At first, a THIRD episode about the Slitheen in the same series might seem like a sign of laziness on the part of the "Doctor Who" creators, but "Boom Town" takes the concept in new and unexpected directions, and is a whole lot better than one might fear. This episode strikes a perfect, delicate balance between humor (the script is extra-witty this time; even the title is a great pun) and seriousness, and even the look of the Slitheen is improved - their face looks more expressive and their claws more fearsome. Also, full marks to Russell T. Davies for skipping the farting of the Slitheen this time (we only get some stomach gurgling). The only weak link in this episode may be Mickey, who, after the arrival of Captain Jack on the scene, seems more redundant than ever. *** out of 4.
20 Reviews
Like a Rat up a Riftpipe...
Xstal22 November 2021
Relocating to Cardiff to refuel the TARDIS on rift juice the Doctor, Rose and Jack re-encounter Blon Fel-Fotch Pasameer-Day Slitheen, she had teleported just before the blast at number 10 and avoided being blown into a smithereen. Now she has a cunning plan to get clear, by turning the whole city nuclear, but will she outwit the trio and disappear? Or has she suddenly become quite remorseful and almost sincere? Oh, and Micky Dummy turns up for a beer - and ends up shooting himself in the foot, although in real life I'm not so sure he would let the chance go begging and be so honest, quite the opposite in fact.
Underrated Gem. Eccleston Shines In Every Scene.
zacpetch31 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This is the episode that is pure filler. It adds little and doesn't do a great deal. The only reason it exists was for Annette Badland to return after an appearance earlier in the series as Margaret the Slitheen in order to reprise her role. That any of this episode works at all is a miracle but it actually works surprisingly well. Not least because she doesn't spend nearly so much time in her Slitheen rubber suit and the farts are reduced to just the occasional grumble of the stomach. I guess RTD listened to the criticism then!
Eccleston is superb as the Ninth Doctor in his penultimate appearance and Rose and Mickey are given lots of time together to examine their failing relationship in several touching moments that are all building up to an emotional hard-hitter when they decide to amicably part ways at the end. Jack Harkness gets to be his usual cocky self which is always welcome. He's the perfect anti-Doctor with his more in-your-face shoot-first attitude. But it's Christopher Eccleston who really shines as he is forced to take Margaret out on a 'date' for dinner where she tries to kill him at every turn so as to avoid returning to Raxacoricofallapatorius to receive her death penalty. Eccleston deadpans every line in his uniquely comical-but-deadly-serious manner that has defined the Ninth Doctor as he prevents every one of Margaret's attempts on his life whether it be by casually catching her poison dart between his two fingers or stopping her from spiking his drink by just switching their wine glasses round or neutralising her noxious gas-breath with some mouthspray.
The episode is not without it's weak moments. For a good part of the episode we see Margaret running away but being teleported back to run towards the TARDIS quartet repeatedly in a sequence that wouldn't feel out of place in Looney Tunes. The earthquake isn't the greatest example of CGI you'll ever see. And then there's the bit with the egg at the end. But if you can put these quibbles aside what you have is a very poignant episode that looks at the issue of capital punishment and what responsibility the Doctor really has or hasn't got for his actions. It's an episode where the good bits outweigh the bad bits and provides a nice slower pace ahead of the action-packed two-parter that follows. This episode contains some of Eccleston's finest moments as the Ninth Doctor and is well worth your time watching. 7/10
Eccleston is superb as the Ninth Doctor in his penultimate appearance and Rose and Mickey are given lots of time together to examine their failing relationship in several touching moments that are all building up to an emotional hard-hitter when they decide to amicably part ways at the end. Jack Harkness gets to be his usual cocky self which is always welcome. He's the perfect anti-Doctor with his more in-your-face shoot-first attitude. But it's Christopher Eccleston who really shines as he is forced to take Margaret out on a 'date' for dinner where she tries to kill him at every turn so as to avoid returning to Raxacoricofallapatorius to receive her death penalty. Eccleston deadpans every line in his uniquely comical-but-deadly-serious manner that has defined the Ninth Doctor as he prevents every one of Margaret's attempts on his life whether it be by casually catching her poison dart between his two fingers or stopping her from spiking his drink by just switching their wine glasses round or neutralising her noxious gas-breath with some mouthspray.
