TV: Dr. Who

[NPC]

Judging from this thread the season of goodwill to all men expired at 7.59pm on Christmas Day. I didn't get to watch it till yesterday and I thought it was perfect Christmas viewing, who wants anything plot heavy when you're attempting to dissolve a meal the size of a fridge in a gallon of alcohol. Tennant was better than I expected even if his accent did take the occasional tour round the universe but get him recostumed, the trenchcoat and demob suit isn't the height of style (could be worse though, Colin Baker). If Penelope Wilton's unexpected use of Torchwood (plenty of plugs for that I notice) was out of character, well real leaders never commit mass murder on an apparent whim, do they? Anyway, that scene allowed Tennant to show a bit of backbone. Loved the Christmas Tree and the season preview. With the triumphant return of the Daleks last season and the forthcoming Cybermen (still not sure about the design) will The Master return? No one will ever be as good as Roger Delgado but who would be a good choice to play him? Personally I'd like to see Nigel Bennett who was so good in Lexx

[Wayne]

IMO, It was really good, I enjoyed the episode totally.
I loved The last series as well, and pre-ordered the TARDIS boxset (very well put together) I watched all the episodes again in the week up to christmas and then watched the christmas invasion, and loved every second of the lot.
I also like all the old Doc's each and every one has given something to the Doctor Who Saga.
I don't dislike any of it, as I like the concept of Doctor Who.

Personally I dislike in all its entirety Strictly C$$ts Prancing, so I simply never watch it, but they will keep producing it for people like my wife who love it. Each to there own.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK WITH DOCTOR WHO BBC, IN MY OPINION.

P.S I make no apoligies for my spelling (why should I, I don't teach it)

Happy new year all

Wayne

[drterror666]

Has anyone else seen the story about the Doctor Who/Eastenders crossover? I don't know whether it's a serious episode, or if it's one of those comic relief special things.

[christats]

I've heard about it.Off how I read it it looks like being a full blown episode.
Plus Comic relief is every two years?
I've not been so excited since Mork and Mindy guest starred in Happy Days.

[Grant]

Please God no.

Grant

[SicCoyote]

I sometimes find it hard to tell the difference between the new Doctor Who and East Enders anyway.

They did do one before with the original Doctors called Dimensions in Time, but this will never be made available on dvd due to contracts/charity etc etc.

[christats]

History never repeats?
I read in the Sun Today(someone else buys it.) that there is to be a spin off Childrens TV show staring K9 and Elizabeth Sladen,because they are only used for an odd episode in the new series.The producers want to use the characters more.
Anyway up,apart from Genesis of the Daleks in April,preorders for Inferno and the first two volumes of the D.Tennent series are on Play.

[Grant]

They did do one before with the original Doctors called Dimensions in Time, but this will never be made available on dvd due to contracts/charity etc etc.

It was also absolute crap of the highest order.

Grant

[SicCoyote]

That never stopped The Web Planet geting a dvd release.

[drterror666]

Peter Kaye's going to have a straight role as a villain.

[Grant]

Are you making this up? :D

Grant

[christats]

He wrote a fan letter to R.T.Davies.He's a fan of Dr Who not R.T.Davies I presume.
That would be far fetched.

[drterror666]

Peter Kaye's going to have a straight role as a villain.

He's going to be in Episode 10 of the new series.

[WilsonBros]

Peter Kaye's going to have a straight role as a villain.

Yeah, we heard that, too.

Peter Kaye couldn't be straight in an all-over bodycast.

THE WILSON BROS

[Grant]

I hope he sings Amarillo.

Grant

[drterror666]

The new series starts Sataurday, 15 April! There's a whole week of Doctor Who fun starting on BBC3 on Monday, 10 April. I'm strangely excited by the whole thing, even though I'm on the fence about the last series.

[john]

The last series of DR WHO was the most frustratingly brilliant television I've seen in years. It ran the gamut from derision to stand up and cheer with me. I watched every episode. Ultimately it was brilliant stuff...I even caught my favourite episodes again on Sky. :)

I'm not a late comer to the series BTW...my favourite DR is Jon Pertwee. His stuff is the yardstick I go by. He was The Doctor. :cool:

[christats]

I seen the trailers.There's matrix type stuff going on and werewolves.
When I watched the first new series it always seemed like 3 program types cobbled together.
"Trendy" references, bad humour and blippy bloppy sci fi.A bit of kitchen sink drama and then some traditional style Dr Who when it almost seemed right.

I have bought all the Tom Baker DVD's available,and I am hoping we get abit of his irrelevant attitude with David Tennant.
I have now started to buy a few of the Jon Pertwee and while he was probably 2nd best for me,some of his stories are a bit stuffy.

[john]

I have now started to buy a few of the Jon Pertwee and while he was probably 2nd best for me,some of his stories are a bit stuffy.

I love Pertwee's stuff. Check out THE DAEMONS, THE CLAWS OF AXOS and GENESIS OF THE DALEKS if you haven't already. There's some terrific stuff in there.

[christats]

Isn't Genesis of The Daleks the Tom Baker one out on Monday,which is on my shopping list.
Watched Spearhead from space.I have Carnival of Monsters,Claws of Axos and Green Death(which is on Beeb 4 this week?) which I will get round to.
Looking forward to Inferno in June.
I heard Daemons was a good un but its only on video at the moment.I wish they were reissued a bit quicker than 2 or 3 a year.

[Mojo]

Isn't Genesis of The Daleks the Tom Baker one out on Monday,which is on my shopping list.
Watched Spearhead from space.I have Carnival of Monsters,Claws of Axos and Green Death(which is on Beeb 4 this week?) which I will get round to.
Looking forward to Inferno in June.
I heard Daemons was a good un but its only on video at the moment.I wish they were reissued a bit quicker than 2 or 3 a year.

What did you think of Spearhead From Space, christats? This has always been one of my favourite stories. To think it was first transmitted nearly 36:eek: years ago, I think it holds up remarkably well.

Can't wait for Inferno - classic!

[christats]

One of the better Jon Pertwee ones.The first time I saw the Autons was in the new Doctor who not having seen this beforehand.
Or terror of the Autons(which I still haven't seen.Get those dvd's out BBC.)
The young un's wouldn't stick with it these days, as it was slow and ponderous but all the creepier and better for it.

Tonight I watched Claws of Axos.Not a classic but still better than half the episodes in the Eccleston series.

[drterror666]

I remember the first time I saw the Doctor was when Jon Pertwee was fighting the Sea Devils! I saw the series in bits and pieces after that until the Robot episode with Tom Baker. I can honestly say I watched every episode after that one until the truly dire Sylvester McCoy era.

[WilsonBros]

I remember the first time I saw the Doctor was when Jon Pertwee was fighting the Sea Devils!

We just finished catching up with all of the Jon Pertwee stories that we hadn't seen - boy, are we glad we're finished doing that!

It should have been fun, but it turned out to be a real drag - if you can sit through The Claws of Axos, Colony in Space and The Mutants, you can sit through just about anything.

It was our opinion that because Pertwee was supposedly a prickly fellow in real life, that the writers conspired to put Pertwee's Doctor up against adversaries that accentuated his less-than-silibant delivery...

Silurians, Sea Devils, Stegasaurases, Ice Warriors, etc.

Secretly, Pertwee was probably relieved that he didn't have to face the Cybermen after all...

BTW, we just reviewed the forthcoming Genesis of the Daleks - it's great stuff! Link below!

http://www.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=4&articleId=7310

THE WILSON BROS

[drterror666]

Invasion Of The Dinosaurs is good for a laugh!

[WilsonBros]

Invasion Of The Dinosaurs is good for a laugh!

Surely you jest, dr? Invasion of the Dinosaurs is painful to watch!

Doctor Who almost invariably worked best with four-part stories - Invasion of the Dinosaurs was an agonising six-parter duffer.

"Good grief, Brigadeer" It'th a Thegathaurus!"

THE WILSON BROS

[drterror666]

"Good grief, Brigadeer" It'th a Thegathaurus!"

RATFLMAO! :D :D :D

I meant the effects! Almost as good as Nessie in Terror Of The Zygons!

[NPC]

With Genesis Of The Daleks out (probably my favourite Who story) I can strongly recommend this http://play.com/play247.asp?page=title&r=GADG&title=836742&p=439&g=539&pa=sr for pursuing household pets and startling the wife

[Mojo]

One of the better Jon Pertwee ones.The first time I saw the Autons was in the new Doctor who not having seen this beforehand.
Or terror of the Autons(which I still haven't seen.Get those dvd's out BBC.)
The young un's wouldn't stick with it these days, as it was slow and ponderous but all the creepier and better for it.

