Doctor Who *spoilers*

[lonewolf23k]

^The Audios and the novels still do multi-doctor stories for time to time, although featuring the pre-new series Doctors.

Regarding actors who still look like the Doctor, here's a thread on Trekbbs that shows what the surviving Doctors look like now. As you can see, Davison, McCoy and Mcgann still could pass as their Doctors more or less (McCoy's lost some hair but he always wore his hat anyway), but the Bakers have gotten sort of grey and have gained some weight....

http://www.trekbbs.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=7190655&an=0&page=0#Post7190655


Of course, they all still sound like the Doctor, hence the audios :)

They could always pass themselves off as previous Doctors with a bit of make-up.. Colin Baker looks like he could pass off as the Second Doctor..

[Sanagi]

^The Audios and the novels still do multi-doctor stories for time to time, although featuring the pre-new series Doctors.

Regarding actors who still look like the Doctor, here's a thread on Trekbbs that shows what the surviving Doctors look like now. As you can see, Davison, McCoy and Mcgann still could pass as their Doctors more or less (McCoy's lost some hair but he always wore his hat anyway), but the Bakers have gotten sort of grey and have gained some weight....

http://www.trekbbs.com/threads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=7190655&an=0&page=0#Post7190655


Of course, they all still sound like the Doctor, hence the audios :)
Neat comparison. I can just see Davison, McGann, and Tennant teaming up, being the more sort of sentimental takes on the character, in some classic setting like on a pirate ship fighting to save some damsel in distress...

[Matt]

Tom Baker could do it as long as there's not much running around involved.
Davison - no problems there, he could still play the 5th Doctor just fine.
Whack a wig on Colin Baker and he's the 6th Doctor again.
McCoy ... he's set to go, as is McGann.

[drwho]

If Dr. Who regenerated into a black person would it still be supported by the public over there in the UK? IF not why not?

[Popgun]

If Dr. Who regenerated into a black person would it still be supported by the public over there in the UK? IF not why not?


It's been rumoured lots of times - most recently with Chiwetel Ejiofor. I can't imagine it would be a problem for viewers.

[Arune Singh]

It's been rumoured lots of times - most recently with Chiwetel Ejiofor. I can't imagine it would be a problem for viewers.

The current 'Who is so diverse in casting that I'd tend to agree.

Can the Doctor regenerate into a female at all? That'd be interesting to me.

[king mob]

If Dr. Who regenerated into a black person would it still be supported by the public over there in the UK? IF not why not?


It would be supported, Lenny Henry was a name thrown round at one point in the late 80's. It's finding a decent enough actor that should be the criteria, not one of race or creed. We're not all Jade Goody or employees of Endemol.

[Popgun]

The current 'Who is so diverse in casting that I'd tend to agree.

Can the Doctor regenerate into a female at all? That'd be interesting to me.


That's another one that's always being rumoured in the tabloids - Johanna Lumley was forever being mentioned in relation to the role in the mid-nineties. I think it's probably less likely to happen now than ever - Sarah Jane Adventures pretty much covers that particular base.

It's not impossible, though - they may indeed go down that route one day.

[drwho]

I also thought it would be cool if they regenerated him as a teenager between 14-18. Just make sure he is not as annoying as Adric.

[Matt]

Can the Doctor regenerate into a female at all? That'd be interesting to me.

No. Time Lords do have gender separation.
Though in the Rowan Atkinson charity show/parody 'Curse of the Fatal Death', the Doctor did regenerate into a woman.

[Captain Jim]

Has Eccleston really said he wouldn't do a guest spot? That seems strange.

I agree that most of the old doctors could still do a guest-role. In most cases, all you'd need is a wig. I'd like to see that too.

[Arune Singh]

I also thought it would be cool if they regenerated him as a teenager between 14-18. Just make sure he is not as annoying as Adric.

Only if he's played by a gangsta rapper. I wanna see the Doctor referring to his companions in derogatory terms and using his "sonic screwdrivizzle fo shizzle."

;)

Jokes aside, it could be interesting to have a teen, though I can't imagine a Doctor besides Tennant right now.

[mattx110]

i think a teenager would just be odd and annoying.

a few of the doctors, and maybe all of them, have had enough of a childlike presence, but they could get very effectively indignant and i'm not sure any teenagers could pull that off against an alien horde.

[Sanagi]

With the tendency the Doctor has to appear younger over time, it might be interesting to make him very young for his last regeneration.

Although if I had the reins of the franchise, I'd make a whole season's story arc around the Doctor turning evil in his last life, with the 'companion' characters chasing him through time, which would obviously end with some kind of redemption and rebirth.

[Sandoz]

Has Eccleston really said he wouldn't do a guest spot? That seems strange.
Eccleston didn't want to be typecast in the role, so it's not really surprising that he'd decline to return to it (however briefly) only a year or two after he left.

[king mob]

Has Eccleston really said he wouldn't do a guest spot? That seems strange.


As said he didn't want to be typecast and bear in mind that he already was a successful actor without the role. Basically the show needed him more than he needed the show. It didn't help that the BBC dealt with his leaving after one series quite badly and pissed him right off.

[ChrisIII]

Eccleston's departure was apparentally from typecasting, but I've also heard he had some problems with the directors/producers etc. Eccleston hasn't really said much about leaving the show....

Anyway, here's why each Doctor left...feel free to correct me about certain details...

Hartnell-Ill health.

Troughton-According to most stories Troughton was worried about typecasting (Although he did reprise his role for all three multi-Doctor stories). He's probably the most sucessful actor of the old series Doctors outside of the series; he appears in several notable films such as the Omen and Jason And The Argonaughts.

Pertwee-This one has some mystery to it, apparentally it's partially because of the departure of Katy Manning and the death of Robert Delgado, and the shift away from UNIT earthbound adventures to adventures in time and space. Also rumored is that Pertwee wanted a pay raise and the BBC wouldn't budge.

Tom Baker-Most people label this as John-Nathan-Turner and Chris Bidmead's fault, saying that their attempt to make the show more sci-fi than fantasy took the fun out of the show and Tom didn't like that.


Davison-Apparentally talked to Troughton during either the making of their "All Creatures Great and Small" episode or during "The Five Doctors" and was advised to do three years than get out. Later Davison regretted leaving...


Colin Baker-Fired by the BBC because Michael Grade didn't like the characterisation of Doctor or Colin, apparentally (Although from all indications Colin's actually a very nice guy).


Sylvestor McCoy-series was cancelled, so he no longer had the role to play, although he did return in the TV movie.


Paul Mcgann-Likewise, no longer had the role to play.


Of course, Davison, C.Baker, McCoy and Mcgann have returned to the role for Big Finish's line of audio plays (They're pretty good, for the most part). Apparentally Big Finish doesn't have the license for the new series though (Although Tennant has acted in non-Doctor roles in several of their plays), and it's unlikely Eccleston will do it anyway. Tom Baker unfortunately has turned down Big Finish, although his companions have done audios.


For those unfamiliar with Big Finish here is their website: www.doctorwho.co.uk

[king mob]

Eccleston's departure was apparentally from typecasting, but I've also heard he had some problems with the directors/producers etc. Eccleston hasn't really said much about leaving the show....

The short version is the BBC announced he was leaving when he was still discussing it with them. This pissed him off and he decided to leave. It's debateable just how planned this all was but it's pissed Eccleston off enough to say he won't consider coming back in the future.

Anyway, here's why each Doctor left...feel free to correct me about certain details...

Hartnell-Ill health.

Troughton-According to most stories Troughton was worried about typecasting (Although he did reprise his role for all three multi-Doctor stories). He's probably the most sucessful actor of the old series Doctors outside of the series; he appears in several notable films such as the Omen and Jason And The Argonaughts.

Troughton was an established actor before Doctor Who and yes, he didn't want to be tied to the show. Plus he hated the filming schedule and thought his scripts were in decline. Some of his stories were poor but he's the actor who had the toughest job-he had to convince viewers that the idea of regenerating the title character into a totally new actor with totally different portrayal could work. He did and his Doctor remains my favourite.

Pertwee-This one has some mystery to it, apparentally it's partially because of the departure of Katy Manning and the death of Robert Delgado, and the shift away from UNIT earthbound adventures to adventures in time and space. Also rumored is that Pertwee wanted a pay raise and the BBC wouldn't budge.

The filming schedule affected Pertwee a lot. Like the first two he had a career outside of Who before the show which did grind to a halt due to the heavy schedule of the show. He did want a pay rise, the Beeb said no, he left.

After Who he had another big role in Worzel Gummage which was actually bigger than Who for him.

Tom Baker-Most people label this as John-Nathan-Turner and Chris Bidmead's fault, saying that their attempt to make the show more sci-fi than fantasy took the fun out of the show and Tom didn't like that.

The extras on the Logopolis DVD shine more light on this. Essentially Baker hated the changes JNT was making on the show and hated the scripts, though he admits he was a grumpy bastard stuck in his ways which probably didn't help them.

Baker had the toughest time shaking off the role of any actor to play the Doctor. He's now as well known for his parts on Little Britain as he was on Who.

Davison-Apparentally talked to Troughton during either the making of their "All Creatures Great and Small" episode or during "The Five Doctors" and was advised to do three years than get out. Later Davison regretted leaving...

This is something else expanded upon in the extras for Logopolis and Castrovalva. Davison hated his second year and decided he'd take Troughton's advice and leave after his third year. The thing was the scripts improved and he really regretted leaving.


Colin Baker-Fired by the BBC because Michael Grade didn't like the characterisation of Doctor or Colin, apparentally (Although from all indications Colin's actually a very nice guy).

Colin Baker was fucked from the start. He had a terrible costume, (he wanted to wear a pinstripe suit, JNT said no) a Doctor people hated from the start and really, really rubbish scripts. He had to struggle to make people like his Doctor and Grade's hostility to the programme made sure he really never stood a chance.


(Although Tennant has acted in non-Doctor roles in several of their plays)

Including their adaptation of Luther Arkwright.

[Matt]

I would say that Colin Baker really is a fine actor and is a really nice guy - it was pretty much Grade's fault that the 6th Doctor's time was so horrible.

[Cyke]

... but he's the actor who had the toughest job-he had to convince viewers that the idea of regenerating the title character into a totally new actor with totally different portrayal could work. He did and his Doctor remains my favourite.



I'm so glad you brought that up. Today, we all take regenerations for granted, but it took a very special kind of actor to successfully set the precedent.

Troughton for the win :)

[king mob]

I would say that Colin Baker really is a fine actor and is a really nice guy - it was pretty much Grade's fault that the 6th Doctor's time was so horrible.