The episode is not without it's weak moments. For a good part of the episode we see Margaret running away but being teleported back to run towards the TARDIS quartet repeatedly in a sequence that wouldn't feel out of place in Looney Tunes. The earthquake isn't the greatest example of CGI you'll ever see. And then there's the bit with the egg at the end. But if you can put these quibbles aside what you have is a very poignant episode that looks at the issue of capital punishment and what responsibility the Doctor really has or hasn't got for his actions. It's an episode where the good bits outweigh the bad bits and provides a nice slower pace ahead of the action-packed two-parter that follows. This episode contains some of Eccleston's finest moments as the Ninth Doctor and is well worth your time watching. 7/10
Margaret's back...
MaxBorg8918 September 2010
Four episodes after The Long Game, another weak entry in the season shows its head: this time it's what appears to be a "filler" episode (its arc significance, if any, has more to do with past stories than upcoming ones), scripted by show-runner Russell T. Davies and set in present day Cardiff (imagine the Doctor's happiness).
Having made a pit stop in the Welsh capital to recharge the TARDIS near a convenient rift in time and space, the Doctor and Rose (accompanied by Jack) are reunited with Mickey, but also with an old foe: Margaret (Annette Badland), only survivor of the Slitheen family (the farting aliens, remember?), who's back with a vengeance, more specifically another plot to destroy the world. Unlucky for her, she still doesn't get the pointlessness of squaring off against the Doctor...
As if creating flatulent aliens wasn't bad enough (according to most people; personally, I really enjoyed the Aliens of London/World War Three two-parter), this time Davies makes the mistake of featuring them - well, one - in a rather pointless episode, which gets by simply because the three protagonists (though he's not listed in the opening credits, Jack is pretty much a companion), and Mickey, are a lot of fun to watch, especially when the Doctor accepts to have dinner with Margaret and foils her pathetic attempts to kill him on the spot. Sadly, that's just on of few good bits in an overall bland effort, shockingly placed this late in the season.
Having made a pit stop in the Welsh capital to recharge the TARDIS near a convenient rift in time and space, the Doctor and Rose (accompanied by Jack) are reunited with Mickey, but also with an old foe: Margaret (Annette Badland), only survivor of the Slitheen family (the farting aliens, remember?), who's back with a vengeance, more specifically another plot to destroy the world. Unlucky for her, she still doesn't get the pointlessness of squaring off against the Doctor...
As if creating flatulent aliens wasn't bad enough (according to most people; personally, I really enjoyed the Aliens of London/World War Three two-parter), this time Davies makes the mistake of featuring them - well, one - in a rather pointless episode, which gets by simply because the three protagonists (though he's not listed in the opening credits, Jack is pretty much a companion), and Mickey, are a lot of fun to watch, especially when the Doctor accepts to have dinner with Margaret and foils her pathetic attempts to kill him on the spot. Sadly, that's just on of few good bits in an overall bland effort, shockingly placed this late in the season.
Entertaining But Too Heavy Handed
Theo Robertson10 June 2007
I'll watch any old crap that's transmitted under the DOCTOR WHO banner but when The Sun newspaper revealed that The Slitheen would be making a return visit to the series I wasn't exactly ecstatic about watching Boom Town since the Siltheen are amongst the most silly aliens to have appeared in the show I mean farting aliens how stupid is that ? I'm also cynical enough to suggest that Russell T Davies introduced the aliens to start off a merchandising craze featuring these fat unlovable creatures . Terry Nation gave us The Daleks , RTD gave us The Slitheen . I'll leave you to decide who is the better writer
To be fair to Davies he knows he's writing for a family audience so he's brought back the Slitheen which he knows will appeal to kids while he's written a story with the death penalty at the heart of the subtext which will hold the interest of adult viewers . Unfortunately RTD has included camp elements of dialogue where Magaret Slitheen refers to people being bumped off who were going to stop the building of a nuclear station in Cardiff and Murray Gold's music in the chase sequence reminded me of the music in the show from the late 1980s and that's not a compliment . Thankfully director Joe Ahearne manages to stop everything falling into high camp unlike Keith Boak did with The Slitheen debut
To be fair to Davies he knows he's writing for a family audience so he's brought back the Slitheen which he knows will appeal to kids while he's written a story with the death penalty at the heart of the subtext which will hold the interest of adult viewers . Unfortunately RTD has included camp elements of dialogue where Magaret Slitheen refers to people being bumped off who were going to stop the building of a nuclear station in Cardiff and Murray Gold's music in the chase sequence reminded me of the music in the show from the late 1980s and that's not a compliment . Thankfully director Joe Ahearne manages to stop everything falling into high camp unlike Keith Boak did with The Slitheen debut
Boom Bang a Bang
A_Kind_Of_CineMagic6 December 2018
This episode is somewhat of a sequel to the earlier two parter with the Slitheen.