Tonight I watched Claws of Axos.Not a classic but still better than half the episodes in the Eccleston series.

I actually prefer the Autons in this original ( although this may have something to do with them freaking me out as a kid! ) I agree, christats - it is slower, but better.

I really like Claws Of Axos - there's a really unique atmosphere about this one.

Agree with the other posters here, too - some of the latter Pertwee stories weren't so good. I had the misfortune of watching Carnival Of Monsters a few months ago :eek:

The first Pertwee series was fantastic, though. Can't wait for Inferno :)

[stuhh]

I had the misfortune of watching Carnival Of Monsters a few months ago :eek:
I'm surprised you didn't like Carnival of Monsters. It was written by Robert Holmes, who is considered by many to be the best writer Doctor Who ever had, but it's all subjective! I think everyone is biased towards 'their' Doctor, anyway (the one they grew up watching).

[christats]

When I said Pertwee was stuffy,the main problem like a few others had is that they dragged a bit at times and the Unit thing was monotomous.
I think you have to be in the right mood.

Sea Devils is co-incidently the first Pertwee and Dr Who story I can remember.Didn't grab me too much as I was probably only 3 or 4 at the time.
Tom Baker was the only Dr Who I got "addicted" to as I was about the right age to take an interest,couldn't really get into Colin Baker,Davidson and McCoy although one of them had a fit assistant if I remember.(Not Bonnie Langford,before anyone starts.)

[christats]

Edit is my friend as I posted the last one,and all that.
Just watched Genesis of the Daleks,extras and all.
I believe this is the No.1 DR Who story,as voted for.
So says the sticker on the front.
Its certainly up there,as far as stories released on DVD so far.
The link with Nazi types is blatentley obvious and it was also a very easy watch after Claws of Axos.
Anyone expecting swarms of Daleks would be disapointed,thats not the point of the story.
After watching the extras,its also quite obvious that the bloke playing Davros in this was the best of all.
The other Davros's pale in significance in later stories.
The deviation between soft and high thrill voice,it were like watching Maggie Thatcher,in a way.
Highly recommended DVD.

[john]

I'd never seen THE DAEMONS until about a year or two ago. I just wandered in innocuously one early Sunday morning when there was nobody about and switched on UK Gold. Sat there and watched the entire series.

I'd be the first to admit hands up that the living gargoyles were something of a joke but the concept of the alien living in the alter of the church and looking so damn demonic got my goat. Really good stuff.

Roll on Saturday night for the new series. Just hope them Daleks make an appearence again. :)

[christats]

Cat women I heard in the first one.
After watching Genesis of I wonder if Todd from Corrie's inplant in the forehead story will be developed into a Davros one.
Probably not but....

[drterror666]

Just hope them Daleks make an appearence again. :)

Well, you're in luck, because the Daleks battle the Cybermen in the two part season finale!

[Mojo]

I think you should have had a *Spoiler Alert* for that one, doc ;)

[john]

I think you should have had a *Spoiler Alert* for that one, doc ;)

Oh well, it's something to look forward to season's end! :)

[drterror666]

Ah, but I haven't given the plot away, have I? No, because even I don't know what it is apart from another Earth invasion scenario. The most disturbing thing about it has to be the fact that Trisha Goddard is in that episode somewhere! Oh, and Albert Square! :eek:

[christats]

Is Trisha going to get the Daleks and Cybermen to try and talk over their differences in the studio.?
I haven't got a problem with TV personalities or actors making guest appearances in programs.Its happened for many a year.Even Trisha.Unless they do a direct parody of their program.
Bringing another program,especially something like Eastenders with very self important actors,does.
It was cringy to watch the episode in the last series with Big Brother,Weakest Link and Trinny and Susannah.
Still not as bad as the farty aliens mind.

[Mojo]

Ah, but I haven't given the plot away, have I? No, because even I don't know what it is apart from another Earth invasion scenario. The most disturbing thing about it has to be the fact that Trisha Goddard is in that episode somewhere! Oh, and Albert Square! :eek:

From what I've read, the Cybermen do team up / do battle with etc another 'old' foe, but it isn't the Daleks...;)

[john]

Right! Let the sport commence! I've booked me seat...Ms Convex has been put out to pasture...little Barry Jr is in tow with me having proved his worth during the last series...7.15 tonight...

Let's see what the new DR has up his sleeve! :cool:

[drterror666]

From what I've read, I'm probably going to enjoy this season more. David Tennent has more of that 'wacky eccentric' vibe than Christopher Ecclestone, and I think that's what this series needs.

I eagerly await 7:15 PM!

[mrb]

Drat. I forgot. I thought today was Sunday.

Someone tell me it was cobblers. ta.

[SicCoyote]

It wasn't that bad, for the new series, it's on BBC3 tomorrow night I'm gonna record it then.

[zanner]

some human cats, and a large head in a jar...interesting...:eek: ...zanner.

[WillHay]

some human cats, and a large head in a jar...interesting...:eek: ...zanner.

I wasn't expecting much, given it's an RTD script, but thought it was reasonably OK. However, the plot was absolutely terrible, with a subplot just there for comic relief, and terrible pacing (Why stick a comedy scene in the middle of a tense scene.). In fact, there seemed to be a number of subplots.

The "zombie" stuff was great and well used, but the stupid A-Team ending was horrible, as was the sentimental stuff...

Nowhere near as bad as the Christmas One - that was terrible.

Some funny gags as well - "Oh no, I'm a Chav".

The problem with RTD's scripts is that he cobbles together bits and pieces from elsewhere but just can't make them into a coherent plot. If this story had just concentrated on the hospital and zombie things (And had a decent ending) it could have been excellent.

I'm looking forward to the non-RTD stories, as they were excellent last year. Empty Child & Unquiet Dead were both miles ahead of this sort of cut and paste job.

[Wayne]

I'm looking forward to the non-RTD stories, as they were excellent last year. Empty Child & Unquiet Dead were both miles ahead of this sort of cut and paste job.

I really enjoyed last nights episode, not one of the best but still good.

Empty Child and The Unquiet dead were the better ones from the last series.

Wayne

[christats]

As a piece of Sci Fi escapism it wasn't bad.
As a Doctor Who story I thought it stank abit.
This was the first bit of Doctor who I watched after the Genesis of the Dalek DVD.

There are a few problems that some have touched on before.
R.T Davies turned Christopher Eccleston into a gurning grinning character who didn't do alot.
Although David Tennant wasn't quite as smug or inactive he nearly got there.
Its only 45 mins,so the stories start off promising and brooding and then the characters run around like a Benny Hill sketch at the end to tie the story up.

I would rather have Dr Who than not,I will just have to not compare the quick fix with a 4 or 6 part story.

I have also decided I don't like Billie Piper in the series.The new series should be good though.We shall see.

[richward]

A couple of good bits but overall I thought it was really average and a bit dull. There was no attempt made to make you interested in what might be going on in the hospital which was was a better plot than the Cassandra story. Too many speeches, not enough characters. Tennant was alright, when he wasn't being ANGRY. I could do without the sexual innendo too, it feels really awkward.

[Mojo]

It wasn't bad, but nothing special. I agree it did have a bit of a cobbled together feel to it ( particularly towards the end ). Thought David Tennant was excellent.

Most of the stories in this new series aren't written by RTD. Personally, I don't think this series is really going to kick off until episode 3 or 4. ;)

[Johnny_Alucard]

Drat. I forgot. I thought today was Sunday.

Someone tell me it was cobblers. ta.

it was a load cobblers - as with series one, russell t. davies resorted to slick, high camp pantomine, every 5 minutes...mr d always goes on about how great a writer he is (sorry mr d, in the realm of 'who' you're no robert holmes or terrence dicks!), but for this style of romp more wit and finesse is needed, imagine if lorenzo 'batman, flash gordon and fathom' semple jnr had written for this new series...then this might have worked! always amusing to listen to david tennant's accent slip from the east end to edinburgh and back again in one sentence though...hopefully next week's period lycanthrope tale will be better...but am not expecting much....even the redesigned cybermen look too friendly and decidedly unmenacing...time to view my 'genesis of the daleks' dvd i think....

[christats]

The cybermen are about as scary as megaman,what with their more cutsey big feet and all.
I will give this series a chance,but I also could have done without the Cassandra story.
David Tennant was no more effective than Christopher Eccleston in this story.He kept his Salford accent,why didn't Mr Tennant keep his Scottish one.
Or would it remind us too much of another Scottish Dr Who.?:eek:

[drterror666]

I don't think this was a good way to start the new series. It felt like loads of ideas 'shoehorned' into 45 minutes and it sped along way too fast. I'm not a big fan of RTD penned episodes and this has done nothing to change that.

