Overdue Doctor Who Review: The Pandorica Opens

It's finale time! And I'm going to do something I don't do: I'm going to review the first half of the two parter separate from the second half. And the reason will be very clear as to why by the time you're done listening to me jabber on about this penultimate episode of Series 5 of Doctor Who.
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[@Ben-vf5gk]

Then we discovered why. Why this Council who'd reviewed two-parters as single stories, why he'd divided this one... He was being kind.

[@EmeralBookwise]

I think another reason the Doctors "reputation" bit works very well here is that he's not invoking it to get anyone to backdown completely. Rather instead he just looks up at all the assembled enemies he's accrued over the years and simply dares someone to go first. It's not about whether or not the Doctor could actually defeat ALL of them, it's in fact an admission that eventually they would overwhelm him by sheer attrition, but his threat is that whoever tries first won't survive. While, yes, as the ending reveals their backing down was all part of the ruse, but in the moment and from the Doctor's perspective it works because each of his enemies is biding their time, waiting for someone else to fail first before seizing their own opportunity to capitalize on the distraction.

[@thomaskirkness-little5809]

"How can we raise the stakes?" "Let's destroy the entire universe." "Then what?" "Then let's have a trippy one-off before making everything go back to normal."

[@Silverwind87]

JoJo did it.

[@FortoFight]

"Shall we copy this idea for season 6 as well?" "Sure, we could have 'everything happen at once' but not really because there's still a linear flow of time and causality."

[@NPCarlsson]

I'm interested to hear your thoughts on The Big Bang. It is a complete tonal shift from the first part, but I wouldn't say it's worse. It's just a quieter episode and it does tie everything up nicely. It's no "Heaven Sent vs Hell Bent".

[@tcshack701]

“There is something you never put in a trap.”

[@TARDIStraveller96]

I'm now dreading your review of The Big Bang because this 2 parter is genuinely my favourite Who story of all time 🤣 this episode is just phenomenal in my opinion.

[@lcflngn]

Not my top but way up there. One has to not mind plot holes, but not a problem for me, I have other priorities.

[@SomeRandomGuy908]

Before you obviously upload your The Big Bang review I want to say it worked perfectly for me. However I understand it wasn’t what people wanted 😂 Still, no one can change my mind on how perfect the scene in the wedding was

[@The_One_With_The_Bowtie]

I would love to see a series arc with doctor who told out of order. It's not a big issue but I find it weird that with all time and space they're always at the right time for a linear narrative

[@FlipzMCL]

This was my first episode of Doctor Who; I caught a random rerun of it and the follow-up on BBC America one day and it hooked me on the series as a whole. At the time, my friends who watched Who were giving Matt Smith and his run in general a lot of flak (though in fairness a large chunk was Moffat complaints), but honestly as much as I adore David Tennant and two of his companions, Matt Smith will always be my Doctor, and Amy and Rory and especially River will always be my companions; without them, I honestly don't think I would have made the effort to keep going and invest fully into the franchise.

[@rowanc88]

Oh, lookie here. A 'Mystery Box' that is LITERALLY a 'Mystery Box'!!!

[@WiloPolis03]

Honestly the best mystery box episode is The Secret Box from season 3 of Spongebob, don't @ me

[@bluehero-96]

Suck it, JJ Abrams!

[@aaron2k026]

What timing! Right after the rant vid about the exploding TARDIS😂

[@kryten1016]

One box opens another one .... well..... explodes?

[@sbi168]

Fantastic episode, I am rewatching the big bang later today. Loved both then and have ever since. Hopefully will stand up again when I watch Big bang. Love the "does it ever bother you that your life makes no sense" vibe. Just awesome!

[@Kieran752]

Hi Council of Geeks, just wanted to say I'm a massive fan of all your videos, and always feel really inspired your use of words and how you articulate your points across. Keep up the great work!

[@lucasdolding6924]

Shame you don't seem to like The Big Bang, which is a pretty perfect finale in my opinion. Much better than anything Davies gave us for finales (except for Parting of the Ways obviously) for sure.

[@sanguinemcorda4310]

i loved literally every single second of these episodes i am curious to know your thoughts

[@theflamingosundew6724]

The words wins wars speech is so good it may be the best we ever had

[@BoraCM]

'So, I return to my command after one week and discover that we've been playing host to Cleopatra, who's in Egypt, and DEAD'.

[@gnu740]

I’m another one who loves this two parter. Smith’s my favourite Doctor, Rory-and-Amy’s my favourite companion (they count as one in this context), and River’s along for the ride, as well as all the good points you bring up about this episode. It’s near perfect for me. The Big Bang was a bit of a letdown after the highs of this episode, but I still like part 2. Curious to see what you think of it. I honestly didn’t think it was a bad episode at all, compared to some of the truly awful series finales.

