The Impossible Astronaut
214a – "The Impossible Astronaut" | |||
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Doctor Who episode | |||
Cast | |||
Others
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Production | |||
Directed by | Series 6 | ||
Running time | 1st of 2-part story, 45 minutes | ||
First broadcast | 23 April 2011 | ||
Chronology | |||
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"The Impossible Astronaut" is the first episode of the
In the episode, the Doctor, Amy, Rory and the archaeologist
The Silence was created to compete with other past aliens in terms of "scariness," including the
Plot
Prequel
On 22 March 2011, a short scene serving as a prequel for the first episode was released on the programme's website. In the prequel, Richard Nixon receives a phone call from the little girl who keeps calling him in the episode. She begs for the President to look behind him, but he asks how she got that number, which the "spaceman" told her. She tells him it is about monsters, to which he replies "Young lady, there are no monsters in the Oval Office." He then hangs up and leans back. Behind him stands an out-of-focus member of the Silence.[2][3]
Synopsis
During a break from their travels with the
Amy, Rory, and River talk at a diner when they discover the fourth envelope was sent to the Doctor, alive and 200 years younger than the one at the lake. The younger Doctor arrives at the diner where his companions tell him about space 1969 and Canton, but refuse to tell him about his death or that the sender is the Doctor himself.
The Doctor and his companions travel back to 8 April 1969, where the younger Canton, a former
Based on the phone call and the girl's mention of a "spaceman", he tracks down the Florida intersection where the girl is located. Meanwhile, Amy meets and takes a photograph of one of the leaders of the Silence, a group she also saw by the lake which people forget about any time someone stops looking at them.
Canton follows the Doctor and the others into the TARDIS as they depart for Florida. When they arrive at the building where the girl is held, they find pieces of a space suit and alien technology. River and Rory explore a vast network of tunnels that have apparently spread across the planet for centuries, unnoticed by the human population but populated by the Silence. Finding Canton unconscious next to a figure in a space suit, Amy tells the Doctor she is pregnant (forced to do so by the Silence she met earlier) before picking up Canton's gun and shooting at the suit. She realises too late that the helmet's visor has opened to reveal the little girl.
Continuity
The TARDIS had been previously turned invisible by damage to its visual stabiliser in the Second Doctor story The Invasion (1968).[4] When Canton first leaves the TARDIS, the Doctor remarks, "Brave heart, Canton," a reference to the Fifth Doctor's recurrent statement to his companion Tegan Jovanka, "Brave heart, Tegan."[4] When Amy asks the younger Doctor to trust her, he asks her to swear to him on something that matters. After some thought, she smiles and says "Fish fingers and custard," referring to events in "The Eleventh Hour," when Amy first meets the Doctor as a little girl.[4]
Production
Writing
The episode was written by Steven Moffat, who took charge of the show in 2010. Moffat wanted the 2011 season to start with a two-part story in an attempt to begin with more gravity and a wider scope in plot,[5] as well as wanting the episodes to be one of the darker ones in the series.[6] "The Impossible Astronaut" / "Day of the Moon" was the first two-part episode to open a series since the 1985 Sixth Doctor story Attack of the Cybermen.[4]
In the Doctor Who Confidential episode following the broadcast of "The Impossible Astronaut," Moffat stated that in his view, it was one of the darker episodes of the series, but still maintained the same level of humour. The inclusion of the Doctor's death felt like a series ender for some of the producers, but was actually there to "kick it off."[5] In writing the death scene of the older version of the Doctor, Moffat wanted to acknowledge to the audience that Time Lords are not invincible, and could still die permanently if killed before regeneration. In creating the Silence, the alien antagonists of the episode, Moffat wanted them to challenge past monsters in terms of "scariness."[5] He felt these creatures are a "much bigger deal."[5] The aliens' design was partially inspired by the figure from the Edvard Munch painting The Scream.[6]
Casting
In October 2010, it was announced that Mark Sheppard, who had appeared in other science fiction series including Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Supernatural, and Warehouse 13, would make a guest appearance on Doctor Who. Sheppard described playing Canton as a "dream job," and said he wished to appear in another of Moffat's works, including Sherlock.[7][8] Even though Sheppard is an English actor, it was his first appearance in a British-made television show.[9] For the scene depicting the older Canton Delaware, the producers originally planned that Sheppard would appear older using makeup effects. However, Sheppard suggested instead that his father and actor, William Morgan Sheppard, play the role, a suggestion that was accepted.[5]
