Doctor Who:
The Angels Take Manhattan
By Steven Moffat
“Raggedy man, goodbye!”
Well here we are the big farewell
to Rory and Amy Pond and the story filmed in New York City that was the most
anticipated story of 2012. In a mini
season of five stories with one pretty good, one average and a couple that were
less than stellar. Well I had been
looking forward to this story and had some high hopes that Steven Moffat would
spin a gem and give Amy and Rory a proper send off.
Just like the expression “saving
the best one for last” that is exactly what has happened here during the first
five stories of the split Series 7. I
just liked they whole concept of the story.
From the book to River and how Rory and Amy’s exit it just seemed to fit
and work nicely. Plus how scary was this
story. It seemed like the Weeping Angels
were around every corner.
I have to hand it to Steven
Moffat. The Weeping Angels are sure one
of the scariest Doctor Who villains ever created. With the exception of the Statue of Liberty
Angel, I thought that was lame, I thought all the different types of statues
coming to life were freaky. Freaky and
I truly loved it. Just think if you are
a child walking past any statue now and being truly frighten of them. In fact just walking past a statue now will
give you the shivers.
The Angels Take Manhattan sure
did have that behind the sofa feel to it.
One of the things missing from Doctor Who has been the scare factor. Some of the best stories have an essence to
scare you. Not with shock or gore anyone
can do that but by building on your fear.
This story sure did do that. I
loved the fact that the Angels were popping out of every nook and cranny at the
right moment to scare you. Just
brilliantly done and that was indeed awesome to watch.
To not touch on the emotional
aspect of this story would be a mistake on my part. Yes, The Angels Take Manhattan was very
emotional. It was sad to see the dilemma
that The Doctor was in. Knowing what
happens in the future and creating a fixed point had to be excruciatingly
painful to him especially when he finds out about Amy’s fate and eventual
departure.
At one point he sees his two
friends kill each other by jumping off the building in hopes of causing a
paradox. Then seeing The Weeping Angel
in the cemetery sending Rory back in time and then pleading with Amy not to go
and then seeing her being sent back in time had to be heartbreaking for him. You had to feel for The Doctor at that moment.
I know it affected me in an
emotional way seeing them doing the Romeo and Juliet thing on the roof
top. It was very sad realizing what was
going to happen and if you didn’t feel anything then you just aren’t a loving
person I guess. I’m sure most people
faced with their decision who are in love with their partner would probably do
the same thing. Plus it was pretty sad
knowing what was going to happen with Amy.
You knew she would go back and be with Rory and that is what true love
is all about. In fact she finally takes
his last name at the end.
Oh by the way River Song was in
this story also. She was pretty good in
this one. It was good to see her take on
a supporting role and not be the focal point for once. Since her main story is over it would be good
to see her in a supporting role. I don’t
mind if she comes back now and again as long as she is helping out and not the
true focal point. I did not really care
for The Doctor using his regeneration power to heal River’s broken wrist. Seems odd he never has done that before. Could that also be one of the regenerations
that Steven Moffat was talking about also.
I truly enjoyed this story. Every aspect was really well done and the
performances by the main stars were top notch.
I have been having reservations about Steven Moffat and his handling of
Doctor Who but it is good to see him bring the goods when it counts. A fabulous story to end this part of the
series seven which, in my mind, has been subpar so far but it truly ends on a
high note. The Angels Take Manhattan is
sure to become a classic and one of the best of the Moffat era.
Grade A
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