Grade never helped it by sticking it up against Corrie and generally hating the programme but it didn't help that Baker's scripts were generally very poor.

[Captain Jim]

I just finished watching the season one DVD's and was reminded that Captain Jack was stranded in the future in the final episode. That was the implication, anyway; I know he wasn't in season two.

So, I was just wondering if Torchwood explained how he got back to the present again. (At least I'm assuming that Torchwood takes place in the present.)

[mattx110]

I just finished watching the season one DVD's and was reminded that Captain Jack was stranded in the future in the final episode. That was the implication, anyway; I know he wasn't in season two.

So, I was just wondering if Torchwood explained how he got back to the present again. (At least I'm assuming that Torchwood takes place in the present.)

we never know. either he tricked a time agent, or fell through the rift or something. the show is sort of revising his time in england too, making him a bit more honest then usual.

[king mob]

I just finished watching the season one DVD's and was reminded that Captain Jack was stranded in the future in the final episode. That was the implication, anyway; I know he wasn't in season two.

So, I was just wondering if Torchwood explained how he got back to the present again. (At least I'm assuming that Torchwood takes place in the present.)

He came back via the rift, we don't know how but he makes it clear in at least one episode. Jack will be in series three for the last three episodes.

[Captain Jim]

Series three? Do you mean season three? of Doctor Who?

[Cyke]

Series three? Do you mean season three? of Doctor Who?

Yeah, they're both the same terms for Doctor Who.

I myself tend to use the 'Season' term, but many Who reference cites list it as Series.

[mattx110]

Yeah, they're both the same terms for Doctor Who.

I myself tend to use the 'Season' term, but many Who reference cites list it as Series.

i think with the onset of these DVD full season things they liked calling them "series one, series two" etc. so it feels more like a full story arc rather than a season of tv, which doesn't hold the same connotations.

[Cyke]

i think with the onset of these DVD full season things they liked calling them "series one, series two" etc. so it feels more like a full story arc rather than a season of tv, which doesn't hold the same connotations.

For me, in the age of serials like DS9 and 24, "Season" already brings connotations of a full story arc. But hey, you say to-may-toe, I say to-mah-toe :)

[Popgun]

i think with the onset of these DVD full season things they liked calling them "series one, series two" etc. so it feels more like a full story arc rather than a season of tv, which doesn't hold the same connotations.

It's a British thing - the term season is almost never used in conjunction with British TV, which operates in quite different way to its US counterpart.

[king mob]

It's a British thing - the term season is almost never used in conjunction with British TV, which operates in quite different way to its US counterpart.

Indeed, the term 'season' has crept in a wee bit but we're sticking by 'series' until we die! We're not completely Americanised yet.

[mattx110]

Indeed, the term 'season' has crept in a wee bit but we're sticking by 'series' until we die! We're not completely Americanised yet.
thus proving, sadly, or fortunately, i'm not always right. thanks people.

the word series feels more complete to me, probably because the only time i ever heard the word series, is when the show is over and we're seeing the "Series finale" rather than a "season finale" where they'll come back in a few months.

[Tadhg]

Indeed, the term 'season' has crept in a wee bit but we're sticking by 'series' until we die!

I've noticed more and more DVD boxsets of American television shows being labeled as Seasons instead of Series. You all should boycott.

[madsci]

Woah! Potentially HUGE news for Season 3, and the return of the best villain that's NOT the Daleks / Cybermen!


From the Indepenedent on Sunday (a broadsheet newspaper that is HIGHLY reliable):-

With the popular cult telefantasy series Life on Mars returning for a final time on BBC1 this Tuesday, the Independent on Sunday newspaper have a profile and interview with the lead actor, John Simm, which starts off with the statement:

"Travelling back through the years for hit show 'Life on Mars' has given the actor more fame than he knows how to cope with. But now he reveals to Liz Hoggard a new role that will mean seeing a Doctor."

During the course of the interview the article goes on to seemingly confirm a rumour first raised in the Sun by saying the following:

Although the BBC is planning a spin-off to Life on Mars - called Ashes to Ashes, set in the 1980s and starring Glenister, Simm is bowing out. "My instinct tells me not to hang around too long."

He'd like to do some comedy "in warm weather - preferably on a beach. I always seem to be doing drama in horrible brick locations." And for years he's been dying to play a proper villain or a serial killer. The problem is Simm still looks 35 going on 15, but finally he's got the chance: he's just been cast in Dr Who - as the Master, the Doctor's evil nemesis. He'll be quite brilliant, of course, but heaven knows how he'll cope with a whole new horde of obsessive Tardis fans.

[Arune Singh]

Simm as the Master would rock. I love it.

[Captain Jim]

I figured the Master's return had to be coming. I believe the last time he was seen on screen was in the Paul McGann movie, right? I haven't seen that since it first came out and don't remember a thing about it. How did it end in respect to the Master? Has he been seen in any of the novels, etc., since then? I wonder what role, if any, he had in the time war and how he survived?

[rick]

Simm as the Master would rock. I love it.


Yeah, that is just a really interesting choice for the roll.

I'm pretty sure that I have no probloem with that bit of casting at all.

Plus it's the return of the Mother Lovin' Master!!!!!!!! :eek:

[Deathstroke]

Plus it's the return of the Mother Lovin' Master!!!!!!!! :eek:

The Master has relations with his mother? No wonder he's evil.

[LordEd1976]

I knew it wasn't long before the Doctor would have to face his Master again. You can't keep a good villian like down.

On another note, I saw a clip over at the BBC website where Tom Baker discusses how people have always wondered what the length of his famous scarf is. he didn't reveal the answer but instead invited others to guess.

My point is this; Does anyone know the length of that scarf?? I'm guessing 13 feet but does anyone for sure??

[mattx110]

I knew it wasn't long before the Doctor would have to face his Master again. You can't keep a good villian like down.

On another note, I saw a clip over at the BBC website where Tom Baker discusses how people have always wondered what the length of his famous scarf is. he didn't reveal the answer but instead invited others to guess.

My point is this; Does anyone know the length of that scarf?? I'm guessing 13 feet but does anyone for sure??

you can buy it in auction for 20,000 pounds and find out :D

[Athena Bast]

I knew it wasn't long before the Doctor would have to face his Master again. You can't keep a good villian like down.

On another note, I saw a clip over at the BBC website where Tom Baker discusses how people have always wondered what the length of his famous scarf is. he didn't reveal the answer but instead invited others to guess.

My point is this; Does anyone know the length of that scarf?? I'm guessing 13 feet but does anyone for sure??

I recall a woman a few years ago who knits the Baker scarf. She says she got the plans from the costumer for the series.

[ChrisIII]

There's been some scary rumors about Britney Spears or Jessica Simpson appearing on the show. Granted, Who did have a pop singer already with Billie (and Barrowman certainly has some singing credentials as well) and used one of Britney's songs in "End Of The World", but I really can't see this happening. Kylie Minoque would be a better choice, given how she's obviously a Who fan (She's been photographed reading Who novels and also has referenced Who in her performances).

While some WHO fans are in a panic about the possibility of Britney or Simpson, I don't think there's any truth to the rumors. Some people panicked when it was revealed there was going to be an Eastenders actress playing her role in WHO...people thought it was DIMENSIONS IN TIME all over again. But it turned out to be just a small joke in ARMY OF GHOSTS.

Regarding the Master rumors, while there's been no official confirmation, I think it's probably about time. RTD said he probably wouldn't bring the Master back in 2005, but he's probably changed his mind (Remember, he did say at one point there wouldn't be any Daleks!). The series needs a good recurring villain that isn't like the Daleks or Cybermen....somebody who can play off the Doctor, something we've really only had so far with the headmaster.

[Cyke]

There's been some scary rumors about Britney Spears or Jessica Simpson appearing on the show. Granted, Who did have a pop singer already with Billie (and Barrowman certainly has some singing credentials as well) and used one of Britney's songs in "End Of The World", but I really can't see this happening. Kylie Minoque would be a better choice, given how she's obviously a Who fan (She's been photographed reading Who novels and also has referenced Who in her performances).

While some WHO fans are in a panic about the possibility of Britney or Simpson, I don't think there's any truth to the rumors. Some people panicked when it was revealed there was going to be an Eastenders actress playing her role in WHO...people thought it was DIMENSIONS IN TIME all over again. But it turned out to be just a small joke in ARMY OF GHOSTS.

I agree that Kylie would be a good addition. Unlike some other pop stars, at least she's a professional of almost two decades. I think, if Simpson or Spears appear on the show, at most it would only be as cameos, sort of like the way the Beatles were on when the Second Doctor was watching TV.

And using "Toxic" in "End of the World" was a stroke of comedic genius :)

Regarding the Master rumors, while there's been no official confirmation, I think it's probably about time. RTD said he probably wouldn't bring the Master back in 2005, but he's probably changed his mind (Remember, he did say at one point there wouldn't be any Daleks!). The series needs a good recurring villain that isn't like the Daleks or Cybermen....somebody who can play off the Doctor, something we've really only had so far with the headmaster.

RTD also said he wouldn't bring back the Master unless there was a writer who was capable of doing the job as more than right. So now I'm curious: have we found a writer for these episodes?

[king mob]

I've noticed more and more DVD boxsets of American television shows being labeled as Seasons instead of Series. You all should boycott.

I've written a letter of complaint to Billy Bragg and he's going to write a nice loud song about it.

[king mob]

My point is this; Does anyone know the length of that scarf?? I'm guessing 13 feet but does anyone for sure??

There were several scarfs of varying lengths depending whether Baker was running, filming indoors, etc.
The length came about because the woman who knitted it used all the material provided.

[king mob]

RTD also said he wouldn't bring back the Master unless there was a writer who was capable of doing the job as more than right. So now I'm curious: have we found a writer for these episodes?


Take any rumour The Sun says with a huge pinch of salt. However the Simm rumour does seem to have more legs than their usual bollocks.

[Spike-X]

RTD said he probably wouldn't bring the Master back in 2005, but he's probably changed his mind (Remember, he did say at one point there wouldn't be any Daleks!).

I think that was more to do with the rights issue than anything else (the estate of Terry Nation holds the rights to the Daleks).

I agree that Kylie would be a good addition. Unlike some other pop stars, at least she's a professional of almost two decades.

And she was actually a TV actress before she was a pop star. Ah, the good old days...Kylie and Jason...the Neighbours wedding...Angry Anderson bellowing out a schmaltzy 80s power ballad in the background...

