The 2008-09 AND 2010 Doctor Who (& Spin-offs) Thread

[Maerj]

I was a little confused by the Rassilon thing, wasn't he dead? Dead as in he used up all of his lives? He was in the Key to Time episodes in that crypt.

I too wondered who that woman was, Shelly thought that it was the Doctor's mother as well. I siad I don't know, I don't remember them ever really showing or talking about his family except for the very first Doctor who had a granddaughter.

It was kinda suprising to see how the Doctor faced his death. I don't remember any other Doctor trying to avoid it so much. RTD really does enjoy getting as much drama into the show as possible. Overall, I enjoyed it tho and I'm looking forward to see what they do with the new episodes.

[Escapay]

And despite the BBC's best efforts (loved the crashed Dalek saucers around Gallifrey in the establishing shot)

Oh god. I thought they were shields from some ground battle, with bodies underneath!

Also, I really think the extended goodbyes pre-regeneration was a wrong choice. I understand why it was done - as I said, a great era has ended and there's no guarantee any the concepts or characters from the past five years will ever return - but to me, it felt both dramatically wrong and somewhat self-indulgent. Wasn't Journey's End, in part, a goodbye to RTD's supporting cast? I really would have preferred a quicker, shorter regeneration. If RTD wanted a final roll-call, I'm sure it could have been fitted in via some alternative method (hallucinations? flashbacks? The Doctor sending a message from his TARDIS out into space?)

I liked them, but I agree that it was already "done" in Journey's End. And now I'm wondering what happened between Martha and Tom if she married Mickey. Perhaps he couldn't handle her alien-chasin' lifestyle.

Unless I blinked and missed it, The Master does just disappear. I assume he expelled all his energy attacking the Time Lords to save the Doctor and just died/vanished. I did at the time think this was a weakness - but then I remembered the first rule of Comic Strips: Nobody is dead unless you see the body (and even then its not certain) so I'm happy. It means a return match-up of The Master against Matt Smith isn't out of the question.

I thought he got sucked back in with the Time Lords and was thus trapped in the Time War with them.

("Worst. Escape. Ever.")

That was one of my favourite Doctor lines!

Who was "The Woman" - early newspaper reports said she was playing The Doctor's mother (and indeed, the man who also voted against the council could be his Father if that is the case), but personally I prefer to think she was an incarnation of Romana (or could she even be Susan?).

The NJ Trilogy was arguing about this after we watched the finale. Both Kram and Jane think it's some future version of Donna (the Time Lord half apparently severed from her human half). But I always thought it was either Romana or Susan. The "I was lost long ago" line could suggest both, as First Doctor left Susan at the end of "The Dalek Invasion of Earth" and Romana chose to stay in E-Space (thus becoming "lost" to our universe). And since there were stories with Romana and K-9 out of E-Space and that she became President of Gallifrey, it's a stronger case of it being her.

I was a little confused by the Rassilon thing, wasn't he dead? Dead as in he used up all of his lives? He was in the Key to Time episodes in that crypt.

Rassilon was in "The Five Doctors" resting/sleeping/whatever-he-does in the Death Zone. He trapped Borusa who wanted to live forever.

Anyway, overall I really enjoyed the finale, and I really felt bad for the Doctor when he said "I don't want to go". I didn't want him to go either! He's my Doctor! The one that got me into the whole series! It's like saying goodbye not just to an old friend, but to the one that brought so much into your life! Alas, all good things must come to an end after all. I just wish Tennant had given in to his temptation and stayed for one year with Moffat. But it was fitting, that Tennant, RTD, Collinson, Gardner, everyone, leave together. I guess this is what it must've been like in 1974 when Third regenerated into Fourth. The show lived on, and reached even greater heights of popularity. So with that in mind, I look forward to Eleventh Doctor and his new adventures.

albert

[2099net]

Interesting speculations on some of the issues raised in The End of Time here
http://io9.com/5439138/figuring-out-doc ... -mysteries

But, damn it, I want the woman was Romana, not the Doctor's Mother. So to me, she always will be. Not that it matters, there's no definitive answers.

[Escapay]

All the talk in the article about things that were Key to Time related makes me want to rewatch the KtT season.

albert

[2099net]

Yeah, well maybe the Key to Time talk is a little over-egging the pudding. Sometimes a shadowy figure is just a shadowy figure. Although in the Podcast RTD does say "the woman's" costume is important when she first appears in the church. (Although, I think its probably because its a variation of the Time-Lords costumes seen in The War Games and the young Master's from The Sound of Drums - just remove the black square design and its very similar? I'm not sure as I've only seen it once and I'm waiting for the Blu-rays to be delivered). So important for being a Time-Lord "cloaky" thing or important for being white?

