Let's jump into Doctor Who Series 2
Hey guys!
Welcome back to the Lab!
Hope you are all keeping safe and well, especially in the times of a second lockdown (For the UK at least).
Today’s post is very overdue (Apologies!) and is the second installment in our ‘Looking Through the Vortex’ Series. For those that may not know, this series consists of me going back and looking through past seasons of Doctor Who and reviewing them in depth, looking at what worked; what didn’t; standout moments and its stars. Our last post was all about Series 1, if you haven't seen it give it a read! Today we are speaking all about Series 2 of Doctor Who (2006).
Let’s look through the vortex!
After a very successful first series of this revamped classic, Doctor Who was renewed by the BBC for a Series 2 order. However it was reported early on that Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston would not be returning to the role and would depart after the first series finale. As crowds gathered round the telly screens to watch our hero regenerate, we were surprised to see our new doctor (Albeit briefly) at the end of the first series. David Tennant.
Tennant is well known to be a very big fan of the show, and was visibly very excited when he was first announced in taking the role, a role that would change his career forever. His casting is truly spot on for the show. He takes elements of all previous incarnations and then carries them alongside bringing elements of his own to the role. As series’ would go on he would go on to be renowned as the face of Doctor Who, even long after he left the series. More of that in a later post though, for now let's focus on Series 2.
Unlike Eccleston, returning for the second series would be Billie Piper’s Rose. Piper was a huge hit in the first series and viewers were delighted to have her back and starring alongside Tennant in his first series of the show. The series picked up with its First Christmas Special titled ‘The Christmas Invasion’. In this episode, viewers did not see much of The Tenth Doctor until the end of the episode, instead having the episode focus on Rose and her reaction to this change in dynamic, which was an interesting start for this new dynamic. A few months after the special was aired, Series 2 commenced.
Like Series 1, this series also continued with a theme of a story arc, whilst its predecessor had Bad Wolf, Series 2 focused on the theme of Torchwood, Debuting in the Series’ second episode and leaving subtle hints all the way to the finale where The Doctor would come face to face with them. The set up for this arc would be Torchwood, having been set up by the queen, is too look out for alien threats and defend the earth against them. Even classing The Doctor as a threat to some extent.
This arc built for the entire series alongside another being the relationship between The Doctor and Rose. Having now established her place in the TARDIS, Rose is seen growing very close to her counterpart, but more in a romantic fashion. This causes them to sometimes become reckless. Take Episode 2 as an example, caring more about getting the queen to say a catchphrase rather than the victims of the disaster.
This, alongside Torchwood all culminated in the epic two-part finale of the series. The duo have to face not just Torchwood but also The Daleks and The Cybermen leading to devastating consequences, Rose being stuck in a parallel world, never being able to see The Doctor again. As Story arcs go, this was devastating to watch for us viewers, watching them say goodbye to one another never fails to bring a tear to the audience's eye and will be a moment that fans will remember for years to come.
As a whole, Series 2 is a strong one with many standout moments and episodes, when rewatching this series back it was tough to choose just one episode and also a singular moment, but here goes. Let’s start with a standout episode of Series 2. The Girl in the Fireplace.
Written by Steven Moffat, The episode see’s The Doctor & Co arrive on a 51st Century spaceship that has links to 18th Century Paris. The Doctor meets Madame De Pompadour and tries to help figure out what the notorious Clockwork Droids want with her. The episode is filled with a mixture of emotions, from laughter all the way to devastation. The Writing in this episode is Superb and its acting, especially from Tennant, is great, Accompanied by a soundtrack that will break hearts everywhere, this episode is worth the watch.
As for a standout moment in this series, it can be none other than The Doctor & Rose’s Farewell on Bad Wolf Bay. A scene that had viewers crying and hearts breaking around the world, we have to watch the duo say goodbye to one another, never being able to see each other again (Or so they think, but that's for another time). The Doctor admits that he’s burning a sun to say goodbye and only having two minutes to do so. Tenant & Piper are truly breathtaking in this scene. They portray such raw emotion and heartbreak for a second you forget you’re watching a Sci-Fi show, ending with The Doctor running out of time before being able to say how he feels, this moment is one fans won’t ever forget.
Overall Series 2 is a fun filled action romp of a series, filled with adventure, laughter and even heartbreak. Whilst it’s not my favourite of The 10th Doctor's run, it’s still a great series thanks to Tennant & Piper.
There we have it then, my thoughts on series 2, what do you think? Did you like Series 2 or was it not as good as Series 1? Let me know in the comments below!
Next time in ‘Looking Through the Vortex’ is Series 3!
We will also have another normal post next week!
Until then, stay safe.
Look out for each other
Harry x
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