Arrrrr You Sitting Comfortably?

The Curse Of The Black Spot would appear to occupy a rather unenviable position in the schedule this series. We've had the opening 2 parter, all grandeur and mystery. Next week we have the Neil Gaiman episode, whic promises even more grandeur and mystery. It probably won't do much to answer any questions, but it will certainly have something to throw fuel on the fire of debate and wild fan theories. And nestled in between these 2 massive events we have our poor overshadowed tale of pirates. Possibly the nearest thing we're going to get to a conventional Dr Who story (whatever that is) for a while.

How would one go about describing The Curse Of The Black Spot? Well, it's basically The Stones Of Blood, only without the lesbians. Or the stones. And there really isn't that much blood. But there was a woman who'd been spray painted a funny colour.

Also neither one seems to be dressed very practically

I can't say I had any particular expectations going into this one. I mean, we knew there'd be pirates, and a siren. But the whole alien spacecraft thing came as something of a surprise. It just goes to show how effective stuff can be if it hasn't been spoilered up to the yardarm before broadcast. You really didn't see it coming.

There are some fun ideas here, though it's not entirely flawless. Certain elements did seem a little overplayed. There's the Doctor being wrong about almost everything for example, although I freely confess it does make a refreshing change. And this is the first time in ages we've gotten to see the Doctor actually doing some proper science. Hypothesize, test, revise theory. Also Rory's latest death seemed a tad overlong. I'm really starting to wonder if Arthur Darvill has some bizarre clause in his contract stating a minimum number of times he has to die per series. If this goes on he may end up as the Kenny of Doctor Who. Or maybe Bluebottle.

What timey-wimey is it Eccles?

The only other real criticism I'd make would perhaps be the Siren itself. Green women aren't really inherently scary after all. Just ask Captain Kirk.

Behold the face of terror

Overall though we have a nice story that's doing it's own thing and doing it fairly well. Of course only time will tell how involved any elements from this episode become in the overarching doom, but right now it feels like more of a break. It reminds you of the ongoing story, but not obtrusively, and is content to get on telling a tale of pirates, paper cuts and alien bogies. I do wonder if it didn't get brought forward to introduce the whole multidimensional thing a bit earlier though.

I believe romp is the appropriate term here.