Doctor Who *spoilers*

[Deathstroke]

This just needs to be shared.
From Doctor Who and the Pirates, sung by Colin Baker.

I-iiiiiiiii--am the very model of a Gallifreyan Buccaneer.
I've information on all things a Gallifreyan holds most dear.
I've linked into the Matrix through its exitonic circuitry,
I understand dimensional and relative chronometry.
I'm very well acquainted too with matters of the Capitol,
I'll give you verse and chapter on Panopticonian protocol,
I've been into the Death Zone and I've played the Game of Rassilon--
(Rassilon? Assilon, Bassilon-- ah ha!)
With pestilential monsters that I got alot of hassle from!

[With pestilential monsters that he got alot of hassle from!
With pestilential monsters that he got alot of hassle from!!
With pestilential monsters that he got alot of hassle-assle from!!!]

I understand each language and I speak every vernacular.
I’ll conjugate each verb obscure, decline each line irregular.
In short in every matter that a Gallifreyan holds most dear,
I am the very model of a Gallifreyan Buccaneer.

[In short in every matter that a Gallifreyan holds most dear,
he is the very model of a Gallifreyan Buccaneer!]

I've tackled shady Castellans with devious behavior.
I've sparred with Time Lord chancellors like Thalia, Goth or Flavia.
In fact on some occasions I've held office Presidentally,
'though maybe I won't mention I was ousted out eventually.

I know just how it feels to be a wanted man and on the run,
but wouldn't leave the carefree buccaneering life for anyone.
Though sometimes my adventures seem absurdly operatical--
(Operatical? Hatical... patical-- ah ha!)
With ups and down and twists and turns and incidents fanatical.

[With ups and down and twists and turns and incidents fanatical!
With ups and down and twists and turns and incidents fanatical!!
With ups and down and twists and turns and incidents fanatical!!!]

I've sailed the seven seas of Earth and all the oceans of the Moon,
my trusty true Type-40 is my Gallifreyan picaroon.
But is this really what the average Galifreyan holds most dear?
I wonder what they think about this Gallifreyan Buccaneer.

[But is this really what the average Galifreyan holds most dear!
We wonder what they think about this Gallifreyan Buccaneer!]

But....
I've defeated evil robots such as Daleks, Quarks, and Cybermen.
I've overthrown dictators from Tobias Vaughn to Mavic Chen.
I've rescued helpless maidens from the devestating Viking hordes.
Vanquished Autons.... Axons... Daemons... Krotons.... Monoids, Vampires, Voords.
I've liberated planets and delivered them from total war.
Saved Earth, Manussa, Dulkis, Skonnos, Earth, Tigella, Earth once more.
In short I know I am the truest Rassilonian legate
(Legate? Decate...Hecate...Hecate?? Mm. Not sure if that's canonical. Ah ha, I have it!)
And so to Time Lords all I say remember me to Gallifrey!

[A sentiment we all agree, remember him to Gallifrey!
A sentiment we all agree, remember him to Gallifrey!!
A sentiment we all agree, remember him to Galli-gallifrey!!]

I'm not content to just observe, I am a bold adventurer.
Though other Time Lords mock this Gallifreyan interventioner.
I know in every matter that a Time Lord really should hold dear
I am the very model of a Gallifreyan Buccaneer.

[We know in every matter that a Time Lord really should hold dear,
He is the very model of a Gallifreyan Buccaneer!]

Yikes. Now that must be hard to do.

[Sanagi]

All that jargon and it still scans. Not bad.

I also recently saw a parody of the song using "psychopharmacologist" which was pretty good.

[The Mirrorball Man]

No, it wasn't, don't just go from what has been released so far on DVD. I've seen pretty much every story since the second year of Jon Pertwee and series 3 of the new series is good & it's the most consistant (partly due to the lack of the drawn out Rose soap opera) of the new series, but it does pale compared to some years of the ogiginal series. Especially the Philip Hinchcliffe years which were just wonderful.

I've seen all that too and I disagree with you, though the Hinchcliffe years were pretty good, especially if you like old Hammer films.

[king mob]

I've seen all that too and I disagree with you, though the Hinchcliffe years were pretty good, especially if you like old Hammer films.

They took their inspiration from the same bits of gothic literature that Hammer did, plus nicking from things like The Avengers & Quatermass (which Who has relentlessly used over it's years including the most recent series) & thrillers like The Manchurian Candidate.

Even the Key To Time series shows a consistancy (if one ignore the incredibly poor Power Of Kroll) the new series has yet to show. The problem with the new series is there isn't a strong script editor weeding out the trash (Evolution of the Daleks) & RTD hasn't got someone to point out his mistakes.

[The Mirrorball Man]

Even the Key To Time series shows a consistency (if one ignore the incredibly poor Power Of Kroll) the new series has yet to show. The problem with the new series is there isn't a strong script editor weeding out the trash (Evolution of the Daleks) & RTD hasn't got someone to point out his mistakes.

I've just seen the Key to Time again, the whole thing, from beginning to end, and in my opinion there isn't a single thing in there that can compare to the latest season. Even Tom Baker is awful most of the time. It's still entertaining but most of it is slightly embarrassing. There were much, much better things before and after that.

Bear in mind that I'm not nostalgic at all so there probably are things in there that you find charming and that I just perceive very differently.

[king mob]

I've just seen the Key to Time again, the whole thing, from beginning to end, and in my opinion there isn't a single thing in there that can compare to the latest season. Even Tom Baker is awful most of the time. It's still entertaining but most of it is slightly embarrassing. There were much, much better things before and after that.

Really? Something like The Ribos Operation is the sort of character piece the newseries would dream of doing, & The Pirate Planet is sublime due mainly to Douglas Adams script & Tom Baker clearly loving it. It's not a perfect season by any means but it's full of imagination & energy, something the new series has sometimes lacked, especially in series two.

Bear in mind that I'm not nostalgic at all so there probably are things in there that you find charming and that I just perceive very differently.

It's not just nostalgia; it's noting the big glaring faults the new series has & doesn't seem close to resolving, partly because of RTD not having someone telling him to sort out the problems.

Though to be fair they had improved in series 3, and word is series two of Torchwood is going to be vastly different to it's first series, though that may be more down to the controller of BBC Two telling them he hated the first series.

[Tobias March]

Though to be fair they had improved in series 3, and word is series two of Torchwood is going to be vastly different to it's first series, though that may be more down to the controller of BBC Two telling them he hated the first series.

The thing to consider with Torchwood I guess, is that while it received a 'tut tut', reception in Britain & Ireland - the yanks appear to love it. BBC must be getting some nice revenue from airing it in the States.

Maybe it's because it features a gay American superhero, which their own networks haven't provided. Just throwing that out there :)

[Enigmanaut]

Really? Something like The Ribos Operation is the sort of character piece the newseries would dream of doing...

Oh, please... The Ribos Operation has exactly one scene worthy of the appellation "character piece"... the "Binro was right" scene. The rest of The Ribos Operation is light comedy and scenery chewing overacting from the Graff Vynda K and Garron. Don't get me wrong, it's a fun story... I like it a great deal, but it is by no means a "character piece" nor of a standard the new series doesn't beat handily and casually.

[rick]

The thing to consider with Torchwood I guess, is that while it received a 'tut tut', reception in Britain & Ireland - the yanks appear to love it. BBC must be getting some nice revenue from airing it in the States.

Maybe it's because it features a gay American superhero, which their own networks haven't provided. Just throwing that out there :)


Currently Torchwood is the highest rated show on BBCAmerica, and probably the one that the vast majority of Americans have at least heard of.

It's not huge, but it does seem to average around 10 or 15 million viewers on a new episode, and most of those are in the proper demographic.

Oddly, the gay angle seems to have gotten very little mention in the press.

[mattx110]

Currently Torchwood is the highest rated show on BBCAmerica, and probably the one that the vast majority of Americans have at least heard of.

It's not huge, but it does seem to average around 10 or 15 million viewers on a new episode, and most of those are in the proper demographic.

Oddly, the gay angle seems to have gotten very little mention in the press.
I don't remember seeing Doctor Who ads on buses around here either. The marketing team definitely has a higher budget. And people knowing about your show helps get people to watch it.

[Bricolo]

Oddly, the gay angle seems to have gotten very little mention in the press.

Well, there are a lot of shows with gay people in them in the US, many on network TV, BBCAmerica is not that important of a station that most people get and it is a good thing to not make such an issue over.

[Typo Lad]

Is it wrong that Torchwood left me cold?

I just didn't get the appeal of Owen.

[mattx110]

Is it wrong that Torchwood left me cold?

I just didn't get the appeal of Owen.
You're not supposed to like him this season... he's supposed to be becoming more human, but he's still a jerk until maybe the last 5 minutes of the last episode. And then he's just a repentant jerk.

[Kaled]

I just read when season 2 of Torchwood premieres in January 2008 it will also debut on BBC America on January 29.

Side note: I am turning to my fellow Who fans in the hope of finding a picture. Doctor Who magazine 387 did a story on Big Finish reaching 100 episodes and still going strong. They used what I thought was a cool picture of the five Doctors they use. I have looked and looked but cannot find this picture. I want find it and use it as a wallpaper for my system. Has anyone seen it and if so do you have alink for it?

Thanks

[Spike-X]

Is it wrong that Torchwood left me cold?

I just didn't get the appeal of Owen.
There was not a single likeable character in the whole damn team.

So no, it's not just you.

[The Mirrorball Man]

There was not a single likeable character in the whole damn team.
Not a single likeable character, really? When Ianto isn't helping his cyber-girlfriend kill his colleagues, he's a pretty decent bloke.

[Spike-X]

Not a single likeable character, really? When Ianto isn't helping his cyber-girlfriend kill his colleagues, he's screaming and crying like a little bitch.

Fixed it for ya!

[The Mirrorball Man]

Fixed it for ya!

I don't get it. People who cry are not "likeable"?

[ChrisIII]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/

Is it just me, or do those angels look a lot like Axons?

[Corrina]

Well, the whole Torchwood crew is rather whiny and melodramatic, including Jack, which I didn't expect.

Add the tendancy to screw up and cause problems instead of solving them, and you have a really unlikeable bunch. But I watched the episodes and they are interesting, so I'll give next season a try but....if it's the same, all around, I'll be gone fairly fast.

[Tadhg]

There was not a single likeable character in the whole damn team.

So no, it's not just you.

I think it's mostly the writers. Chris Chibnall is no Moffatt or even Davies.

[Tobias March]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/

Is it just me, or do those angels look a lot like Axons?

Tennant is getting really good at 'that' face. Rictus expression of panic adorning each and every boxset.

[king mob]

Oh, please... The Ribos Operation has exactly one scene worthy of the appellation "character piece"... the "Binro was right" scene. The rest of The Ribos Operation is light comedy and scenery chewing overacting from the Graff Vynda K and Garron. Don't get me wrong, it's a fun story... I like it a great deal, but it is by no means a "character piece" nor of a standard the new series doesn't beat handily and casually.

It's got Iain Cuthbertson & is full of the sort of humour Davies has tried to get into the new series with varying degrees of success. But it's got Iain Cuthbertson & that makes it better than god.

[king mob]

Is it wrong that Torchwood left me cold?

I just didn't get the appeal of Owen.

What's not to like about dodgy, rapey Owen & his one-dimensional character?

[king mob]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/

Is it just me, or do those angels look a lot like Axons?

Wait til you see the trailer.

[king mob]

I think it's mostly the writers. Chris Chibnall is no Moffatt or even Davies.

Chibnall's Life On Mars episodes are wonderful, his Who & Torchwood stuff has been dismal. Again it goes back to the lack of a strong script editor, and in the case of Torchwood, Chibnall is script editor so that explains why half-written scripts managed to get filmed.

They're making a big deal about how improved Torchwood is going to be in the second series, I hope they have sorted it.

[Spike-X]

I don't get it. People who cry are not "likeable"?
Yes.

That's exactly what I said.

[Evan Waters]

There was not a single likeable character in the whole damn team.

What about Tosh?

[Typo Lad]

Almost likable.

