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Post by omega on Jun 23, 2018 22:48:54 GMT
DOCTOR WHO - MAIN RANGE » 82. THE SETTLING Released May 2006SynopsisNote to Sir Arthur Aston, governor of the town of Drogheda, 10 September 1649. "Sir, Having brought the army belonging to the Parliament of England before this place, to reduce it to obedience, to the end effusion of blood may be prevented, I thought fit to summon you to deliver the same into my hands to their use. If this be refused, you will have no cause to blame me. I expect your answer and rest your servant. O. Cromwell." Written By: Simon Guerrier Directed By: Gary Russell CASTSylvester McCoy (The Doctor); Sophie Aldred (Ace); Philip Olivier (Hex); Clive Mantle (Oliver Cromwell); Roger Parrott (Doctor Goddard); Hugh Lee (Fitzgerald); Clare Cathcart (Mary); Ian Brooker (Colonel Sinnott)
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Post by omega on Jun 23, 2018 22:51:17 GMT
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Post by mark687 on Jun 24, 2018 12:23:15 GMT
I Thoroughly enjoy it.
Straightforward but engaging historical, TARDIS Crew get separated, have individual journeys to get back together
Clive Mantle Portrays Cromwell as an almost sympatric character, he doesn't like the war, but he has do it because he believes his cause is righteous, despite Hex's objections
The Doctor do a lot but what he dose is memorable!
Regards
mark687
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Post by slithe on Jun 26, 2018 15:16:00 GMT
An interesting release. I liked this one as it made me think. The Doctor isn't centre stage here (although this tends to fit with the general approach with the Seventh Doctor stories) and instead 'leaves his companions to it'. Throwing Hex into one of the most controversial events in English history is clever and horrific - really shows what a manipulative so and so the Seventh Doctor was. Is the Doctor trying to 'toughen Hex up' or show him that the universe isn't as simplistic as people try to make it out - who really are the goodies and baddies in everything? The audience are left to ponder these questions, whilst hearing the interplay between the Hex and Cromwell.
Clive Mantle is definitely excellent as Cromwell. He really shines in this. Cromwell is portrayed as a real twisted character (as mark687 has said) instead of a 2D caricature. The context of using one's 'faith' to inspire what is 'right' or 'wrong' is still as prescient as ever (this seems to be a theme - Live34 had the politics of dictatorship) and the story subtly touches on religious fundamentalism/wars without going too much 'in your face'.
Ironically, Hex's nickname almost gets him into trouble. He really should have seen that one coming - especially with the Puritan Cromwell (and the witchcraft craze that was unleashed by the English Civil War).
Again, as with all historical tales, we *know* the ending. As such, there is only so much that the Doctor/characters can do. This has been shown so many times in the show and credit is due here for rather than trying to prevent the atrocities at Drogheda, Hex tries to understand Cromwell's actions and, even if futilely, reason with him to avoid the course of action. The fact that Hex almost dies (and is injured) reinforces that travelling with the Doctor (especially in his Seventh incarnation) is not always a barrel of laughs. The ending at which Hex questions whether the Doctor can be trusted sets into motion a wider story arc that is subtly developed over the coming stories.
Not a classic, but a decent release.
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lidar2
Castellan
You know, now that you mention it, I actually do rather like Attack of the Cybermen ...
Likes: 5,813 
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Post by lidar2 on Jun 26, 2018 15:31:20 GMT
Anything by Simon Guerrier is good and this is no exception. Another excellent tale.
As an aside there are very few average Hex stories, they tend to be either 9/10 of 10/10 classics (most of them) or else 0/10 duds (Dreamtime, Dark Husband).
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Post by mrperson on Jun 26, 2018 17:18:27 GMT
I loved this one. Wonderful historical and character piece. Dark, serious, and worthy of reflection. 10/10.
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Post by omega on Jun 26, 2018 23:58:56 GMT
Got to give a shout out to the music. The strings, drums and wailing give it a distinct air of hopelessness in the face of Cromwell's march across Ireland.
Clive Mantle excels as Oliver Cromwell, a man conflicted between his beliefs, ambition and honour. He does monstrous things and can be unpredictable, but he has an honourable side and genuinely has the well being of those who don't cross him at heart.
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Post by Ela on Jul 5, 2018 15:43:26 GMT
I loved this story and the historical setting. So much to think about, and so difficult for Hex.
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