[Popgun]

I think that was more to do with the rights issue than anything else (the estate of Terry Nation holds the rights to the Daleks).



And she was actually a TV actress before she was a pop star. Ah, the good old days...Kylie and Jason...the Neighbours wedding...Angry Anderson bellowing out a schmaltzy 80s power ballad in the background...


# Suuudenllllyyyy #

*Sniffs*

[Cyke]

Take any rumour The Sun says with a huge pinch of salt. However the Simm rumour does seem to have more legs than their usual bollocks.

Agreed. Usually, someone like RTD would have to hire a writer first before even thinking about casting the Master.

I'm not ruling out the rumor of Simm being true, BUT if it definitely were, and taking into account how the show's usually worked, we should've heard of a writer by now.

[mattx110]

the difference between this and other rumors, is no dr. who fans are yelling "bring on britney"
but simm is a good actor.

[Captain Jim]

So, nobody knows any info on the last appearance of the Master?

[Matt]

Classic TV series: 'Survival'
In the novels it was in 'The Gallifrey Chronicles'
He also featured in the 'War in Heaven', being in charge of one of the cloned Gallifrey's.

[Sanagi]

The last canon appearance of the Master was in the 1996 TV movie when he got sucked into the TARDIS's eye of harmony, which is either a black hole itself or some kind of connection to the black hole that powered the Time Lords' homeworld. It's not too hard to imagine that this removed him from the universe such that he could still exist somewhere without the Doctor knowing about it(since D9 said all the Time Lords are dead).

If it's true that R.T.Davies is planning a return for the Master, it's an interesting change of policy. I figured he got rid of the Time Lords because they were more interesting dead than alive, being essentially pompous meddling bastards most of the time they were on-screen.

It's hard to imagine what the Master would be like on the new series. He was an old-fashioned, fiendish archvillain, goateed and sinister, always making absurdly elaborate traps instead of simply killing his foe. In the new series' more realistic style I don't think that would work, and I certainly don't want a return to the TV movie's take on the character.

[king mob]

Agreed. Usually, someone like RTD would have to hire a writer first before even thinking about casting the Master.

I'm not ruling out the rumor of Simm being true, BUT if it definitely were, and taking into account how the show's usually worked, we should've heard of a writer by now.

He has Stephen Moffat but he seems to be doing this year's Love & Monsters type episode. I dunno, it would be nice if it happened but until it's confirmed i'll remain doubtful.

[mattx110]

The last canon appearance of the Master was in the 1996 TV movie when he got sucked into the TARDIS's eye of harmony, which is either a black hole itself or some kind of connection to the black hole that powered the Time Lords' homeworld. It's not too hard to imagine that this removed him from the universe such that he could still exist somewhere without the Doctor knowing about it(since D9 said all the Time Lords are dead).

If it's true that R.T.Davies is planning a return for the Master, it's an interesting change of policy. I figured he got rid of the Time Lords because they were more interesting dead than alive, being essentially pompous meddling bastards most of the time they were on-screen.

It's hard to imagine what the Master would be like on the new series. He was an old-fashioned, fiendish archvillain, goateed and sinister, always making absurdly elaborate traps instead of simply killing his foe. In the new series' more realistic style I don't think that would work, and I certainly don't want a return to the TV movie's take on the character.

they had the whole "bad wolf" thing, and characters regularly timetraveling and knowing things from the future and being able to follow the doctor's personal timeline, so a character who calls himself "the master" with access to time-travel technology should be able to set some pretty elaborate mindgames and traps throughout reality.

[Captain Jim]

The last canon appearance of the Master was in the 1996 TV movie when he got sucked into the TARDIS's eye of harmony, which is either a black hole itself or some kind of connection to the black hole that powered the Time Lords' homeworld. It's not too hard to imagine that this removed him from the universe such that he could still exist somewhere without the Doctor knowing about it(since D9 said all the Time Lords are dead).

Thanks; that's what I was trying to find out. :)

[Cyke]

The last canon appearance of the Master was in the 1996 TV movie when he got sucked into the TARDIS's eye of harmony, which is either a black hole itself or some kind of connection to the black hole that powered the Time Lords' homeworld. It's not too hard to imagine that this removed him from the universe such that he could still exist somewhere without the Doctor knowing about it(since D9 said all the Time Lords are dead).

If it's true that R.T.Davies is planning a return for the Master, it's an interesting change of policy. I figured he got rid of the Time Lords because they were more interesting dead than alive, being essentially pompous meddling bastards most of the time they were on-screen.

It's hard to imagine what the Master would be like on the new series. He was an old-fashioned, fiendish archvillain, goateed and sinister, always making absurdly elaborate traps instead of simply killing his foe. In the new series' more realistic style I don't think that would work, and I certainly don't want a return to the TV movie's take on the character.

One thing I love about RTD's style is how he can take the traditional, turn it on its side, and still maintain the spirit of the original. Things like the Daleks and Sarah Jane would have new takes but would seem consistent with how they always were. The Master may be old-fashioned, but he was always complex and elaborate. The more advanced facets of today's TV writing should be able to play off that very nicely.

[ChrisIII]

BTW while "Bad Wolf" and "Torchwood" were the key words for the last two seasons, fan speculation is that "Saxon" is going to be the mystery word in season 3. "Saxon" was heard in the Christmas Invasion...fans believe this might be the new PM, who may of course be the Master in one of his disguises.

[king mob]

Saxon is mentioned in Runaway Bride and Love & Monsters as well. It's the sort of thing Davies would stick in so often for a good reason.

[Ontir]

NEW PM?!?

...but Harriet Jones hasn't ushered in Britain's "Golden Age" yet!

[Dougy]

NEW PM?!?

...but Harriet Jones hasn't ushered in Britain's "Golden Age" yet!

Yes, we saw this in The Christmas Invasion.

[Cyke]

Yes, we saw this in The Christmas Invasion.

Taking into account that Harriet Jones was PM when humanity as a whole first learned of aliens, it's probably true that she ushered in a golden age.

Humans were shocked but then accepting of the 'ghosts' at the end of S2, for one thing. Aliens and mysteries are starting to get more notice, as shown in a couple of episodes.

So maybe the golden age is akin to the one in Star Trek, where Earth was devastated by WWIII, but the Vulcans coming to Earth united humanity.

[ChrisIII]

There are some hints in the series that the Doctor is somewhat altering the timeline. Which is interesting since FATHER'S DAY made such a big deal about it.

Big guestion is, since the Daleks attacked London, how does that effect Van Stratten's knowledge of them in 2012? Also the Cybermen, will their alternate counterparts effect the future of the Mondasian versions from the classic series?

BTW I think the novels have the humans making 'first contact' with the races from the "Peladon" serials-Alpha Centauri, Arcturus and-in a negative way-the Ice Warriors. (On a side note, Christmas Invasion is very similar to the Ice Warriors novel, The Dying Days). Lance Parkin's chronologies have more info on them than I do.

[Cyke]

There are some hints in the series that the Doctor is somewhat altering the timeline. Which is interesting since FATHER'S DAY made such a big deal about it.

Big guestion is, since the Daleks attacked London, how does that effect Van Stratten's knowledge of them in 2012?

Was the general public aware that they were called Daleks? I know Runaway Bride covered some of the aftermath, but I can't remember if the Doctor mentioned the Battle of Cardiff (love the name, by the way) as a big Cybermen Vs. Dalek battle.

Or, maybe UNIT's keeping the name hush-hush, since they've dealt with Daleks before and were almost surely on the front lines in that battle.

Then again... Van Statten does like to keep himself isolated in an underground bunker. The weirdo.

Also the Cybermen, will their alternate counterparts effect the future of the Mondasian versions from the classic series?

Great question. The only thing I do know about the Mondasian versions was that those Cybermen were created far in the past. But I did love the bit where the Daleks figured out who the Alt-Cybermen were by comparing them to the real Mondasian versions.

[Sean Whitmore]

For anyone who hasn't seen it, the utterly hilarious Doctor Who parody starring Rowan Atkinson (and some other famous Brits):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N36_6n6BfFY&NR

http://youtube.com/watch?v=I0zFtBuFNiw&mode=related&search=


SEAN

[Sanagi]

For anyone who hasn't seen it, the utterly hilarious Doctor Who parody starring Rowan Atkinson (and some other famous Brits):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N36_6n6BfFY&NR

http://youtube.com/watch?v=I0zFtBuFNiw&mode=related&search=


SEAN
I actually find that parody to be embarrassingly bad, but still worth it for moments like the Hugh Grant cameo.

Ps. Doctor Who vs. the Killer Rabbit! (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yz_83QDfzlc)

[Sanagi]

Speaking of embarrassing, I was watching the episode "Delta and the Bannermen." Now, I'm willing to overlook some cheesiness. But in the second episode, the scary alien hatchling has become... A baby in green pajamas. Wow. And my interest in finishing the episode dies instantly.

[king mob]

Speaking of embarrassing, I was watching the episode "Delta and the Bannermen." Now, I'm willing to overlook some cheesiness. But in the second episode, the scary alien hatchling has become... A baby in green pajamas. Wow. And my interest in finishing the episode dies instantly.

That's from the time when the show had lost the interest of most people.

[Web of Fear]

NEW PM?!?

...but Harriet Jones hasn't ushered in Britain's "Golden Age" yet!

There's a reference in the Christmas Invasion about it being Britain's Golden Age, as Jackie is £15 a week better off!:)

I also think that in World War III the Doctor makes reference to Harriet Jones winning a number of terms as Prime Minister, so I've presumed that she's able to ride out the health rumours that the Doctor starts at the end of The Christmas Invasion that seen to put her position in jeopardy.

[Web of Fear]

I actually find that parody to be embarrassingly bad, but still worth it for moments like the Hugh Grant cameo.

Ps. Doctor Who vs. the Killer Rabbit! (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Yz_83QDfzlc)

I had thought that was going to be crap, but I rather liked it!:D

[Web of Fear]

BTW while "Bad Wolf" and "Torchwood" were the key words for the last two seasons, fan speculation is that "Saxon" is going to be the mystery word in season 3. "Saxon" was heard in the Christmas Invasion...fans believe this might be the new PM, who may of course be the Master in one of his disguises.

Saxon is mentioned in Runaway Bride and Love & Monsters as well. It's the sort of thing Davies would stick in so often for a good reason.

Missed those. Where are they? :)

[Popgun]

Missed those. Where are they? :)


There was a reference to Saxon being ahead in the polls or somesuch on a newspaper in Love And Monsters, and a "Mr Saxon" was refered to as giving the order to fire on the disabled spaceship in The Runaway Bride.