[mattx110]

Tennant is getting really good at 'that' face. Rictus expression of panic adorning each and every boxset.
He should publish a manuscript "acting with your lower lip".
He's got a very peculiar set of mannerisms there that's interesting for the thespian hopeful in me.

[Spike-X]

What about Tosh?
Hmm...




Nope.

[Mike Smash!]

I've been a member of Netflix for well over a year and I'm just now taking advantage of the new "watch on your computer" feature.

I've been a huge fan of the new Doctor Who series and I'm starting to dig into the classic Who. I've already watched one great episode with Tom Baker (he rocks) in "City of Death" and I'm looking to watch more.

Netflix has a ton of classic Who on here and I'd like your recommendations for episodes that I should be checking out. Bonus points for episodes with the Daleks in them.

Can you give me a hand?

[Sanagi]

Genesis of the Daleks (http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/episodeguide/genesisofdaleks/index.shtml) is the obvious reccomendation.

The Mind Robber (http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/episodeguide/mindrobber/index.shtml) is one of my favorites. The 2nd Doctor visits the land of fiction.

Talons of Weng-Chiang (http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/episodeguide/talonswengchiang/index.shtml) is good if you can overlook the un-PC Fu Manchu style characters.

Pyramids of Mars (http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/episodeguide/pyramidsmars/index.shtml) features Sarah Jane Smith and a memorable villain.

The Curse of Fenric (http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/classic/episodeguide/curseoffenric/) is probably the best 7th Doctor story. (Maybe Ghost Light, depending on whether you like stories that are vague and confusing.)

The trouble with going to the old series after watching the new is adjusting to the slow pace of many of the episodes. There are times when you can really tell that their philosophy in those days was to fill up as much runtime as possible. Horror At Fang Rock, for example, would be a great episode if it was much shorter. But then again, there are times when I wish the new series would slow down.

[thehod]

Some personal favourites

4th Doctor
The Keeper of Traken (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Keeper_of_Traken) - An old foe returns

5th Doctor
Earthshock (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthshock) - The Cybermen return and the doctor loses a companion

The Five Doctors (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Five_Doctors) - A guilty pleasure, personally

7th Doctor
Rememberance of the Daleks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_of_the_Daleks) - You ask for a Dalek episode, and this is one of the better ones

[ChrisIII]

This might get merged with the 'main' Doctor Who topic.

In my opinion:

William Hartnell's best serial currently out there is probably THE AZTECS. The limited production values are less noticeable than in the other Hartnell stories available, plus it has a good story about interfering with history.


For Troughton, a lot of his stories are missing but your best bet is probably TOMB OF THE CYBERMEN or THE INVASION, both of which feature the Cybermen, which were largely prominent during this era. Of course if you're looking for something largely monster-free, I would suggest the MIND ROBBER as well.

Pertwee, for a guy who was in the role for five years, has suprisingly a fairly limited number of serials on DVD compared to Tom Baker. However, there's some good stuff there: SPEARHEAD FROM SPACE introduces his Doctor, while INFERNO is a dark 'alternate universe' story akin to Star Trek's "Mirror, mirror".
The THREE DOCTORS is the first Doctor team-up but is let down by the low budget, THE GREEN DEATH is a cool if somewhat dated story.


Tom Baker has a ton of stuff out of course. You've already seen CITY OF DEATH, but you might want to check out Tom's earlier seasons, which are somewhat darker than his later ones. GENESIS OF THE DALEKS of course is really good, and goes into the origin of the monsters. PYRAMID OF MARS, ROBOTS OF DEATH and TALONS OF WENG-CHIANG are also all classics.

For the Fifth Doctor, there's his initial story CASTROVALVA (Which is pretty good once you get past all the technobabble), and the Cybermen serial EARTHSHOCK features quite a shocking ending. Davison's best is probably his last, THE CAVES OF ANDROZANI.

The Sixth Doctor is when the classic show started to fall critically and ratings-wise. Your best bet from this era is probably VENGEANCE ON VAROS, and for an oddball Dalek story, REVELATION OF THE DALEKS.

The Seventh Doctor started off goofy but generally improved throughout his last two seasons, but by then it was too late and the classic show was cancelled. Notable serials include pretty much all of his stuff that's currently on DVD: REMEMBERANCE OF THE DALEKS, GHOST LIGHT, THE CURSE OF FENRIC and SURVIVAL. All of his other stuff is passable IMO.

[Kid Omega]

Wow.... Chris III pretty much nailed everything I was going to recommend.

Like, every single one.

After CITY OF DEATH, if you go backwards, be prepared for a grimmer, more intense, less witty Tom Baker. The episodes are still very good, just more gothic and serious.

[Green Goblin]

Can any recomand some good big Finsh CD,s i I got ressianuse of the daleks , terrira firma , Jubliee , the Genocide Machine , The Apolapsye elemtna , the mutant pharse ,, the juggernuts the red dawn and spare parts , know any other reallu good ones

[king mob]

I've been a member of Netflix for well over a year and I'm just now taking advantage of the new "watch on your computer" feature.

I've been a huge fan of the new Doctor Who series and I'm starting to dig into the classic Who. I've already watched one great episode with Tom Baker (he rocks) in "City of Death" and I'm looking to watch more.

Netflix has a ton of classic Who on here and I'd like your recommendations for episodes that I should be checking out. Bonus points for episodes with the Daleks in them.

Can you give me a hand?

In addition to what has been mentioned:

Dalek Invasion Of Earth is a great Hartnell story, as is Web Of Fear &, if it's out online, what remains of The Tenth Planet.

Troughton is still the defining Doctor & is served well by the brilliantly reconstructed The Invasion, but Wheel In Space is another incomplete cracker.

I grew up with Pertwee so check out most of his first year, this is where much of the new series draws inspiration from. Highlight are The Silurians & the Quatermass rip off, Ambassadors Of Death. But Pertwee's highlight is The Daemons; another Quatermass rip-off but it has everything you'd expect from the Pertwee years-The Master, Jo Grant, The Brigadier, Unit & dodgy aliens trying to invade suburban Britain. It's also wonderful.

Tom Baker is great-The Deadly Assassin is great, in fact any of the Philip Hinchliffe/Robert Holmes era is as near perfect as you'll get with Who. The Key To Time season is vastly under-rated and features some nice snippets of Douglas Adams. Destiny Of The Daleks is shite but the Adams bits are great, if somewhat obvious when rubbing against Terry Nation's script.

Davison suffered from poor scripts, but was a great Doctor, but Caves Of Androzanni is by far the best thing he did.

Less said about Colin Baker the better; Revelation Of The Daleks & Vengance On Varos are worth looking at though.

McCoy hasn't that many great stories, the ones mentioned are ok but Survival is bollocks.

The Paul McCann film is worth it for McCann who is simply wonderful & a complete joy in every scene he's in, the rest of the film is rubbish when he's not in it.

[ChrisIII]

Regarding Big Finish, I would suggest more of Colin Baker's stuff (Marian conspiracy, The Reapingm Davros etc.)-while he wasn't a great Doctor on TV he's done real well on the audios.


BTW King Mob I think you mean "The Web Planet". "Web of Fear" is Troughton...


Also coming out next year (USA-wise) worth a look are a lot of Pertwees-The Silurians and the Sea Devils, as well as the Time Warrior, which is Sarah Jane Smith's first serial, as well as that of the Sontarans. Also next year is Planet of Evil, one of the weaker early Bakers but still good, and Destiny of the Daleks, mentioned above; also the Colin Baker flop Timelash.

[Lord of Denial]

Anyone know when new Eps start in the US again?

[DoubleWide]

Anyone know when new Eps start in the US again?

Considering they haven't even aired in Britain, it may be a while. There is a countdown for the Christmas episode on the BBC Doctor Who website.

[adamthered]

Anyone know when new Eps start in the US again?

My guess is late summer here in the States. It usually starts in the spring in the UK and takes 13 weeks to complete, ending about the end of June/start of July. Sci-Fi usually begins airing it around the same time the new Fall TV season commences.

[Lord of Denial]

My guess is late summer here in the States. It usually starts in the spring in the UK and takes 13 weeks to complete, ending about the end of June/start of July. Sci-Fi usually begins airing it around the same time the new Fall TV season commences.

Cool thanks! I did not think it would be anytime soon.

[Captain Jim]

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=138970

I'm cautiously optimistic, since it's written by Gary Russell, the story editor of the TV series.

[Mike Smash!]

Much thanks for all of the recommends! I will track these down and watch those that I can on Netflix and simply order the ones that aren't.

[ChrisIII]

The DVDs, in addition to the serials (Which are well-restored BTW), also have a lot of nifty extras to look at, mostly news segments and interviews, retrospectives etc. although lately they've included some WHO annuals (Annuals were basically collections of short stories. They recently resumed publishing them for the new series. In fact BLINK is an adaptation of an annual story).

[king mob]

The annuals were more than just short stories. They're hardcover A4 sized books containing stories & features, but were an offshoot of comics and are part of a tradition in British comics going back to the 1930's.

The first Who annual started with the series in the 60's & as Chris says, they've been reprinted (as many of the early ones are ridiculously expensive to buy now) as PDF's on many of the recent DVD's.

I wish they'd reprint the old TV21 Dalek comic strips, as well as the lovely Frank Hampson Jon Pertwee Doctor Who strips.

[ChrisIII]

It should also be noted that the annuals went on hiatus for quite some time-to my knowledge there were no Seventh Doctor/Sylvestor McCoy annuals, but that's more than made up for by the tons of Seventh Doctor fiction-the New Adventures, DWM strips etc.



The only issue with the annuals is that many of the writers and artists weren't necesarilly WHO experts. Hence you have the Doctor referred to as "Dr.who" constantly and there's a couple of other mistakes that might grate on WHO fans.

There was an excellent site that pretty much listed all the annual comic strips, as well as the DWM strips, but unfortunately that site went down a while ago :(


Getting back to the extras, the EARTHSHOCK DVD has some funny stuff, such as the Jamacian Cybermen and Earthshock "Episode Five".

[king mob]

It should also be noted that the annuals went on hiatus for quite some time-to my knowledge there were no Seventh Doctor/Sylvestor McCoy annuals, but that's more than made up for by the tons of Seventh Doctor fiction-the New Adventures, DWM strips etc.


After Dez Skinn got the license to do Doctor Who for Marvel UK in the late 70's the annuals became pretty naff, so there's not a lot to miss. What are searching out are those Dalek strips from the 60's from the time when Terry Nation was trying to spin them out of Who to stand on their own. They also became quite important as things such as the Emperor Dalek and the spaceships were later used in the programme.

http://www.themindrobber.co.uk/images/dalek-chronicles.jpg

[thehod]

Talking of Doctor Who comics, you guys have seen this (http://www.shipsinker.com/wordpress/2007/03/11/doctor-who-comic-the-ten-doctors-page-1/), right?

[king mob]

Talking of Doctor Who comics, you guys have seen this (http://www.shipsinker.com/wordpress/2007/03/11/doctor-who-comic-the-ten-doctors-page-1/), right?

Deary me.


Anyhow, on the subject of Who comics, there's an interesting looking extra about early Who strips coming up on The Time Meddler DVD.

"Several online DVD sites have listed the extras included with the February release of The Time Meddler.

The disc contains a commentary with actor Peter Purves, producer Verity Lambert, script editor Donald Tosh and designer Barry Newbery. A feature, "Stripped for Action", looks at the First Doctor's comic strip adventures. It features interviews with artist Bill Mevin, comics historians Jeremy Bentham and John Ainsworth and former Doctor Who Magazine editors Gary Russell and Alan Barnes.

The Lost Twelve Seconds uses an off air audio recording and the original script to place the missing twelve seconds of episode four in context within the story. The section was removed by overseas censors prior to recovery of the print. Restoration is a short featurette showing "before and after" examples of techniques used during the restoration of this story. There is also a production and publicity photos from the story.

The Time Meddler is due for release in the United Kingdom on the 4th February 2008."

March see the release of the revamped Five Doctors DVD. About bloody time.

