What is the best way to continue the tremendous success set by a remarkable, epoch defining collaboration of an actor who made himself the character and a lead writer and producer who's fertile imagination kept old fans of the show and bought in new ones (including this blogger) at exactly the same time? Easy, cast a complete unknown in not one but both lead roles and give the role of lead writer and producer to a man best known for some below par BBC and ITV sitcoms at the turn of the decade.
Of course, this is being dreadfully unfair. Matt Smith was a particularly accomplished stage actor by the time Doctor Who came calling and Steven Moffat was recognised as Russell T Davies' natural successor after standing out as a writer in David Tennant's era as the Doctor. However, Tennant and Davies was still an absolutely massive act to follow and to fail was to potentially destroy a British institution.
Thankfully, this was not the case and Moffat and his team of writers have produced a steady, if not spectacular, opening series to their term behind the scenes whilst in front of the camera, Smith and Karen Gillian have proved a safe pair of hands, each bringing their own unique styles to differentiate themselves between their predecessors.
So, here are the first (and probably last) annual Our Somewhat Significant Opinions Doctor Who Award:
Best episode- With special mentions to The Eleventh Hour as a stellar introduction and The Lodger cos I love a good low budget episode that focuses on character development but we have a clear winner in the series finale The Big Bang. Moffat appeared to set himself a task in the first episode of this two parter that could only be solved cheesily, inconceivably or both but rose magnificently to the task to delver a simply stunning 55 minutes of television that got the balance absolutely spot on between special effects, emotional content, plot twists and a non-cheesy ending.
Best plot device- Rory. Put simply. His whole entire existence was to have a love-triangle between the Doctor, himself and Amy that was hardly ever used. Either have it and use it or just do the usual and leave it to our imaginations that the Doctor and his Companion are using the TARDIS furniture for other activities. Also, it's only a headfuck for the time being, it will be resolved as time goes on, but just why is the TARDIS exploding?
Biggest headfuck- Plenty to choose from, this is Doctor Who after all, but I'll pick one from left field. In The Lodger, why did Craig and Sophie always leave their door unlocked so people could get tricked by the 'old man' or 'small child' to come upstairs to the fake room? They should really lock their door; they do live in Colchester after all.
Best character- By a country mile (what is the difference between a country mile and a mile by the way?) it is the mysterious, amusing, strangely sexy but just completely compelling River Song. Yes, she was only in a handful of episodes but the intrigue and verve she bought to the show was a joy to behold and it is clear to see she will become a much more integral character to the show next series. Bravo Alex Kingston
Best guest star- With special mentions to James Corden, who bought a lovely, sweet touch to his character in The Lodger, and Toby Jones for his deliciously evil Dream Lord in Amy's Choice but this award goes to Tony Curran's near on perfect performance as Vincent Van Gogh in Vincent and the Doctor. Curran captured precisely what was asked him from the script and gave a masterclass in how to portray a troubled genius.
Best line- A simple one but "Bowties [fezzes] are cool."
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