The Official Doctor Who Thread

[Joe Siegler]

The Bionic Woman is the new companion. At least for the first special anyway.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/s4/news/latest/090123_news_01

Some talk that she might be Matt Smith's companion full time, too.

Also, an article about Peter Davison, David Tennant, & Georgia Moffett: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1126779/Former-Doctor-Who-Peter-Davison-reveals-daughter-fell-love-David-Tennant.html

[Joel]

I saw the Christmas Special last night.

I must say that this Christmas Special was my favourite one ever so far. To me this one was so much more than "Doctor Who versus Aliens", there was a story at play which kept you thinking. If at any point it dropped off...i'd probably say it would have to be when they introduced the giant Cyberman, it just felt a little cheap and over the top. But the CGI has once again developed itself further, David's performance as the Doctor was terrific, Morrisey did a good job with his character. It's just such a pitty DW won't get a full run this year because the quality of this XMAS special really set it up for a good year.

[Joe Siegler]

Actually, this one was my least favorite of the four Christmas specials. Although the moment with the Doctors montage was major coolness. It was by far and away my favorite moment.

[Mountain Man]

I think the story would have worked better if they had kept us guessing about the identity of "the next Doctor" for longer, but RTD showed his hand pretty much from the start (the "sonicscrewdriver" being an actual screwdriver). The premise was great. It's just the execution that let things down. It's certainly not the first time I wished RTD would have been the idea man who handed the writing duties off to someone else (and I'm sure it won't be the last since he's with the program until 2011).

[Joe Siegler]

2011? What are you talking about? He's done when Tennant is.

[Joel]

Yeah, I agree that they should have played the mystery out a little longer in regard to Jackson's (or Jack?) true identity. I just remember being really disappointed with the Christmas Special before this one, Kylie didn't add a great deal to it. The more I think of it....the Next Doctor comes second to the Christmas Invasion. Here's my ranking of the Christmas shows:

1. The Christmas Invasion: new new Doctor for a new new Season. Good CGI, nice inclusion of Unit and Harriet Jones. What more to be said?

2. The Next Doctor: see the post before this. And yes, the Doctor montage was pretty cool ;)

3. The Runaway Bride: not a bad episode but the first half certainly felt stronger than that of the second.

4. Voyage of the Damned: save it for the MEH tree.

[Mountain Man]

2011? What are you talking about? He's done when Tennant is.
Slip of the fingers. I meant 2010.

----------

Yeah, I agree that they should have played the mystery out a little longer in regard to Jackson's (or Jack?) true identity.
The problem, I think, is that RTD tried to tell two largely unrelated narratives and didn't develop either one particularly strongly. We had the "Jackson thinks he's the Doctor" story and the "Cybermen invade 1800's earth" story. Except for the "Cybeman technology brainwashes Jackson" plot-device, the stories were effectively unrelated and either one on its own could have made a great Christmas episode, but trying to cram both into the same hour was just too much.

[Joe Siegler]

Saw this today..

Both Teletext and The Sun and reporting today that Freema Agyeman will return to Doctor Who for one more appearance as Martha Jones before David Tennant leaves the role. Agyeman is, according to the reports, scheduled to appear in one of the four upcoming specials that Tennant will appear in before turning over the role to Matt Smith. Says the Sun, "Freema's on board. It's early days so it's unclear what exactly Martha will be up to in the new show."

[Joel]

Hmmm....I wonder if they'll make some room for Captain Jack along the way for one last hurrah with David Tennant's Doctor.


The problem, I think, is that RTD tried to tell two largely unrelated narratives and didn't develop either one particularly strongly. We had the "Jackson thinks he's the Doctor" story and the "Cybermen invade 1800's earth" story. Mountain Man

I agree on that. I think The Christmas Special could have been fantastically good had they have either stripped back the role of the Cybermen somewhat and write a Family of Blood type story instead. Even if it means making the story ten minutes shorter, i'm sure it would have made a stronger story. I'm surprised that i'm the only one bitching about the 100 ft Cyberman.

[Dave-ros]

I was thinking "Master Mould", myself :o

[Mountain Man]

I'm surprised that i'm the only one bitching about the 100 ft Cyberman.
You're not. I thought it was rather silly myself. I also hate how the Doctor knew exactly what it was. I miss the good ol' days when the Doctor wasn't the demigod that RTD has turned him into.

[Joel]

Precisely. Don't get me wrong, I love what RTD has done for the show, but I can't say I care for some of the more cartoonish type of moments where the Doctor just seems to pull a rabbit out of his hat and resolve the most challenging of circumstances within seconds. Best example would have to be the Season 2 finale where he defeats an army of Daleks and Cybermen by literally flipping a switch - all on his own.

Yet in Remembrance of the Daleks, the Doctor struggled to defeat 20 Daleks even with an armed companion and the British military. I guess i'm just more for the flavour of episodes like Blink and Family of Blood, i'm hoping that Moff takes it more in this direction. I'd love to really see the psychological and spooky stuff fleshed out for the next few years.

But the Season 4 finale did kick some major arse! Loved it, which is precisely why I think it's time for Doctor Who to try some new things. It's already proven it can do that type of story perfectly, a copy of this formula would just come off second best and undermine what made it great. Let's see what other treats there are in the cupboard.

[Joe Siegler]

Don't condemn RTD for the demigod comment. There's been plenty of that in the classic series. That's what they were trying to do with McCoy after his first season.

Tom Baker's Doctor had a lot of that, too.

[Tetsuro]

Well I guess the days of Doctors in weird costumes are over, it's all about business suits now.

I hope the next doctor will at least be a jerk like the sixth. We won't be having a crotchety old man in the role (or just an old man) so maybe we can at least get the "crotchety" part...

[Joel]

I actually like the contemporary costumes just as much as the originals. Keeping the fashion of Doctor Who consistent with what it was during the 1960s - 1980s would be the equivilent of having the Star Trek Next Generation crew wearing Kirk era uniforms: you'd have this modern, cutting edge series with an ironically dated look to it. I think with what RTD was trying to achieve with this series, the Doctor's outfits so far suit the show well.

Personality wise, I agree that we could do with someone a little more condescending this time around, i'd like to see some of that arrogance and darkness that we were teased with during Eccleston's tenure played out a little more with Matt Smith's Doctor. I say bring the alien back into the role: no kissing the companion and the humans cannot be relied on to always get it right.

What I loved about Eccleston is that you were convinced of two things: this 'man' is not of this Earth and he has recently suffered something that was painfully prolonged and scarring (the time war). I felt some of that vanished with Tennant's Doctor.

[Joe Siegler]

I actually like the contemporary costumes just as much as the originals. Keeping the fashion of Doctor Who consistent with what it was during the 1960s - 1980s would be the equivilent of having the Star Trek Next Generation crew wearing Kirk era uniforms: you'd have this modern, cutting edge series with an ironically dated look to it. I think with what RTD was trying to achieve with this series, the Doctor's outfits so far suit the show well.

Yeah, I think with the exception of the 8th (which was in a lot of ways just a rehash of Hartnell's outfit), the costumes for the Doctor were generally a product of their era. I couldn't see Colin Baker's coat being done in the 70's, although you could make a point for the 60's - hahahaha.

Personality wise, I agree that we could do with someone a little more condescending this time around, i'd like to see some of that arrogance and darkness that we were teased with during Eccleston's tenure played out a little more with Matt Smith's Doctor. I say bring the alien back into the role: no kissing the companion and the humans cannot be relied on to always get it right.

The kissing the companion hasn't bothered me, because for each time it's happened, there's been some sort of plausible excuse, although the one in Martha's first episode was the weakest of that lot. I was always a major fan of the Sixth doctor because he was a jerk. I never thought the character should be TOO friendly. Having said that, I doubt it's going to be an epic level change this time around. The show has been seriously successful since the relaunch, and given HOW HUGE it is now, I doubt the BBC execs are going to vary too far from what's been working the last four years.

What I loved about Eccleston is that you were convinced of two things: this 'man' is not of this Earth and he has recently suffered something that was painfully prolonged and scarring (the time war). I felt some of that vanished with Tennant's Doctor.

Agreed, but that's part of the character anyway. You lose bits whenever you get a new actor in the role. Has always happened.

[Joe Siegler]

And since I'm big on Doctor Who lists, here's a list of the Doctor kissing the companions (beyond minor pecks on the cheek, which I'm not counting):

Doctor #8:
The Doctor kissed Grace in a post regenerative excitement about recovering his memory. Not designed to be romantic (although Grace didn't think that way)

Doctor #9:
Kissed by Jack in his last episode when Jack thought he was going to die. (Jack also kissed Rose too)

Doctor #10 (The Snog Monster):
Rose kissed the Doctor in "New Earth", although she was under the mind control of Cassandra, it wasn't "Rose".

Madamme de Pompdeur (sp?) kissed the Doctor in "Girl in the Fireplace", but it was initiated by her. Doctor didn't seem to mind too much, as he said "I just snogged.." :)

The Doctor kissed Martha in "Smith & Jones", but explained it as "Nothing - really, nothing". Intended that she'd get caught with Alien DNA on her by the Judoon. Didn't seem romantic, but she had the same reaction Grace did. :)

The Doctor kisses Joan Redfern in "Human Nature", but he was Human at that time. Definitely was romantic.

Astrid kisses the Doctor in "Voyage of the Damned", but it was initiated by her. The Doctor seemed befuddled by it.

Donna Noble kisses the Doctor in "Unicorn and the Wasp", but it was initiated by her as a way to "shock" the Doctor as part of him saving his own life.

Rose Tyler kisses "Human 10th Doctor" in the alternate universe on the beach on "Bad Wolf Bay". Couldn't have been more romantic than this. Made me want to puke. Glad that storyline is gone now.

I'm pretty sure that's it. I thought he might have gotten a kiss from Jo Grant when she left him at the end of Green Death, but I looked it up, and it was just a hug.

[Joel]

Agreed, but that's part of the character anyway. You lose bits whenever you get a new actor in the role. Has always happened.

True, but remember, to the audience (during the Eccleston era) the Doctor had only survived the time war possibly within the same year of meeting Rose (this is open to interpretation and debate, but there certainly are valid 'for' and 'against' arguments). In that year, he regenerates in Bad Wolf. When he regenerates into Tennant, those issues still remain to be resolved. Tennant's Doctor still mourned for all those years on Gallifrey and he became especially enthusiastic about Gallifrey when he learned of the Master's existence.

During these periods when he (Tennant) isn't thinking about the Timelords, he's a bouncy, vivacious Jim Carrey type of character. Now, look back to Eccleston, in the moments where the audience had taken their minds off the Time War, Eccleston was still stoic and dark and he carried that with him no matter what situation. That's pretty much why I hold such fond memories of the Eccleston years.

I do see what you mean with having a new Doctor, granted, the shift between the original Doctors was massive with some of them. But for a story arc that hangs over two Doctors (the time war), I just found Tennant's interpretation of the role perhaps a little too divergent at times, brilliant though he was. It was almost as though the Time War didn't matter so much to the Tenth Doctor when in fact the pain of reality was hitting harder than ever. I'm not slagging David off at all, but there were moments where his personality just wasn't quite on point and would have probably benefited from a 'less is more' approach.

[Joe Siegler]

I do see what you mean with having a new Doctor, granted, the shift between the original Doctors was massive with some of them. But for a story arc that hangs over two Doctors (the time war), I just found Tennant's interpretation of the role perhaps a little too divergent at times, brilliant though he was. It was almost as though the Time War didn't matter so much to the Tenth Doctor when in fact the pain of reality was hitting harder than ever. I'm not slagging David off at all, but there were moments where his personality just wasn't quite on point and would have probably benefitted from a 'less is more' approach.