Here one of the Slitheen is Mayor in Cardiff overseeing the building of a nuclear power plant with hidden plans. She turns out to have survived the earlier apparent destruction of the Slitheen due a rather overly convenient plot point of her secretly having the one and only teleport device of the Slitheen which she had not apparently found any previous use for in that prior story.
In fact the main problem with this episode is the number of convenient plot points which pop up such as: The Doctor taking the unusual action of recharging the TARDIS just when 'Margaret' of the Slitheen is bringing a plan to fruition.
Margaret managing to become Mayor without having her picture taken.
Her picture finally getting taken and printed in a sensational front page when The Doctor happens to be in town.
That newspaper seemingly being printed and released later the same day as the picture was taken (a funny link back to a plot hole from the 1st Doctor's The War Machines).
The shaking of the ship happening to cause a panel to fall open (which has to be wrenched very forcefully open a couple of episodes later) and reveal the heart of the TARDIS right at the key moment in front of Margaret (which is a either bizarre coincidence or deliberate action by the TARDIS in which case why did it not do that to The Master or another foe while they were in the TARDIS?).
Plus the Slitheen teleport device.
This type of plot or logic issue is very rare in the Russell T Davies era, it became far more common under Moffatt (and Chibnall). Of course Moffatt had many strengths and wrote some great episodes but I simply observe that he was happy to make a plot exciting without worrying if it was illogical or overly convenient. This is a rare example of plot aspects of this type under RTD and I personally prefer stories to follow internal logic more and avoid too much coincidence.
On the plus side there are some good elements to this which lift the episode back up despite these plot issues: RTD's era was almost always fun (as was Moffatt's era) and this is fun in quite a few scenes.
RTD also always had great, believable character interaction and in this episode there is a lovely scene of the Doctor having fun with his friends which was a great touch and there is a very good aspect of showing how Rose going off in the TARDIS affects Mickey and he is shown to have had enough.
The dialogue between Margaret and the Doctor is very interesting with her challenging his moral code. This again brings me to discuss Steven Moffatt who as Showrunner seemed to like to suggest the Doctor's darkness quite strongly, pretty much suggesting sometimes he was a ruthless bringer of death and destruction. I found that a bit of a confused and contradictory exaggeration. RTD manages to question the hard decisions and judgements the Doctor makes and have him question himself but essentially his good intentions, heroic character and decency are clearly intact. I like that.
Sadly although the negative aspects are counteracted to some extent by the positives there are too many plot issues for me and it leaves it alongside The Long Game as my two least favourite stories of Series 1.
Overall a fun, interesting episode that isn't bad but isn't up to usual high Doctor Who standard imo.
My rating: 6.5/10.
Here one of the Slitheen is Mayor in Cardiff overseeing the building of a nuclear power plant with hidden plans. She turns out to have survived the earlier apparent destruction of the Slitheen due a rather overly convenient plot point of her secretly having the one and only teleport device of the Slitheen which she had not apparently found any previous use for in that prior story.
In fact the main problem with this episode is the number of convenient plot points which pop up such as: The Doctor taking the unusual action of recharging the TARDIS just when 'Margaret' of the Slitheen is bringing a plan to fruition.
Margaret managing to become Mayor without having her picture taken.
Her picture finally getting taken and printed in a sensational front page when The Doctor happens to be in town.
That newspaper seemingly being printed and released later the same day as the picture was taken (a funny link back to a plot hole from the 1st Doctor's The War Machines).
The shaking of the ship happening to cause a panel to fall open (which has to be wrenched very forcefully open a couple of episodes later) and reveal the heart of the TARDIS right at the key moment in front of Margaret (which is a either bizarre coincidence or deliberate action by the TARDIS in which case why did it not do that to The Master or another foe while they were in the TARDIS?).
Plus the Slitheen teleport device.
This type of plot or logic issue is very rare in the Russell T Davies era, it became far more common under Moffatt (and Chibnall). Of course Moffatt had many strengths and wrote some great episodes but I simply observe that he was happy to make a plot exciting without worrying if it was illogical or overly convenient. This is a rare example of plot aspects of this type under RTD and I personally prefer stories to follow internal logic more and avoid too much coincidence.
On the plus side there are some good elements to this which lift the episode back up despite these plot issues: RTD's era was almost always fun (as was Moffatt's era) and this is fun in quite a few scenes.
