77 reviews
Hmmmm....
- antandhels
- May 10, 2024
- Permalink
The only way is up.....I hope !
Disappointing start to the new season, boggies and fart jokes dont really cut it for me. I had high expectations and wanted to really like it, but a poor opening to the season.
The doctor and Ruby have good chemistry just suffered from a poor script and lame jokes, joking for more from ep 2 and the rest of the season.
Lots of money coming in from Disney but needs to be put into better scripts and jot just thr special effects, which were great, but they never really made doctor who the storylines did.
The bringing on of Disney viewers to the whoniverse was great and best part of the episode, of course I'll be back for more and see how it goes ....
The doctor and Ruby have good chemistry just suffered from a poor script and lame jokes, joking for more from ep 2 and the rest of the season.
Lots of money coming in from Disney but needs to be put into better scripts and jot just thr special effects, which were great, but they never really made doctor who the storylines did.
The bringing on of Disney viewers to the whoniverse was great and best part of the episode, of course I'll be back for more and see how it goes ....
- nigelwillson-92193
- May 10, 2024
- Permalink
Why did you do this.
- codsstavros
- May 11, 2024
- Permalink
Oh boy..
- willjoncaton
- May 10, 2024
- Permalink
Babies in space oh dear just a very full nappy
- DemonicAngelicPirate-1925
- May 10, 2024
- Permalink
Snotts Landing.
Not sure how I feel about this being dealt with as a new "show" rather than a new season of "Nu Who", but I guess it gives me an excuse to jump away from reviewing every episode of that iteration and to start again from here.
Introducing Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) to how the Tardis works lands she, and the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) on a space station manned by a crew of babies, seemingly abandoned by their creators and looked after by an overseeing computer (Golda Rosheuvel). The abandonment isn't the crews only problem though as, in the lower decks, between them and the Tardis is a vicious looking creature nicknamed "The Bogeyman".
Mixed feelings about this episode. The good news is that I liked the elements that are going to stay, for this season at least. Gatwa and Gibson are both great and there's a nice dynamic between them. It's got some funny lines and it's continuing to do what Davies' previous run did and layering in the season story - which looks like it will be focused on Ruby's parentage, the mystery of which began in the last Christmas special.
The actual episode though was a bit confused and had some horrible CGI. The creature effect was fine, if perhaps a little generic. The CGI mouths of the talking babies though was both badly done and off putting, and I really didn't like seeing it. The show also felt confused as to whether they were actual babies though, I think the logic was that they were 6-year-olds that hadn't developed but they didn't act like that sometimes. (Also, that's not how an airlock would work). The Disney Dollars seemed to have been spent on a CGI dinosaur world that appeared earlier and shots of the Tardis.
Davies is perhaps a bolder writer now, from the shows he's written since his first run with The Doctor, and, whilst the show has always been socially conscious, there are explicit analogies made about both the abortion laws and refugee policy within this story.
Whilst this first episode is a bit underwhelming, particularly to proclaim the shows new start, I'm not overly concerned that the shows headed in the wrong direction or anything like that. Hopefully, without the need to do all the introductions stuff from now on, and with more time for the story, things will pick up.
Introducing Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) to how the Tardis works lands she, and the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) on a space station manned by a crew of babies, seemingly abandoned by their creators and looked after by an overseeing computer (Golda Rosheuvel). The abandonment isn't the crews only problem though as, in the lower decks, between them and the Tardis is a vicious looking creature nicknamed "The Bogeyman".
Mixed feelings about this episode. The good news is that I liked the elements that are going to stay, for this season at least. Gatwa and Gibson are both great and there's a nice dynamic between them. It's got some funny lines and it's continuing to do what Davies' previous run did and layering in the season story - which looks like it will be focused on Ruby's parentage, the mystery of which began in the last Christmas special.
The actual episode though was a bit confused and had some horrible CGI. The creature effect was fine, if perhaps a little generic. The CGI mouths of the talking babies though was both badly done and off putting, and I really didn't like seeing it. The show also felt confused as to whether they were actual babies though, I think the logic was that they were 6-year-olds that hadn't developed but they didn't act like that sometimes. (Also, that's not how an airlock would work). The Disney Dollars seemed to have been spent on a CGI dinosaur world that appeared earlier and shots of the Tardis.