Doctor Who - The Five Doctors (Special Edition), due for release on 03/03/2008

Standard TX Edition (new to DVD) and Special Extended Edition. Includes the best Doctor Who Easter Egg ever!
2 commentaries
2 documentaries
Isolated score and raw studio footage from the gallery
Coming soon on DVD trailer
Photo gallery
Radio Times billings
Subtitle production notes

[ChrisIII]

The FreemaAgeyman site has updated with some pics(Spoilers):


http://freemaagyeman.com/news/2007/12/14/martha-unit-doctor-who-series-four/

[thehod]

Deary me.

That sounds a bit negetive mob. I really quite enjoyed it (although it did begin to get a little conviluted) especially the first 20 pages or so.

[rick]

Talking of Doctor Who comics, you guys have seen this (http://www.shipsinker.com/wordpress/2007/03/11/doctor-who-comic-the-ten-doctors-page-1/), right?


Yeah I've seen it and think that it is really very well done.

I hope to see it completed some day.

[king mob]

That sounds a bit negetive mob. I really quite enjoyed it (although it did begin to get a little conviluted) especially the first 20 pages or so.

It's the sort of fanwank that quite honestly bores me. That's not to say all fanwank is bad; most of the new series is basically very well done fanwank by a bunch of screaming fanboys.

[thehod]

It's the sort of fanwank that quite honestly bores me. That's not to say all fanwank is bad; most of the new series is basically very well done fanwank by a bunch of screaming fanboys.

Yeah, I can see that. To be honest though, aren't all multi-doctor stories fanwank?

I found it really charming, and the charactures of the various doctors were spot on, especially the fourth.

[Magneto_X]

The thing to consider with Torchwood I guess, is that while it received a 'tut tut', reception in Britain & Ireland - the yanks appear to love it. BBC must be getting some nice revenue from airing it in the States.

How is its reception in Australia?

Maybe it's because it features a gay American superhero, which their own networks haven't provided. Just throwing that out there :)

America still has some catching up to do with the British in that respect. Jack would be straight as an arrow if Torchwood was made in America, IMHO.

[Magneto_X]

Currently Torchwood is the highest rated show on BBCAmerica, and probably the one that the vast majority of Americans have at least heard of.

It's not huge, but it does seem to average around 10 or 15 million viewers on a new episode, and most of those are in the proper demographic.

Oddly, the gay angle seems to have gotten very little mention in the press.

Sci-Fi needs to get Torchwood on its Friday lineup *yesterday*.

What are they waiting for?

It'll bring in much more viewers then Flash Gordon.

[Magneto_X]

Well, there are a lot of shows with gay people in them in the US, many on network TV, BBCAmerica is not that important of a station that most people get and it is a good thing to not make such an issue over.

Most American tv shows with gay leads I can think of are "reality" based. The only networks who actually do it in fiction are the premium channels like Showtime and HBO.

[Magneto_X]

There was not a single likeable character in the whole damn team.

So no, it's not just you.

I liked Tosh.

I see Torchwood like the live version of the Ultimates. Most, if not all, of its characters were dicks but it was still a entertaining.

[Spike-X]

How is its reception in Australia?


Pretty much along the lines of, "Torchwood? What's that?"

[king mob]

Catherine Tate is only doing one series (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7145965.stm) thankfully.
She also suggests Tennant will be off at the end of series 4 which is going against what the BBC has already announced concerning the 'gap year', however it does look as if when the programme returns for series 5 that they'll be a bit of a shake-up.

[Captain Jim]

Catherine Tate is only doing one series (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7145965.stm) thankfully.
She also suggests Tennant will be off at the end of series 4 which is going against what the BBC has already announced concerning the 'gap year', however it does look as if when the programme returns for series 5 that they'll be a bit of a shake-up.

I'm not sure it's really her place to announce what Tennant will or won't do.

[mattx110]

I'm not sure it's really her place to announce what Tennant will or won't do.
It's not really her place to be a comedy writer either...

[Enigmanaut]

Catherine Tate is only doing one series (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7145965.stm) thankfully.
She also suggests Tennant will be off at the end of series 4 which is going against what the BBC has already announced concerning the 'gap year', however it does look as if when the programme returns for series 5 that they'll be a bit of a shake-up.

David Tennant says she's a Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire. (http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/latest-entertainment-news/Ive-no-plans-to-quit.3602623.jp)

[Tobias March]

What I thought was strange was the BBC website reporting Tate's comments....when presumably, as a facility of the BBC they'd be in the know.

Why were they taking Tate's word at face value, other than to stir up concern (admittedly a good enough reason)

[mattx110]

What I thought was strange was the BBC website reporting Tate's comments....when presumably, as a facility of the BBC they'd be in the know.

Why were they taking Tate's word at face value, other than to stir up concern (admittedly a good enough reason)
It's a completely fictional press move by the BBC, Tennant and Tate were reading their statements off of cue-cards.

[Popgun]

Ah, so *that's* how The Doctor can be on board the Titanic and not conflict previous continuity...

[king mob]

What I thought was strange was the BBC website reporting Tate's comments....when presumably, as a facility of the BBC they'd be in the know.

Why were they taking Tate's word at face value, other than to stir up concern (admittedly a good enough reason)


*cough* publicity *cough*

The BBC have put a shitload of license payers money into this Christmas special & they need it to clean up on Christmas Day in order to justify that. This is just part of the big push to ensure it is one of the top programmes over Christmas. It's worked a treat as you have the redtops wittering on about who will replace Tennant when he's not announced he's leaving yet most of the serious gossip is he'll be gone by the end of series 5 at the latest.

[Deathstroke]

David Tennant says she's a Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire. (http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/latest-entertainment-news/Ive-no-plans-to-quit.3602623.jp)

Must be an interesting morning on the set for the two of them now eh?

[ChrisIII]

So if Tate's leaving at the end of the season, I wonder how that leaves the companion situation. We've got Martha, Rose (and possibly Jack and Sarah) returning, but who knows if they'll stick around?


Interesting, Peter Davison's daughter has been cast in the new series, and she was one of the original contenders for the role of Rose. However it doesn't seem like it'll be a recurring role.

I also wonder what we can expect from the next Doctor's persona. In the 80's the Doctor's personalities were largely cast in an attempt to be different from the previous Doctors (Although I think McCoy was largely cast due to his resemblance to Patrick Troughton) but I don't think that's RTD's philosophy.

[RonnieThunderbolts]

Must be an interesting morning on the set for the two of them now eh?

As mentioned before, this was reported by the BBC, who would know more than Tate would. The BBC often gives false rumors to the Sun, and reports on little bits like this INTENTIONALLY to stir up controversy. It keeps people talking between seasons.

[king mob]

Must be an interesting morning on the set for the two of them now eh?

Not really, publicity stunt, etc. Tate and Doctor Who are two of the BBC's biggest cash-cows so expect more of this type of thing.

The trailers for the Christmas special suggest that this isn't the actual Titanic, but some sort of spaceship which is a nice nod toward Douglas Adams. Oh, the baddies are killer robotic angels as opposed to killer robotic Santa's.

[king mob]

I also wonder what we can expect from the next Doctor's persona. In the 80's the Doctor's personalities were largely cast in an attempt to be different from the previous Doctors (Although I think McCoy was largely cast due to his resemblance to Patrick Troughton) but I don't think that's RTD's philosophy.

If the off-screen reshuffle continues then RTD may well be gone by the end of series five, leaving a new executive producer to start fresh with a new Doctor in series six.

[adamthered]

So, does anyone think it would be cool to have Sally Sparrow as a companion or should she just stay a character in the amazingly done "Blink?"

Just something to mull over since we have no idea what the companion situation is going to look like when the smoke clears at the end of series four.

[Enigmanaut]

So, does anyone think it would be cool to have Sally Sparrow as a companion or should she just stay a character in the amazingly done "Blink?"

Just something to mull over since we have no idea what the companion situation is going to look like when the smoke clears at the end of series four.

I would have liked Sally Sparrow, instead of a companion, be a regular for the Double banked "Doctor Lite" episodes. Every series seems to need a Doc-Lite, why not have it be Sally Sparrow investigating events that the Doctor is tangentially involved in?

[Typo Lad]

So, does anyone think it would be cool to have Sally Sparrow as a companion or should she just stay a character in the amazingly done "Blink?"

Just something to mull over since we have no idea what the companion situation is going to look like when the smoke clears at the end of series four.
I'd love more Sally Sparrow.

[Deathstroke]

So, does anyone think it would be cool to have Sally Sparrow as a companion or should she just stay a character in the amazingly done "Blink?"

Just something to mull over since we have no idea what the companion situation is going to look like when the smoke clears at the end of series four.

I could totally go for that. She was bloody brilliant. It might just be great to see her character expanded upon. Plus I'm sure that would mean Moffatt would write more Who episodes if she was the Companion.

[Sanagi]

I tend to think characters that have been in one great episode are better left alone... Still, it's not a bad idea.

[Spike-X]

So, does anyone think it would be cool to have Sally Sparrow as a companion...?

No, you're certainly not alone there.

I would have liked Sally Sparrow, instead of a companion, be a regular for the Double banked "Doctor Lite" episodes. Every series seems to need a Doc-Lite, why not have it be Sally Sparrow investigating events that the Doctor is tangentially involved in?

That would also be very cool.

[king mob]

The trailers for the Christmas special suggest that this isn't the actual Titanic, but some sort of spaceship which is a nice nod toward Douglas Adams.

Definately a spaceship, and definately influenced by Douglas Adams in the latest trailer.

[king mob]

Plus I'm sure that would mean Moffatt would write more Who episodes if she was the Companion.

Moffatt is going to be very busy writing the Tintin films for Spielberg & Jackson over the next few years, which is why the BBC are desperate to keep him working for them by basically giving him what he wants, he's the only writer on Who that RTD doesn't ask to add or remove stuff for example. So a return for Sally Sparrow at some point isn't impossible, though series 4 is a tad overwhelmed with companions right now.

[Hellboy Animated 101]

this had BETTER be FALSE!:evilangry :mad: :

from Dark Horizons:

Absolutely Fabulous" star Jennifer Saunders is in talks to play the first female incarnation of The Doctor for a one-off special episode of "Doctor Who" reports The Sun.

Fans of the show were left shocked earlier this month when current Doctor David Tennant's co-star Catherine Tate let slip during a radio interview that it could be his last series.

Since then both James Nesbitt and Rhys Ifans names have been bandied about as 'favourite' potential replacements, but Tennant himself later denied the claim, saying he hasn't made up his mind yet about continuing but is committed to not only the still shooting fourth season but four further TV specials after that.

Saunders' AbFab co-star Joanna Lumley portrayed a female version of The Doctor starring alongside the likes of Hugh Grant, Richard E. Grant, Jim Broadbent, Rowan Atkinson and Jonathan Pryce in the 1999 Comic Relief skit 'Curse of the Fatal Death' (her cameo is on Youtube). That skit was penned by Steven Moffat, the strongest writer of the series and the man tipped to take over from show runner Russell T. Davies.

a FEMALE DOCTOR!:eek: BLASPHAMY!:mad:

[Typo Lad]

Why is that blasphemy? Is there something inherently "male" about the character?

[Alan Lynch]

Why is that blasphemy? Is there something inherently "male" about the character?
My only issue with that story would be my inherent dislike of Jennifer Saunders.

But I can relax: The Sun is the source here. I've farted more reliable stories than that rag.

[ChrisIII]

Regarding female Doctors, there's actually been a few non-canon ones-in addition to Joanna Lumley in the spoof, there was Arabella Weir in the Unbound audio story EXILE. Also when Tom Baker was leaving, the press wondered if a woman would be cast. Plus of course there's tons of female Doctor fanfiction and fanfilms.


However, there's pretty much a clear distinction in the original series between time lords and time ladies. Romana and the Rani, for instance, never became a man. However, the new series has made regeneration a little more flexible, it seems (Perhaps for that moment when they need to cast Doctor #14-Plus we know from "Sound of Drums" that Time Lords can be ressurected beyond their final regenerations). For instance, the Doctor's hand regenerating, the Master 'choosing' his form (more or less), and Eccleston's little ramble about regeneration: "I might have two heads, or no head" etc.