On the upside, I like David Tennant much more than Christopher Ecclestone. He has more of that zany, eccentric way about him and looks the part. I think Billie Piper comes across more natural now and not like a theatre school kid.

But, that beginning! That was horrible! I hope they don't do that again.

[NPC]

Well, this is going to be a suicidal posting but here goes. As no one posting here seems to have enjoyed the new episode much, dare I say (and please think about this before eviscerating me) that maybe we're not the target audience any more. Just as it was years ago, Dr Who is family viewing (and miles above the rest of the drivel that bears that name) and has to be treated as such. My niece and nephew loved it (and the last series) and think the old ones I've showed them are either boring or funny, and I'm sure, in twenty years time they'll be telling their children that its not as good as it used to be. The only way it'll last is to continue to draw in new audiences.

[christats]

Not a suicidal post at all.Making something a 45 min rush job is the only way to keep kids and teens attention.
I can't imagine a child these days having the attention span to sit through 6 half hour episodes.
Being increasingly impatient is one of the ways in which we are evolving/being conditioned.
I didn't hate episode 1.
After it was mentioned 4 times by the announcer in the program link directly before it started I was expecting something better.
I must be a sucker for hype.
Its still preferable to the sh*te we usually have to suffer on Saturday evening.

[drterror666]

I agree that us older Whovians aren't the target audience for the new series, and that the rushed 45 minute format is a sign of the times. I'm hoping Torchwood has a slower pacing because it's aimed at an 18+ audience.

[Mutual Friend]

Heh. Well, I adored it. A light and frothy piece of sci-fi escapism (which is what Doctor Who is, anyway), with some good gags, lovely design and weren’t those cat-nuns a wonderful creation? Okay, some of the effects were a bit hokey, but just about passable (the spread of infection was very clearly low-tech in method). Not so sure it was the best choice to start a season with a comedy, but hey ho. And Cassandra’s death scene proved to be clever, surprising and touching. Well done RTD, still the best writer on New Who for me.

[christats]

I agree that us older Whovians aren't the target audience for the new series, and that the rushed 45 minute format is a sign of the times. I'm hoping Torchwood has a slower pacing because it's aimed at an 18+ audience.
Maybe older Who watchers are not the target audience.By trying to please everyone abit is why its a muddled mess sometimes.
At least it has an audience.What was that Davina McCall program about a while ago,"He's having a F*cking baby."As long as the BBC stay away from stuff like that I will stop complaining about Dr Who.
Even though I think David Tennant is a good actor and probably right for the program,what did he do exactly in the first episode.?Apart from high pitched ranting when things went t*ts up.

[WillHay]

Well, this is going to be a suicidal posting but here goes. As no one posting here seems to have enjoyed the new episode much, dare I say (and please think about this before eviscerating me) that maybe we're not the target audience any more. Just as it was years ago, Dr Who is family viewing (and miles above the rest of the drivel that bears that name) and has to be treated as such. My niece and nephew loved it (and the last series) and think the old ones I've showed them are either boring or funny, and I'm sure, in twenty years time they'll be telling their children that its not as good as it used to be. The only way it'll last is to continue to draw in new audiences.

"Family viewing" is no justification for what was a terribly written story. Inept on all levels - poorly plotted, little tension, no real conflict at the heart of the story. It's like the work of an enthusiastic amateur.

Why did you show kids some of the classic series? It wasn't a kids' show!

[WillHay]

Heh. Well, I adored it. A light and frothy piece of sci-fi escapism (which is what Doctor Who is, anyway), with some good gags, lovely design and weren’t those cat-nuns a wonderful creation? Okay, some of the effects were a bit hokey, but just about passable (the spread of infection was very clearly low-tech in method). Not so sure it was the best choice to start a season with a comedy, but hey ho. And Cassandra’s death scene proved to be clever, surprising and touching. Well done RTD, still the best writer on New Who for me.

Yeah, right. "Genesis of the Daleks" is light-hearted frothy escapism?

RTD's a **** writer. The sooner they ditch him for someone who doesn't treat the audienc with contempt, the better.

[SicCoyote]

I saw you'd replied, surely by now you just have to say 'Hello' and we can just fill in the blanks of what you're going to say about the latest episode of Doctor Who :D I 'm sure I wouldn't go far wrong :D

Not that I thought this was very good, it was quite rushed and stupidly simplistic, without enough of a build up.

Plus I hate Billy Piper.

Old Who was a family/leaning towards kids, show.

I have vertually every episode and am a big fan of the original series but even I'm not going to say it's not a show made at least partially for kids.

[Mutual Friend]

Yeah, right. "Genesis of the Daleks" is light-hearted frothy escapism?

RTD's a **** writer. The sooner they ditch him for someone who doesn't treat the audienc with contempt, the better.

I'm saying at it's heart Dr Who is FUN, which RTD taps into entirely. There's room for many tonally different episodes within the series, with some stories darker than others. For me, Genesis of the Daleks is overlong, dull, and poorly written by Terry Nation (as if that should come as a surprise). But it takes all sorts, I suppose.

As for your vitriolic posts on RTD as a writer, well, fine, that's your view. Though how he's treating his audience with "contempt" while still drawing in millions of viewers who come back again and again I do not know. Maybe the rest of us just aren't as informed as you guys, eh? ;) It'll be interesting to see people's comments after next week's episode which is supposed to be scary and wonderful. Yes - scary and wonderful. Phwoar.

[WilsonBros]

We didn't really like Saturday's episode - it was all a little too smug and self-satisfied.

We could, of course, always blame it on RTD, because if you look at the first series, he was responsible for writing some of the weaker episodes.

We are sure as hell looking forward to the next couple of episodes, Tooth and Claw (with werewolves and Pauline Collins returning to Doctor Who) and School Reunion (with Sarah Jane Smith and K9!)

THE WILSON BROS

[drterror666]

For me, Genesis of the Daleks is overlong, dull, and poorly written by Terry Nation

Genesis Of The Daleks is one of the best Who stories ever! I can't believe you think it's overlong, dull and poorly written. :eek:

[Mutual Friend]

Genesis Of The Daleks is one of the best Who stories ever! I can't believe you think it's overlong, dull and poorly written. :eek:

I know that is a pretty "controversial" opinion. :) I love Wisher as Davros (although I prefer the Revelation-version Davros, personally), and Nyder is a fantastic character, but beyond that it leaves me cold.

[WilsonBros]

Genesis Of The Daleks is one of the best Who stories ever! I can't believe you think it's overlong, dull and poorly written. :eek:

For anyone who cares - our review from a couple of weeks back. Enjoy!

http://www.r2-dvd.org/article.jsp?sectionId=4&articleId=7310

THE WILSON BROS

[CJ34]

I was left totally unimpressed by Saturday's opening episode. It's like Dr Who meets Red Dwarf. It's utterly ridiculous. And did anyone else get the impression that RTD had just been to the pictures to see The Island before writing this episode?

When I was a kid Dr Who was genuinely creepy and unnerving at times, but this new rehash is a far cry from that. It has nonsensical plot lines - RTD has no more a firm grasp on Sci-Fi than he does about Dr Who, he just doesn't get it, does he? I'm happy that people are enjoying it - but the assumption that something is good because of high viewing figures is entirely misleading. I mean, Big Brother gets huge viewing figures, but it's sh*t, isn't it?

I'll stick with the series and see how it develops - but my expectations are low, I'm afraid. And no, I'm NOT comparing it to classic Dr Who - I'm taking it on its own terms. Even as a Sci-Fi show it fails on so many levels. RTD really needs to review his career as a writer of sci-fi television.

[James Lee]

I enjoyed last weeks episode because David Tennant is a very likeable actor, much better than Christopher Eccleston. But RTD is still dragging down the quality with bad jokes, slapstick and poor characterisation

[drterror666]

Only RTD could possibly shoehorn Eastenders and Trisha into the season 2 finale! :rolleyes:

[SicCoyote]

Was that a joke or was that a SPOILER

[christats]

A joke that spoils the series.

[Johnny_Alucard]

I was left totally unimpressed by Saturday's opening episode. It's like Dr Who meets Red Dwarf. It's utterly ridiculous. And did anyone else get the impression that RTD had just been to the pictures to see The Island before writing this episode?

When I was a kid Dr Who was genuinely creepy and unnerving at times, but this new rehash is a far cry from that. It has nonsensical plot lines - RTD has no more a firm grasp on Sci-Fi than he does about Dr Who, he just doesn't get it, does he? I'm happy that people are enjoying it - but the assumption that something is good because of high viewing figures is entirely misleading. I mean, Big Brother gets huge viewing figures, but it's sh*t, isn't it?

