Neverwhere (2013)

 

Not the awesomely inventive, mid-90s-BBC-budget miniseries, mind you.  Same story, different medium.  This is Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere in radio-play form.  (Side note:  I get the sense that Gaiman is forever chasing a perfect version of Neverwhere.  It’s also been published as a novel and a comic.)  I find that both incarnations are excellent in their own ways.  It’s like with Doctors – Two and Nine, for instance, are massively different but equally great.  Bet you didn’t think I could come up with an analogy that’s even nerdier than the thing I’m actually talking about, did you?

 

Split into six parts, this radio drama is actually half an hour longer than the original miniseries.  Each episode covers about the same ground as its television counterpart, but first episode is twice as long; apparently, set-up takes more time when you can’t see anything.  I was impressed with how well it comes off on radio.  There are a few clunky lines where one character needlessly describes what something looks like, but they manage to avoid it for the most part.

 

It’s interesting, the way your imagination fills in any visual gaps.  There’s some description, like I said, foley art is used well, and occasional sound effects on the voices give added hints, but really, that’s it.  Just a light framework for the world of London Below, and my mind fleshes out the rest.  (Amusingly enough, I envision the on-the-cheap sets and costumes of the miniseries.  Wonder if that’s what Gaiman had in mind!)  I’m not sure, though, if it’d be so easy for someone who hasn’t seen the TV version; I might have to find myself a guinea pig.

 

Since radio nicely minimizes the expense of creating an urban fantasy world, terrifying hallucinations, and a hulking beast, the whole production feels a lot sleeker than the original.  The big names don’t hurt, either.  James McAvoy and Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell on Game of Thrones, and a repeat visitor to Elementary) lend their voices to Richard and Door, and both are excellent.  McAvoy’s Richard is an overwhelmed but good-hearted everyman, and Dormer brings an otherworldly quality to Door, along with an inner strength.

 

I’m not terribly familiar with David Harewood, who plays the Marquis de Carabas, and he doesn’t make a huge impression on me.  In his defense, however, Paterson Joseph is just astounding in the miniseries and would be hard to match.  Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda, and she also played Liz Ten in series 5 of Doctor Who) is a fierce, dignified Hunter; her voice work here makes me wish I could see her performance onscreen.  Benedict Cumberbatch’s Islington couldn’t be more different from Peter Capaldi’s, and I think he tips his hand a bit early, but he’s very good as well.  No question that Islington isn’t of this world.  Anthony Stewart Head (Giles from Buffy, and he appeared in Who’s “School Reunion”) plays Mr. Croup with joyful menace.

 

And those are just the major players.  Also featured are Romola Garai (who starred in a miniseries of Emma a few years ago) and the great Christopher Lee.  For even more Whoniverse alumni, we have Bernard Cribbins (Donna Noble’s grandpa,) Lucy Cohu (Torchwood’s “Children of Earth” series,”) Yasmin Paige (Maria Jackson from The Sarah Jane Adventures,) and Paul Chequer (From Torchwood’s “Random Shoes.”)  Have I mentioned lately how much I love Britain?

Countdown to Christmas

With Christmas fast approaching, we’ll soon be getting our first substantial glimpse of the Twelfth Doctor (or Thirteenth, or Fourteenth, or whatever Moffat’s done to mess with the Whovians’ Doctor-numbering system.)  In anticipation of that glimpse, I’ll be taking a few days off from my Capaldi Winter reviews to post all manner of eager-Whovian scribblings.

First, let’s look over some of the PC roles I’ve reviewed so far and mine them for Doctory potential.  I think PC stands to be a fantastic Doctor, and the proof is in the filmography pudding.  Off we go!

 

Danny Oldsen, Local Hero

 

No place to start like the beginning.  Though PC was still developing his actor chops at this time, there’s a quirky zest to Danny that’s terribly watchable.  The Doctor is an ancient Time Lord, he’s frequently the smartest in the room, and he can stare down a Dalek with the best of them, but he can also be loveably, winningly awkward.  Eleven’s attempts to pass as human in “The Lodger” spring to mind, and Danny’s unique brand of oddity fits that aspect of the Doctor.

The British Ambassador, Rosie the Great

One of my favorite things about Doctor Who is its joy.  It delights in the universe’s infinite supply of beauty and adventure, and the Doctor frequently embodies that unbridled happiness.  Don’t get me wrong – the Doctor has more than his share of darkness, and we’ll be addressing that later, but the joy should never be discounted.  I think of Four’s delight at the wonderfully violent butler in “City of Death,” Eight dancing around in his borrowed shoes in the TV movie, and any instance of Nine uttering the word “fantastic.”

In other words, there’s a reason an actor’s smile is one of the things Whovians discuss whenever a new Doctor is announced.  That exuberance, that lust for life, is paramount.  From One’s knowing smirk to Eleven’s warm grin, we need a Doctor to deliver on the sense of fun.

The British Ambassador isn’t PC’s only happy role, but he’s the one that best embodies that side of the Doctor.  His buoyant optimism is irrepressible, no matter what happens to him.  He could easily fit in with Ten’s giddiness at the thought of being hunted by a werewolf.