Fair point, but when he DID think about it, he got seriously down. I think the over the top happiness was another way to "deal with it" - mask the pain kind of thing.

[Taril]

Fair point, but when he DID think about it, he got seriously down. I think the over the top happiness was another way to "deal with it" - mask the pain kind of thing.

Agreed. I think he's been trying to block it out, move on and the over the top cheeriness is apart of that for him.

[Mountain Man]

Well, I suppose you can assume that, but I really don't get the overarching sense of a man with a smile on his face but grief in his heart(s).

[Joel]

Fair point, but when he DID think about it, he got seriously down. I think the over the top happiness was another way to "deal with it" - mask the pain kind of thing.

I suppose, but there were times that it was just a little too distracting, but I know what you mean. Tennant's Doctor was more of a hedonist whereas Eccleston was perhaps a little more pessimistic but at the same time down to Earth.

[Mountain Man]

That's not to say, of course, that I haven't found Tennant's take on the Doctor tremendously entertaining.

[Joe Siegler]

http://io9.com/5141719/will-this-awesome-doctor-who-filming-go-to-waste

[Mountain Man]

Interesting article, but scrapping the whole episode because of something like that? I doubt it. A problem like that would be trivial to work around for any seasoned production crew.

[Joel]

Absolutely. There are so many ways around that. We're essentially talking about a set piece here. Firstly, you can just replicate the internal cabin of a bus, as for external shots, keep them to a minimum and film the outside of the "bus" from the top down. You could even get a rally talented CGI artist to generate the bus as a background shot.

If the show can't move past this then how on earth did they manage to shoot in London and Manhattan simultaneously?

[Stense]

I actually have a policy of not believing anything the Sun paper reports, so I'm inclined to believe that the episode is in no serious danger.

[Tetsuro]

A double-decker bus eh?

Maybe Iris Wildthyme will make an appearance. :D

[Ironside]

I finally got to see a episode of the new series. I have to say it wasn't that bad, better then I thought. One question, Dose the Doc always wear the leather jacket?

[Joe Siegler]

I finally got to see a episode of the new series. I have to say it wasn't that bad, better then I thought. One question, Dose the Doc always wear the leather jacket?

That would be Ninth Doctor then. That was "his outfit". Yes. The outfit changes when the Doctor does. Occasionally a Doctor will wear something different, but usually their costume is "it".

[Joel]

Ironside, make it your duty to watch the DVDs in order starting with Eccleston. Don't just pick episodes, there's an arc there which will make the S1 conclusion more rewarding for you. I can't elaborate but you'll see what I mean if you get around to it.

[Ironside]

I wish I started watching this earlier, just may get a season on dvd this year. Any suggestions?

[Joel]

Well that all depends. Are you just talking about the new series or classic also?

If it's classic you're wanting, you can pretty much cut in anywhere as I wouldn't think of that as an arc intensive series, though there are certainly some that operate with serials like Trial of a Timelord. Most of the classic series comprised of stories that were made up of 4 X 30 minute episodes. The DVDs of these stories include every installment, so I wouldn't worry about having to get 1 DVD to understand the other. Avoid the Troughton era though, there's a lot of missing footage and episodes that have left large gaps in the continuity for production and financial reasons.

If you hold out about 6 - 12 months, the entire series of Colin Baker (sixth Doctor) stories will be available and should hopefully get a box set treatment.

With the new series, just start with Rose, that's the first episode of the new series and just work from there. There's only been 4 full series with an Christmas special between each one. These are included in the DVD sets anyway. This year is a perfect time to catch up though as Doctor Who won't get a full run and will instead have a few specials to hold us over until 2010.

[Mountain Man]

Yes, if you're new to the series then either start with "Rose" from the 2005 revival series or "An Unearthly Child" from the original series (or better yet the "Beginning" boxset which includes the first three stories) as they're both intended for people with no familiarity with the program. Keep in mind, though, that "An Unearthly Child" was produced in 1963 (not to mention the three episodes that follow are, shall we say, something of an acquired taste), so if old television isn't your thing then go with "Rose".

[Stense]

I wasn't overly familiar with the classic series when the 'New Who' series started in 2005 with Eccleston. I had seen my fair share of old Doctor Who episodes and the TV film and was familiar with some of the more well known villains, but not many. For the most part however, "Rose" (first episode of 'New Who') was my starting point, and it worked for me, so I'd say thats a good starting point to get into the show with.

[Joe Siegler]

:woot:

This months Doctor Who Magazine reveals that the upcoming Doctor Who specials will be filmed in High Definition, a first for the series. Previously the production team has resisted the move to HD, because of the higher costs involved particualy with effects shots. Executive Producer Julie Gardner said the team has been planning the move to HD, for many months. James Strong who is directing Planet of the Dead, has considerable experience working in HD on programmes such as Hustle.

In other news the magazine also reveals that K-9 is due to play a large part in Series Three of The Sarah Jane Adventures. He is likely to appear in around 6 episodes of the 12 part series.

[Joe Siegler]

The BBC must like this guy - they've given him a five year contract for Doctor Who. It's actually three with a two year option.

Still, the fact that they're committing to him for five years means they expect it to be on for that long. Which is good.

http://www.kasterborous.com/news.asp?ac=11&id=2168

[Joe Siegler]

This is something I've hoped would happen for a long time.

http://popculturezoo.com/archives/2031

[Mountain Man]

The BBC must like this guy...
And they're apparently confident that the fans will, too.

[Joe Siegler]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v90PBmO58Bk&fmt=22

[Mountain Man]

It's weird hearing his native accent. It sounds fake.

Cool little documentary, though. He's an engaging person.

[Joe Siegler]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/s4/news/latest/090219_news_01

[Joe Siegler]

Random comment about the Doctor's Age:

At 17:00 on Episode 6 of the Silurans, he refers to his age as "several thousand years"

[Dave-ros]

Ah yes, the Doctor's age... in The Tomb of the Cybermen he said "about 450 years" in "Earth terms", while in Pyramids of Mars he said "I've lived for something like 750 years". And, of course, in The Trial of a Time Lord, he says "I'm only 900 years old!" Having said that, I think in the reborn series he's still been saying he's about 900 -- surely closer to 950 by now? He's so vain :p

[Joe Siegler]

Well, in the Seventh Doctor's era, he stated on screen he was 953.

There's a whole bit about the Doctor's Age here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_(Doctor_Who)#Age

I did see an interesting quote from someone (might have been the new producer, I forget for sure). With the Time Lords gone and time a mess like that, it's possible it's reverted somewhere. :)

[Joe Siegler]

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=70140

Good review of a Hartnell DVD release just out in England. When it makes it over here, I'll have to get it. I'm a sucker for B/W Doctor Who. :)

[Dave-ros]

The Rescue has one of the biggest double entendres in the series -- how Ian mispronounces the name "Koquillion"... ew :mryuck: :p

[Joe Siegler]

http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/8349450/Doctor-Who-Series-4-2009-Action-Figures-Build-A-Figure-The-Invasion-Cyberman/Product.html

http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/8349416/Doctor-Who-Series-4-2009-Action-Figures-Build-A-Figure-Tenth-Planet-Cyberman/Product.html

http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/8349427/Doctor-Who-Series-4-2009-Action-Figures-Build-A-Figure-Tomb-Of-The-Cybermen/Product.html

http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/8349461/Doctor-Who-Series-4-2009-Action-Figures-Build-A-Figure-The-Next-Doctor-CyberLeader/Product.html

Now these look seriously cool!

[Dave-ros]

Yay, original Cybermen! I note there isn't one from The Wheel in Space, Revenge of the Cybermen or any of the 1980s appearances, which is a shame -- imagine making a "Raston Warrior Robot" diorama :D

Do you really have to buy all four to make the Cyber Controller? :eek:

[Joe Siegler]

FYI, I combined Parts 1, 2, & 3 of this thread back into a huge thread.

I've decided to check into my policy of larger threads to see if any big ones really have an impact on server activity. I decided to use the Doctor Who thread as a test one.

[Dave-ros]

Ah, that explains why some unread posts looked oddly familiar... :o

---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:27 PM ----------

Oh, incidentally: EXTERMINATE DAFFODILS!!!!!!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdUmUn9hhNM&feature=related) :D

[Joe Siegler]

Oh, incidentally: EXTERMINATE DAFFODILS!!!!!!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdUmUn9hhNM&fmt=18) :D

K9's humping the toaster!

---------- Post added at 02:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:38 PM ----------

http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Doctor-Rescue-Romans-Cybermen/11390

I'll be all over both of these.

---------- Post added at 02:12 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:08 PM ----------

Further out they're doing Frontier in Space / Planet of the Daleks.

Frontier is my all time favorite Pertwee story. This ought to be good.

http://www.purpleville.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/rtwebsite/DalekWarDVD.htm

[Joe Siegler]

http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/content.php?contentid=70140

Good review of a Hartnell DVD release just out in England. When it makes it over here, I'll have to get it. I'm a sucker for B/W Doctor Who. :)

http://www.dvdactive.com/reviews/dvd/doctor-who-the-rescue-and-the-romans.html

Another review of the same set. I'm so looking forward to that one.

[Joe Siegler]

The Tardis stuff is to be redesigned to launch with the new Doctor. It's apparently due to the conversion to the show being filmed in high def.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/03/02/doctor-who-exclusive-tardis-to-be-redesigned-for-arrival-of-new-time-lord-matt-smith-115875-21164417/

[Joel]

This could be interesting. I've always loved the idea of them doing a modern update of the classic TARDIS (Hartnell - 80s McCoy era) by having some white but also mixing in some steel coloured light or something, kind of like the bridge of the Enterprise for the next Star Trek film. But, since the article speculates it as a radical makeover to step beyond RTD's series, I doubt it would happen.

I think my favourite TARDIS interior is still the classic series, though I liked the McGann interior, it just felt a little too grand and open. It felt too much like a Victorian mansion more than it did an alien time machine. As for the current TARDIS interior, I liked the 'alien' feel to it and was glad that they kept the size of the console room fairly small. I just hope they don't go too big with the next interior.

[Joe Siegler]

I'd be surprised if the console room is changed too much. The exterior can't change too much, either. It's still going to be a police box. I interpreted the story to mean they're going to rebuild the current stuff just with more hi tech materials or something.

[Taril]

I got from it that its going to be more high tech. Which means more display screens, flashing LCD's and less steam punk, knobs and stuff.

Would make sense. You have a younger Doctor might as well make the Tardis more modern as well.

I just hope they leave the outside of it alone.

---------- Post added at 12:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:59 AM ----------

The wait is killing me i want to see what the new Doctor is going to act and look like.
I wish they could put together like a 5 minute short to show him off.
Hell id settle for the audition tape.

[Joe Siegler]

At least you know this much.

For me in the 80's when they switched Doctors it took far longer to find out, because there was no Internet like now. And you had to wait generally two years for shows to make it over to the US before they aired.

[Mountain Man]

I wonder if Moffat is going to try and explain the control room redesign or if he'll handle it like they did in the good ol' days and make no mention of it. I think the closest they got to an explicit reference was when Doctor #5 was dusting off the new console in "The Five Doctors".

[Joe Siegler]

I wonder if Moffat is going to try and explain the control room redesign or if he'll handle it like they did in the good ol' days and make no mention of it. I think the closest they got to an explicit reference was when Doctor #5 was dusting off the new console in "The Five Doctors".

