Discussion of Episode 4.02 "The Fires of Pompeii" - Aired 04/12/08 (BBC1-UK)

[Mr Pointy]

From the Radio Times episode guide -
Episode 2/13 The Fires of Pompeii
The Doctor meant to take Donna to Rome, but they've ended up in Pompeii. Which wouldn't be so bad, except it's AD 79 and Vesuvius is due to erupt. But that's not the only thing they've got to worry about. Monsters made of stone are loose on the streets and a high priestess is making some decidedly dodgy prophecies. As the danger mounts, Donna challenges the Doctor to change history and save lives.
...and the Radio Times review -
RT Choice (Alison Graham, 12 April 2008)
There are some stunning effects as the volcano - and its resident monster - rumbles, burns and eventually erupts, but there is a thoughtful, even sombre aspect to the story as the time travellers befriend a nobleman (Peter Capaldi) and his family.

As the city falls, Donna comes into her own as the Doctor's conscience and voice of reason, and we see the awful burden borne by a Time Lord.

The trailers look really good for this ep - BBC - Doctor Who - Episodes - Series Four (http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/s4/episodes/S4_02)
Incidentally, it was filmed at the same Italian studios as Rome (Cinecitta) - CinecittÃ* - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinecitt%C3%A0)

I wasn't sure about the spoilers in the above quotes...they're pretty well known here in the UK from the trailers...but I'd rather not spoil anyone's enjoyment of the ep...if they're too much can someone edit them please?

[N4H]

This one is important I think, because we should maybe see what Donna, and the Doctor's relationship will cement into.

Right now, I'm liking the chemistry, but I'm feeling more a 1 year companionship here, not a long-term Sarah Jane style companion.

[Bored of the Dead]

Right now, I'm liking the chemistry, but I'm feeling more a 1 year companionship here, not a long-term Sarah Jane style companion.

Considering Catherine Tate has stated she is only on the show for one year I think that is pretty safe to say.

[Bored of the Dead]

This one is important I think, because we should maybe see what Donna, and the Doctor's relationship will cement into.


This is what I wrote on BB and it kinda agrees with this comment from N4H but for different reasons.

"I'm going on a limb here after watching The Fires of Pompeii and say this.

That was the most IMPORTANT episode of the entire run of the New Who.

Key bits I think

The 'she is coming' - obviously Rose
Reference to a storm worse than the medusa cascade - again
I wonder if there was a reason there was a pause when they were calling Donna the Daughter of London for the first time.
Ohhh and thats two episodes running NOT INCLUDING Christmas Invasion, where the Shadow Proclamation has been used. Wonder if that will be something for later?

I thought 'stab in the back' and the choice might be connected. Something about the 'Pompeii or the World' just didn't quite fit.
There was no choice there.
That can't be the terrible choice The Doctor has to make BUT I have felt for a while that the series is leading to The Doctor having to make a HUGE choice regarding his people and the Time War and this was a taster of that.

Rose did look quite stern last week, ok she was searching for him BUT does she blame him for something?
I wonder if Rose could be the 'big bad' this season."

[Mr Pointy]

I wonder if Rose could be the 'big bad' this season."
I also thought that Rose could be at very least the arc for the season if not the Big Bad as you suggest.

Other thoughts -
There seemed to be such a lot in this ep that I missed owing to watching it with the grandson...I need to watch it again.
I'm sure I heard Donna use the "I'm so sorry" line...didn't I?
I loved the Tardis translating Latin into Welsh btw:)
Catherine's acting was particularly fine in this one...no sign of Lauren or Nan at all ;)

[N4H]

I watched it twice. It is very rewatchable Pointy. Moreso for me, because it's in a foreign language. I don't always get the "Celtic" on my first view. :)

I think the below were intentional media geek culture nods weren't they?

* I'm Spartacus. No, I'm Spartacus. (Actually here it's "I am Spartacus. And so am I) from Spartacus.

* "She's from Barcelona". That's Faulty Towers, isn't it?

* "Door mice, and ants in honey" from the HBO series Rome.

* Assigned positions to stabilize furniture when the house rocks a la Mary Poppins.

A couple of really bad puns slipped quickly by. "He's stone...Armless enough though, c'mon."

or

"Don't get yourselves in a lava, uh latha, uh no..."

I just thought of something not having to do with this episode. If Rose can cross the uncrossable from the parallel universe, shouldn't Romana be able to cross over from E-space?

Makes you wonder who the "She" is who's "returning". As BotD says Rose is the obvious choice. Lot's of other possibilities too. How about grand daughter Susan. There's been hints about the Doctor's family line.

Oh, and what's going to be on Donna's back.

[Vilandra]

Oh I thought the Barcelona reference was from David's 1st ep as the Doctor with Rose? But I loved when he goes "Earth's 70% water, you do realize" or whatever lol