Davies is perhaps a bolder writer now, from the shows he's written since his first run with The Doctor, and, whilst the show has always been socially conscious, there are explicit analogies made about both the abortion laws and refugee policy within this story.
Whilst this first episode is a bit underwhelming, particularly to proclaim the shows new start, I'm not overly concerned that the shows headed in the wrong direction or anything like that. Hopefully, without the need to do all the introductions stuff from now on, and with more time for the story, things will pick up.
- southdavid
- May 12, 2024
- Permalink
Spacebabies - Exactly what you think it will be
I really wanted to like the entry of the new Doctor. If theres definitely a positive thing to say, its the music. Murray Gold nailed it again. The new Theme is up there with "I am the Doctor", putting the adventurous character of the Doctor into a perfect piece of music.
BUT.....speaking "Space Babies"? This is a strong competition to some of the worst movies from the 90s and early 2000ths. You should never, ever let babies speak. Not mentioning the uncanny valley effect when looking at the voiceacted and animated babymouths.
It got better towards the end, even though its "We have to save everybody, no matter what" - message doesnt quite fit, but its understandable.
Really hope the next Episode will convince me more.
BUT.....speaking "Space Babies"? This is a strong competition to some of the worst movies from the 90s and early 2000ths. You should never, ever let babies speak. Not mentioning the uncanny valley effect when looking at the voiceacted and animated babymouths.
It got better towards the end, even though its "We have to save everybody, no matter what" - message doesnt quite fit, but its understandable.
Really hope the next Episode will convince me more.
- MilesMcfly
- May 10, 2024
- Permalink
Did the high scoring reviewers watch this episode
Growing up with Doctor who in the 70s and 80s I always liked how it treated its viewers respectfully and credited them with intelligence. Even as a 50 something watching Tennant, Smith and Eccleston I still enjoyed the reboot and found them well written. This episode however is the poorest I have ever seen due mostly to plot and themes. Ncuti Gatwa needs better episodes written if he's going to stand the test of time. Massive budgets and charisma from Ncuti don't compensate for lame stories about space babies. Theres a paint drying video on YouTube that's more interesting. Let's see what the rest of the season brings!
- Filmfan68uk
- May 10, 2024
- Permalink
It's a likeable enough start, if slightly underwhelming.
The Doctor and Ruby take their first trip away from Earth, and encounter some young hosts.
It's a big factory reset, and I get why Russell chose to do it, the show was definitely in need of freshening up, Russell has clearly done his best to attract a new audience.
For someone that's never seen the show before, this one could well fill in the blanks, set the scene etc, long term fans may well be a little frustrated by the number of explanations and long established content.
Ncuti and Ruby, I like the new duo, they bounced well of one another, the story itself, I think underwhelming is the word I'd use, with a title like Space Babies, we were given exactly what I was expecting, though the target audience feels like it's gone down a few notches.
Talk about parallels between this and Rose, lots of similarities to spot.
Well acted, nice production values, enough here to make me think some good stuff awaits.
I get why some fans were frustrated with, but it had some fun moments.
6/10.
It's a big factory reset, and I get why Russell chose to do it, the show was definitely in need of freshening up, Russell has clearly done his best to attract a new audience.
For someone that's never seen the show before, this one could well fill in the blanks, set the scene etc, long term fans may well be a little frustrated by the number of explanations and long established content.
Ncuti and Ruby, I like the new duo, they bounced well of one another, the story itself, I think underwhelming is the word I'd use, with a title like Space Babies, we were given exactly what I was expecting, though the target audience feels like it's gone down a few notches.
Talk about parallels between this and Rose, lots of similarities to spot.
Well acted, nice production values, enough here to make me think some good stuff awaits.
I get why some fans were frustrated with, but it had some fun moments.
6/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- May 11, 2024
- Permalink
I wanted to like this new series - however...