Moffat was the only person to ever explain in dialogue how a previous doctor looked older than he should have been (Time Crash). I wouldn't put it past him.

Although he did sort of set it up in Time Crash already with the "Desktop theme" remark.

[KaiserSoze]

I found this amusing:

http://www.gallifreyone.com/news.php

[Dave-ros]

Maybe that's the Dalek they shoved into the ice pool in Planet of the Daleks? :dalek:

[Joe Siegler]

Maybe that's the Dalek they shoved into the ice pool in Planet of the Daleks? :dalek:

I was thinking Death to the Daleks. They blew some of them up outside.

[Dave-ros]

Simple test for that would be: is it in or near a gravel pit? :p

[Joe Siegler]

http://www.denofgeek.com/television/213395/doctor_who_special_no_2_at_christmas.html

There's four Specials yet to come with Tennant. First one is at Easter.

Second one is AT CHRISTMAS?

That would leave two more after that with the new episodes with matt Smith Starting April 2010. When the heck are they showing the other two? One on New Year's, and ???

:ted:

[Joe Siegler]

A couple of good links.

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article5907596.ece

The first one is a new interview with Sylvester McCoy. Talks about modern Who and how it has impacted his own time on the show.

http://www.airlockalpha.com/news426157.html

The second is with Russell T Davies who talks a bit about the remaining four specials. Not anything regarding plot, but a general airing schedule, and how they will be linked with an arc.

[Joel]

http://www.denofgeek.com/television/213395/doctor_who_special_no_2_at_christmas.html

There's four Specials yet to come with Tennant. First one is at Easter.

Second one is AT CHRISTMAS?

That would leave two more after that with the new episodes with matt Smith Starting April 2010. When the heck are they showing the other two? One on New Year's, and ???

:ted:

New years day. I know this sounds really dodgy as I have no proof to post here, but a friend of mine at work knows someone who works with the camera and lighting crew and apparently they intend on having back-to-back Doctor Who on NYE and NYD. We'll soon find out if my source is reliable or a fiction, but, that's what I heard along the grape vine.

Funnily enough, that's the song which tells us to believe half of what we see and none of what we hear.

I'll give them a chance, if it proves reliable, then I might have some other treats for you :)

I've known this for a few months but I didn't want to come in empty handed without anything to prove, but, I feel now would be a suitable time to let it leak, plus, it's nothing THAT big.

[Joe Siegler]

I've heard that rumor myself Joel. Although to be honest, I would think they'd get more oomph by airing the actual last Tennant episode say the month before the start of Series 5 proper. At least from a ratings standpoint, anyway.

[Joel]

I wouldn't be so concerned about ratings. At this point, it seems as though no matter what else is on, the Brits will tune into watching Doctor Who without fail. I forgot which episode it was, but when the premier of Wallace & Gromit: A matter of Loaf and Death premiered, Doctor Who still outsold it with its ratings. Keep in mind, this is the first Wallace & Gromit television short film since 1997's A Close Shave. W&G is still very very popular, so I think even if Doctor Who airs on NYD, it won't be a disaster. Besides, December 28 - January 10 is the ultimate dead zone for good TV, I think DW could really rake in some good figures here.

[Joe Siegler]

I know it's the Sun but...

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article2329695.ece

http://www.anaitgames.com/wp-content/darth_vader_nooo1.jpg

[Mountain Man]

:doh:

Didn't RTD already milk the "reunion" angle for all it was worth in "The Stolen Earth/Journey's End"?

[Joe Siegler]

Apparently not.

[Joel]

Hmmmm....just sounds like the S4 two-part finale but with The Master instead of the Daleks. I do like the idea of bringing back the Master, John Simm nailed it for me. Apart from the Doctor, the rest of that concept needs to vanish.

[DOSGuy]

The Next Doctor played in Canada on Space on March 14, but there was apparently so little advertising that I missed it. I remember seeing one ad several weeks ago saying that it was coming in March, and then that was it.

Anywho, I got a laugh out of this. I've been trying to get my mother to watch Doctor Who, but she doesn't like David Tennant. She says he's "too goofy". I was watching a Tom Baker episode on BBC Kids recently, and my mother said, "Now that's a real Doctor", and watched both episodes with me.

[Joe Siegler]

Anywho, I got a laugh out of this. I've been trying to get my mother to watch Doctor Who, but she doesn't like David Tennant. She says he's "too goofy". I was watching a Tom Baker episode on BBC Kids recently, and my mother said, "Now that's a real Doctor", and watched both episodes with me.

She is the reason I list Tom Baker at the bottom of my favorite Doctors. It's the resentment I have towards fans who were "Tom Baker or nobody else". There was a heck of a lot of that when I got into Doctor Who.

[Dave-ros]

A bit like people who say Sean Connery is the only real Bond? They're all good in their own way, just enjoy the damn series, people! :tinyted:

Oh, incidentally, David Tennant was hosting the BBC Comic Relief night on the 13th, and took part in a celebrity Mastermind where his specialised subject was Doctor Who from 1963 onwards and he ended up winning (completely pwning co-host Davina McCall, whose subject was, er, Big Brother). Is there anything that guy can't do? :D

[Joel]

I respect Tom Baker for his contribution to the role and the legacy he brought to it, but, yeah, he is the Sean Connery of Doctor Who in the sense that he's the most talked about when there are plenty of others who have done just as well with the role. I still think that William Hartnell doesn't get enough praise. Whenever classic Who is discussed, people will most likely talk about Tom Baker or Peter Davidson. Jon Pertwee was another classic for me.

Of the contemporary Doctors, to date, Eccleston is still out in front.

It's the resentment I have towards fans who were "Tom Baker or nobody else". There was a heck of a lot of that when I got into Doctor Who. JOE

I think David Tennant is the modern rendition of this. A lot of people I talk to about Eccleston think i'm mad to put him ahead of Tennant. I don't blame people for their preferences, but a lot of fans seem to think Tennant's contribution to the role somehow supercedes the work of Eccleston.

[Tetsuro]

Pertwee is actually my least favourite Doctor. I could never quite put my finger on it tho, he just doesn't strike me right. Maybe it's his amazing ability to reverse the polarity of non-charged particles which have no polarity to begin with...

However, after watching like one third of the entire classic series (including a lot of the black&white stuff), I am growing increasingly fond of the first two doctors, with Troughton still reigning as my absolute favourite...altho I'm liking Hartnell more and more. Gotta love that smug old git.

"That is the dematerialization lever. There, over yonder, is the horizontal hold, that is the main scanner, those are the doors and that is a chair with a panda on it. Sheer poetry my dear boy, now stop bothering me!"

Speaking of Hartnell, I hear Space Museum and The Chase are going to be released together as a box set. That's gonna be a treat.

[Dave-ros]

Leaving aside the fact that Pertwee's Doctor only "reversed the polarity of the neutron flow" twice, including The Five Doctors... :tinyted:

Sounds good about the DVD release -- presumably they've either negotiated something with the Beatles (over the performance of "Ticket to Ride"), or this'll be another limited edition boxed set?

[Joe Siegler]

A bit like people who say Sean Connery is the only real Bond? They're all good in their own way, just enjoy the damn series, people!

George Lazenby! Barry Nelson! Those are my guys! ;)

Oh, incidentally, David Tennant was hosting the BBC Comic Relief night on the 13th, and took part in a celebrity Mastermind where his specialised subject was Doctor Who from 1963 onwards and he ended up winning (completely pwning co-host Davina McCall, whose subject was, er, Big Brother). Is there anything that guy can't do? :D

Well, he was a fan of the show before he was in it. ;)

I still think that William Hartnell doesn't get enough praise. Whenever classic Who is discussed, people will most likely talk about Tom Baker or Peter Davidson. Jon Pertwee was another classic for me.

Patrick Troughton also gets overlooked, but that's primarily because there's so much of his work gone. I think a different tact to take is that had the show not been with a good actor, it would have ended right there. We take it for granted now, but the Second Doctor's existence was a major gamble at the time. A crappy actor would have killed it.

I think David Tennant is the modern rendition of this. A lot of people I talk to about Eccleston think i'm mad to put him ahead of Tennant. I don't blame people for their preferences, but a lot of fans seem to think Tennant's contribution to the role somehow supercedes the work of Eccleston.

I think that also has to do with the length of time. Eccleston doesn't talk about Who now. He is what Tom Baker was when he left the role. Wanted to distance himself from it. That turns some fans off. Also, Eccleston only did one year and saw it as a "job". Some fans treat that kind of stuff in their overall mark of the guy. Not just his acting on screen.

Pertwee is actually my least favourite Doctor. I could never quite put my finger on it tho, he just doesn't strike me right. Maybe it's his amazing ability to reverse the polarity of non-charged particles which have no polarity to begin with...

He only actually said that twice, as I recall. Once was the Five Doctors when they threw it in there as a gag. It's like Kirk being known for "Beam me up, Scotty", when I believe he only ever said that less than 3-4 times in the run of the original Star Trek.

However, after watching like one third of the entire classic series (including a lot of the black&white stuff), I am growing increasingly fond of the first two doctors, with Troughton still reigning as my absolute favourite...altho I'm liking Hartnell more and more. Gotta love that smug old git.

Hartnell's my favorite Doctor - I like the feel of the show with him.

Speaking of Hartnell, I hear Space Museum and The Chase are going to be released together as a box set. That's gonna be a treat.

That would be way far out then. The next several releases are below, according to the people who make the DVD's (http://www.restoration-team.co.uk/).

Battlefield (I'm getting it)
E-Space Trilogy (pass)
Rescue / Romans (Hartnell is an auto purchase for me)
Attack of the Cyberman (Getting it; not near as bad as it's rep makes it out to be)
Image of the Fendahl (pass)
The War Games (buy because it's Troughton, even if this is a weak story)
The Keys of Mariunus (I'm getting it)
Frontier in Space / Planet of the Daleks (under the label Dalek War - I'm getting it, Frontier is IMO the best Pertwee story).

That release list goes into 2010 I believe. I don't doubt what you said, but I don't recall seeing it on a future release list. Would make sense to pair them together. Having the classic Morton Dill character on DVD would be worth the price of admission. :D

Sounds good about the DVD release -- presumably they've either negotiated something with the Beatles (over the performance of "Ticket to Ride"), or this'll be another limited edition boxed set?

I always figured that would be edited out when it was released. Or it would be dubbed. We shall see. That is EXACTLY the kind of detail the Restoration Team website talks about. I am eager to see what they do with the Beatles' appearance, too.

Also in future Who news..

http://www.kasterborous.com/news.asp?ac=11&id=2299

That has a picture of the primary villain from the next episode of Dr Who, which will go out within the next four weeks or so. Looks underwhelming to me. No formal date yet for the airing. After that is the biggest drought - nothing new till Christmas after this one. :(

[Mountain Man]

Concerning the Beatles, the broadcast version of "Spreadhead from Space" had a scene where some Beatles music was playing in the background, but it was scrapped in favor of some generic 70's pop for the DVD because of licensing problems. And that was just for music, so I wonder if they'll have any success with actually showing the Fab Four?

As for that "Planet of the Dead" monster, that's look like a throwback to old school Who.

[Joe Siegler]

Concerning the Beatles, the broadcast version of "Spreadhead from Space" had a scene where some Beatles music was playing in the background, but it was scrapped in favor of some generic 70's pop for the DVD because of licensing problems. And that was just for music, so I wonder if they'll have any success with actually showing the Fab Four?

