DOCTOR WHO 5x6 "THE VAMPIRES OF VENICE" • REACTION & REVIEW

[@WhyOhWhyPhi]

Full Unedited Reactions / Early access to videos / Extended Movie Reactions Watchalongs / All of the notes / Bonus content and more over at: www.patreon.com/phivemind

[@phoenixfire124]

I think the difference with Amy is he met her first as a child. I think that changes how he sees her. And everyone loves Rory. He's a great character.

[@jeckjeck3119]

Yep. Love for Rory!

[@andrewgwilliam4831]

I think this episode is under-rated by fans. I'm glad you enjoyed it! I have to admit I'm a sucker for exterior locations being used to add a sense of depth (if that's the right word). This one was shot in Croatia, which is an amazing country to visit. We spent just two weeks travelling around, and it was great! Sadly, Helen McCrory passed away recently.

[@jeckjeck3119]

The Doctor: ''Pale creepy girls who don't like sunlight.'' Me: ''Oh my god, they are Wattpaders! Run!!''

[@mxrdersimulator]

now we're getting to the good bit!!! i grew up with the doctor, amy, & rory as a trio, and they mean the world to me. when i think of doctor who, i think of these three running around together. i'm so glad you pointed out that 11 feels more like an alien than 10 did - he really does! and, honestly, it's one of the things i like best about him. mostly because he IS an alien, and, regardless of how much time he's spent amongst humanity, he's bound to act like one. partially because i was a bit of an outsider as a kid (people liked me well enough, but i'm autistic and weird and didn't understand social situations, so i felt like i didn't belong 99% of the time) and i found myself identifying super strongly with his little alien absurdities. 11 is the reason i told my mum i wanted to be the doctor when i grew up, whilst 10, as much as i enjoyed his run, was way less relatable and identifiable to me BECAUSE he felt less alien. i'm rambling a tad, but hopefully you get my point!

[@WhyOhWhyPhi]

Oh yes, Justin is also on the spectrum (we've discussed it in videos before), and we touch more upon Smith's portrayal in an episode coming up.

[@mxrdersimulator]

@@WhyOhWhyPhi ayy nice!!! it's always nice finding more of us out in the wild :D

[@FintanALT2]

100% right. Rory was what was missing. Great character that really evolves.

[@justarandomveryintelligent8934]

I will say i think you needed amy and the doctor's relationship as it was beforehand because you needed some awkward tension that nobody was resolving so that bringing rory in would be as effective as it was. Also moffat is known for misdirection lol.

[@VelvetPicturesLtd]

At Last! Yes, this trio are the best team in NuWho (IMO). I think, in hindsight, you may come to appreciate the earlier episodes more than you do now as the season unfolds - especially the Weeping Angels two parter. Enjoy.

[@guaco__taco]

IMO Some of 11th Doctor's scenes are in the bonus episodes so I DESPERATELY wish you'd take a look at "Meanwhile In The TARDIS 2" which serves as connective tissue between this episode and the previous. Top tier Doctor Who content in general, IMO.

[@WhyOhWhyPhi]

We didn't know about them until it was too late, but keep an eye out in the future!

[@guaco__taco]

@@WhyOhWhyPhi I would keep note of the shorts "Time" and "Space" and the first 4 shorts of "Night and The Doctor" (not to be confused with Night of the Doctor) which take place in between series 5 and series 6. Absolutely adore them. ❤️👍

[@LadyNymeria38]

Rory is an absolute gem and I love Arthur Darville, he's gone on to do so many things he's also brilliant in! I like this episode, it definitely moves things in the right direction and I do think its up from here. Personally I think the ending is bit weak but overall a decent story. Still like the angels 2 parter more (minus that 5 mins) and the best is still come!

[@TheExistGames]

If you have seen Harry Potter, you will recognise Helen McCrory as Narcissa Malfoy. Also love this story, very underrated by the fan base in my opinion. But maybe it's because I just love Vampires. And it's hilarious!

[@Dr_Rich740]

Rory is such an adorable character and not afraid to call the Doctor out. I agree the dynamic of the three is fabulous.

[@WhyOhWhyPhi]

Agreed, I'm glad he was included, and the actor was cast perfectly.

[@JohnTitchen]

Great discussion thank you. I'm glad you liked this episode and how it addressed the Amy-Rory dynamic, the Amy-Doctor dynamic and introduced the new dynamics of Rory-Doctor and Rory-Amy-Doctor. It's a very simple story but elevated by a strong cast, good location, excellent cinematography and some really good character writing. I like the 'twist' that Rory is making the Doctor prove he is a safe friend and companion to Amy rather than attempting to prove himself to the Doctor. I also like how we can see that for all her flirtatious nature Amy really does love Rory. Personally I really like a three person dynamic in the Tardis. I think the interplay helps with character development and also allows for more variety in the episode format (for example as much as I liked Rose and Nine, I preferred Rose with Nine and Jack, or Rose with Mickey and Ten, or Ten with Martha and Jack). By contrast I found four person dynamics (such as in the first series with the first doctor) rather hindered character development unless characters were already well established (such as with Rose, Mickey, Ten and Sarah-Jane).

[@ginjamutha]

Glad you enjoyed this one. I love the way The Doctor deals with what happened in the previous episode, showing that he has learned from previous experiences with companions, states that he understands how travelling with him can be so dazzling that you can have your head turned and then tries to fix it for Amy and Rory. It seems that Moffat felt he needed to address certain issues about The Doctor - legitimate concerns that many fans had about the new era, and in particular the characterisation of Ten, and I think that he did a good job at addressing them. I am looking forward to next week’s reaction as it’s one of my favourite episodes from season 5

[@WhyOhWhyPhi]

Yes, one of my favorite things is that we actually address issues that come up in the story straightaway.

