Best of 2017 Awards: The Winners (Part 2)
Connor Johnston presents the second set of results of DWTV’s annual awards as voted for by you.
BEST NEW MONSTER: The Monks
Runner Up: Space Corpses
We’re used to monsters testing the barriers of our imaginative tolerance in Doctor Who – however, I struggle to compare a line-up that has at first glance appeared as breathtakingly bizarre as that of Series 10’s. Puddles, emojis, big fish, cockroaches, zombies, light eating… Wombats (?), and a walking vase – surely that’s quite the selection? Despite the diversity, it’s no surprise to see that a monster whose origins are more ‘creepy’ than they are creepy-crawly. Claiming top spot today are the Monks with 38.83% of the vote.
Despite having quite a favourable view of the Monks’ stories this series, I must say their victory today did come as somewhat of a surprise initially. There were moments where I felt their arc lacked a sense of direction, regardless there can be no denying that the concept of the monsters is utterly unique. Running simulations, forcing humankind into a desperate surrender and then editing their understanding of reality to fuel a sense of adoration. Granted this is a far more patient route to the typical invasion, but as today’s results dictate: still an effective one.
BEST RETURNING MONSTER: The Cybermen
Runner Up: The Ice Warriors
In our first 2-option split, it was the Cybermen and the Ice Warriors fighting it out for the crown of best returning monster this year. The main success of Empress of Mars is derived directly from its treatment of the returning foe. Not unlike his impressive efforts in Series 7 with Cold War, Gatiss parades an exemplary understanding of why the species have repeatedly overcome setbacks, such as limited appearances, to remain one of the most iconic and prominent monsters of the show’s history though showcasing their ‘warrior’ culture in all aspects of the script. Not even Iraxxa herself however could fight off the Cybermen (Mondasian and otherwise) who claim victory today with a massive 86.95% of the vote.
I’ll be the first to admit that the Cyberman have had somewhat of a muddled track record since they first returned in 2006. The Cybus Cybermen were often criticised for the chunkiness of their design and laughable narratives and while there was a slight improvement towards the tail end of the Smith era, these foes were portrayed with far too much focused on the cyborg components and not enough on the human remains inside. By returning to their original design, the horror of humans being literally rebuilt from the inside out was finally able to be completely realised. Their presence in Series 10 is quite easily the most terrifying and effective use of the monsters in a very long time.
BEST NEW VILLAIN: The Landlord
Runner Up: Iraxxa
The key to a successful villain in any work of fiction, be it Who or otherwise, is their motivation and from where they derive their status. In Thin Ice, Lord Sutcliffe was antagonised by his greed and prejudice. In Empress of Mars Iraxxa and Sutcliffe balanced out each others sense of supremacy. However it was Knock Knock’s Landlord portrayed by David Suchet, motivated by a cruel and twisted take on a child’s affection, that earned the highest praise today with 49.2% of the result.
Suchet’s Landlord is a villain that works on paper, but really comes to life through a stunning portrayal. Stern, mysterious and genuinely disturbing, Suchet’s ability to both intimidate as the Landlord and capture simultaneously the disobedience and damaged nature of his character’s childhood has a remarkable impact both on how his character and talents were received.
BEST RETURNING VILLAIN: Michelle Gomez as Missy
Runner Up: John Simm as the Master
In what has been the closest results of the year (in which the victor changed a remarkable amount of times) we saw Master and Master face off against each other for the title of ‘Best Returning Villain’. Both Simm and Gomez had a list of incredible appearances this year, however it appears that not even almost a decade of preparation could rid Gomez of her final crown – Queen of Evil indeed. Missy’s victory over her predecessor is won with 52.9% of the vote.
A common factor throughout Moffat’s era has been story arcs that focus dramatically on character dynamics – though even with a precedent the role given to the Doctor and the Master’s relationship in Series 10 was unlike anything seen before. Missy’s role this year was less like that of a typical villain and more like that of a moral dilemma, as the question “Could the Master ever be good” guided the series both thematically and narratively. Such material provided Gomez the perfect opportunity to provide her most detailed and striking performance solidifying her already iconic take on the ultimate antagonist.
BEST EPISODE: World Enough and Time
Runner Up: The Doctor Falls
Each year it becomes harder and harder to predict which episode will claim the community’s top spot – however I’m sure even the most casual readers are beginning to see a pattern with this year’s results straying to the tail end of the run. While both parts of our finale have received ample praise – there is a tradition that first parts just sneak ahead. For very good reason, this tradition holds true this year with World Enough and Time claiming top spot with 34.98%.
There is a certain vivacity to penultimate episodes that cannot really be captured at any other stage of a series. The energy, confidence and stylised melodrama of a script whose sole purpose is to distort, challenge and leave audiences mad with uncertainty sandwiched between a series of set-up and a finale of resolutions. World Enough and Time not only captured this dynamic, but shrouded it within a narrative bursting with creativity and history to deliver something truly memorable.
Join us tomorrow for the next set of winners.