I'll stick with the series and see how it develops - but my expectations are low, I'm afraid. And no, I'm NOT comparing it to classic Dr Who - I'm taking it on its own terms. Even as a Sci-Fi show it fails on so many levels. RTD really needs to review his career as a writer of sci-fi television.

I agree with you there. Watching Mr Davies' 'I am the saviour of the Doctor' manner whenever he appears on 'Dr Who Confidential' is quite unnerving to see - all we have here is an anodyne, rather Americanised take on the Doctor. More so than the McGann film even! When he said he wanted to give the series a 'Buffy feel' alarm bells certainly started to ring. Perhaps as an experiment, the BEEB could do with deleted 'Who' tapes, what they did with lost classics like - 'Quatermass Experiment' and 'A for Andromeda' - consider faithful remakes with the new time lord and companions? That might be interesting. One of the most telling things that Mr D said on the last series of 'Who Confidential' related to his belief in the single story format, rather than the 'cliff-hangers' of the vintage series (which of course was one of the magical elements of the original format!) - mainly '60s and 70s. He'll never write smart, funny and scary masterpieces like 'Talons of Weng Chiang', 'Pyramids of Mars' or 'Spearhead from Space' -rest in peace, Robert Holmes! You were the best of the best!

[Mutual Friend]

A joke that spoils the series.

Really? How do EastEnders and Trisha feature in the series, and how do they spoil it? Genuinely interested! :)

[WilsonBros]

Oh God! Eastenders?

We knew about Trisha Goddard appearing in the new series, but this Eastenders things is news to us.

We are having flashbacks from the hideous Children In Need Doctor Who/Eastenders crossover, Dimensions In Time - one of the biggest televisual debacles of the nineties! :eek:

THE WILSON BROS

[SicCoyote]

And never to be seen on dvd due to the contracts made for it's creation.

[drterror666]

The Radio Times had a feature on the new series and the final two episodes feature Trisha Goddard and Barbara Windsor. I read somewhere else (can't remember where) about the Eastenders link. That is about the extent of my knowledge, so I'm not really spoiling anything.

[WilsonBros]

And never to be seen on dvd due to the contracts made for it's creation.

Good thing, too, Sic! It really was THAT bad. We have a copy of it somewhere in the archives, though we have little enthusiasm as far as enduring it again is concerned! LOL!

We are currently beavering away on a review of the first disc of the series two of Doctor Who.

THE WILSON BROS

[SicCoyote]

They are quick with the dvds now aren't they, it's not even on tv yet

[christats]

Which contains The Christmas Invasion and The episode from last week.
What a bargain for £11.99 upwards.Out begining of May.
Very quick releases,that Mary Bryant thing was on Sunday.Shop on Monday.Not bought on Tuesday.Discounted on Wednesday.I am getting a Craig David vibe.

[richward]

Strange that the Mary Bryant thing was in the shops on Monday when it didn't actually finish until Monday night.

[WilsonBros]

Which contains The Christmas Invasion and The episode from last week.

Yeah, it's got The Christmas Invasion (pretty good) and New Earth (not very good)

Seeing as I'm on my lonesome at the moment, I have been beavering away at the review, and I managed to churn out about 1300 words in a very short space of time.

This must mean one thing - either I know my subject matter or I was very bored.

It was probably boredom. :p

THE WILSON BRO

[christats]

Episode 2 then.Another mish mash.Better than the cat nuns which wasn't hard,but I am still not won over.
The CGI werewolf looked bad,they should have employed a real one.(Or at least a made up actor for the walking about.Leaping may have been tricky.)I know its probably a budget thing but the CGI made it unscary.
The wolfs eye view made me think of Wolfen imediatley.
The monks were dancing about like the matrix.
It was okay,and for less demanding viewers abit of light entertainment.
Maybe what we need at 7 pm.

[Grant]

Totally agreed about the werewolf Chris it looked naff. The monks in 'bullet time' didn't make much sense either it just looked like it was thrown in there.
Did I miss what happened to the monks outside at the end?

Still the kids enjoyed it so it was successful in that respect.
Next weeks looks better.

Grant

[richward]

A better episode this week. Good but not great. However, I am not won over by the Doctor and Rose. Tennant seems to have two facial expressions

1. Eyes wide.
2. Eyes wider.

At least the pair weren't all over each over this week but I'm not convinced at the attempts to perusade the audience that they are best mates. It feels fake.

Rich

[WilsonBros]

As one of us is currently away, I recorded Tooth & Claw and we'll watch it later tonight.

Our little nephews saw last night's one and they both thoroughly enjoyed it - it brings a warmth to the heart to know that a new generation of kiddies are still loving something that their parents watched when they were children :)

THE WILSON BROS

[WillHay]

Totally agreed about the werewolf Chris it looked naff. The monks in 'bullet time' didn't make much sense either it just looked like it was thrown in there.
Did I miss what happened to the monks outside at the end?

Still the kids enjoyed it so it was successful in that respect.
Next weeks looks better.

Grant

I actually though it was OK, a huge improvement on the dross of last week. Still a bit of a mish-mash. RTD just can't do this stuff - IMHO, he's better suited doing soapy stuff like "Queer as Folk". His approach to Who seems to be cobble together ideas with weak linkage and sub plots and hope it works.

I don't like Tennant at all. His character is very underwritten (To the point of his being a cypher) and his acting is hardly sparkling. RTD is trying to hard to make him like Tom Baker, and he's coming across as a pastiche.

[Johnny_Alucard]

I actually though it was OK, a huge improvement on the dross of last week. Still a bit of a mish-mash. RTD just can't do this stuff - IMHO, he's better suited doing soapy stuff like "Queer as Folk". His approach to Who seems to be cobble together ideas with weak linkage and sub plots and hope it works.

I don't like Tennant at all. His character is very underwritten (To the point of his being a cypher) and his acting is hardly sparkling. RTD is trying to hard to make him like Tom Baker, and he's coming across as a pastiche.

To be fair it was better than episode one, but i thought as most of you have said the whole episode was just a pretty average pastiche of better things - some matrix and crouching tiger/hero/flying daggers here - some wolf man/wolfen there...and is it me or is billie piper really irritating this series? The running gag about getting queen victoria to say 'we are not amused' might have been funny once, but after the 4th or 5th time, became tedious. Amusing dig at the royal family, at the end though, with any luck it'll lead to RTD being locked in the Tower of London to allow some decent storytellers a chance to write for the show...

[WillHay]

To be fair it was better than episode one, but i thought as most of you have said the whole episode was just a pretty average pastiche of better things - some matrix and crouching tiger/hero/flying daggers here - some wolf man/wolfen there...and is it me or is billie piper really irritating this series? The running gag about getting queen victoria to say 'we are not amused' might have been funny once, but after the 4th or 5th time, became tedious. Amusing dig at the royal family, at the end though, with any luck it'll lead to RTD being locked in the Tower of London to allow some decent storytellers a chance to write for the show...

That running joke was awful, and like last week, ruined the tension.

Yes, BP is getting annoying.

I can't wait for a non-RTD script, to be honest. Last year they wiped the floor with him.

[john]

Last night's episode was a woeful mess. I'd been a bit forgiving with the opening episode what with just enjoying the DR being back on screen but no forgiving last night. I know the term has been used before but I'll use it again; mismash! And very badly mismashed!

Somebody is obviously a fan of BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF. :rolleyes: And the werewolf turning out to be a - I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it - was predictable tat from the start. A bit of this and a bit of that is well and good if the bits gel; the bits last night just left me scatching me head!

I hate jumping on the bandwagon but you guys seem to be right about RTD!

[se7en45]

Somebody is obviously a fan of BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF

Lawsuits should be filed against the Beeb! :D

Come on, despite numerous pilfering from here and there, it was just a romp for the family. Mindless, breezy and funny stuff for Saturday early evening before Norton and the Lottery hijack the TV transmission.

[christats]

When you think of the programs we normally get on Saturday early evening it dosn't seem so bad.
"challenge"shows,date shows,hidden camera shows,dancing(strictly come dancing aside),repeats of Only fools and horses to the point they are etched on the brain,overblown quiz shows,
Smarmy lottery shows.
As I said in the first comment I made,David Tennant glares and shines his sonic screwdriver at a door and comes out with a couple of "witty" one liners.Not much.
Billie Piper is swaning about as if the hype of her being a good actress is true,and is becoming over cocky.
Is this the fault of the script,her head swelling or both.?
I might like it more if I was 9 or 10.

[drterror666]

Ok, crap plot spoilers in spoiler-vision:

Could the Scottish soldiers actually see the TARDIS parked in the middle of the glens?

