REACTION | DOCTOR WHO | 3x2 | The Shakespeare Code

Thanks for your patience and understanding on this one! (If you're curious why it was late this week, check out my community post from Monday.)
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SPOILER NOTICE: As of the time this episode is being released on KZbin, the most recent full reaction released on Patreon is 8x5; Time Heist.
I am also reacting to Classic Who, Torchwood, and The Sarah Jane Adventures over on Patreon. The most recent full reactions for those are listed below.
- Classic Who: Episode 6x28; The Seeds of Death: Part 6
- Torchwood: Series 1-4
- The Sarah Jane Adventures: Episode 2x10; The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith: Part 2
NO SPOILERS (or any hints or details) past those episodes unless you see later episodes have been released.
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If you want to see what's coming up on Patreon or KZbin, use the link below and select the appropriate spreadsheet. The link also includes a list of the movies and I've pilots I've reacted to on Patreon.
airtable.com/s...
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I do not own the rights to the Doctor Who footage. It is being used under the Fair Use Act and has been shortened significantly, is taking up only 25% of the screen, and has been altered (cut, blacked out, blurred, and/or silenced) in order to honor the Fair Use Guidelines. All rights go to BBC Studios.
Credit: BBC Studios
Original Network: BBC One
Viewed on: HBO Max
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/...
#doctorwho #reaction #drwho #davidtennant

[@holdenb.huffman4042]

I have a degree in theatre, and I love this episode. I could write an entire paper on how good this episode is and how it ties into Shakespeares actual life

[@sallyatticum]

As a Shakespeare fan I loved all the fun references, and especially loved that they actually filmed inside the real Globe Theatre. The commentary track with David Tennant reveals what a huge Shakespeare nerd he is.

[@zemoxian]

Didn’t he play Hamlet?

[@sallyatticum]

@@zemoxian Yes, among many other Shakespeare roles, most recently, Macbeth. I saw him on stage as Richard II. He was wonderful.

[@hamzah5643]

In films with Shakespeare in it, they almost always write him to be like one of the characters in his plays, or an amalgamation of them. In this episode he's portrayed as a regular guy, with a talent, and I think it's probably most accurate in tone than what most people would imagine.

[@amaelboisson5439]

Shakespeare helped to make 'popular' the cliche of the Witch in fiction like we see in Harry Potter, western Europe witches, with creepy pets, cauldrons, black robes etc... " *Double, double toil and trouble;* *Fire burn and cauldron bubble.* " is from Macbeth, so witches in the 16th century with Shakespeare filled with Harry Potter references is very fitting :)

[@Wolf-ln1ml]

Heh, Macbeth one of my favourite authors to adapt it to his world - Terry Pratchett's "Wyrd Sisters"... If you've read it, I'd love to read whatever you may think of it. If you have _not_ read it, you definitely should 🥰

[@lemonfreshrob]

I think it's great fun, although as you say "over the top ridiculous". It's definitely one I return to from time to time. Christina Cole, who played Lilith, has played a witch before in a show called "Hex" which was sadly cut short and ended on an annoying cliffhanger. I think she's just right for this part.

[@mpg272727]

I'll admit this episode may not be the greatest, but I still enjoy it. Very much fits the mold of a classic "fun and cheesy romp" style episode of Who, and that's fine. Not every episode needs to be all dramatic or sad!

[@BritanyBinges]

I agree! It was a fun time. :)

[@islaythejabberwokky]

I like that the start of the season, token "back in time" episodes are usually involving aliens that appear to be closer to supernatural forces, like ghosts and werewolves and witchcraft. It's a fun way of explaining folklore!

[@chadhoward6697]

I'm glad you like the references to Rose. At the time this was airing, a lot of DWO fandom didn't like it because they felt the Doctor (and show) wasn't moving on and kept trying to bring up nostalgia. But for me I also just liked the occasional reference and the sense that the Doctor hasn't just forgotten her.