RTD also always had great, believable character interaction and in this episode there is a lovely scene of the Doctor having fun with his friends which was a great touch and there is a very good aspect of showing how Rose going off in the TARDIS affects Mickey and he is shown to have had enough.
The dialogue between Margaret and the Doctor is very interesting with her challenging his moral code. This again brings me to discuss Steven Moffatt who as Showrunner seemed to like to suggest the Doctor's darkness quite strongly, pretty much suggesting sometimes he was a ruthless bringer of death and destruction. I found that a bit of a confused and contradictory exaggeration. RTD manages to question the hard decisions and judgements the Doctor makes and have him question himself but essentially his good intentions, heroic character and decency are clearly intact. I like that.
Sadly although the negative aspects are counteracted to some extent by the positives there are too many plot issues for me and it leaves it alongside The Long Game as my two least favourite stories of Series 1.
Overall a fun, interesting episode that isn't bad but isn't up to usual high Doctor Who standard imo.
My rating: 6.5/10.
I'm standing up for Boom Town, Annette Badland is pure joy.
Sleepin_Dragon12 August 2015
Boom Town regularly gets bashed and classed as the weak entry in Series 1 (have you not seen The Long Game?) but i'm going to stick up for it, I love Boom Town, it's big, brash, funny and moving.
Margaret Blaine has survived from World War 3, the bomb has wiped out the rest of the Slitheen family, but she's sad, upset and out for revenge. A plan to demolish Cardiff Castle and build a Nuclear Power Plant, on top of the rift unveils, with major disaster planned. The Doctor uncovers her plan and agrees to take her back to her planet Raxacoricofallapatorius, where we learn she will be executed. Her plan has gone wrong, or has it?
I was less then positive about Annette's role in Aliens of London/World War 3, I felt the script let her down, she's a great actress. In this episode though I think she's brilliant, she has more time to shine. She totally steals this episode with some hilarious lines shared with Cathy Salt, and a wonderfully moving scene where Margaret discovers Cathy's pregnant, brilliantly done. Margaret's escape scene from the office is pure gold, could have been in a Troughton episode, a comedy caper and she shows a more serious side when she spends the night on board the TARDIS as a prisoner. She plays a superb scene out with Eccleston in the restaurant, a more serious edge of the show, all the humour gone it becomes more edgy.
Blaidd Drwwg/Bad Wolf hits home once more, but again next week's trailer gave too much away.
Margaret Blaine has survived from World War 3, the bomb has wiped out the rest of the Slitheen family, but she's sad, upset and out for revenge. A plan to demolish Cardiff Castle and build a Nuclear Power Plant, on top of the rift unveils, with major disaster planned. The Doctor uncovers her plan and agrees to take her back to her planet Raxacoricofallapatorius, where we learn she will be executed. Her plan has gone wrong, or has it?
I was less then positive about Annette's role in Aliens of London/World War 3, I felt the script let her down, she's a great actress. In this episode though I think she's brilliant, she has more time to shine. She totally steals this episode with some hilarious lines shared with Cathy Salt, and a wonderfully moving scene where Margaret discovers Cathy's pregnant, brilliantly done. Margaret's escape scene from the office is pure gold, could have been in a Troughton episode, a comedy caper and she shows a more serious side when she spends the night on board the TARDIS as a prisoner. She plays a superb scene out with Eccleston in the restaurant, a more serious edge of the show, all the humour gone it becomes more edgy.
Blaidd Drwwg/Bad Wolf hits home once more, but again next week's trailer gave too much away.
Atomic Structure
southdavid27 May 2020
What initially feels like an episode designed to save a bit of money across the series, hides some hidden depths as the nature of The Doctor is explored again.
Whilst in present day Cardiff, to recharge the Tardis, The Doctor (Christopher Eccleston), Rose (Billie Piper) and Jack (John Barrowman) are joined by Mickey (Noel Clarke) for some down time. That is until they discover that their old Slitheen enemy is also in Cardiff and continuing to masquerade as Margret Blaine (Annette Badland) who, as Lord Mayor, is announcing a Nuclear Power Station, in the centre of the Welsh Capital.
If I can divert away from talking about the episode for a moment. I understand that people have their agendas and opinions on where "Doctor Who" is in 2020 and I don't agree with most of it, but I do think that the decision to move away from an overall season arc, alongside the individual stories (the "Buffy" model, for the want of a better term) during the Moffat years was a mistake. Since then the shows been afraid of telling any stories more complex than a couple of episodes and storytelling (which is the only thing that really matters) has suffered because of it.
