12 Notable Moments From Thin Ice
Mark McCullough makes his choices from the third episode of Series 10.
Following up an episode as universally well received as Face the Raven was never going to be an easy task, such was the height of the bar Sarah Dollard set herself. This episode proves that the success there was more than a fluke as Dollard follows up with a script strong enough to cement her status as one of the best writers on the shows roster. This week’s outing gives so many talking points that settling on just the twelve was no easy task:
12. Nardole and the Vault
11. The Doctor and Bill escape
The sonic screwdriver is something which splits the fans of the show. Some think that it is too much like a magic wand, whilst others don’t seem to mind when it is used to help the Doctor escape from complex situations. Here Dollard manages to use the Doctor’s trusty device in a way that satisfies both, by using it for exactly what it is. The trope of unsuspecting villain is also utilised highly effectively to produce as scene, which doesn’t take itself too seriously, but at the same time is quite dark as the Doctor is happy to let someone die to save people he cares about. This is the first of a few recurring aspects of the Twelfth Doctor that Dollard gets just right in this episode.
10. No sh–!
Connecting an idea of a monster, a setting and a rough outline for a story is probably one of the most difficult aspects of writing a story. When it comes to a giant monster underneath the Thames and an evil aristocrat out to further his fortune this becomes even more difficult, but it’s something that Dollard does with ease in a way that fits with the time period that the episode is set. It is delivered in a way that is not exposition heavy and is simple for the audience to follow, but best of all it allows for that wonderful moment where Bill almost swears.
9. Changing the future
With any adventure into the past, the impact of how events can impact the future that the characters know is always going to play a part. This is even more the case when it is a new companion’s first trip to the past, and even more the case when that companion is someone as inquisitive as Bill. The topic is approached well by Dollard who shows a great appreciation for the sci-fi genre, coupling this with her grasp of the characters; I sincerely hope this is second of many wonderful scripts from her. The revelation that the events of the episode had little impact on the future was not a surprise as that is what the show would require; however to use day drinking at the festival to explain this was a masterstroke.
8. The Humour
For a script that tackles a lot of series issues and has a lot of dark moments, it is actually surprisingly funny. Even some of the more serious comments are delivered in a tongue in cheek way. The episode has some proper laugh out loud moments, particularly at the start of the episode as Bill and the Doctor are enjoying themselves. I think it’s the hallmark of a good script and one of the defining qualities of Doctor Who that no matter what type of story it is telling it is always able to make you smile and laugh. For that reason I am happy to call this one of my favourite episodes and perhaps the best since Mummy on the Orient Express.
7. Robin Hood?
Not only did Dollard deliver an extremely strong script that stands on its own, but also one that is littered with Easter Eggs for fans to pick up on. The end of the episode sees the Doctor rewrite Mr Sutcliffe’s family tree to give all his property and inheritance to the kids that helped the TARDIS team to save the day. In essence, what the Doctor has done here is stealing from the rich and giving to the poor: this is something that most will instantly recognise as the legend of Robin Hood. Fans of the show will immediately cast their minds back to the third episode of Series Eight where the Doctor had an encounter with Hood providing the source of much humour. Given the similarities between the two legends it is nice to see the comparisons still made.
6. Discovering the Creature
If last week’s Smile could be compared with Series Five’s The Beast Below in terms of narrative, the same could be said for this week’s episode except on more thematic terms. Having read the synopsis the expectation was that the monster was going to be your typical monster of the week that the Doctor and Bill had to face. As it transpired the story was much more complicated with the creature revealed as a victim itself, this was done very effectively with the audience gaining this information at the same time as the Doctor with some very effective misdirection earlier in the episode. This helped make the episode more engaging and gave the narrative a more believable aspect to it also serving to increase the negative feeling towards eventual antagonist Mr Sutcliffe when he was revealed.
5. Mr Sutcliffe
In terms of human villains there’s only so much the show can do to make them distinctive, yet Dollard is able to make her antagonist Mr Sutcliffe stand out from the crowd. The backdrop to the character is an interesting one, and a familiar story too. Someone who finds themselves in power living in a mansion by a happy accident of birth, someone who doesn’t worry about those worse off than themselves provided they get what they want, and someone who thinks himself better than everyone else. With an awareness of Dollard’s political views and a little help from the costume department in colour selection, it’s not hard to see the character as a political commentary and one that works very effectively. It is also extremely satisfying to see him get his just desserts before the episode ends, losing not only his life, but also his legacy that made him who he was.
4. Have you ever killed anyone?
With all new companions comes a list of firsts, something I’ve mentioned in each of the last few articles. Whilst these are usually first trip to the future, the past, a new planet or even first time home. What Dollard covers well here is the darker aspects of travelling with the Doctor. In quick succession, we watch Bill have her first encounter with death and the emotional impact this has on her, initially manifesting as fury towards the Doctor. This then develops into a conversation about what death means to the Doctor and the people whose lives have been lost as a direct consequence of the Doctor. This strong script offered Mackie and Capaldi their toughest challenge to date this series, and it was a challenge they rose to effortlessly to produce some of the most compelling moments of drama so far this year.
3. Measures of Society
It’s telling that the quality of the episode was so high that this scene is only able to make third place on the list, as it was a sublime moment. If there was ever any question that Dollard didn’t fully understand the Doctor, one need not look any further than here to see that she has possibly the best grasp of the character to date. The Doctor’s speech about what truly makes humanity great encapsulates everything the character stands for and brings back memories of the man who can’t walk past a crying child, the man who offers help without being asked, and the man who values everyone for who they are, what they do and nothing else. In fact Mr Sutcliffe’s in narrative praise of the speech is probably the only correct thing he said all episode, and Bill’s comment about how long it takes to be able to write a speech like further highlights how amazing it is that Dollard is able to do so in only her second time writing for the character.
2. Bill’s the Boss
There’s an interesting scene where the Doctor leaves the decision with what to do with the creature for Bill to decide. Not only does this show the respect and trust that he has in her, but also that he sees her value, which is a stark contrast to the views of the setting of the episode, and Mr Sutcliffe who dismisses Bill for both being black and being a woman. This also highlights a somewhat interesting component of the twelfth Doctor’s character, where his predecessors would have been the decision makers; he tends to leave the responsibility on those that it affects. It is my opinion that this shows a greater respect and awareness for the autonomy of his companions, and also shows he is learning from past mistakes ensuring here to offer Bill the support she needs after his more hands off approach from Kill the Moon with Clara was less than helpful for her.
1. History’s a Whitewash
One of Dollard’s biggest strengths in her brief time on the show so far has been how aware she is of pressing social issues. With the show’s reputation as being progressive, this gives her a head start from the off. With a companion of colour, any trip to the past was going to require an astute writer to broach the topic in a sensitive manner. Dollard goes above and beyond and utilises this as a chance to offer a commentary on the cultural deletion of those who do not come from a position of social privilege. It’s incredibly to the point and cutting in its message reminding the audience that racism extends even into our religion such is the extent it has polluted society. Bill’s line about Regency England is extremely sad if you consider where that comment came from: the young girl growing up in a world presented to her in a way that erases her own cultural history. Of all the content the episode offers for discussion, this is by far the most important.
