Doctor Who (TV Series) The Shakespeare Code (2007) User Reviews

Witchcraft and Shakespeare, yep it really does work!!!

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 15 August 2015]

Martha impressed in the hit and miss opener Smith and Jones, now she gets her first outing in the TARDIS, and it's back to London in 1599 for a visit to the Globe Theatre.

The first thing to point out is the stunning imagining of London back in 1599, it looks truly impressive, Smith and Jones special effects were really dodgy, but the Shakespeare Code looks as good as any blockbuster film, great production values.

A truly scary start, with the young musician entering the Witches lair, pretty nasty for the young children. The plot is a clever one, wonderfully imaginative, Lilith and her mothers are great, I love the story of Love's Labours lost and Love's Labours won. The finale is truly a goody, the Globe setting and play are gorgeously realised. I love how the audience applaud at the end.

There's quite a good looking cast, we have the very beautiful Christina Cole and the very hunky Dean Lennox Kelly. This episode is very good on the eyes for lots of reasons.

Here we go again with the companion falling in love with the Doctor, and there are more mentions of Rose :-(

Overall The Shakespeare code is a brilliant episode, the Carrionites are a great creation, it looks stunning. 9/10

Was Queen Bes a Zygon??

A visually stunning episode of the series

[DVD_Connoisseur · 8/10 · 7 April 2007]

"The Shakespeare Code" marks the lovely Martha Jones' first trip in the TARDIS. Rather than a trip to a space station or a faraway planet, the Doctor and his companion go back to Shakesperean England where they meet the bard himself. Dean Lennox Kelly plays Shakespeare like a Tudor rock star, including high-kicks and Noel Gallagher-like comments to the audience. Kelly's performance is excellent and his Shakespeare is a very likable fellow.

The beautiful Christina ("Hex") Cole plays the youngest of three "witches" who set out to destroy earth. Cole is always watchable and she does a great job here. The pre-titles intro will have many older male viewers grinning at the suggestion of naughty goings-on with Ms. Cole. Meanwhile, kids will run for cover behind their nearest settee as the considerable "fright factor" is introduced.

This episode is truly impressive in the visual effects department. Filmed partly in the re-built Globe theatre and on location, there's a real sense of scale. Everything is lit beautifully and the effects are gorgeous to look at. The CGI-produced Carrionites are a great design, reminding me a little of the terrifying Reapers from Eccleston's "Father's Day".

The script is superb and will have schoolchildren throughout the land rummaging through Shakespeare plays for a reference to a Sycorax. Here's a clue...they should start with "The Tempest". Thankfully, the episode doesn't try sticking to continuity with previous stories where the Doctor's meetings with Shakespeare have been mentioned. This would have simply made things messy and unnecessarily confusing.

Despite its strengths, there are one or two areas where the episode didn't gel as well as it could have done. Perhaps I'm being unsympathetic but I'm growing a little tired of the Doctor's references to Rose. Hopefully, these will soon become a thing of the past. Also, Tennant can be just a tad annoying at times. Having said this, he's a great Doctor and every incarnation of the Time Lord has had the ability to be a little annoying in certain situations.

Overall, an enjoyable episode and a strong 8 out of 10. This is big-budget television and proper family entertainment.

A Tempestuous Tetradecagal...

[Xstal · 7/10 · 5 December 2021]

The first away day with the Doctor for Martha and it is off to 1599 and a rather affectionate William Shakespeare, as well as some nasally challenged witches whose...

Double, double toil and trouble, fire burn and caldron bubble, if they manage to cut just the slightest of stubble, your lights will fade, and your spirit will crumble.

All facilitated by the Carrionites who wish to bring forth their sisters and consume the world in darkness and all the other stuff witchlike creatures like to do. However, there a no cats or toads or frogs or tongues of dogs, so not true Shakespearean necromancers.

