Look Who's back!

Yesterday Doctor Who screamed back onto our screens to the backdrop of a chorus of appreciation that David Tennant, Billie Piper, and John Hurt had signed on for the historic and monumental 50th anniversary special.

"The Bells of Saint John" felt like a new series launch episode in so many ways, even though it is merely the halfway point in the current seventh series. Like so many modern episodes it hurtled along at a pace that Usain Bolt would be proud of. At the same time it provided further introductions to the mystery that is Clara Oswald, and included a surprising and brief appearance from a nemesis that I cannot help but feel may arc all the way into the 50th anniversary special.

The episode itself was largely set in central London which provided a feel that was very reminiscent of the era of the show which catapulted both Tennant and Piper into Doctor Who folklore. With an excellent use of London locations, the episode delivered on it's promise of a modern thriller. In this anniversary year it is perhaps fitting that the nods to the history of the show continue over the next eight episodes. Did anyone else think that the bow tie that the Doctor found in his "wardrobe" could have been that of the second Doctor himself?

When an initial certain amount of disappointment to the news that series seven would be spread over two years rather than one, it has been comforting that this decision has clearly not compromised the quality of the episodes. Every episode of this current series has been focussed and full of quality. However it would be nice to see at least one two-parter for the series that allows the episode to breathe a little, and really build the story and suspense. Very few details of the anniversary special have been revealed as yet, but it would be fantastic if the story could be told over a number of consecutive nights, ending on the anniversary itself.

Very few television shows outside of soap opera are likely to achieve a 50th Birthday, therefore over the coming episodes and months the shows DNA should be celebrated: that it can go anywhere, do anything... and most importantly... that it is going to be fantastic!

Allons-y!