Forest of the Dead

They really did turn out the lights, to create scares and frights, The Vashta Nerada is one of the best Villains ever created in Doctor who. They are smart, their design is creepy, the arcs and the storyline is complex with detailed storytelling and immense charm to boot, this episode really is one of, or as I like to cool it, The Best EVER episode of all-time.

Part 1,

This sets up the character-dynamics and the weird and wacky shenanigans that would play out, lights of, dimly lit rooms, and dark corridors that circle your mind with fear. They also laid the foundations for River, who's also first trip is a memorable outing, it was perfect casting, and her edginess and her charisma is portrayed brilliantly. Her excitement of seeing the doctor for example, was embedded throughout the story yo create context and emotion. That context being, she will be remembered and then seen by the Doctor again. And it perfectly sets up this intense and edgy atmosphere with spooks and mystery surrounding the story.

Part 2,

Best one-time villains it DOES have to be Said, they create an intreging environment because they surprise us as we don't get to know much about them, and all we know is they could be lurking in the distance somewhere, which this episode h!nts on, the chlostrophobia is played superbly, demonstrating the villains effects and brutality of their victims, plagiarising them in the most evil way possible. And the talkative radios are amazing. The timey-whimey stuff with Donna in a new life is also brilliant, it makes the episodes timings more suitably played out because the mystery widens, and the story takes storytelling and complexity with action,drama and heart-pounding and fistful moments.

And that concludes, I'd rate this a 10 because IT is my favourite episode, and it was intense and interesting. And I'm also in a good mood because I sore my favourite people yesterday. Comically a Mile stone in Entertainment and storytelling, never seen Sci-fi go this Deep and Bold before, and manage to pull it off, Excellent. 12/10 Marks.

"Forest of the Dead" ends Steven Moffat's two-parter for this series of Doctor Who with a bang, providing plenty of laughs, scares, tears (of both sorts) and surprises. What is especially striking about Moffat's writing here is that he manages to take an ending that is UNBELIEVABLY hokey on paper and turn it into some of the most effective, stunningly well-written drama on modern television. It is simply remarkable.

The developments in the story in this second part are brought to life wonderfully in terms of production design and especially direction with Euros Lyn being on top form here. The acting is superb all around with Catherine Tate showing off her dramatic chops and David Tennant proving once again that he is a remarkable actor. My only small complaint is Murray Gold's score. Very predictable, very over-the-top, and just not right. I hope Moffat will find a new composer when he takes over.

It appears that the Doctor's relationship to River Song was romantic. Could this be part of a Moffat 'straight agenda' for Who? Yes, that's a joke, but think about it- in every last one of his stories he's had a romantic element in the script. Sally Sparrow met two men who loved her in "Blink", "The Girl in the Fireplace" saw the Doctor and Madame du Pompadour getting along quite nicely, and "The Empty Child" had a sub-plot with Captain Jack and Rose finding numerous ways to flirt with each other. I don't think we'll be seeing an asexual Doctor when Moffat takes over and I definitely don't think he will handle this change poorly given his track record. Let's hope for a decided lack of another 'pining after the Doctor' companion.

Just a remarkable, fantastic 90 minute story from Mr. Moffat. Brilliant.

10/10

The Silence in the Library was an utter joy to watch, the conclusion picks up the action immediately.

With the Vashda Nerada in pursuit River Song manufactures an escape. The little girl continues to view the action from her sitting room, Donna is transported somewhere rather random, having a pretty wonderful life, where time passes in an instant. More shadows appear, more victims. Donna receives a note from Miss Evangelista, who convinces her the world she's in isn't real. We learn who Cal is, what her purpose is.......

A very poignant moment where River tells the Doctor something, it convinces him that he can trust her. The look on his face tells a story. Tennant is particularly good in this 2 parter.

Tate once again deserves major plaudits for her acting, the scenes with the kids are acted with pure devastation, she's amazing. Donna's character had developed throughout the series more so then any other companion's I can think of.

Wonderfully scary moments, particularly Donna's meeting with Miss Evangelista, and the subsequent disappearance of the children, the music helps as well.

Donna gets a little bit ousted for the Doctor to start and build his relationship with River Song, but I can't complain, Alex Kingston has been a joy.

It is simply wonderful, a second part equally as brilliant as the first, I can't describe just how good it is.

Did they have to do that to poor Donna at the end with the gorgeous Lee? that was mean.

Scary, adventurous, intelligent, deeply moving, it's perfect. I truly love Series 4, and this is at the heart of its purple patch, more brilliance was to come. 10/10

Everybody is saved.

One of the best episode of series 4 and the series in general.

Whenever I think of the future of "Doctor Who" in the hands of one Steven Moffat, I have a warm glow in my heart. Without a doubt, Moffat is one of the most talented writers the series has ever attracted (and a massive talent outside the series). One wonders what delights his "Tintin" script will deliver...

The second part of the library tale manages to trump the first episode. Without going into any details, it's all clever stuff and emotional too.

The cast are splendid and Alex Kingston's River Song adds a whole new layer to the series.

9 out of 10. Fantastic entertainment. Expect a BAFTA, Mr. Moffat...