Queen Victoria's protector? Er, just like that?

Martial arts monks? Where did they train? It wasn't big on the agenda back then.

The werewolf doesn't like mistletoe, because the monks trained it not to! Of course, that's plausible, cough...

Hey, let's look at ALL these books for a clue! Ye gads, there's one in in this here book! That was lucky!

It's not a telescope, it's a moon powered super weapon designed to destroy a werewolf, as long as everyone is in the right place at the right time and said werewolf is crashing through the door! That was lucky as well!

Oh, it's Torchwood House! I wonder where Torchwood fits in with the UNIT era and all that?

All in all, last night's episode was a joke and I wish they would lock up RTD with a werewolf when the moon is full. I know he's written the season finale, but I can't remember what else.

[SicCoyote]

#f5f5ff is the background colour :P

Well at least the other day I saw a boy (about 12) come out of Music Zone and his mum asked what did you get and he said "Resurrection of the Daleks, it's one of the old ones" Ahh, how nice.

The Epsiode was better than last weeks but it's still SOO rushed pacing wise and yeah I had forgotten about the other monks.

[Mojo]

To be fair it was better than episode one, but i thought as most of you have said the whole episode was just a pretty average pastiche of better things - some matrix and crouching tiger/hero/flying daggers here - some wolf man/wolfen there...and is it me or is billie piper really irritating this series? The running gag about getting queen victoria to say 'we are not amused' might have been funny once, but after the 4th or 5th time, became tedious. Amusing dig at the royal family, at the end though, with any luck it'll lead to RTD being locked in the Tower of London to allow some decent storytellers a chance to write for the show...

Pretty much everything I was going to say, Johnny! :D

Definitely an improvement on the first episode, and probably should have been the series opener.

However, stick with this series. There is much better stuff on the way...

[john]

For me the two best episodes of the last series were the undead under Witechapel and DALEK. The final moment of the earlier where Charles Dickens goes about wishing everyone a Merry Christmas was classic DR WHO. :cool: Brilliant stuff as was the episode.

DALEK had some great stuff in there. The turn about scenario had me rooting for the DALEK...and not since the end of ALIENS had I such a change of heart. That sort of stuff makes for great viewing. Family television DR WHO maybe aimed at but there's no need to forget the dads and the olde worlde fans like myself WHO grew up with the series! ;)

[Johnny_Alucard]

#f5f5ff is the background colour :P

Well at least the other day I saw a boy (about 12) come out of Music Zone and his mum asked what did you get and he said "Resurrection of the Daleks, it's one of the old ones" Ahh, how nice.

The Epsiode was better than last weeks but it's still SOO rushed pacing wise and yeah I had forgotten about the other monks.

The fast pacing of the show is killing potentially interesting stories dead in their tracks...also finding it amusing that the new doc is relying on his 'intelligent paper' to produce fake IDs etc to get him out of trouble with alarming frequency. The doctor in the past was criticised for using the good old sonic screw driver to get him out of scrapes, this paper could become a similar device...hope not!

[se7en45]

The fast pacing of the show is killing potentially interesting stories dead in their tracks

A case in point was last night's episode. There was a good story in there somewhere but it got buried in way too many chases and screaming. The werewolf supper-table tale should have been allowed more time to build up the atmosphere. Instead, just as it got interesting, the drama cuts to the transformation scene.

Hate the reliance on cheap CGI.

[WillHay]

I hate jumping on the bandwagon but you guys seem to be right about RTD!

I've been saying since episode #1 Rose (Which I _did_ enjoy because it was dumb and funny) that RTD just isn't a good writer of this genre stuff. He lacks original ideas (They're all nicked from elsewhere) and to make it worse, he just can't get a plot together - deus ex machinas abound, and dumb scenes like "let's look through all the books". He also inserts comedy scenes in dumb places and ruins any tension. Very weak, and very poor for a so-called "professional". It's quite simple to avoid this stuff - in this case, the MONKS knew the secret of the Wolf, so part of the plot should have been the Doctor using his cleverness to get the secret from the Monks. Instead, the Monks were purely there for the show-off set piece at the start and then vanished out of the story.

He seems more suited to Soaps - here, he is way out of his depth, and it shows! A script editor could take some of this stuff and fashion it into good stories, but RTD just seems more interested in comedy and Rose's adventures. It's barely Dr Who anymore.

[WillHay]

For me the two best episodes of the last series were the undead under Witechapel and DALEK. The final moment of the earlier where Charles Dickens goes about wishing everyone a Merry Christmas was classic DR WHO. :cool: Brilliant stuff as was the episode.

DALEK had some great stuff in there. The turn about scenario had me rooting for the DALEK...and not since the end of ALIENS had I such a change of heart. That sort of stuff makes for great viewing. Family television DR WHO maybe aimed at but there's no need to forget the dads and the olde worlde fans like myself WHO grew up with the series! ;)

Dalek was great - this and the Unquiet Dead are the only two stories from S1 I can actually watch again. I loved Empty Child, but hated Doctor Dances.

[Mutual Friend]

Sigh.

That was probably the most flawless DW story I’ve ever seen. Not my favourite, not by a long chalk, but in terms of script, acting, execution, etc – near perfection. Just strangely un-involving, and lacks the usual sense of fun RTD scripts have, so I preferred New Earth, actually.

And I’d still like to know “christats” how you know some of the aforementioned elements in the series finale will ‘spoil’ the series? Or were you just making uninformed speculation to make a snide point? Yeah, thought it may have been that… :rolleyes:

Oh, and Tooth and Claw got 8.9 million viewers according to the overnight ratings. Hurrah! Though the Football Factor and weak opposition, of course, gave it a helping hand.

[se7en45]

News just in...

Dr. Who has picked about half a dozen Bafta Cymru Awards in Cardiff.

Oh, The Sun will give out free Dr. Who DVDs all next week. Might be worth getting this gutter rag just for the freebies! :D

[christats]

Off what I saw in the Advert in The News of The World, most/if not all of the freebie DR Who DVD'S in the Sun contain 1 episode each from various old stories.
Monday Rose, episode 1 of last years
Tues Day of Armageddon,William Hartnell from lost years
Weds The Faceless ones Patrick Troughton only 2 episodes exist
Thurs Robots of Death 1 Episode
Fri spearhead 1 Episode
Sat Earthshock 1 episode
The sun is still not worth getting.

[christats]

And I’d still like to know “christats” how you know some of the aforementioned elements in the series finale will ‘spoil’ the series? Or were you just making uninformed speculation to make a snide point? Yeah, thought it may have been that… :rolleyes:


If you mean Trisha and Eastenders being in the season finale,which incidentally I didn't know until other people mentioned it.
I just knew they were included.
I am making an educated guess with Eastenders being one of the most godawful programs on British TV.I am going on past experience when Big Brother and the what not to wear and Anne Robinson robot were in the last series.
As for the series being ruined later on.It is already.Yes I did make a snide remark,"a joke that spoils the series"
I don't want Babs Windsor and the like badly overacting.There are enough actors in it already doing that.

[drterror666]

I thought I was the one who mentioned the Trisha/Eastenders thing? I don't suppose it matters really, does it? Satan is in one of the two-parters!

[christats]

It was,I knew they were involved and just made a snidey remark in agreement.Do we get hands slapped for being off the cuff.?

[CJ34]

Might be worth getting this gutter rag just for the freebies! :D
There is never a reason good enough to buy that paper.

[drterror666]

Just for everyone, here's the Season 2 episode guide:

NEW EARTH
Saturday 15 April

TOOTH AND CLAW
Saturday 22 April

SCHOOL REUNION - Sarah! K9! Anthony Head! Krillitanes! Yes, mistress!!!
Saturday 29 April

THE GIRL IN THE FIREPLACE - Robot Venicians! In a fireplace?
Saturday 6 May

RISE OF THE CYBERMEN - Robocop style Cybermen on alternative Earth!
Saturday 13 May

THE AGE OF STEEL - Cybermen! Again!
Saturday 20 May

THE IDIOT'S LANTERN - Maureen Lipman! In a telly!
Saturday 27 May

THE IMPOSSIBLE PLANET - Satan lives!
Saturday 3 June

THE SATAN PIT - Satan lives! Again! Or is it (censored)
Saturday 10 June

LOVE & MONSTERS - The Doctor vs Abzorbaloff in RTD 'comedy'!
Saturday 17 June

FEAR HER - 2012 Olympics! Derek Acorah! Trisha! What?!
Saturday 24 June

ARMY OF GHOSTS - Cybermen! Daleks! Captain Jack! EXTERMINATE RTD!
Saturday 1 July

DOOMSDAY - Cybermen! Daleks! Peggy Mitchell! Er...
Saturday 8 July

See, spoiler free! I didn't even ruin the surprise in The Satan Pit. :)

[drterror666]

Y,all, y'all, y'all! K-9 is street! Check dis out, a'ight (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4939144.stm)! Word!