I must admit, I'm leaning more towards the woman being Donna's Time Lord self - if only because it would make it a little less disappointing for Donna not being "cured" in the story. After all, the woman seemed to have a connection to Wilf and perhaps Donna herself (influencing her to buy the book in part one). I accept the Doctor has some form of family - regardless of if you choose to believe Susan is or isn't the Doctor's Granddaughter - he's spoken about other family members often enough. I think I'd just prefer for Susan's origin to remain mysterious and ditto the current existence of the rest of his family.

Oh well, I wanted to post this shot by shot analysis of the 2010 trailer. It does what the URL says

http://io9.com/5443387/breaking-down-th ... t/gallery/

[2099net]

Neil Gaiman To Write Doctor Who Episode - Confirmed

Yes, confirmed by the man himself! However its not for the upcoming 2010 season, but the 2011 season. The acclaimed multi-media writer's story was called "The House of Nothing" but apparently its changed now, and its speculated it was commissioned for the 2010, but bumped to the following year due to budgetary concerns.

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/02/06/ ... -official/

Over the years SFX, and its readers and their votes in the polls, have always been very kind to me. I thought I’d return the favour with what used to be called, in journalistic circles when I was a boy, a scoop.

As anyone who’s read my blog knows, I’m a big fan of a certain long-running British SF TV series. One that started watching — from behind the sofa — when I was three. And while I know it’s cruel to make you wait for things, in about 14 months from now, which is to say, NOT in the upcoming season but early in the one after that, it’s quite possible that I might have written an episode. And if I had, it would originally have been called “The House of Nothing”. But it definitely isn’t called that any more.

Countdown. You’ve got about 14 months.

Oh incidently re: The Woman in End of Time

I've got the Blu-ray now and The Woman's white clothing is just a normal suit. Not sure where I got the idea it was like a time-lord's robe from. But in my defence, things were a little hectic around Christmas at my family.

[2099net]

Last night the 3D Cinema Trailer was shown on BBC1. It confirms the Easter start date and... Isn't Matt Smith absolutely great?

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[2099net]

yay! New trailer... complete with a Cyberman!

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[2099net]

Well, the Grand Moff's era has begun. As a the Dalek in the trailer above says: "It Begins"

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In all of the interviews about the new series, a world that came up often was "fairytale" and I must say I was really impressed with the look and feel of this episode. It does feel different to the RTD era, and dare I say it? It did feel a little Burtonesqe. Frankly, I thought that technically it was wonderful. It's a feel that fitted this story well. I always think of Doctor Who as a live-action comic strip, I've said a few times it's the best comic to screen adaptation ever, just with the comic strip coming after the TV series! (Wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey) But I can see this fairytale-ish approach will suit it well (assuming its not overdone).

The fairytale look suited this story particularly well, because despite being a new Doctor, it wasn't really about the new Doctor; it was about Amy, dreams and faith and how, despite growing up, still believed in her younger encounter with the Doctor, and through family and friends, created a legend, in a small pocket of the English countryside about the Raggedly Doctor. And how, when needed, this "imaginary friend" came back and saved the world. Could anything be more modern day fairytale?

I love Amy Pond as a character and also the actress. I don't know what it is (well actually I do, its the kooky wide-eyed stare she often does) but I'm sure that she's going to be a great asset to the production.

Sadly, I didn't feel that way about Matt Smith, which is odd, because all of the clips and trailers I've seen made me convinced he was right for the role. But then I know its hard writing and acting a new Doctor - in a way, Tennant had it easy in The Christmas Invasion (I'm convinced its the best New Doctor story simply because he didn't have to do anything for 2/3rds - let's face it, the story led up to the Doctor's heroic entrance rather than have him bumbling about discombobulated for 2/3rds or more). While I didn't like the Eleventh Doctor here so much, I'm still confident I will like him soon. But as a story which had to introduce a new Doctor, new companion and re-state the programme's mission statement, it was certainly better then the 2005 opener, Rose.

Also everyone was excited when we found out the opening was going to run for 64 minutes, but really, it suffered from a little too much padding. I feel the story would best be served in the normal 45 minutes (and remember, normally I'm the one begging for 60 minute episodes). The script was a little disappointing considering it was a Moffet script (although - I hope this isn't too much of a spoiler - nobody dies again! Moffet is a darker writer than Davies? That's one "fan fact" I don't subscribe to). But
I don't want to write it off to much, it did have some wonderful ideas - the
ending pan for example was simply beautiful, and a wonderful coda to thee theme of the story.