The best Dr. Who episode I have seen in the revived series so far

[dkbhanu · 10/10 · 4 August 2014]

This episode is just amazing. Every character has been cast perfectly and acted beautifully. Reactions of Doctor and Shakespeare are priceless in their exchanges. The best of the lot is Doctor's reaction at learning about the origin of the Sonnet 18. Had to watch the episode many times, enjoyed and laughed out loud every time. Dean Lennox Kelly totally nailed portrayal of the Bard, at least in the comic sense it is supposed to be, and Christina Cole has to be the most beautiful witch ever. I got into Doctor Who for the futuristic storyline, but the episodes I loved most were when Doctor goes to past and meets historical figures - The Unquiet Dead and Tooth and Claw to name a couple. Still going through only third series, so a better episode might yet to come.

And....off to the Globe!!

[one_letter · 8/10 · 10 April 2007]

Very much like 2006's 'Tooth and Claw' this episode shows the alien origins of folklore and legend...not werewolves this time but the witches. Authentic sets and brilliant guest stars make this a great episode for the new series. Set in Elizabethan England we meet a rather handsome William Shakesphere at the Globe Theatre....but this next play to be performed is not by his own hand, but of the witches who have controlled him for years in a form of voodoo. Of course the TARDIS just happens to arrive in the thick of it all and soon The Doctor and Martha are trying to save the future of existence as the witches try and free the rest of their large and powerful family. Martha's character continues strongly from Episode 1 and although somewhat bewildered by it all,she handles it beautifully. A pleasing factor was that the writers did not ignore Agyeman's skin tone and fitted it in perfectly.....'its political correctness gone mad' The Doctor notes. Being a Harry Potter fan I quite liked the Book 7 reference at the start but felt the ending to be a bit over the top. There are only so many times the word 'EXPELIARMUS!!' can save the world.

A step above last weeks episode but I have to say, next weeks 'Gridlock' does not really appeal to me at all. An enormous traffic jam in the futuristic 'New Earth' does not seem all that pleasant but I am definitely looking forward to the return of The Face of Boe.

all a Bard for Marthas first TARDIS trip

[movieman_kev · 7/10 · 8 May 2008]

The Doctor takes Martha on her promised 'one trip' in the TARDIS. They travel back to 1599 to take in a play by William Shakespeare only to be embroiled in a fiendish plot of three members of the witch-like Carrionites alien race that wish to unleash a portal through dialog from Shakespeare's newest play 'Love Labor's Won' thus allowing the rest of their kind to bust through. Willian also seems to take a romantic interest in Martha.

I didn't quite take to this episode as much as I took to the previous 'Smith and Jones' for some reason. Don't get me wrong, it was still entertaining and I enjoyed it overall, but the whole scenario just didn't seem as dire as the aforementioned episode & this week's alien race wasn't nearly as intriguing. Lucky some great characterization is in store with this episode.

My Grade: B

a great episode!!!

[rainbow_letloose · 8/10 · 17 May 2007]

The Shakespeare code is a great episode for the third series! it shows Martha's first trip in the Tardis.they go back to 1599 to find Shakespeare being possessed by witches to try and open some kind of portal by using one of his plays that he's just written. This episode is good , it had some goofs like when they were relating to 'back to the future' , but they also had some bits where it also had some seriousness like when the doctor was wondering if rose could figure out the mystery if she was with him.(also when the witch crept up on the doctor in the prison cell it kinda made me jump!!! David Tennant you rock as the doc!!!!!!!

