind me to never watch a horror movie penned by Steven Moffat. Doctor Who is bad enough!

RORY! Oh god, really, I loved every single scene with Rory in it in this episode

Me too! I also loved the relationship between the Doctor and Rory in this episode. It's clear how much he cares for him. And oh, the bit where Amy starts to remember was so heartbreaking! At first it's all "yay!" and then it's "no!" and then it's "OMG!" I've always liked Rory, but this episode has made me love him.

Oh and, loved the desperation the Doctor had when being locked in the Pandorica.

All those deadlocks and forcefields and time whatevers! How is he going to get through all that? Watch him not get out until June 26, 2010, and then be older than Jack again . . . ; )

....And I've talked WAAYYYY too much. Sorry!

Are you kidding? I love reading your comments! Talk all you like! :D

[tempestas-inu.livejournal.com]

Ack, I'm terrible about reading reviews contrary to my opinion (especially negatively). Not because I don't think everyone's opinions are valid, they are! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It's just sooner or later I come across hateful posts that bash something I love and my knee-jerk reaction to that is to get depressed. Yeah, I'm too sensitive. In a civil conversation though I love to debate.

I totally didn't notice the Theta Sigma thing either, I don't recognize greek letters very well ^^;

I remember reading someone else's reaction post to the Pandorica Opens and they were talking about how amusing it was that a near-universal reaction to the episode was "NOOOOO ROOORRRYY!!!" even if it was Amy that got shot. Because it was already confirmed that Karen Gillan is signed on for the next series and, fans weren't as inclined to worry about her. And I was DEFINITELY FREAKING OUT OVER POOR RORY.

All those deadlocks and forcefields and time whatevers! How is he going to get through all that? Watch him not get out until June 26, 2010, and then be older than Jack again . . . ; )

.....That's a rather... interesting thought you got there *whistles*

[dbskyler.livejournal.com]

I'm terrible about reading reviews contrary to my opinion (especially negatively)

I definitely find it easier to read opinions that agree with mine (:D), and if the opinion disagrees, then I like reading a positive review of something I didn't like more than I like reading a negative review of something I did like. But I find most reviews interesting as long as there isn't out-and-out bashing going on. Take apart a plothole, great, but I have no patience for reviews that rant against the characters or the premise of the show (e.g., that the companions change and the Doctor regenerates).

I guess I've been officially spoiled for Amy's survival -- I saw an icon with her and a fez, which pretty strongly implies that she's alive by the end of the next episode. I don't know if I would've believed that she was dead anyway, though. You kind of figure that you have advance notice of the major companions going, just like you have advance notice of the Doctor going. As for Rory, I really have no idea if he survives or not. So yes, I'm worried about him! I want him to live! Live, Rory, liiiiiiiivvvveeee!!! (Preferably as yourself, not as an Auton!)

....That's a rather... interesting thought you got there *whistles*

What? WHAT?? He doesn't actually get locked in there for 2000 years, does he? DOES HE???? (Okay, don't tell me . . . but is it Saturday yet?)

[tempestas-inu.livejournal.com]

I like reading a positive review of something I didn't like more than I like reading a negative review of something I did like.
This, this is me. In general I think I just have a problem with negativity :/ brings down the mood. Plus, if I'm feeling negative about something and then go on to read something positive about it, it gives me a chance to feel more positive about it too, whereas in the opposite situation.... well, lets just say I like feeling happier rather than gloomier. And I LOATHE bashing with every fiber of my being. Criticism is one thing, bashing is another. It's just in bad taste, and actually is quite immature.

I guess I've been officially spoiled for Amy's survival -- I saw an icon with her and a fez, which pretty strongly implies that she's alive by the end of the next episode. You and getting spoiled about the Fez! XD Let's severely hope you don't find anymore spoilery icons, there are a TON floating around out there. I wish they'd been more hush hush on Amy's status as a companion, the Pandorica ep would've been even more OHMYGAWDWHATTHEHECKASDFIDKGKDGKLJKD!!!!!!!

What? WHAT?? He doesn't actually get locked in there for 2000 years, does he? DOES HE???? (Okay, don't tell me . . . but is it Saturday yet?)
Weeeeeeeellllllll *does that rocking back and forth on heels and cocking of the head thing that Ten does* Spoilers. You'll find out :D.

Ack, I want it to be Saturday too! Come on week, FINISH UP!

[persiflage-1.livejournal.com]

Sorry I didn't get to read this yesterday, extremely horribly busy day and I was very bad tempered for much of it thanks to work. :(


I'm sitting here BITING my tongue about the remaining spoilers!