Not too keen on Saunders though. Some people have suggested Judi Dench, but she strikes me as a little too serious for the role, although I could see her having a Pertweeish attitude.


I could actually see Penelope Wilton as a decent Doctor, but she was already Harriet Jones. Then again, Colin Baker was Maxil before he was the Doctor (and Tennant played a number of WHO audio roles before he was the Doctor).

[Captain Jim]

I tend to think characters that have been in one great episode are better left alone... Still, it's not a bad idea.

Well, if not the character, then how about the actor? Freema Agyeman first showed up in one role then came back as Martha Jones. I thought she was just okay in the former, but absolutely wonderful as Martha.

[SPAfreak]

Why is that blasphemy? Is there something inherently "male" about the character?

In the public's mind? Yes. I can see a lot of outcry against this and not just by fanboys. I also have a hard time believing that the BBC would make the Doctor female for any length of time. I can see them doing it for a story arc but not for an entire season or more.

[Typo Lad]

In the public's mind? Yes. I can see a lot of outcry against this and not just by fanboys. I also have a hard time believing that the BBC would make the Doctor female for any length of time. I can see them doing it for a story arc but not for an entire season or more.
Really? I guess maybe it's because I'm new to the series, but I for one would find it fascinating.

Now, Chris points out, and I did not know this, that it seems to be established that Time Lords have fixed genders, so I can see a fanboy reaction, of course.

[SPAfreak]

Really? I guess maybe it's because I'm new to the series, but I for one would find it fascinating.

Now, Chris points out, and I did not know this, that it seems to be established that Time Lords have fixed genders, so I can see a fanboy reaction, of course.

I'm new as of Eccleston to be honest and like you, I would find the idea interesting. The thing is you have the oldest television scifi icon identified as a male for over forty years. I'd think you'd have some opposition to the idea of making him female. I could be wrong but I kind of doubt it.

[king mob]

In the public's mind? Yes. I can see a lot of outcry against this and not just by fanboys. I also have a hard time believing that the BBC would make the Doctor female for any length of time. I can see them doing it for a story arc but not for an entire season or more.

Or not at all as the story was properly rubbished as just being yet another rumour from the Redtops.

The publicity mill for the Christmas special is now fully underway with reviews now online, with most of them being spoiler-free (thankfully) and also being very positive with the exception of Kylie's acting. From the few clips I've seen it has to be said she doesn't come over as the best actress in the world but she wasn't cast just for her acting ability, she was cast because she's Kylie & she's an international icon.


The only problem now is staying sober enough for the bloody thing.

[king mob]

My only issue with that story would be my inherent dislike of Jennifer Saunders.



I'm working through the mega box set of The Comic Strip films & the ones with French & Saunders are some of the best they did; especially the wonderful Bad News Tour. Go check them out, you'll find that Saunders is a great comic actor who just got lazy in recent years.

[SPAfreak]

Or not at all as the story was properly rubbished as just being yet another rumour from the Redtops.


Was there really a danger of people taking it seriously?

[Typo Lad]

Was there really a danger of people taking it seriously?
"It haz to be tru! I read it on teh interwebz!"

[king mob]

It appears that the BBC stuck the full trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUE-QAvk58o&feature=user) on Youtube recently. Enjoy.

[Typo Lad]

Link no workie!

[IamtheRock3]

In the public's mind? Yes. I can see a lot of outcry against this and not just by fanboys. I also have a hard time believing that the BBC would make the Doctor female for any length of time. I can see them doing it for a story arc but not for an entire season or more.

Can they switch out another Doctor that fast, if they keep him a woman for the speacial

Cause I am a US fan, and not a BIG doctor Who guy

So If I am wrong correct me on this...but isnt the dude running low on lives

Thought he had 13

The chick will be the 11th

[ChrisIII]

Provided the show is still on by then, they'll probably find a way around the limit. For instance, the Master, in at least his Pratt/Beevers/Ainley/Roberts incarnations, was actually on his last regeneration (The Ainley and Roberts bodies were stolen). However, according to "The Sound of Drums" he was ressurected somehow by the time lords and given a new set of regenerations (Something that was offered to him in "The Five Doctors"). So it's possible they can do this with the Doctor as well, although it might require bringing back all the time lords. Time Lord ressurection was not really touched upon in the old series, although the Master and Omega have certainly returned from the brink enough times. (interesting how Davros keeps coming back, given that he's not a time lord).

There's also a 'fanon' theory that the Doctor is already on his second round of regenerations, since the "Brain Of Morbius" shows faces in addition to Hartnell, Troughton, Pertwee and Baker....hence the troubled regeneration from Davison to Colin. However, the faces have been retconned by the Five Doctors ("I am the Doctor, the original!") and to an extent Human nature as well, which only shows the previous nine incarnations.

[king mob]

Link no workie!

It's definately working when I click on it, perhaps it's for UK users only.

[Typo Lad]

Poot. That's not fair.

[Mac Danny]

Poot. That's not fair.

Here's one I found HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZoppqjciOk&feature=related)

And A Different one HERE. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY3hwmmzdlI&feature=related)

[Typo Lad]

You da mac, man.

Strike that... reverse it.

[king mob]

A little heads up if anyone fancies a listen.

Saturday 22 December 2007

The Wooden Overcoat

Pamela Branch's comic murder mystery set in London in 1951, adapted by Mark Gatiss.

Much to his surprise, Benji Cann has got away with murder. He gravitates to the Asterisk Club, a place of refuge for those who have strayed beyond the pale and not paid the ultimate price. But then Benji turns up dead. Who killed him and how will they be able to get rid of the body without the neighbours noticing?

Peter ...... David Tennant
Fan ...... Julia Davis
Rex ...... David Benson
Beesum ...... Alan David
Colonel Quincey ...... Graham Crowden
Creaker ...... David Ryall
Flush ...... John Castle
Benji ...... Tom Allen
Mrs Barratt ...... Barbara Kirby
Lilli Cluj ...... Katherine Jakeways

Producer Kate McAll.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/saturday_play.shtml

[Holacik]

Here's one I found HERE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZoppqjciOk&feature=related)

And A Different one HERE. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY3hwmmzdlI&feature=related)

Eh...looks kinda of boring...

[Tobias March]

I'm working through the mega box set of The Comic Strip films & the ones with French & Saunders are some of the best they did; especially the wonderful Bad News Tour. Go check them out, you'll find that Saunders is a great comic actor who just got lazy in recent years.

The Famous Five pastiche was a favourite of mine I remember :)

[king mob]

The Famous Five pastiche was a favourite of mine I remember :)

Five Go Mad In Dorset (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_TiqoEw4sQ) was the first one they did & was bloody genius.

Tennant is apparently on tonight's Top Gear driving very fast cars. Just how much can the BBC milk Tennant dry?

[Tobias March]

Five Go Mad In Dorset (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_TiqoEw4sQ) was the first one they did & was bloody genius.

Bookmarked (once again youtube saves me the trouble of buying a dvd boxset) Cheers sir

[ChrisIII]

One more day until the special, and there's some weird publicity for it (Some spoilers in link):

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a82185/dr-who-criticised-by-titanic-survivor.html


Apart from this tidbit, apparentally the special is being well-received by critics, who have called it the best of the Christmas 'trilogy' so far.


Also, Weta has a nice Delgado master statue:

http://www.wetanz.com/doctor_who/index.php?itemid=432&catid=15&catid=15#more


Nice to know even with all the new series stuff coming out that the classic series still gets some attention.

[Karl H]

Man. It's weird when Dr Who is one of the things I'm gonna miss most this Chrimbo!

[king mob]

One more day until the special, and there's some weird publicity for it (Some spoilers in link):

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/a82185/dr-who-criticised-by-titanic-survivor.html



One assumes she's (or the hack seeking out quotes from her) never heard of Starship Titanic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_titanic) by Douglas Adams that is the 'inspiration' for the Criggy special.

[rick]

One assumes she's (or the hack seeking out quotes from her) never heard of Starship Titanic (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_titanic) by Douglas Adams that is the 'inspiration' for the Criggy special.


Well she is 95, so we can probably give her a pass, the hack on the other hand might need a beating. :evilsmile

[king mob]

The special is due to finish at 8pm GMT if anyone wants to, err, search for anything.

[mortari]

The special is due to finish at 8pm GMT if anyone wants to, err, search for anything.

aRGH! I can't wait that long!!!!

[Cyke]

A wonderful little story to tide you guys over until the movie:

The Hopes and Fears of All the Years (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml;jsessionid=VZ3TODDDJ4D4FQFIQMGCFFOAVCBQ UIV0?xml=/arts/2007/12/22/bowho122.xml&page=1)

[Deathstroke]

A wonderful little story to tide you guys over until the movie:

The Hopes and Fears of All the Years (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml;jsessionid=VZ3TODDDJ4D4FQFIQMGCFFOAVCBQ UIV0?xml=/arts/2007/12/22/bowho122.xml&page=1)

Wow, what a wonderful story.

It would make an interesting Xmas special, no?

[king mob]

Right, I'm in the spare room hiding from the women watching the utter misery that is Eastenders at Christmas, so just a few wee thoughts about the special, so spoliers, etc.






Definately the best of the three specials so far, a nice mix of traditional Who (lots of corridor action) and The Posiedon Adventure. Kylie is, well, Kylie. She's sweet and she wanders around looking like Kylie and that to be fair was good enough fro me on Christmas.

The baddie is another 2000AD-esque character & is ok but fairly unmemorable, but it's a fairly minor niggle in what is an extended action episode. Oh, the new music is rather good too.

There's also a nice bit involving The Queen & another with Bernard Cribbins. The trailer for the next series looks interesting, with Sarah Lancashire's villian looking very interesting. Tate looks terrible & there's lots of Ood & giant bees. There was also a trailer for Torchwood that looked better than expected.

So basically it's huge fun, if somewhat light in places but it's Christmas and Kylie in a maids outfit is always a winner.


Right, I think Eastenders is over & I can risk getting more booze without being exposed to gloom & misery.

[Spike-X]

...Kylie in a maid's outfit...

Sold!

Hopefully I'll be watching this in a few hours, once the good ol' satellite controlled magic crystal radio set has done its work.

[mattx110]

I'm gonna be in England in a few days... do they repeat this thing? I can always wait till they get around to starting the season in the US... Or y'know, risk life and limb to go do some semi-legal maneuvaring. And if I can't spell something, I generally don't want to do it.

[LordKaos]

Wasn't wowed by it. Hopefully not a sign of things to come.

[Tadhg]

I'm gonna be in England in a few days... do they repeat this thing? I can always wait till they get around to starting the season in the US... Or y'know, risk life and limb to go do some semi-legal maneuvaring. And if I can't spell something, I generally don't want to do it.

If you'll have net access in England, you can watch it on BBC's iplayer.

[mattx110]

If you'll have net access in England, you can watch it on BBC's iplayer.
Probably not without paying for it :( But thanks for the info. I just might be able to sneak away for a nice night in a cafe with a laptop and a young lass.

[rick]

Man was that a nice Christmas treat.

Bit of a sad one though.

Kylie isn’t very well known here in the US, so while I understand that her appearance was a big time guest star bit, for me she was just another actress. But I think not really knowing who she is, really helped me to like her as a character as a “person” and not a guest star.

All in all it was good to get a fresh fix, plus the “Heavenly Host” were good and icky, even if they were just your typical “Who” killer robots.

And hey, love the brief appearance of the Queen and her pink slippers.

Now I just need to hold out until the new season.

[Cyke]

I was actually wowed by just how many people had died in this episode, which evoked a great deal from Poseidon Adventure. Almost all the fun characters, wiped out in rapid succesion.

Loved how the Doctor outwitted the Host. The villain wasn't anything too spectacular, but I do appreciate the steampunk look.

Also, the episode provided a huge amount of insight into the Doctor's character. "If you decided who lives or dies, then you'd be a monster!" That's just what he did in the last special!