Flawed Plotting Embellished By Superb Production Values

[Theo Robertson · 7/10 · 20 July 2008]

I was rather looking forward to this episode since it heralded the debut script of long time fan writer Gareth Roberts who had been contributing to comic strips and fan novels throughout the 1990s . Mr Roberts stories tend to be both inventive and whimsical , perhaps the best qualifications to write for Nu-Who rather than Russell T Davies who's best suited to writing soap operas

The pre title segment is impressive and mirrors something from Romeo And Juliet except Juliet never turned in to a witch ! Good opening hook but unfortunately as th story progresses I found myself questioning how much Roberts knows about either DOCTOR WHO or William Shakespeare ! Someone drowns in a busy London street and the Doctor confesses he's never seen anything like that before when in fact he has . 1971 in episode one of The Mind Of Evil to be precise . Okay that be somewhat churlish to mention because one of the flaws is the overloading of past elements from the show most especially at the season finales , so with with hindsight let's not get too pedantic . However was William Shakespeare so well regarded in 1599 ? I was under the impression people would bring live stock in to theatres in those days , while throwing rotten vegetables at the cast wasn't unknown either so the amount of reverence shown to the bard some how doesn't ring true . I also sincerely doubt the character of Shakespeare as a cross between Tom Jones and Christopher Hitchens has much basis in reality either . Also notice how ignorant Martha is of Will ( She knows he has a wife but didn't know his son had died of plague ) when the script demands it . Without doubt the worst point of the script is the idea of an alien race using the Globe Theatre as a massive energy converter to destroy the world

That said there's very little to complain about production wise . Classic DOCTOR WHO was perceived as being a cheap and cheerful children's' show with crap FX but here we see something that resembles the richest BBC production or even a Hollywood blockbuster and much of this is down to director Charles Palmer who must have gone out of his way to make the set and costume designers earn their money . He also makes the best of the story's startle moments and one wonders why - like Joe Ahearne - Hollywood hasn't come calling at his door ?

The Shakespeare Code isn't a story that will be remembered as a classic but it is very enjoyable . I did watch it with my mother and never felt embarrassed doing so

Love's Labours Won

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 9/10 · 24 January 2019]

This story features the Doctor taking new friend Martha to 1599 where they visit the Globe theatre and meet William Shakespeare. The Doctor realises something strange is going on and it turns out there appear to be witches carrying out evil witchcraft involving the Globe and Shakespeare's forthcoming play Love's Labours Won which the Doctor knows was a lost play. The witches are actually alien Carrionites and the Doctor must stop their plans.

This story is extremely fun with sufficient scary, dark elements balancing the witty humour and entertaining adventure. William Shakespeare is very well acted and integrated into the story and the plot itself is strong. Freema Agyeman is excellent as new companion Martha who establishes a good character with vulnerabilities but also strength and intelligence. The script is funny, the period setting and costumes are brilliantly done and the thrills work really well.

Overall an excellent 9/10 episode.

As You Like It.

[southdavid · 7/10 · 4 February 2021]

Martha's first real adventure takes the Tardis back to Elizabethan London, for a fun and expensive looking episode that's chock full of in-jokes.

The Doctor (David Tennant) takes Martha (Freema Agyeman) to the Globe theatre for a performance of Shakespeare's Love's Labours Lost. They are surprised when the man himself (Dean Lennox Kelly) appears on stage and announces that tomorrow night, they will put on the sequel, the now missing Love's Labours Won. Further investigations reveal that three 'witches' are influencing the writer and trying to bring a conquering army to our realm.

In an interesting parallel to his time with Rose, The Doctor again takes his companion on her first trip into history back to meet a famous author, indeed, there is lots of talk about Rose, particularly some blunt scenes when an oblivious Doctor tells Martha that Rose would have spotted the problem straight away. Gareth Roberts would become a regular writer for the show throughout the Davies and Moffatt era's and you can see why, based on a well written episode that ties in some real life historical situations, with some clever dialogue using lots of literary quotes and playing in the Doctors continuing grief over the loss of Rose and not quite being able to see Martha as anything other than a temporary replacement.

The visual effects for the witches was really well done, and there's some nice "Evil Dead" like movements in their reveals at the beginning, there's quite a large dressed set for the episode which is decent too, as well as interiors for Bedlam and some shooting inside the actual recreated Globe theatre in Southwark. The CGI work, with the witches flying and the cataclysmic portal over the Globe are nicely done too.