Space Babies is the most painful thing that I've forced myself to watch in a very long time. Appalling intellectualy insulting pun based concept, insulating terrible exposition and cringe worthy acting from the entire cast not that the babies were acting at all. It's shocking that in 2024 something this terrible could be commissioned - also the creature effects remained me of classic Who and not in a good way.
There was a time when Russell T Davies could write a good script and screenplay, I really don't know what happened here, but I'll take a guess that he literally pulled it out of his nose.
It's a day later and I'm still angry about how bad it was.
There was a time when Russell T Davies could write a good script and screenplay, I really don't know what happened here, but I'll take a guess that he literally pulled it out of his nose.
It's a day later and I'm still angry about how bad it was.
I freaking loved this episode
Doctor Who is a silly show. It's always been a silly show. Yes, it can get dark, and it can get scary, and it can get into elaborate mythology, but even when it's doing all that, it is still silly and cheesy and weird.
So I'm not sure why so many people seem to really dislike Space Babies, which is exactly the kind of silly one-off episode that we've seen over and over again. Is it ridiculous? Yes, it is goofy and comical and cute and people run around and there are jokes and babies, and it's clearly not going to be part of whatever elaborate story arc will be introduced this year, but how is any of that a bad thing?
This episode has a lower rating than the very worst episodes of the Capaldi era (like The Zygon Invasion) and I find that just so weird.
Anyway, great episode.
So I'm not sure why so many people seem to really dislike Space Babies, which is exactly the kind of silly one-off episode that we've seen over and over again. Is it ridiculous? Yes, it is goofy and comical and cute and people run around and there are jokes and babies, and it's clearly not going to be part of whatever elaborate story arc will be introduced this year, but how is any of that a bad thing?
This episode has a lower rating than the very worst episodes of the Capaldi era (like The Zygon Invasion) and I find that just so weird.
Anyway, great episode.
Very cute
This is obviously not meant to be taken seriously, and is quite silly fun if you are in the mood for light entertainment. I watched this episode twice, after being taken aback during the first viewing (I having been watching Dr Who a long and got used to it no longer being a "kid's show" like it was in the old days). Once I was tuned in to the idea that this was "rebooting" the show to be anything it wants to be, including a kid's show, it was much more enjoyable. Many people who got used to the 2005-2022 version of the show think of it as adult science fiction, but in 1963, it was created as a kid's show that was meant to teach children about history and life lessons. That idea quickly evolved into a kid's science fiction show without too much hard history, that eventually became more adult-themed as the audience grew up with the show. Looking back on old episodes from 1963-1989, there's plenty of the "kid's show" lurking in the scripts, and this episode reminds us that the original children's show can still shine through!
Not sure I'm a fan of Disney era.
- Calaverasgrande
- May 11, 2024
- Permalink
Hang your head in shame Russel T Davis
An interesting, but light, start to the new series
With "Space Babies", there's a sense that everyone's settling into their new shoes. Ncuti Gatwa will be a brilliant Doctor, and I'm sure Millie Gibson will become a memorable companion but, in this first episode, they're not one hundred per cent convincing. I remember feeling the same way when Peter Capaldi first appeared - he's settled into the role by the second episode and never disappointed.
This is a silly, fun episode and it'll be interesting to see how viewers react to its light content. I have to confess, I enjoyed it. The episode feels like a reboot after the Chibnall era, and a welcome one at that.
7 out of 10.
This is a silly, fun episode and it'll be interesting to see how viewers react to its light content. I have to confess, I enjoyed it. The episode feels like a reboot after the Chibnall era, and a welcome one at that.
7 out of 10.
- DVD_Connoisseur
- May 10, 2024
- Permalink
Zero Stars!
This isn't Dr. Who. This is some of the worst TV I've ever seen. Seriously, the writing here is abysmal. I can't imagine how it could get any worse. Worse is not conceivable.
This was not worth the wait. I honestly don't know how something this bad was conceived in the first place.
It's not the characters. It's 100% bad writing. RTD what were you thinking?
Seriously, this is the best that you could come up with?
Honestly, I think the best parts of the show are the opening and closing credits. It's looks amazing. But if the best part of a sandwich is the bread, then I'm afraid that misses the whole point of the sandwich in the first place.