Mr. Copper, you're one of my new favorite one-shot characters. Bless you, you old delight.

[Spike-X]

Mr. Copper, you're one of my new favorite one-shot characters. Bless you, you old delight.

Hopefully that won't be the last we see of that lovely old gentleman.

[IamtheRock3]

didnt see it

but wondering how the explain the KILLER ROBOTS on the titanic not being in the history books

and how were the differnt accents

[king mob]

I'm gonna be in England in a few days... do they repeat this thing? I can always wait till they get around to starting the season in the US... Or y'know, risk life and limb to go do some semi-legal maneuvaring. And if I can't spell something, I generally don't want to do it.

Ahem, it's UK or Britain unless you're specifically going only to Engerland. Anyhoo, yes, it's repeated on BBC3 over Christmas & probably every other week from now until the end of time.

[tony ingram]

didnt see it

but wondering how the explain the KILLER ROBOTS on the titanic not being in the history books

and how were the differnt accents

Possibly because it wasn't the original Titanic? Just a thought.:)

[IamtheRock3]

Possibly because it wasn't the original Titanic? Just a thought.:)


So they finaly made a sequel

[king mob]

Wasn't wowed by it. Hopefully not a sign of things to come.


I watched it again this morning while being sober & it really doesn't hold up, in fact I wish I hadn't watched it again as although it's still fun, the sheer half-arsedness of the script beats you about the face like a wet kipper.

There's big holes in the plot that hurt on a second viewing, as does the fairly obvious (missed though letching and booze) that Kylie really did nothing which is not her fault, but Davies seemed so chuffed to get Kylie that he forgot to do much with her.
The Doctor being raised aloft by the Host was just cringe worthy & horribly unsubtle. I'm puzzled why RTD, an atheist, is trying to cram so many religious allusions into Who. It's not a problem when done well, but after the Tinkerbell stuff last series it's starting to look rubbish.

The advantage in watching it again sober is realising that Tennant is incredibly comfortable in the role, Bernard Cribbins is still one of the finest comic actors around & Clive Swift (Mr. Copper) is a hugely underrated character actor. It means I caught the nice mention by the Doctor that he was there at the birth of Jesus which could be a nice set-up for a story hopefully not written by Davies.

Problems aside it was still fun. It came out second in the ratings for Christmas Day behind Eastenders with approx. 12 million viewers so it was a fairly resounding hit in what was a fairly shite year for Christmas telly.

The trailer for series four fills me with dread though, Tate looks as if she's not bothered (ho ho ho) & really does look awful. Still, UNIT, Sontarans, Sarah Lancashire & giant bees might hopefully make up for her.

[king mob]

Hopefully that won't be the last we see of that lovely old gentleman.

I love the way the Doctor will let Kylie join him in the drop of a hat but some old bloke, nah, he can go wandering round London by himself & probably ended up mugged with his throat slit in an alleyway somewhere.

According to the papers Bernard Cribbins is back next series though.

[Typo Lad]

I love the way the Doctor will let Kylie join him in the drop of a hat but some old bloke, nah, he can go wandering round London by himself & probably ended up mugged with his throat slit in an alleyway somewhere.

I figured he decided the fellow was better off on his own.

I mean, I've only been watching since the Ninth Doctor, but Bad Things seem to happen to people who travel with the Doctor. Maybe he thought it might be too much for an old man who was looking for retirement.

All in all, I liked it. Last year's was better, but still good.

The trailer at the end was great.

[Gorthaur]

I figured he decided the fellow was better off on his own.

I mean, I've only been watching since the Ninth Doctor, but Bad Things seem to happen to people who travel with the Doctor. Maybe he thought it might be too much for an old man who was looking for retirement.Somehow I doubt that old man ended up all that happy, what with being a legal non-entity with virtually no idea of how life on Earth works. But what can you do, the Doctor is a lone hero who would never endanger another person on his journeys. Unless that person is a hot babe.

[Typo Lad]

A million dollars takes him from being a legal non-entity to an eccentric old man who can't be bothered to recall pettey details.

[drwho]

I'm just glad we are finally getting a companion that doesnt seem like she will be infatuated with the doctor. This christmas special makes the doctor seem so desperate for company.

[thehod]

Hopefully that won't be the last we see of that lovely old gentleman.

He changed his name to Richard Bucket, married a woman called Hyacinth, and his life went rapidly downhill from there.

[Enigmanaut]

I love the way the Doctor will let Kylie join him in the drop of a hat but some old bloke, nah, he can go wandering round London by himself & probably ended up mugged with his throat slit in an alleyway somewhere.

According to the papers Bernard Cribbins is back next series though.

He was going to bring Astrid because, after Martha, he was ready to have some company again. Martha didn't die or get trapped in a parallel universe. She went through her adventures and survived stronger at the end of it. There is even the promise of her meeting him again.

Astrid, however, spoiled that by dying and becoming atoms on the solar wind. Now, the Doctor realized once again what horrible danger he puts his companions in, and how horrible it feels when they die, especially when they die for him.

He wouldn't let Mr. Copper come with, because he wasn't ready for company, and because he's once again feeling maudlin and "better off alone."

[Cyke]

A million dollars takes him from being a legal non-entity to an eccentric old man who can't be bothered to recall pettey details.

Well, adjusted from dollars to pounds, and that man's is roughly 2.25 million. Which is twice as sweet as a million bucks. Yes, that's right, I did math on a message board!

As far as companionship goes, I think Enigmanaut's got it right. Even if the Doctor did allow Mr. Cooper to travel with him, the poor old man wouldn't be able to keep up with the stresses the others have. Even a young, strapping guy like Mickey just barely got through.

Besides, Mr. Cooper said that what he really wanted to do all this time was to settle down on Earth. He can manage, I think.

[Spike-X]

Speaking of maths...

If one million pounds = 50 million credits, then that huge five thousand credit phone bill would have been worth a whopping one hundred pounds.

What kind of slave wages were they paying those people that it would have taken twenty years to pay that off?!

[Magneto_X]

So it's possible they can do this with the Doctor as well, although it might require bringing back all the time lords.

Not really. They could retcon it through flashback or just have The Doctor tell someone the Time Lords gave him a new set of regenerations during the Time War.

Time Lord ressurection was not really touched upon in the old series, although the Master and Omega have certainly returned from the brink enough times. (interesting how Davros keeps coming back, given that he's not a time lord).


I'd love for Omega to come back more then Davros.

He's basically the Dr. Doom of the Who-verse. :D

edit: Does anybody know what's going on the British writers concerning the WGA strike? A poster on Deadline Hollywood said the British writers were striking or something. Is that true?

[mattx110]

Ahem, it's UK or Britain unless you're specifically going only to Engerland. Anyhoo, yes, it's repeated on BBC3 over Christmas & probably every other week from now until the end of time.
Just England unless I can sneak off to Glasgow or something for a day. It's a college thing. I don't think I'll even have access to a TV anyway. Do pubs keep on BBC3?

[Athena Bast]

Somehow I doubt that old man ended up all that happy, what with being a legal non-entity with virtually no idea of how life on Earth works. But what can you do, the Doctor is a lone hero who would never endanger another person on his journeys. Unless that person is a hot babe.

All he would have to do is to tell someone to tell the Queen that he's a friend of The Doctor. Everything would be tea and crumpets after that.

[Athena Bast]

Speaking of maths...

If one million pounds = 50 million credits, then that huge five thousand credit phone bill would have been worth a whopping one hundred pounds.

What kind of slave wages were they paying those people that it would have taken twenty years to pay that off?!

Actually.. 50 million and 56 credits ;)

[Toku King]

New clip! You'll never guess who's going to show up! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0719DxMOUY&feature=related) I'm so ready for this!

[Sanagi]

I was watching Runaway Bride on the season 3 DVDs tonight and discovered that there's a huge special feature after it that isn't listed in the contents or special features. It's about the concert for Children in Need. Very cool stuff.

[Tobias March]

It really wasn't up to snuff was it? Personally I preferred the Spider one, even with that Tate woman.

Now as to the Christian stuff king mob I reckon RTD is opening his camp valve full blast. It's slightly wearying. There was also a slight callousness this episode combined with a sledgehammer subtlety as to how hard life is. So good people suffer and bad people cash in their stock. Whoo RTD, I had no idea! Gosh, I'm so disillusioned.

I have a wonderful concept for the next Doctor. What if Tennant's version finally snaps and decides to remake the timeline to his idea of what is moral. Yes...he becomes Parallax/Hal Jordan. Or at least that is the eventual result. What the viewer witnesses is a mysterious figure, perhaps they assume it is the Master once again, seemingly opposing the Doctor in every time period. Then finally it is revealed that this is the next Doctor and in convincing Tennant's that he is ultimately doing evil, the 10th regenerates into the erstwhile villain.

Ok that's me clutching at straws that all this 'foreshadowing' actually leads to something.

[king mob]

He was going to bring Astrid because, after Martha, he was ready to have some company again. Martha didn't die or get trapped in a parallel universe. She went through her adventures and survived stronger at the end of it. There is even the promise of her meeting him again.

Astrid, however, spoiled that by dying and becoming atoms on the solar wind. Now, the Doctor realized once again what horrible danger he puts his companions in, and how horrible it feels when they die, especially when they die for him.

He wouldn't let Mr. Copper come with, because he wasn't ready for company, and because he's once again feeling maudlin and "better off alone."

So basically Mr. Copper didn't look hot in a maid's outfit.

[king mob]

Speaking of maths...

If one million pounds = 50 million credits, then that huge five thousand credit phone bill would have been worth a whopping one hundred pounds.

What kind of slave wages were they paying those people that it would have taken twenty years to pay that off?!

I noticed this the second time round but thought I'd look far too geeky to point out that bit of slack writing.

[Typo Lad]

So basically Mr. Copper didn't look hot in a maid's outfit.
Thank you for the mental image!

[king mob]

It really wasn't up to snuff was it? Personally I preferred the Spider one, even with that Tate woman.

I notice the BBC are repeating that again in order to really milk Catherine Tate dry this Christmas. There's a horrible image; milking Catherine Tate, ewwww.



Now as to the Christian stuff king mob I reckon RTD is opening his camp valve full blast. It's slightly wearying. There was also a slight callousness this episode combined with a sledgehammer subtlety as to how hard life is. So good people suffer and bad people cash in their stock. Whoo RTD, I had no idea! Gosh, I'm so disillusioned.

That's what bothered me a bit, RTD has tried to avoid the huge bodycount of the series in the specials but this year this went out the window. There certainly was an edge of callousness in the script but it never bothered to actually say anything beyond a cliche. It just boils down to the programme needing a script editor with the bollocks to go 'Russell, go sort it out'.


Ok that's me clutching at straws that all this 'foreshadowing' actually leads to something.

I assume the ongoing Doctor as Christ stuff is going somewhere as well, though it seems that next series is RTD's last full series so hopefully it gets resolved then.

[Spike-X]

I assume the ongoing Doctor as Christ stuff is going somewhere...

I hope it goes somewhere.

Away.

[ChrisIII]

Apparentally "Voyage" is the highest rated WHO since 79's "City of Death", according to OG.

BTW this is Clive Swift's second Doctor Who, he was Jobel-the bizzare caretaker of Tranquil Repose, in "Revelation of the Daleks".

[Gorthaur]

A million dollars takes him from being a legal non-entity to an eccentric old man who can't be bothered to recall pettey details.Even a million pounds won't help you if you can't get a bank account, buy a house, get citizenship etc. when you just don't exist. You'll find that money gone soon enough when any authority gets wind of you.

Oh, well. I'm sure the Doctor took care of all that off-screen!

[king mob]

Apparentally "Voyage" is the highest rated WHO since 79's "City of Death", according to OG.

Yup, second biggest programme watched over Christmas Day & Boxing Day. Though how much of it is down to Who's general popularity, Kylie, or a year of incredibly shite Christmas telly is debatable.

[king mob]

Even a million pounds won't help you if you can't get a bank account, buy a house, get citizenship etc. when you just don't exist. You'll find that money gone soon enough when any authority gets wind of you.