It's more than that. They're referred to in dialogue by all the characters, so the whole scene would have to be excised if they couldn't use it, the dialogue would make no sense. Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBw5tOeXWkY&fmt=18).

As for that "Planet of the Dead" monster, that's look like a throwback to old school Who.

Agreed.

[Mountain Man]

It's more than that. They're referred to in dialogue by all the characters, so the whole scene would have to be excised if they couldn't use it, the dialogue would make no sense. Here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBw5tOeXWkY&fmt=18).
Yes, I'm aware of the cuts that would need to be made. I'm just offering a point of comparison, that if the Beeb (or whoever pays for the DVD releases) wouldn't spring the cash for a bit of incidental music then what chance is there that they'll pay the even greater cost to actually show the Beatles themselves? But perhaps because it's more than just a bit of incidental music that is easily replaced and would require leaving parts of a classic episode ("classic" in the sense that's from the "classic series") on the cutting room, perhaps they'll be more willing.

[Dave-ros]

They could always alter it to be John Smith and the Common Men, or whatever that band was Susan was listening to in the very first episode :p

Spreadhead from Space
Is that a Freudian slip?! :eek: :o

[Mountain Man]

No, that's just common, everyday, ordinary typo and lack proofreading.

[Joe Siegler]

Yes, I'm aware of the cuts that would need to be made. I'm just offering a point of comparison, that if the Beeb (or whoever pays for the DVD releases) wouldn't spring the cash for a bit of incidental music then what chance is there that they'll pay the even greater cost to actually show the Beatles themselves? But perhaps because it's more than just a bit of incidental music that is easily replaced and would require leaving parts of a classic episode ("classic" in the sense that's from the "classic series") on the cutting room, perhaps they'll be more willing.

You're right, but given it *IS* the Beatles, perhaps something different could be worked out. Also, this isn't just your garden variety incidental music. Since it's an actual appearance, it might be perceived differently.

In something more current...

The Doctor and Christina seem to be harnassing their inner Neo & Trinity here.

[Tetsuro]

To say nothing of the historical significance of the clip in The Chase as it's also the only surviving footage of The Beatles' first live performance on television. Besides, The Chase HAS been released on VHS without any issues, hasn't it?

EDIT: Also, the song that was edited out of Spearhead from Space was Fleetwood Mac, not The Beatles.


That would be way far out then. The next several releases are below, according to the people who make the DVD's (http://www.restoration-team.co.uk/).

Battlefield (I'm getting it)
E-Space Trilogy (pass)
Rescue / Romans (Hartnell is an auto purchase for me)
Attack of the Cyberman (Getting it; not near as bad as it's rep makes it out to be)
Image of the Fendahl (pass)
The War Games (buy because it's Troughton, even if this is a weak story)
The Keys of Mariunus (I'm getting it)
Frontier in Space / Planet of the Daleks (under the label Dalek War - I'm getting it, Frontier is IMO the best Pertwee story).
That listing is a little different to the press release on DVDTimes. Battlefield is out already, as is the E-Space Trilogy and Rescue / Romans, while Delta and the Bannermen and Deadly Assassin are also pending for release. Deadly Assassin's a keeper, that's for certain.

[Dave-ros]

It was released in a limited edition boxed set, which I imagine would be due to it costing too much for licensing issues to release "normally". It was released with Remembrance of the Daleks, which... also has a Beatles track in the background (on the juke box in the cafe)! I think the DVD release of that may replace it with different music... I hate music licensing issues -- can't they just see it as free advertising?! :doh: :(

[Tetsuro]

Apparently the original DVD of Remembrance of the Daleks had the songs replaced (it had quite a few songs on the background) while the Davros box set had them restored due to "changes in licensing agreements" (sez wikipedia).

Of course this is all purely conjectural; we can't be certain until the bloody thing is actually released.

[Joe Siegler]

That listing is a little different to the press release on DVDTimes. Battlefield is out already, as is the E-Space Trilogy and Rescue / Romans, while Delta and the Bannermen and Deadly Assassin are also pending for release. Deadly Assassin's a keeper, that's for certain.

I went straight to the source. The people who make the DVD's.

http://www.restoration-team.co.uk/

That is the release list they have there.

[DOSGuy]

The Doctor and Christina seem to be harnassing their inner Neo & Trinity here.

I love that picture. The Doctor is a cool hero.

[Joe Siegler]

Oh boy. If this is true, and not just bs....

The Daily Express also speculates that Tom Baker is in discussions regarding a future cameo appearance in the series alongside Matt Smith.

http://www.express.co.uk/features/view/91019/Will-Tom-return-

[Mountain Man]

Hmmm... not sure what to think of that. I wonder if it'll be another mini-episode like "Time Crash" or part of the series proper. The article used the word "cameo" which leads me to believe that we won't see 45-minutes of Smith and Baker romping around together.

[Joe Siegler]

Hmmm... not sure what to think of that. I wonder if it'll be another mini-episode like "Time Crash" or part of the series proper. The article used the word "cameo" which leads me to believe that we won't see 45-minutes of Smith and Baker romping around together.

Probably not, but just his appearance alone would be enough to draw in some old fans who may not have tried the revival.

[Mountain Man]

If it is a cameo in the series proper, it'll be interesting to see how Moffet works it in without it waving a flag and screaming, "TOM BAKER CAMEO!" That is unless he plays someone other than the Doctor, but then, what'd be the point?

[Dave-ros]

Maybe he won't be there as the Doctor, but as the narrator in Little Britain, i.e. there'll be a scene at BBC Television Centre (or wherever he sits when he does his monologues)? Or, he'll be playing a character like the one he did in that BlackAdder II episode, and be bellowing at the Doctor: "You have a WOMAN'S legs!" :p

[Joel]

I could think of 1 idea for Baker's return but it's already been done and would be milking an already that was already done well. Basically, Baker's character would be another survivor (alongside the Master and the Doctor himself) who went into seclusion after the time war, kind of like Yoda after Revenge of the Sith.

Baker's character could be a renown Gallifreyan Minister or Philosopher which (in my opinion) would neatly tie in with Baker's legacy to the series. That way, you don't have to bring him back as the Doctor and give a dodgy explanation for his older than usual appearance as the Fourth Doctor.

[Mountain Man]

I love the idea of him playing the Master, though. I think he'd make a brilliant villain.

[Joel]

Not so comfortable with the idea of him as The Master to be honest. But I am open to him being a manacing villain. One other idea I had was to expand on an idea they had in the debut episode, Rose. I was always disappointed that they didn't create an arc out of the guy who had the website that tracked the movements of the Doctor. Maybe Tom could play both a character who is "everyday" but in many ways "eccentric" who has obsessed over the "mysterious Doctor" who wants to learn more about him.

[Joe Siegler]

I was always disappointed that they didn't create an arc out of the guy who had the website that tracked the movements of the Doctor. Maybe Tom could play both a character who is "everyday" but in many ways "eccentric" who has obsessed over the "mysterious Doctor" who wants to learn more about him.

I agree. I always felt that character had potential. They did sort of pick up on that later with Mickey, when he said "If you look around hard enough, he's there".

[Mountain Man]

That concept was also explored in the craptastic "L:mryuck:ve & M:mryuck:nsters".

[Joel]

They could have also used Tom in "The Next Doctor" when you think about it too. I think the irony would have been quite funny. Imagine a scene like this:

Doctor #10: Listen to me, you are NOT the Doctor, you only have the memories of the Doctor!

Baker's character: Rubbish! I've always been the Doctor, always will be and i've certainly been the Doctor longer than you have!

[Joe Siegler]

That concept was also explored in the craptastic "L:mryuck:ve & M:mryuck:nsters".

True, but I think the point was for a long running gag. Actually the base premise of Love & Monsters wasn't bad. That episode had it's moments, it wasn't 100% craptastic, but it was by far not as horrible as I remember it on first viewing.

[Mountain Man]

Actually the base premise of Love & Monsters wasn't bad.
I agree, and I think Moffat nailed it in "Blink".

That episode had it's moments, it wasn't 100% craptastic, but it was by far not as horrible as I remember it on first viewing.
I refuse to ever watch it again on general principle.

---------- Post added at 06:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:14 PM ----------

They could have also used Tom in "The Next Doctor" when you think about it too. I think the irony would have been quite funny. Imagine a scene like this:

Doctor #10: Listen to me, you are NOT the Doctor, you only have the memories of the Doctor!

Baker's character: Rubbish! I've always been the Doctor, always will be and i've certainly been the Doctor longer than you have!
That would have been funny, and I think Baker could have delivered a better dramatic performance than Morrisey.

[Joe Siegler]

I refuse to ever watch it again on general principle..

I can understand that stance. I really can. However, I forced myself to watch it, and it wasn't as horrendous as I thought it was first time through.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not making out to be great, or even "decent", it's still bad. It's just not as unwatchable as I remembered it being.

[Joel]

Lol...I think once you get past the initial shock of actually seeing the episode for the first time, you're somewhat desensitized to the lack luster quality of it all. I've seen the episode twice and it doesn't seem as cringe worthy on the second viewing...but yeah, by no means a classic.

[Mountain Man]

And yet there are people who genuinely think it is the most brilliant episode of Doctor Who ever produced. No, I don't understand it either.

[echotree]

Just as an aside, I wanted to mention that there is a new car... and an old enemy of the Sontarans that practically share the same name.
Both are pronounced: "Roo-tAn" or "Rue-taun".
-
One is a vehicle that will safely transport family and friends, in luxery, to many wonderful locations.... The other systematically murders anything it touches then 'inhabits' the corpse(s) for nefarious ends.

No need to guess which is witch... Know the joy of remembering "The Horror of Fang Rock"

http://www.gallifreyone.com/episode.php?id=4v

Spoiler: The car is named "Routan"
: The monster is written as "Rutan"
and actually, neither of them has a spoiler so far as I understand the term.

-
Now, back to the 'on-topic'
I also would cringe at the memory of the "Love & Monsters" episode. Then I watched it for the third time, and realized that I was probably just looking for something to hate... so as to justify my inordinate love of so many of the other episodes.
Now I'm better. There are great things in that episode. In a wonderfully dark way, every Fan of The Doctor has their life Ruined Bigtime. There's an unashamed sex joke 'tile head', which is weird, sad, and sort of funny all at once.
And immediately redeeming is the track by ELO "Electric Light Orchestra" (is it Mister Blue)? That can raise the mood of even the most "Spotless" of "Mind"(s).........sorry, that's a pretty dense reference. I get it though!

[Joe Siegler]

Planet of the Dead Trailer News:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/s4/news/090401_news_01

Here's an actual trailer. Whether or not it's the trailer talked about above is unknown.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-rUTlQPm4o&fmt=18

[Mountain Man]

Looks pretty good. The trailer reminds me a bit of "Midnight".

[Joe Siegler]

Caught the one that aired on TV. That youtube link is it.

[Joe Siegler]

http://www.metro.co.uk/metrolife/article.html?Big_hair_helped_Matt_get_Dr_Who_job&in_article_id=607214&in_page_id=9

An article where Doctor #8 talks about Doctor #11. :)

[Tetsuro]

How's this for a thought; Malcom McDowell as the Doctor and Tom Felton as a companion.

[Joe Siegler]

Given the age of the revival Doctors, I cannot see them going for a guy of Malcolm McDowell's age. Besides, Matt Smith is signed for five years, by then McDowell will be even older. And a male Doctor with one male companion? That won't happen.

It was only briefly in play at the end of the Fourth & Fifth Doctors respective eras for one story each. That's that a combo that would sell the show, I would think.