[@Emburbujada]

I sometimes forget how many great actors have been on Who. Always a pleasure to see Helen =)

[@wellington-rq2br]

I'll be interested to see how you feel about the season as a whole, retrospectively - both when you reach the end of it and after some time has passed. I find season 5 to be greater than the sum of its parts. Maybe because it is much more interconnected than previous seasons. Moffatt is very much a long form writer and we're just at the beginning of that here. I remember somebody commented last time that they pretend the last scene of episode 5 doesn't happen, and of course Moffatt says he wouldn't write it like that if he had his time again. But that makes no sense because everything that happens afterwards flows from that moment. This episode wouldn't happen, which means Rory doesn't join the team - so any later episodes with him on the TARDIS don't happen and any consequences, narrative or emotional that arise from his being there also don't happen. It's very difficult to talk about the Moffatt era without being spoilery. Once again, this is largely due to its interconnectedness. You end up writing AROUND the points you are trying to make! Love this episode. Great script from Toby Whithouse. He wrote School Reunion with the return of Sarah Jane. He'll be back a lot more. Also, Matt Smith is really good in this one. Great physical performance - the fall down the stairs is great (although this could be stunt person).

[@acciotardisalohomora6302]

Speaking my language!!!!!

[@TheAppeyes]

You may recognise Helen McCrory as Malfoy's mother in Harry Potter, or from Peaky Blinders where she was a main character. Sadly she passed away last year.

[@carlosyoung1629]

Always interesting that you pegged Ten as Casanova, given that he played him prior to his run. The best is yet to come in this series. One episode in particular is a huge fan favourite.

[@joshuathompson2404]

"imagine if Amy had been a companion for Tenant" .... Oh man, what a horrible thought!!! Davy going full Casanova mode on Amy....peak 10 creepin', hahahaha! That's gotta be your nightmare scenario 🤣

[@WhyOhWhyPhi]

Imagine what my reaction would have been to the end of episode 5......

[@electricpants8194]

you are ABSOLUTELY correct about rory being the gluing piece of 11's crew. without him it feels empty.

[@amygreenberg4950]

Rory is the absolute best! So glad he is on board. And RIP to the lovely and talented Helen McCrory. Great reactions and reviews!

[@cutthr0atjake]

How well you already recognise Moffats love of screwing with his viewers expectations! 😂

[@edwardreed67]

Legit the Casanova bit made me almost spit out my drink 😂

[@WhyOhWhyPhi]

Haha, I gotta try harder next time!

[@gamegeek812]

What episode are you currently up to filming wise?

[@scottredding7357]

It’s an interesting observation, about the energy of Matt and Karen’s hot, being balanced by Arthur’s cool. Extrovert/introvert?

[@ginjamutha]

Helen McCrory was such an amazing actress. Have you seen Penny Dreadful or Peaky Blinders? She is brilliant in both. Sadly, she is no longer with us but she left a wonderful body of work to enjoy.

[@WhyOhWhyPhi]

Yes, we've watched Penny Dreadful when it first aired, so like 8 or so years ago. I didn't even put the pieces together that she was in it. All I remember of the cast is Dalton, Green, Hartnett, Treadaway, the guy who played Dorian Gray, and the guy who played John Clare. I even forgot about Lily!!! I'm very shamed.

[@TheGreatLordDufus]

If you guys ever do Classic Who, there is one season of the fourth doctor you would love (though the casting in one doesn't hold up 40 years later). A lot of sci-fi horror. I do prefer the pervious angel two-parter, apart from the final minutes and other small faults, but getting Rory on board certainly does help kick things along.

[@lietdune3187]

Loving your reaction and comments. There are many future moments I am looking forward to your reaction and commentary. Cheers

[@Daiskken]

If you wanna see Matt Smith in another role, i recommend the movie "Last Night in Soho" i went totally blind (had just seen a cool VFX sequence) and loved the movie. Seeing him in it was a surprise. It's crazy it's been 12 years from when he did season 5 cuz he still looks the same.

[@WhyOhWhyPhi]

It's on our "to watch list" I had no idea he was in it. Actually I have no idea who's in it in general as I like to avoid what I can (I'm super weird like that, I like to go in totally blind as well) but we'll definitely be sure to check it out when we can find time.

[@dutchman8887]

good episode i think does get underrated by some although i think you're the first i've seen to say it's the best so far (which you're entitled to of course). i dont know if intentional because he's good friends with rtd but there are a couple of moments in his run where it feels like moffat deliberately does something differently to how rtd did. rory is great for sure. some good new songs in this one as well. 7.5/10

[@Alex333_]

I am not an overall fan on this episode but, the Doctor, Amy and Rory trio works very well with each other and that saved the episode big time for me. I agree that Rory was missing and now the team feels way better

[@chiara6811]

Rory ❤

[@thechosengirlreviews]

unpopular opinion, I don't love Rory, sometimes I find him annoying actually, at best he's "okay" for me. I remember liking this episode. Love the lines: "Where are you from?" "Gallifrey." "You belong in a museum, or a mausoleum."

[@WhyOhWhyPhi]

The back and forth "question for a question" might be one of my favorite bits.

[@samtheking25]

I hate Amy the same way you hate Rose