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Episode recap: "Silence in the Library"
“If you want to live, count the shadows.”
—Courtesy node 710/A
The episode opens with a little girl describing an experience she is having in her mind to her therapist and her father. She is floating through a great, seemingly world-wide library that is devoid of people. As she floats down through an exterior opening into a room, there is a great banging on the large wooden doors that lead into the room. Suddenly, the Doctor and Donna burst in, slam the doors shut behind them and approach the little girl.
Although we do not realize it at the time, after the credits we flashback to the moment when the TARDIS lands at The Library in the 51st Century. The facility is actually a great library on a planetary scale. As the Doctor/Donna explore the stacks, they come to realize that other than themselves, no one is there. In fact, according to the internal sensors, they are the only two humanoid lifeforms in The Library. Another scan reveals one million million other lifeforms. A courtesy node (basically, an informational kiosk with an actual, donated, human face) shares the eerie final message from the head librarian as well as a separate warning for anyone who arrives there to “count the shadows.” The Doctor tells Donna that it wasn't random happenstance that they traveled to this destination as he had received a plea for help on the good old psychic paper. Just then, the lights start going out in the stacks they are standing in. Donna kicks in a sealed wooden door to an adjacent room, which they re-seal behind them. Staring at them is a floating security camera, which apparently the young girl from the beginning uses to “see.” It falls to the floor as the girl is shocked by their appearance in The Library. An extra shadow appears on the floor and the two release that they are in great danger.
An archeology expedition enters the room, much to the surprise of Doctor/Donna. The team is lead by Professor River Song and funded by Mr. Lux, the ancestor (and rights holder) of designers of The Library. They mean to explore the facility, which had been sealed for a hundred years. The Doctor tries to warn them of the danger but they just stare at him. Eventually, the team sort of comes around to his way of thinking, with the help of River Song, who seems strangle familiar to the Doctor, but not to him in return. One of the archaeologists accidentally trips a security protocol in The Library system which causes a phone to ring in the young girls house. Her father and her therapist apparently cannot hear the ringing. After more fiddling, the Doctor enables a two-way conference to the girl's house via her television. She recognizes the Doctor as the man in her library but the transmission fails. A short time later, River shares another piece of the mystery of the facility with Doctor/Donna: the final transmission from the facility was “4022 saved. No survivors.” Mr Lux's assistant, Miss Evangelista, wanders off through a newly opened doorway and is quickly eaten, her flesh stripped to the bone. The Vashta Nerada are responsible They camouflage themselves as shadows, then devour them. Donna experiences one of the terrible side effects of 51st Century technology as she hears and interacts with the dead woman's though a data ghost of thought patterns in her communicator
Another surprise added to the mix: Doctor Moon tells the little girl that her dreams and nightmares are indeed real (whereas what the “real world” is made-up).and that she needs to help the people in the library – she needs to save them.
Back in the Library, as if the skeleton of Miss Evangelista isn't enough, they see visible proof of the existence of the shadow creatures when the Doctor tosses food into the shadows and it's stripped to the bone. Sadly, for one of the archaeologists, Dave, a second “shadow” attaches itself to him. The Doctor orders everyone with a helmet to wear them while River uses her own... sonic screwdriver... to adjust the individual suits density. In order to protect Donna, he uses a nearby teleport to send Donna to the TARDIS (he can only send her b/c his ship would not recognize the others). As she starts to materialize within the ship, she screams and vanishes. When the Doctor returns to the group, Dave is elated because the second 'shadow' is gone. Alas, poor Dave has some unfriendly companions within his suit —in fact, a swarm of them. This visor goes dark and he is eaten. However, the Doctor and all are unsure of what exactly is going on as he is still speaking to them. This turns out to be another data ghost, with Dave's version eventually only repeating, “Hey, who turned out the lights?” The suit attacks the Doctor and starts to slowly chase the group. After they have put some distance between them and the walking skeleton s well as activating some lights, the Doctor questions River about who she is after again seeing her sonic screwdriver. It dawns on him that he hasn't received a signal from the TARDIS about Donna's teleportation. He asks a courtesy node about Donna and is shocked to see Donna's face on the kiosk, which responds to his query by repeating, “Donna Noble has left The Library. Donna Noble has been saved.” The lights slowly go out in the stacks as the skeleton draws near.
Commentary:
Oh my, oh my! The too intense for children (tie scary) episodes have returned! Every season since the revival started in 2005 has had them and now, including this, we will have three in-a-row. Not that I find them THAT scary, but still, on the BBC website's “Fear Forecast,” the children rated it 4 out of 5 or 'chilling.' (note: if you wish to avoid spoilers, stay away from the BBC's official site until after the US season is over). Think about that for a second and think about the Doctor Who of old. When I watched those as a child, I do not recall ever being scared by them (just a little confused). I think that either I would had been immediately turned off the show or watched it religiously if it was as intense as this episode. Even though the episode/series is till considered a family-type show in the UK, I am impressed that the show runners still aim to please the adult audiences when they can (not forgetting Torchwood, but then, thats cheating because they can do anything, so there is no challenge there).