[Tetsuro]

Actually I wasn't so much referring to the possibility McDowell actually assuming the role but rather how he'd play it; both him and Felton have made an impression in the public mind as bad guys (Felton playing Draco McLeatherpants in the Harry Potter movies; I don't think I need to even mention McDowell's track record) so it'd be interesting to see them playing polar opposite characters. McDowell did that "Time After Time" movie in the 70's so he's capable of pulling off the geeky good guy role, and I'd like to see Felton breaking typecast.

[Joe Siegler]

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/article6022914.ece

[Mountain Man]

They come across as rather full of themselves, don't they? Especially RTD.

[Joel]

Not really, no. I thought they were more tongue-in-cheek than arrogant. Besides, they deserve a little self-congratulatory banter in my opinion. The show has had much more success than originally anticipated. A lot of people felt it would possibly only have a four year run, but it's clearly going to exceed that. So again, if they feel the need to stand tall with a puffed chest - let them. They've done well.

[Mountain Man]

I disagree. I much prefer when people are humble. For instance, you never see George Lucas or Steven Spielberg beating their own chests despite being two of the most successful producers/directors in Hollywood. Lucas would never say, "Nah, I don't want to work with so-and-so because his films are second rate compared to mine." It comes across as elitist and snobby. Although if that's the attitude that RTD has been approaching the show with for the past few years then it does explain quite a lot.

[Joe Siegler]

MM just doesn't like RTD. :)

This interview was fine.

[Mountain Man]

Whether or not I personally like RTD as a writer is beside the point since I read the interview without any preconceptions. It simply struck me that he -- and Tennant to a lesser extent -- came across as overly pleased with himself, though I will concede that something may have been lost in the transcription and perhaps his comments were meant to be tongue-in-cheek and self-effacing.

[Joel]

I wonder if RTD was serious about the whole Doctor Who/Star Trek cross-over episode. I'd like to see Doctor Who square up against Doctor House myself :D

[Stense]

No no no, Doctor Who versus Green Wing is the way to go ;) Insanity would follow.

[Dave-ros]

^^ Dear God, no -- I love both franchises, but I think they should remain separate (aside from the occasional nod, e.g. a list of Doctor actors on a screen in TNG) :dalek:

[Joe Siegler]

BTW, the apparent name of the second special is "The Waters of Mars". Ice Warriors, perhaps? :)

Also, this is VERY cool.

Doctor Who executive producer Russell T Davies has confirmed that Bernard Cribbins will be returning to the series.

Speaking this morning on BBC Breakfast Davies said Cribbins would be the Doctor's companion in David Tennant's last two episodes, due to be shown at Christmas 2009.

Bernard Cribbins first played Wilfred Mott, Donna's Grandad, in the 2007 Christmas special and throughout Season 4. His return was expected after members of the Doctor Who Forum photographed Cribbins on the Doctor Who set. At the age of eighty, Cribbins becomes the oldest companion in Doctor Who history.

Also on the programme Davies confirmed that Saturdays special, Planet of the Dead was only completed late Monday night. He said he expected the next special to be shown "Novemberish".

First off that it's "Novemberish", and not Dec 25th... Secnd that Wilf will be a proper "companion", which would get him to travel in the Tardis, something I wished happened in Series 30.

[Dave-ros]

Cribbins also has the longest history with the show, so to speak, as he was in the second Peter Cushing film in 1966, though admittedly they weren't canonical ;)

Ice Warriors = win -- hopefully they won't think up a third reason for Mars to be notable, as we already have the Ice Warriors and Sutekh :o

[Mountain Man]

Wilf as a companion? That's awesome. Are we gonna get a Katherine Tate cameo? :love:

[Joel]

Not without her head exploding (literally).

[Mountain Man]

She doesn't have to share any scenes with the Doctor.

[Joel]

I know...but it would kind of be a cop out to just have her in the other room or on the other side of town from the Doctor so to speak. I'm not dead-set against it, but after the way they've exploited the multiple returns of Rose i'm a little skeptical. But I am very excited about the said casting of Bernard Cribbins in the role of the companion.

[Joe Siegler]

Wilf as a companion? That's awesome. Are we gonna get a Katherine Tate cameo? :love:

Yes. Was in today's news.

Also I submit there's ways around that. They never said she'd die, never said she'd explode. Just that her mind would fry (maybe burn, I forget EXACTLY right this second). There's ways around that. He may have to sacrifice himself to save her. We shall see.

[Mountain Man]

I know...but it would kind of be a cop out to just have her in the other room or on the other side of town from the Doctor so to speak.
She could be in an establishing scene with Wilf who then goes off on his own and encounters the Doctor. Wouldn't be a cop out at all.

[Dave-ros]

Saw it tonight. Not bad, but
why did the two insect-headed aliens have to be so pointless? Aside from their heads, they moved just like ordinary humans, and even wore boiler suits! Plus they both got killed off just like that -- it's as though their sole purpose in the show was to have a spaceship with a power supply that the Doctor could nick!
Lee Evans in this one, doing a rather OTT Welsh accent. Plus Michelle what's-her-name, who I remember with a much less posh accent in EastEnders, where she was the unfortunate offspring of a woman and her uncle, and was raised as her mother's sister... no, don't ask. I can't comment on her in The Bionic Woman because I blinked and thus missed it ;)

[RedSplat]

I enjoyed this one way more than "The Next Doctor".

Professor Malcolm, he predominated in this episode. I'd love to see him back in many other episodes.

[Joe Siegler]

I'm indifferent towards the new one. It didn't seem like a terribly strong story, not a lot really going on, IMO. I'll rewatch it of course, and it's not like I hated it, or didn't enjoy it... But for it being the only episode for seven more months this year, and the first one in four months previous to this.. I was expecting something bigger, something more elaborate than that.

Why wouldn't they have put more guarding on the cup at the start? Uh - hello, haven't they watched other spy movies? You come in from the top.

[Tetsuro]

I just watched Planet of the Dead too and...did anyone else think of The Langoliers?

[Dave-ros]

No, but I can see where you're coming from... but instead of a little blind white girl, we have a West Indian lady of a certain age ;)

[Mountain Man]

Not bad. Reasonably solid writing with some nice ideas but a bit shallow overall, and it got silly towards the end. I'm also a bit tired of the whole "hero worship" deal that RTD keeps throwing into his scripts. The joke with previous Doctors -- including Eccelston -- was that they thought they were really wonderful and clever, but nobody else really did. With Tenant's Doctor, he thinks he's wonderful and clever, and everybody else agrees. That bit has worn out its welcome. That said, I did like the Malcolm character.

I also have to wonder how hard it would be for a modern military outfit to track an airborne bus, meaning that if we apply the rules of the real world, Christina would be arrested as soon as she touched down.

[Mountain Man]

Why wouldn't they have put more guarding on the cup at the start? Uh - hello, haven't they watched other spy movies? You come in from the top.
Not to mention the laser wall started several feet above the floor (screenshot), meaning that if the guards were knocked out, someone could just crawl underneath. And anyway, if it's really so valuable as to require such elaborate security measures, wouldn't it just be cheaper and more secure to move the damn thing into a vault at night?

[Joe Siegler]

I'm indifferent towards the new one. It didn't seem like a terribly strong story, not a lot really going on, IMO. I'll rewatch it of course, and it's not like I hated it, or didn't enjoy it... But for it being the only episode for seven more months this year, and the first one in four months previous to this.. I was expecting something bigger, something more elaborate than that.

Mentioned this to my wife when we talked about it. She said "sounds like you were looking for more fireworks". I think that's probably accurate. I was thinking there was going to be something bigger than we got.

Once I get over that feeling, I'll probably enjoy the show more when I watch it again.

[Joe Siegler]

I found this quite amusing...

The title of the next Doctor Who special has been revealed, and as interesting as it may be, it gets even moreso when you mix up the letters. Spoilers, kind of, ahead.

At the end of tonight's UK premiere of "Planet of The Dead" (Charlie'll be reviewing it tomorrow, for those of you who want to hear our take on it), the title of the next special - and David Tennant's second-last episode - was confirmed to be the rumored "The Waters Of Mars". But don't take that at face value, and assume that we're going to just going to get a story about the red planet. We know that showrunner Russell T. Davies likes his anagrams (Torchwood, anyone?), and "The Waters Of Mars" just happens to be an anagram of "War Of The Masters," a title that seems to suggest that those rumors about John Simm's evil time lord returning may have something to them after all...

[Dave-ros]

Not to mention the laser wall started several feet above the floor (screenshot), meaning that if the guards were knocked out, someone could just crawl underneath. And anyway, if it's really so valuable as to require such elaborate security measures, wouldn't it just be cheaper and more secure to move the damn thing into a vault at night?
I think it was a "honeytrap" anyway :p

[Joe Siegler]

One of my favorite "Who Dork" moments was the reference to the first Tom Baker story, "Robot".

"I've read through all your files"
"Which one was your favorite? The one with the Giant Robot?"

That exchange was funny.

[Joe Siegler]

I think I've figured out what the "will knock four times is".

That's the number of notes in the Master's "tune" that was embedded in the radios, and people would tap in the episodes he was in two years ago. Duh-Duh-Duh-Duh. That's four notes. It fits, since we know he's coming back anyway. :)

[Joel]

I think the master referred to that as "The Sound of Drumming" or maybe just "The Sound of Drums" like the title. I'm hoping Planet of the Dead will be showing here by next month.

[QuiGonJ]

I thought it was a good light fluff story, and I was happy to enjoy watching Michelle Ryan after the idiocy of Bionic Woman. Only scene that I couldn't stand was the obvious "oh those military people are senseless murdering b*stards" scene where the Captain threatened Malcolm. The scene didn't fit.

[Joel]

Planet of the Dead announced out here for Sunday May 31 on the ABC - in HD!

[Tetsuro]

Misplaced the original link, so I don't know which part of the rumor/news spectrum this is, but there was an article about Gillian Anderson appearing in a one-off special opposite to Matt Smith's Doctor...as The Rani.

[Joe Siegler]

Misplaced the original link, so I don't know which part of the rumor/news spectrum this is, but there was an article about Gillian Anderson appearing in a one-off special opposite to Matt Smith's Doctor...as The Rani.

I saw that, too. Guess it's time for more fob watches. :)

Seriously, given what Moffatt has said about wanting to create new stuff, I find it hard to believe he'd resurrect a fairly weak character from the Colin Baker era of the show. Not that I didn't like Colin's performance, but his era isn't known as a highlight of the show's past.

[Mountain Man]

Gillian Anderson? Yes please. :love:

[Tetsuro]

I saw that, too. Guess it's time for more fob watches. :)

Seriously, given what Moffatt has said about wanting to create new stuff, I find it hard to believe he'd resurrect a fairly weak character from the Colin Baker era of the show. Not that I didn't like Colin's performance, but his era isn't known as a highlight of the show's past.

To say nothing of the fact that the last I heard, The Rani is basically owned by Pip and Jane Baker and the only way she'd make an apperance is if they write the story - and they quite frankly don't have it in for the new series...considering what "masterpieces" they conceived for the classic series.

[Joel]

THat's very interesting. I always have felt that a great time to have used Gillian was actually in the S2 two part finale. I can't remember the character's name, but she had blonde hair and was in charge of Torchwood. I always felt that Gillian would have been perfect for that role.

