The script for this is a bit on the simplistic side but it makes sense that it was, considering the show was trying to draw a new market. At any rate, the positives far outweigh the negatives in this face paced romp. Paul McGann is splendid as the Doctor and instantly makes the role his own--something it occasionally took the TV Doctors a few episodes to fully achieve. Sylvester McCoy, as the outgoing Doctor is flawless. Solitary, a bit more serious and melancholy in appearance and urgent and insistent in his heartrending final moments in the operating room. This scene is one of the most emotionally charged scenes in all of Whodom and certainly makes for one of the most intense regenerations of the Doctor's centuries spanning existence! The new set design for the interior of the TARDIS is breathtaking in all its dark Victorian splendor and the supporting roles, filled by Daphne Ashbrook, Yee Jee Tso and Eric Roberts (as the Master), are top notch. Even minor roles like that of the morgue attendant, played by MADtv's Will Sasso, are good. The locations are also standout and there is some very nice dialogue between the Doctor and Grace Holloway (played by Ashbrook) and some fun moments where Roberts really gets to ham it up! It was very disappointing that this pilot never led to a new Fox series but this movie is a real treat. Let's just keep our fingers crossed for a new BBC series in the near future!!! Don't let the somewhat simplistic plot detract from an otherwise wonderful production. If this ever comes out on video rent or buy it post haste!
Review of Doctor Who