But back to "Boom Town". Overall I felt it was solid rather than spectacular. The CGI of the Slitheen transformation hasn't gotten any better and the devastation of Cardiff Bay following the time quakes isn't great. But the acting in the scenes between Eccleston and Annette Badland, when they discuss that he never sticks around and whether he's prepared to send her to her death is great. Badland in particular is great, and her relishes some of her lines, such as the "Dinner and bondage" one. The scenes between Mickey and Rose are less successful but it appears, for the time being, that Rose has drawn another line between her former life and Tardis time. It's also the first time they acknowledge the "Bad Wolf" through thread although the way they dismiss it doesn't feel particularly natural. The idea of recharging the Tardis again doesn't appear to rear its head either.
Not the best episode of the run but still pretty solid.
Whilst in present day Cardiff, to recharge the Tardis, The Doctor (Christopher Eccleston), Rose (Billie Piper) and Jack (John Barrowman) are joined by Mickey (Noel Clarke) for some down time. That is until they discover that their old Slitheen enemy is also in Cardiff and continuing to masquerade as Margret Blaine (Annette Badland) who, as Lord Mayor, is announcing a Nuclear Power Station, in the centre of the Welsh Capital.
If I can divert away from talking about the episode for a moment. I understand that people have their agendas and opinions on where "Doctor Who" is in 2020 and I don't agree with most of it, but I do think that the decision to move away from an overall season arc, alongside the individual stories (the "Buffy" model, for the want of a better term) during the Moffat years was a mistake. Since then the shows been afraid of telling any stories more complex than a couple of episodes and storytelling (which is the only thing that really matters) has suffered because of it.
But back to "Boom Town". Overall I felt it was solid rather than spectacular. The CGI of the Slitheen transformation hasn't gotten any better and the devastation of Cardiff Bay following the time quakes isn't great. But the acting in the scenes between Eccleston and Annette Badland, when they discuss that he never sticks around and whether he's prepared to send her to her death is great. Badland in particular is great, and her relishes some of her lines, such as the "Dinner and bondage" one. The scenes between Mickey and Rose are less successful but it appears, for the time being, that Rose has drawn another line between her former life and Tardis time. It's also the first time they acknowledge the "Bad Wolf" through thread although the way they dismiss it doesn't feel particularly natural. The idea of recharging the Tardis again doesn't appear to rear its head either.
Not the best episode of the run but still pretty solid.
Surprisingly alright
Otter_14 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I am in no way a fan of the Slitheen, and being over a decade since I've seen this series, I'd forgotten they were in it again. At the end of the last episode when I saw the preview, I was dreading it... but actually, it's pretty good. The "comical" farting is removed, we see less of the cringeworthy Slitheen itself, and it's a really good episode that deals with humanity, compassion, and morality. Christopher Eccleston is, as usual, stunning, and John Barrowman is also a delight.
I have to say, Rose's scenes with Mickey make her a bit unlikable. She runs off without a second thought about him, leaving him alone, but when he starts seeing someone else, that's not okay. Still, I don't think this is a case of bad writing. Unfortunately, this is just how people work. She came to an understanding of how she was making him feel by the end of the episode. I would say I'm excited to see where their relationship goes, but I know what's coming so that's not exactly true. Still, I do really care for them, and that's important.
Loved the shoutout to Wales and the Welsh too! I miss it dearly in the newer episodes.
Wyth allan o deg!
I have to say, Rose's scenes with Mickey make her a bit unlikable. She runs off without a second thought about him, leaving him alone, but when he starts seeing someone else, that's not okay. Still, I don't think this is a case of bad writing. Unfortunately, this is just how people work. She came to an understanding of how she was making him feel by the end of the episode. I would say I'm excited to see where their relationship goes, but I know what's coming so that's not exactly true. Still, I do really care for them, and that's important.
Loved the shoutout to Wales and the Welsh too! I miss it dearly in the newer episodes.
Wyth allan o deg!
Reluctantly enjoyable.
bendtnerfc4 December 2021
What actually really happens in Boom Town? This episode is fun and greatly comedic at times, but other than some delightful development and grounding of characters, all the episode does it wrap up some minor threads from the earlier Aliens of London/World War Three two-parter. Lack of substance and the extremely dull setting of Cardiff bay curse a fun romp.
Much better than the first Raxacoricofallapatorian arc
MrFilmAndTelevisionShow17 March 2021
This episode was ambitious in that they returned to an arc they already ended earlier thin this season and improved it, with a hilarious Raxacoricofallapatorian in Human Skin, this was a great episode, no doubt about it.