Overall it was a solid, amusing addition, even if the villains are a little underwhelming.

I name thee, Fantastic!

[Greyrat17 · 9/10 · 5 October 2021]

Doctor who never ceases to amaze me. A very underrated Doctor Who episode having brilliant and charismatic dialogue with lots of clever humour and wordplay.

Did I mention there's Shakespeare and witchcraft?

Shakespearean camp, but also kinda fun

[dkiliane · 7/10 · 18 February 2019]

I'm a little torn with this one; on the one hand I enjoy the historical aspect of this episode. On the other hand, it is just so campy (sigh-I know, a frequent complaint of mine).

Delving into some Shakespearean history was quite fun and the whole words have power aspect was intriguing, but unfortunately not very well executed. The aliens being perceived as witchcraft makes sense on some level but it was just too campy to take their supposed technology seriously. Also, a little over the top with flattering Shakespeare. Seriously, he's not the only good writer, or genius, to exist (I also personally think his works are a little over-rated but that's just me).

The dismissal of Martha's race as a possible issue in favor of the Doctor's enthusiasm for Shakespeare here borders on obnoxiousness toward the end but the way he deals with the "witches" is entertaining. Overall a mostly fun little adventure but could have been so much more. 7/10

Better, but still...

[drwordsmith · 5/10 · 15 April 2007]

This is the second (technically third) episode of Doctor Who Series 3, and by now the series should really be getting into the swing of things, but this episode still lacked certain elements that made the last series so successful. Normally, the 'back in time' episodes with a famous person in (Series 1's 'The Unquiet Dead' with Charles Dickens and Series 2's 'Tooth and Claw' with Queen Victoria' rank among the best episodes of the series, but this is a disappointment compared to them. It was action-packed, thats for sure and it featured a fairly clever recreation of Elizabethan England. However, on the whole, the episode was rather silly and just, not anything really. It was a slight improvement over the terribly rushed 'Smith and Jones', but the series still has a long way to go if it wants to top the amazing series 2.

the shakesphere code

[leighann_baxter · 8 April 2007]

hey, i thought the episode was really good. funny. upbeat and generally very well acted. the witches were very well costumed. visual effect were very well done. we can still see that the doctor is still in love with rose as he still thinks about her and her name keeps him going. shake-sphere is played by dean Lennox Kelly Also known as Kev from shameless. very very good indeed. David Tennant still puts a lot of energy into the work and plays hes character brilliantly . Freema is doing very well as a person shes settled in extremely well and has been welcomed into the family of doctor who!

Excellent

[lord_of_the_daleks · 9/10 · 7 April 2007]

I thought this episode was very very good, as I enjoy reading some of Shakespeare. The whole episode was funny and put a light humour on some of Shakespeare's works. The references to Rose are really heart warming and heartbreaking at the same time, because you can see how she affected The Doctor that no other companion has, and how special she was.

I hope all the next episodes of Doctor Who are as fantastic, but im sure they will be with the wonderful cast and crew involved.

I am looking forward to the Daleks coming back, as they are my favourite Doctor Who villain and make The Doctor act like he never does with 'normal' aliens because he has an emotional bond with them almost, and will be interesting to see how he reacts to them as they played a big role in him loosing Rose.

DR WHO keeps getting better

[little_woman86 · 8/10 · 9 April 2007]

Martha Jone's first trip in the tardis and what better place to be, then with the man of many words himself (of course I am referring to Shakespeare) How many Shakespeare puns they managed to entwine with in the episode I can not be certain, but I reckon a fair few. Fun packed full of excellent acting from all areas and Shakespeare was a spot on for the character. Another one of Russell's bests and I am very keen to see what DR WHO has yet to offer, keep up the fabulous entertainment. The witches were actually alarmingly frightful and for the first time I was actually hiding behind a pillow, although the threesome pulled off a grand job, and yet again I have few complaints. David Tennant never ceases to amaze me and Martha Jones is beginning to fit in quite nicely and I am starting to get used to the whole DR WHO without Rose tyler, although she will never be forgotten.