[@dancingman1983]

well it's interesting to see cameos from nearly everyone that appeared in Series V. Nice people passing a message forwards and backwards through time. The return of Rory is an interesting surprise. It is interesting to see the groups of aliens grouping together wish the Draconians had returned instead of being stuck in space because of problems in the costume department or whatever it was.

[@jmpjacobs5275]

Oh well, let's see you destroy my childhood dreams in a week then

[@Lastclerk3]

The Pandorica Opens was the first ever episode of Doctor Who I saw and as you can guess I was hooked. Sure as a culmination episode I didn’t get everything but it made me fall in love with the Whoniverse. Even without the understanding of other episodes I felt the mystery of Rory’s return I already understood what they were doing with River but it’s Matt’s speech that sold it. That speech sold me on The Doctor as a hero and even though I didn’t understand as to how I knew, I somehow already KNEW the Doctor wasn’t like other protagonists. I immediately went and watched all modern who so quickly that I was caught up with all modern who by the time Series 6 started airing. Would I recommend showing this to anyone who hasn’t seen Doctor Who but wants to start? No but it sure was a hell of a first journey in the TARDIS and just like Amy I’ve been running ever since.

[@meowth900]

Can’t wait to see reactions to second half cause I remember it not being good when I binged dr who ages ago

[@beingheardmedia6339]

Totally agree. One of my favorite all time episodes from one of my favortie doctors (right after Tom Baker). I could watch it over and over again. Thanks for doing this! (By the way you have a GREAT camera face; like the best character actors)

[@chrisrusso6541]

I like both parts of the story I think it is very cleverly done and I didn't have any idea what was going to happen from moment to moment and even though everything does not wrap up in this 2 part it is still a great story and I really like both parts of it I still look forward to your review of the next part

[@greghawkins59]

I can already tell I'm going to hate next week's review because I thought they pulled the whole thing off perfectly

[@TheElderBlotch]

Banging story, one of 11's best, I thought the Wow factor of Every Villain Ever coming back was a bit OTT but the story was engaging, and refreshing to have more of a mystery story than an epic finale. I love my RTD finales, but Moffat changing up the pace a bit was a good choice- on the whole, it's a very iconic story in the Revival series, and classic 11 fare, not a 10/10 but definitely up there.

[@wreckitremy]

About the lipstick thing, I'm not sure they would have been able to explain that without ruining some of river songs mysteriousness It's like we don't know how she got it in there and that's part of why she's so cool. Its a little like jacks gun scene when they get picked up by the tv show programs. They don't say exactly how they got it in there, but it says something about them anyways without that information.

[@ghlmk5931]

One of my favorite cliffhangers. But I also like its resolution, so I'll be curious to hear what you say next week (especially with your issues with the exploding Tardis...over and over and over😂)

[@susannarita4259]

7:50 my exact emotions whenever I get overwhelmed when there's heaps to do

[@kirstyshadowdancer5095]

Hoyo @Council_of_Geeks - Something I found recently about Remembrance of the Daleks that I feel is a Good documentary. I Want to point out that ON THE DVD Effing Release - there is a "Movie" edition of this story that features most of the cut or failed scenes re-produced using CG and creative edits (Directors Cut)

[@Fanatic_Foremem]

I can see issues that you might have with part 2, but honestly I can’t imagine a way they COULD follow that up in a satisfying way unless they made it a multi doctor special or had the other alien costumes available.

[@alonpivko846]

another thing i wish to add regarding the doctor's reputation in this episoe-he says something like:"remember every black day i ever caused you"-so it's not just that he's the doctor and the know his reputation,it's that all the aliens(daleks,cybermen etc )have already met him and know his capabilities-it's not just-"i'm the doctor,baiscally-run"(which the atraxi also had to look up)

[@thomaskirkness-little5809]

I still have so many issues with this new Who idea that every alien race in the series can turn up in orbit around one planet. They come from different eons and different galaxies. Do they all have time travel?

[@FortoFight]

I'd argue that Davies was much better. In his era it was explained why the Daleks/Cybermen/whatever were in the past or the future. Moffat gives 0 fucks on the other hand.

[@NPCarlsson]

I've never understood when enemies (usually the Daleks) supposedly "fall back through time". What does that even mean? How do things just fall back in time?

[@HereComesPopoBawa]

Everything is time travel, but there isn't really any past or future, because there isn't any fixed "now" to experience them from. Any movie or show that wasn't about time travel would be a single frame from beginning to end.

[@booradley8895]

It is called science fiction for a reason

[@NPCarlsson]

Boo Radley Yes, it's an established fictional universe with it's own rules. It's not the viewer's job to decide those rules.

[@roxxychik06]

I absolutely love this episode. Its perfect. Perfectly paced and perfectly acted. It's fun and fast and emotional and just wonderful.

