I think this episode and Closing time happened before the world started hating James Corden. He was still relatively beloved by the UK cus Gavin and Stacey was still fresh in the mind so that's why his episodes are not that bad. Like they are not fine art. They are just fun romps. They exist to be filler and I'm perfectly okay with that. I do like the friendship between James Corden and Matt Smith. It feels like a genuine friendship which I like and It's nice to see Smith play football in this episode considering he almost became a footballer as his career. It's fine. It's what I call a toast episode. Nothing special or fancy but satisfies you with something. Like I don't always wanna use my brain or be swept up in high emotion. Sometimes I just want the episode to do all the work for me so I can just sit and enjoy. I don't want it to be high art I just want it to do what it says on the tin.
@@Scottlp2 I think that's because Gavin and Stacey the comedy Corden co-wrote and starred in was like a big thing only in Britain. and stuff. I don't think it crossed over to the US. That's why US people only know him from Doctor Who, the Late Late Show and the sh*t ton of movie musicals he has ruined hence why American's hate him. I feel in the UK we are indifferent. Gavin and Stacey is and always will be a beloved show but like he didn't do much impressive stuff after that.
Honestly the football scene is my favorite "I'm the doctor" "Hey doctor I'm Shawn" After midnight where people actually started asking who is this doctor/john Smith who seems to know way to much, it reminds me of the line in futurama "Thats Why I love earth you can do what you want and no one makes you feel guilty because no one cares"
who doesn`t like it? Thats blasphemy. It´s an awesome episode. I love love love the humor. The dinner scene is the best when she tries all her trick on the doctor
@@stephjovi He said in the video that sometimes you get a phenomenal episode like Blink, and sometimes you get Boom town. As if it was on the opposite side of the spectrum and an example of a bad episode or something.
One of the reasons why I'm glad I don't know many celebrities. Genuinely watched this and Closing Time without ever knowing the guy was famous. I thought they were pretty solid episodes. At the very least fun and entertaining even if the plot wasn't always sturdy.
This obsession of people about knowing celebrities, I can never understand. I never cared much for cast in any kind of show, even if they had played my favorite character of all time. I just watch something I love till the end, then I just don't care what other project cast from there did or what they did outside of in their personal life
To me, This episode is just pure enjoyable. It doesn't take itself too serious or too stupid ~ and I believe that most of the things going on in it makes sense (well within the world itself). I don't personally care about Corden and wouldn't go out of my way to watch his stuff but he does very good in this episode, and personally has like no real negatives about him. I didn't fully like that the episode ended because of the "power of love" but its such a small part that it doesn't negatively effect me while watching :) So overall, good and fun episode, and a good video by Harbo too!
@@alexpotts6520 I mean its cool it makes sense within the story (that wanting to stay thing) but I’ve just watched too many movies/series where the power of love solves everything...
This was that weird short point where James Corden was legitimately one of the most beloved and popular comedians in the UK. That post Gavin and Stacey, Pre Hollywood/American move was weird. People loved his cheeky chappy thing, he was so relatable. How did we ever allow ourselves to love James Corden?
I always liked this episode. I don't think it's a masterpiece or anything but it's just a bit of fun I think. I love watching the Doctor mess around on earth for a while (even if it is with James Corden)
So that was the silence attempt of a ‘tardis’ and the hologram was looking for a pilot because the silence condemned themselves to death so the machine had no crew. Funny when you look back that the episodes connect but never dwell on these things, Moffat doesn’t get enough credit for things like this I reckon
It's because hes really bad at it. remember when the silence were mosters from the other side of the crack, remember when they were monsters but are actually a church but are actually monsters,
@@diccchocolate416 when did he ever imply they came from the other side of the crack? There is no "other side" there's nothingness or another point in the universe. He wasn't bad at it at all.
I've always found the concept of the 'top of the house never existed' quite creepy. I do love The Lodger, I think its a nice break from the rest of S5.
I'm gonna be honest, I've never actually really had much of a problem with James Corden. I don't love him, and I don't hate him. He just is, and I think part of that is because I haven't actually seen a whole lot of what he's in, so whenever I *do* seem him in something I don't think, "Oh it's James Corden again," and instead I think, "Oh it's James Corden." Does that make sense?
I think that’s more than fair, it’s probably better to not know that much about him rather than knowing a ton about James and hating him with a passion!!
I like to think that the headbuts that explain everything are just a more imperfect and quick version of what the 10th doctor did with Madame pompadour, but this episode was one of my favourites when I started watching doctor who as a kid so I might be biased
I think Corden's overexposure is a retroactive taint for the episode, but it does make the Doctor headbutting him more entertaining On a more serious point, I think the power of love climax works better for the cyberman episode than this one
IDK, Like I get that the ship was literally running on scavenged power and as such was easier to overload with emotions. But that climax felt so forced? The cybermen holding the doctor back not killing him, etc. With the lodger, IT could have just been that one human wasn't enough and only two humans with their hearts and minds in sync with one another could 'fly' the ship. There is 4 pannels and we later see it's used by the silence in a similar 4 pilot way. Similar to how the tardis is designed to be flown by 6 people with having a hexagonal control unit. It's like the timeless child, swapping the doctor and tecteun's roles would have made for a much better and cohesive reveal
Though, when it comes to these things, and how prevelant the issue is in doctor who, I wonder how much of it's studio manipulation. If these obvious and more grounded but nuanced ideas are purposed but studio heads demand a more simple and cheesy answer such as how the producers of the matrix though that the machines using people for processing power would confuse people so they went with the idea of batteries. AFter all, the biggest consistantly adult aspect of the doctor was him ending the time war, which was established before the revival (can't believe we don't call it a regeneration ffs, it's right there y'all) so the bbc likely didn't worry as much about potentially showing the doctor do a bad
Harbo, big fan from America here, you are so fantastic at what you do. The highlight of my week is your uploads. I'm a huge fan of the Matt Smith era, but I don't mind you being critical of it. I love your deconstructive ability, and even if you hate an episode I love I think you are totally justified. Much love, keep up the good work, Happy Holiday
With all the fantastic episodes of Dr. Who during this time period, this is one I continue to remember fondly and one that left me with really good feelings. Being American I didn't know who James Corden was, and really only discovered him way later, but whatever he's done to make people dislike him so could never diminish this episode in my eyes.