I did tell you, did I not, that you'd want to watch the next episode straight away! :D If you survive until Saturday, I'll be most admiring!

[dbskyler.livejournal.com]

You and getting spoiled about the Fez! XD

What can I say -- I don't always notice icons, but the fez ones have really stood out! Of course, now I'm just waiting for the fez to show up -- where's the fez? Is it time for the fez yet? Will the fez be in the Pandorica? Will it be in the TARDIS? Will it be in the crack? Will it end up saving everyone? Come on, fez!!!!!

Let's severely hope you don't find anymore spoilery icons, there are a TON floating around out there.

Eeep, really? There haven't been any others that I've noticed, but I'll try to be extra careful this week. It would suck if I got spoiled now, so close to the end!

I wish people would be more considerate about spoilers. I suppose I can't blame people for not keeping track of the international broadcast schedule -- for example, I don't know myself whether Australia is ahead or behind the U.S. -- but spoilery stuff should always go behind a cut IMO, and warned for, and spoilery icons shouldn't be posted around where they're likely to spoil people. I get especially annoyed with spoilery titles and story summaries on Teaspoon -- I've been avoiding Eleventh Doctor fic for months now. Although most people who are active in the DW fandom have probably managed to see the episodes not long after they were aired in the UK, so maybe I have no right to complain. But I have to admit, I'm looking forward to getting fully back onto LJ and Teaspoon again after this weekend!

[tempestas-inu.livejournal.com]

Everyone loves the Fez XD. You'll see what happens ;)

Australia and the US used to get the same episodes on the same weekends, in fact, Australia used to get them several hours AFTER us because Doctor Who airs on Sunday for them, not Saturday due to them being so far ahead of us time zone wise. But after our two week "holiday breaks", Australia became two weeks ahead.

I look forward to seeing you around more often as well, and the selfish part of me hopes your muse has been sparked so we can see fanfic from you again too XD.

[dbskyler.livejournal.com]

If you survive until Saturday, I'll be most admiring!

I can't tell you how tempted I've been to start watching it -- and that's how I frame it to myself: "I'll just watch the beginning and see what's going on with those cliffhangers. That doesn't mean I have to watch the whole thing" -- but a large part of me feels that as I've held out this long, I should see it through until the end. I also think I'll enjoy it a lot more seeing it for the first time on the TV.

On the other hand, I have a cold right now and I'm looking for things to do to occupy my time . . .

[dbskyler.livejournal.com]

the selfish part of me hopes your muse has been sparked so we can see fanfic from you again too

I've been having a hard time with fic lately -- I've started two 50ficlets fics, and I'm not happy with either of them. I hope I get inspired, too!

[persiflage-1.livejournal.com]

Oh you can be sure that once you START you won't want to stop watching! LOL

I've no idea how you can hold out. I mean, I *had* no choice - it was simply a case of wait for the broadcast - but you have the choice to short circuit the wait.

And now it's Friday (well, here anyway!) you may as well hang on those last few hours...

[shadowturquoise.livejournal.com]

crap, Crap, CRAP! I've been so cautious of not using spoilery icons around you and hoping so bad you wouldn't get spoiled. I made an Amy-Fez icon for one of the icon challenges last week and I'm kicking myself wondering if that is the one that you saw. If it is, I'm sorry.

I've thoroughly enjoyed your review, but there is absolutely nothing I can say that doesn't involve spoilers. I tend to take tPO and tBB as one episode and forget what happens in which one.

[dbskyler.livejournal.com]

I honestly don't remember where I saw it, but it was over a week ago, so if you only made yours last week then it wasn't you.

It's really okay, though -- as I said, I don't think I would've ever believed that Amy dies and stays dead anyway. I still expect to enjoy the resolution to her cliffhanger, just as I enjoyed the resolution to the "Stolen Earth" cliffhanger despite knowing for a fact that David Tennant was staying on as the Doctor.

I also think that all in all, I've managed to go pretty unspoiled, so I'm happy. I honestly have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow! Will the TARDIS explode? Will there be Daleks, or Weeping Angels, or Zygons? How will the Doctor get out of the Pandorica? Will there be Jacket!Doctor? No clue about any of it!

I've been so cautious of not using spoilery icons around you and hoping so bad you wouldn't get spoiled.

I sincerely hope it hasn't been a pain to have to be cautious! I think you and my entire flist have been really great at refraining from spoilers, so thank you!