The extended "coming soon" trailer at the end still promises the best Doctor Who season since its revival. For all my doubts about this episode, I'm sure the only way is up, up, up and up!

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[Nandor]

Wow, thanks for that breakdown, Netty. Always nice to read your opinion on Who-things ^^

Well, I really loved the episode. But, to give further insight as to why, here's my point-by-point breakdown.

*Geromino. Just want to state how much I loathe this 'catchphrase'. Ugh.
* The title sequence. I'll have to get used to it, but it's more reminiscent of the Classic Who sequence. I'm sure I'll come to like it in time. I do like how the logo changes into the Tardis.
* The Doctor. I absolutely adored him. I was determined to like him, but he still surprised me in a very positive way. I'm looking forward to what he'll be like when the regeneration is behind him completely.
* Amelia Pond. Love her. For me, I know it's partly because of the wide-eyed stare. I loved that in the trailer as well Also, she reminds me of a friend of mine (who starts sentences with the word also, a habit I've copied from her...), so that's a plus. Already like her better than Martha ^^
* The story. This is where disappointment comes in, though that's too harsh a word. I'm not actually disappointed, but I feel it could've been better... I don't know, it felt like something was missing. It was a new start though. New Doctor, new Companion, everything has to be explained ánd there has to be a threat. As such, I think the only episode it can really be compared with is Rose (as far as New Who is concerned, anyway), and The Eleventh Hour wins by a long way.
*The time jumps. Not sure how I feel about them. It's used for comedic effect quite succesfully, but it makes Amelia a bit weak, in my opinion. All she's seen to do is obsess about the Doctor (very effectively shown in the final pan shot, with all the self-made dolls). I hope that gets touched upon more as the series progresses, it seems sort of unhealthy to me. And we all know she won't be back in time for the wedding...

In all, a very good series opener, bring on the Beast Below!

[2099net]

*The time jumps. Not sure how I feel about them. It's used for comedic effect quite succesfully, but it makes Amelia a bit weak, in my opinion. All she's seen to do is obsess about the Doctor (very effectively shown in the final pan shot, with all the self-made dolls). I hope that gets touched upon more as the series progresses, it seems sort of unhealthy to me. And we all know she won't be back in time for the wedding...

In all, a very good series opener, bring on the Beast Below!

Doesn't it imply that when she was waiting for the Doctor as a girl, he did come? There's something about the ending where you see her sitting on the suitcase and you hear the TARDIS to her waking up in bed which isn't quite clear. Is she dreaming back to her wait? Is it just a link from the past to the present, or did it actually happen, but she forgot? I think the Doctor did go back (after meeting adult Amy) and do something to her. After all, he appears to be lying when he says he has no reason for inviting her (did you see the shape of the crack from the wall on the TARDIS scanner just before he turned it off when he was speaking to her?) I think part of the arc this year will be Amy isn't quite as she seems.



Like I say, its way better than Rose, and I'm convinced we are entering a new era of greatness. Did you find the style different and slightly Burtoneque Nandor?

[Escapay]

The episode reminded me too much of "The Girl in the Fireplace", in both a good and a bad way. Good because GitF is my favorite "Who" episode, and bad because, seriously Moff, you can write more than one type of story. But it helps establish how the Doctor goes in and out of people's lives, and in this case, we get Amy Pond, a little more obsessive than she lets on. Can't wait to see what happens during her adventures.

I noticed that crack too, was wondering why they remained on that shot for like, two seconds longer than they needed to. Perhaps a sign of the silence falling, or whatever it was that was said.

I like the new title sequence, it's like traveling in the eye of a twister then into a pillar of fire. The arrangement for the theme is growing on me, it's reminiscent of the original theme, but I'm not quite digging the ominous beginning just yet.

And the CYBERMEN are back! Yippee!!!



albert

[yamiiguy]

And this series is in glorious HD. Only the specials were in HD up until now. It looks amazing.

[Escapay]

Awesome, I'm mentioned in the TVShowsonDVD.com news article about the HTF and Warner Home Video chat last night! (bold is mine)

• There were a few shows that Warner execs really couldn't help too much on. One example is when "Albert" asked "since WB distributes BBC's 'Doctor Who' on DVD, is there progress on the rights issues with Universal regarding the TV movie, since R2 is getting an SE later this year?" Warner responded simply that they can't comment on that, but they didn't explain why they couldn't. Quite basically, Warner distributes this show for BBC, but have no participation in production issues, including rights issues. It's all up to the BBC. So WHV is the wrong entity to ask, it would be the BBC America home video team to put the question to. Here at TVShowsOnDVD, we'll see if we can look into it. To be honest, our hopes aren't very high on this one.

