(726) The Shakespeare Code

Martha’s first trip into the past takes her to 1599. I will be honest that I haven’t been the biggest fan of Shakespeare. I did the usual stuff at school but could never really get into it and so the idea of spending 45 minutes in his companion wasn’t something that I was particularly looking forward to. This isn’t the first time that Shakespeare has been in Doctor Who. It was way back in 1965 and it was a blink and you’ll miss it moment but this is the first time that he’s so integral to the plot. The thing about this episode is that they filmed inside the actual Globe Theatre. Not even the Oscar winning film Shakespeare in London was allowed to film in there. I think that the fact they were able to film in there helps create a wonderful atmosphere.

This is the second episode in and Rose is still getting a mention much to the annoyance of Martha. The relationship between the Doctor and Martha is different to what the Doctor had with Rose and it’s refreshing that this is the case. Martha’s reaction to being in that time period is quite amusing and Martha doesn’t make it all about her like Rose did and I am liking Freema Agyeman more and more.

The effects of the surrounding area is truly impressive and looks wonderful. It’s something that they wouldn’t be able to do in a movie so it’s great they are in this episode.  They really have stretched themselves in this series and this is one of the most visually impressive episodes since the show returned in 2005. The effects used when the Carrionites are swirling around the globe is another superb effect and one that I think looks as good as it did in 2007.  If there is one thing that I don’t think works quite well is the masks of Doomfinger, Bloodtide and Lillith. They seem a bit poor but I don’t know if that is just because they haven’t aged as well as most things.

David Lennox Kelly plays William Shakespeare and does a really good job. Bearing in mind that he has free reign to play him as he does, I find that his performance to be truly engaging and it’s a shame that he hasn’t returned. Had he appeared in the Steven Moffat era then he would have been a regular character.

Gareth Roberts has done a great job in making the episode amusing but too much. It still feels like a Doctor Who episode but its having fun in it surroundings and the running gag is that Shakespeare is using lots of words and sayings that the Doctor uses. I have enjoyed this episode a lot and thought that the performances were very good, the writing was sound, the directing was just as good as the previous episode (which makes sense considering it’s the same director) and the whole vibe of the episode was a good one and I am really looking forward to tomorrows episode because its one of my favourites of the series.