Doctor Who Series 3 Episode 7 - 42 - Review

Starring: David Tennant, Freema Agyeman, Michelle Collins & William Ash

Written By: Chris Chibnall

Directed By: Graeme Harper

Now at its mid-point, I've got to confess that Series 3 thus far has probably left the least of an impression when compared to Series 1 and 2. A solid opening trio of stories, a disappointing Dalek two-parter and the decent but unremarkable 'Lazarus Experiment' have resulted in an experience that I can safely call... OK. There hasn't been much yet that's really stood out, so let's see if bringing in writer Chris Chibnall, and my favourite 'Doctor Who' director, Graeme Harper, can give the series a shot in the arm.

Responding to a distress signal, the Doctor and Martha arrive on the SS Pentallian, to find its crew on a collision course with the Torajii sun. With the ship's engines failed, the Doctor has precisely forty-two minutes to prevent a disaster. Making matters worse, one of the ship's crew has become infected with something causing his body temperature to rise to a considerably high level. When the rest of the crew are unable to sedate the infected man, he starts burning them alive one by one...

One of the things that I feel works really well in '42's favour is the way it incorporates real-time into the story. Usually attempts at real-time stories end up wielding very hit or miss results, but the liberal approach '42' takes with it works very well. By using real-time as a general guide and not being 100% precise with it, it gives the episode energy and a proper frenetic feel, while also not having to be constrained by a precise ticking clock. It's the best of both worlds really - it raises the stakes, without having to potentially cut out worthwhile material. Those watching the episode with their stopwatches at the ready will be disappointed, but I highly doubt that the episode was ever designed to be viewed like that. '42' rarely pretends to be something it isn't - there's a ticking clock, a threat on the loose and a disaster for the Doctor to avert - I can't help but appreciate its straightforwardness. 

The premise is solid, but what I really think elevates this episode into something a bit more special is the fantastic work of director Graeme Harper. Without his input behind the camera, '42' could've turned out very differently. Harper brings his incredible signature style along: that style being the ability to make the most familiar of techniques look brilliant anyway. The camera is frequently moving, with some wonderfully dramatic zoom-ins, the shots are snappily edited and more. On a technical level, the stand-out moment has to be the escape pod jettison scene. It isn't the most visually complex, but I don't think it's possible to find fault with its execution. The production work across the board is fantastic really, and for an episode filmed in some freezing cold warehouse, you'd never guess. The constant sweat drenching each character (in reality the result of a water spray), the billowing steam, the incredible lighting and red, orange and yellow colours combine to make the situation the characters find themselves in feel believable. 

I also think it's worth pointing out just how fantastic our two regulars are in '42'. The episode pushes the Doctor and Martha into some uncomfortable territory, allowing both David Tennant and Freema Agyeman to serve up some truly impressive performances. Especially nearer the end, Agyeman sells some proper raw emotion when trapped in the escape pod. Her frustrated scream at Ashton as he keeps trying to jettison the pod, her eventual upset at the realization of her fate, and the spark of attraction she begins feeling towards Riley, show a considerable range in quite a short space of time. I've heard it said before that David Tennant is often at his best when the Doctor is pushed into scary situations, and here he doesn't go out of his way trying to disprove that. His fear at the entity overpowering him and his loss of control as he starts uttering "Burn with me!" goes some way in turning what was once an energetic episode into a much more fear-inducing one. 

(Spoiler Warning!) The eventual reveal as to what it is that infected Korwin and why the Pentallian is hurtling towards the sun, provides a nice bit of commentary on environmentalism and human greed. The same natural resources that a group of humans decided to plunder and drain is actually alive and comes back to bite them. How fitting. The possessed Korwin and Ashton make for a couple of good, simple villains too. Especially with their faces obscured by helmets, the deep alien voice, and the ability to burn you alive on the spot (not to mention, they look pretty impressive stepping out of a cloud of steam). 

None of this is to say that '42' is without its problems, as it does encounter a few minor issues along the way. One of the common complaints I've seen about this episode is the task Martha and Riley are given of getting past the thirty deadlocked doors to reach the bridge controls, by answering pub quiz questions. I won't deny it's a strange, quirky idea, but what you think of it will come down to personal taste - in honesty, I've never been too bothered by it myself. I am however conflicted on what to think of the episode's supporting cast. None of the guest characters are particularly deep or memorable, but in a way I can understand why and look past it. The (quite literal) limited time that everyone has in the episode doesn't allow much time for a chat or establishing backstories. At the very least, the guest characters are functional as red-shirts, able to show just how dangerous the possessed Korwin and Ashton are. I'm similarly conflicted when it comes to aesthetics of the episode. As I've said, while I adore the look of the episode, I'll be the first to admit that it does feel very similar to last year's 'The Impossible Planet' and 'The Satan Pit'. I remember Russell T Davies describing the look of that two-parter as tough and comparable to working on an oil rig. The same description could easily apply to '42', and it feels as though the episodes look so similar not purely for narrative reasons, but just because of how well it worked out last time. I think the spacesuit worn by the Doctor sums it up well: it's the exact same suit from 'The Impossible Planet' just given a slight repaint. 

But while these issues are present, I still don't get why '42' tends to get such a bad rap from so many fans. Is this where it all started - the trend of Chris Chibnall being a hugely underrated writer for 'Doctor Who'? While not always entirely consistent, of all the scripts he's done for the show, I can't honestly call any of them outright bad, and '42' is up there as one of his stronger efforts. It may not be deep or game-changing, but it's not trying to be. It's tight, moves at a rapid pace and certainly provides that shot in the arm. Best episode of Series 3 so far.

42

8/10