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 From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca 
  
 Here's a review of *Doctor Who: The Shakespeare Code*: 
 --- 
  
 *The Shakespeare Code* is an adventurous and witty episode 
 of *Doctor Who* that blends time travel, history, 
 and the supernatural. The Doctor (David Tennant) 
 and his new companion Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) 
 journey to Elizabethan England, where they meet 
 the legendary playwright William Shakespeare. 
 The episode manages to fuse historical fiction 
 with a fantastical, alien threat, all while paying 
 homage to the iconic writer and his works. 
  
 The story opens with Martha still adjusting to her 
 new role as the Doctor€€€s companion. Having just been 
 introduced in *Smith and Jones*, Martha is eager to 
 explore the universe and prove herself as a capable traveler. 
 The Doctor, still somewhat grieving over the loss of Rose, 
 is reluctant to fully embrace Martha as a companion, 
 but their chemistry starts to develop naturally 
 in this episode. The setting of Elizabethan London 
 immediately captivates, with the period costumes, 
 bustling streets, and famous Globe Theatre providing 
 a richly detailed backdrop. 
  
 At the heart of the episode is Shakespeare himself, 
 played with great charisma by Dean Lennox Kelly. 
 His portrayal is a blend of genius and charm, 
 depicting Shakespeare as a flamboyant, quick-witted 
 figure whose brilliance attracts admiration but also 
 hides a complex emotional side. The relationship 
 between the Doctor, Martha, and Shakespeare 
 is central to the plot, with the Doctor's 
 admiration for the playwright's talent coming through 
 in several moments. Shakespeare's character is given life, 
 not just as a historical figure but as an integral part 
 of the story's unfolding mystery. 
  
 The central conflict revolves around the Carrionites, 
 a race of witches who use words as a form of science 
 to manipulate reality. The Carrionites aim to use 
 Shakespeare's as-yet-unwritten play *Love's Labour's Won* 
 to open a portal and unleash their kind upon the world. 
 This clever blending of historical fiction 
 and *Doctor Who's* usual alien adversaries works well, 
 with the Carrionites representing a fusion of folklore 
 and extraterrestrial menace. Their ability to twist 
  words and manipulate reality through language ties 
  directly into the themes of Shakespeare's work, 
  making the plot both engaging and fitting. 
  
 One of the episode€€€s strengths is how it intertwines 
 Shakespeare's writing with the narrative. The use of 
 words as a tool for both creation and destruction plays 
 into the power of language, a theme that resonates 
 throughout the episode. The Doctor frequently references 
 Shakespeare's iconic lines, and the plot even allows 
 Shakespeare himself to create some of his famous phrases 
 on the spot, further adding to the playful tone of the episode. 
 For example, the Doctor's playful jabs at famous lines, 
 such as quoting "to be or not to be" 
 before Shakespeare's time, serve as humorous moments 
 for fans familiar with the playwright's work. 
  
 Martha€€€s role in this episode is particularly interesting. 
 As a modern woman of color, she faces prejudice in Elizabethan 
 society, though she handles it with intelligence and resilience. 
 Her interactions with Shakespeare add depth to her character, 
 as she is clearly fascinated by him yet remains grounded 
 in her sense of self-worth. There's also an underlying 
 romantic tension between Martha and the Doctor, 
 which she wrestles with throughout the episode. 
 However, the Doctor's lingering feelings for Rose prevent 
 him from fully reciprocating, creating a subtle emotional 
 layer in their relationship. 
  
 Visually, *The Shakespeare Code* impresses with its period-accurate 
 sets and costumes. The Globe Theatre, a significant location 
 in the story, is beautifully recreated, and the scene where 
 the Doctor and Martha attend a live performance feels lively 
 and authentic. The episode's visual effects, especially 
 the design of the Carrionites, strike a good balance 
 between creepy and otherworldly, with their grotesque 
 appearance and eerie powers adding to the tension. 
 The final battle inside the Globe, where the Doctor, 
 Martha, and Shakespeare work together to banish the Carrionites, 
 is a standout moment, filled with energy and suspense. 
  
 One of the episode's key moments comes in the form 
 of the Doctor and Shakespeare€€€s collaboration to defeat 
 the Carrionites. Using their combined intellect 
 and Shakespeare's command of language, they are able 
 to seal the portal and stop the alien invasion. 
 The scene cleverly highlights Shakespeare's genius 
 while allowing the Doctor to take a backseat in the solution, 
 giving the historical figure agency in saving the day. 
  
 Murray Gold's musical score, as always, 
 enhances the atmosphere of the episode. 
 The score complements the action, particularly during 
 the dramatic climax, and adds a layer of excitement 
 and tension to the story. The balance of humor 
 and drama is handled well, with moments of levity 
 between the Doctor and Shakespeare contrasting 
 with the darker, more intense scenes involving the Carrionites. 
  
 While the episode is mostly light-hearted, there are hints 
 of deeper themes, particularly regarding the power of 
 words and the legacy of Shakespeare. The episode acknowledges 
 Shakespeare's lasting influence on culture and language 
 while also having fun with the idea that his genius might 
 have been inspired by his encounters with the Doctor. 
 The episode ends on a playful note, 
 with Queen Elizabeth I arriving and seemingly recognising the Doctor, 
 setting up an unresolved mystery that will carry over into future episodes. 
  
 In conclusion, *The Shakespeare Code* is a delightful episode 
 that successfully blends history, science fiction, and humour. 
 The chemistry between Tennant's Doctor, Agyeman's Martha, 
 and Kelly's Shakespeare drives the story forward, 
 while the Carrionites provide a suitably eerie threat. 
 The episode's exploration of language and its power ties neatly 
 into Shakespeare's legacy, making this not just a fun adventure 
 but a clever homage to one of history€€€s greatest writers. 
  
 --- 
  
 Rating: 8.5/10 
  
 *The Shakespeare Code* is a witty, engaging episode that highlights 
 the Doctor's admiration for Shakespeare and showcases Martha's 
 growing potential as a companion. Its blend of history and sci-fi 
 is entertaining, with strong performances and a clever plot that 
 keeps the viewer hooked from start to finish. 
 -- 
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