Expelliarmus!

[wetmars · 7/10 · 11 August 2020]

This episode wasn't bad, it was quite entertaining.

The Shakespeare Code

[studioAT · 8/10 · 10 August 2021]

Another fun and entertaining epsidoe of the show, from a time when you didn't need a PHD to understand the plots.

The character of Martha is growing on me, and it's nice to see that The Doctor hasn't just instantly gotten over Rose. The 'Martha loves The Doctor' plot is a bit far-fetched though. Surely every human woman can't instantly fall in love with him?!

Good fun.

Shakespeare saves the day....

[stevenjlowe82 · 6/10 · 14 November 2023]

After a strong opening episode I feel this episode overall isn't nearly as strong although it does have some good things going for it.

Primarily the acting which was pretty good across the board. Dean Lennox Kelly was dashing and charming in a more rugged take on the character. Also Christina Cole was superbly malevolent in her role. I have to admit the makeup and performances of the other 2 witches is what detracts from this episode and why my rating is what it is.

Also the story itself felt very meh with near extinct beings trying to resurrect themselves, it's been done better in previous episodes. The big finale with Shakespeare saving the day also didn't land for me. The Doc's speech to him just felt a little corny to me.

Overall not the strongest outing for me, it was all a little campy but not in the good way for me.

tis full of wit(ches)

[ahodge-87826 · 9/10 · 15 January 2016]

Tis full of wit(ches). Pun intended. I especially enjoyed the dialogue which was full of quirky puns, and the fact that the doctor and Martha Jones help mold Shakespeare's future works and quotes. To some that may appear a bit cheesy, but any Doctor Who fan truly enjoys that aspect of the show. I love the episodes that combine elements of true history,or that explain human superstition to be that of extra terrestrial influences. Near the beginning of the episode, Martha Jones states that Shakespeare does not look like he does in portraits that display him in the twenty first century, and to an extent the final minutes of the episode change that appearance.

Unexpected but good

[warlordartos · 7/10 · 11 March 2021]

I enjoyed this episode more than I remember doing first time around. they made it scary enough but not too much for the kids. The jokes were actually quite good and not childish while also not being to adult for the kids to not understand (like being drunk when he wrote this). It's good to see the doctor still coming to terms with the loss of Rose because if he had to fall for someone then it has to stay at that 1 person, or it will ruin the series. I also very much enjoyed watching the Doctor and Martha running from Queen Elizabeth because of their "past"

A tremendous piece of Television

[rohanumpleby-34057 · 8/10 · 23 May 2023]

I love this episode, whichcraft and wizardry along side Shakespeare works really well. The set designs were really good here, and the setting gave an eerie vibe to this story. Shakespeare play in a theater full of whiches around is bonkers and crazy, but it works so well. It works so well because of good performances by everyone. Who had chemistry and charisma. Shakespeare was certainly charismatic and gave me a few chuckles!. This episode is one of my favourites from Siries 3 because the characters and the story is all great. David Tennant puts on a show, as per usual, great actor.

Music,

The Music inside this story was uplifting and the best in Siries 3's run. It was so powerful, so meaningful and I think that's what makes it good.

The Directing is some of the best in this siries too. More long shots this time, and closer shots is a breath of fresh air.

Conclusion,

I personally love this episode, can't fault it really!

Rather Meta.

[W011y4m5 · 7/10 · 4 April 2020]

Gareth Roberts' "The Shakespeare Code" is an episode I originally disliked upon first watching as a kid when it aired & yet as I've grown in to an adult, I've also equally grown to really admire it over time.