[James Lee]

Can this program get any worse? The new K-9 just screams "Trust Tomy!"

[christats]

I heard about the spin off's a while ago."Its a Joke that spoils the series."
Oh I already did that one and got ticked off for using unfounded assumptions.

[john]

Please tell me RTD won't be on the credits tonight? ;) Still whatever...i'll be tuning in with me little fanBOY in tow! :) He loves the monsters as his dad did during the Pertwee years. :cool:

[drterror666]

Tonight's episode is a completely RTD-free affair. :) Hopefully, seeing as Sarah and K-9 are back, and Anthony Head is in it, it should be quite good. I bet the CGI is rubbish, though!

[mrb]

What a complete load of old bolocks that was then......

[paramanjara]

The scenes with the Doctor and Sarah Jane were wonderful. David Tennant and Elizabeth Sladen were just fantastic. I think thats the first time Doctor Who has ever made me cry.

"A tear Sarah Jane...?"

[Grant]

Best ep of this season yet for me. Only let down a little by the naff CGI.

Grant

[mrb]

Bloody hell, the other two must have been good then.

[paramanjara]

I noticed this with last series. The episodes not penned by RTD seem to be much better... Not saying he's rubbish but just that the other writer's seem to produce better stories somehow...

And the CGI wasn't LOTR but so what. I actually quite liked the roof-top stuff, It looked liek soemthing out of a comic book.

I wonder if the Krillitane absorbed the Tetraps somewhere along the way...

[WillHay]

What a complete load of old bolocks that was then......

Forgettable, sentimental twaddle. The wife summed it up when she said "Corn corn corn corn cheese cheese" at the end of it.

[WillHay]

Best ep of this season yet for me. Only let down a little by the naff CGI.

Grant

Rubbish monsters - bland. "Bats". Yawn.

[paramanjara]

Forgettable, sentimental twaddle. The wife summed it up when she said "Corn corn corn corn cheese cheese" at the end of it.

Are you sure she wasn't just reading out the shopping list?

[WillHay]

Are you sure she wasn't just reading out the shopping list?

:D

I can't believe how dumb Dr Who has become, to be honest - the stories are very poor. Halfway through, we get a "oh it's an algorithm that controls the universe". If they're going to use these sorts of MacGuffins, they could at least try to make it plausible and wrap it up in a proper plot.

Too many of the stories are like typical fiction - bits nicked from other stories, fantasy "genre" cross-overs...

[paramanjara]

I think what the basic problem is is that the stories are only 45 minutes. Roughly the equivalent length of two old episodes. Though actually probably a little shorter. This doesn;t give as much time for character or story developement.

Why the episodes can't be a full hour? This probably has more to do with overseas sales so they can splice in adverts. Or have the stories 2 episodes long. I am hoping the Cybermen story will flesh out the story a bit more.

I am enjoying this new series and I think David Tennat is brilliant. Definately up there with Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker. I just wish the 'reveal' and the denouement were'd over in a flash.

The worst case was in the Auton episode form the previous series where he just chucked some anti-plastic into the swirling Auton mass! Now I pressume this was taking the piss out of itself. But still, it would have been much better if there had been some thought behind the ending.

All in all though I am enjoying Doctor Who being back on. Its nice to hear little kids talking about it again just as me and my mates did when we were at Juniour School :)

[se7en45]

It's scary how much of the recent Dr Who tales have followed a basic formula. The creatures may differ and the sets may change but the dumb screaming and chasing remains intact. Episode after episode... Gets a bit tiresome and boring.

And not respecting the intelligence of the audience is just not on. Yesterday's story had the assistant pulling the power plug to stop the kids from being glued to the computers. Genius! :mad:

[christats]

Last nights episode was sentimental cheese.Which is understandable considering Sarah Jane Smith was re-united for a while.
It was also the least irritating of the three so far,for me.
Sarah Jane in it,put next to Billie Piper showed Billie Piper up for the so average actress she is.
The CGI is never going to be up there with films,that isn't the problem.
Like alot of people seem to agree on is we get a reasonable half an hour.Then an hectic last 15 minutes to tie up a story.Which kills any tension or excitement.It happens every episode.
I am not overy bothered if stuff is pilferred from other sci fi and "horror".Its always happened.
It dosn't work if the stories are lame.Which so far they generally have been.
The foppish regency robots from next week look creepy and scary.Thats what we hope every week and it dosn't deliver.We shall see.

[WillHay]

It's scary how much of the recent Dr Who tales have followed a basic formula. The creatures may differ and the sets may change but the dumb screaming and chasing remains intact. Episode after episode... Gets a bit tiresome and boring.

And not respecting the intelligence of the audience is just not on. Yesterday's story had the assistant pulling the power plug to stop the kids from being glued to the computers. Genius! :mad:

WHat do you expect? The scripts are all being written by Soap writers. They simply don't understand how to write structured genre fiction.

Last night's story was terrible - a sudden chunk of exposition to explain the story, followed by a 15 minute chase. TERRIBLE writing.

[drterror666]

WillHay - stop torturing yourself, mate! You know the rest of the series is going to be more of the same. The entire Cyberman arc has been written by RTD, so I guess you ain‘t gonna like those. I mean, the guy's shoehorned Peggy Mitchell into the final episode!

Anyway, so far this series has been dire to say the least. I think last night's episode was the best yet, but that's not really saying anything. The CGI wasn't amazing, yes, but remember that the effects of old could be cringeworthy (Invasion Of The Dinosaurs, Terror Of The Zygons, etc.) I enjoyed the fact that Elizabeth Sladen was in it, although why she had K-9 in the back of her car is a mystery to me. It's still the best thing on Saturday evenings.

I am really hoping that next weeks episode is good. It looks creepy and it's written by Mark Gatiss, so that's promising at least.

[Mojo]

I enjoyed last night's episode - best so far. I also thought this was David Tennent's best performance - better dialogue, better script etc.

To be honest, I've really been waiting for this series to kick off from episode 4. I agree - the androids look excellent.

BTW, The first two part Cybermen story isn't written by RTD, so that looks promising, too. :)

[MinkyKnights]

The entire Cyberman arc has been written by RTD, so I guess you ain‘t gonna like those.

The Cybermen episodes are written by Tom MacRae.


I am really hoping that next weeks episode is good. It looks creepy and it's written by Mark Gatiss, so that's promising at least.

Next week's is by Steven Moffat. Gatiss's episode is number seven.

[drterror666]

Well, I guess I got that wrong then! :o

[WilsonBros]

We finally got around to watching School Reunion last night.

Being hardened Doctor Who fans, we found the Sarah-Jane stuff most pleasing, but as for the plot in general, it was a bloody mess, seeming like it had been concocted by somebody who happened to be watching a certain Simpsons Treehouse of Horror episode.

The resolution to the story was nice, but there is still something missing from this new series of Doctor Who, a vital spark seems to be absent - it appears at the moment that RTD is more interested in setting up Torchwood, rather than throw himself into the second series of Doctor Who.

We'll continue to hold back our judgement until the Cybermen story, though...

THE WILSON BROS

[James Lee]

I'm getting sick of this series but I haven't watched the Sarah Jane episode - I'm not sure I want to see one of my childhood crushes get embarrased by RTD and his crummy writing. So I have to ask - which Simpsons episode was ripped off?

[WilsonBros]

RTD didn't write School Reunion, James.

We aren't very fond of some of the writing of New Who, but the Sarah-Jane stuff was nicely handled, as it credibly shows that her and The Doctor are still very fond of each other, and that he avoids long-term relationships, as he walks in eternity and will outlive any potential suitor who comes his way.

The end of the episode will put a big, silly smile on your face.

THE WILSON BROS

[James Lee]

OK, I'll give it a shot

[WilsonBros]

So I have to ask - which Simpsons episode was ripped off?

Treehouse of Horror V - Nightmare Cafeteria.

You won't regret giving the episode a go, James! :)

THE WILSON BROS

[CJ34]

I am enjoying this new series and I think David Tennat is brilliant. Definately up there with Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker. I just wish the 'reveal' and the denouement were'd over in a flash.
Tennant 'up there' with Tom Baker? Don't make me laugh. I'm not saying Tennant is all bad, but he's no match for Troughton or Baker, and it's a little insulting to even suggest such a thing.

