Written by Toby Whithouse
Directed by Jonny Campbell
“Blimey, fish from space have never been so… buxom!”
Random thoughts regarding episode six: The Vampires of Venice…
(1) It’s the closest that Doctor Who’s revitalized second life has come to capturing the spirit, feel, and ethos of pure, unadulterated, classic Doctor Who. This is the kind of historical that could easily sit on the shelf beside The Masque of Mandragora or The Visitation. It’s unpretentious, old fashioned, prestigious costume drama fun. Vampiric aliens in familiar-yet-ancient environments, a local at the end of his rope, assisting the Doctor and his companions, a confrontation (or two) between the Doctor and the leader of the alien contingent…it’s all from “how to make archetypal Doctor Who” manual.
(2) Matt Smith is having a blast…and we’re having a blast by simply being along for the ride. Larger-than-life actor & writer Stephen Fry was even moved to remark on Smith’s superb performance on his twitter account…and I can’t say I blame him. This is a chance for Smith to play with the Doctor’s more laid back & eccentric nature; he seizes it like a dog with a bone. He’s a little more kooky-meets-small-child here: delighting in the locale, immediately engaging with a sudden mystery, and poking his nose where it doesn’t really belong with great, unabashed aplomb. It’s a story environment that every Doctor gets a chance to stamp with their own label, be it Jon Pertwee in The Time Warrior, or David Tennant in Tooth and Claw. Tom Baker’s Doctor once said “of course we should interfere…always do what you’re best at.” Matt Smith fulfills this prescription in spades.
(3) Rory is…well, I’m undecided. Not because it’s a poor performance…far from it. Arthur Darvill fills Rory with quality trepidation, resignation, nervousness and envy…sometimes simultaneously! It’s also not a case of same-old, same-old, because the situation is very different to that of Rose & Mickey. But while the Doctor and Rory have great chemistry…and the Doctor and Amy have great chemistry…all three of them fit together rather uncomfortably. Part of this is the kind of story-based, fifth-wheel discomfort that is natural to the situation, but the rest can be filed under “work in progress”. Amy especially becomes slightly sidelined into cliché companion territory, but the next episode may address these concerns to my satisfaction…I hope.
(4) The story is rather lightweight in comparison to the mighty two-parter that preceded it. In fact, it owes much more to the turn-off-your-brain-and-enjoy strain of storytelling of its season stable mate, Victory of the Daleks. They’re both about nothing more than the pace of the adventure: a simple, linear plot, and no time for richly developed supporting roles. That said, The Vampires of Venice has the edge over its WW2 sibling, thanks to its sumptuous, cosmopolitan setting, and newcomer director Jonny Campbell’s determination to show off ever inch of the Dalmation splendour. There’s also some particularly nice CGI on offer…including the best computer-generated alien in ages.
Yes, it’s another set up for the rest of the season. Yes, it isn’t exactly screaming with sophistication. However, it’s undeniable, giddy, wonderful fun with fish people from space invading Earth history, and Matt Smith spending 45 minutes revelling in simply BEING the Doctor. What more do you want?
7.5