This was not worth the wait. I honestly don't know how something this bad was conceived in the first place.
It's not the characters. It's 100% bad writing. RTD what were you thinking?
Seriously, this is the best that you could come up with?
Honestly, I think the best parts of the show are the opening and closing credits. It's looks amazing. But if the best part of a sandwich is the bread, then I'm afraid that misses the whole point of the sandwich in the first place.
Doctor Who: A Whimsical Return to Familiar Themes
The long-awaited return of Doctor Who with Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor and Millie Gibson as a companion heralds a new era for the beloved series. "Doctor Who" kicks off its latest full series with a nostalgic nod to its roots while weaving in fresh elements that keep both new viewers and die-hard fans engaged.
The premiere episode starts with a quick catch-up for newcomers, efficiently summarizing the show's essence despite its lengthy history. It cleverly revisits old storylines from 2005, blending classic themes with modern storytelling techniques. Gatwa's Doctor pays homage to past incarnations, echoing iconic lines and mannerisms that fans will appreciate. The episode's fairytale-like narrative and nods to popular franchises like "A Quiet Place" add layers of intrigue and excitement.
Murray Gold's return to the series' score is a welcome addition, enhancing the viewing experience and adding depth to pivotal moments throughout the episode.
While some may find the storyline simplistic or reminiscent of Disney tropes, the episode's lightheartedness and charm make it accessible and enjoyable for all audiences. It successfully reinforces the Doctor's core values and zest for life, maintaining the series' signature charm amidst a new visual style.
One standout aspect is the dynamic between the Doctor and Ruby Sunday, introducing a refreshing and unique relationship dynamic to the series. This promises exciting developments and deeper character explorations in future episodes.
The episode sets the stage for an intriguing story arc, hinting at revelations about Ruby Sunday's origins that will unfold over the next seasons. Overall, "Doctor Who" returns with a delightful mix of nostalgia, fantasy, and promise, ensuring fans old and new have much to look forward to in the adventures ahead.
The premiere episode starts with a quick catch-up for newcomers, efficiently summarizing the show's essence despite its lengthy history. It cleverly revisits old storylines from 2005, blending classic themes with modern storytelling techniques. Gatwa's Doctor pays homage to past incarnations, echoing iconic lines and mannerisms that fans will appreciate. The episode's fairytale-like narrative and nods to popular franchises like "A Quiet Place" add layers of intrigue and excitement.
Murray Gold's return to the series' score is a welcome addition, enhancing the viewing experience and adding depth to pivotal moments throughout the episode.
While some may find the storyline simplistic or reminiscent of Disney tropes, the episode's lightheartedness and charm make it accessible and enjoyable for all audiences. It successfully reinforces the Doctor's core values and zest for life, maintaining the series' signature charm amidst a new visual style.
One standout aspect is the dynamic between the Doctor and Ruby Sunday, introducing a refreshing and unique relationship dynamic to the series. This promises exciting developments and deeper character explorations in future episodes.
The episode sets the stage for an intriguing story arc, hinting at revelations about Ruby Sunday's origins that will unfold over the next seasons. Overall, "Doctor Who" returns with a delightful mix of nostalgia, fantasy, and promise, ensuring fans old and new have much to look forward to in the adventures ahead.
A little to silly
Accessibility was the priority
It was clear from the start of this episode that they (Disney+?) wanted this episode to be accessible as possible.
The quick fire start giving new viewers a taste of the past and future, the wacky and the scary. A lot of exposition (via Ruby) to say who the Doctor is and all the various rules of time travel.
The story was a cutesy one, again to not alienate the newbies, but back to back with the singing elves from the Christmas Special felt a little.... quaint?
The SFX have stepped up, and there's a clear investment in this IP. Disney want another hit, BBC want the cash cow to continue for another couple of decades.
Not terrible, but honestly wanted a bit more.
The quick fire start giving new viewers a taste of the past and future, the wacky and the scary. A lot of exposition (via Ruby) to say who the Doctor is and all the various rules of time travel.