[christats]

David Tennant dosn't come close to Tom Baker.Partly because of the rushed story lines.
I don't remember Patrick Troughton or William Hartnell.
He's certainly better than the rest apart from Jon Pertwee.Who had stories which alot of the time are like watching paint dry.
I can't make my mind up about Pertwee.Sometimes I can watch,sometimes not.
Don't like Colin Baker or Peter Davidson allthough some of the stories were okay,of the bits I have seen.

[paramanjara]

Crikey! Sorry for expressing my opinion. Troughton is my favourite fullstop. Followed by Baker but Ido like Tennant a lot. Sorry guys if thats sacriligeous!

It was a personal opinion not a sweeping comment designed to convert everyone to my way of thinking...

What I liek about Tennant is his obvious love for the role. He is a self confessed fan himself and its reassuring in a way because he knows what makes the show tick I suppose. Only as much as any other fan mind but you know what Imean. The Sarh Jane Smith episode was great. It was as if Tennant was remembering watching her when he was a kid, and that added to the emotion of it.

I like the new series. It has its flaws but gawd so did the original series!

I justthink the episodes need to be longer and possible more two parters. Just so there is room for development withthe lpots. Sometimes they are just over before you know it!

[john]

OK, I'll give it a shot

I wouldn't bother. Everything so far deserves a shot. Right between the eyes! ;)

[christats]

Sometimes the actors and the scripts were spot on with the Baker Era.There were dodgy ones as with all the doctors.Expressing an opinion is fine.Tom Baker is a legend though.
I think,like a few others that David Tennant and Christopher Eccleston were/are being underused abit.
The new series has started at the bottom and is heading in the right direction.
With any luck it won't take to long to be acceptable.

[john]

The new series has started at the bottom and is heading in the right direction.

I was thinking the same thing myself. Being the unapologetic DR WHO fanboy that I am, Saturday night at 7 or so is still one of the pinpoints of my weekend. :)

[WilsonBros]

[QUOTE=christats]He's certainly better than the rest apart from Jon Pertwee.Who had stories which alot of the time are like watching paint dry.
QUOTE]

Just recently, we finally got around to watching the Jon Pertwee stories that we hadn't seen before - most were from the early part of his tenure.

Your assessment of them certainly concurs with ours - most of them were indeed like watching paint dry. They were made at a time when an executive decision was taken to make the stories run for six episodes (gulp - or longer!) and ended up being over-padded and beating a four-part story to death over six or more episodes.

Pat Troughton will always be our favourite Doctor - a great shame that so little of his work remains. :(

THE WILSON BROS

[drterror666]

Doctor Who could go up to 12 parters once upon a time. Watching them episode by episode, week after week was probably the best way to view them. Watching them in one great big chunk however...

I remember watching Troughton's Ice Warriorsepisodes in one go, and it really was a cure for insomnia! Sorry if that's offended anyone.

[WilsonBros]

Doctor Whocould go up to 12 parters once upon a time. Watching them episode by episode, week after week was probably the best way to view them.

We recently watched Loose Cannon's reconstructed Dalek's Master Plan - it was a 12 parter and was easier to sit through than most of Pertwee's six-parters...

THE WILSON BROS

[drterror666]

Is that the one with the massive Dalek Emperor? How many episodes are still missing?

[James Lee]

The Evil Of The Daleks is the one with the giant Emperor. Only Episode 2 exists but some behind-the-scenes footage of the Emperor still exists

3 episodes exist from The Daleks Master Plan

[WilsonBros]

Yeah, it's a real bitch that Evil of the Daleks only has one episode in existence.

We are just about to get the CD audio for this particular story. :)

THE WILSON BROS

[James Lee]

I have the old cassette where Tom Baker did the narration. It's my favourite Dalek story - what a shame it's so incomplete

[WilsonBros]

The recent CD version is narrated by Frazer Hines, and is, by all reports, a major improvement over the patronising first-person narration by Tom Baker on the audio cassette.

THE WILSON BROS

[Mojo]

[QUOTE=christats]He's certainly better than the rest apart from Jon Pertwee.Who had stories which alot of the time are like watching paint dry.
QUOTE]

Just recently, we finally got around to watching the Jon Pertwee stories that we hadn't seen before - most were from the early part of his tenure.

Your assessment of them certainly concurs with ours - most of them were indeed like watching paint dry. They were made at a time when an executive decision was taken to make the stories run for six episodes (gulp - or longer!) and ended up being over-padded and beating a four-part story to death over six or more episodes.

Pat Troughton will always be our favourite Doctor - a great shame that so little of his work remains. :(

THE WILSON BROS

I must admit I really like Pertwee's early 6 and 7 parters - although they are a bit much to watch all in one go. You should give Inferno a viewing when it surfaces on DVD next month :)

As for Pat Troughton - I agree - it's a travesty that stories such as Evil Of The Daleks and Fury from The Deep etc no longer exist. :mad:

[WilsonBros]

We admit that Inferno was pretty good - most of the others were tedious.

The Time Monster was good fun - until about episode 4.

Roger Delgado was never better in The Time Monster; after supposedly killing The Doctor by remotely detonating the car he was travelling in, he remarks with hilarious satisfaction "I REALLY enjoyed that!" before moving on to more pressing matters of universal conquest without skipping a beat.

THE WILSON BROS

[paramanjara]

Just talking about the audio releases of old stories for a moment there is something about them that annoys me a little (and its not the gairsh covers, although...). Its the use of present tense in the narration. It never seems to sit right with me when I listen to it. I think past tense would work so much better.

Because the stories are archive and have already 'happened' so to speak I think it would work better. "Jamie lifted his head slowly" "Och Doctor where are we?" is better then "Jamie lifts his head" etc... IMO

Maybe I'm just being picky. But then most of us Doctor Who fans are I think!

[christats]

I definately will be giving Inferno a go next month.Is this Jon Pertwee's finest hour.
Not seen it.

[paramanjara]

It is a good story actually and due to its premise fits pretty good with the 7 episode format.

There is a bit of backward and forwarding though.

I like the monsters in it too :)

[Mojo]

Along with Spearhead From Space, this is JP's best, IMO.

Recommended :)

[richward]

Watched last Saturdays episode. I really don't know what to make of it. As with the other episodes this season it was watchable but there feels like there is a big hole in the program and I'm not sure what's missing. Still haven't warmed to David Tennant. As with Christopher Eccleston he has a load of 'personality' traits but it feels one-dimensional.

[SicCoyote]

I don't remember The Doctor doing a vulcan mind-meld before, could be because he's not Vulcan.

I've always been of the opinion that a Time-Lord's only power is his intelect, and his tools (Tardis, Sonic Screwdrive, K-9, etc).

I dunno about all this falling in love as well, he seems to do it a hell of a lot nowadays, he only did it once in his first 7 generations.

[WillHay]

I don't remember The Doctor doing a vulcan mind-meld before, could be because he's not Vulcan.

I've always been of the opinion that a Time-Lord's only power is his intelect, and his tools (Tardis, Sonic Screwdrive, K-9, etc).

I dunno about all this falling in love as well, he seems to do it a hell of a lot nowadays, he only did it once in his first 7 generations.

Yeah, but I quite enjoyed this one. Much better than what we've seen - and with a plot that isn't a series of cobbled together set pieces.

[Grant]

Best one yet - the pacing was better and even Mickey wasn't that annoying. Lets hope he gets killed soon....

Grant

[paramanjara]

Well the Doctor has shown psychic abilities in the past. And maybe its because she was 'time-sensitive' from the intrusions into her life by the time travel malarky that made her more 'suggestive' to the Doctors powers. She of course also read his mind...

I still wish the episodes were longer with even 15 extra minutes there would be room for more character and plot developement.

Its simply beacsue overseas buyers whack in adverts than then makes the show fill an hour slot. Grrrr.

I am looking forward to the Cybermen story. I always prefered them to the Daleks. I liked the way they never ran, just relentlessly kept walking after you as if they knew it was inevitable that they would catch you so why bother pegging it after you. Except for thatone time in Attack of the Cybermen where one was rather too quick onhis feet and looked a right berk for it!

[christats]

Last nights program.The story was nonsense,but......it was a good episode.
With David Tennant being a central figure it didn't seem like he was stuck out on a limb.
Rose and Mickey were background characters which is why they didn't irritate.
It went straight into the action and reached a proper conclusion.
Suspend the nonsense and it gets a thumbs up.

[SicCoyote]

The Cybermen, great idea but always messed up, they got it right in Tomb of the Cybermen, but for beings with no emotions, they showed loads of Fear & Anger in pretty much all the later stories.

[Mojo]

Thought last night's episode was excellent. Great performances all round. Also thought the clockwork droids were a terrific creation. Thumbs up.