"Vote Saxon" flyposters also turned up on Torchwood.

Edit: Oh, and Cyke - The big Cyberman/Dalek dust up is known as The Battle Of Canary Wharf (where Torchwood One was based), not Cardiff. :)

[Web of Fear]

Thanks very much!

[Cyke]

Edit: Oh, and Cyke - The big Cyberman/Dalek dust up is known as The Battle Of Canary Wharf (where Torchwood One was based), not Cardiff. :)

Damn! That doesn't hold a candle to the sound of Battle of Cardiff. Definitely doesn't have the ring to it like the Battle of Orange County or the Battle of Springfield... :(

[king mob]

Every Friday night has several dozen battles in Cardiff, normally outside Yate's Wine Bar.

[ChrisIII]

SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!




Some photos of John Barrowman shooting season 3 have surfaced on the web. It'd be interesting to see how he deals with the new Doctor and companion.

Also apparentally Hugh Grant is in talks for a guest appearence, presumably in season 4.

[LordEd1976]

Damn! That doesn't hold a candle to the sound of Battle of Cardiff. Definitely doesn't have the ring to it like the Battle of Orange County or the Battle of Springfield... :(

I don't know about that. The Battle of Canary Wharf does have a certain ring to it.

[Web of Fear]

Outpost Gallifrey is reporting 31 March as a likely start date for season three. It is quoting another source that apparently has a BBC press release that gives that date.

Nothing on the BBC Who site at the moment though.

[king mob]

Outpost Gallifrey is reporting 31 March as a likely start date for season three. It is quoting another source that apparently has a BBC press release that gives that date.

Nothing on the BBC Who site at the moment though.

The latest its going to start is Easter weekend apparently.

[Paul McEnery]

I don't know about that. The Battle of Canary Wharf does have a certain ring to it.

Heh. The thing is, there were only two significant fighters in the battle who were native humans.

Otherwise, it was a bunch of aliens fighting over turf.

Isn't that an interesting way to think of the Doctor's relationship to Earth?

[ChrisIII]

Make sure to check your comic or specialty stores for new Who stuff-it's starting to be imported to the USA by Underground Toys. (Won't find it it at department stores like in the UK though)

[ultramandingo]

Every Friday night has several dozen battles in Cardiff, normally outside Yate's Wine Bar.

speaking of Cardiff , check out Doctor Who writers Paul Cornell's Wisdom for some Welsh bashing ....and Master of Kung Fu special guest star-ing !!!!!

[king mob]

March 31st is confirmed as a start for the third series.

[king mob]

The BBC is showing David Tennant's video diary on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffMgFb7nMXU

and Freema Agyeman's video diary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMRHHfn2W-Q&NR

[Adem]

I liked the old suit better. Oh well not really that important.

[Web of Fear]

Fear not, for the old suit does appear in the upcoming series, if you look here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG0jt97wbAQ

[Adem]

Well hopefully the suit goes out with style and not just put away with the others in the TARDIS.

[LordEd1976]

I'll be happy if Colin Baker's clown outfit is destroyed and never seen again.

[king mob]

I think a fan bought the thing a few years back in a auction.

[Captain Jim]

I'll be happy if Colin Baker's clown outfit is destroyed and never seen again.

If I remember correctly, he never wanted to wear it in the first place.

[Sanagi]

If I remember correctly, he never wanted to wear it in the first place.
He wanted black, but no...

[LordEd1976]

getting away from wardrobe disasters for a second, I have a question that needs answering.

Does anyone remember on what day the season (series) two finale aired on SciFi Channel in the US? I know this sounds like a dumb question but trust me there's a really good reason I'm asking.

[ChrisIII]

Just a heads-up: The region 1 versions of the Invasion and Sontaran Experiment arrive today.


"The Invasion", from Patrick Troughton's final season, is one of the incomplete stories, but now has been semi-completed with animated reconstructions of the lost episodes. The story somewhat inspired the latest Cybermen stories, with an electronics company serving as a front for the Cybermen's latest invasion of Earth. This was also the last B & W Cybermen story.


"Sontaran Experiment" is Tom Baker's third story, taking place just before "Genesis Of The Daleks" and after the "Ark in Space". Here the Doctor encounters the Sontarans-Dome-headed clone warriors-for the second time. It's mainly a 'filler' story between "Ark" and "Genesis" and it's only two episodes long, which means it'll be cheaper than your average WHO dvd.

Next up for a US release in June is the Master trilogy/New Beginnings box set from Tom's final season and Davison's first, featuring Keeper of Traaken, Logopolis and Castrovalva. Apparentally Survival-another master story and the final one of the classic show-will follow this fall.



Also, "Robot" and "Timelash" have been announced. "Robot" is of course Tom Baker's first story, although it's more of a Pertwee-style caper (It was still produced by Barry Letts). When "Revenge Of The Cybermen" is released, this will mean all of Tom's first season will be available, meaning we'll have two complete Tom seasons, 12 and 16 (Key To Time, which is also coming finally to region 2).


"Timelash" on the other hand is stated by many to be the very worst Colin Baker story. While Colin is one of the less popular Doctors, I've always found something redeeming about his other stories, except for this one which was pretty painful.



Apparentally there are plans to get all of classic WHO on DVD within the next five or so years.

[king mob]

The BBC have upped the releases to 10 a year so we have dics such as Sontaran Experiment coming out with a minium of extras for about a tenner. They'll still have stuff like Survival which will still have wads of extras but they'll make up about 5 or 6 of the releases per year.

Due to the success of The Invasion they're looking to do the same to some other stories which would be great.

And the New Beginnings box set has some brilliant extras, the best being a very frank documentary on Logopolis about Tom Baker leaving.

[ChrisIII]

I've heard we'll see another animated Troughton release before year's end. I'd like to "see" one of his Dalek stories, although probably a partially complete story like the Moonbase or one of the Yeti stories is more likely. (Although the existing episodes have already been released on the Lost In Time set)

[Sanagi]

I've been watching the Black Guardian Trilogy on youtube and I'm kind of surprised that it's never been released as a DVD set. I mean, they're not all great episodes, but I think it's one of the most interesting parts of the 5th Doctor era. Well, no doubt they'll get around to it, if only because Mawdryn Undead has the Brigadier in it(and is a good episode, too).

[king mob]

I've been watching the Black Guardian Trilogy on youtube and I'm kind of surprised that it's never been released as a DVD set. I mean, they're not all great episodes, but I think it's one of the most interesting parts of the 5th Doctor era. Well, no doubt they'll get around to it, if only because Mawdryn Undead has the Brigadier in it(and is a good episode, too).


The BBC are looking to do more box sets and this is one thats apparently in the planning stages. Bear in mind as well that there's piles of commentaries for stories sitting there waiting to be used, especially for pre-Tom Baker stories. It's only the fact the the new series has been so successful that the budget for the old series DVD's have been increased.

[Web of Fear]

I'd love for the Daemons to get a DVD release soon. It's my favourite Pertwee era story - the Doctor versus morris dancers! I know it will come out eventually, but I'd like to see it sooner rather than later.

[king mob]

I'd love for the Daemons to get a DVD release soon. It's my favourite Pertwee era story - the Doctor versus morris dancers! I know it will come out eventually, but I'd like to see it sooner rather than later.

They only have some poor quality NSTC tapes in B & W for at least one episode so they're using the same process to tidy it up that they used on Claws Of Axos. The problem is that it's expensive and takes bloody ages.

[ChrisIII]

I suspect we might see a release of "Attack of the Cybermen" and "Revenge of the Cybermen" soon, maybe even as a box set.


This is why:


1)Apparentally a commentary has already been recorded for "Attack".

2) Cybermen are pretty popular at the moment.

3) Releasing them will wrap up their seasons(12 and 22, respectively), and apparentally the BBC wants to start pumping out season box sets.

[Web of Fear]

They only have some poor quality NSTC tapes in B & W for at least one episode so they're using the same process to tidy it up that they used on Claws Of Axos. The problem is that it's expensive and takes bloody ages.

Thanks for the info. :)

[king mob]

I suspect we might see a release of "Attack of the Cybermen" and "Revenge of the Cybermen" soon, maybe even as a box set.


This is why:


1)Apparentally a commentary has already been recorded for "Attack".

2) Cybermen are pretty popular at the moment.

3) Releasing them will wrap up their seasons(12 and 22, respectively), and apparentally the BBC wants to start pumping out season box sets.

Revenge should be out this year, sadly it's rubbish but it's worth a look for curiousity's sake.

[ChrisIII]

Apparentally Russel T. Davies is going to leave the show either after the third or fourth season, according to


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/03/11/svdrwho11.xml&page=1

Too bad, although it's possible we'll get an even better producer (Moffat?). At least he hasn't outlasted his welcome like JNT did.

[king mob]

Davies has been good but if he leaves (and it's almost certain he will) then good. He's done his bit and we've had greatness but we've had rubbish and lets not forget how shite Torchwood is.

[ChrisIII]

^It does beg the question, will he still produce the spinoffs? While "Torchwood" has been mediocre, the "Sarah Jane" pilot was pretty good...

It'll be interesting to see how the show does with a new producer. Getting new blood for WHO has generally worked out in the past-it's when a producer outstays his welcome (John Nathan Turner, in particular) that things went downhill (Interestingly, John wanted to leave at several points, but for some reason the BBC kept him going despite all the outcry). I know some don't like the Graham Williams era, but that's arguably the era when the show was most sucessful commercially (Until now, of course).


If I have one complaint about RTD, it's that he's tried to be a little too family-friendly-in particular with the Cybermen, with their 'body horror' element toned down (with the exception of that Torchwood episode) by having it be brains instead of whole bodies being converted. (Although the alternate universe angle was kind of necesarry, given the tangled history of the 'Mondas' Cybermen).

[Web of Fear]

I guess people have seen the "gives nothing away" teaser by now, but it has been pointed out that Martha is standing in front of a "Vote Saxon" poster.....

[Cyke]

Honestly, I think RTD's only weakness is his inability to find consistent talent for S2. S1 was extremely consisteny in terms of writers and quality. It comes as no surprise that many of S2's best episodes were written by S1's writers.

I won't say anything about Torchwood, though, since I've only seen one episode. On the other hand, I also won't say anything about Sarah Jane for the same reason, though I hear nothing but good things about it.

[Sanagi]

Apparentally Russel T. Davies is going to leave the show either after the third or fourth season, according to


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/03/11/svdrwho11.xml&page=1

Too bad, although it's possible we'll get an even better producer (Moffat?). At least he hasn't outlasted his welcome like JNT did.
Interesting article... All told, Davies has done a great job. My main concern with the series at this point is that it might get stale trying to rehash the formula established by the first two seasons.