Loved the humor at the beginning, but the rest of the episode dropped the ball
pjgs20012 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The best thing about Boom Town was the hilarious opening few minutes, especially the chase scene when Margaret climbed out of the window. If only the rest of the episode kept that standard, Boom Town would have been a classic.
This episode was pretty good, but it didn't have the mystery or tension that the first two Slitheen episodes had. Annette Badland was great as Margaret, and I liked how she got a second chance at the end of the episode, and more development as a villain. The main problem with this episode was its tone. The tone felt too heavy, and after the great humor from the beginning of the episode, the rest of the installment was almost too serious and dark in some parts. Rose, Mickey, Jack, and the Doctor made for an awesome Tardis crew, but it's a shame that Mickey isn't traveling with them after this episode.
Overall, a weak 7/10. Boom Town isn't really a bad episode, but it's a bit boring in some parts, and not as good as the rest of the series.
This episode was pretty good, but it didn't have the mystery or tension that the first two Slitheen episodes had. Annette Badland was great as Margaret, and I liked how she got a second chance at the end of the episode, and more development as a villain. The main problem with this episode was its tone. The tone felt too heavy, and after the great humor from the beginning of the episode, the rest of the installment was almost too serious and dark in some parts. Rose, Mickey, Jack, and the Doctor made for an awesome Tardis crew, but it's a shame that Mickey isn't traveling with them after this episode.
Overall, a weak 7/10. Boom Town isn't really a bad episode, but it's a bit boring in some parts, and not as good as the rest of the series.
Boom Town
studioAT28 July 2020
A bit of a filler episode before the big series finale it may be, but I'd take this over 'The Long Game' or the two part 'Slitheen' episodes from earlier in the series any day.
Christopher Eccleston has been very hard on himself, saying he struggled with the comedic elements of the show, but he shines in ever scene here, in what essentially is a comedic episode.
The plot goes a bit off the boil towards the end, but this is an episode largely of good moments.
Christopher Eccleston has been very hard on himself, saying he struggled with the comedic elements of the show, but he shines in ever scene here, in what essentially is a comedic episode.
The plot goes a bit off the boil towards the end, but this is an episode largely of good moments.
Slightly better sequel to the slitheen
dkiliane29 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The slitheen return for what basically amounts to a filler episode. Although, as far as fillers go, this one is fairly enjoyable.
The episode successfully humanizes the slitheen although the premise of her receiving the death penalty as a moral conundrum seemed a little weak to me. Partly cause I personally don't see it as a conundrum and partly cause the Doctor has literally sentenced entire planets to death or worse, although I guess the audience doesn't know this yet. Even so, some interesting arguments are raised while she tries to negotiate with the Doctor.
The episode is still a fun revenge romp punctuated with some good dramatic moments between Rose and Mickey, which has become a rather tragic relationship, really. The drama was good, the humor was entertaining (fart jokes kept to a minimum, thank goodness) but unfortunately nothing particularly fantastic either. 7/10
The episode successfully humanizes the slitheen although the premise of her receiving the death penalty as a moral conundrum seemed a little weak to me. Partly cause I personally don't see it as a conundrum and partly cause the Doctor has literally sentenced entire planets to death or worse, although I guess the audience doesn't know this yet. Even so, some interesting arguments are raised while she tries to negotiate with the Doctor.
The episode is still a fun revenge romp punctuated with some good dramatic moments between Rose and Mickey, which has become a rather tragic relationship, really. The drama was good, the humor was entertaining (fart jokes kept to a minimum, thank goodness) but unfortunately nothing particularly fantastic either. 7/10
A Lighthearted Romp with Missed Opportunities
hwiltshire-068893 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
While not the most profound Doctor Who adventure, Boom Town offers a brisk and entertaining diversion following the emotional highs of the previous episodes. Taking the TARDIS crew to modern-day Cardiff, it's a reunion with the Slitheen that's more about campy fun than intricate plotting.
The Slitheen are still at their silliest. However, Annette Badland's Margaret, the lone survivor, shines with a mix of menace and surprising pathos. The Doctor, Rose, and Jack are their usual delightful selves - their banter and chemistry carry the episode through its thinner patches. Cardiff gets a spotlight, which is a welcome change from the usual London-centric stories.
Unfortunately, Boom Town stumbles on delivering deeper impact. The plot feels a bit retread from the Slitheen's previous appearance, and the stakes don't seem particularly high. While the ending alludes to darker themes about the Doctor's choices, it's mostly glossed over in favor of lighthearted humor.