Islingnton, Neverwhere

 

Islinton is an excellent show of two important Doctorish qualities:  age and alien-ness.  I don’t know if anyone can truly rival Matt Smith’s phenomenal portrayal of a 1,000+-year-old alien in a 20-something’s body, but PC’s performance in Neverwhere ably demonstrates his abilities.  When Islington remembers Atlantis, when he talks of how long he’s been on earth, you believe it entirely.  His are old eyes that have seen fathoms, when he looks at other characters, he makes them seem so new and young.

Of course, Islington is an angel rather than an alien.  Still, the fact remains that he’s not human, and PC never lets you forget it.  From the first shot of Islington, it’s clear that he’s otherworldly, and even in a strange, fantastical place like London Below, there’s no one out there like him.

Rory McHoan, The Crow Road

Doctor Who is a family show, and children have played a number of important roles in Moffat’s Who especially.  Eleven’s interactions with them, from Amelia to Kazran to Stormageddon, are important.  And beyond Eleven, Moffat’s episodes during the RTD reign include a gaggle of London street rats in series 1, young Reinette in series 2, and Cal in series 4.  For as long as Moffat is in charge of Who, kids will definitely be a fixture.

PC has worked well with children several times, but he’s at his best here.  Rory’s flashback conversation with young Prentice in the last episode is everything a Doctor-child dynamic should be.  Rory is both a protector and a playmate, and he discusses complicated matters without talking down to Prentice – perfect.


To be completed tomorrow – so much PC, so little time…

Neverwhere: Episode 6 - “As Above, So Below” (1996)

 

Okay, last episode of Neverwhere.  Obviously, there are spoilers lying all over the place, so today's post is going to be incredibly vague.  Just know that the not-so-subtle theme I’m going for is “watch Neverwhere.”

 

Really great episode.  Bang-up conclusion – the final scene made me want to clap.  I love Richard and Door, I love the Marquis, I love London Below.  All together, this miniseries made for a very satisfying three hours.  Yes, the film quality is a little grainy, and some of the effects are unmistakably low-budget, but these things just endear it to me further by reminding me of the first season of Buffy.  Good writing is good writing, no matter how it's packaged.

 

And of course, there's Islington.  I really can't tell you too much about it, but he has a lot of screentime in this one, and PC is fantastic.  You see an entire different side of Islington, but you can reconcile it with what you’ve seen of him before.

 

Last thoughts for Neverwhere.

 

Accent Watch

 

RP – we talked about that.

 

Recommend?

 

In General – Oh my, yes.  This was right up my alley.  So imaginative, so well-written, so creatively-designed.  Like I said yesterday, I’m interested in Neverwhere’s other formats as well (novel, radio play, etc.), and this is probably the kick I needed to finally start checking out Neil Gaiman’s other works.

 

PC-wise – I would.  PC shows a lot of range as Islington, and he's great on all levels.  I will say – if you're only in it for the PC of it all and aren't interested in the miniseries itself (though I can’t imagine why), episodes 4 and 6 are the ones with the most Islington.

 

Warnings

 

Nothing beyond what I've already reported.

Neverwhere: Episode 5 - “Down Street” (1996)

I really don't want to say too much about this episode.  So many good twists and developments that it'd be criminal to spoil.  I'll just say that the stakes are high, life and death are in the balance, and loyalties come into question.  It’s a good one, people.

 

I've figured out what the set design for London Below reminds me of:  the micmacs' junkyard hideout from Jeunet's Micmacs.  Everything's cobbled out of found objects, trinkets, and trash, but it somehow looks so magical.  I love that.

 

Another brief appearance by Islington – just a tantalizer – but it's a good one, I'd say.

 

Oh, and it's come to my attention that BBC Radio recently produced an audio dramatization of Neverwhere, featuring the likes of James McAvoy, Christopher Lee, Natalie Dormer, Sophie Okonedo, and Anthony Stewart Head.  And the role of Islington?  Played by Benedict Cumberbatch!  I can't picture that, having seen PC's performance.  Just given what Cumberbatch's voice sounds like, it must be so different.

 

Anyway, what is up with Britain?  That cast is just ridiculous in the sheer amount of awesome crammed into one radio play.  Guess what I'm tracking down later?

 

Plus, Gaiman adapted Neverwhere into a novel, and it’s been done in comic-book form as well.  Goodness gracious – I knew going into Capaldi Fall that I’d have a long viewing list, but no one said anything about a listening/reading list!  I guess I figured out how I’m going to while away the long Who-less months between Christmas and whenever series 8 starts.

Neverwhere: Episode 4 - “Blackfriars” (1996)

Another great episode.  I love the way this story takes ordinary elements of London – underground stations, pigeons, homeless people on the street – and weaves them into legends.  “Blackfriars” also has a fantastic bit about the city's lingering history.  “There's a lot of time in London, and it has to go somewhere.”  What a line!

You may notice that I'm getting stingier with the details.  A necessity, I'm afraid.  I may wind up needing to be cautious describing any multi-episode appearances by PC, but especially with a miniseries like this, a self-contained story that's plainly building to a dramatic finish.  I'll do what I can to keep spoilers at a minimum.