Not to mention that the idea that you can buy a house in London for a million quid is laughable.

Oh, well. I'm sure the Doctor took care of all that off-screen!

He was too busy mourning Kylie's maid outfit.

[Spike-X]

Even a million pounds won't help you if you can't get a bank account, buy a house, get citizenship etc. when you just don't exist. You'll find that money gone soon enough when any authority gets wind of you.

Oh, well. I'm sure the Doctor took care of all that off-screen!
Yeah, he probably just waved his sonic screwdriver in the general direction of the nearest bank and it was all sorted.

Bloody hell, I'm getting sick of that thing.

[Typo Lad]

Sick of a duex ex machina? How very un comic-book-fan of you, Spike.

[Spike-X]

Sick of bloody lazy storytelling.

So yeah, I guess that still applies.

[king mob]

Yeah, he probably just waved his sonic screwdriver in the general direction of the nearest bank and it was all sorted.

Bloody hell, I'm getting sick of that thing.


Ah, but if they get rid of it you can't sell the toys. You're right of course, it's a lazy way for writers to get the Doctor out of a fix & it's used far too often.

I was talking to a mate down the pub tonight & we were talking about Who. I asked him what his kids thought & they said they just got bored & restless watching it.
Now if the target audience is getting itchy then it makes me feel a wee bit better for being so grumpy about it after a second viewing.

[drwho]

Are there really British cowboy folk that like barbecue, or were they just throwing that in?

[king mob]

Are there really British cowboy folk that like barbecue, or were they just throwing that in?

Eh what was that?

[Tobias March]

Not to mention that the idea that you can buy a house in London for a million quid is laughable.


Yes I didn't want to say...but why didn't he leave him somewhere were a million pounds still meant something....80's maybe? I'm thinking of the prizes on Blankety Blank....couldn't have been too much money in the country then.

[SPAfreak]

He was too busy mourning Kylie's maid outfit.

Now that's a euphemism I haven't heard before...

[king mob]

Yes I didn't want to say...but why didn't he leave him somewhere were a million pounds still meant something....80's maybe? I'm thinking of the prizes on Blankety Blank....couldn't have been too much money in the country then.

Perhaps he'll come back to find Mr. Copper shacked up in a council flat in Hackney having spent all his money on Curlywurley's and crack.

[ChrisIII]

They actually did get rid of the sonic screwdriver in the 80's story "The Visitation" and also Hartnell didn't use it (It was introduced in Troughton's second season). However they sort of reintroduced it with the sonic lance during the Colin Baker era and by the TV movie Sylvestor McCoy's Doctor had built a new one (I think it's also in several of the "New Adventures" novels).


I think RTD views it as one of the essential WHO icons, along with the Daleks.

[Spike-X]

I think RTD views it as one of the essential WHO icons, along with the Daleks.

I don't object to its existence. I object to it being used every time the Doctor encounters the smallest obstacle or inconvenience.

[ChrisIII]

That is true-there were several instances in the classic series where the screwdriver actually didn't work on a lock or something-"Even the sonic screwdriver won't get me out of this!" is a classic Tom baker line.


Plus, it'd help if it actually did *sonic* things like it did in the classic series. Even Moffat used it as a 'medical tricorder' style device at one point!

[king mob]

That is true-there were several instances in the classic series where the screwdriver actually didn't work on a lock or something-"Even the sonic screwdriver won't get me out of this!" is a classic Tom baker line.

That's a brilliant bit of old Who and one example of the series breaking down the fourth wall.


Plus, it'd help if it actually did *sonic* things like it did in the classic series. Even Moffat used it as a 'medical tricorder' style device at one point!

To be fair it did do more than open doors in the old days, but when JNT decided to drop it, it was because writers had got used to sticking it in to get the Doctor out of a fix easily. If only they did that today the programme would be better off for it.
After 3 series the new series shouldn't be falling into lazy cliches because they can't be arsed thinking of anything better.

[Hellboy Animated 101]

NEW THEME MUSIC!!!!! anyone have the FULL VERSION?

[ChrisIII]

It might be available on the new album, not sure though.


I wonder if the new theme will continue into the fourth season.

[ChrisIII]

Just finished watching the special. Although it's definetly a homage to "Poseidon" adventure, but there's definetly some links to the classic Who story "Robots of Death" there as well-the design of the robots, their manner of speech and voice are almost exactly out of that serial.


Of course, like Lumic, "Max" is probably meant to echo Davros. If Davros is the season four finale bad guy, I wonder how they'll redesign him, explain his background etc. The novels and audios have two contradictory fates for Davros post-Rememberance, so they'll probably ignore those; last we really saw him was in an escape pod heading presumabely towards 1963 Earth...which could be the same place where Caan ended up. I hope this isn't another attempt to reengineer the Daleks ala so many past Davros stories; I'd actually prefer it if their Empire becomes fully restored, almost. I wonder if Roses's "Bad wolf" powers will come into play again in some sense.

Also curious about the thing with the lady and the sonic screwdriver. RTD did say we won't see the Master back during his run, but he didn't rule out the Rani.

[Star Crusher]

Does anyone know when the Doctor Who Christmas special will be shown in the US?? Has anyone seen it yet:cool:

[DonC]

June-ish? Maybe? Just look up when the Sci-Fi Channel aired the last Christmas special, then add a year.

And from what I've heard, it was one of the worst episodes ever.

[Enigmanaut]

And from what I've heard, it was one of the worst episodes ever.

Don't believe everything you've heard. It was mad, and fun, and completely great. A little overlong, but enjoyable as hell.

[king mob]

It might be available on the new album, not sure though.


I wonder if the new theme will continue into the fourth season.

It's the new theme for the next series.

[king mob]

Of course, like Lumic, "Max" is probably meant to echo Davros. If Davros is the season four finale bad guy, I wonder how they'll redesign him, explain his background etc. The novels and audios have two contradictory fates for Davros post-Rememberance, so they'll probably ignore those; last we really saw him was in an escape pod heading presumabely towards 1963 Earth...which could be the same place where Caan ended up.

It's almost certain that Davros is returning though whether he's played by Dennis Hopper is unconfirmed. RTD has other other bits of Who from other media such as comics (the old TV21 Dalek strips, early Marvel UK srtips and novels) but he's not going to stick to continuity from outside the programme.


Also curious about the thing with the lady and the sonic screwdriver. RTD did say we won't see the Master back during his run, but he didn't rule out the Rani.

That'll be the Sarah Lancashire character. Rumours about the Rani returning have been around for a while but this isn't it from all accounts.

[Sanagi]

Worst episode ever vs. completely great? Nothing so drastic. It was really just a combination of Doctor Who with a Hollywood blockbuster movie, with all the exciting action and cliche writing that entails. Its bad points stand out so prominently that enjoying it depends on your ability to forgive some groaners, but its good points are more than enough to make it worth watching.

As for availability, I'll just say this: Come over to the dark side.

[Sanagi]

It's the new theme for the next series.
Seriously? I didn't mind it once, but I don't really want to hear it again.

Speaking of maths...

If one million pounds = 50 million credits, then that huge five thousand credit phone bill would have been worth a whopping one hundred pounds.

What kind of slave wages were they paying those people that it would have taken twenty years to pay that off?!
Oops. I didn't notice that one, but it's a pretty bad plothole. Those two must have been a lot worse off than they looked.

I do get tired of "credits" being the universal sci-fi term for money. But I suppose it's better than making up a new word every time you need to say "dollars."

[king mob]

Seriously? I didn't mind it once, but I don't really want to hear it again.


Yup, we're also stuck with this horribly cutailed and Americanised end credits sequence as well which is new BBC guidelines for all their ongoing drama programmes.

[Sanagi]

Yup, we're also stuck with this horribly cutailed and Americanised end credits sequence as well which is new BBC guidelines for all their ongoing drama programmes.
Damn. You'd think Britain would have realized by now that America sets a bad example.

[king mob]

It also seems that Stephen Fry's script (which was supposed to be in the second series and was replaced by Fear Her) won't ever see production as Fry is apparently now too busy, which is a bloody shame.

[ChrisIII]

Have all the writers for the new season been announced yet? I know there's Raynor, Moffat, and of course RTD, but any others?

[ChrisIII]

The reaction to it has been largely the same as any episode penned by Russel T. Davies-you either love it or hate it.


Stephen Moffat, on the other hand, seems to be universally respected.

[king mob]

Have all the writers for the new season been announced yet? I know there's Raynor, Moffat, and of course RTD, but any others?

Yup, they're all announced. Gareth Roberts (who did a great job on Sarah Jane Adventures) is doing one, Raynor is doing the return of the Sontarans, Keith Temple (mainly known for writing for kids telly) and James Moran (who wrote Severance) are the other two.

[Holacik]

The reaction to it has been largely the same as any episode penned by Russel T. Davies-you either love it or hate it.


Stephen Moffat, on the other hand, seems to be universally respected.

When he writes awesome shows like Blink it's easy to see why.

[king mob]

On the subject of writers, Neil Gaiman has went from saying 'I might like to do a script' to 'I really want to do one, please ask me Russell', while Pat Mills (who had a script he did with John Wagner rejected for the old series) has apparently been sniffing around to get a commission.
Considering how much RTD has borrowed from 2000AD (including borrowing heavily from Nemesis for Gridlock last series) it might be nice to see him let Pat Mills loose on the new series.

The only thing that may hold the likes of Gaiman back is the lack of a 'hands off' clause that Moffat has.

[IamtheRock3]

Saw the xmas episode
pretty good. Cute addition that the Earthers were scared of christmas thanks to all the alines attacking on that Day. Felt sorry for the lady that died. Question did Doctor ever lose a companion. Not counting Rose sense she alive and kicking.

[ChrisIII]

The Doctor lost companions Katarina and Sara Kingdom in the Dalek Masterplan, and Adric in Earthshock. Plus it's possible some companions (Leela, maybe, possibly Romana if you read the books) were present on Gallifrey during the time war.

Plus many others companions-from the TV series and other sources-have died in comics, novels, and other stuff.

[Gerry O'Brien]

Why hasn't the Doctor bothered to visit his grand-daughter? This always seemed a bit odd. I think he's revisited just about all of the old companions, and I think most of them are still alive and kicking.

Wouldn't it be great if Tom Baker could do the next Xmas special?

[ChrisIII]

It's been stated a few times in the new series that the Doctor's family is dead due to the Time War. Although we only really know of Susan, there have been other implications that the Doctor had other family throughout both classic and new Who.

The novel "Lungbarrow" (Originally slated to be made into a TV story) sort of deals with the Doctor's family but but it's up to the reader if they want to include it as part of their own 'canon'.


As for revisiting companions, this has happened a few times-he's reunited with an older Tegan in one of the audios, Peri in the novel "Bad Therapy", Liz Shaw in "Eternity Weeps" and there's a few other examples. "School Reunion" is actually not the first Sarah Jane reunion story in the world of WHO fiction, although it arguably negates the other ones.

[IamtheRock3]

one day they got to show that war.

[Spike-X]

I think it works better as something that's just hinted at and alluded to occasionally.

[IamtheRock3]

I think it works better as something that's just hinted at and alluded to occasionally.

I dont know

I think old fans may like it. Cause I am guessing the destruction of the world is new to this series

[IamtheRock3]

oh another Question for a guy new to WHO

The Doctor said he was HOMELESS before he found earth. Why was that

[Spike-X]

I guess he travelled around for a while after leaving Gallifrey before settling on Earth.

Well, as settled as the Doctor gets.

[IamtheRock3]

I guess he travelled around for a while after leaving Gallifrey before settling on Earth.

Well, as settled as the Doctor gets.

Oh thouht it was an episode refrence or something.

[Armless Penguin]

Well, the First Doctor and Susan were originally "exiled" from Gallifrey for some reason or another and were living on Earth when the series began.

Also, major eh here. Is there anyone else who would have much rather had Astrid as the companion for series 4 over Donna, or is it just me?

[Spike-X]

Astrid, Sally Sparrow, even more Martha would be preferable to that loud, stupid, annoying cow!