[@BritanyBinges]

I completely agree. It would take time to get over losing someone you care so much about (although, being a lot further in the show over on Patreon means that I've seen the Doctor just try to push things to the back of his mind and forget about them). I would've been annoyed had they just moved one like nothing ever happened.

[@Kyubone]

Yeah but then RTD kept it going for too long into the season. Martha deserved better for that.

[@HudsonMedia]

The references to Classic Who lore is something I’ve come to appreciate immensely as I’ve started to watch more of the show. The Eternals being referenced in this and the series 2 finale is pretty neat when you’ve watched them in the classic show. I personally love this story. Got that camp classic horror vibe that I love.

[@BritanyBinges]

I'm not usually big on camp, but sometimes it just really works and I feel like this is one of those time. It's just good fun. :) Also, I am currently reacting to Classic Who as well and prefer to not get any details for it so I can avoid spoilers. But, yes, it's been fun actually getting some of the references and callbacks to events/people/beings in Classic Who. :)

[@HudsonMedia]

@@BritanyBinges apologise! I remembered you saying you’d started classic who and assumed the fact you clocked onto such a specific detail like that I thought you’d gotten there! 😅 Love that you’re that hooked. But yes certainly won’t happen again!

[@BritanyBinges]

@@HudsonMedia No worries! I know it's a bit much to remember what different reactors are doing and it all just kind of blends together at a certain point. lol That's actually part of why I went ahead and put out the reaction to An Unearthly Child this morning. So, that it's easier for people see/remember that I am reacting to it as well because I get details about Classic Who in the comments for every revival reaction. lol

[@TheZebbga]

I liked this more as a kid but it has its moments. I was 8 at the time and honestly learned quite a lot about William Shakespear from this. At school we had to do a presentation on the Tudor Period and I chose to do it on William Shakespear because he was in Doctor Who. That was when I learned he was not as exciting as I initally thought haha.

[@kennethiain]

"Did this go how you thought it was gonna go." 😂 I forgot about this episode. Watching along with you, I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I remember!

[@BritanyBinges]

So glad you enjoyed it more this time around! I thought it was a good time. :)

[@kennethiain]

@@BritanyBinges Yeah I don't hold Series 3 as my favourite Doctor Who series. I think overall, it's stronger than Series 2, but I think contextually, Series 1 is still stronger. It's a real shame because I really liked Martha's character

[@TwoMenandaCanoe]

OMG I absolutely love this episode.

[@BritanyBinges]

I feel like I shouldn't have liked it as much as I did. lol

[@bidwell13]

16:30 the doctor explains it at some point. I think he might’ve said it to Rose but if it’s a fixed point in time he can’t do anything about it. Meaning it has to happen. The struggle of a time-lord.

[@10thdoctor15]

One of my favourite (almost) standalone episodes. The story, comedy and references are great.

[@tcshack701]

Sometimes if you look up Loves Labour’s Won it is listed as an alternate tittle for Much Ado about Nothing. This is one of my favorite episodes from this season’s.

[@BritanyBinges]

I've actually never seen Much Ado About Nothing.

[@penguinsrcool3871]

@@BritanyBinges If you're interested...there's an amazing version of Much Ado About Nothing done in 2011. And two of the leads are David Tennant and Catherine Tate. I'd highly recommend it! 🙂

[@jeanine6328]

It’s a fun fantasy episode. I think of it as their Halloween episode, kinda like Hocus Pocus.

[@BritanyBinges]

That makes sense. And, I absolutely LOVE Hocus Pocus sooo... that checks out. lol

[@DoctorWhoBookClub]

The references to “Eternals” are a nod to Classic Who & some of the expanded universe lore (books & audios).

[@BritanyBinges]

I appreciate the information, but I am reacting to Classic Who as well and would prefer to not get any details about it so as not to run the risk of spoiling anything. :)

[@DoctorWhoBookClub]

@@BritanyBinges There was a First Doctor story, “The Celestial Toymaker,” that covers some of this ground, but it may have been skipped during your watch-through, as some of its episodes are missing & have not (yet) been animated ✨

[@BritanyBinges]

@@DoctorWhoBookClub Yeah, that was one I had to skip since it wasn't a complete story. I was actually pretty bummed about it because it sounded really fun/interesting when I read the summary for it.