Of course, I already knew the answer, but asked the question anyway, hoping there might have been some progress and they simply haven't announced it anywhere yet.

Plus, I also asked if "Jack & Bobby" would be coming to DVD in the future (it's not ), so my chance at asking a question wasn't entirely lost.

albert

[2099net]

Quick previews of upcoming episodes from DWM (I missed typing the one for The Eleventh Hour)

The Beast Below

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"Magpie Electricals"

For Amy's first trip in the TARDIS, the Doctor whisks her far into the future. The human race clings to survival deep among the stars, while sinister "Smilers" rule over their every actions. But a terrible secret threatens to bring their fragile society tumbling down...

"There's nothing creepier than something that's supposed to look friendly and human, but doesn't manage either." - Steven Moffat

Victory of the Daleks

The Doctor: Listen to me, just listen! The Daleks have no conscience. No mercy. No pity. They are my oldest and deadliest enemy! You cannot trust them.
Churchill: If Hitler invaded Hell, Doctor, I would give a favourable reference to the Devil! Those machines will be our salvation!

It's the Second World War, and Britain has developed a new weapon: metal soldiers, built like miniature tanks, designed by an ingenious professor. They're also called Ironsides, they're deadly and they're here to help...
But the Doctor knows its a lie. They're the Daleks, and they have their own agenda. But why don't they recognise him? Why are they subservient to Churchill? And what is the purpose of the Progenitor? This time, there may not be a happy ending...

"The reason its called Victory of the Daleks, is 'cos they win. They win!" - Mark Gatiss

The Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone
Remember River Song mentioning the "crash of the Byzantium" in Silence in the Library? Well, in this story, that happens: the Byzantium space ship crashes into an abandoned temple. This is no simple disaster, but a Code Red nightmare, as the Byzantium is carrying a Weeping Angel in its vault. River Song elaborately recruits the Doctor and Amy to join her and a party of cleric-soldiers for a journey into the dark catacombs cheerily known as "a maze of the dead". Cue joyous tea and scones, with nothing bad happening to anyone at all...

"When I was pitching this story, I said this was Aliens to Blink's Alien. The key to writing a sequel is don't write a sequel." - Steven Moffat

Steven's production notes at the start of the magazine also lists 3 answers to questions we're likely to be asking when viewing the first four episodes, so here here goes (speculate away on what the questions could be):

1) Because its a time machine, dummy.
2) Because the structural damage alluded to in the opening scenes has caused a certain amount of leakage. Yes, leakage. Shut up, its all planned, you wait until episode 12.
3) Ah! Ah! But where in the episode does it say its the second time? No, see, it doesn't. So nyer. In fact, the word "keep" in scene 23 would suggest that it isn't the second time. Yeah, not so smart now are you? Ha!

[bradhig]

BBC America is going to carry it stating April 17. Where did that cyberman come from? Did they escape the void?

[2099net]

They may not be Cybus Cybermen from the other dimension! The recently announced computer game from the BBC (set in Series 5 continuity - yes I'm calling it Series 5) has a few Cybermen screens, and no sign of the Cybus "C" on the front plate!

http://kotaku.com/5512409/its-about-tim ... /gallery/7

Are these Mondasian Cybermen? I seem to recall The Moff hinting on the old Doctor Who Forum when he was a regular poster, that he preferred the Mondasian Cybermen to the Cybus Cybermen.

[bradhig]

no more upgrade chambers no more people screaming with sparks flying as they are upgraded. I like the Cybus Cybermen

[Prince Charming 12]

Thanks Net for the review and previews of adventures to come. I have not been able to watch any of this new series yet, but I did view the opening title sequence that you posted. I must say that I do prefer the previous version and score to this one. The clip kind of reminded me of the Tom Baker years intro, prior to 1980.

The episode "Rose" was not one of RTD's better scripts, but I attributed that to his inexperience with the program, actors, crew, etc. Perhaps Moffat is "suffering" from the same inexperience issues surrounding a new producer/writer and cast. RTD did a good job of rebuilding the show and I hope this era continues under Moffat. I would hate to see the show tank again, like it did in the mid to late 80's.

[bradhig]

BBC America cut some scens short from Journey's End have they been doing that elsewhere?