American actor
Filming and effects
This pair of episodes marks the first time that Doctor Who has filmed
Kingston had to genuinely slap Matt Smith several times in a scene because it was difficult to fake. Kingston recalled that after a few takes, Smith got red cheeked and grew frustrated at having to do the sequence over and over again. The Oval Office set was constructed at Upper Boat Studios in South Wales. Because the production crew had access to several pictures and plans of the real office, they were able to replicate it in almost every detail. The main problem for building the set was the plastering; the crew normally plaster one wall at a time for normal rooms, but because the Oval Office was round, they had to do the entire set at once. The American-style diner scene when the companions reunite with the Doctor in this episode is actually located in Cardiff Bay.[15] The Laurel and Hardy film The Flying Deuces,[4] in which the Doctor intruded, was done by Smith dancing in front of greenscreen.[5]
Broadcast and reception
Pre-broadcast leak
At some point before the broadcast of the episode, it and "Day of the Moon" were released in a press screening, where a number of fans were invited to attend. The production team present asked them not to give away any spoilers. However, following the screening, a fan gave away the entire plot of the two episodes on an internet forum. News of this angered Moffat.[16] In an interview on BBC Radio 5 Live, Moffat stated;
It's heartbreaking in a way because you're trying to tell stories, and stories depend on surprise. Stories depend on shocking people. Stories are the moments that you didn't see coming, that are what live in you and burn in you forever. If you are denied those, it's vandalism. So to have some twit who came to a press launch, write up a story in the worst, most ham-fisted English you can imagine, and put it on the internet, I just hope that guy never watches my show again, because that's a horrific thing to do.
— Steven Moffat[16]
Despite this he added that the majority of Doctor Who fans are "spoiler-phobes," who refused to go online to be spoiled.[16]
Broadcast and ratings
"The Impossible Astronaut" was first broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom on 23 April 2011 at 6 pm.[17] It began with a still-caption tribute to actress Elisabeth Sladen, who died from cancer on 19 April 2011. Sladen had previously appeared in the series as companion Sarah Jane Smith, and as the same character on the spin-off series The Sarah Jane Adventures.[18] After the broadcast "The Impossible Astronaut" received preliminary, overnight figures of 6.52 million viewers.[19] Final consolidated ratings for the episode increased to 8.86 million, with a 43.2 per cent audience share.[20] This made the episode the second highest rated programme of the day, behind Britain's Got Talent on ITV1.[19] The episode was the third most watched on BBC One, and sixth overall for the entire week ending 24 April.[21] An additional 300,000 viewed the episode from BBC iPlayer within two days of its original broadcast.[20] It received an Appreciation Index of 88, one of the higher scores for the weekend.[22]
In the United States the episode aired on
Audience measurement service
Critical reception
The episode was met with generally positive reviews from television critics. Dan Martin of
Morgan Jeffery of Digital Spy called the episode "a fantastic launch for the sixth series," adding "the Doctor Who team's US location shooting has certainly paid off, lending these early scenes a grand scale that the series could scarcely have expected to achieve in 2005, let alone in 1963."[33] Commenting on the future-Doctor's death, Jeffery said "seven minutes in, a nation's collective jaw dropped as The Doctor — this show's lead — is mercilessly gunned down. This plot twist is simply stunning, and it's difficult to imagine even casual viewers not sitting up to pay attention at this point."[33] Jeffery also believed that the series regulars were on "top form," adding "the more abrasive aspects of Amy Pond's personality seem to have been toned down this year, and Karen Gillan responds with her best, most sympathetic performance to date. Arthur Darvill also lives up to his recent promotion to full-time companion. His comic timing is simply superb, but he excels too in the episode's darker moments."[33] Jeffery rated the episode five stars out of five.[33]
Gavin Fuller of
References
- ^ "Matt Smith Video and New Series Overview". London, UK: BBC. 11 April 2011. Archived from the original on 11 May 2011. Retrieved 9 May 2011.