A lot of New Who was filmed on the streets around Cardiff, and there isn't really anywhere around here where this fake top floor thing would work. Also I'm pretty sure this house was where one of my teachers lived, his house was in an episode and it might have been this one
Thank you for nailing the one part of this episode that makes me nuts: a bungalow in the middle of this non-bungalow street because...plot. Sometimes a small but glaring good like that can be quite distracting, like spotting a cat driving a bus. 🙀 Other than that, I find this story to be pretty lightweight but fun. Lightweight can be welcome on occasion; sometimes we need a break. I don't mind the Love Saves the Day climax as it's set up well, establishing that the other trial pilots want to leave and Craig is perfectly happy where he is. More like contentment saves the day and there's no better reason to be content than being in love. I hadn't heard about the Ten and Mickey comic. I'll have to look that one up!
As soon as I heard you talk about the division between Craig and the Doctor, my brain went "brr Flux episode soon" so had to rewind like 30 seconds lmao
This was my first exposure to James Corden, then I saw him in Into the Woods and I was like "oh cool, it's Craig from Doctor Who." Then he was everywhere and I never got why. Like he can be charming but he's not like superb. Oh well.
Matt Smith didn't have the best era but I'd argue he was the best Doctor. Peter Capaldi had a better era but wasn't as good as the Doctor. Christopher Ecclestone was overshadowed by David Tennant and Tennant was so human that it was easy to forget that he was an ancient alien from another planet. John Hurt was the greatest actor to ever play the Doctor but he didn't get enough screen time. As for the other Doctors, I can't judge all of them fairly because I haven't seen many of their stories, although I've seen enough of Colin Baker to know he's criminally underrated. Matt Smith had the perfect balance between human and alien and as somebody who's on the autism spectrum, it was great to see an autistic Doctor. Peter Capaldi managed to pull that off in Season 9 but was too sociopathic in Season 8 although it did emphasise that he grew as both the Doctor and an actor throughout his run.
I don’t like James Corden but I did quite like Craig in the two episodes. This was before he because really shouty and annoying, and I found Craig to be endearing.
Are we Not going to talk about That Makeshift TARDIS Interior being in Impossible Astronaut (I think, its That one. River and 11 Fight the Silence in the Scene with it)
Surely this was a perfect opportunity to show a clip of England's recent game with San Marino. That basically was a bunch of professionals taking on a pub team.
Honestly, I've always really liked The Lodger and Closing Time! This was well before James Corden turned into an asshole and made everyone hate him. I can't stand the man now, but I quite enjoyed these episodes, and I still do. I think he actually did a pretty good job at acting!
12:37 I think he definitely knew, maybe he wasn't trying at the football match but all the other times, at least too me, it felt like the Doctor was trying to force Craig to admit his love
This is, like, the only Matt Smith episode I haven’t watched to the end, purely because of the comedy: it’s a specific form of cringe humor that turns me off so bad that, in anticipation of it, my immediate response to exit whatever I’m currently watching. I’m not certain what the commonality between it is, but I can definitely recognise it
I'm saving this video for later cuz it was one of my top DW episodes and propably my fav from 11th era . P. S. I didn't know Corden before and I still don't really know him so he's pretty neutral for me as an actor
I kinda have two problems with this. The Moffat era, especially the Smith era is already something of a sci-fi sitcom- which I like particularly in the case of something like Amy's Choice. So doing Doctor Who as a sitcom to this extent is kinda redundant. The bigger problem is I like it when 11 is too weird for normal life, I don't like it when he's better at Craig than everything to the point where he's insecure. It's not that I don't buy it I just don't enjoy watching someone feel jealous and bad about themselves for an episode. However, as soon as Craig knows what's going on, I have a lot more fun.
To be honest, I always feel that the RTD era was a sitcom romantic comedy, Series 6 is more a horror body show. And two, classic Doctors are weirdos mad man.
@@mayotango1317 RTD was a an action blockbuster character melodrama. Moffat's era is defined by complex character relationships, people who don't get on, people who bring out the worst in each other- it tracks. All Moffat's work are really sitcoms if you look at them- take Sherlock. Moffat's favourite episode is about a guy and a girl who are psychopaths falling in love- not a mystery. This isn't a criticism I like his approach more often than I don't.
@@mayotango1317 Season 7 just meant they basically came up with the location first- the blockbuster season aspect is overstated. RTD did infinity War before Infinity War was a thing. 10/Rose doesn't come up any more than River/11 or Amy and Rory. It's about a scene every episode and not even then- Girl in the Fireplace, Love and Monsters, the cyberman two parter- it doesn't come up.