[@ErekLich]

Yeah, I had been expecting the Valeyard too. Between Amy's Choice and the Lodger, it felt like they were foreshadowing it hard...

[@solekman916]

This is my 4th favorite finale, after Bad Wolf/Parting of the ways, World Enough and time/The Doctor Falls, and Stolen Earth/Journey's End

[@vanillamc1]

Just a thought on the Dr’s reputation. I really do get why you would feel the way you do, mostly because you explain it so well. Its really hard for me to put in to words why I like it, I’m not a reviewer, I just mostly go with the flow. But I think it’s because I’m mainly Doctor focused when I watch. Companions are essential to the show and there isn’t actually any companions I don’t like. (I’m tempted to say Adric, but it’s been overdone, and I really didn’t mind him that much, lol. He made Peter Davison sigh and roll his eyes, and I love when he does that. ) But I digress. I like to explore different aspects of the Doctor, so if it’s the Doctor getting too big or if he has PTSD, or he’s being extra human or sassy (😷Hartnell) etc. and I’m a sucker for the Dark Doctor. I love this one but I have always wondered how River managed to get from Stormcage to purchase the vortex manipulater. . Did she steal a ship? Not a nit-pick, I just figured I missed it, or I just don’t really care. But the question enters my brain, and why this one does and more obvious questions don’t, whatever, I have a weird brain.

[@TheMarcHicks]

I actually love both episodes. Nice use of The Bootstrap Paradox in Part 2, not to mention an homage to Bill & Ted, one of the best ever Time Travel films ever made 🙂.

[@caitc5886]

Your nail polish matches the Fez. Love it!

[@leilanyx]

i mean, personally, the pandorica opens & the big bang two parter is one of my favourite series finale out of most of new who. altho series 2, 3, 4 and 10 (the christmas special) finales are definitely in the top 5 for me.

[@beenheretoolong]

💜💜The Overdue Reviews! (Not a witty comment, just heartfelt appreciation for your work!)

[@mindyp51d]

Just a general comment, COG: Love your reviews, even if I don't always agree with them...though most of the time I do!

[@theshadowdirector]

How did Rory end up an Auton again? I sense we're heading for a difference in opinion next week.

[@DPS31762]

I don't think I'm going to have a difference of opinion with next week's review. I don't much like either part of this 2-parter, but I dislike the second part more. The main problem I have with the first part is because of the question you asked.

[@theshadowdirector]

@@DPS31762 I still dislike that but there many thing I aooreciate about 'The Big Bang', not that I think its genius or anything.

[@beneisenman1183]

I loved The Big Bang episode. *shrugs*

[@FortoFight]

Am I the only one that is annoyed by the "never existing at all" Rory somehow returning? How did the photographs and stuff still exist for the aliens to base their duplicate from him?

[@HereComesPopoBawa]

It seems statistically unlikely, but I don't understand why it matters _how many people_ feel any particular way.

[@nocturne8333]

From what I understand the crack only erases the person and not their footprints on the world. The Doctor in this episode says that when people disappear they always leave traces. That’s why Amy has the photo of Rory in her room. Additionally the effect of the time field in her head allowed her to subconsciously remember him, which also helped to preserve him and his impact on the world

[@roxxychik06]

I have the hardest problem with figuring out how much I like this one. I either absolutely beyond a doubt love it or it's ok at best. I just can never decide. While I'm watching it it's one of my fav but when I really analyze it theres so much either boring or weird.

[@detectivesquirrel2621]

Why are the cracks in the universe was spoiled by Moffat far too early. With the Doctor pulling out a piece of the exploded TARDIS out of the crack.

[@cathyn7640]

Thanks!

[@jenniferconstantine9041]

I feel like a lot of the Moffat era reviews are me watching you and then thinking, aah, so that's what was happening, because so many of the story arcs were (in my opinion) overly convoluted. Plus, I haven't rewatched a lot of Eleven's run because I was not a big fan of the Ponds in particular. To me, the opening with Karen Gillan narrating always made it feel like I wasn't watching Doctor Who anymore, but the Amy Pond Show dumbed down for Americans. So, thanks for doing these because some of them are probably worth rewatching after all.

[@alextherichardson]

It was in the American airings for series 6 but not UK, but Netflix decided to slap dumb American narrations at the front of each episode of a great series (6) for US and UK

[@jenniferconstantine9041]

@Numpteez I definitely appreciate you giving me helpful guidelines so I know what I should/shouldn't complain about. I'm thankful you saw my comment and took time out of your day to share your wisdom!

[@mayotango1317]

@@jenniferconstantine9041 Ha ha ha. You watch Series 11? Sorry, but in the RTD era is not Doctor Who for me is the Rose Tyler's show.