[Armless Penguin]

Astrid, Sally Sparrow, even more Martha would be preferable to that loud, stupid, annoying cow!

Seriously. Since when did obnoxiousness become an "interesting" character trait? And yeah, Sally Sparrow would have been much preferable as well.

[king mob]

one day they got to show that war.

RTD has said you'll never see it while he's involved with the programme as it's supposed to be something that casts a shadow over the show. He hasn't ruled out it being told in another format, or by whomever replaces him though.

[king mob]

Also, major eh here. Is there anyone else who would have much rather had Astrid as the companion for series 4 over Donna, or is it just me?

Kylie was always a one-off as she's busy touring & promoting her new album this year.

[Sean Whitmore]

RTD has said you'll never see it while he's involved with the programme as it's supposed to be something that casts a shadow over the show. He hasn't ruled out it being told in another format, or by whomever replaces him though.

I can understand that. It sounds like a very un-Who-like battle...no grand schemes or clever dialog, just everyone killing each other until the last person is left. Better to leave that to the imagination than dwell on it.


SEAN

[Popgun]

On the subject of writers, Neil Gaiman has went from saying 'I might like to do a script' to 'I really want to do one, please ask me Russell', while Pat Mills (who had a script he did with John Wagner rejected for the old series) has apparently been sniffing around to get a commission.
Considering how much RTD has borrowed from 2000AD (including borrowing heavily from Nemesis for Gridlock last series) it might be nice to see him let Pat Mills loose on the new series.

The only thing that may hold the likes of Gaiman back is the lack of a 'hands off' clause that Moffat has.

I'd like to see Grant Morrison have a pop, if only because it could be brilliantly bonkers (Didnh't he knock out a few stories for Doctor Who Weekly, way back when?).

Funnily enough, I noted a fan letter from a young Paul Cornell in an old Doom Patrol the other day.

[ChrisIII]

Regarding the homeless reference, I think in light of the new series it was referring to the planet being destroyed.


There's some implication that the Doctor might have given up travelling at some point in his eigth incarnation and settled down on Gallifrey for a time, before being called out to active duty in the time war. But that's just a theory based on some dialogue. Really not enough to support it....

[Armless Penguin]

Kylie was always a one-off as she's busy touring & promoting her new album this year.

Yeah, I know. I was just saying she would have been a much more interesting (and bearable) companion than Donna was and looks to be.

[IamtheRock3]

RTD has said you'll never see it while he's involved with the programme as it's supposed to be something that casts a shadow over the show. He hasn't ruled out it being told in another format, or by whomever replaces him though.


there always movies

or novel series

DOCTOR WHO- TIME WAR

or something

never read any DR who novels. What are some good ones.

[Toku King]

Astrid, Sally Sparrow, even more Martha would be preferable to that loud, stupid, annoying cow!

You never saw the Dark Days Of Melanie Bush then, did you?

[Toku King]

My thoughts for best and worst Doctor Who companions:

BEST
1. Sarah Jane Smith
2. Rose Tyler
3. Martha Jones
4. K-9 I
5. Leela

Honorable Mentions: Brigadier Alistair Gordon
Jamie McCrimmon
Harry Sullivan
Mickey
K-9 II

WORST
1. Melanie Bush
2. Adric
3. Dr. Grace Holloway

[Gerry O'Brien]

It's been stated a few times in the new series that the Doctor's family is dead due to the Time War. Although we only really know of Susan, there have been other implications that the Doctor had other family throughout both classic and new Who.


I can't remember if Susan was actually around for the Troughton regeneration. I quite enjoy the Hartnell DVD... although he was quite a miserable old bastard, and not quite as clever as one might expect. And how can you not like Susan?

Anyway, I'd still like to see Tom Baker finally show up for a time paradox reunion with the current Doctor, or maybe the next one?

Also nice to see that Xmas "reunion" with Bernard Cribbens!

[Gerry O'Brien]

Seriously. Since when did obnoxiousness become an "interesting" character trait? And yeah, Sally Sparrow would have been much preferable as well.

Absolutely. That actress (Carey Mulligan?) is fantastic... and hers was easily the best ep of last season.

http://careymulligan.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/d7986b30.jpg

[Deathstroke]

Absolutely. That actress (Carey Mulligan?) is fantastic... and hers was easily the best ep of last season.

http://careymulligan.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/d7986b30.jpg

Yep that's her name.

Hard to believe she played one of the young daughters in the Keira Knightley version of Pride and Prejudice.

[LordEd1976]

I can't remember if Susan was actually around for the Troughton regeneration. I quite enjoy the Hartnell DVD... although he was quite a miserable old bastard, and not quite as clever as one might expect. And how can you not like Susan?


Susan left before Hartnell regenerated. The companions who witnessed the first regeneration were Ben and Polly.

Speaking of which, I've noticed the Dr never has the same companion at the begining of his regeneration and at the end.

Observe:
1st Doctor started out with Susan as his companion, regenerated in front of Ben and Polly.

2nd Doctor regenerated alone.

3rd Doctor regenerated in front of Sarah Jane and the Brigadier.

4th Doctor regenerated in front of Nyssa, Adric, and Tegan.

5th Doctor regenerated in front of Peri

6th Doctor regenerated in front of the Rani as Mel laid nearby unconcious.

7th Doctor regenerated alone

8th Doctor is a mystery. Given what we know of the Time War and based on evidence from the episode "Rose", he may have regenerated alone.

9th Doctor regenerated in front of Rose

Rose left in "Doomsday" and while she is putting in an appearance in Season 4, I doubt she'll make a comeback as a companion. So far, chances are of teh 10th Doctor regenerates, it will be in front of Donna and Martha, unless bvoth leave beforehand.

I wonder if the Doctor will ever keep a companion for an entire regeneration?

[ChrisIII]

Regarding Doctor Who novels, they're fairly hard to find at least in USA stores, so your best bet is probably sci-fi specialty shops that sell used books or online, although the official Doctor Who website has some available....


Anyway, the best bet for novels are:

First Doctor-The Plotters

Second Doctor-The Dark Path (Origin of the Master, although it's been somewhat retconned by the 'drums' stuff in the new show)

Third Doctor-Last of the Gadarene (Final confrontation between the Third Doctor and Delgado's master), Wages of Sin, Face of the Enemy

Fourth Doctor-The Romance of Crime, Corpse Marker, Shadows of Weng-Chiang


Fifth Doctor-Sands of Time, Deep Blue, Goth Opera


Sixth Doctor-Killing ground, Business Unusual

Seventh Doctor-He had a ton of novels, here's a few good ones:

-Love and War
-Blood Heat
-Conundrum
-No Future
-Human Nature (Basis for the TV serial)
-Sanctuary
-Head Games


Eigth Doctor-Also had a huge novel series, here's what you should check out:


-Genocide
-Interference books one and two
-The Ancestor Cell
-Father Time (Hoping this gets turned into a TV serial, it's that good)
-The Gallifrey Chronicles

Ninth Doctor-Had only a few novels, Only Human is suppossed to be the best, though.


Tenth Doctor-Has a few novels, but none have really been embraced by fans.

[Typo Lad]

I thought the Eighth doctor was this big mystery?

[ChrisIII]

Kind of. He only appeared televisonwise in one TV-movie, and we don't know the circumstances of his regeneration into Eccleston (or possible involvement in the time war), but the Eighth Doctor has appeared in many novels, comics, and audio dramas (once again played by Mcgann).

The novels/audios also flesh out some of the 'gaps' in the series, such as how he really met Mel, what happened to Ace etc. However they haven't been allowed to touch the time war yet, although a destruction of Gallifrey does happen, it doesn't have anything to do with the Daleks (and in order to fit in with the new TV series, one of the novels implies that Gallifrey can be brought back-only of course, to be destroyed again!)

[Typo Lad]

Interesting. Those are all of dubious continuity, correct?

[ChrisIII]

Depends on your opinion, kind of. Unlike Star Wars and Star Trek, the BBC hasn't really set any 'canon law' for Doctor Who, and the TV series itself has some spotty continuity.


Plus the novels/audio share many writers with the TV series-RTD wrote a novel, Mark Gatiss wrote a few, as did Gareth Roberts, and Paul Cornell wrote a lot (As I mentioned above, Human Nature was originally a Seventh Doctor novel adapted for the screen).

[king mob]

I'd like to see Grant Morrison have a pop, if only because it could be brilliantly bonkers (Didnh't he knock out a few stories for Doctor Who Weekly, way back when?).

Yup, they were not the greatest thing Grant's done but it came before Zenith in 2000AD, and after Warrior went tits up, so it paid the bills. RTD has used some of the background Alan Moore set up in his very early Who strips in regards to the programme's bible and the Time War, not to mention using lot's of 'inspiration' from 2000AD.

RTD is a proper old 2000AD geek, not to mention being a comic geek generally; he got Brian Hitch as one of the conceptual artists in the first series & he got to help redesign the Tardis control room.

I'd love to see a Gaiman script but it looks unlikely to happen until 2010 at least.

[ChrisIII]

Any thoughts on when Doctor Who will get an HD (Probably Blu-ray-if I'm not mistaken DW is distributed in the USA by Warner who just went blu-ray) release? Granted, the new series/Torchwood/SJA should all make the leap easily (As well as the Peter Cushing and Mcgann films), but I'm not so sure about the signifigantly low-definition original series (Apart from perhaps, Spearhead from Space). While old series such as Star Trek have made the transition to HD, that's partially because they were shot on a higher level of film than the video/comparitively grainy film of the original WHO series.


Granted, there's still a good chunk of SD-DVD releases that need to be done, although they're coming out faster.

[rick]

I was watching the rerun of the first Cyberman episode from the new series and I was suddenly struck with a fanboy thought.

While thinking about the whole alternate universe angle, I couldn’t help but wonder if just maybe, this world possibly had a Doctor all their own….


http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/7579/cushingxa0.jpg

[Cyke]

I was watching the rerun of the first Cyberman episode from the new series and I was suddenly struck with a fanboy thought.

While thinking about the whole alternate universe angle, I couldn’t help but wonder if just maybe, this world possibly had a Doctor all their own….


http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/7579/cushingxa0.jpg

I prefer to think of Tarkin as his Valeyard. Any Doctor who blows up Alderaan for the hell of it is no Doctor of mine!

[IamtheRock3]

Kind of. He only appeared televisonwise in one TV-movie, and we don't know the circumstances of his regeneration into Eccleston (or possible involvement in the time war), but the Eighth Doctor has appeared in many novels, comics, and audio dramas (once again played by Mcgann).

The novels/audios also flesh out some of the 'gaps' in the series, such as how he really met Mel, what happened to Ace etc. However they haven't been allowed to touch the time war yet, although a destruction of Gallifrey does happen, it doesn't have anything to do with the Daleks (and in order to fit in with the new TV series, one of the novels implies that Gallifrey can be brought back-only of course, to be destroyed again!)


Wait the planet blew up in he novles too

Was he still LAST of the time lords after that. Or was there only being one left something the TV series thought up

I imagine if i was a novel writer I would love the 8th doctor sense I have more leeway with him

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I've watched some of the good Doctor on Sci-Fi. I've never really been a die hard fan and have tried getting into it. In order for me to really get into a show I have to catch it from the start. So last night on Youtube I watched "An UnEarthly Child" (Who Pilot) and it really sold me on the old B & W series. It gave me jolts of enjoying Twilight Zone.

I plan to watch a lot of the older shows and go forward slowly. To see if I'll keep enjoying it.

[Doodle Bob]

Interesting. Those are all of dubious continuity, correct?

Of course, if you ponder it for a moment, *all* of the Doctor's adventures are of dubious continuity. I've always subscribed to the heretical belief that the Doctor has had so many adventures with the timeline that he has completely eliminated any continuity within his own universe... to the degree that some of his own adventures probably "never" happened.

So, to me, trying to piece together an even somewhat coherent history of the Who universe is futile.

