Class finale Review

So, the eight-episode, science-fiction, and Doctor Who spinoff series has ended... To be honest, I expected more than eight episodes, but considering that they were all so brilliant, well-written and performed, I'll forgive the shows creator; Patrick Ness.
At first, when I heard that there was going to be a shiny and new Doctor Who spinoff, I instantly thought that it was going to be exactly like The Sarah Jane Adventures: A few alien invasions with a group of kids and one adult saving the world... But, boy was I wrong. I have been obsessed with this new series, since I viewed the first episode!
It has violence, gore, aliens, friendship, love and sacrifice. The perfect recipe for a science-fiction series. A perfect mix of The Sarah Jane Adventures and fellow Doctor Who spinoff, Torchwood. Patrick Ness really is a true credit to the genre. So I suggest you brace yourself and take a nauseating yet brilliant metaphysical ride through time and space...And give season 1 of Class a go! Available on BBC iplayer. Because if you haven't, this review will seriously blow your mind!

The finale of Class, titled 'The Lost,' is one of my favourite episodes to date. The episode is kickass, bloody, heart-wrenching and explosive! The acting from all six of the main characters was superb, and the cinematography was incredible. Of course, the closing scenes were my favourite; especially April's sacrifice, Miss Quill and Tanya's battle scene, and Charlie's jaw-dropping heroism. The ending soundtrack, (composed by Blair Mowat) when Charlie used the Cabinet of Souls to destroy the home planet of the Shadow-kin was both powerful and fierce - it really got my heart beating and the adrenaline pumping.

But most of all, I adored Miss Quill!
Katherine Kelly played her brilliantly. I've loved the actress since her appearance in ITV's supernatruel drama, 'HIM' and BBC fave, 'Happy Valley.'
I think Miss Quill is a charming edition to the Whoniverse and the army of strong and feisty women that it's created; including River Song and Sarah Jane.
Quill's pure sass and sarcasm throughout the show was defensive and aggressive, yet her surprising pregnancy by Ballon, somehow softened her character in the finale. Her shocking empathy for Tanya, only made the connection between the two differing characters more evident. The moment where Tanya saved Quill's life was both touching and heart-warming.
The character development was strong - from the kids ignoring Miss Quill's 'world-saving bus smash' in episode 3 (Nightvisiting), to the willingness to protect each other's lives in the finale. The fact that Quill aimed to save Charlie's life after he used the cabinet as a weapon, shows that she really does care for the young Prince. Even in the opening scenes when Charlie sat at Quill's bedside during her six-days of unconsciousness was sweet and when he told boyfriend Matteusz that he had, "...poured water down her throat," it really emphasises the strong bond that the two aliens possess.
Although the strong feelings to save each other could be down to the fact that they are the only two of their kind, deep down, I sense feelings of care towards each other - just like the Doctor had for the Master when they were the two remaining Timelords. It's both the fear of being alone (another reason why Quill sympathises with Tanya after the horrific death of her Mother and the attempted murder of her two brothers), and the past history that they share, that keeps Quill and the Prince coming back to each other. (Note that even with her newfound freewill, Quill still returned to her "Own personal hell"  that is Coal Hill school, even with freedom beckoning).

And Matteusz is just the sweetest human being of them all. He is like the young version of the Doctor ; a true pacifist. He continually tells Charlie to avoid using the Cabinet of Souls as a weapon and urges him to stop; "You don't have to do this!" He cried, "Charlie! Enough. You've stopped them!" He would really do anything to stop the alien boy he loves from becoming the thing he never wanted to become. A murderer, a monster, someone to be afraid of...

And then there's Tanya.

She may be the youngest character but she should be considered the strongest of them all. She's lost a dear Dad and now the finale has thrown her into the most deep, darkest and twisted pool of emotions. The Shadow-kin have brutally murdered her Mother in front of her eyes, and attempted to murder her two brothers. Unlike Ram, who has been through an equal amount of grief and pain, Tanya does not simply back-down or break-down. She persuaded Quill to teach her how to fight (although briefly), and in the finale she becomes a true warrior. She battles against the Shadow-kin, saves Quill's life, and does all of this while carrying pain, grief, regret and fear upon her shoulders.
Quill's advice; "So take what you've been given. Take it. And give it back to those who hurt you," is really powerful and motivational. It gives Tanya the strength she needs to steel herself, grab life by the balls, and battle against the one creature that took it all away from her.

Therefore, although Charlie, Ram and April are all loved characters and perhaps considered the 'core 3,' for going through the most shit, I really feel that Quill, Matteusz, and Tanya don't get enough credit for putting their lives on the line for others (though sometimes metaphorically). They are not put on the sidelines to be underestimated - but maybe, just maybe...They are the most important. They represent the qualities of strength, forgiveness and bravery - everything that humankind should be and they really shine in the finale...

So excuse me, while I go and rewatch the whole of season 1...
Oh, and here to season 2! *clinks glasses* (Because there's no doubt that there won't be one!)