WARNING SPOILERS ARE ARMED AND READY: This post is about to go nuclear with spoilers and speculation concerning Doctor Who Series 7a and 7b, especially episode 9: Cold War. (Episode numbering systems are like government bureaucracy inefficient, nonsensical and best ignored.) If you havent yet submersed yourself in series 7 then you are confined to quarters for a marathon of in depth ridiculousness. After you are properly briefed, march back here to comment. Cold War writer Mark Gatiss has fashioned a taut, suspenseful and very, very wet episode reminiscent of the base under siege stories found in Classic Who. The claustrophobic conditions of the disabled Soviet submarine are heightened by a liberal use of water and expertly executed lighting effects. The Ice Warrior is well realized and allowed to develop as a character with a real emotional core. It is refreshing to witness a monster that transcends mere villainy to become a fully established person in their own right. This is a welcome return to a tight, well-crafted story line after last weeks badly edited mess of an episode. Here are nine rules of engagement to consider when discussing Mark Gatiss' "Cold War".
9. Learn To Live With The Consequences
Finally, an episode that acknowledges that in every battle there are bound to be not just casualties, but real people with families who have suffered and lost their lives. One of the biggest problems Ive had with new Who is its unwillingness to show the consequences of violence. Yes, its a family show, but we are doing children a disservice by pretending that fighting and death are quiet and bloodless. There does not have to be gore. In fact if there is too much of that it only serves to desensitize. This episode used set pieces very well a stiff raised, bloody hand; a wallet with pictures of family and spots of blood to emphasize the fact that real beings, who had people back home who cared about them, suffered and died. Every action has a consequence and Cold War does not shy away from that. The Doctor points this out himself after the Ice Warrior, Skaldak, is subdued by a Soviet soldier with a cattle prod. If Skaldak were not attacked he would not feel the need to defend himself. When Skaldak is about to unleash a nuclear missile the Doctor forces him to consider what the result of that action would really mean. If we react out of malice or fear, without thought or reason, then the consequences of our careless actions tend to be most severe, not only for others but for ourselves as well. While last weeks episode Rings of Akhaten focused on the wonders of time and space travel, Cold War is more concerned with the dangers. After Clara witnesses the death and mutilation caused by Skaldak her rather cavalier attitude morphs into something much more real. When the Doctor admonishes her to stay put she doesnt argue with him. All of a sudden she isnt so sure she wants to be a part of the Doctors world. It makes sense for her to question this journey even if she ultimately decides to continue it.