Still, Boom Town isn't without its charms. It's fast-paced, the actors are clearly having a blast, and there's a welcome dose of absurdity. Think of it less as a pivotal Doctor Who story and more as a Saturday afternoon monster-movie romp with your favorite characters.
The Slitheen are still at their silliest. However, Annette Badland's Margaret, the lone survivor, shines with a mix of menace and surprising pathos. The Doctor, Rose, and Jack are their usual delightful selves - their banter and chemistry carry the episode through its thinner patches. Cardiff gets a spotlight, which is a welcome change from the usual London-centric stories.
Unfortunately, Boom Town stumbles on delivering deeper impact. The plot feels a bit retread from the Slitheen's previous appearance, and the stakes don't seem particularly high. While the ending alludes to darker themes about the Doctor's choices, it's mostly glossed over in favor of lighthearted humor.
Still, Boom Town isn't without its charms. It's fast-paced, the actors are clearly having a blast, and there's a welcome dose of absurdity. Think of it less as a pivotal Doctor Who story and more as a Saturday afternoon monster-movie romp with your favorite characters.
Return of a Slitheen
Tweekums24 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Six months after members of the Slitheen family were defeated in London it emerges that one of them, Margaret, survived and is now Lord Mayor of Cardiff. Here she has authorised the construction of a nuclear power station in the city centre which the head scientist thinks is likely to suffer a meltdown when activated. Coincidentally The Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack are in Cardiff to recharge the Tardis on the spatial rift that runs through the city; they are joined by Mickey. When The Doctor spots Margaret's picture on the front of a newspaper. They manage to capture her and inform her they will be taking her home... where she faces the death penalty. As the Tardis recharges The Doctor takes Margaret out for her 'final meal' during which she attempts to persuade him to spare her.
Having been disappointed by the previous appearance of the Slitheen I wasn't too optimistic when it became clear that one of them would be returning. Thankfully this episode dramatically reduced the more irritating aspects of the Slitheen. The story has a good level of threat which apparently ends surprisingly early with the capture of Margaret. We then get some well-handled debate on whether it is right to take her home where she faces immediate, and distinctly unpleasant, death. One the downside some of the scenes between Rose and Mickey seem a bit too soapy. Overall This episode might not have been as good as the previous two it is certainly a step up from the last time the Slitheen appeared.
Having been disappointed by the previous appearance of the Slitheen I wasn't too optimistic when it became clear that one of them would be returning. Thankfully this episode dramatically reduced the more irritating aspects of the Slitheen. The story has a good level of threat which apparently ends surprisingly early with the capture of Margaret. We then get some well-handled debate on whether it is right to take her home where she faces immediate, and distinctly unpleasant, death. One the downside some of the scenes between Rose and Mickey seem a bit too soapy. Overall This episode might not have been as good as the previous two it is certainly a step up from the last time the Slitheen appeared.
Underatted
rohanumpleby-3405711 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Boom Town is a light harted episode for the Doctor and Co. But It was still interesting none the less.
I don't think all the Jokes landed, but Annette Badland and Christopher Eccleston's chemistry was on point, the Dialogue was very good because it gave them in these strange scenarios at the Restaurant. The Slitheen telling the Doctor about herself and then doing those things, was really interesting. It showed the more Clever side of the Doctor and put him in these difficult situations that he managed to overcome, but this episode is definitely the best written one In Siries 1 and maybe even Russell T Davies Era of the show, at this currant point in time.
Captain Jack Harkness
Captains Realationship in this Episode was better then it was in Empty Child/Doctor Dances Episodes. This is because he was less flirtatious and had more of a personality. He was more Funny, Witty and even tried to take charge, which shows he can be brave and have a more bossy side to him.
Music
Murray Gold's music is always Iconic, and it set the tone for the show.
Mickey and Rose's Relationship Troubles
I thought they didn't really look on this aspect of the episode as well as they could of, but If Annette Badland and Christopher Eccleston are showing off there acting skills then I really don't mind. Rose and Mickey try and have time alone, and it's safe to say it doesn't go very well. Mickey and Rose have an argument. About how Mickey doesn't even like this girl he's going out with, but Mickey has a dig as if she would know, as she's been gone for ages. He claims he has tried to contact her without any success. Ofcourse he's gonna be annoyed and rightfully so to be honest she's a Huge dick to him. Also this is an episode I started to dislike Rose as a character, purely because she was a huge ass to Mickey. When she runs away when something wrong happens, really winds Mickey up. His acting when he says " ah go on then run " was poorly acted but I can see why he was annoyed.