[Deathstroke]

It'll stink when he leaves. He's done such a great job resurrecting the show.

[king mob]

^It does beg the question, will he still produce the spinoffs? While "Torchwood" has been mediocre, the "Sarah Jane" pilot was pretty good...

The gossip in Wales is he may stay on as some sort of consultant but he really wants to go off and do other things now the programme is secure.

^It'll be interesting to see how the show does with a new producer. Getting new blood for WHO has generally worked out in the past-it's when a producer outstays his welcome (John Nathan Turner, in particular) that things went downhill (Interestingly, John wanted to leave at several points, but for some reason the BBC kept him going despite all the outcry). I know some don't like the Graham Williams era, but that's arguably the era when the show was most sucessful commercially (Until now, of course).

Part of JNT staying so long was Michael Grade telling him to stay or he'll be sacked from the BBC. But part of the joy of the show in the past is the huge changes when a new producer moves in and changes the show.


^If I have one complaint about RTD, it's that he's tried to be a little too family-friendly-in particular with the Cybermen, with their 'body horror' element toned down (with the exception of that Torchwood episode) by having it be brains instead of whole bodies being converted. (Although the alternate universe angle was kind of necesarry, given the tangled history of the 'Mondas' Cybermen).

Bear in mind that the programmes timeslot is 7pm on Saturday evenings which is prime time BBC programming. He's restricted by that timeslot though he's willing to push it as far as that timeslot can go. now that's something Davies asked for which is why Torchwood was supposed to go further, sadly it just ended up being (mainly) shite.

[king mob]

It'll stink when he leaves. He's done such a great job resurrecting the show.

Why should Davies leaving kill the show off? Stephen Moffat is rumoured as a replacement which would be an excellent choice.

[king mob]

Teaser trailers here (http://www.sendspace.com/file/ozosb7) & here (http://www.sendspace.com/file/bwsjon).

[adamthered]

Teaser trailers here (http://www.sendspace.com/file/ozosb7) & here (http://www.sendspace.com/file/bwsjon).

Ugh, I'm at work for the next six hours :mad: I know what I'm checking out when I get home :D

[Adem]

Teaser trailers here (http://www.sendspace.com/file/ozosb7) & here (http://www.sendspace.com/file/bwsjon).

Thanks for the links.

[Web of Fear]

In the trailer, Martha's standing in front of a "Vote Saxon" poster ........

[king mob]

In the trailer, Martha's standing in front of a "Vote Saxon" poster ........

It's bloody clear that Saxon is this years 'bad wolf' or 'Torchwood', I just wish they wouldn't be so obvious about it, a bit of subtlety would be nice.

[Sanagi]

It's bloody clear that Saxon is this years 'bad wolf' or 'Torchwood', I just wish they wouldn't be so obvious about it, a bit of subtlety would be nice.
I think this 'secret message' thing should be put to rest. It only took a few episodes of season two before I got tired of the Torchwood name-dropping.

[Cyke]

But then isn't Saxon's full name an anagram for something else within the show? Bad Wolf and Torchwood weren't anagrams for anything else in the show, save for just a disguise for Doctor Who reels, outside of the show.

[ChrisIII]

Potential spoilers (highlight to read)


"Mister Saxon" could be an anagram for "Master no.six"

Also, from recent reports apparentally Martha will be an action companion, sort of in the Leela/Ace mold but with a bit more smarts.

[king mob]

But then isn't Saxon's full name an anagram for something else within the show? Bad Wolf and Torchwood weren't anagrams for anything else in the show, save for just a disguise for Doctor Who reels, outside of the show.


Yes but it feels like Davies is wanking himself silly by how clever he is, so he's showing us these things again and again and again....

And apparently John Simm was in the BBC offices in Cardiff last week.

[ragnarok_2012]

http://pics.livejournal.com/assetic/pic/001grhr3/s640x480

I came across this and thought I'd share.

ZOMBIES!

[Shades0077]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this yet, concerning all the Saxon stuff.

In the 12th episode of Torchwood, when Jack and Tosh go back to the 40s, there is a Vote Saxon flyer on the door of the house they investigate. So they're tying it in there as well.

[king mob]

The BBC have a spanking new 40 second trailer up.

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

Plus the John Simm rumours are no longer rumours.....

[adamthered]

The BBC have a spanking new 40 second trailer up.

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

Plus the John Simm rumours are no longer rumours.....

Giddy, giddy, giddy.

Thanks for the link KM.

Two weeks to go!

[rick]

The BBC have a spanking new 40 second trailer up.

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

Plus the John Simm rumours are no longer rumours.....

Which is really cool, but I'm much more excited about Derek Jacobi in the first part.

[king mob]

Two weeks to go!

It is indeed. They showed the trailer after tonight's Eurovision programme (which featured John Barrowman gaying it up something chronic) and managed to quieten the pub for a wee while. Dalek Sec got a nice oooOOOOoooo.

There's a nice buzz about this series and there's a feeling that Davies is building up to something huge before he leaves next year.

[Web of Fear]

Season four has been confirmed. Highly unlikely that it wasn't going to happen, but at least there's now official word.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6478389.stm

[king mob]

Breakfast telly are showing clips on the first episode this morning, including the first kiss between the Doctor and Martha. Expect the gnashing of fanboy teeth over on Outpost Gallifrey in oh, about 20 minutes time.

[Web of Fear]

The BBC have updated the official website, including a picture of the Doctor kissing Martha. That should really set the fanboys off.

[Spike-X]

"Noooo! I've never kissed a girl, why should the Doctor get to?"

[Sean Whitmore]

"Noooo! I've never kissed a girl,

Come on, now, that's hardly fair.

I'm sure at least some of them have cousins.


SEAN

[king mob]

"Noooo! I've never kissed a girl, why should the Doctor get to?"


There was an actual post on Outpost Gallifrey after The Girl In The Fireplace to the effect of that but replace 'kissed' with 'shagged'. They were not being ironic either.

[king mob]

There be spoilers ahead so you have been warned. Really, you have been warned!






So, here I am - slightly worse for wear but back from the Doctor Who series three launch in Mayfair. The only grub on offer was pistachio nuts, so don't blame me.

As is probably a matter of record by now, the first two episodes of the run were screened, "Smith and Jones" and "The Shakespeare Code". The big deal, of course, is how does Freema measure up? I thought she was great, actually. It's hard to pinpoint why Martha Jones works, but she just feels right. Despite both episode's allusions to Rose, you'll have forgotten about her within minutes.

There's just something that feels fresh and new about this third outing. I can't remember Doctor Who seeming so rich - almost to the point of overwhelming. Really, both episodes were fantastic.

Here's some points of interest: Jane Tranter talked about an upcoming "hybrid Dalek", which none of the team would comment on. More importantly, she also confirmed that series four had been commissioned - and again, none of the team would comment. Meanwhile, the Doctor alludes to his brother in the first episode. "The Brain of Morbius", Blake's 7 season four and The Tomorrow People's "The Blue and The Green" are all folded into the second one. There's a mention for Mr Saxon, and the Preacher's tag is spotted on dustbin at one point.

John Simm appeared in a trailer previewing the rest of the series. Oh, and Tennant reverts back to the brown suit for the Shakespeare story - something I didn't expect.

The nice thing about these Doctor Who launches is that, after the screening, everyone is terribly approachable. With SFX's urbane Nick Setchfield and TV Quick/TV Choice/Total TV Guide's Jon Peake on your team, no-one's off limits. Hence I got to chat to Freema about the time she went to a Star Trek convention dressed as Dax; speculate with David Tenant about the possibility he's the Doctor whose arse has been seen on TV the most; and quiz Russell T Davies about his guest slot on Play School. He says they let him on the show because he could doodle as well as talk, but after one episode (of a proposed six) he decided never to come back.

And then there was Noel Clarke berating internet fans who type with a wing mirror on their computer, so they can monitor the TV at the same time ...

Other celebs in attendence: Jonathan Ross, Jo Whiley, Dawn French, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Charlie Higson.

Doctor Who's back, and I really like it.



http://www.offthetelly.co.uk/blog/2007/03/one-who-three.html

Other bits of gossip include a return of a monster from the Troughton era and an idea from the Pertwee era that never happened due to death of Roger Delgado.

[Popgun]

Other bits of gossip include an idea from the Pertwee era that never happened due to death of Roger Delgado.


And we all know what that is :D

I suspect our own dear Matt is going to have 40 fits trying to fit that particular notion into the continuity of the spin-off novels.

[Matt]

Tell me what the idea is :P

[ragnarok_2012]

Is this the idea that the Master....


might actually be the brother of the Doctor?

[Popgun]

Is this the idea that the Master....


might actually be the brother of the Doctor?



That's the one.

[ragnarok_2012]

Cool.

I always thought that was a good idea.

[Matt]

No reason it couldn't work.

[Deathstroke]

The show has been officially renewed for a fourth season.

[king mob]

Cool.

I always thought that was a good idea.


It is as long as it's handled right which with the casting of Simm suggests it is. Some more information about how it would have been done in the Pertwee era can be found here. (http://shannonsullivan.com/drwho/serials/zzz.html)

[ChrisIII]

Here's the complete episode list for season 3 (Potential spoilers, highlight)




1.Smith and Jones, by RTD
2. The Shakespeare Code, by Gareth Roberts
3. Gridlock, by RTD
4. Daleks in Manhattan, by Helen Raynor (part one of two)
5. Evolution of the Daleks, by Helen Raynor (part two of two)
6. The Lazarus Experiment, by Stephen Greenhorn
7. 42, by Chris Chibnall
8. Human Nature, by Paul Cornell (part one of two)
9. The Family of Blood, by Paul Cornell (part two of two)
10. Blink, by Steven Moffat
11. Utopia, by RTD
12. The Sound of Drums, by RTD (part one of two)
13. Last of the Time Lords, by RTD (part two of two)

[Captain Jim]

Okay, I'm hereby intrigued by the title of episode 13.

[Sanagi]

And I can see it's about time I stopped reading this thread...

[king mob]

Okay, I'm hereby intrigued by the title of episode 13.

And whether it has a question mark in its title or not.

I like 'Evolution Of The Daleks', that's a real old-school Who title.

[Matt]

Human Nature should be interesting, comparing it to the 7th Doctor novel it's based on if nothing else.