[@OfficialSoraOkami]

Funny thing about Doctor who and Harry potter is, Season One of Doctor Who 2005 Parting of the ways David Tennant shows up after 9 regenerates into him, and in Harry Potter Goblet of Fire David Tennant plays Barty Crouch Jr. And in the book there is a Chapter titled Parting of the ways and Barty Crouch Jr dies. Also during this season JK Rowling wrote a cross over between Doctor Who Harry Potter but it never happened because the cast of Harry Potter were too busy filming Harry Potter. I myself Have written a fan fic based on the Idea and plan to either make a audio book style for it or lego stop motion lol

[@LondonCelt]

This episode is so much fun, my sister and I would always watch this one back after it first aired. Steven Moffat could’ve wrote this, it’s gag after gag lol

[@jennifermorris6848]

I love this one too. It’s great.

[@BookNomming]

I actually really loved this one too. Huge Shakespeare fan, and witches. Also English lit degree and wrote an essay about this for university 😂

[@BritanyBinges]

That's awesome that you wrote a paper about this! lol It's such a fun episode. :)

[@chriskehoe1394]

One of my favourite episodes, each to their own I guess.

[@BritanyBinges]

It's not one of my all-time favorites, but I still really enjoy it. It campy and fun. :)

[@Jim_The_Fish]

Not sure if you ever watched Harry Potter, but the references are especially funny because David Tennant was in the 4th Harry Potter movie, and the actor who played his father in HP pops up later in this season. The “Good ole JK!” comment is obviously didn’t age well.

[@BritanyBinges]

I'm a big Harry Potter fan (books and movies). It's a little off to the side, but you can see a wand in a Deathly Hallows stand on the shelf behind me when my video takes up the full screen. :)

[@MrCooleb]

Roger Lloyd Pack who played barty crouch snr actually appeared last season playing john lumic in the cyberman 2 parter

[@iz723]

This was such a good stupid fun time.

[@BritanyBinges]

Agreed! :)

[@dunwichmanor]

This is the very first episode of doctor who i remember watching. I was 5 or 6 and it was airing for the first time, and i snuck downstairs at night and my parents were watching it.

[@domsquared9878]

Not precisely and not always but generally speaking the way fixed points in time work is analogous to quantum superposition, history has to go a certain way if the observers know how it goes, so since the Doctor is present in 1599 and knows the world does not end then it cannot or the universe would break, if he had never been to Earth before and landed there in 1599 with no knowledge of if the world ends or not then either can happen without the universe breaking

[@zemoxian]

I’m not much into Shakespeare but it was fun to learn that “Loves Labor Won” was a real mystery.

[@WolfHreda]

As a writer, I've always adored the idea that the proper words in the proper place at the proper time could change all of reality. Also, Shakespeare's joke at the end should read (because the subtitles butcher it): "A hart for a heart, and a deer for a dear." Or vice versa. A hart is a type of deer. Edit: Between the Radiation Shuffle™️ in the last episode, the Two-Heart Bongo™️ bit in this one, and a certain detox later on, the only thing I never really liked about the Tennant era were the slapstick routines in place of problem solving that occasionally crop up.

[@0tifa0zell0]

I love this episode 😍 one of the best from the season

[@LuluHyuga]

You'd watch it on a rewatch because it's a good episode 😅

[@wardjunior1450]

I love this ep, it’s equal to the next ep gridlock. This episodes is the one that scared by big brother the most, mainly because of the makeup of the witches.

[@IsiahBradley]

It absolutely is *mine,* but THANKS, anyway!!!!!! Its "effects are special indeed" :)

[@smashstuff86]

For me, this episode just gets us from ep 1 to ep 3.

[@BritanyBinges]

I can understand that. I feel like I shouldn't have liked it as much as I did.

