Doctor Who: The Rebel Flesh

Another really good Episode of Doctor Who tonight. And even though it was a two parter, I didn't feel cheated by a 45 minute Episode that was soley designed to lead up to the events of the next one (ala 'The Impossible Astronaut'). No, this Episode had some really good character moments and the concept behind the 'Gangers' was well realised. The first few minutes was a bit 'Huh?' though. Yes this is the Episode where a pile of smart white gunk (which is then turned into a puppet controlled body) develops feelings by copying the traits and personality of their 'original' human counterparts, so its all very haute Sci-Fi then. The Gangers share similiar traits to the Silurians from Series Five, being an enemy that we can sympathise with almost to the point where they're not seen as the enemy at all. Make-up really helped their unnerving appearance, and the scene in the bathroom (although it was a bit of a cruddy SFX job) was still surprising/scary. The 'Jennifer' Ganger is probably the most interesting out of all of them so far (the others aren't really looked upon alot), she seems to punch Rory one minute while taking a shine to him later (almost like she has a major 'crush' on him) and the scene where she is quoting the memory's from her childhood to him is very touching indeed: That scene was the highlight of the Episode in my opinion. Simply superb. There was definitely more emotional weight to the proceedings here, and the story has so far sucked every ounce of drama out of it. 

Gone was the humour (for the most part) and absent was the 'light' tone that 'The Doctor's Wife' was so full of. I also liked how none of it seemed rushed, it took its time in introducing us to the idea of the flesh and then executed it perfectly five minutes afterwards. The Cliffhanger at the end I think we all saw coming (the moment we saw the 'independant' Gangers we all thought 'Cor! Wouldn't it be cool if the main cast was cloned too!') but was still surprising nonetheless. Seems like the Doctor has met his match...literally! I can't wait to see how this plot thread is tied up ('Doctor vs. Doctor' or 'Doctor helps Doctor'?) and really makes me excited for Part 2, which is what a first part should do, not just make you feel confused at the end. I bet there's a scene in Part 2 where one of the cast has to shoot the faux Doctor and he/she can't make out which one is the real one! Or perhaps this could be a fitting conclusion to the whole 'The Doctor dies' plot arc? Clone doc goes back in time to kickstart the events of Series Six? Who knows, but its probably a little bit early for that plot thread to be resolved (I was thinking more Series Finale?). Either way its certainly an interesting dilemma. I just want to know how they're going to get rid of the Gangers without it feeling wrong, cos' really its the humans that are the bad guys here, they started it all and its them responsable for this mess. The Gangers should kinda win! But then again you could make the arguement as to whether they even count as people (Almost people?) but if you....ahhhh....now THIS is what I like about this Series of Doctor Who. Really makes you think doesn't it? It would actually be cool if they can both get along with each other but that can't work either because the Gangers wouldn't just reject an entire life's worth of memory's and feelings now would they? They couldn't just leave behind everything they are! But what if their minds were wiped? Again wouldn't that just be essentially murder? As far as I can tell, there doesn't seem to be an outright 'happy ending' here and thats some good stuff.    

So Overall another spectacular Ep from the DW Team, proabably the 2nd best of the Series so far I 'recon (sorry 'The Doctor's Wife). It was everything a first part should be!