12 Notable Moments From Empress of Mars
Mark McCullough makes his choices from the ninth episode of Series 10.
This episode represents a return to normality after the divisive Monk Trilogy. With a premise involving Victorian’s on Mars in a narrative that expands upon the history of the Ice Warriors, who else could be writing other than Mark Gatiss. With a reputation for providing solid, entertaining scripts it was a given that Empress of Mars would be a simple yet effective example of quintessential Doctor Who. There are also rumours circling that this could be Gatiss’ last script for the show, which would be very disappointing indeed. However, if true, perhaps it’s fitting that he bows out with possibly his best script to date.
12. NASA
11. Victorians on Mars
Continuing that sentiment, whenever you think of a Gatiss script the first thing that usually comes to mind is the historical episode. In fact, of his nine episodes on the show, the only two that do not fit this mould are Sleep No More, and Night Terrors. It is also worth noting that the former and this outing are the only two which are not Earth based stories. So how does the infusion of Victorian soldiers and the Ice Warriors on Mars work? Surprisingly well actually, combining his strengths in each of the two mediums of traditional Doctor Who storytelling. The introduction of the concept is done very well too with the alliance between the two coming as a surprise to the viewer in the same was as it was for the Doctor
10. The TARDIS Malfunction
When it was announced that Nardole would be featuring more heavily in the series than originally planned there was talk that some of the script that were already finished needed minor adjustments to accommodate this. Given how the narrative unfolded it is likely that Gatiss’ script fits into that category. If this is the case it looks like Gatiss has taken the decision to remove Nardole from the crux of the story via the TARDIS malfunction. This however actually allows for some expansion on the arc of the series, with events forcing Nardole to have to approach Missy to avoid leaving the Doctor and Bill stranded on Mars.
9. The Gargantua
The Gargantua is introduced as a device that furthers the narrative on several occasions, it is offered as the explanation for why the Victorians are on Mars in the first place: using its mining capabilities to claim the treasures of Mars in the name of the British Empire. It is the Gargantua finally delivering this promise that allows the narrative to shift from setting the scene to getting the Ice Warrior storyline moving. Later in the narrative, twice at the hands of the TARDIS team, it is used to slow down the hectic battle to allow the narrative to explore the more human emotive side of the story. To call it a concept that underpins the entire story is not selling it short.
8. Jackdaw awakens the Empress
Shortly after the Ice Warrior tomb is discovered, we see the first signs of disunity within the men of the British Army. The first to act on this is Jackdaw who seizes his chance by approaching Peach and Vincey, and using medicine from the infirmary to incapacitate the former and then uses his rank and the promise of riches to persuade the latter to comply. The inevitable result is the awakening of Empress Iraxxa which sees Jackdaw get his just desserts for his greed. His song as he steals the gemstone is probably the most political point that can be taken from the episode, whilst it’s a lot more subtle than earlier episodes in the series, it still delivers a similar message about wealth.
7. The Stand-off
This results in a tense scene as virtually everyone descends on the burial chamber. There are confrontations everywhere with Iraxxa voicing her disdain at what Friday has become and how this goes against what it means to be an Ice Warrior. There is friction between the Doctor and Captain Catchlove as the Doctor’s attempt to appease the Ice Queen do not sit well with the Captain’s ego forcing him to call out the Doctor on his suggestion that the soldiers are primitives. The most interesting aspect of the scene is where Iraxxa calls on Bill as the only other female in the room to give her opinion. This offers a stark contrast in how the episode depicts both species views towards women and offers an interesting social commentary of the error of ‘traditional views’
6. Catchlove’s Mutiny
One of Gatiss’ most notably strengths has always been his ability to create realistic characters who are well developed. This is no exception with two particular highlights being Catchlove and Godsacre (although the exotic names have necessitated a transcript to be able to write this article). The former is presented as an ambitious young Captain who will do whatever it takes to get ahead. It’s also worth noting that it is he who was also in charge of active repairs of the ship. Here we see him successfully attempt to seize power by ruthlessly exposing the Colonel’s secret past as a deserter. Once in command he is unforgiving demanding that the Doctor, Bill and Godsacre are made prisoners until he sorts out the mess. In doing so the narrative positions him in such a way that he becomes the closest to a true antagonist that the episode has to offer.
5. The War
The net result of Catchlove’s mutiny and the stand-off that had gone before was the battle scene where the Ice Warriors hopelessly overpowered the British Army. There’s some neat concepts that are utilised by Gatiss to make the Ice Warriors more of a threat such as their ability to travel underground and flank their enemy. The way the Ice Warrior’s weaponry affected their victims was also something rather unique: my initial impression was that it was a little goofy and cartoon like, however on re-watch I actually found it very effective incorporating body horror into an attack that is now distinctive to the Ice Warriors.
4. The Doctor’s Threat
With the war unfolding around him, the Doctor finds himself in a position where he has to act to stop needless bloodshed. Reflecting on earlier in the episode the Doctor comments on how he is unable to take a side because technically in this situation the humans are the invaders as Mars is the home of the Ice Warrior. Furthermore, it is the human who initiated the violence that led to the war via the firing of weapons. The Doctor’s actions here actually hold true to his original sentiment of being unable to take sides, as his solution is to bring the roof (and the miles of ice above) down on everyone. It’s not an elegant solution but one which sticks by his principles and treats everyone equally.
3. Godsacre’s Redemption
Having already commented on Gatiss’ ability to craft characters, the finest example from this episode comes to the fore here. Having been humiliated in front of his men, Godsacre is not only able to exact his revenge on Catchlove by executing him to save Empress Iraxxa, but is also able to redeem his character flaws. We see his lack of self-worth initially when he offers his life to Iraxxa, but in doing so we also see immense bravery which is a stark contrast to the backstory we have for him as a deserter in the war. Iraxxa sees this bravery as admirable and as such rewards him by accepting him into her service in what is one of the strongest scenes of the episode. It serves as a fitting resolution to the conflict and facilitates a move towards a close for the narrative.
2. Welcome to the Universe
The denouement of the episode sees a cameo of Alpha Centauri, a recurring character from the Peladon episodes during the era of the Third Doctor. It’s wonderful to see a long-time fan of the show such as Gatiss be able to do things like this which is sure to have been a highlight for anyone who is a fan of classics. Better yet is the fact that they were able to get back the original actress to voice Alpha Centauri. In terms of the resolution itself, it’s very much like the Silurian story of Series Five where an endpoint is reached that suits both parties.
1. Missy in the TARDIS
The episode ends with the TARDIS returning, except the catch is that it is piloted by Missy. The Doctor reacts immediately telling her that he will have to return her to the vault and that this can’t happen. Rather surprisingly she seems to accept this and is more concerned with the Doctor’s own wellbeing rather than what is to happen to her. This further indicates her willingness to give being good a try and seems to suggest that it will be possible to her. This aspect of the arc is so much more interesting than the actual Vault itself so it is wonderful to see it getting some attention from the narrative. Also the use of Missy’s Theme will always go down as a highlight for me, it is one of Murray Gold’s best and most haunting tracks.