The installment boasts a brilliant sense of humour - littered with topical jokes which equate to continuously self aware winks to the camera - ones I wouldn't have understood as a child; a probable contributing factor as to why I initially responded so badly to its release. Additionally, it has a lot of jokes which aren't considered politically correct anymore - but this seems like a deliberate creative choice considering he (the writer) later makes an accurate observational jab about the ever-changing terms which are considered acceptable & how new names / ways of referencing one another / words or phrases continue to modify & be invented throughout history as public perceptions shift & whilst time slowly progresses.

It's an acknowledgement of the unavoidable - embracing it rather than fighting against that inevitability & instead of attempting to remain current & ensure the relevancy of his script for decades to come, he alternatively (& rather boldly) revels in the finality of it - as (like "Love's Labours Won") those words will surely be gone forever some day - so we're encouraged to enjoy them while they last.

Hence, this works in the outing's favour because (as was preemptively predicted by the episode) watching it 13 years later, it has grown a little dated with the terminologies used - just as all works of literature do - but these works persist regardless, as great stories are timeless, irrespective of when they're told to an audience or read - which is the main point conveyed in the narrative - reaffirmed cleverly merely by its existence, in & of itself.

It's an ode to writers - past, present & future - (playing on lines by Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas, JK Rowling etc.) paying homage to their collective contributions whilst restyling & refashioning them for what was then (in 2007) a modern audience.

This culminates to form something potentially controversial in 2020 - but that doesn't detract from the power of the central themes - it actually ironically validates them.

Clichéd Crap

[zacpetch · 1/10 · 12 May 2015]

After the damp squib of series two and the subsequent Christmas special it looked like things were at an all time low for the show. But then series three kicked off with Smith & Jones which was a huge improvement. Until this happened.

The episode sees the Doctor take Martha for her first trip in the TARDIS on a trip to see Shakespeare live but things go wrong when evil witch show up hoping to use the power of words to release some more of their kind and take over the world (INSERT CLICHéD EVIL LAUGH HERE).

There's very little to like here, from its clichéd villains to the Doctor's ongoing mistreatment of Martha and the fact that it doesn't seem like Gareth Roberts's script has been researched... like at all. Love's Labours Won is not a missing play but is an alternate name for Much Ado About Nothing for example. Shakespeare did have Queen Liz 1 show up to his performances often, he was a favourite of hers in fact. I expect some creative licences to be taken but when your story is about witches in the Globe Theatre you're on thin ice and must tread carefully or suspension of disbelief goes out the window.

In conclusion this is among the worst episodes ever. It makes my bottom ten Dr Who episodes. 0/10

A Clever and Whimsical Time-Travel Romp

[hwiltshire-06889 · 8/10 · 4 April 2024]

The Shakespeare Code is a charming and witty Doctor Who romp, a love letter to Shakespeare infused with alien witchery and playful humor. It's more atmospheric than action-packed, but delivers enough timey-wimey fun to earn a solid 8 out of 10.

The episode's star attraction is its historical setting. The recreation of Elizabethan London feels vibrant and believable. Dean Lennox Kelly delivers a charismatic performance as the famous playwright, while the Tenth Doctor's unabashed fangirling is infectious.

The plot blends classic Doctor Who elements - shape-shifting witches, word-based magic - with a playful homage to Shakespeare's works. While it may lack the high stakes of some adventures, the joy lies in the clever dialogue and witty references. It's great fun for both casual fans and those with a deeper knowledge of the Bard.

Freema Ageyman's Martha gets a chance to shine, showing intelligence and independence beyond her initial infatuation with the Doctor. The Carrionite witches are genuinely creepy, adding a satisfying layer of menace.

The episode does falter a tad in its pacing and its reliance on convenient solutions when the Doctor unravels the witches' plan. Yet, these are minor hiccups in an otherwise entertaining and atmospheric adventure.

The Shakespeare Code isn't perfect, but it's a clever and enjoyable celebration of the Bard. It offers a lighthearted mystery, a historical atmosphere, and plenty of witty banter. For those looking for a fun mix of aliens and iambic pentameter, this is a delightful watch.