In 2011 I met James Corden on a UK tour of One Man Two Guv’nors in which he was absolutely brilliant. And he was a really lovely person. I think that era’s James Corden is sadly gone because he’s now just so full of himself since making his big break in America. It’s such a shame to see him so hated now but if you will steal every main role in every musical, there’s no way people will still like you 😂
I liked this episode overall, however one thing that bugged me was the contrast of the doctor being so strange with the mundane setting. It’s played off as ‘haha the alien doesn’t understand mundane earth things’ but to me I can relate to a lot of the not quite understanding the social cues and a lot of it feeling similar in ways to autism, but in this case the explanation is because the doctor is an alien. It put a bad taste in my mouth to see that and know these traits were being shown as alien traits, it felt unsympathetic to me and could even be argued it revealed some of the writers’ unconscious/ingrained ableism.
i'm autistic as well and i don't really read it like that. I enjoy the Doctor being unable to understand mundane earth things personally, and i don't think it's fair to call someone ableist for daring to suggest an alien might find earth customs strange.
I love this episode, it's definitely one of my favourites of the season. However, I do agree with you about the psychic headbutt just being weird and lazy. I'm also glad that I'm not the only one who thought the missing top floor thing didn't make sense. I thought maybe it was just because I'm not from the UK, so I'm not familiar with your housing design.
I only started watching Harbo Wholmes videos about two weeks ago, but after going through many of his videos about series 1-5 videos, I generally felt we are on the same page. However there were many times, I can't help but wonder if we even watched the same show. Being a shipper, I started watching "Doctor Who" because of Rose and Doctor lovestory, and lated I absolutely loved Martha for genius depiction of unrequited love story, Harbo thinks that lovestory is worst thing about Rose and Martha. I hate Micky Smith and Rory Williams, Harbo thinks they are the best. "Human Nature/Family of the Blood" bored me to death, Harbo gave it an S rank as one of the best episodes. "Planet of the Dead" is literally my favorite episode of Doctor Who (not objectively best, because it's either "Blink" or "Heaven Sent", but the one I love the most), and lady Christina de Souza is my favorite companion of all time, but Harbo destroyed both. And it looks like it still goes on, because I love Craig Owens and especially "The Lodger" the most of "Pond era" (series 5, 6 and 7A), but Harbo only gives it a B rank. Well, at least it's kinda good score.
I liken James Cordon to Jack Black and Melissa McCarthy. They can all act and be very entertaining in small doses, but they’ve all had periods of over saturation during which, instead of acting, they played themselves. Which is fine if you like that type of comedy but for the rest of us it is tiresome. The Lodger and Closing Time are rare examples of James Cordon actually acting, and they much better for it. Caveat: I have great respect for Jack Black, his more recent work is brilliant, but much of his earlier stuff involves him playing the same big and loud character that is more annoying than entertaining, which did sour my thoughts on him for a long time.
I also like this episode. Okay, now that that’s done, can someone tell me what on earth is happening in Dr. Who right now, Season 13? I CANNOT follow this storyline and I’ve never had this issue with Dr. Who before. Can’t wait for you to review these Harbo Wholmes. It honestly feels like they’re throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what will stick at this point.
I had no idea about the writer but it just goes to show that having what is considered to be either good or bad views depending on who's side you are on doesn't really have anything to do with their abilities to tell stories. Lovecraft a racist created the foundation of what every other writer since have used for cosmic horror. Whedon who arguably kicked off the era of female heroes in mainstream media because he had an idea about the typical cheerleader that gets killed of in horror movies having the ability to fight back. Turns out to have been a nightmare and such a creep that the actress who played Dawn because of her age was not allowed to be in the same room as him alone. And of course one of the biggest examples, Cosby who would lecture other comedians about bad language in their comedy turns out to have been a complete monster. As someone who was never a fan of his work but respected and understood the importance of what he provided for many African-Americans, beyond obviously feeling horrified for the vitctims, I feel sad for those that truly loved him.
I literally forgot that there where 2 Craig episodes thought they where the same episode I did like them though for what they where as a story theyre good its just kinda pointless and filler to be in dr who yeah he was good in it too this was before everyone hated him
One of the people lured into the house and killed by the alien spaceship is a really dark implied mini-story within the episode that I think is a brilliant touch. It's the 2nd or third person to die. A woman in her 20s. Dressed for a night out, but very visibly distraught. Hair is messed up, make up clearly running from crying, and her top is torn a little. This all heavily suggests a sexual assault, and then she's lured to her death. Seriously dark AF in the middle of the funny rom-com episode.
I like episode, not love or anything, but it was ok for me. I liked fact, that ship didn't try to take man who live under it(what would be logical) just because he doesn't want to go. And using already established fact to solve problem is usually better than random technology thing that Doctor has or something. Power of love is little too much, but not too much. Funny is, that whole missing second floor isn't plot hole. In any other alien, it would be, but not with actual owners, Silence. This group was controlled humanity for ages and started whole space race and moon landing just because they wanted spacesuit! Idea that this group simply told people to not build that floor or that houses in that place were built simply to help them hide their space ship time machine is very realistic for them. Them they are killed by humans and never get back to it, so ships starts to look for new owner is nice continuity on point.