[ChrisIII]

I wonder how that works with the novel being part of Who's continuity (Canon debates aside, since Who has no real fixed canon). Then again, both "Jubilee" and "Dalek" are the same story more or less, but both can still fit into the 'timeline'. Other new Who stories have been extremely loose adaptations of novel/audios-"Rise/Age Of Steel" owes a bit to Marc Platt's audio Spare Parts enough for him to get a credit for it, and "The Christmas Invasion" is very similar in many ways to the novel "The Dying Days".


On a side note, I think it turns out that the rumor about the Ice Warriors being in the season turned out to be false, or at least the idea was considered but junked. However, we do appear to be getting (Spoilers, highlight)

Daleks, Macra and the Master

[Matt]

Other new Who stories have been extremely loose adaptations of novel/audios-"Rise/Age Of Steel" owes a bit to Marc Platt's audio Spare Parts enough for him to get a credit for it

I'm not seeing that much similarity between the two, to be honest.

[Cyke]

I'm not seeing that much similarity between the two, to be honest.

IIRC, the tech-front, the Lumic-like character, and the Cybermen's approach were all lifted from Spare Parts, but that's about it.

Still, I love the fact that the current show is incorporating elements and ideas from the novels. Sometimes I wish Star Trek would do that and Star Wars would lay off just a bit.

[ChrisIII]

It helps a bit that a lot of the writers associated with the new show have been involved in WHO's "Expanded Universe" or other spin-offs; Paul Cornell is perhaps the best example, having done several WHO novels/audios; Rob Sherman, Steven Moffat, Gareth Roberts and RTD himself has also contributed to the line. I'm sure I'm missing one or two.

The thing with TREK is that shortly before his death Roddenberry ruled all "Star Trek" non-TV/movie fiction to be noncanon, a thing which wasn't helped by the tangent the first DC comics series went off on (Giving Kirk command of Excelsior, introducing a Klingon starfleet member years before Worf etc.)...

As for Star Wars, despite Lucas's indifference to the EU Lucasfilm licensing considers it canon, and Lucas has incorporated certain EU characters into the films, such as Aayla Secura and Quinlan Vos (Last by name only).

[ChrisIII]

Latest preview for the third series. Warning spoilers!!!!!!!!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h-cKtW8OQk

[king mob]

I think John Barrowman is trying to get himself on every programme on right now. He's a judge in another bloody reality show, this time on the BBC.

[Cyke]

I think John Barrowman is trying to get himself on every programme on right now. He's a judge in another bloody reality show, this time on the BBC.


Oh, c'mon now, that's not so different than Capt. Jack. He tries to get into everyone in the Whoverse...

[rick]

Thanks to the nice people at Boing Boing (http://boingboing.net/), I bring you, from 1965, Doctor Who & the Beatles (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UkbNlTAIPI&NR)

[king mob]

Latest preview for the third series. Warning spoilers!!!!!!!!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h-cKtW8OQk

The divebombing Daleks are ace, plus that scary Berni Wrightson-esque monster looks fantastic.

[DHX]

best season opener of new who so far :)

[adamthered]

best season opener of new who so far :)

Hopes there's a torrent up for it when he gets home from work in three hours :D

Until then I am staying away until after I've watched it to avoid spoilers.

[king mob]

best season opener of new who so far :)

It was. It felt like it was cleaning out the cobwebs of the past two seasons. Agyeman was much better than expected though I hope the annoying family quickly disapears as they're just rubbish. My only wish was that the sonic scewdriver stayed broken instead of being repaired.

[prowl]

Hands up who thought the Rhino guys looked alot like Sontarrans with Vogon like characteristics?

[king mob]

Hands up who thought the Rhino guys looked alot like Sontarrans with Vogon like characteristics?


They were apparently supposed to remind us of Sontarans but I quite like the idea of the Judoon as this race of police for hire.

[Sandoz]

I liked it. It was a nice, light episode, and a good introduction to Martha and her family.

I'm already enjoying the different dynamic between Martha and the Doctor. Unlike Rose, whom he often had to talk down to, Martha's on more equal footing with the Doctor. I particularly liked the scene where she tried to reassure "Mr. Smith" that they'd find a way to be saved.

The mention of Adeola was nice; it created a nice connection to the Doctor and Martha (they both "lost" someone during the Battle of Canary Wharf) in a way that was subtle. I rather wish the Doctor hadn't mentioned Rose, though--as much as I liked her, "The Runaway Bride" was enough of a "goodbye" and I'd rather the Doctor didn't mourn her for the rest of the series. Companions come and go, and Rose got a better ending than some of them.

I think RTD might have had a Sexual Tension Checklist while he was writing the episode. "Holding hands? Check. Kiss? Check. Clever euphemism for sex (dancing/genetic transfer)? Checkmate!"

Heh. Anyone think Annalise might be related to Jackie? ;)

[ChrisIII]

Haven't seen it yet, it's good to hear that it's good though :)


Anyway, I've heard that Martha is sort of Romana meets Ace-she has the wit and intelligence to match the Doctor, and will also be more of an action-oriented companion. While we had 'action' companions in the past, with the exception of Captain Jack they weren't too bright....Leela and Ace in particular were frequently potrayed as rather stupid-Leela of course being primitive and Ace being somewhat of a delinquient.....


I'm wondering if perhaps there's a bit of Bernice Summerfield, the popular Seventh Doctor companion of the books/audios/comics etc. (Since one of the upcoming episodes is based on one of the books featuring "Benny", perhaps this will ring true even more)

[king mob]

Haven't seen it yet, it's good to hear that it's good though :)



There are things wrong with it-the gurning from Tennant is beyond annoying, Martha's family are a bad idea, missing a chance to get rid of the sonic screwdriver is woeful and the Mr. Saxon reference is so crudely rammed in it hurts.

However the positives outweigh the negatives-Agyeman is charming, RTD stamps the sexual tension on the head so we won't have the 'will they, won't they?' stuff again and when Tennant isn't gurning he's excellent.

It's a light episode but it does its job well and sets this year up well. Next week's looks great.

[adamthered]

That was really fun. Something to look forward to on Saturday nights again.

I enjoy Martha. I really liked Rose but kept an open mind going into tonight episode. Martha can hold her own and won me over.

Yeah, the family is going to get annoying really quickly if they keep showing up.

Here's to 12 more weeks of pure awesomeness.

Oh, and I'm catching up on the old stuff from Netflix. So far of watched The Aztecs (blah) and the first encounter with the Daleks (which I thought was really fantastic). Looking forward to getting disk 2 of the Beginnings boxset.

[rick]

That was a pretty good episode on the whole, although it did mostly have that "introductory" feel to it. I did quite like the character of Martha Jones. She comes across as a very different kind of companion for the Doctor then Rose. She’s smart and eager, but I just don’t see the same kind of sexual energy that there was with Billi Piper, which is probably for the best.

It was a good episode, not the best mind you, but still quite fun.

[Cyke]

missing a chance to get rid of the sonic screwdriver is woeful

I hear ya. One of my bigger problems with S2 was how the screwdriver could do almost everything (resurrection/re-gathering that one guy's girlfriend into a concrete tile was just wayyyyy too rediculous) and turned into a quick getaway for the writers, a real plot device if I ever saw one. As opposed to S1's uses, where the screwdriver was used sparingly and consistently.

Then again, in this episode, the screwdriver was next-to-useless. It didn't work on the computers, it really couldn't hold up to Judoon tech, and the helmet-guy got through the door anyway. The one time the screwdriver *was* useful, it got fried in the process. And then, the Doctor saves the day simply by pulling a plug, after he forgets he lost the screwdriver.

After an episode like that, it seems to me that RTD's starting to realize that the screwdriver is acting as a crutch (like the fate of the very first sonic screwdriver) and its uses should be limited. Having the screwdriver blow the doors wide open for the Preachers and Cybermen to attack was a classic use of the device, but using it as a smaller Adam West utility-belt is just plain wrong.

[king mob]

She’s smart and eager, but I just don’t see the same kind of sexual energy that there was with Billi Piper, which is probably for the best.



On Doctor Who Confidential last night Davies said there would be 'unrequieted love' between the pair.

Bollocks.

[DHX]

On Doctor Who Confidential last night Davies said there would be 'unrequieted love' between the pair.

Bollocks.

shhhhhhit i had hoped to avoid that.

[king mob]

I thought I misheard it as I watched it at 7am this morning while waiting to get my Glastonbury ticket. I rewatched it once I was sorted with a ticket and yup, I was right. 'Unrequieted love'.

I only hope if it is going that way it's not just another 'Rose lurves the Doctor' plot. That was fine but it's been done.

[Tobias March]

Feck, the streaming site I use doesn't have it up yet :mad:

[rick]

I tired to watch the special Doctor Who version of the Weakest Link, but I could only get about 10 minutes into it before it just got too painful to go on.

It's nothing against the actors, but that dominatrix lady really just grates.

[Bored at 3:00AM]

Recasting Doctor Who into a sci-fi Avengers with Smith & Jones as the new John Steed & Emma Peel is an interesting idea. This season hinges upun Tennant & Freeman having really, really great chemistry. I think that's what makes this show a success outside the hard-core fanbase. Watching two crazy kids go off and have wacky adventures.

[Jack]

Much, much better than Rose and New Earth, but whether that's a good thing or not is still up in the air, since those two were very much below par for their series. This year it might still start off strong and go nowhere.

[rick]

I’m one of those people who never got tired of Rose and was really sorry to see her go, so I admit that I am something of a tough sell for a new companion.

Still, Jones was likable enough and I really enjoyed her obvious enjoyment of the whole situation. So while I thought last night episode was only so-so, I am certainly willing to give her a chance and to see how it goes.

[Gavin Higginbotham, BotF]

From a purely shallow appearance standpoint, I already like Martha more than Rose. She's MUCH prettier and so that makes it a bit easier to watch, as Billie never really appealed to me. I heard Freema on Sara Cox on Radio 1 the other morning and she sounds like she's having a blast with it all. I hope that enthusiasm continues to shine beyond the first episode and through the rest of the series.

I liked the Rhinomen (no idea how to spell Jidoun or whatever they were) and the creepy old lady was cool if not only for her choice of weapon.

Plus, David Tennant just rocks. He's such a likeable, funny guy to watch.

[Matt]

If the Doctor was dying or near death or even technically dead ... why didn't the regeneration process fire up? He's been in a lot worse shape and it's worked.

Then again, perhaps his body went into a healing coma like it has before while it went into fast blood replacement.

[Cyke]

If the Doctor was dying or near death or even technically dead ... why didn't the regeneration process fire up? He's been in a lot worse shape and it's worked.