Villains Motive
Her Motive is understandable, and she's also the mare of Cardiff. She wants build some buildings so they can fall down as it's close to the rift. Whilst this goes on she's slowly dying. I thought this was a good thing, mostly because you feel for her, and Russell T Davies does a good job of that. She has a load of screen time, and it kind of adds a bit more Character depth for the Villain.
The Ending
I felt like it was a little rushed, and the Villian turning into an egg was an odd choice. It also happened so fast. Captain Jack Harkness decides to stay for another trip with the gang. The Ending of them being pulled out from the Tardis sets up the next episode so well.
I hope you enjoyed my review of Boom Town and as to why its not so bad,
Overall: 8.5/10 Solid Fun comedic Episode.
I don't think all the Jokes landed, but Annette Badland and Christopher Eccleston's chemistry was on point, the Dialogue was very good because it gave them in these strange scenarios at the Restaurant. The Slitheen telling the Doctor about herself and then doing those things, was really interesting. It showed the more Clever side of the Doctor and put him in these difficult situations that he managed to overcome, but this episode is definitely the best written one In Siries 1 and maybe even Russell T Davies Era of the show, at this currant point in time.
Captain Jack Harkness
Captains Realationship in this Episode was better then it was in Empty Child/Doctor Dances Episodes. This is because he was less flirtatious and had more of a personality. He was more Funny, Witty and even tried to take charge, which shows he can be brave and have a more bossy side to him.
Music
Murray Gold's music is always Iconic, and it set the tone for the show.
Mickey and Rose's Relationship Troubles
I thought they didn't really look on this aspect of the episode as well as they could of, but If Annette Badland and Christopher Eccleston are showing off there acting skills then I really don't mind. Rose and Mickey try and have time alone, and it's safe to say it doesn't go very well. Mickey and Rose have an argument. About how Mickey doesn't even like this girl he's going out with, but Mickey has a dig as if she would know, as she's been gone for ages. He claims he has tried to contact her without any success. Ofcourse he's gonna be annoyed and rightfully so to be honest she's a Huge dick to him. Also this is an episode I started to dislike Rose as a character, purely because she was a huge ass to Mickey. When she runs away when something wrong happens, really winds Mickey up. His acting when he says " ah go on then run " was poorly acted but I can see why he was annoyed.
Villains Motive
Her Motive is understandable, and she's also the mare of Cardiff. She wants build some buildings so they can fall down as it's close to the rift. Whilst this goes on she's slowly dying. I thought this was a good thing, mostly because you feel for her, and Russell T Davies does a good job of that. She has a load of screen time, and it kind of adds a bit more Character depth for the Villain.
The Ending
I felt like it was a little rushed, and the Villian turning into an egg was an odd choice. It also happened so fast. Captain Jack Harkness decides to stay for another trip with the gang. The Ending of them being pulled out from the Tardis sets up the next episode so well.
I hope you enjoyed my review of Boom Town and as to why its not so bad,
Overall: 8.5/10 Solid Fun comedic Episode.
A more impressive outing for the Slytheen....
stevenjlowe827 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
My expectations for this episode were not particularly high going in as I feel the original 2 part episode featuring the Slytheen were some of the weakest episodes in the ring of Doctor Who thus far. However I have to admit the performance from Anette Badland was very enjoyable and she had a real menacing undertone to her character. Also the scene between her and the Doctor when they had a sit down chat alone was really excellent and both actors matched each other. We also got to see more of the underlying darkness and trauma within the Doctor that's always bubbling just below the surface.
This episode also finally addressed the elephant in the room in the relationship between Rose & Mickey and the fact although it was addressed but not at the same time just speaks volumes. Rose doesn't come off looking great as Mickey had very valid points and I genuinely felt bad for him. It's a shame they wrote the character to come across as silly at times and so disposable.
This episode really impressed me overall as it had some great character moments and managed to elevate a somewhat low tier Doctor Who species to something more interesting.
This episode also finally addressed the elephant in the room in the relationship between Rose & Mickey and the fact although it was addressed but not at the same time just speaks volumes. Rose doesn't come off looking great as Mickey had very valid points and I genuinely felt bad for him. It's a shame they wrote the character to come across as silly at times and so disposable.
This episode really impressed me overall as it had some great character moments and managed to elevate a somewhat low tier Doctor Who species to something more interesting.
Boom, Gone
wetmars3 August 2020
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