In watching these reviews I feel like your critiques have been cynical in a way that suggests that sincerity is your kryptonite, so I’m unsurprised that Corden + an ending that screams “love conquers all” was not your cup of tea... but I think it was wholesome good fun! Sue me! Lol
Literally the first time or place I'd ever heard of him. A few years later, Hey, Craig from Doctor Who is getting a tv show in the US! Why do people hate him, the show hasn't started yet.... I never did watch the show, but then came the movies... oh... THAT'S why people hate him. Should've just stayed as Craig.
i'm glad i had no idea who james corden was, so i could just enjoy this episode for the delight that it is. also, that's a real shame about gareth roberts. the unicorn and the wasp is also one of my favorites. why do people have to be terrible?
i actually had the chance to play with against my countries football team, even though my country isnt good in football its still a pro team. it was part of this local area school football tournament, and the best players from each team had the chance to paly against the older pro players of my country. they were like 35 so not on the main team but still pro football players, anyway we got completely bodied, so i know exactly how that feels
Honestly...I don't dislike Corden. It's not his fault most of his movie roles end up being for crap movies...but he still nails some roles greatly. I'd also rather watch Corden then watch the Kardasians or something...
I liked James in this episode. I don't know much of anything about him(I'm a black hole of pop culture, never watched Harry Potter, The Matrix, and other movies others just seem to adote), so I can't comment on that.
"Although we prefer not to talk about that game." Me, an American: "I don't see how bad it could be, we always do a shit job at the world cup because our nation doesn't take the sport seriously like they should." And then I looked it up... damn.
When Corden started making more of a name for himself in the US--like when he was in the play SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS--I suddenly found myself thinking "Wait, isn't he the guy from...that DOCTOR WHO episode...the one where Smith plays soccer..." (yes, I know you call it 'football')
At least with Closing time it makes sense for 'love' to be the solution. Even being called out in world, as Cybermen have been shown to be weak to emotions like that. It's a fully established solution
As a trans person I really do hate that Gareth wrote this (and that James Corden is in it) But, I really do enjoy this episode. Its nothing special, its simply just a fun and silly episode
A James Corden character in a sci-fi show has had more relationships than me. I’m doing pretty well if I do say so myself.
3 ปีที่แล้ว +8
As bad as James Corden can be I'll ignore it for the episode that gave us Amy with a stethoscope... I'd love to play Doctors and Nurses with her because my monkey brain also couldn't resist touching something it shouldn't...
Im from colchester, My sister and I loved this episode because we knew where the park where the football scene happened was, lol. We do have chimps in the zoo but sadly they dont let you throw shit at james corden so its very meh
I think you were overly critical of the headbutting bit. I see no reason to think it was really intended to do anything other than be funny. Just a one off gag to avoid a big exposition dump from The Doctor detailing who he is.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 89 | คู่เอก "ยอดไอคิว vs คิริลล์"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z3vYkHJ_5Ig/mqdefault.jpg)
Patreon go go go
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I think this episode and Closing time happened before the world started hating James Corden. He was still relatively beloved by the UK cus Gavin and Stacey was still fresh in the mind so that's why his episodes are not that bad. Like they are not fine art. They are just fun romps. They exist to be filler and I'm perfectly okay with that. I do like the friendship between James Corden and Matt Smith. It feels like a genuine friendship which I like and It's nice to see Smith play football in this episode considering he almost became a footballer as his career. It's fine. It's what I call a toast episode. Nothing special or fancy but satisfies you with something. Like I don't always wanna use my brain or be swept up in high emotion. Sometimes I just want the episode to do all the work for me so I can just sit and enjoy. I don't want it to be high art I just want it to do what it says on the tin.
For those of us in US, I had never heard of Corden (until much later).
@@Scottlp2 I think that's because Gavin and Stacey the comedy Corden co-wrote and starred in was like a big thing only in Britain. and stuff. I don't think it crossed over to the US. That's why US people only know him from Doctor Who, the Late Late Show and the sh*t ton of movie musicals he has ruined hence why American's hate him. I feel in the UK we are indifferent. Gavin and Stacey is and always will be a beloved show but like he didn't do much impressive stuff after that.
AMEN, Lucy! Couldn't have said it better myself.
I already hated and despised Corden. But I think I was ahead of the curve. It’s nice to see that many others are in my anti-Corden corner now
Definitely before he was the obligatory yet unlikeable comic relief in a family film.
Honestly the football scene is my favorite
"I'm the doctor"
"Hey doctor I'm Shawn"
After midnight where people actually started asking who is this doctor/john Smith who seems to know way to much, it reminds me of the line in futurama
"Thats Why I love earth you can do what you want and no one makes you feel guilty because no one cares"
Only just noticed that Craig has Van Gogh’s self portrait on his fridge
Excuse me but I would argue that Boom town was also phenomenal.
Boom Town was great idk what's up with people not liking it??
@@beesree39 It was a very fun breather episode before the big dramatic climax, but it also expertly dealt with some heavy themes.
who doesn`t like it? Thats blasphemy. It´s an awesome episode. I love love love the humor. The dinner scene is the best when she tries all her trick on the doctor
@@stephjovi He said in the video that sometimes you get a phenomenal episode like Blink, and sometimes you get Boom town. As if it was on the opposite side of the spectrum and an example of a bad episode or something.
@@GeorgeMarionerd true. I just don't understand the hate 😢
One of the reasons why I'm glad I don't know many celebrities. Genuinely watched this and Closing Time without ever knowing the guy was famous.
I thought they were pretty solid episodes. At the very least fun and entertaining even if the plot wasn't always sturdy.
This obsession of people about knowing celebrities, I can never understand. I never cared much for cast in any kind of show, even if they had played my favorite character of all time. I just watch something I love till the end, then I just don't care what other project cast from there did or what they did outside of in their personal life
To me, This episode is just pure enjoyable.
