In the midst of David Tennant’s era as the Doctor, Doctor Who expanded into animation with The Infinite Quest, a serialized adventure that aired in segments during the 2007 children’s show Totally Doctor Who, before being broadcast in its entirety on June 30, 2007. Written by Alan Barnes and directed by Gary Russell, this animated tale paired the Tenth Doctor and Martha Jones on a cosmic treasure hunt across the stars. With its unique format, distinct visual style, and a storyline that embraces the full scope of space-faring adventure, The Infinite Quest presents an interesting curiosity within Doctor Who’s modern era. But rewatching in 2025, does it hold up as a worthwhile addition to the Tenth Doctor’s tenure?
The story kicks off in a recognizably Tennant-era fashion, with the Doctor and Martha arriving on the planet Bouken in the 40th century, where they quickly become entangled with the sinister space pirate Baltazar (voiced by Anthony Head). Baltazar seeks the fabled Infinite, a legendary lost spaceship rumored to grant its finder ultimate power and the ability to rewrite reality itself. The Doctor, naturally, can’t allow such power to fall into the wrong hands, and so begins a whirlwind journey across the cosmos, collecting data chips that will lead to the Infinite’s location.
What sets The Infinite Quest apart from traditional Doctor Who episodes is its animated format. The animation itself, produced by Firestep, takes on a stylized, almost comic book-inspired aesthetic. While this allows for grander, more visually ambitious set pieces than live-action might permit, it also comes with some drawbacks. The movement of characters can feel somewhat stiff, and facial expressions lack the nuance found in traditional animation. That said, the design work is imaginative, and the vibrant alien worlds help give the story a larger-than-life feel.
Tennant and Freema Agyeman return to voice their respective roles, and their performances remain as engaging as ever. Tennant’s energy translates well into voice acting, carrying the same manic enthusiasm and depth that defines his Doctor in live-action. Agyeman’s Martha, still relatively new to traveling with the Doctor, brings a great mix of wit and intelligence, reinforcing her role as more than just a sidekick. Their dynamic remains a highlight, with Martha’s skepticism and quick thinking balancing the Doctor’s relentless excitement.
Baltazar, as the central antagonist, is played with relish by Anthony Head, marking his second appearance in Doctor Who after portraying Mr. Finch in School Reunion. While Baltazar lacks the same menacing presence as Finch, Head’s voice work injects him with enough theatricality to make him an enjoyable, if somewhat one-dimensional, villain. His pet robot, Caw (voiced by Toby Longworth), provides comic relief but doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression.
Structurally, The Infinite Quest feels more episodic than a standard Doctor Who adventure due to its original segmented broadcast. Each new location introduces a fresh challenge, from a prison asteroid to a swampland filled with mechanical dragons, keeping the momentum brisk. This format lends itself well to a fast-paced, planet-hopping quest, though it sometimes lacks the deeper character moments that a traditional two-part episode might provide.
The climax, revealing the true nature of the Infinite, adds an intriguing philosophical layer to the adventure. Rather than an all-powerful ship, the Infinite is revealed to be a vessel that manifests the deepest desires of those who enter. This revelation plays into one of Doctor Who’s most enduring themes—the danger of unchecked power and the importance of self-acceptance. The Doctor, naturally, resists its temptation, while Baltazar is undone by his own ambitions, making for a fitting, if somewhat predictable, resolution.
Rewatching The Infinite Quest in 2025, it remains an enjoyable diversion, if not an essential part of the Tenth Doctor’s tenure. The animation, while serviceable, feels dated compared to more modern efforts, and the segmented structure occasionally undercuts the story’s flow. However, the voice performances, creative set pieces, and sense of adventure keep it engaging. While it may not hold the weight of a full television episode, it serves as a fun side story, particularly for fans of Tennant and Agyeman’s dynamic.
For those who enjoy seeing Doctor Who experiment with different formats, The Infinite Quest is a fascinating footnote in the show’s history—a reminder of how the series continues to evolve and explore new storytelling possibilities.
No comments:
Post a Comment