The story was a cutesy one, again to not alienate the newbies, but back to back with the singing elves from the Christmas Special felt a little.... quaint?
The SFX have stepped up, and there's a clear investment in this IP. Disney want another hit, BBC want the cash cow to continue for another couple of decades.
Not terrible, but honestly wanted a bit more.
What on earth was that?!
- robinhood70
- May 11, 2024
- Permalink
Silly but really really fun.
A weak start to the new series
After being introduced to the new Doctor and his new companion, Ruby Sunday, it is time for their first proper adventure together. After some exposition where the Doctor tells Ruby, and new viewers, about himself and the Tardis they set off into the far future and find themselves aboard a space station. They encounter a monster before fleeing to a higher level where they find babies growing in glass jars... not only that there are babies that appear to be running the station after the adults abandoned the facility. Will they be able to discover the nature of the creature and get the babies to safety? What do you think?
I started watching the original Doctor Who series in the seventies; enjoyed the reboot series, even most of the episodes other fans disliked, and after the introduction of the new Doctor and Companion had high hopes for this. First the positives; I thought Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson are great as The Doctor and Ruby and the special effects show that more money is available now Disney are on board. The exposition, necessary to introduce the characters to new viewers was swiftly and effectively dealt with. Unfortunately this wasn't enough to save the episode as the Space Babies, which could have been either cute or creepy, managed to be cringe inducing instead. The nature of the monster is a bit silly but should appeal to younger viewers, who were always a key demographic for Doctor Who. I did enjoy nods to sci-fi classics Alien and 2001 - A Space Odyssey, done in ways that won't affect enjoyment for people who haven't seen those films. Overall a disappointing start to the new series but with enough good points to keep me watching later episodes.
I started watching the original Doctor Who series in the seventies; enjoyed the reboot series, even most of the episodes other fans disliked, and after the introduction of the new Doctor and Companion had high hopes for this. First the positives; I thought Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson are great as The Doctor and Ruby and the special effects show that more money is available now Disney are on board. The exposition, necessary to introduce the characters to new viewers was swiftly and effectively dealt with. Unfortunately this wasn't enough to save the episode as the Space Babies, which could have been either cute or creepy, managed to be cringe inducing instead. The nature of the monster is a bit silly but should appeal to younger viewers, who were always a key demographic for Doctor Who. I did enjoy nods to sci-fi classics Alien and 2001 - A Space Odyssey, done in ways that won't affect enjoyment for people who haven't seen those films. Overall a disappointing start to the new series but with enough good points to keep me watching later episodes.
Unlikeable characters
I was looking forward to the new Dr Who series, but the first episode is disappointing. The plot has no nuance or substance, a far cry from the intelligent stories of seasons past. The pacing is strange going from a frenetic beginning to slow and erratic finish. It feels like the writers ran out of ideas and needed to pad out the show to an hour.
The big problem however that will be difficult to fix in future episodes, is that the two main characters are just cringey and unlikeable. The show may have worked, with a little more substance to the characters. It feels like the Lego movie where, "everything is awesome" but without the comedy.
Give it a past, watch to older seasons, much better.
The big problem however that will be difficult to fix in future episodes, is that the two main characters are just cringey and unlikeable. The show may have worked, with a little more substance to the characters. It feels like the Lego movie where, "everything is awesome" but without the comedy.
Give it a past, watch to older seasons, much better.
- alistairwnz
- May 11, 2024
- Permalink
Dumb
- jfproxy-68605
- May 11, 2024
- Permalink
I feel like a kid again
Genuinely love this episode. I know many people don't rate this one very highly at all but I low key love it. Of course the monster is extremely silly and the CGI on the babies is bad, but its just nonsense fun. The way the odd Dr Who episode has always been. This, to me, actually feels fresh for the first time in years and the entire episode I was just beaming ear to ear as I felt like I was 7 years old, watching David Tennant, again! It obviously isn't the greatest episode, even of this season, but it already has a very soft place in my heart. Just fun, silly, over the top, camp nonsense, and that is exactly what I love on the odd occasion in Dr Who!
- kierandoody
- Jul 8, 2024
- Permalink