Then again, perhaps his body went into a healing coma like it has before while it went into fast blood replacement.

Oh, I dunno, maybe the regeneration has a Conveniency Clause. From a bump to the head that won't get explained till years later, to absorbing tons and tons of radiation and being perfectly okay with it :)

[Sean Whitmore]

I kinda assumed that the Doctor did a Spock-type thing when he kissed Martha. Transferred a little bit of life energy when he kissed her, and then when she gave him CPR, he reabsorbed the energy and it kinda jump-started him again.

Doesn't actually make much sense when I see it written out, but it is what I thought happened.


SEAN

[Matt]

Oh, I dunno, maybe the regeneration has a Conveniency Clause. From a bump to the head that won't get explained till years later, to absorbing tons and tons of radiation and being perfectly okay with it :)

Yeah. Afterall, it was radiation which did in the 3rd Doctor in Planet of the Spiders... How does that work?

[Sean Whitmore]

To be fair, he did specify exactly what type of radiation it was. Makes me thing he's immune to some types but not others...giant spider radiation being one of the kinds he's not immune to. :)


SEAN

[mattx110]

he wasn't dead enough to regenerate.

the judoon's concept of "Dead" might be a bit more inclusive than the doctors. he's got such an odd physiogonomy that he was only "mostly dead" and the scanner picked that up as all dead.

on a related note, cary elwes wouldn't make a terrible doctor.

[Gorthaur]

Much, much better than Rose and New Earth, but whether that's a good thing or not is still up in the air, since those two were very much below par for their series. This year it might still start off strong and go nowhere.Agreed, although the previews for next week's episode didn't look too bad, and besides, knowing that we'll get to see more Daleks is pretty much enough for me to trust I'll be entertained.

Not to mention that the season begun just in time to replace Galactica as my weekly sci-fi fix, so I can't help but to feel grateful.

[Cyke]

To be fair, he did specify exactly what type of radiation it was. Makes me thing he's immune to some types but not others...giant spider radiation being one of the kinds he's not immune to. :)


SEAN

Hah hah!

"Yep, I can handle some kinds of blades in my body, but other blades...?"

[Spike-X]

Wow. Russell T. Davies has got some serious hair loss denial going on.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Spike-X/Screenshot0.png

[ChrisIII]

I was actually wondering if the Doctor was going to use the respiratory bypass system....

I wonder if there was some intentional homages to past Who in this episode. We've got the Judoon, who look a lot like Sontarans except for the Rhino-features (Maybe they're related ala the Slitheen and Absorbalamoff and Siilurians/Sea Devils?) plus Anne Reid as a vampire, when in the classic series she got killed by Vampires (Curse Of Fenric; she was Nurse Crane), and an ending which was practically identical to PLANET OF FIRE.

[king mob]

giant spider radiation being one of the kinds he's not immune to

I want to know whether you typed that laughing like a loon?

[Sean Whitmore]

I want to know whether you typed that laughing like a loon?

Hey. Giant spider radiation is no laughing matter.


SEAN

[drwho]

Martha is already 100 times more likeable than Rose ever was. She seems a little more proactive versus Rose who i thought was more if something happens then she reacts. I think Martha and the Doctor have similar personalities and that is where they may clash. Overall loved the episode.

[king mob]

http://www.votesaxon.org.uk/

[Web of Fear]

If Mr Saxon is running for office, how was he able to order the tanks to fire on the Racnoss ship in the Runaway Bride (unless he's already in office and standing for re-election)?

[Popgun]

If Mr Saxon is running for office, how was he able to order the tanks to fire on the Racnoss ship in the Runaway Bride (unless he's already in office and standing for re-election)?


Or perhaps he's already in office, and the posters are leftover from the campaign. KM's link doesn't seem to be an official site - note the presence of advertising and the lack of the usual disclaimer - so they might have confused the timeline.

[Cyke]

Or maybe Mr. Saxon works for UNIT?

Which, if he is indeed the Big Bad for the season, would mean a HELL of a lot of trouble for the Doctor. UNIT's knowledge and resources are pretty formidable.

[Web of Fear]

If Mr Saxon is running for office, how was he able to order the tanks to fire on the Racnoss ship in the Runaway Bride (unless he's already in office and standing for re-election)?

Or perhaps he's already in office, and the posters are leftover from the campaign. KM's link doesn't seem to be an official site - note the presence of advertising and the lack of the usual disclaimer - so they might have confused the timeline.

*ahem* :)

I agree that it's not an official site. The photos also look like John Simm publicity/portfolio photos that have been put together, rather than the leering Mr Saxon he is the preview.

[king mob]

*ahem* :)

I agree that it's not an official site. The photos also look like John Simm publicity/portfolio photos that have been put together, rather than the leering Mr Saxon he is the preview.

One of the pics is from the press kit for '24 Hour Party People'. There's no official 'Mr Saxon' (since when did we start speaking about politicians so formally again?) out there yet.

I do like how the site reminds me of the BNP's. If The Master were to have a party behind him then it would certainly be the BNP.

[ChrisIII]

Did anybody see the first cartoon short? Nothing really great, but still kind of fun (The animation is a mix of "The Invasion" style and CG)

[king mob]

It's ok, it's definately aimed more towards children than the main programme is.

[Spike-X]

Where can we see this?

[Web of Fear]

Doctor Who cartoon (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh6vIrU1cLw&eurl=)

[king mob]

It's in Totally Doctor Who (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Totally_Doctor_Who).

[Spike-X]

Thank you, gentlemen!

[ChrisIII]

Freema's website has a three-minute preview of "The Shakesphere Code". The witches seem a bit camp but this is Doctor Who after all...

[king mob]

The whole episode is a bit camp but it just about works, though the cultural references are a bit rammed in at times. However it works and Agyeman is shaping up to be excellent and as long as Tennant curbs his zaniness he'll be improving upon last year. Great ending as well.

The references to Rose are a bit dull though. Get over it. Next week looks like we'll be getting well and truely into things.

[davids]

It was the very first show with the plastic folk.

[Spike-X]

"Fifty-seven academics just punched the air." Ha!

Damn good episode, that. And the young witch was cute as hell.

[SPAfreak]

"Fifty-seven academics just punched the air." Ha!

Damn good episode, that. And the young witch was cute as hell.

She was the main character from BBC's Hex.

So where was the Saxon reference in this episode?

[Web of Fear]

I don't think that there was a Saxon reference.

[Spike-X]

I didn't see one, unless it was very subtle.

[king mob]

She was the main character from BBC's Hex.

I had tried to forget how rubbish that was.

So where was the Saxon reference in this episode?

Wasn't any. Plus no sonic screwdriver which is a plus.

[ChrisIII]

The writer of this episode BTW was Gareth Roberts, who contributed a lot to WHO spin-offs back in the day (He also wrote the mini-episode/game Attack Of The Graske and the Sarah Jane pilot). He's particuarly well-known among Whovians for his trio of Fourth Doctor novels set during season 17.

[SPAfreak]

I had tried to forget how rubbish that was.

If it weren't for Cassie I could have forgotten it completely. It wasn't the worst thing that I've ever seen but it certainly wasn't great.

I have to say that I'm annoyed that the first time that I'm actively looking for a reference they didn't put one in.

[Phil Hunn]

She was the main character from BBC's Hex.

That's not something she should be proud of...

Liked this episode, aside from the repeated comments from Shakespeare about using this quote or that quote. And the use of that Harry Potter word... oy. Stupid Harry Potter.

Martha seems to be finding her feet, though, which is good... although she already seems to like the Doctor more than he likes her, if the way she was looking at him when they were lying on the bed together is anything to go by.

[rick]

"Fifty-seven academics just punched the air." Ha!

Damn good episode, that. And the young witch was cute as hell.


What I noticed, mostly becasue it was on Doctor Who, is just how much she looks like former Romana, Lala Ward.

[Popgun]

That's not something she should be proud of...

Liked this episode, aside from the repeated comments from Shakespeare about using this quote or that quote. And the use of that Harry Potter word... oy. Stupid Harry Potter.

Martha seems to be finding her feet, though, which is good... although she already seems to like the Doctor more than he likes her, if the way she was looking at him when they were lying on the bed together is anything to go by.

I did like Will trying to pinch a line from Dylan Thomas, though. And the Duck Soup reference.

Incidentally, in defence of the Beeb, Hex was *not* a BBC show. Although it aired on BBC America in the states, it was shown on Sky One (a Fox channel) in the UK.

[Spike-X]

What I noticed, mostly becasue it was on Doctor Who, is just how much she looks like former Romana, Lala Ward.
Hmm, now that you mention it...

[drwho]

I thought episode 2 of season 3 was pretty meh. The witch makeup was awful. Also I hope we dont get a Rose mention every episode. I was also hoping that Martha wasnt gonna be one of those companions that gets googily eyed over the doctor. Oh well I'm disappointed.

[Sean Whitmore]

Great episode. Seeing the Doctor interact with Shakespeare made me wonder exactly which of his former lives dictated "Hamlet" for him.


SEAN

[Tobias March]

It's good to see Dean Lennox Kelly getting work after Shameless

Playing Shakespeare too!

[mattx110]

If it weren't for Cassie I could have forgotten it completely. It wasn't the worst thing that I've ever seen but it certainly wasn't great.

I have to say that I'm annoyed that the first time that I'm actively looking for a reference they didn't put one in.

well... torchwood was a massive organization existing for centuries...
we haven't been given much on saxon yet, but a reference might not have made sense.

[SPAfreak]

well... torchwood was a massive organization existing for centuries...
we haven't been given much on saxon yet, but a reference might not have made sense.

Given the way that Queen Elizabeth I acted I wouldn't be terribly surprised if we eventually find out that it has something to do with her. Although that would be a bit of a repeat of Victoria and Torchwood.

[Cyke]

Loved it, I thought it was fun. The concept behind the witches' powers were a bit hard to grasp at first, but considering that we've seen numbers-as-powers before in Doctor Who, the power of words start to make sense. Plus, it gives Shakespeare himself a lot more considerable power than before, too.

I, too, giggled pretty loudly during the "57 academics just punched the air" line. HaH!

All the little allusions and the mystery behind the witches was great, with everything handled at the right pace. The teaser sort of bored me, but that's about the only weak spot.

It was also nice seeing Martha hold her own once again. She could figure out certain things that helped out the Doctor, plus the fact that she, too, is a doctor-in-training wasn't overlooked.