[Mountain Man]

To say nothing of the fact that the last I heard, The Rani is basically owned by Pip and Jane Baker and the only way she'd make an apperance is if they write the story - and they quite frankly don't have it in for the new series...considering what "masterpieces" they conceived for the classic series.
Their work is comparable to some of the stuff RTD has written.

[Tetsuro]

Their work is comparable to some of the stuff RTD has written.
lol, touché.

That's the one thing about the classic series...they had to do multi-episode stories to save in set costs, but it also allowed them to properly flesh out the story and characters.

But then, I'm probably in the minority who doesn't like Tennant either...say, has this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUwGgRD51JA) video been posted on this thread yet?

[Mountain Man]

I like Tennant, but I do think he's overrated much like Tom Baker.

By the way, I like that video. It's a nice summary of Classic vs. New.

"Will somebody shut that fool up!" :D

[DOSGuy]

That video sums it up pretty well.

[Joel]

I like Tennant, but I do think he's overrated much like Tom Baker.



+ 1


Although I do disagree with the Tom Baker part since his Doctor really injected the "quirkiness" for the first time in the character more than his three predecessors. Troughton had some here and there, but Baker's was a 460cc driver compared to Troughton's occassional putts.

[Tetsuro]

On the other hand, I find Tom Baker virtually impossible not to like, but I don't like Tennant. Both are zany doctors so what's the difference?

One thing I don't like about Number Ten is his frequent rants about how great humanity is. I don't think any of the preceding doctors went to such lengths about it, and most of them were quite openly critical ("Sometimes I wonder why I like your kind so much!"), Baker included. Baker, while admittably zany, maintained some of the dignity of his predecessors, whereas Tennant bounces around like an adolescent on caffeine...

Tennant is clearly a Doctor of the ADHD generation. Suppose it could be a fault in the writing too...I still find it grating when he calls himself brilliant.

[Dave-ros]

That film was slightly unfair: yes, the Tenth Doctor is always complementing mankind, but what about the Fourth Doctor's speech in The Ark in Space: "They're indomitable"...?

[Tetsuro]

That film was slightly unfair: yes, the Tenth Doctor is always complementing mankind, but what about the Fourth Doctor's speech in The Ark in Space: "They're indomitable"...?
Exception to the rule. It's not just what he says either, it's how he says it. Like I said, the Doctor speaking positively of mankind was ultimately quite rare, and his speech in that actually sounded like he was genuinely amazed. Tenth does it too much is what I was saying.

[Dave-ros]

Maybe he's seen enough to finally believe it? Or maybe it's the lingering part of his human half in the TV movie :p

[Tetsuro]

I blame it on Rose.

[Mountain Man]

+ 1


Although I do disagree with the Tom Baker part since his Doctor really injected the "quirkiness" for the first time in the character more than his three predecessors. Troughton had some here and there, but Baker's was a 460cc driver compared to Troughton's occassional putts.
Don't get me wrong. I agree that Tom Baker was outstanding in the role, but really, you could say that same thing about pretty much every other actor who has played the part. They've all brought something to the character that none of their predecessors or successors did , and that's why each one is special and why I get so annoyed by people who act like T.Baker was the pinnacle of the series and it's been downhill since.

[Joe Siegler]

Tom Baker is my least favorite doctor. There. I said it.

MM seems to be off his meds.. RTD as bad as Pip & Jane Baker? Doesn't like Tennant? Definitely needs a refill on the prescription for sure.

[QuiGonJ]

I see a lot I agree with in that video. If the makers of the show hadn't been so completely proud of themselves for every moment they made, maybe they could just focus on the show itself.

Oddly enough though, I think Sarah Jane Adventures feels more like the old show than the new show does. Not just because of Liz Sladen, but because they don't moralize as much, and the lower budget does mean less GWTW music, AND mainly, the sonic lipstick isn't used nearly as much as the screwdriver. I still say the Doctor gets that screwdriver of his from Ollivander's.

[Joe Siegler]

Oh dear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDSCFYKymus&fmt=18

[Joel]

One thing I don't like about Number Ten is his frequent rants about how great humanity is. I don't think any of the preceding doctors went to such lengths about it, and most of them were quite openly critical ("Sometimes I wonder why I like your kind so much!"), Baker included. Baker, while admittably zany, maintained some of the dignity of his predecessors, whereas Tennant bounces around like an adolescent on caffeine...



For me, Tennant wasn't cynical enough, he was too friendly and vivacious. My interpretation of the Doctor is that, as an alien, he kind of keeps a distance between himself and humans. Part snob, part cynic but also a very empathetic too. Christopher Eccleston had this down pat. He cared for Rose a lot, but if there was something that got on his nerve (such as the whole situation in the Father's Day episode), he'd let her have a serving of his less than flattering philosophy on the human race.

Tennant on the other hand had elements of this every now and then, but he was more like the charming new student at school that caught the eyes of the girls: handsome, flirtatious and willing to give anything a go. Performance wise he was still terrific and I will miss him. But I just don't agree with all of the decisions he's made for the character. The line between alien and human was blurred a little too much with Tennant's Doctor. With Eccleston, he may have looked human, but I never forgot for a moment that he was not of this Earth.

[Mountain Man]

MM seems to be off his meds.. RTD as bad as Pip & Jane Baker? Doesn't like Tennant? Definitely needs a refill on the prescription for sure.
Or maybe Joe needs new glasses, because 1) I said, "[Pip and Jane Baker's] work is comparable to some of the stuff RTD has written," which I think is a valid statement, and it's worth noting at this point that RTD has written some of my favorite episodes in the new series including "The End of the World", "The Long Game" (yes, I like this one), "Gridlock", "Utopia", "Midnight", and a few others that I can't remember off the top of my head. Of course it goes without saying that he's also written some of my least favorite episodes. And 2) I said that I like Tennant. I just think he's overrated.

[Joel]

I like Tennant, but I do think he's overrated much like Tom Baker.



Joe, I do have to agree with MM in that he never said he disliked Tennant. His opinion is actually very similar to that of mine.

Otherwise, i'm also willing to accept that you were being facetious and just goofing around :)

[Tetsuro]

Oh I loved Gridlock. Actually before the ending where they explained everything, I thought the person who wrote it must've been writing Judge Dredd because of the similarities in the concepts; gridlocks that take years to dissolve, people living their whole lives in their mobile homes because of this...

[Joe Siegler]

Joe, I do have to agree with MM in that he never said he disliked Tennant. His opinion is actually very similar to that of mine.

Otherwise, i'm also willing to accept that you were being facetious and just goofing around :)

Actually, it was more me thinking MM is becoming a "Oh god, I don't want to hear him talk about RTD, because all he does is say bad shit" kind of poster. That was the REAL point of my msg.

[Joel]

Ahahah, fair enough. I have to say I do find RTD bashing kind of ridiculous, especially NOW as he's on his way out.

On other matters, we should start to see some images of Matt Smith in costume over the next couple of months, it'll be interesting to see what direction they take it in. For some reason I picture him in something that's slightly gothic, modern but also elegant. Something to offset the "young" appearance of this Doctor.

Anyone else?

[Mountain Man]

Actually, it was more me thinking MM is becoming a "Oh god, I don't want to hear him talk about RTD, because all he does is say bad shit" kind of poster. That was the REAL point of my msg.
I'm not exactly an RTD fanboy, true, but I'm hardly one of those "Everything he touches turns to shit!" types, either. :)

[Tetsuro]

AOn other matters, we should start to see some images of Matt Smith in costume over the next couple of months, it'll be interesting to see what direction they take it in. For some reason I picture him in something that's slightly gothic, modern but also elegant. Something to offset the "young" appearance of this Doctor.

Anyone else?

So he's gonna be dressing up like Pertwee but in black velvet instead of green/blue? I'd love that.

I'm also curious about the new console room Moffat has suggested. He says it's going to be "radical" and "something we've never seen before". All I can say to that is "You mean moreso than the current one?" :D

Then again, it's no secret Moffat doesn't like the current console room so I doubt it'll be anywhere as horrible as it currently is...

[Joel]

So he's gonna be dressing up like Pertwee but in black velvet instead of green/blue? I'd love that.

No, absolutely no confirmation at all. Just something I can picture him in which I feel would not only suit the actor but would also be a worthy nod to the origins of the character. Something like McGann's costume would be terrific but with some colour thrown in. Maybe a crimson cravat or something.

I'm also curious about the new console room Moffat has suggested. He says it's going to be "radical" and "something we've never seen before". All I can say to that is "You mean moreso than the current one?" :D

I'd like to see them go modern in terms of using lots of whites, silver and blue. A little bit like the current Enterprise for the new Star Trek film, but with a lot of "alien" thrown in.

[Joe Siegler]

http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/regenerating-the-doctor-who-website-596054

Cool article about the BBC Doctor Who website.

[Mountain Man]

Just want to say it's been fun discussing Doctor Who with you guys. I'm going to miss it.

[Joel]

Definitely. You've been terrific to have a chat with. Not only are you huge fans, but you're also quite reasonable and down to Earth in terms of putting aside any fan-boyish criticisms and seeing the show for what it is. I'll definitely miss it, along with some of Joe's ultra-geek photos of Daleks and the like :)

[supermeerkat]

Just want to say it's been fun discussing Doctor Who with you guys. I'm going to miss it.

Group hug!

[Dave-ros]

And the Dalek smiley I suggested hasn't even been around for a year... :dalek:

[Joe Siegler]

Just want to say it's been fun discussing Doctor Who with you guys. I'm going to miss it.

Again, I'm not 100% positive they will go away. Not yet.

[QuiGonJ]

I hope they stay. I also hope 3DR lives on in some way and manages to get Duke out the door, and I wish you luck and help on employment.

[Tetsuro]

If they don't go away, well, all the better for us.

If they do, hook me up on SL or something. That's where I spend most of my time these days anyway...in a Tardis.

[Mountain Man]

Again, I'm not 100% positive they will go away. Not yet.
I hope not, though I have a feeling the forums will never be quite the same. Still, if this thread is around in the future, I will definitely continue to visit. :)

[Joel]

I thought I might give the thread a bit of a bump-up. Does anyone think they'll release a 2009 box set that covers all of the final DT adventures? I haven't purchased any 2009 DVDs, i'm holding out to see if there will be a final set with some additional features that aren't included on the individual releases.

Any reports on this?

[Joe Siegler]

I thought I might give the thread a bit of a bump-up. Does anyone think they'll release a 2009 box set that covers all of the final DT adventures? I haven't purchased any 2009 DVDs, i'm holding out to see if there will be a final set with some additional features that aren't included on the individual releases.

I was figuring there would be a set of the specials once they all aired. I never buy the vanillas - I always wait for the sets.

Given we don't know REALLY when they'll air - best guess now is Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years...

One would figure a box of them wouldn't come out until right before Smith's series airs in April to maximize attention.

[Joel]

Hmmmm true....I'm also avoiding the vanilla sets, it's box set or nothing for me.

In other news...Planet of the Dead next week!

[Joe Siegler]

Hmmmm true....I'm also avoiding the vanilla sets, it's box set or nothing for me.

Agreed.

Edit: Come to think of it, I don't think they've released the vanilla DVD's here in the US, save for Eccleston's season. I don't believe that's even an option for me.

Edit 2: I was right - I looked, the vanilla DVD's were only released in R1 for Eccelston's season. Here (http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-First-Season-Vol/dp/B000GYI3N6/ref=sr_1_107?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1243199746&sr=1-107) are (http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-Complete-First-Season/dp/B000GYI3NG/ref=sr_1_88?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1243199725&sr=1-88) some (http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-Complete-First-Season/dp/B000GYI3NQ/ref=sr_1_106?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1243199746&sr=1-106) links (http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-Complete-First-Season/dp/B000GYI3O0/ref=sr_1_82?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1243199640&sr=1-82).

