I didn't know what to expect from this episode after the previous week's rather creepy encounter with the Weeping Angels, but Captain Jack's return was something that I was looking forward to after I read about it online. When the TARDIS appeared at the end of the universe I became interested in the plot. The dialogue between the Doctor and Jack was impressive. In fact, the episode contains a number of impressive quotes! I was inspired by "Utopia" when it was mentioned by Professor Yana and others in the year 100 trillion. I wasn't too keen on the Futurekind but found myself rather drawn towards Professor Yana's assistant Chantho. Throughout the episode, I was actually watching her more than taking in the plot. When she revealed that like the Doctor, she was the last of her species, I really felt for her. Maybe it was partly because I saw that she was loving, but unloved. It wasn't until one month later that I realised the Honest Truth: I am totally in love with Chantho. I feel love often and I love the feature of her speech and everything about her. Chipo Chung plays her brilliantly and the episode itself is exciting. The dialogue between Martha and Chantho in one scene is other part I love. In fact, that's my favourite scene! The Doctor activating the rocket is an outstanding scene and it involves one of David Tennant's greatest quotes, "I'm brilliant!" I was hoping to see Utopia itself but the episode doesn't get to that point. It's only later on in Last of the Time Lords (which was aired two weeks later) when it's revealed that there was no Utopia. The only scene I found difficult to watch was after Professor Yana opened his watch and turned evil (the following parts of THAT scene speak for themselves). This is the reason I gave it a 9 and not a 10. I had a feeling about the Master's return after watching earlier episodes detailing various clues, especially the Face of Boe's last words, "You are not alone." I recommend that sensitive viewers only watch the episode up to the point when the watch is opened. Russell T Davies said in an interview that not all Doctor Who monsters and aliens are enemies, adding that Chantho is so sweet. So why did she have to be killed off so cruelly? I don't blame Derek Jacobi – he said in an interview that the following scenes were kept secret from him so he didn't know how the episode would end until they got to that scene, although I was suspicious of Professor Yana from the very start. I can't believe such a scene was put in a Doctor Who episode. Scenes like that should not be broadcast before 9pm! In fact, I haven't seen any other Doctor Who episode involving in a scene like that before or since. There was a minor situation that was similar in Voyage of the Damned but it was brief and the bad guy was killed instead. If I ever watch this episode again, I'll only watch it up to my favourite scene because my loving heart does not delight in the evil involved at the end of the episode. It was bothering me for days after that. As the Master regenerated, the whole time all I could think of was, "I can't believe this is happening." I shared what the Doctor was thinking throughout that sequence. To be honest, I didn't feel at ease until the Doctor ended the Master's reign in Last of the Timelords when he shows the Master the power of the human race as he regains his youthful appearance.
I've often imagined going to the year 100 trillion and saving Chantho just after the Doctor, Martha and Jack returned to the Present Day. I'm aware that you could feel all the love in world for someone, but if they don't feel the same away about you, nothing will come of it. Throughout the remainder of 2007, I often watched parts of that episode up to my favourite scene. My heart was racing like a Formula 1 Racing car the whole time. "Kisses of Fire" by ABBA referenced the experience. I realised that love is so strong.
Believe it or not, but in early December 2007, I had a dream which involved various locations: The Radiation Cleansing lab from Dr. No, the Grand Canyon and futuristic corridors. Towards the end of the dream, I was in another lab and the main characters from this Doctor Who episode where there as well. At the end of the dream, all but one of the characters had left the lab, and that character was Chantho. After a brief romantic conversation – she said she loved me! We embraced – and then we kissed! The stars outside glowed beautifully and for the first time, I didn't feel disappointed when I woke up.
I had another dream on New Year's Eve 2015 in which I led a rescue mission in a complex building where some friends of mine and I found Chantho and revived her by sharing a magic cake. Chants joyfully exclaimed, "Chan, I'm alive! I'm alive, tho!"
I say this in my review on TV.com but I'll say it here as well: Since watching Utopia, I can't stop thinking about Chantho and every time I think about Utopia, I think about her. I love you Chantho!
I've often imagined going to the year 100 trillion and saving Chantho just after the Doctor, Martha and Jack returned to the Present Day. I'm aware that you could feel all the love in world for someone, but if they don't feel the same away about you, nothing will come of it. Throughout the remainder of 2007, I often watched parts of that episode up to my favourite scene. My heart was racing like a Formula 1 Racing car the whole time. "Kisses of Fire" by ABBA referenced the experience. I realised that love is so strong.
Believe it or not, but in early December 2007, I had a dream which involved various locations: The Radiation Cleansing lab from Dr. No, the Grand Canyon and futuristic corridors. Towards the end of the dream, I was in another lab and the main characters from this Doctor Who episode where there as well. At the end of the dream, all but one of the characters had left the lab, and that character was Chantho. After a brief romantic conversation – she said she loved me! We embraced – and then we kissed! The stars outside glowed beautifully and for the first time, I didn't feel disappointed when I woke up.
I had another dream on New Year's Eve 2015 in which I led a rescue mission in a complex building where some friends of mine and I found Chantho and revived her by sharing a magic cake. Chants joyfully exclaimed, "Chan, I'm alive! I'm alive, tho!"
I say this in my review on TV.com but I'll say it here as well: Since watching Utopia, I can't stop thinking about Chantho and every time I think about Utopia, I think about her. I love you Chantho!