But if you're reading my accounts of Capaldi Fall, you want to know about PC, and you might be getting antsy after the last two meager offerings.  Well, “Blackfriars” gives you a nice long look at Islington to make up for the glimpses of earlier episodes.

First impressions show him to be an angel in a gentle, unassuming way.  Richard, a skeptic about all things London Below but especially about Islington, quizzes him on his angel cred.  Islington, however, doesn't rise to it.  He is merely an angel, and Richard's cynicism doesn't concern him.  After Door's efforts to find him, Islington quietly points her in the next direction on her quest.

PC is pretty excellent here.  It's such a soft performance, but it carries a lot of weight.  There's an undercurrent of weary pain running through Islington's scenes, whether he's comforting Door on the loss of her family or remembering the city that had been in his care before London Below.  You can feel the years he’s live, the things he’s seen.  If anyone has doubts about PC's ability to carry off the 1000+-year-old aspect of the Doctor, send them here.

Accent Watch

No emendations needed, I'm pleased to report.  Definitely RP, probably the best I've heard from PC so far. 

Warnings

In addition to the previous warnings for Neverwhere, “Blackfriars” includes some implied torture.

Neverwhere: Episode 3 - “Earl's Court to Islington” (1996)

(For multi-episode runs like this, I'll throw a different picture up for each entry. Don't want anyone getting too bored!)

Before I begin, let me apologize for the late post today.  I've been locked in a battle of wills with my internet connection, and it was proving infuriatingly tenacious.  With that out of the way, I return you to your regularly scheduled Capaldi Fall.

Well, another episode, another glimpse – I kid you not. As you might have guessed from the title, this episode's main plot sees Door journeying across London Below to find Islington. The buildup is excellent; even if I wasn't a fan of the actor playing him, I'd be mad curious about him by now. As it is, I can't wait to see what he's about and how he can help Door and Richard.

And really, it's hard to complain, despite the scant use of PC. I'm really digging Neverwhere. I like the way it casts a mythic light on London locales. I've caught a few references – Earl's Court, Old Bailey – but ignorant American that I am, I'm sure there are plenty more that I didn't catch. Also, the set/costume design is really something; Islington's hangout, for example, is gorgeous.

Not to mention, there are some fantastic characters and cracking dialogue. Richard and Door both make likable leads, and the Marquis de Carabas, a slippery associate of Door's, is clearly something special. On the antagonistic side, the brothers Croup and Vandemar are a macabre hoot. 

All of the above just makes me even more excited to see what PC gets to do in Gaiman's hands. Bring on episode 4!

Accent Watch

I reserve the right to amend this (he's only had a couple lines,) but it sounds like RP to me.

Warnings

Add some animal cruelty to the warnings for Neverwhere – Mr. Vandemar has a twisted idea of fun.

Neverwhere: Episode 2 - “Knightsbridge” (1996)

Neverwhere was one of the first PC projects I had my eye on, although I didn't have a chance to get to it right away. The show is an urban fantasy penned by Neil Gaiman, who is of course a genre-writing juggernaut in a number of arenas. However, I'll confess right off the bat that I only know Gaiman through his excellent contributions to Who: “The Doctor's Wife” and “Nightmare in Silver.”

Until now. Two episodes into his wonderfully odd Neverwhere, and I'm definitely hooked. (Note: PC's character isn't in the first episode, but he appears in the rest of the series. I opted to watch the whole thing, which is decidedly the way to go.) It's sly and imaginative and very British – I'm a big fan.

Neverwhere is part of the subsection of fantasy that begins with an ordinary man's world being turned on its head by a fantastical encounter. The ordinary man in this story is Richard Mayhew, a nice Scottish fellow living in London with a basic flat, a typical job, and a standard-issue fiancee. The fantastical encounter kicks off when he stumbles upon Door, an otherworldly young woman being pursued by the pair of strange, off-putting toughs who killed her family.

Through Door, Richard is introduced to London Below, which is exactly what the name suggests: a mirror city operating beneath the streets of London, one with its own customs, beliefs, and troubles. Unable to return home, Richard accompanies Door, who is desperate to find out who wants her dead.

You might notice that I have yet to mention PC. Well, his character, Islington, is introduced in “Knightsbridge,” but that doesn't exactly mean he introduces himself. You can tell by the buildup that he's an important character – Door is given a vital message to find the angel Islington, and other characters discuss him as a legend – but you don't get more than a glimpse of him here. Be patient, grasshoppers. Be patient.

Watching multiple episodes of the same series is going to mean a change-up to my usual end-of-review routine. I haven't seen enough of Islington to tell his accent, and it probably won't make sense to include a recommendation at the end of each episode. I think I'll just give first and final impressions, throwing in additional bits if it's especially relevant. So, if you don't see accent watches, recommendations, or warnings in some of the coming days, assume the previous ones for the series carry over.

Recommend?

In General – Off the bat, yes. It's a bit like a dark, inventive cross between Miyazaki (maybe Spirited Away) and Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Delicatessen and The City of Lost Children.) I can't wait to see where it's going.

Warnings

Violence, general scariness, and brief swearing.