For example: is this a double entendre or what??
River: “You gave it to me.”
Doctor: “ I don't give my screwdriver to anyone.”
River: “I'm not anyone.”
Like I said above, I didn't find this episode as scary as say, season three's “Blink,” but when I place myself in the mindset of a child (like the young girl and the security camera, heh), the episode is very frightening. What sick and twisted mind (I mean that as a compliment) came up with the idea of a swarm of creatures that strips the flesh from your bones almost instantly, then added the eerie data ghosting, plus had the swarm, controlling a skeleton in a sealed environment suit as it walks towards it's next victim/s speaking the last words of the dead person within the suit??? Deliciously, evil and brilliant! Just brilliant. If only a few US television shows that attempt horror would take a cue from this episode (sans blood as well, mind you), then maybe there'd be more quality genre shows out there (or lots of people too scared to turn on their televisions).
I absolutely love David Tennant's performance and this episode is a prime example of the little nuances that he gives to his Doctor that make me like him more and more. (I might have said this in a previous blog) The way he literally screams certain lines makes me think that the Doctor is in an eternal state of awe of everything around him. And come to think about it it, why wouldn't he be? He travels the universe through space and time and has seen it all, so when a thought comes upon him, something that might be new and original (at least to his way of thinking) or just something that he has never encountered before, he essentially bellows, “Eureka!” for the discovery. Check out the beginning of the episode when he shouts, “Biographies!” (side note: I don't know if it was intentional or not, but check out Catherine Tate/Donna being startled by the Doctor's shout. It's not the first time she's reacted this way, so she should be used to it by now, right? Tee hee). I love this Doctor!
So, opinions? Does Donna have a thing for the Doctor? Notice her watching the Doctor and River intensely. Is it because she jealous of a potential... future rival or just wants the gossip? Interesting what River (aww, my mind drifts out into the Black to Serenity.... stop that, Bob!) had to say to Donna wasn't it? I wonder if it has anything to do with the end of this season... At this time, I am not sure I like the character of River Song. Then again, I could be like Donna in that I don't like River messing with him. Wait a second. I am not implying that I love the Doctor am I! I never said that! You are putting words in my mouth! Oh my goodness! I never said that! Nope. Never...
Speaking of Donna, Catherine Tate still surprises me. Her emotional scene with the data ghost of Miss Evangelista really drove the point home of how an average person might be able to deal with (or not) all the craziness of the future and past.
It's always enjoyable the way the Doctor tries to shield her from things he knows might be upsetting to her (or how she tries to fit in), but in this case, he fails (through no fault of his own) and it even comes back to haunt him... no... it comes back and stares him right in the face. He knew that she would be freaked out by the thought of the courtesy nodes' human faces, to have her face be planted on one because the computer thought that it's a face that he would find pleasing... well, just refer back to what I said in the first two paragraphs in the commentary. Brilliant.
No mention are the 'bees disappearing” this episode, although the creatures stalking them travel in 'swarms.' Side note: I sat through the film, The Happening, the other day and the only redeeming part of the entire film is in the beginning when there is mention of the “bees disappearing” as I was reminded of Doctor Who (too bad the rest of the film could not remind me of DW). Side note 2: Saw the new X-Files movie trailer before the film and I was reminded of Doctor Who (because of the bees in the first film).
Anyone else catch that The Library's decency filtered edited the final message from the head librarian. I'll assume those words at the end of the message could had been aired on Torchwood.
Another episode where the musical score is not obnoxious. To the contrary, I think it was greatly effective in conveying the exact moods needed for this episode. Eerie and quiet to 'run for your lives” dramatic, I loved it. Of note: the scenes of Miss Evangelista wandering off, getting eaten then Donna's interaction with the data ghost.
So this is the second time this season (if one counts the “Voyage of the Damned” as part of this season) that the Doctor has had to deal with data-type ghosts.
Nitpicking:
I could go off about all the various shadows that they cross in the episode, but I'll let those go. Instead, I'll use the Doctor own words against him in regards to the data ghosts: “Sometimes it can hold the impression of a living consciousness for a short time after death.” Sometimes? Short time? Try every time and long time.
I didn't like how the creatures could could get out of Dave's suit. Then again, I guess the suits did not offer any real protection, and it was an innovative, but slow, way for them hunt down their new prey at the end.
Argh, Doctor! Everyone gets it, no why don't you? She is from your future. Donna gets it. The audience gets it and why don't you? Maybe the writer thought that he had to drill the point home, but still it's wasted screen time that could be used for something else.