- ^ Anders, Charlie Jane (3 April 2011). "Learn why this season of Doctor Who changes everything". Gizmodo. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ "The Prequel to Episode 1". BBC. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
- ^ a b c d e "The Fourth Dimension". BBC. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Coming to America". Doctor Who Confidential. Series 6. Episode 1. 23 April 2011. BBC. BBC Three.
- ^ a b "Doctor Who boss says season start is 'darkest yet'". BBC. 5 April 2011. Retrieved 27 May 2011.
- ^ Jeffery, Morgan (18 October 2010). "'Supernatural' star joins 'Doctor Who'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ Jeffery, Morgan (9 March 2011). "Mark Sheppard: 'Doctor Who was dream job'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- Tribune Company. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ Jeffery, Morgan (18 November 2010). "'Jonathan Creek' star joins 'Doctor Who'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ "130. A Thousand Tiny Wings". Big Finish. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ Wicks, Kevin (10 October 2011). "It's official: Doctor Who to film in the US for the first time". BBC America. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- ^ Davies, Russell T (3 December 2007). "Production Notes: 12 Facts a-Facting!". Doctor Who Magazine (377): 66.
Seven hours a-flying! That's how long it took for our director, James Strong, and his team to fly to JFK, for the Official First Ever Doctor Who Shoot in New York!
- ^ "Doctor Who in America". 30 April 2011. BBC America.
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(help) - ^ "Eddie's Diner". Doctor Who Locations Guide. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
- ^ a b c "Doctor Who boss 'hates' fans who spoil show's secrets". BBC. 11 May 2011. Retrieved 16 May 2011.
- ^ "The Impossible Astronaut Broadcasts". BBC. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
- Doctor Who News Page. Retrieved 26 April 2011.
- ^ a b Millar, Paul (24 April 2011). "New 'Doctor Who' kicks off with 6.5m". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ Doctor Who News Page. 1 May 2011. Retrieved 1 May 2011.
- Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. Retrieved 4 May 2011.
- Doctor Who News Page. 26 April 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
- ^ Hibbard, James (9 March 2011). "'Doctor Who' premiere date, plot details, poster revealed". Entertainment Weekly. Time Inc. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ "Doctor Who Series 6 Premieres April 23 on SPACE". Radio Free Skaro. 28 March 2011. Retrieved 25 April 2011.
- ^ Seidman, Robert (25 April 2011). "'Doctor Who' Season Premiere is BBC America's Highest Rated Telecast Ever". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on 28 April 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2011.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (9 May 2011). ""Doctor Who" Premiere Sees Big Jump in Live + 7 Ratings on BBC America". TV By the Numbers. Archived from the original on 13 May 2011. Retrieved 5 February 2012.
- Space (25 April 2011). "DOCTOR WHO Pushes Boundaries of SPACE and Time as Record-Breaking Premiere Delivers 538,000 Viewers". Bell Media. Bell Canada. Retrieved 27 April 2011.
- ^ "Doctor Who". ABC Television. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
- ^ "Doctor Who viewers go time travelling: 'Astronaut' is the most recorded TV show of all time". Kantar Media. Archived from the original on 1 May 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2011.
- ^ Seale, Jack (20 May 2011). "Fans travel through time to watch Doctor Who". Radio Times. Retrieved 12 September 2011.
- ^ a b c d Martin, Dan (23 April 2011). "Doctor Who: The Impossible Astronaut – Series 32, episode 1". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
- ^ Martin, Dan (30 September 2011). "Doctor Who: which is the best episode of this series?". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
- ^ a b c d Jeffery, Morgan (24 April 2011). "'Doctor Who' review: 'The Impossible Astronaut'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ Fuller, Gavin (23 April 2011). "Doctor Who, episode 1: The Impossible Astronaut, review". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
- ^ a b Marshall, Rick (23 April 2011). "'Doctor Who' Review: Episode 6.01, 'The Impossible Astronaut'". MTV. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ a b Brew, Simon (23 April 2011). "Doctor Who series 6 episode 1 review: The Impossible Astronaut". Den of Geek. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
- ^ O'Sullivan, Kevin (24 April 2011). "Who needs a plot? Dr Who, that's who..." Daily Mirror. Retrieved 20 December 2022.
External links
- The Impossible Astronaut on Tardis Wiki, the Doctor Who Wiki
- "The Impossible Astronaut" at IMDb
- "The Impossible Astronaut" at the BBC Doctor Who homepage