While not the most profound Doctor Who adventure, Boom Town offers a brisk and entertaining diversion following the emotional highs of the previous episodes. Taking the TARDIS crew to modern-day Cardiff, it's a reunion with the Slitheen that's more about campy fun than intricate plotting.
The Slitheen are still at their silliest. However, Annette Badland's Margaret, the lone survivor, shines with a mix of menace and surprising pathos. The Doctor, Rose, and Jack are their usual delightful selves - their banter and chemistry carry the episode through its thinner patches. Cardiff gets a spotlight, which is a welcome change from the usual London-centric stories.
Unfortunately, Boom Town stumbles on delivering deeper impact. The plot feels a bit retread from the Slitheen's previous appearance, and the stakes don't seem particularly high. While the ending alludes to darker themes about the Doctor's choices, it's mostly glossed over in favor of lighthearted humor.
Still, Boom Town isn't without its charms. It's fast-paced, the actors are clearly having a blast, and there's a welcome dose of absurdity. Think of it less as a pivotal Doctor Who story and more as a Saturday afternoon monster-movie romp with your favorite characters.
The Slitheen are still at their silliest. However, Annette Badland's Margaret, the lone survivor, shines with a mix of menace and surprising pathos. The Doctor, Rose, and Jack are their usual delightful selves - their banter and chemistry carry the episode through its thinner patches. Cardiff gets a spotlight, which is a welcome change from the usual London-centric stories.
Unfortunately, Boom Town stumbles on delivering deeper impact. The plot feels a bit retread from the Slitheen's previous appearance, and the stakes don't seem particularly high. While the ending alludes to darker themes about the Doctor's choices, it's mostly glossed over in favor of lighthearted humor.
Still, Boom Town isn't without its charms. It's fast-paced, the actors are clearly having a blast, and there's a welcome dose of absurdity. Think of it less as a pivotal Doctor Who story and more as a Saturday afternoon monster-movie romp with your favorite characters.