📝6/10

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"Boom Town: A Breather with Bite"

Russell T. Davies takes a step back from the high-stakes action to give us a slower, more introspective episode in Boom Town, one that allows both the characters and the audience to catch their breath before the big finale. That’s not to say this story lacks substance—it’s brimming with character development, emotional depth, and some darkly comedic moments.

From the opening scene, Annette Badland reminds us why Margaret is such a compelling character. Badland’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety and range, effortlessly moving from disarmingly kind to chillingly manipulative. It’s a joy to watch her spar with the Doctor, especially as she attempts to exploit his moral dilemmas for her own gain. Margaret’s humanity—however twisted—adds surprising poignancy to this episode, showing us that even villains can have complex emotions.

The Cardiff setting offers a refreshing change of pace and serves as a clever way to revisit the Cardiff Rift introduced in The Unquiet Dead. This element not only drives the plot but also plants seeds for Torchwood, which will later become a cornerstone of the Doctor Who universe. And, of course, we get another mention of Blaidd Drwg—RTD’s signature Bad Wolf breadcrumb—adding to the overarching mystery of the season.

This episode continues to explore the Doctor’s darker side. Eccleston excels in portraying a man grappling with the weight of his decisions, particularly when faced with the moral implications of sentencing Margaret to her death. The dinner scene between the Doctor and Margaret is a standout moment, combining humour, tension, and character exploration in equal measure. It’s a clever way to remind us of both the Slitheen’s capacity for menace and the Doctor’s willingness to make tough, even ruthless, choices.

While the plot is relatively light on action, the character-driven narrative keeps things engaging. The constant banter between Nine and Jack adds levity, and Mickey’s awkward presence injects a dose of comic relief. However, Mickey’s subplot also carries emotional weight, as he and Rose finally confront the cracks in their relationship. It’s bittersweet to see Mickey moving on, knowing Rose is still torn between her life with him and her adventures with the Doctor.

The episode does have its lighter, sillier moments—like the chase scene through Cardiff—but they’re balanced by the more profound exploration of consequences. Margaret’s story forces the Doctor to reckon with the fallout of his actions, while Rose is confronted with the impact her choices have had on Mickey’s life.

The climax brings a sudden surge of tension as the narrative shifts gears, delivering the requisite danger we expect from a Doctor Who episode. The heart of the TARDIS plays a pivotal role in Margaret’s fate, setting up an important element for the finale. However, the resolution—where Margaret is reverted to an egg—feels a bit too convenient and whimsical, undercutting the emotional weight of the story.

Final Thoughts:

Despite its slower pace and a somewhat unsatisfying resolution, Boom Town succeeds as a thoughtful, character-driven episode. It examines the repercussions of past events while providing moments of levity and drama, all anchored by Annette Badland’s standout performance. As a prelude to the season’s climax, it serves its purpose well, reminding us that even in the quieter moments, Doctor Who never shies away from asking the big questions.

Random Observations:

• William Thomas, who plays Mr. Cleaver at the start of the episode, previously appeared in Remembrance of the Daleks. He's the first actor to appear in both Classic and New Who.
• We hear Rose talk about an off-screen adventure with the Slitheen in Justicia. This references the second NSA novel, The Monsters Inside, and marks the first time the TV show has referenced EU material.