[@SciFiBrony]

Another reason why the Doctor's reputation thing isn't as annoying here is that, it isn't used to solve the WHOLE problem, the whole situation, but ONLY the IMMEDIATE threat and that's it! Just using it to buy himself some time. He still has to use his wits to Doctor his way out of this.

[@tardisnet9487]

One of the best Matt Smith stories in my opinion

[@biscuitsandbananas3433]

I really disliked this finale. I don't like the idea of all of the Doctor's enemies teaming up against him. For a start, although the Daleks hate the Doctor, they also hate all of the Doctor's other enemies because they see anything that's non-Dalek as inferior. It's just another example of Moffat not really understanding the Daleks. Additional, some of these villains have no real quarrel with the Doctor (the Judoon for example), so it doesn't make sense for them to join this alliance. If the basic premise of the episode if that flawed, then it's very difficult to get the episode to work.

[@mayotango1317]

The Daleks team-up with the Máster in Fromtier in Space and with Ogrons. And the Juddon are mercenaries.

[@joly6598]

Aww! xD

[@JAM92]

The number one thing I HATE!! about this episode is... the sound that Auton Rory's Auton hand-gun makes is the WRONG SOUND EFFECT!! IT MAKES SOME BORING GENERIC LAZER SOUND!! THAT'S BULLSHIT!! It doesn't make that sound and that still pisses me off all these years later... also the Tardis exploding and undoing the whole universe was stupid and didn't make sense

[@mayotango1317]

The TARDIS had the eye of harmony, who is a star become black hole.

[@JAM92]

@@mayotango1317 the Tardis isn't supposed to have the Eye of Harmony, that's just something that they randomly put in the Tardis in 1996 film with no context or explanation

[@danthemeegs8751]

Best Who finale ever.

[@jonathan.palfrey]

I agree with you up to a point, there are good things about this episode. But I really don't like the Doctor having a reputation, and I don't like him relying on it, so that rather sours my view of the whole episode. It's not a bad episode, but I take a point off for that. Nor do I like the whole galaxy ganging up on him, because it's too much, it seems ridiculous, and it's associated with him having this enormous reputation. I actually like "The Big Bang" better, so I'll be interested to see you finding fault with it.

[@mr.countess3610]

I also don't like the idea of the Doctor exploiting his reputation, but that is actually why I liked this episode (even though I don't like many 11th Doctor stories). I see it as him getting his comeuppance for pulling that trick one too many times, and it was very cathartic to see his overgrown ego being burst after having been annoyed by it before :D

[@jonathan.palfrey]

@@mr.countess3610: Yes, but I don't want him to have a reputation at all; at least, not a fearsome-hero kind of reputation. Throughout the decades of Old Who, he was just a mad man with a box. Rather clever and inclined to outwit enemies, yes, but no-one went in fear of him. And why should they? He has no super-powers except longevity. He has the TARDIS, but that's a method of transport, not a weapon. Unfortunately, although Davies and Moffat improved the quality of the series overall, they also tried to turn the Doctor into a fearsome-hero figure, which makes no sense because he isn't equipped for that role. It was a mistake from the start.

[@mayotango1317]

I can imagine the Seventh Doctor did that, used his reputation as the Time Champion.

[@jonathan.palfrey]

@@mayotango1317: You have the advantage of me there: I saw something of the first six Doctors, but I missed the seventh, because I was living in Italy at the time.

[@mayotango1317]

@@jonathan.palfrey Read the virgin New Adventures, the Seventh Doctor is a god there.

[@samuelbarber4154]

HELLO, STONE HENGE!

[@funtimefoxy-be5di]

love these reviews, keep em up

[@danegiddings2070]

Doctor who the pandoircopens is my fave episdoe ever i totiey love the chffhanger and having every single cassic monters at the doctor ever face and it as daleks cyberman judoon the sontarns syxcroy the zygons the autons the aterxi the hoix the siltheen the siiruines the robofomes the sarcowes the weevils the bolwfish the undovie the ice warroirs thr seadaviles the weeping angles and more

[@tcshack701]

Pandorica= chicken and egg question

[@jay15951]

I've noticed when you split up 2 partners in your reviews it's because you hate 1 of the episodes but love the other. Next werkll be a hoot

[@barryackroyd4624]

Your very nice.

[@JeronisLeror]

I think that the loophole with the lipstick can actually be solved with, the doctor bought it for her while they were on a trip, because she wanted it. Up till now, River songs escapes from prison have been the doctor picking her up. Now, she has a Vortex manipulator. This is where she starts time traveling on a regular basis without the TARDIS, and has an easier time escaping

[@user-fu7zf4ck9z]

The Big Bang is such a terrible episode lmao. I like the wedding tho.

[@SirKilot]

Probly the worst final in doctor who.

[@BirdPeopleArentReal]

Hi! how are you

[@samuelbarber4154]

HELLO, STONE HENGE!