[ChrisIII]

Superewcfan, unfortunately not all the Hartnell adventures (as well as a good chunk of Troughton's) exist anymore due to the BBC wiping several older programs in the 70's. Since classic Doctor Who was episodic, some episodes exist while other's don't, and others have been wiped completely...although there is still hope-several Doctor Whos that have been assumed to have been wiped have been recovered, but several unfortunately might have been lost forever. Although post-Troughton nothing is completely lost, several Pertwees are missing in color, so some of his stuff is only available in Black & White (Although there have been some, mainly fan-coordinated efforts to colorize the decolored episodes)
That doesn't mean the stories aren't preserved in some form though. Scripts, audio recordings, and novel adaptations do thankfully exist. Several Doctor Who fans and also sometimes the BBC themselves have done reconstructions, the most ambitious being of "The Invasion" with the missing episodes animated.


Your best bets with Hartnell are probably "The Aztecs" "The Dalek Invasion of Earth" "The Romans" and what's left (Two episodes) of "The Crusade".

[Captain Jim]

My suggestion, to someone who's completely new to Doctor Who, would be watch the NEW series completely from the start. Then, if you like it, you can venture into some of the old stuff.

[ChrisIII]

Yeah, the new series has it's own 'arc' so to speak and doesn't really require any knowledge of the classic series-everything's pretty much explained clearly. It's kind of like Star Trek The Next Generation; although it's the same universe and everything, one doesn't need to necesarilly be a fan of the original to know what's going on. The stuff like the time war and other elements make up the 'mythology' of the new show, in a similar sense to how the Borg defined TNG.


The only time the program really relied too heavily on continuity was during the 80's, when they sort of lost the family demographic and tried to compete with other science fiction shows-hence too much technobabble and reliance on viewer's knowledge of past serials ("Attack of the Cybermen" is particuarly guilty of this).

Not saying that "new" Who is necesarilly better-the original WHO often had longer serials and better chances to develop storylines (Although some serials are 'padded' with storylines/characters that go nowhere or too many action sequences). The New Who is a bit more hyperactive.

I would suggest trying stories from each Doctor to get a 'feel' for each era of the series:

I've already recommended Hartnell stories, here's some from the other Doctors:



Troughton-Tomb OF The Cybermen, The Invasion

Pertwee-Spearhead from Space, The Green Death

Tom Baker-Pyramid of Mars, Talons of Weng-Chaing, City of Death

Peter Davison-Earthshock, Caves of Androzani

Sixth Doctor-Vengeance on Varos

Seventh Doctor-Rememberance of the Daleks, Curse of Fenric

Eigth Doctor-Only the TV movie was made (Although he's done audios too)

Ninth Doctor-End of the World, Dalek, Empty Child/The Doctor Dances

Tenth Doctor-Girl in the fireplace, Blink, Human Nature/Family of Blood

[king mob]

Any thoughts on when Doctor Who will get an HD (Probably Blu-ray-if I'm not mistaken DW is distributed in the USA by Warner who just went blu-ray) release? Granted, the new series/Torchwood/SJA should all make the leap easily (As well as the Peter Cushing and Mcgann films), but I'm not so sure about the signifigantly low-definition original series (Apart from perhaps, Spearhead from Space). While old series such as Star Trek have made the transition to HD, that's partially because they were shot on a higher level of film than the video/comparitively grainy film of the original WHO series.


Granted, there's still a good chunk of SD-DVD releases that need to be done, although they're coming out faster.


It won't be a while before the BBC start releasing Blu-Ray or HD DVD versions of Who, in fact the only major programmes they've done in those formats seems to be Planet Earth and I think, Coast.

Part of the reason is programmes like Who are shot on video and then 'filmised' & would look rather nasty on high definition format. The other problem is that stories would have to go through longer restoration and the BBC just don't have the budget to give the Restoration Team.

Of course things change & technology moves on, so there's nothing to suggest they won't ever do it, just realistically they'll release what they can on DVD before doing anything else.

On the DVD rumours there's rumours that Trial Of A Time Lord might see a release later this year, plus The Daemons might, finally, get a release.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

I was checking out the TV.Com thing on Dr.Who ... have they cancelled the new Who series they air on Sci-Fi network ? Plus how many spinoffs have they done of the show ?

[king mob]

I was checking out the TV.Com thing on Dr.Who ... have they cancelled the new Who series they air on Sci-Fi network ? Plus how many spinoffs have they done of the show ?

Who hasn't been cancelled, it's taking a break after it's fourth series this year and we'll have three bank holiday specials in 2009, before the fifth series returns in 2010.

So far it's had Torchwood & Sarah Jane Adventures spin off from the new series, while the original had the incredibly dire K9 & Company. There's an animated K9 series coming but that's nothing to do with Who & is a seperate thing Bob Baker (the creator of K9) is doing.

[Typo Lad]

I was checking out the TV.Com thing on Dr.Who ... have they cancelled the new Who series they air on Sci-Fi network ? Plus how many spinoffs have they done of the show ?

The new version is still being made. It's had two spin-offs, Torchwood (meh) and Sarah Jane Adventures (wheee).

[Armless Penguin]

I know TORCHWOOD is really divisive, especially among fans of DOCTOR WHO, but I have to say that I've really enjoyed it and am anticipating the beginning of the second series.

[Typo Lad]

It's not a terrible show, it's just not what I was expecting.

[Cyke]

Of course, if you ponder it for a moment, *all* of the Doctor's adventures are of dubious continuity. I've always subscribed to the heretical belief that the Doctor has had so many adventures with the timeline that he has completely eliminated any continuity within his own universe... to the degree that some of his own adventures probably "never" happened.

So, to me, trying to piece together an even somewhat coherent history of the Who universe is futile.

Heck, I think I'll adopt that policy myself. It's one of the more sensible things I've read in regards to Who 'continuity.'

That, and the Doctor's run-ins with Death's Head (esp. at Four Freedoms Plaza) all count in my head :)

[king mob]

It's not a terrible show, it's just not what I was expecting.

It was a really shite programme & a bit of a waste of license payers money, though hopefully they've taken the hint with the second series & actually bothered to put more than five minutes of effort into it.

On the subject of DVD realeases, this looks smashing (http://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/0/7C7FF0652B4FFBFA802573C90035B3AE?OpenDocument). Invasion Of Time is worth it for the huge chase through the Tardis, and lots of disco Time Lords.

[Tadhg]

Of course things change & technology moves on, so there's nothing to suggest they won't ever do it, just realistically they'll release what they can on DVD before doing anything else.

This was some time ago(I want to say around 2001 or 2002, certainly before the new series or 2entertain's involvement ), and of course things change as the people involved change, but BBC had announced that they intended to release all the complete stories on DVD. Now that doesn't preclude them for a hasty shoddy collection like the End of The Universe collection they did for VHS in 2003.

[king mob]

This was some time ago(I want to say around 2001 or 2002, certainly before the new series or 2entertain's involvement ), and of course things change as the people involved change, but BBC had announced that they intended to release all the complete stories on DVD. Now that doesn't preclude them for a hasty shoddy collection like the End of The Universe collection they did for VHS in 2003.

They still intend to release all the complete stories on DVD, and as many boxsets as possible (the Invasion Of Time is part of the forthcoming Sontaran set for example) to get everything out there.
The only thing is there won't be any more animated missing episodes as there was with The Invasion as that story never sold well at all, which is a pity really.

[Armless Penguin]

It was a really shite programme & a bit of a waste of license payers money, though hopefully they've taken the hint with the second series & actually bothered to put more than five minutes of effort into it.


No, it wasn't. It was an enjoyable, if sometimes flawed, effort of a show that ultimately managed to accomplish what it set out to accomplish. It's just that what it set out to accomplish wasn't what many fans were expecting.

[Cyke]

I'll go on the record and say that I enjoyed about ... oh, three episodes of Torchwood. The rest were pretty mediocre-to-bad. But I do agree with the consensus that it's simply trying too hard.

Here's hoping Series 2 is a marked improvement.

[Sanagi]

Invasion Of Time is worth it for the huge chase through the Tardis, and lots of disco Time Lords.
A fun episode, despite making very little sense and being a waste of time for Leela in her last episode.

[ChrisIII]

According to Doctor Who news, William Hartnell would've been 100 today :)

[Holacik]

I'll go on the record and say that I enjoyed about ... oh, three episodes of Torchwood. The rest were pretty mediocre-to-bad. But I do agree with the consensus that it's simply trying too hard.

Here's hoping Series 2 is a marked improvement.

Out of curiosity which ones? I liked Countrycide, Random shoes, up until the end though, the ending sucked something fierce. The last two eps were solid. Overall though it got hurt by Captain Jack's dark mood, hopefully after his stint with The Doctor the character can return to what made him enjoyable to begin with.

[Typo Lad]

I liked the one with the fair folk and the last two.

[Cyke]

Out of curiosity which ones? I liked Countrycide, Random shoes, up until the end though, the ending sucked something fierce. The last two eps were solid. Overall though it got hurt by Captain Jack's dark mood, hopefully after his stint with The Doctor the character can return to what made him enjoyable to begin with.

Greeks Bearing Gifts (the Toshiiko-centric one) and the last two episodes, especially Captain Jack Harkness (the episode, that is). I'll give Countrycide credit for being non-scifi related, but something didn't click with me there.

And I would have to agree with you about Captain Jack himself. I miss funloving Jack from Series 1 Who, not Emo Myspace Jack from Torchwood. Heck, his funloving personality is one of the reasons why he deserved a spin-off in the first place, in my opinion.

[king mob]

No, it wasn't. It was an enjoyable, if sometimes flawed, effort of a show that ultimately managed to accomplish what it set out to accomplish. It's just that what it set out to accomplish wasn't what many fans were expecting.

Flawed is being mild for a programme that was a low point in British telefantasy. Anyhow, I've slagged it off enough in the seperate Torchwood thread & I am actually fairly optimistic for the second series starting next week.

[king mob]

I liked the one with the fair folk and the last two.

The fair folk one was good, mainly because it was written by PJ Hammond who created the wonderful Sapphire & Steel, which has been an influence on Who for years, Blink being the most recent example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAMorsWt4W8

[ChrisIII]

Also, regarding the question about Gallifrey being destroyed in the novels, it does happen and apparentally 'erases' Gallifrey from all of time. However, the time lords still exist in the Doctor's head and he's able to restore them in a new Gallifrey some point after 'The Gallifrey chronicles". However, apparentally the Daleks get into their own war with the time lords and destroy Gallifrey more permantly.

In any case, I think RTD was probably inspired by the Eighth Doctor novels when he thought of the whole last time lord/no more gallifrey/time war angle. RTD after all had done some work for the line, and some of the new episodes are very much inspired by the novels/audios, especially "Dalek" and "Human Nature".

[SPAfreak]

The fair folk one was good, mainly because it was written by PJ Hammond who created the wonderful Sapphire & Steel, which has been an influence on Who for years, Blink being the most recent example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAMorsWt4W8

Sapphire & Steel always seemed to suffer from the same problem that some of the old Who stories did: Everything was too drawn out. The premise was awesome but there was always a lot of material that felt like filler. About 1/4 to 1/2 of the story seemed like it could be cut with no detriment to the story but rather an improvement. Comparatively, new Who occasionally suffers from an overly frenetic pace.

[ChrisIII]

I wonder how Torchwood will continue to play with the "Whoniverse"-if we'll see any familiar monsters or something like that.

I think that Silurians/Sea Devils might be a good subject for Torchwood, but perhaps WHO should deal with them first.

[Popgun]

I wonder how Torchwood will continue to play with the "Whoniverse"-if we'll see any familiar monsters or something like that.

I think that Silurians/Sea Devils might be a good subject for Torchwood, but perhaps WHO should deal with them first.


There'd be a good in-joke on offer there, given that the Silure tribe for whom the Silurian period is named lived in the exact area where Torchwood is both filmed and set.

[Paul McEnery]

Me, I liked the Cyberwoman one no end.

Quite possibly for utterly pervy reasons.

Ditto the alien serial killer lesbian sex episode.

And the alien serial killer heterosexual sex episode.

Will Russell Davies ever get over the AIDS, I wonder.