‘Remember me’
Doctor Who returned on Saturday with a well kept surprise which shocked many a Who fan. The premature appearance of the Doctor’s
new soufflé baking, classical music playing companion was perhaps the best kept
TV for secret for years. It is a well known fact that Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) and her husband
Rory (Arthur Darvill) will leave the cult show later this series (how exactly is to be debated)
and that Jenna-Louise Coleman will step into Gillan’s shoes as Clara Oswin, however, she made an unexpected appearance in the first episode of the new series.
In the first
episode of this series the actress appeared as Oswin Oswald a quick-witted and flirtatious
space traveller. Her predicament of being trapped inside a Dalek was relatively
predictable from about half way through the episode, what with the circular
camera shapes and her better-than-the-Doctor intelligence. Despite this, the
reveal turned into a touching and heartfelt moment. The only sign of Coleman’s
future role as Smith’s companion came with the words ‘remember me’, delivered
by the actress with a cheeky grin and wink. Just exactly how this comes about
will no doubt be hotly debated by Doctor Who followers.
A topic similarly be debated will be the details of Pond’s
exit. The dramatic scene of the Doctor carrying his friend through the chaos of
a collapsing Dalek empire, prominently shown in the series trailer, also
appeared in this episode, cutting such a scene out of the running. The pairing
of Amy and Rory will be missed, i’m sure, as this episode showed just how
important their relationship is. The apparent demise of their marriage was saddening
but the chemistry between the two characters –and actors- is clear and
something the show has revolved around for a while. The mentions of their past
especially –Rory’s waiting for 2000 years for Amy shows just how much history
these two have and how vital the pair have become to the show. So for all the
doubters, perhaps moving on from two such long running companions will refresh
the show and keep it moving. However, this episode was a sparkling series
premiere providing more questions than answers which will ensure the audience
will stay tuned for the future....
How do you think the Ponds will exit? And how will Oswald
become Oswin? Let me know in the comment section below.
Aired 1/9/12 BBC1
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