In other news...Planet of the Dead next week!

Meh - that was a month ago. Get with it. :)

In TRUE other news.. Tennant finished filming this past week. The 10th Doctor is done.

Given filming on Smith's series should start in July (given the start date of the previous full series since 2005), we should find out soon more info about his tenure. Like who the companion is. :)

[Joel]

Meh - that was a month ago. Get with it.




Ahahaha, trust me, there are SOME perks to being Australian.

On the note of regions though...given that we're about a month behind, come January, if I want to avoid spoilers as to how Tennant's regeneration takes place, i'll have to go offline for a month to avoid the spoilers. That won't be easy.

In TRUE other news.. Tennant finished filming this past week. The 10th Doctor is done.


Security over there must be like Fort Knox as i'm surprised no images of Matt in the tenth Doctors outfit have leaked. I remember there were a number of leaked photos for Planet of the Dead during its lead up.

Given filming on Smith's series should start in July (given the start date of the previous full series since 2005), we should find out soon more info about his tenure. Like who the companion is.

It's interesting to note that the rumours of Michelle Ryan being the new companion have died down. There is one thing i'm nervous about and it will probably happen, but the trend has usually been for the companion to be an actress that is younger than the male playing the Doctor. This could mean that the companion is around the age of 16. I really hope not. It would be interesting to have a dynamic where the Doctor's companion is a slightly older looking female...say early to mid thirties? Kind of like an "older sister" type figure that enjoys travelling with him but also keeps him in the corner of her eye too.

[Joe Siegler]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5rNLy5bXs4&fmt=18

[Joel]

So is that a segment from a Benefit Appeal Special or does John have his own talk show? But cool sketch all the same.

Edit: nevermind, just did some Wiki research which answers my question: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonight%27s_the_Night_(TV_series)

[Joe Siegler]

It's kind of like the old "Jim'll Fix it" show, isn't it? The one that spawned the Colin Baker bit with the Sontarans and Gareth Jenkins.

[Joel]

It looks that way. I have to say, as much as I love Doctor Who, i'd set my wishes a little higher than appearing in a short clip of DW. If I knew how to play guitar and I had the opportunity to go on that show, wouldn't you really want to test the waters and be a member of the band that backs the Rolling Stones when they play live or something? Or maybe stepping in as Q in a short James Bond sketch, only to have it finish with John Cleese tapping you on the shoulder.

[Joe Siegler]

I'd have to do Doctor Who, too. ;)

---------- Post added at 09:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:18 AM ----------

In real Doctor Who news..

http://www.gallifreyone.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?id=EkuFFuuEuAzznStGHq&tmpl=newsrss&style=feedstyle

w00t! Tennant as the 10th Doctor will be in a Sarah Jane Adventures Series 3 episode.

[Joel]

What a nice treat for the kiddies! I might have to check this one out.

[Joe Siegler]

Sarah Jane is not nearly as bad as people might think it is. It's really Doctor Who lite. Oh sure, it's not as hardcore as regular Doctor Who can get, and the violence is generally toned down, but it's really not that bad at all.

[Joel]

Funny you should say that because I did catch 10 minutes of it while doing some channel surfing the other day. Samantha Bond was guest starring, from what I can tell its a less serious Doctor Who with a much younger cast and is more about fun rather than sci-fi or drama.

[Joe Siegler]

Funny you should say that because I did catch 10 minutes of it while doing some channel surfing the other day. Samantha Bond was guest starring, from what I can tell its a less serious Doctor Who with a much younger cast and is more about fun rather than sci-fi or drama.

Some of them get kind of heavy, like one in the second series where Sarah Jane gets to meet her parents. There's a lot of stuff going on in that.

[Mountain Man]

It would be interesting to have a dynamic where the Doctor's companion is a slightly older looking female...say early to mid thirties? Kind of like an "older sister" type figure that enjoys travelling with him but also keeps him in the corner of her eye too.
Like Catherine Tate? :love:

[Mister_Anderson]

Did you guys see that Doctor Who fan anime that some bloke is making? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqR8A8ecKWo&feature=related)

[Joel]

Like Catherine Tate? :love:

Something like that, but not in the same way that Martha was just a more academic and middle class version of Rose.

[Joe Siegler]

No, he means Catherine Tate specifically. :)

[Mountain Man]

No, he means Catherine Tate specifically. :)
... :D

[Joe Siegler]

I mean come on.. ;)

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k274/lucy_who/ctateDM2005_468x577.jpg

Up there with Nicola Bryant! haahahaha

[Joe Siegler]

The new companion has been announced apparently.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8073734.stm

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45840000/jpg/_45840965_who_bbc226b.jpg

Edit: She's been in the show already, she was in last year's Pompeii episode as the daughter soothsayer. There's more stories out there now, but none of them say what the companion's name is or anything.

After thinking about it, she looks far younger in this press photo than she did in the Dr Who story she was in, so I'm not automatically thinking young, but it will take some getting used to.

[Mountain Man]

Doctor Who is going from a show for kids to a show about kids.

(Said slightly tongue in cheek.)

[Taril]

Kinda expected the new companion to be really young considering the age of the new Doctor. I'm happy with this though, shes easy on the eyes, hopefully her acting skills will be good enough.

[Joel]

The new companion has been announced apparently.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8073734.stm

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45840000/jpg/_45840965_who_bbc226b.jpg



Actually that's not such a bad choice. I was kind of worried that to coincide with a very young Doctor they'd try and "sex up" the companion if that makes any sense. She's not ugly by any means, she's quite attractive actually. But her appearance isn't distracting to her sense of character, unlike the impression I got with Jenny or Michelle Ryan's character.

I really like the look of this one. Put it this way, i'm actually more comfortable with her as a companion than I am (so far) with Matt Smith as the Doctor.

After thinking about it, she looks far younger in this press photo than she did in the Dr Who story she was in, so I'm not automatically thinking young, but it will take some getting used to.

I really have no issues with her. This is the same age Billie Piper was when she played Rose with Eccleston. I'm ready. In fact, so far, she appeals to me in the same way Catherine Tate did for you. I really like her. Although, I should point out that I am 24 years of age so to me it's fitting. This is the type of girl I would be chatting up at a party. Again, if there's anything to get used to its the youngest Doctor yet, Matt Smith.

[QuiGonJ]

Seems like a good fit to me.

[Joel]

Saw POTD tonight...not a bad ep. It probably would have been terrific as a 45 minute regular episode in the middle of a Doctor Who season, but as a stand alone special, it didn't quite stand up the way other specials have.

BUT, in other news, I believe that POTD will make the first ever blu-ray Doctor Who related release:

http://www.bbcshop.com/Science-Fiction/Doctor-Who-Planet-of-the-Dead-Blu-Ray/invt/bbcbd0053

As a one off, I might actually break my rule of not purchasing a vanilla release and actually buy this one as it will look amazing on my television. Hopefully this means that all future seasons of the show will have blu-ray releases.

I just hope they release all of the 2009 specials in a blu-ray set...i might wait as this stand alone release will be in pressing for a few years.

[Joe Siegler]

A couple of official promo pictures of the new companion:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/medialibrary/images/1024/karen_gillan_01_1024.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/medialibrary/images/1024/karen_gillan_02_1024.jpg

[Joel]

These look as though they're larger versions of the image which appeared in the BBC article. Still good though. Again, this to me LOOKS to be the most promosing companion yet. Not sure what it is but she just seems to automatically tick each box with me. I've never felt this comfortable with a companion.

She looks like she has some intellect and hopefully they're going to veer away from the companion looking up to the Doctor as some kind of love interest. After watching POTD, I really got tired of it. I know there's mixed feelings about it, but lets go back to the awkwardness of an Alien and Human friendship. The Doctor has been a little too human as of late.

[RedSplat]

Hopefully they're going to veer away from the companion looking up to the Doctor as some kind of love interest.

I hope so too, but it's a safe bet that these two new young faces will end up snogging each other.

[Taril]

I hope so too, but it's a safe bet that these two new young faces will end up snogging each other.

Somehow i don't think so.
I'm thinking the new Doctor will be more emotionally distant than Tennant..
But i guess will see.

[Joe Siegler]

Yeah, look who is producing. I dont' see him as doing the hugely romantic stuff, and if he tried, it would be the tragic kind of thing.

[Mountain Man]

I'm thinking the new Doctor will be more emotionally distant than Tennant..
That shouldn't be hard to pull off seeing as even Davison's Doctor is more emotionally distant than Tennant's.

[Joel]

Even a McGann type of Doctor would be fine. I was actually ok with the Doctor-Companion kiss in that because even when it happened, the "alien" in his personality still shone through. Some of those moments faded with the 10th Doctor and his companions. Things like holding hands, hugging and flirting became a little too regular. I don't mind it every now and then, but some times the companions came accross as the Doctor's date rather than an assistant.

Edit:

Just returned from Gallifreyone to discover this: http://www.gallifreyone.com/news.php#newsitemEkuFAlyEpZjzNyLUeq

It appears that they are closing down the forum permenantly. This comes to me as a huge shock for a number of reasons:

1) It's the biggest online Doctor Who community

2) It has a massive following

3) Too many people love it

If it gives you any idea, this forum was so ENORMOUS that when the latest three actors to play the Doctor were announced, they had to shut the forum down due to the influx of traffic. The population of Gallifreyone was possibly bigger than the 3DR forums which says quite a lot about the numbers that this decision will impact on (myself included). I'm sure that the members of that forum will continue to exist in some other Internet forum, but it obviously won't be the same. Anyway, Shaun Lyon made a huge statement at the above weblink which I won't copy and paste here because it is pretty long but should answer any (if not all) questions surrounding the decision. I can't say I agree on his reasoning for not handing the title over though, to Doctor Who fans, Gallifreyone is simply more than a title that was arbitrarily ascribed to the community, it carries a lot of meaning that reflects the nature of the show and the fans.

But, it's not all bad because we're still here :)

[Mountain Man]

That's rather surprising, and his reasons for closing the site down are a little odd: he wants to encourage other people to start their own online communities? I think there's more to the story.

Well, it's a shame to see the forum go away whatever the reason. We can only hope someone takes his advice and creates a suitable replacement.

Edit: It seems that the head moderator at OG is planning to start a new forum called Gallifrey Base, and the buzz around the forum is that's the current favorite to succeed OG. I wonder if he'll be able to simply move the current Doctor Who Forums to a new server and carry on?

[Joel]

I think funding is a big one. Though I can't imagine this being too much of an issue since the forum does have a very loyal following. If the reason is financial, it could be easily overcome by introducing a $2.00 monthly subscription fee per month to keep it online. Given the viewship involved over there, I seriously doubt anyone would kick up a stink. In fact, that's probably being quite conservative, he'd probably make a clear profit with a fee like that.

Maybe he just lost his passion for it? Who knows.

[Mountain Man]

It didn't sound like a funding problem. As he said in his "farewell letter":

I began planning the eventual shutdown of the website and forum by taking a first step: the cessation of taking paid patron memberships, in order to run down the cash coffers (which I projected could last around five to six months without any additional input from new or renewing members . . . )
I'm guessing burnout is the most likely culprit. At least he didn't just suddenly yank the plug like some site owners have done in the past (the unannounced closure of GoneGold.com is one example that comes readily to mind).