[@barkingmonkee]

DW is often at it's most entertaining when it's "Over the top ridiculous". Classic Who certainly seemed to be most of the time, and that was much of it's charm. The show is sometimes criticized for being a show for kids, but honestly I think that's what makes it great. It wouldn't have anything like the level of creativity and humor if it had been produced for an exclusively adult audience. I love me some trek, but the lack of self seriousness in DW is nonetheless a refreshing change from the tone of most other sci-fi.

[@jaihayes9647]

Who would've guessed, someone who doesn't like sci-fi likes the historical episodes haha

[@BritanyBinges]

Very valid point. lol

[@frnknstndrgqn]

the doctor grieving Rose, which he didn't really get a chance to do. Martha kinda got the short end on that one. He can't help it tho :(

[@BritanyBinges]

Yeah, some people have commented about how horrible 10 is to Martha, but he just lost someone he loves. He should be allowed to grieve and remember/talk about her. Now, I do think there are times he was a little more oblivious than he should have been when it came to her feelings and how what he was saying might impact her but, again, those are Martha's feelings to deal with. That said, I do love Martha and definitely feel bad that she met the Doctor when she did.

[@frnknstndrgqn]

@@BritanyBinges definitely agree. I always thought the reason ten was so distraught at losing rose as well is that he was born loving her. His 9th incarnation died for her and ten was born out of that sacrifice. So when they got separated he lost a part of himself. Dunno if that makes sense but just how I took it.

[@johna5635]

I mentioned it briefly in the recent live chat but I really think you'd appreciate BBC mini-series "Jekyll" written by Steven Moffat which aired around the time of this series. It's dark as f*** and stars James Nesbitt who was touted for the role of The Doctor at the time - as well as Michelle Ryan who played Lady Christina De Souza in "Planet Of The Dead". I think it would tick a lot of boxes for you and it's only 6 episodes long so not a long-term commitment!

[@BritanyBinges]

Oh, thank you! I loved Christina's character (and the actress who played her) so, that combined with it being written by Moffat and being "dark as f***k" does make it seem like it would be right up my alley. :) I've added it to the list of shows to include in future polls for a pilot reaction.

[@MalcolmWolf]

Good suggestion. I recall loving it when I watched it on TV

[@johna5635]

Even if you just watch it for your own benefit without reacting, I'd strongly recommend it! Just rewatched the first episode myself, and the way in which Nesbitt flips from playing an unassuming affable guy to the personification of evil is an incredible piece of acting.

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

MARTHA: //asks BRILLIANT questions about time travel, in regards to stuff like The Butterfly Effect, etc// THE DOCTOR: //makes her feel stupid for actually being concerned/interested/inquisitive// Ooooooh, kaaaaay. I GOT NOTHIN. 🤷🤷

[@kingp260]

The Doctor is written very out of character in this episode in general. When Martha brings up her obvious concern about being kidnapped or assaulted because of her race, the Doctor basically says “just act confident, works for me.” Yes. Because you appear white! 😂 He’s very insensitive throughout this whole season.

[@bananasaregood8655]

Not my favorite episode, but freema agyeman is SO beautiful it makes it more watchable hahaha. So now you have watched the 50th you will understand why queen elizabeth was so angry with the doctor

[@caloller1375]

First ever episode I watchd I was so little and had nightmares

[@BritanyBinges]

What a strange one to see first. That must have been wild. lol I can definitely see how this would give a child nightmares.

[@markbechtold7372]

DW has filming access to locations others don't. Globe Theater.

[@markdavidson9100]

I like the going back in time episodes, but get frustrated when aliens appear when they do. Having a pure historical would make a change

[@joshuajoshua2732]

I'm glad your enjoying the references for Rose but for most of us it wore thin and got annoying very quickly and it slightly overshadows The Doctor's chemistry with Martha because traditionally when a companion leaves The Doctor usually doesn't dwell on it he moves on very quickly and into the next story he's a 900 year old alien he's had many companions i mean that's David Tennant's emotional acting sure which is great but as The Doctor that's not what he does so that's out of character for him. I love this episode because it's a very Doctor Whoie episode and i loved the alien witches it had a Hocus Pocus vibe to it you said it's a cheesy episode but part of Doctor Who's charm is the camp and cheesiness without it i don't think it works the acting was meant to be over the top because it shows how crazy and deluded a villain mind can be. The actor who plays William Shakespeare is great and fun but he looks absolutely nothing like the real William Shakespeare.