It doesn't take itself too serious or too stupid ~ and I believe that most of the things going on in it makes sense (well within the world itself). I don't personally care about Corden and wouldn't go out of my way to watch his stuff but he does very good in this episode, and personally has like no real negatives about him.
I didn't fully like that the episode ended because of the "power of love" but its such a small part that it doesn't negatively effect me while watching :)
So overall, good and fun episode, and a good video by Harbo too!
The "power of love" ending is terribly corny but it is at least thematically appropriate.
@@alexpotts6520 I mean its cool it makes sense within the story (that wanting to stay thing) but I’ve just watched too many movies/series where the power of love solves everything...
They really abandoned the tardis they found at the end of the episode 😡
❤
This was that weird short point where James Corden was legitimately one of the most beloved and popular comedians in the UK. That post Gavin and Stacey, Pre Hollywood/American move was weird. People loved his cheeky chappy thing, he was so relatable. How did we ever allow ourselves to love James Corden?
I always loved this episode, I didn’t know who James Corden was when I first saw it so he was just an actor to me
I always liked this episode. I don't think it's a masterpiece or anything but it's just a bit of fun I think. I love watching the Doctor mess around on earth for a while (even if it is with James Corden)
So that was the silence attempt of a ‘tardis’ and the hologram was looking for a pilot because the silence condemned themselves to death so the machine had no crew. Funny when you look back that the episodes connect but never dwell on these things, Moffat doesn’t get enough credit for things like this I reckon
It's because hes really bad at it. remember when the silence were mosters from the other side of the crack, remember when they were monsters but are actually a church but are actually monsters,
@@diccchocolate416 when did he ever imply they came from the other side of the crack? There is no "other side" there's nothingness or another point in the universe. He wasn't bad at it at all.
@@galarstar052 the fish vampires say the silence came from the crack
@@diccchocolate416 If i'm not wrong, Silents are the species, and Silence is the order
I've always found the concept of the 'top of the house never existed' quite creepy. I do love The Lodger, I think its a nice break from the rest of S5.
Pretty mad that we get to unironically use the phrase "The First Davies Era." I still can't get over that.
I'm gonna be honest, I've never actually really had much of a problem with James Corden. I don't love him, and I don't hate him. He just is, and I think part of that is because I haven't actually seen a whole lot of what he's in, so whenever I *do* seem him in something I don't think, "Oh it's James Corden again," and instead I think, "Oh it's James Corden." Does that make sense?
I think that’s more than fair, it’s probably better to not know that much about him rather than knowing a ton about James and hating him with a passion!!
The vibes I get from James Corden are overwhelmingly those of "meh"
Oh yes, I agree with all this!
I like to think that the headbuts that explain everything are just a more imperfect and quick version of what the 10th doctor did with Madame pompadour, but this episode was one of my favourites when I started watching doctor who as a kid so I might be biased
I actually love this episode. I didn’t know who James Cordon was when I first saw it. I really only like him in this to be honest
I think Corden's overexposure is a retroactive taint for the episode, but it does make the Doctor headbutting him more entertaining
On a more serious point, I think the power of love climax works better for the cyberman episode than this one
IDK, Like I get that the ship was literally running on scavenged power and as such was easier to overload with emotions. But that climax felt so forced? The cybermen holding the doctor back not killing him, etc. With the lodger, IT could have just been that one human wasn't enough and only two humans with their hearts and minds in sync with one another could 'fly' the ship. There is 4 pannels and we later see it's used by the silence in a similar 4 pilot way. Similar to how the tardis is designed to be flown by 6 people with having a hexagonal control unit. It's like the timeless child, swapping the doctor and tecteun's roles would have made for a much better and cohesive reveal
Though, when it comes to these things, and how prevelant the issue is in doctor who, I wonder how much of it's studio manipulation. If these obvious and more grounded but nuanced ideas are purposed but studio heads demand a more simple and cheesy answer such as how the producers of the matrix though that the machines using people for processing power would confuse people so they went with the idea of batteries. AFter all, the biggest consistantly adult aspect of the doctor was him ending the time war, which was established before the revival (can't believe we don't call it a regeneration ffs, it's right there y'all) so the bbc likely didn't worry as much about potentially showing the doctor do a bad
Harbo, big fan from America here, you are so fantastic at what you do. The highlight of my week is your uploads. I'm a huge fan of the Matt Smith era, but I don't mind you being critical of it. I love your deconstructive ability, and even if you hate an episode I love I think you are totally justified. Much love, keep up the good work, Happy Holiday
With all the fantastic episodes of Dr. Who during this time period, this is one I continue to remember fondly and one that left me with really good feelings. Being American I didn't know who James Corden was, and really only discovered him way later, but whatever he's done to make people dislike him so could never diminish this episode in my eyes.
A lot of New Who was filmed on the streets around Cardiff, and there isn't really anywhere around here where this fake top floor thing would work. Also I'm pretty sure this house was where one of my teachers lived, his house was in an episode and it might have been this one
The best thing about being from Cardiff is I live minutes away from so many doctor who filming locations
Thank you for nailing the one part of this episode that makes me nuts: a bungalow in the middle of this non-bungalow street because...plot. Sometimes a small but glaring good like that can be quite distracting, like spotting a cat driving a bus. 🙀
Other than that, I find this story to be pretty lightweight but fun. Lightweight can be welcome on occasion; sometimes we need a break. I don't mind the Love Saves the Day climax as it's set up well, establishing that the other trial pilots want to leave and Craig is perfectly happy where he is. More like contentment saves the day and there's no better reason to be content than being in love.