[QuiGonJ]

I also think burnout is the likely culprit. Steve Hill is starting a forum called "Gallifrey Base" and promises to keep most of the subforums going also. Should transition smoothly enough.

[Mountain Man]

If not there's always Doctor Who Online (http://www.drwho-online.co.uk/).

[Taril]

If not there's always Doctor Who Online (http://www.drwho-online.co.uk/).

Yea that's my fav Dr.Who site.

[Joe Siegler]

My fav Dr Who news site is this one. Has been for some time now, pretty much around the time that Lyon stepped down from active news reporting.

http://www.kasterborous.com/

[Joel]

Strictly a rumour at the moment, but it is possible that they might be bringing in some elements of the classic series to the title sequence by having Matt's face incorporated into the vortex as they did from Troughton to McCoy:

http://io9.com/5276417/new-doctor-who-titles-will-look-old-school-big+headed

At the moment, I can't think of it without thinking of a really retro looking opening sequence against the modernism of the current title sequence. If it's true, i'll wait until I see it done.

[Joe Siegler]

I saw that thing about the face about a week ago. There's also another juicy rumour about who Timothy Dalton is playing. Supposedly the Chancellor of the High Council of Time Lords.

Holy crap - if that's true.. I wonder if the other longer rumour that RTD will reset the "Last of the Time Lords" concept, and have that only be for the ninth and tenth doctors. That Doc 11 will come into being with Gallifrey, and all the Time Lord stuff restored.

[Joel]

Yes, I read about the Timothy Dalton rumour too - very exciting stuff. If not, he'd make a great master. Patrick Stewart's name has also been dropped along the way too, but nothing major indicating any kind of role.

As for rebooting Gallifrey...depends on how it's executed. It's a pretty big thing to reverse and it would require a pretty convincing plot device to pull it off. I'm more open to the idea of maybe the Doctor encountering a sect of Timelords who are in exile and working toward building a new Gallifrey. That would be interesting as their future would depend on breeding with other cultures and races. From this you could get a lot of stories revolving around their morality of mixing with other races and addressing their cultural identity, a purist movement would rise up claiming that as time goes by, Gallifreyan blood would be phased out in favour of the new hybrid race etc. To me is a far more exciting way of expanding on the whole "Last of the Timelords" plot instead of restoring Gallifrey to its state prior to the Time War through exploiting a loophole via timetravel.

[Joe Siegler]

Yes, I read about the Timothy Dalton rumour too - very exciting stuff. If not, he'd make a great master. Patrick Stewart's name has also been dropped along the way too, but nothing major indicating any kind of role.

Yes it was. Patrick Stewart was supposed to be "The Meddling Monk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Meddling_Monk)".

As for rebooting Gallifrey...depends on how it's executed. It's a pretty big thing to reverse and it would require a pretty convincing plot device to pull it off. I'm more open to the idea of maybe the Doctor encountering a sect of Timelords who are in exile and working toward building a new Gallifrey. That would be interesting as their future would depend on breeding with other cultures and races. From this you could get a lot of stories revolving around their morality of mixing with other races and addressing their cultural identity, a purist movement would rise up claiming that as time goes by, Gallifreyan blood would be phased out in favour of the new hybrid race etc. To me is a far more exciting way of expanding on the whole "Last of the Timelords" plot instead of restoring Gallifrey to its state prior to the Time War through exploiting a loophole via timetravel.

I'd rather Gallifrey be restored. I never much was a fan of that in the first place. It made for some good stories for sure, but I prefer his race be there, even if they're not "used".

[Mountain Man]

Holy crap - if that's true.. I wonder if the other longer rumour that RTD will reset the "Last of the Time Lords" concept, and have that only be for the ninth and tenth doctors. That Doc 11 will come into being with Gallifrey, and all the Time Lord stuff restored.
I hope not because that sounds incredibly lame.

[Tetsuro]

I'd rather Gallifrey be restored. I never much was a fan of that in the first place. It made for some good stories for sure, but I prefer his race be there, even if they're not "used".
Same...the reason being that when Timelords were around, the Doctor was really just a renegade who could have been dragged back to Gallifrey to be sentenced at the Timelords' whim anytime, which made him look significantly less like the demigod he is now.

[Joe Siegler]

Same...the reason being that when Timelords were around, the Doctor was really just a renegade who could have been dragged back to Gallifrey to be sentenced at the Timelords' whim anytime, which made him look significantly less like the demigod he is now.

Not according to the Cartmel Masterplan.. ;)

But point taken.

[Joel]

Same...the reason being that when Timelords were around, the Doctor was really just a renegade who could have been dragged back to Gallifrey to be sentenced at the Timelords' whim anytime, which made him look significantly less like the demigod he is now.

Actually I never thought of it like that. The Doctor could use someone to keep him in check, plus, given that he won't be mourning for his people, maybe they'll cut right back on the romantic stuff as he won't be so needy for companionship.

[Joel]

Multiple sources reporting an early appearance for the daleks in S5:

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2009/06/12/russell-t-davies-at-the-national-film-theatre-torchwood-doctor-who-and-daleks/

AND

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/35/20090612...s-7f3be95.html

To me, the logic seems pretty reasonable given some of the doubt surrounding Smith as the Doctor (double entendre). But, i'm becoming less and less convinced that the Daleks are as menacing and unstoppable as they used to be. They're beginning to become what the Borg did in Star Trek Voyager.

Lets see:

S1:

- the last surviving Dalek of the time war: all good, no issues here

- an army of millions in hiding reveal themselves as a result of the actions of the Doctor's actions in The Long Game (good so far) and ALL defeated by Rose's integration with the TARDIS (dodgy but acceptable given that it cost the Doctor 1 regeneration)

S2

- two part finale where another army of millions of Daleks are found incarcerated in a Gallifreyan prison: plausible

- resolved by the Doctor flipping a lever and sucking them all into an interdimensional void because they were coated by the radiation from interdimensional travel: i've discussed this one a few times. In Remembrance of the Daleks, in collaboration with Unit, the Doctor has a hard enough time saving London from a dozen daleks. In the S2 finale, all hell is unleashed with an army of Cybermen thrown into the mix, all fixed in 5 minutes. BUT, it saved itself from being an epic fail as he did lose his companion and at the time, we were led to believe (through statements by RTD in interviews AND dialogue within the show) that they would never meet again. Also, Dalek Sek escapes which leaves it open for further encounters.

S3

- Daleks in Manhattan two parter: the weakest of the new Dalek stories but they did at least follow on from the story thread established by the survival of Dalek Sek in S2.

S4

- my absolute favourite of the new Dalek stories. Epic, tragic and action packed with some long term consequences for the Doctor. It's everything I love about Doctor Who. However, the Doctor's clone commits genocide destroying every Dalek left. I think it's also reasonable to conclude Davros is amongst the dead.

Where to go from here?

I know I may be coming off as a massively pedantic fan boy. My answer to that statement: i'm not a fan boy. The show itself is no doubt far fetched by having a 900 year old alien who looks like a middle aged Human who travels in a time machine that is larger on the inside. But surely there are some limits. It's beginning to wear thin which is a shame because I love the Daleks.

[Mountain Man]

It would work better if the audience wasn't continually expected to believe that the Daleks were defeated once and for all only for them to show up alive and well in a later story.

[Joel]

There's also another juicy rumour about who Timothy Dalton is playing. Supposedly the Chancellor of the High Council of Time Lords.




You can lay those rumours to rest ;)


http://io9.com/5291509/your-first-look-at-doctor-whos-next-big-guest-stars

Just when I thought the show couldn't possibly improve on the S4 finale...

[QuiGonJ]

I really hope they stop recycling actors and characters that are lost... forever! (but not really)

Getting a might cheezy, if you ask me.

[Joe Siegler]

I really hope they stop recycling actors and characters that are lost... forever! (but not really)

Getting a might cheezy, if you ask me.

You haven't been reading the rumors, eh? The current scuttlebutt is that the entire Time War, all of the "Last of the Time Lords" stuff is supposed to be reset when Tennant's Doctor goes out the door.

But JAMES BOND IN DOCTOR WHO! I pretty much had to change my pants when I first heard that was happening.

[Joel]

But JAMES BOND IN DOCTOR WHO!

All hyped over here too, dude! Let's hope they resurrect the idea from S2 to have Stephen Fry contribute toward the show, eh?

I've actually been pretty impressed with the guests they've had on the show:

- Simon Pegg
- Kylie Minogue
- Anthony Head
- Ardal O'Hanlon
- Peter Davison
- Simon Callow
- Colin Salmon
- Sir Derek Jacobi
- Elisabeth Sladen

Sir Ian McKellen has a place on that list if you ask me!

[Taril]

http://cache.io9.com/assets/images/gallery/8/2009/07/medium_3739325752_77094415d3_o.jpg

From the set of filming for the first episode..
That's not how i had pictured him dressing at all. Very interesting.


more.
http://io9.com/photogallery/riverzong/

[Taril]

No replies so far? Wow. I figured this would have been big news here. lol
Unless everyone hates the new look.

[DOSGuy]

Um, okay, thoughts...

Cute girl, lose the dummy next to her. :)

[QuiGonJ]

What? No comments on the End of Time?

Nicely acted, just don't know I liked the story very much.

[bazboyz]

I enjoyed the Final 2 eps .I realy hope that Matt Smith can deliver now as the doctor

[Tetsuro]

Well, I personally felt that The End of Time was a perfect swansong for RTD's era - utter crap.

All this time, ever since they brought up the possibility of the Timelords making a comeback, I had been waiting for it only for Davies to give us (and Moffat, who actually had asked RTD to change the ending so he could use the Timelords during his own tenure) a big fat "f*** you" by basically telling us that it's totally out of the question and impossible. I sure hope Moffat will come up with something to undo this unholy mess of a continuity. :mad:

I dunno about David Tennant, under some other producer he might have been decent but to me he'll always come across as the one drunk on his moral high horse (plus his sideburns piss me off). But I know one thing for sure, I won't miss RTD and his lame copouts.

[Joe Siegler]

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/9931/tetsuro.png

[Tetsuro]

What?

I'm sick and tired of everyone drooling over Tennant without even giving Matt Smith a chance - before he has led a single episode!

[Joe Siegler]

Who said anything about Matt Smith? I was talking about yet another "Let's kick RTD as he goes out the door" reaction to the finale. It was awesome. Don't have any problems with it, other than I would ahve liked to have seen the Time Lords come back "for real".

[Tetsuro]

Well personally I think it sucked. I'd hope the double-copout was supposed to be ironic if I didn't know that it'd be far too subtle for RTD.

Sides, I've been kicking RTD since 2008.

[QuiGonJ]

I'll kick him on one issue: RTD comes up with great setups. I mean, he thinks of stuff fans would love... "Daleks v. Cybermen, fighting on the streets of London! Modern London!" "Let's bring back the Time Lords!" "The Master takes over the entire planet, making life a living hell for the Professor!"

Then he comes up with "Oh, flick a switch and waaa laaa! No more battle!" "Oh, here's a massive reset button/Paradox generator/wibbly wobbly fake science thingy" and all dramatic tension from the setup loses its fizz like day-old Coke. Just wish he was better at the resolution part of things.

[Tetsuro]

Just when we thought Russell T Davies was finished dicking around with canon:

http://unrealityshout.com/blogs/regeneration-limit-shelved-doctor-who-now-immortal

Not only does he feel obligated to address this issue NOW, when there's two more regenerations to go - but he's going to address this in a SPINOFF.

From now on, RTD stands for "Russell Total Douche".

Yes, I apologize for the gaudy thread title.