Notice how the majority of the episode happens in that sealed off room that the Doctor/Donna enters at the beginning? Upon multiple viewings, I get the impression that half the episode is spent with the archaeological team having their thumbs up where the sun doesn't shine (this was edited for content by The Library's decency filter)
The sonic screwdriver 'doesn't do wood?” I spied a metal locking mechanism did I not?
Quotes:
I'm sorry, I'm so sorry for the amount of quotes this time. This episode was filled with so many great quotes but I needed to cut some as one might start confusing it for the shooting script.
Doctor: “I love biographies”
Donna: “Yeah, very you. Always a death at the end.”
Doctor: “You need a good death. Without death it'd only be comedies.”
Donna: “Isn't traveling with you one big 'spoiler?'”
Doctor: “I try to keep you away from major plot developments.”
Doctor: “This is the biggest library in the universe... so where is everybody?”
Donna: “A cry for help... with a kiss.”
Donna: “What? It doesn't do wood!?!”
Doctor: “Nice door skills, Donna.”
Donna: “Yeah well you know boyfriends, sometimes you need the element of surprise.”
Donna: “It chose me a dead face it thought I'd like? That statue's got a real dead person's face on it!”
Donna: “Hands!”
River: “Hello, sweetie.”
Doctor: “If you understand me, look very, very scared.”
Doctor: “Almost every species in the universe has an irrational fear of the dark. But they're wrong because it's not irrational, it's Vashta Nerada.”
Doctor: “Pretty?”
Donna: “Meh.”
Doctor: “What 's in that book?”
River: “Spoilers.”
Doctor: “Not everyone comes back out of the dark.”
Donna: “But Doctor, we haven't got any helmets.”
Doctor: “Yeah, but we're safe anyway.”
Donna: “How are we safe?”
Doctor: “We're not. That was a clever line to shut you up.”
That's it from me until next week's conclusion. Please share your thoughts about this episode in the comments section. Did the episode scare you (in context)? Likes/dislikes? And more importantly, what are your opinions about River Song? Take care!
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Jun 21, 2008 9:10 PM
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At first I kept thinking that either Riversong or Evangelista might be the adult version of the little girl. Otherwise, why was Evangelista on the expedition?
Best line of the night: "Donna Noble has been saved."
Great to see Colin Salmon (that was him, right?). I've loved him since Keen Eddie.
But the best thing I saw Friday night was the replay of last week's episode instead of the insipid "Charlie Jade" - but that does bring up a question: now that it's been proven that the powers that be are capable of pulling the plug on a bad show, why did they stick with the pathetic "Flash Gordon" for so long?
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Jun 21, 2008 11:00 PM
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Woozers...this episode kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. So creepy and good. I do not know how I will be able to wait until next Friday to see how it is all wrapped up.
I found Dr. River Song to be very annoying...and I am not sure how she fits into everything. But then, I must admit I am dying to know.
I have definitely started paying attention to the musical score after reading this blog. I also thought the score did a great job of highlighting the intensity of some of the scenes. SO creepy and good.
Thanks for another great recap. I was checking the site off and on all day so I could read it as soon as you posted. For some reason, my DW experience is not complete until after I read your blog.
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Jun 21, 2008 11:15 PM
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I didn't find River annoying..I think frustrating would be more apt but understandably so. From her perspective she can't give anythign anyway and has no choice but juut be coy. Somehting she likely learned from the Doctor
regardless I was happy to see Alex Kingston and happy the part of river has a flirty, funny side that the actress can indulge. It was a side ER sucked out of her character after the first year or so.
But this is something that made me can't wait for part 2.
Also I really love the relationship of the Doctor/Donna and how it has evolved so well and deep.
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Jun 21, 2008 11:31 PM
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Regarding the sonic screwdriver working on wood -Donna asked if the door as locked and the Doctor said it was jammed because the wood was warped. So the lock didn't come into it. Sometimes he talks so fast I have problems understanding everything he says so I have to turn the captions on.
GB
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Jun 21, 2008 11:32 PM
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One other truly great line: "I'm a time traveler. I point and laugh at archeologists."
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Jun 22, 2008 12:46 AM
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Not sure what I enjoy more the show or the blog? Hmm. Just watched the episode twice and I started liking Alex K (River) more and more. That could be because I just saw her in the movie Sweet Land which I highly recommend and she was so brilliant in it. Anyway I am trying to stay strong and not go illegally download the next episode!
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Jun 22, 2008 1:04 AM
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Very good and pretty scary episode. I think that it's both scarier than Blink and creepier that The Empty Child. We learned fairly early on in both of those episodes what was happening, but the Doctor needed time to solve the problem. Here, all we know is that the Vashta Nerada have over run the library planet, but we still don't who River is or know what happened to the 4,022 and Donna (although I think that I have a pretty good guess about who River is and what happened to everyone...and no, I haven't read any spoilers,) and we don't know what's going on with the little girl.