[@WithADashOfPazazz]

The Doctor is so rude in the bedroom scene. I can take him ignoring the social cues, he's an alien - we know Martha definitely has a crush but when he's like 'we can manage' and jumps on the bed, she doesn't immediately join him, in fact she changes the subject (cue Harry Potter reference). Then she asks if witchcraft is real and he rudely tells her it isn't, despite saying it was in the previous scene. Martha is a student, and she's just trying to learn, asking questions. He's technically her superior in this scenario, the one with the wealth of knowledge. But he acts like she's dumb for listening to what he says. She defends herself, and he just bluntly states his opinion on the yet unnamed Carrionites. Then says "are you gonna stand there all night." Martha clearly feeling awkward tries to lighten the mood but he completely ignores her, then rolls on his side, looks deep into her eyes and says he thinks he's missing something. LOL. I think the problem with the Rose reference isn't the line 'Rose would know.' It's what accompanies it -"you're just a novice" then talking of taking her back home. I don't expect him to forger Rose, but I wasn't expecting him to use her to make Martha feel bad, intentionally or unintentionally. And Rose was great but she definitely would not have known 😂

[@dylanburton4955]

One of the weaker episodes of Series 3 to me but it’s still enjoyable, it does a good job of developing Martha more and David Tennant is on top form as always. I do love how over the top the villains are too

[@Jabberwocky415]

Only one of the weaker ones cause all of season 3 is fantastic. I love this episode.

[@dylanburton4955]

@@Jabberwocky415 Pretty much yeah, Lazarus Experiment has a pretty good story despite dated CGI

[@Jabberwocky415]

@@dylanburton4955 For some reason I was never of a big fan of that episode. But I won’t deny it’s well written.

[@bookswithike3256]

I enjoy this episode for what it is. The jokes about political correctness have gotten a bit difficult to watch with hindsight though, as the writer of this episode turned out to be a huge dick.

[@kemmdog4444]

I wonder where that Shakespeare marionette is now?

[@itscrossbow7637]

Not one of my favourite episodes but they have some funny moments and did a good job of William Shakespeare

[@mrbrit1218]

Out of all of season 3 i'd probably put this episode around 7th or 8th so very middle of the road for me. I do like getting to meet historical figures, as long as it's done well and they did do a good effort similarly with Charles Dickens in season 1. The architect is also played by the same actor who plays Super Hans. While that probably means nothing to you, if you're ever looking for another British show to react to, you wouldn't go far wrong with Peep Show.

[@gaaraofthefunk2011]

Expellarmus Good ol jk My favorite line in this ep

[@flora5090]

Yeah I liked this episode as a kid but rewatching it now it is a bit too silly. Plus the author is a massive transphobe so yikes

[@joshuaverran9443]

It's Doctor Who it's meant to be silly.

[@Mark_E_M]

It really DOES get better...I promise...lol!

[@BritanyBinges]

I enjoyed this episode. lol

[@Mark_E_M]

@@BritanyBinges I am just excited for when you start with the 11th Doctor! He is my absolute favorite!

[@BritanyBinges]

@@Mark_E_M I recently wrapped up Eleven's era over on Patreon and I was definitely sad to him/Matt go. But, then again, I'm always sad to each one go. Just part of the journey.

[@Mark_E_M]

@@BritanyBinges Wow! Your Patreon is FAR ahead...lol!

[@BritanyBinges]

@@Mark_E_M Yeah, they were still getting episodes the entire nine months or so last year that I was on a hiatus from KZbin, and they get two episodes per week. So, that adds up quickly. lol

[@HuntingViolets]

The Doctor couldn't get some Elizabethan clothing for Martha. I wish he would treat her better.

