Black Orchid

I don’t know why, faithful viewer, but it seems like the 1920s lend themselves wonderfully to murder mysteries. Maybe it’s the prevailing influence of writers like Agatha Christie, or maybe there’s just something in the water, but a story about the Roarin’ Twenties doesn’t quite seem complete without a really spiffing murder mystery. And what do you know? We’ve got one right here on Doctor Who! Let’s take a look at it, shall we?

Photo credit, davison-era.livejournal.com

A case of mistaken identity leads the Doctor and his companions to being invited to a cricket match at Cranleigh Hall. A young lady named Ann Talbot–engaged to marry the heir to the estate–looks exactly like Nyssa, which she considers to be great fun. A mysterious person, whom a South American native tries unsuccessfully to guard, keeps killing people, and the Doctor gets blamed for it. The Doctor has to clear his name, save other innocent people from being murdered, and find out who the murderer really is. And what is the connection between the murders and the rare black orchid that the Cranleighs keep on proud display?

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This is a very special serial, faithful viewer, because it is the first straight historical story we’ve had–with no space stuff and no aliens except for the main characters–since “The Highlanders” in 1966. Well, technically “The Enemy of the World” in ’67 didn’t have many aliens, but it took place in the future, so I don’t reckon it counts. And as our first historical in 16 years…I’d say this one is pretty decent. The script is a little lame–not much wit among the fluffy twenties-isms–but the plot was fab. And besides, I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for the whole 20s aesthetic (not to be conflated with my fondness for men in kilts that was indulged in our last historical serial). It’s amazing how many sins can be forgiven in a TV show when the delivery looks good.

Photo credit, tansyrr.com

I’m told that’s how Primeval lasted that long.

We had some good characters this time ’round as well. Sir Robert Muir, a guest of the Cranleighs and a man of considerable political authority, is surprisingly adorable for a politician, and the only man (so far) to whom Tegan didn’t give a hard time.

Photo credit, wilybadger.wordpress.com

Lady Cranleigh, on the other hand, is absolutely, deliciously awful. She didn’t vouch for the Doctor when his innocence was called into question–even though she knew full well he didn’t kill anybody–and that earns her a major black mark in my book.

Photo credit, wilybadger.wordpress.com

And lastly, we have George Cranleigh, eldest son and former heir to the Cranleigh estate. Having sustained severe injuries while exploring the Amazon jungle, he seemed to have completely lost his wits and was one of the leading factors in the reason why so many people were killed in this serial.

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Now…I can’t be the only person annoyed by that, faithful viewer. I know that we, as a society, tend to shy away from injury and ugliness, but it doesn’t seem proper that George’s injuries would turn him into an immoral monster, and I’m quite annoyed with this story for portraying him that way.

Photo credit, http://www.warpedfactor.com

Just because you don’t look like a “normal” human doesn’t mean that you have to be a monster.

Stay tuned ’til next time, faithful viewer, when the Doctor must battle an old enemy and say good-bye to a new friend…