Yes, this one was full of quotes. I remember that there was one near the beginning of the episode that I thought was great, but by the end of the episode, there had been so many that I know can't recall the first one. Of course, 2 days later hasn't helped the memory to retain that first good quote.
Mr Ivins, thanks so much for blogging on this series, we all really do appreciate it, but I'd like to make a quick suggestion. Please go back over your blog with an keen eye and fix the numerous errors throughout the post.
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Jun 22, 2008 7:55 AM
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Thanks for another great Doctor Who blog!
I really liked this episode. Between the creepy shadows in the Library, to the little girl, to the multitude of great lines, this episode was packed with enough stuff to make you feel like you need to watch it more than once to catch everything.
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Jun 22, 2008 12:41 PM
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My friend saw this episode on some download weeks ago and he told me I should just dvr this ep. and wait until next week to watch the two together. But I didn't listen so now I have a week to wait.
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Jun 22, 2008 1:26 PM
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What a delicious episode! (I thought for a couple of seconds it was the books who were alive.) So many questions! Exactly who is the little girl and what can she do? Is Donna dead? No, I mean REALLY dead? Will we see River in future episodes? (I hope so 'cause I DO like the character. The Doctor's companions all seem so resourceful.)
Thanks again for a great recap!!!
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Jun 22, 2008 6:29 PM
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Bob, you crack me up! I feel the same about David Tennant's Doctor, he will be missed when he leaves the role. I thought I like Christopher Eccleston's, "Doctor Moody" and he was "fantastic" in his own way but Tennant is truly "brilliant."
He is maniacal funny serious compassionate sometimes all at the same time.
I'll say this again I like Catherine Tate's Donna.
This was a creepy episode and I'm glad someone else thought that Blink was creepy, it's also one of my favorite episodes. Kind of funny that it also deals with a woman the doctor has not meet yet, he didn't seem concerned about it when he ran into her at the end of the episode and she gave him the transcript. Surly he runs into this a lot with traveling back and forth in time. So, I don't think he wasn't getting it with Dr. River. I think he knows she is from his future, but I think he thinks she is much more to him. Especially with her overt familiarity with him AND he gave her his sonic screwdriver, she obviously means a lot to him and he knows it. Is she, Wife , Lover??? Can't wait til next week!
Bob, Thanks for a great job in reviewing the show, great insight.
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Jun 23, 2008 10:02 AM
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Sorry guys but even though this episode was creepy it really isn't nearly as good as Blink. A room full of shadows where some of them may be deadly just doesn't have the impact of the weeping angels. It didn't get seriously spooky until the guy got the second shadow. I wonder if in the future (episodes that is) if they will use the line 'Hey, who turned out the lights' for a laugh like they did with the line 'Are you my mommy?'.
I get the feeling that the little girl as well as her father and therapist exist in the library computer. Since she was remote viewing it from that security camera and they used the equipment at the library to contact her. The emphasis of the 'data ghost' I think is a way to set up that the concience can exist in a computer.
I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I thought this season they had a season long theme going, much like last years 'you are not alone'/last of the time lords. We have seen this season the 2 most recent companions, a flash of a past one, and now a future one. Just some food for thought.
There have been special episodes in the past that brought other doctors together, I would love to see something along those lines by bringing together more of the old companions.
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Jun 23, 2008 10:57 AM
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I thought this was a terrific, creepy episode. Fear of the dark is so primal and this show added a whole new dimension, one that reminded me of "Pitch Black." I really enjoyed Alex Kingston's River Song. She's smart, competent, take-charge and obviously means something very special to the Doctor. I look forward to finding out more about that. I loved the "Shall we do diaries?" as if it were a ritual whenever they meet up. One nitpick: while I like Donna more than I thought I would, I hope they keep her feelings for the Doctor more like his for her: platonic. It looked like she was showing signs of jealousy toward River and it is getting to be a tired tradition on this show: the jealous companion. I had hoped she would be the first to be completely unthreatened by other women in his life. He never seems bothered by other men. I hope they don't go any further in this direction.
Anyway, can't wait for next week!
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Jun 23, 2008 11:50 AM
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Sci-Fi stuck with Flash Gordon and didn't stick with Charlie Jade or Haunted before it or any of a number of other shows because Flash Gordon was theirs. The other shows were older shows that Sci-Fi bought whole. They aren't trying to make the money for the actual production of the episodes back. It's also pride. FG is a show they created so it gets preferential treatment.
Charlie Jade wasn't a new show. It played pretty much everywhere else except the U.S.
The next DW episode, "Forest of the Dead," is even better!
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Jun 23, 2008 1:09 PM
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