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

DOCTOR: "No, there's something I'm missing, Martha. Something really close, staring me right in the face and I can't see it. Rose'd know. A friend of mine, Rose. Right now, she'd say exactly the right thing. Still, can't be helped. You're a novice, never mind. I'll take you back home tomorrow." 🤬🤬🤬🤬 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬 Still makes me angry after all these years! Dick move, Doctor! #marthadeservedbetter #justiceformartha

[@SomeRandomOldFatGuy]

I love the ridiculous episodes

[@robertobrien5709]

Why should you not have enjoyed the episode, why do people have to say one is better than another, they are an ongoing story, in real life you have funny days and serious days, same thing. Its the same as comparing your children and saying which you love or like more.

[@missleeogilvieraygaal]

I am certain you are probably good at this stuff. Have a kind day.

[@BritanyBinges]

Thank you! :)

[@thenerdytiger9306]

"Political correctness gone mad" 😂🤣😂🤣 lol love doctor who

[@kenmercer8112]

Whats with this episode? awesome! I think its one of peoples favorites. It is mine.

[@BritanyBinges]

Based on the comments, it doesn't seem to be all that popular of an episode. I can understand why, but I think it's fun. :)

[@bryn6411]

this episode does have some good funny moments but it's probably one of the weaker episodes in this series, though series 3 is VERY strong IMO so that's probably why it stands out more. Can't wait for next weeks reaction!

[@BritanyBinges]

For me, this is one of the stronger episodes of this series... but that's because this is actually my least favorite series so far (currently in series 8). 😬

[@bryn6411]

⁠@@BritanyBinges ooo interesting, :O series 3 along with with 4 and a later one down the line are my favourite series, nevertheless I’m interested to see what you think of later episodes c:

[@hornorsilk2901]

Yes, it is not a great episode, but it has enjoyable elements. So it's not bad, but just not DW at its best

[@BritanyBinges]

I feel like I shouldn't have liked it as much as I did. lol

[@geoffmason7215]

beware those sexy witches

[@BritanyBinges]

They'll get you every time. lol

[@geoffmason7215]

@@BritanyBinges yes men NEVER learn

[@theunfamousone2818]

Wait do people not like this episode?

[@bookswithike3256]

@@mayotango1317 People disliked it before that.

[@flora5090]

People criticise that the episode downplays the racism of that time

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

@@flora5090 Yeah, the Doctor's whole 'Just walk around like you own the place like me' attitude towards Martha was VERY tone-deaf when it comes to his white male privilege vs Martha's lack-of.

[@flora5090]

@@NicoleM_radiantbaby agreed 100%

[@joshuaverran9443]

In 1599 racism was a huge thing and it's not something they should ignore if you time travel to the past your bound to get racist remarks thats just the way history was it's terrible I agree but that's how things were back then.

[@MarkWardReacts]

I think it’s one of the worst episodes of the season… this first half of the season is not a good bunch of episodes for me. (Though I do like Gridlock).

[@cockneycolombian]

Really enjoying your reactions and that you Martha

[@BritanyBinges]

So glad you're enjoying them!

[@pascal-Z]

I remember being greatly disappointed watching this back in 2007. Very cringeworthy, over-the-top and with too much exposition. However, some of the humour is great. I was even more disappointed because the writer Gareth Roberts used to write some of the best ever Doctor Who novels, witty, funny, smart and exciting. For me that didn’t translate to his TV stories. These times the writer has become problematic though and is probably „cancelled“ by Doctor Who fandom for his extreme far-right views on trans-rights and other topics.

[@mikeyports100]

This is episode 3 not to you got them in wrong order

[@BritanyBinges]

According to HBO Max, the episode list on Wikipedia, everyone who watched this reaction when I originally put it on Patreon last year, and the story itself, it's episode two and in the correct order.

[@mikeyports100]

@@BritanyBinges must be difficult in the USA it's definitely episode 3 in the UK kind regards

[@mikeyports100]

Well looking it up my memory is failing me sorry I stand corrected

[@BritanyBinges]

@@mikeyports100 No worries! :)