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In the vast and imaginative universe of Doctor Who, certain narrative patterns emerge, offering comfort and familiarity amidst the constant flux of time and space. “The Curse of the Black Spot,” an episode from the Matt Smith era, perfectly exemplifies one such beloved archetype: the misunderstood monster. These episodes, often characterized by their standalone nature, may not always drive the overarching season plot forward, but they are crucial for enriching the Doctor Who experience by delving into character development and exploring nuanced moral dilemmas. Echoing fan-favorite episodes like “The Beast Below” and “Vincent and the Doctor,” “The Curse of the Black Spot” slots seamlessly into this category, proving its worth as a compelling, self-contained adventure that could resonate at almost any point within the season’s narrative arc.
Following a whirlwind of complex storylines in previous episodes, “The Curse of the Black Spot” provided a welcome change of pace. While lingering questions from prior weeks remained – Amy’s pregnancy being a prime example – this episode prioritized sheer entertainment and character-driven moments. We were treated to the spectacle of Amy Pond, portrayed by Karen Gillan, embracing her inner swashbuckler in full pirate attire. Her spirited engagement with sword fights and general pirate antics highlighted why Amy is such a dynamic companion; she possesses the perfect blend of pluck and humor to make even the most outlandish situations feel grounded and enjoyable. A particularly memorable scene unfolded when the Doctor, Amy, and Captain Avery found themselves separated from their respective anchors – the TARDIS, Rory, and Toby. The episode cleverly built tension around these separations, culminating in a heartwarming and genuinely funny sequence where each character’s reunion played out simultaneously, emphasizing the core emotional bonds at play.
“The Curse of the Black Spot” plunges viewers directly into a classic Doctor Who scenario: a mysterious threat terrorizing a confined setting. This time, we find ourselves aboard an 18th-century pirate ship, where Captain Avery (played with charismatic skepticism by Hugh Bonneville) and his crew are besieged by a Siren. This ethereal being seemingly turns men to dust with a mere touch, leaving a sinister black spot as a chilling omen. Adding to the classic formula is the initial distrust the Captain harbors towards the Doctor, a trope often utilized to create dramatic tension and highlight the Doctor’s outsider status. However, as is typical in these narratives, skepticism gives way to understanding and even a form of camaraderie as the Captain gradually recognizes the Doctor’s intentions and unique perspective. This developing relationship becomes instrumental in unraveling the mystery of the Siren, eventually leading to the revelation that she is not a malevolent monster but a stranded alien medic, operating under a misunderstood purpose. This narrative structure, while formulaic, avoids predictability by consistently delivering fresh spins on familiar tropes, ensuring each episode feels engaging and meaningful.
Captain Avery, a historical figure known for his vanishing act in the 18th century, stands out as a particularly astute character within the episode. Unlike many historical figures who are easily bewildered by the concept of time travel, Avery displays a remarkable nonchalance. His iconic line, “a ship’s a ship,” delivered with casual disinterest upon being asked to pilot the TARDIS, perfectly encapsulates his pragmatic and unfazed demeanor. The central conflict revolves around the Siren’s attacks on weakened crew members, marked by the ominous black spot before their disappearance. Predictably, the perpetually vulnerable Rory soon falls victim, suffering an injury, receiving the mark, and ultimately being dragged overboard – a testament to the show’s running gag of Rory’s constant brushes with death. This incident forces the Doctor and the crew to retreat into the ship’s cabin, embarking on a frantic search for solutions. The Doctor’s deduction that the Siren enters through reflections leads to a chaotic scene as they attempt to eliminate every reflective surface – still water, glass, and even the pirate treasure. However, Avery’s greed undermines their efforts. Choosing wealth over his crew’s safety, he secretly keeps a shiny crown, inadvertently providing the Siren access and leading to the capture of his son, Toby.
The climax reveals a surprising twist: the Siren is not a predator but a caretaker. She has been transporting the wounded and weak to a hidden sickbay within her advanced spaceship, keeping them alive in stasis until she can facilitate their transport to a proper intergalactic medical facility. Rory, Toby, and the other captured crew members are found connected to life-support systems. In a moment of convenient plot contrivance, Rory, who had nearly drowned before the Siren’s intervention, is still in a near-drowned state even after being rescued. Amy’s unwavering determination to revive him leads to a somewhat implausible scene where Rory, moments after being disconnected from life support, instructs Amy on how to perform CPR. While Doctor Who often necessitates a generous suspension of disbelief, the Doctor’s apparent lack of basic human medical knowledge, particularly CPR, seems like a notable oversight for a 900-year-old genius. This moment, while intended to be touching and highlight Amy’s devotion, stretches credibility and raises questions about the Doctor’s supposed expertise.
Furthermore, while Amy’s fierce protectiveness of Rory is a consistent and admirable character trait, the recurring trope of Rory’s near-death experiences is becoming somewhat predictable. The frequency with which Rory faces mortal danger risks undermining the emotional impact and veering into comedic territory. This observation is not unique; online fan communities have echoed similar sentiments, with some even directly appealing to Steven Moffat, the showrunner at the time, to ease Rory’s constant suffering. Moffat’s playful and firm “no” in response, as recounted by the author, reflects his characteristic blend of humor and authorial control.
Despite any minor criticisms or plot inconsistencies, “The Curse of the Black Spot” ultimately succeeds as a quintessential Doctor Who episode. Steven Moffat’s era is often lauded for maintaining a deep connection to the show’s classic roots, even while pushing creative boundaries. Episodes like this demonstrate his commitment to preserving the core elements that have made Doctor Who endure for decades. Moffat’s genuine affection for the series shines through, creating a sense that he is, indeed, living out his childhood dreams, much to the delight of long-time fans. This episode, with its blend of adventure, character development, and a touch of classic monster-of-the-week mystery, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Doctor Who and its capacity to deliver engaging stories within familiar yet always inventive frameworks.
