Doctor Who: 10 Dos And Don'ts Of Episode Writing

1. Make The End Memorable

doctor who utopia Just as the beginning of an episode is what ropes us in, the end is what we will remember. Therefore, the last few minutes before that iconic theme whistles out are crucial. My personal champion example of this is €˜Utopia.€™ This episode brought a beautifully executed plot twist in the last ten minutes, leaving the audience with a cliff-hanger without no clue to an obvious resolution. I still remember it five years later. It usually works if the narrative is not entirely resolved. It doesn€™t even need to lead to a continuation. I specifically refer to €˜Blink.€™ The story is resolved and there€™s kind of a happy ending, but it concludes with the allusion that the Weeping Angels are everywhere, and the Doctor wishes us good luck against them. Of course there is also the choice to make the end a particularly emotional moment. Any of Paul Cornell€™s episodes fit this bill. But however it€™s done, the end of the episode should stick with the audience for a long time. OK, now that€™s the do€™s out of the way. Now onto the don€™ts of writing Doctor Who.
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I am a history student and writer, pursuing a career in film and literature. I also love Star Wars, Doctor Who and many other film, TV and game franchises. It always interests me to hear what people have to say about films and TV shows, and I’m fascinated by new perspectives. I’d welcome any feedback and comments you might have as well!