A lot of literary references, which I dig. Sprinkling little bits of Shakespearean lines here and there, all while Shakespeare himself wasn't the genius the Doctor hoped he'd be added a great amount of depth to the character, as we well as a bit of fun (no doubt Shakespeare will turn out great, but seeing him start off is different).

And yes, the Doctor's a player. The great thing about it is that he's got 6 thoughts going on at once, so he probably doesn't even realize that he's leading Martha on.

The last joke with Queen Elizabeth was perfect, too. Just a constant reminder that the Doctor's always on an adventure.

[Cyke]

Forgot to add in: I really thought this episode was going to be crap. Then again, I always expect the pseudo-historical eps of the current season to be crap, only to be completely surprised each and every time. This episode didn't suck like I thought it would; rather, it was the complete opposite. Again, once I got past the teaser, the episode just kept up a pretty great pace.

[Jack]

I loved Shakespeare in this. A true genius, seeing the psychic paper for what it is and figuring out who Martha and the Doctor were. Awesome.

[king mob]

Liked this episode, aside from the repeated comments from Shakespeare about using this quote or that quote. And the use of that Harry Potter word... oy. Stupid Harry Potter.



The Potter references only really got annoying when it was used by Shakespeare. Ugh, nasty idea.

[king mob]

It's good to see Dean Lennox Kelly getting work after Shameless

Playing Shakespeare too!

I got into Shamless very, very, very late in the day. It was that rare thing-a working-class drama where everyone doesn't turn into nice middle-class people or gangsters.

[ChrisIII]

Noticed a few minor similarities to the classic series "Silver Nemesis":

-The whole black magic-as-science angle (Interestingly, Peinforte's 'black magic' is implied in CURSE OF FENRIC to be one of Fenric's timestorms, and Fenric, like the witches, is an ancient evil)

-Peinforte was pretty much a witch herself, more or less....

-The "Act like you own the place" scene...

-The Doctor having a potentially troublesome run-in with a Queen...

-....and the arrow getting stuck in the TARDIS door.

Not sure if these were intentional or not. After all "Nemesis" has a bad rep.

[Paul McEnery]

Noticed a few minor similarities to the classic series "Silver Nemesis":

-The whole black magic-as-science angle (Interestingly, Peinforte's 'black magic' is implied in CURSE OF FENRIC to be one of Fenric's timestorms, and Fenric, like the witches, is an ancient evil)

-Peinforte was pretty much a witch herself, more or less....

-The "Act like you own the place" scene...

-The Doctor having a potentially troublesome run-in with a Queen...

-....and the arrow getting stuck in the TARDIS door.

Not sure if these were intentional or not. After all "Nemesis" has a bad rep.

Who says? It's well thought of, I thought, because it's the first time we see McCoy's Doctor as a long range schemer.

[Matt]

Indeed. I quite enjoyed Silver Nemesis.

[king mob]

Who says? It's well thought of, I thought, because it's the first time we see McCoy's Doctor as a long range schemer.

It's really one of the stories held in high regard by those who really liked McCoy's run. Otherwise it's accepted as being quite poor.

[ChrisIII]

I think one of the main problems with SN is that it's basically a remake of Rememberance of the Daleks-you have multiple factions competing for a Gallifreyan artifact-the Doctor and Ace, some facists and one of the Doctor's old foes. At the end, the Gallifreyan artifact-pre-programmed by the Doctor before it's capture-obliberates the enemy fleet.

Granted, the settings and circumstances are different-ROTD is for one more serious while SN is played more for laughs-but it's basically the same story....

I wonder whatever happened to the Nemesis (and for that matter, the Hand Of Omega)? Presumabely the Doctor might have used it in the time war.

[king mob]

I think one of the main problems with SN is that it's basically a remake of Rememberance of the Daleks

That's the main criticism it's had over the years. That and it being naff. SN isn't really bad compared with most other McCoy era Who, the problem is it's just so shoddily done in comparison to ROTD which is a cracking story done well.

[ChrisIII]

Dave Martin, co-creator of K-9 and author of several WHO stories along with Bob Baker, has passed away.

Also, WHO might be postponed this Saturday.

[king mob]

Also, WHO might be postponed this Saturday.



Nah, it might be a bit late because of the footy but they won't postpone it.

[Web of Fear]

This is the Beeb article on the possible postponement here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6544729.stm).

If I were a cynic, I would say the real reason the Beeb would drop Doctor Who would be the fact that it doesn't want to delay the programme that follows with those lovely premium rate phone in numbers.

[king mob]

With all due respect to Watford, I don't think it'll go beyond 90 minutes if Man Utd play like they did last night.

[drwho]

I'm a little curious about how tv shows come on in the Uk. Ive scene bbc commercials where they say the tv shows come on at times like 9:50, 8:50. Do any shows come on at the hour like at 9:00 or 8:00?

[Popgun]

I'm a little curious about how tv shows come on in the Uk. Ive scene bbc commercials where they say the tv shows come on at times like 9:50, 8:50. Do any shows come on at the hour like at 9:00 or 8:00?

Yep. Doctor Who, for instance, usually starts at 7pm.

[king mob]

That was a cracking little episode full of very nice references to Judge Dredd, Nemesis the Warlock, Grant Wood's 'American Gothic' painting and of course the original series with the appearance of the Macra.

Nice to see Tennant being understated and the script cracking along without many of the flaws that peppered series two. Plus we finally got The Face Of Boe saying that the Doctor 'was not alone' and setting things up for the rest of this series.

Next week: Daleks!

[Jack]

Plus we finally got The Face Of Boe saying that the Doctor 'was not alone' and setting things up for the rest of this series.Yeah, but it also referred to him as "the last of his kind".

I loved the ending, with them sitting on the chairs and the pull up to everyone flying around the city. Loved the beginning, too, though I missed what they actually said because my dad and I were trying to explain the reference to my mum.

Thinking about it, the episode was pretty dense, you know. A lot happened, but it didn't seem at all rushed or too busy. Quite a feat.

[oldscool]

id like to ad that in dr Who Confidential it states that both the doctor and the face are correct in there opinions

so who is this other that meens he is not alone ????

the master (he is not technecly a timelord anymore)

[rick]

Speaking of this whole "Last Timelord" thing, but isn't Romana still floating around in some other universe, exploring and playing Doctor?

As for the episode, I was actually really sad to see Boe go. I also did get a kick out of all the in-jokes.

All in all I'm really enjoying the season, and I think that Martha is just great.

There is always something to be said for brains and beauty.

[rick]

id like to ad that in dr Who Confidential it states that both the doctor and the face are correct in there opinions

so who is this other that meens he is not alone ????

the master (he is not technecly a timelord anymore)

Good point, in fact technically he isn't even from Gallifrey anymore since his last two "host" bodies were from other planets, including Earth.

[Matt]

Speaking of this whole "Last Timelord" thing, but isn't Romana still floating around in some other universe, exploring and playing Doctor?

Depends what you count.

In the novels and webcast of 'Shada', she came back and eventually became Gallifrey President before being killed by the invasion of Gallifrey by Faction Paradox.

[rick]

Depends what you count.

In the novels and webcast of 'Shada', she came back and eventually became Gallifrey President before being killed by the invasion of Gallifrey by Faction Paradox.

Was that one of the Richard E. Grant ones?

If so then I really don't think that those count.

Still, it doesn't seem all that realistic that the Doctor would be quite so glum about being the last of his race if he thought that Romana was still out there.

So, I guess I've got to count her as dead.

That really sucks.

[Matt]

Was that one of the Richard E. Grant ones?

The webcast of Shada (originally an unfinished but mostly filmed 4th Doctor adventure) starred Paul McGann as the 8th Doctor.

[Web of Fear]

I thought that this was the best episode of the new series so far, with the Doctor's recollection of Gallifrey at the end being the highlight. The Doctor dropping down on all the cars was fun, and the death of a giant prosthetic face was strangely sad.

And the return of the Macra. Never saw that coming. Quite like to see the Ice Warriors return next......

[OzBat!]

Still, it doesn't seem all that realistic that the Doctor would be quite so glum about being the last of his race if he thought that Romana was still out there.

So, I guess I've got to count her as dead.

That really sucks.Not necessarily. Remembering that whatever happened in the Time War also closed off barriers to other universes (with some finality implied in Rose's last episodes), the Doctor could just be finalistic in his assessment of Romana's never being able to return. He's the last of his kind, in this universe.

And yeah, I don't count the webcast or books.

Wasn't "Shada" the unfinished episodes they stole the Tom Baker scenes from, for "The Five Doctors"? Its been a lonnnnng time since I've seen that, so I could have it all mucked up.

[Web of Fear]

Wasn't "Shada" the unfinished episodes they stole the Tom Baker scenes from, for "The Five Doctors"? Its been a lonnnnng time since I've seen that, so I could have it all mucked up.

I don't think they "stole" them as such, but yes. :)

[king mob]

I thought that this was the best episode of the new series so far, with the Doctor's recollection of Gallifrey at the end being the highlight. The Doctor dropping down on all the cars was fun, and the death of a giant prosthetic face was strangely sad.

The last ten minutes were full of proper bottom lip tembler moments but the Doctor sitting there with Martha telling her everything was a lovely moment.

I'm also loving how all three episodes have a really strong 2000AD feel from the glory days of the 70's and 80's. Perhaps he might even dig out the Pat Mills and John Wagner script they turned in for the original series, it would certainly be easier to film these days.

And the return of the Macra. Never saw that coming. Quite like to see the Ice Warriors return next......

The reveal of the Macra was a real 'oooOOoooo' moment and done very well. The Ice Warriors would be fun but I'd still prefer the new series to build up it's own set of monsters and keep the old ones to a minium.

[rick]

The webcast of Shada (originally an unfinished but mostly filmed 4th Doctor adventure) starred Paul McGann as the 8th Doctor.


Well then that is probably in mix isn't it?

That really is sad.

[tricksterpup]

id like to ad that in dr Who Confidential it states that both the doctor and the face are correct in there opinions

so who is this other that meens he is not alone ????

the master (he is not technecly a timelord anymore)

You know I have to agree if there is any time lord who would have survived the time war would have been the Master. He always finds a way to survive, one way or another.

[Donald M.]

Are all Gallifreyans Time Lords? I don't know much about the history of Doctor Who but it occurs to me that whenever he's referred to or refers to himself as the last of his kind, it's always as the last Time Lord.

I've read enough to know there's been some debate as to whether or not the Doctor's granddaughter Susan was a Time Lord, though as with Romana we have to assume that she was also killed by the Daleks during the Time War.

Then again, "You are not alone," as a statement has a lot of possible interpretations.