I hadn't heard about the Ten and Mickey comic. I'll have to look that one up!
Definitely the better of Cordon's two appearances in the show, but I can never unhear those ADR issues.
As soon as I heard you talk about the division between Craig and the Doctor, my brain went "brr Flux episode soon" so had to rewind like 30 seconds lmao
This was my first exposure to James Corden, then I saw him in Into the Woods and I was like "oh cool, it's Craig from Doctor Who."
Then he was everywhere and I never got why. Like he can be charming but he's not like superb. Oh well.
In my local village we have a ex arsnal player. Seeing the doctor play reminds me of seeing him tair apart lower leauge teams
Who's the player?
@@Anu_Sol mark flats
I kinda liked the “only people who wanted to leave” twist. I thought it explained well why it didn’t kill Craig
I love Matt Smith as the doctor .
Matt Smith didn't have the best era but I'd argue he was the best Doctor. Peter Capaldi had a better era but wasn't as good as the Doctor. Christopher Ecclestone was overshadowed by David Tennant and Tennant was so human that it was easy to forget that he was an ancient alien from another planet. John Hurt was the greatest actor to ever play the Doctor but he didn't get enough screen time. As for the other Doctors, I can't judge all of them fairly because I haven't seen many of their stories, although I've seen enough of Colin Baker to know he's criminally underrated. Matt Smith had the perfect balance between human and alien and as somebody who's on the autism spectrum, it was great to see an autistic Doctor. Peter Capaldi managed to pull that off in Season 9 but was too sociopathic in Season 8 although it did emphasise that he grew as both the Doctor and an actor throughout his run.
I remembered this episode being fun, cute filler.
(It's really weird to me that Americans know James Corden from talk shows and not Gavin and Stacey)
I don’t like James Corden but I did quite like Craig in the two episodes. This was before he because really shouty and annoying, and I found Craig to be endearing.
Sorry, was that an actual ad for Colchester monkeys? If so, that was fucking amazing,
Nah, just a joke
I never heard of James before he was cast in The Lodger and Closing Time and I still don't give a damn for anything else he has done.
Are we Not going to talk about That Makeshift TARDIS Interior being in Impossible Astronaut (I think, its That one. River and 11 Fight the Silence in the Scene with it)
Surely this was a perfect opportunity to show a clip of England's recent game with San Marino. That basically was a bunch of professionals taking on a pub team.
True, massive upset victory though, can't believe England managed to win that
Honestly, I've always really liked The Lodger and Closing Time! This was well before James Corden turned into an asshole and made everyone hate him. I can't stand the man now, but I quite enjoyed these episodes, and I still do. I think he actually did a pretty good job at acting!
12:37 I think he definitely knew, maybe he wasn't trying at the football match but all the other times, at least too me, it felt like the Doctor was trying to force Craig to admit his love
This is, like, the only Matt Smith episode I haven’t watched to the end, purely because of the comedy: it’s a specific form of cringe humor that turns me off so bad that, in anticipation of it, my immediate response to exit whatever I’m currently watching. I’m not certain what the commonality between it is, but I can definitely recognise it
Do you remember when James Corden wasn't doing Carpool Karaoke and Keurig Commercials on the Late, Show following Colbert.
Massive repect for futureproofing your video by saying 'the first Davies era'
dont care what anyone else says i love this and the other episode hes in
Hey I live in Colchester. Also the episode wasn’t filmed in Colchester. Sadly. Also my road is visible in that map shot you did. Neat.
I'm saving this video for later cuz it was one of my top DW episodes and propably my fav from 11th era
.
P. S. I didn't know Corden before and I still don't really know him so he's pretty neutral for me as an actor
This was the episode that sold Matt Smith to me as the doctor
I kinda have two problems with this. The Moffat era, especially the Smith era is already something of a sci-fi sitcom- which I like particularly in the case of something like Amy's Choice. So doing Doctor Who as a sitcom to this extent is kinda redundant.
The bigger problem is I like it when 11 is too weird for normal life, I don't like it when he's better at Craig than everything to the point where he's insecure. It's not that I don't buy it I just don't enjoy watching someone feel jealous and bad about themselves for an episode. However, as soon as Craig knows what's going on, I have a lot more fun.
To be honest, I always feel that the RTD era was a sitcom romantic comedy, Series 6 is more a horror body show.
And two, classic Doctors are weirdos mad man.
@@mayotango1317 RTD was a an action blockbuster character melodrama. Moffat's era is defined by complex character relationships, people who don't get on, people who bring out the worst in each other- it tracks. All Moffat's work are really sitcoms if you look at them- take Sherlock. Moffat's favourite episode is about a guy and a girl who are psychopaths falling in love- not a mystery. This isn't a criticism I like his approach more often than I don't.
@@Ben-vf5gk No, Series 7 is the blockbuster action season. Try to watch any episode of Series 2 without a melodramatic romantic Rose/Tennant dilema.
@@mayotango1317 The Power of Three is what I call blockbuster action!
@@mayotango1317 Season 7 just meant they basically came up with the location first- the blockbuster season aspect is overstated. RTD did infinity War before Infinity War was a thing.
10/Rose doesn't come up any more than River/11 or Amy and Rory. It's about a scene every episode and not even then- Girl in the Fireplace, Love and Monsters, the cyberman two parter- it doesn't come up.
