Forest of the Dead

"You've always known how I was going to die."

Writer: Steven Moffat

Format: TV

Broadcast: 07 June 2008

Series: 4.09

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Donna, River

Synopsis 

As shadows rise, the Doctor forges an alliance with the mysterious River Song. However, can anyone stop the Vashta Nerada?

Verdict

Forest of the Dead was a great episode to conclude the story already started in Silence in the Library. I think when judging this as a stand-alone it doesn’t quite live up to the first part, but it is still very much brilliant! I like how the action continues right from where we left off in the cliffhanger and the threat of the Vashta Nerada is still very much felt. For some reason, the prospect of them actually arriving was more scary than when they started hunting and actually seeking. The moment where they seemed to learn to speak was freaky though and I was glad that we got voices put to the shadowy makeup of the creatures. The fact they used the voices of their victims was excellent and the image of them in the tinted out spacesuit was so striking and it worked tremendously well. The story of the Doctor and River was excellent here and is the highlight of the episode. The moment where River has no option but to gain his trust given then severity of the situation with the Vashta Nerada was sensational as she whispered his own name into his ear. The reaction of the Doctor was extraordinary and it was a sublime performance from David Tennant. It really is such a powerful moment and later learning that it was his name is marvellous. The Doctor stating there is only one time where he could give that was palpable and we would see that a couple of series later of course. Watching in hindsight and hearing all of the references to what would become The Husbands of River Song really is delightful. It is an incredible story over a long course of time with the years to come and even the mentions of a new haircut and suit referencing the Twelfth Doctor is so good. It is extraordinary how everything comes together, even with the sonic screwdriver hand over. I love everything about it. Donna has quite the eventful episode here when she is saved to the computer and the passing of time within there was fascinating. As soon as something was said, events moved straight there and having Dr Moon there to explain worked well. He was an ominous character that worked very well. The truth about him as the literal Doctor Moon was terrific and I love the whole idea behind CAL and saving the 4,022 people. Actually having her watch the events in the Library unfold on television was a lot of fun, but her childish mood swings were causing some issues! I loved the revelation that the Vashta Nerada came in the books as microspores, and it worked well to learn of the family connection on the Library with River's team. The Doctor was in fine form as he was angry at the Vashta Nerada for impersonating Anita and the moment he tells them to look him up is just sensational. Donna being told her kids weren't real by Evangelista was another powerful moment and all of the children being the same was pretty disturbing. The moment at the end where it appears the episode is petering out after River sacrifices herself is so good as the Doctor realises he can still save her. He's had two regenerations to work it out and plan as he always knew how she would die, and once again he can save her and her entire archaeology team. It is a fitting end to a superb episode! 

Rating: 9/10