Let's Get Into It.
Hey guys,
Welcome back to the Lab.
Today is the welcome return of our ‘Through the Vortex’ series and we are picking it up with Doctor Who Series 4 that was first broadcast in 2008. Starring David Tennant as The Tenth Doctor and also featuring the return of Catherine Tate as Donna Noble, this series is considered a fan favourite amongst many. The duo encounter many foes such as Sontarons, the Ood & even the Daleks. Not to mention the return of allies such as Martha Jones, Captain Jack Harkness and even the return of Rose Tyler.
The series started with its annual Christmas special entitled ‘Voyage of the Damned’. It starred David Tennant once again whilst having a new co-star in Kylie Minogue. The Doctor found himself on the galactic cruiseliner the Titanic, which came into contact with meatores and he had to go and save the day and everyone aboard. After the special had aired, the promotion for Series 4 began...
Series 4 had heavy promotion that for the first time even included a cinema release trailer. This was to mark the blockbuster series they had in store and tease the return of Rose and the Daleks. Seeing as it was the show's 45th anniversary, they wanted to make sure it had the right amount of talk surrounding it, and it did. Before the show aired again, the trailer was in newspapers, magazines, and websites. Everyone was talking about it. Then came the airing of the series itself.
As with each series that had come before, this series too had its own story arc. This time it was much more subtle. This was that planets were disappearing from time and space, yet it would only be mentioned in throwaway sentences. Alongside an ominous “She is Returning” in episode 2 (Hinting at Rose). You could also see brief appearances of Rose throughout the series. As the series hurtled towards its finale viewers were anxious to find out what it all meant. They were given answers in the return of both the Daleks and their creator Davros in the series' standout finale.
The finale brought together The Doctor with his old foes, and also brought in almost every central character The Doctor has travelled with Such as Martha, Jack, Sarah Jane & Rose. Side characters from both Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures also joined. The biggest return however was (As just mentioned) the return of Davros. Having not been seen since the classic series of Who, this was a huge boost for fans, both old and new alike. Together The Doctor and Co had to stop Davros from obliterating the universe from existence whilst also dealing with a fake regeneration and a metacrisis Doctor. The finale had it all!
The cast really shine throughout the series, but praise has to be given to both David Tennant and Catherine Tate. This was a series where it did not focus on the characters wanting a relationship from one another, quite the opposite. They wanted a best friend to travel with. The banter between both actors really shines in each episode, With Catherine bringing a new energy to the series as Donna. Not to mention her heartbreaking performance in the final episode as she has to have her memory wiped to save her life. David also once again brings a gravitas to the series whilst also showing us the different sides of the timelord. From happiness and laughter in Partners of Crime, to heartbreak and grief come the end of the series.
The series, like its predecessors, had its standout moments and episodes. However one that needs mentioning is episode 2, The Fires of Pompeii. The Doctor and Donna accidentally land in Pompeii on volcano day and have to find the Tardis. It also featured future twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi in a different role. This episode was new for viewers as it dealt with the timelord not being able to save the day and the effect that has on him. He had to let the volcano erupt as it was a fixed point in time. It really was interesting to see how this affected both The Doctor and Donna and how it affected their relationship between them.
Overall For me, this series is great, its leads shine and action packed moments deliver, however I do feel that Series 3 is a little stronger for me. That’s not to say this series isn't good, far the opposite. It really delivered in its blockbuster episodes and its finale is one that will be remembered throughout Doctor Who history. With the series strongest elements being its two leads, once again future series’ of the show had a lot to live upto. Series 4 will always be remembered as a great series in the show's history.
Well there we have it, we jumped through the vortex and looked back at Series 4! What are your thoughts on this series? Let us know!
Next time on Through the Vortex - Doctor Who - The 2009 Specials!
Until our next post,
Stay Safe,
Look out for each other.
Harry x
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