In 2011 I met James Corden on a UK tour of One Man Two Guv’nors in which he was absolutely brilliant. And he was a really lovely person. I think that era’s James Corden is sadly gone because he’s now just so full of himself since making his big break in America. It’s such a shame to see him so hated now but if you will steal every main role in every musical, there’s no way people will still like you 😂
Honestly this episode is a guilty pleasure...such a vibe tbh.
But the problems are defenetly there and cant really be ignored. I do tho
this episode is just a pleasure, there's nothing to be guilty about)
I actually rewatched this episode because of your reappraisal, and I agree it’s a ton of fun
I liked this episode overall, however one thing that bugged me was the contrast of the doctor being so strange with the mundane setting. It’s played off as ‘haha the alien doesn’t understand mundane earth things’ but to me I can relate to a lot of the not quite understanding the social cues and a lot of it feeling similar in ways to autism, but in this case the explanation is because the doctor is an alien. It put a bad taste in my mouth to see that and know these traits were being shown as alien traits, it felt unsympathetic to me and could even be argued it revealed some of the writers’ unconscious/ingrained ableism.
i'm autistic as well and i don't really read it like that. I enjoy the Doctor being unable to understand mundane earth things personally, and i don't think it's fair to call someone ableist for daring to suggest an alien might find earth customs strange.
I love this episode, it's definitely one of my favourites of the season. However, I do agree with you about the psychic headbutt just being weird and lazy. I'm also glad that I'm not the only one who thought the missing top floor thing didn't make sense. I thought maybe it was just because I'm not from the UK, so I'm not familiar with your housing design.
I only started watching Harbo Wholmes videos about two weeks ago, but after going through many of his videos about series 1-5 videos, I generally felt we are on the same page. However there were many times, I can't help but wonder if we even watched the same show. Being a shipper, I started watching "Doctor Who" because of Rose and Doctor lovestory, and lated I absolutely loved Martha for genius depiction of unrequited love story, Harbo thinks that lovestory is worst thing about Rose and Martha. I hate Micky Smith and Rory Williams, Harbo thinks they are the best. "Human Nature/Family of the Blood" bored me to death, Harbo gave it an S rank as one of the best episodes. "Planet of the Dead" is literally my favorite episode of Doctor Who (not objectively best, because it's either "Blink" or "Heaven Sent", but the one I love the most), and lady Christina de Souza is my favorite companion of all time, but Harbo destroyed both. And it looks like it still goes on, because I love Craig Owens and especially "The Lodger" the most of "Pond era" (series 5, 6 and 7A), but Harbo only gives it a B rank. Well, at least it's kinda good score.
I actually quite enjoy the Lodger its a simple fun story i just like seeing The Doctor trying to do regular people things
I liken James Cordon to Jack Black and Melissa McCarthy. They can all act and be very entertaining in small doses, but they’ve all had periods of over saturation during which, instead of acting, they played themselves. Which is fine if you like that type of comedy but for the rest of us it is tiresome.
The Lodger and Closing Time are rare examples of James Cordon actually acting, and they much better for it.
Caveat: I have great respect for Jack Black, his more recent work is brilliant, but much of his earlier stuff involves him playing the same big and loud character that is more annoying than entertaining, which did sour my thoughts on him for a long time.
Jack Black as Kung Fu Panda tho.... Masterful.
I personally don't know of James Cordon outside of Doctor Who. But the episodes with Craig are some of my favourite episodes.
What‘s wrong with boomtown? XD I really like it
My man put the lodger above the angel two parter.
And I'd happily do it again
@@HarboWholmes the angel 2 parter was good in my eyes, better than the angels take manhattan at least
@@HarboWholmes same lol.
I think that mold could be the corpses of the people the floor kills
Why would it poison Craig? I have no idea
Why is Corden so hated? I don`t care for his late night show, but Gavin and Stacey was great. I like the episode.
I also like this episode. Okay, now that that’s done, can someone tell me what on earth is happening in Dr. Who right now, Season 13? I CANNOT follow this storyline and I’ve never had this issue with Dr. Who before. Can’t wait for you to review these Harbo Wholmes. It honestly feels like they’re throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what will stick at this point.
the Lodger was originally going to have the evil cactus alien from the episode Meglos return
I had no idea about the writer but it just goes to show that having what is considered to be either good or bad views depending on who's side you are on doesn't really have anything to do with their abilities to tell stories. Lovecraft a racist created the foundation of what every other writer since have used for cosmic horror. Whedon who arguably kicked off the era of female heroes in mainstream media because he had an idea about the typical cheerleader that gets killed of in horror movies having the ability to fight back. Turns out to have been a nightmare and such a creep that the actress who played Dawn because of her age was not allowed to be in the same room as him alone. And of course one of the biggest examples, Cosby who would lecture other comedians about bad language in their comedy turns out to have been a complete monster. As someone who was never a fan of his work but respected and understood the importance of what he provided for many African-Americans, beyond obviously feeling horrified for the vitctims, I feel sad for those that truly loved him.
Saw it just recently. it was a fun one. Seeing the Dr with no bowtie and playing footie...hilarious.
I really love this episode. James was so relatable and Matt was just adorable. Such a fun romp com. ❤
I literally forgot that there where 2 Craig episodes thought they where the same episode I did like them though for what they where as a story theyre good its just kinda pointless and filler to be in dr who yeah he was good in it too this was before everyone hated him
One of the people lured into the house and killed by the alien spaceship is a really dark implied mini-story within the episode that I think is a brilliant touch. It's the 2nd or third person to die. A woman in her 20s. Dressed for a night out, but very visibly distraught. Hair is messed up, make up clearly running from crying, and her top is torn a little. This all heavily suggests a sexual assault, and then she's lured to her death. Seriously dark AF in the middle of the funny rom-com episode.
