Saturday, September 24, 2011

"Doctor Who" and "The God Complex:" A Study in Fear (A Television Review)

Director: Nick Hurran.

Writer: Toby Whithouse.

Cast: Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, and Arthur Darvill.

Just what kind of god feeds on emotion? Plenty of deities from ancient times thrive on faith to empower them, but in "Doctor Who," it gets a fun house of terror approach in exploring the power of fear and in revealing hell bent forces seeking to sup' it up. The horror can manifest from a simple fear of ventriloquist dummies to dealing with the opposite sex.

But that's not what this episode is about; Faith is actually explored, and this is the reason why the episode is titled, “The God Complex." In a television show like "Doctor Who" that easily blends various genres into quirky tales, to get a fright at least once per Doctor episode is almost a given. One exceptional episode, "Blink," was brilliantly penned by Steven Moffat and wonderfully executed by director Hettie Macdonald (Agatha Christie's "Poirot").

Now that Moffat is handling the executive producer duties for the latest incarnation, writer Toby Whithouse ("Being Human") makes a nod to the Weeping Angels, but crafts his own Greek tale. Some fans of this series may have hoped for more of these silent killers, but alas, they are not the antagonists. There is more to read in this episode for long time fans of this television series, but instead, the focus will be on how this one show effectively creates suspense.


The hotel, the Doctor, Rory and Amy are running around in is a perfect three-dimensional labyrinth of terror. The disorientating camera angles, extreme facial closeups and endless corridors works in favour of turning this maze into a trap. But when the Minotaur shows up, this tale is hardly surprising.

To see how each character deals with their fear solidifies what makes a good tale of terror; isolation from one another can end in dire results. When everyone finds their special room which capitulates all their hopes, fears and desires, the adrenalin created will no doubt bring the harbinger of doom. The trophy of their fall will be displayed on the wall for all to see.

Also very rarely do viewers get an engaging piece where the words “Praise Him” are part of the visual narrative. The text simply flashes across the screen just like the Doctor appearing on a television screen to say, “Don’t blink.” It is almost like a piece of subliminal programming where it forces viewers, who value freedom of choice, to say, "No!"

Although this episode is not entirely original, it is an interesting variation of the classical myth of when Theseus enters the labyrinth to face the Minotaur. King Minos would be proud.

And this episode marks Amy and Rory's temporary departure from the TARDIS. The Doctor got a peek into what scares him, and he must have realized that he has to continue travelling alone. As the Doctor continues his adventures in time and space, maybe he's learned that he truly has no one to share it with.

Overall: 8 out of 10.

*this episode aired September 17th, 2011.

The official website for "Doctor Who" at the BBC:

Doctor Who Episodes at the BBC

Seas. 5 on DVD:



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