True. A person who definitely would want to leave.
I like episode, not love or anything, but it was ok for me. I liked fact, that ship didn't try to take man who live under it(what would be logical) just because he doesn't want to go. And using already established fact to solve problem is usually better than random technology thing that Doctor has or something. Power of love is little too much, but not too much.
Funny is, that whole missing second floor isn't plot hole. In any other alien, it would be, but not with actual owners, Silence. This group was controlled humanity for ages and started whole space race and moon landing just because they wanted spacesuit! Idea that this group simply told people to not build that floor or that houses in that place were built simply to help them hide their space ship time machine is very realistic for them. Them they are killed by humans and never get back to it, so ships starts to look for new owner is nice continuity on point.
I genuinely love this episode for some reason
Would james corden eventually show up at peppa pig world and terrify Pedro pony?
In watching these reviews I feel like your critiques have been cynical in a way that suggests that sincerity is your kryptonite, so I’m unsurprised that Corden + an ending that screams “love conquers all” was not your cup of tea... but I think it was wholesome good fun! Sue me! Lol
Imo, this is one of my fav episodes from the Smith era
I think people let their hate of cordon get in the way of enjoying this genuinely good episode
I used to recreate the scene when the doctor runs out with a toothbrush instead of his sonic, straight from the shower back when I was a young man
19:16 amogus?
Literally the first time or place I'd ever heard of him. A few years later, Hey, Craig from Doctor Who is getting a tv show in the US! Why do people hate him, the show hasn't started yet.... I never did watch the show, but then came the movies... oh... THAT'S why people hate him. Should've just stayed as Craig.
i'm glad i had no idea who james corden was, so i could just enjoy this episode for the delight that it is. also, that's a real shame about gareth roberts. the unicorn and the wasp is also one of my favorites. why do people have to be terrible?
At first I was like "ugh, inserted ad?" and I was ready to skip, but then I laughed
i actually had the chance to play with against my countries football team, even though my country isnt good in football its still a pro team. it was part of this local area school football tournament, and the best players from each team had the chance to paly against the older pro players of my country. they were like 35 so not on the main team but still pro football players, anyway we got completely bodied, so i know exactly how that feels
I never understood why everyone started hating cordon but yeah not a fan. He's great when he's acting tho.
Honestly...I don't dislike Corden. It's not his fault most of his movie roles end up being for crap movies...but he still nails some roles greatly. I'd also rather watch Corden then watch the Kardasians or something...
Intro kinda sounded like harbo saying Rodger Rodger Rodger
Now I’m waiting for the gavin and Stacy reviews 🤣
7:30 It's people juice.
I absolutely adore the corden episodes, they’re just absolute fun start to finish. They’re dumb as hell at times, but good god I love them
I liked James in this episode. I don't know much of anything about him(I'm a black hole of pop culture, never watched Harry Potter, The Matrix, and other movies others just seem to adote), so I can't comment on that.
My take on the episode: really liked it!!!! I laughed a lot and overall liked the story
Is it just me that doesn’t hate James Corden? And is that a bad thing?
He has a history of verbally harassing people he sees as "lower" than him. In other words he is Ellen DeGeneres before she was found out
"Although we prefer not to talk about that game." Me, an American: "I don't see how bad it could be, we always do a shit job at the world cup because our nation doesn't take the sport seriously like they should." And then I looked it up... damn.
When Corden started making more of a name for himself in the US--like when he was in the play SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS--I suddenly found myself thinking "Wait, isn't he the guy from...that DOCTOR WHO episode...the one where Smith plays soccer..." (yes, I know you call it 'football')
At least with Closing time it makes sense for 'love' to be the solution. Even being called out in world, as Cybermen have been shown to be weak to emotions like that. It's a fully established solution
I never liked or cared for James corden but I've always liked this episode. Its fun. Just fun.
This episode is a personal violation as I live in Colchester 😭
Love rewatching thus
As a trans person I really do hate that Gareth wrote this (and that James Corden is in it) But, I really do enjoy this episode. Its nothing special, its simply just a fun and silly episode
You don't like James Corden
@@hothemeep1219 Omg yes Corden dumbass autocorrect
@@Bowsile and why ?
@@hothemeep1219 Cause I have a friend named Gorden 🧍, or at least that’s what I call him
@@Bowsile is your friend is James Gorden ?
i never watched Gavin and stacey and i never liked him but i like the lodger and closing time
A James Corden character in a sci-fi show has had more relationships than me. I’m doing pretty well if I do say so myself.
As bad as James Corden can be I'll ignore it for the episode that gave us Amy with a stethoscope...
I'd love to play Doctors and Nurses with her because my monkey brain also couldn't resist touching something it shouldn't...
I'll be honest, every time I see a guy make an "I would" comment, I can't help thinking, "yeah, but she wouldn't".
I love how you can make puns for every Moffat episode
My brother loves this episode.
Wait. Did James Corden do something to make people hate him?
Oh look, it's JaMeS CHOOOOOOOOOOODHN
Im from colchester, My sister and I loved this episode because we knew where the park where the football scene happened was, lol.
We do have chimps in the zoo but sadly they dont let you throw shit at james corden so its very meh
I think you were overly critical of the headbutting bit. I see no reason to think it was really intended to do anything other than be funny. Just a one off gag to avoid a big exposition dump from The Doctor detailing who he is.