The Cybermen, great idea but always messed up, they got it right in Tomb of the Cybermen, but for beings with no emotions, they showed loads of Fear & Anger in pretty much all the later stories.

Agree with you there, Sic - although I thought they were pretty good in The Invasion ( DVD release, please! )

The Cybermen were always my favourite Who monster. Really looking forward to the next couple of episodes. :)

[SicCoyote]

Just watched School Reunion (I waited till I had burnt it to dvd) Quite a good episode, but still all this doctor companion/assistant relationship thing, he's a father figure or a friend, not a boyfriend, or are we going to have Turlo come back into it next week confessing his love.

Also when she said about why did he have to leave her behind he should have said something like 'ask Adric' or something.

[drterror666]

Yes, I thought last night's episode was the best yet, although it could be better. I was kept guessing as to why the robots wanted Mdm De Pompadour's brain, and then right at the end...

I'm really hoping the Cyberman episode is good, but I think this is another RTD job...

[Mojo]

I'm really hoping the Cyberman episode is good, but I think this is another RTD job...

RTD hasn't written this one, doc.

[Grant]

The only other eps written by RTD are 10 (the peter kay/blue peter monster one) and 12/13 the season finale.

Your fired Doc! :D

Grant

[NPC]

Doctor Who has won the BAFTAs for Best Drama and the Pioneer Audience Award

I always liked the Cybermen, one of the best pieces of cheap costume design, basically a diving suit, some practice golf balls, cricket gloves, tubing and a lot of silver paint. The gold allergy's a bit convenient though, although not as convenient as the aliens with the vent in the back of the neck (Sontarans I think? Anyway they looked like a suntanned John Prescott)

[James Lee]

Yep, the Sontarans.

The Cybermen have different allergies depending on the story - radiation, forcefields, plastic disolevent, electronic enhanced emotions. The gold was introduced in Revenge Of The Cybermen (1975) where you had to ram it into the chest cavities to have any effect. Typically, the 80's saw Cybermen being taken out by coins fired via sling-shot by that chick from Words & Pictures

[paramanjara]

Revenge of the Cybermen was also the story which introduced the universe to the Glitter Gun... Designed specifically to kill Cybermen but I guess it could be a handy tool for Glamming up for a night at a 70's retro night club...

All those aspects of Cybermen (cricket gloves, practise golfballs, etc...) all appeared on different versions. Think my favourites are the Wheel In Space Cybermen. They're heads are similar to the Tomb Cybermen but better designed. First appearance of the 'tear-drop' design to the eyes. They still retained the three fingers (well two and a thumb) but in this instance with solid looking 'caps' to them, rather than just pointy flipper looking things.

The vast improvement of having a silver wetsuit rather than a plastic boiler suit for the body. And generally they look a lot more menacing and better designed. The Invasion Cybermen which had the same bodies (but different heads and hands) are my next favourites.

Interestingly Jon Pertwee never battled the Cybermen. Would have been nice that. One appears briefly on the miniscope in Carnival of Monsters but thats about it. No proper story with them in. It wasn't until Revenge that they returned to menace the universe. I think it was about 6 or 7 years between Invasion and Revenge...

I have an 80's Cyberman down in my cellar... Think he was left over from the Attack of the Cybermen... Either that or its a costume...

Oh and on the subject of Cybermen. Has anybody seen Shakedown: Return of the Sontarans? I was a Sontaran in it :D lol

[James Lee]

We never saw the Glitter Gun, it was just mentioned. Oddly enough in that story, the Vogans of Voga, the Planet of Gold, have seemingly no knowledge of the Cybermen's allergy to gold - which is their reason for invading Voga - since they fight the metal monsters with conventional guns and get zapped

[paramanjara]

You're right James, the glitter gun wasn't actually seen only mentioned.

Oh and in Shakedown I shot Sophie Aldred :D. I bet no-one else on this forum can claim that!

[drterror666]

RTD hasn't written this one, doc.

I think the place I'm getting my information from has ballsed it up! I'll check more thoroughly next time... :o

[richward]

Saturday's episode had a decent story fighting against lame jokes and Tennant's seriously irritating antics. Who honestly thought that what he was doing was entertaining? Obviously some people do but unfortunately for me I didn't. I also don't understand why they give him so much dialogue when the last five minutes showed, how effective he could be with less.

Rich

[drterror666]

Oh well, we've got the Cyberman ones to go and then we get onto the really interesting 'update'. I'm saying no more...

[christats]

Oh and on the subject of Cybermen. Has anybody seen Shakedown: Return of the Sontarans? I was a Sontaran in it :D lol
I vaguely remember the Sontarian Experiment.Was Shakedown part of one of the Cybermen stories.It isn't ringing a bell with me.?
Is the next new episode a two parter,with the Cybermen.I know the one after is a Mark Gatiss story and I have an idea what its about.

[SicCoyote]

It's a fan-made spin off like The Stranger (starring Colin Baker) I have a signed video of that.

[christats]

Whoopie,R.T.Davies has won the Dennis Potter Bafta for screenwriters.
All his backslapping "Friends" gushing in interview snippets.
He might be a good TV writer of certain character types by nature,but he has camped up Dr Who a bit too much.
He ain't fit to lick D.Potter's boots.

[James Lee]

The sad thing is RTD's approach has been so succesful in the ratings, I doubt we'll see a more serious - and hopefully better - approach for a while

[SicCoyote]

He seems desperate in Who not to los viewers by being too Out-There sci-fi wise.

I mean always around earth or effecting earth, Even when they go to another planet, it's New New York, and you have to put a load of old characters in Just in case.

I want to see the doctor and his compnions go somewhere complete and totally alien.

[christats]

Like an old disused quarry.I am glad Dr Who is back,but the awards for it are adding to its hype of being great, instead of okay to not bad.

[WillHay]

The sad thing is RTD's approach has been so succesful in the ratings, I doubt we'll see a more serious - and hopefully better - approach for a while

Being successful in the ratings is good? Up there with some of the worst garbage currently on TV in my view.

I don't think the show will have legs. The classic series introduced heaps of classic alien races, was written by writers who may not have been groundbreaking, but knew how to plot properly, and didn't make fun of their audience. The old series may have had rubber monsters and wobbling sets, but they showed a lot more creativity than the current CGI "bats" and zombies. The new show has slotted into a dreary formula already of monsters, romance and Billy Piper staring at the stars and musing about "fings". The classic series had huge ambition and no money.

RTD's stories are so badly written they make Kid's shows look like the works of Shakespeare. I can't understand how anyone who produced garbage like "Boom Town" and consistently introduces Deux-Ex-Machina and exposition to explain the story can be awarded anything other than a kick out of the door. It's amateurish beyond belief. I've not watched any of his "soaps", but he just can't write genre stuff like this. He's just turning into a soap.

[christats]

You should have seen the BAFTA tribute to him.Lots of his showbiz supporters gushing about how good and creative he is and his subtilties are often missed by the casual observer.
Old doctor who had traditional old school writers,doing sometimes unintentional campness.
New doctor who has a camp writer not being able to escape his mindset.

[James Lee]

That's the problem. RTD is intentionally camp and therefore comes across as forced, like the time Douglas Adams was script-editor and John Nathan Turner's bizzare costume polices. If you treat it as camp, you lose the point. Doctor Who was not, for the most part, intentionally camp. Notice the Batman TV series, which took a deliberate camp approach. For the first season, it was a ratings topper becuase kids liked the action and adults could have a giggle. But when the joke wore off, the ratings went down.

On the whole, the new Doctor Who is a crushing disapointment.

[WilsonBros]

Notice the Batman TV series, which took a deliberate camp approach. For the first season, it was a ratings topper becuase kids liked the action and adults could have a giggle.

The reason why Batman tailed off after the first season was because the unexpected success caused the show in general to become complacent. The cast, writers and directors trod a fine line during the first season, as they were worried about going TOO far, but once they knew that the public were lapping it up, then all self-restraint and self-discipline went out of the window, and the quality of the writing and performances began to diminish.

With Batman, the first season was excellent, the third was very poor and the second could be as good as the first or as bad as the third.

The same thing applies to the original series of Star Trek...

BTW, going back on-topic, The Girl in the Fireplace episode of Doctor Who is probably the best one in this series so far, though that's not saying much.

THE WILSON BROS

[drterror666]

Those Cybermen are really mean looking. I like the idea that they're going back to their emotionless, clinical state. I think this two parter could be the season high.

Delete! Delete! Delete!

[john]

At last! Something to rave about! RISE OF THE CYBERMEN? Brill! Totally fascinating, humour kept to a wry minimum, great production design, rousing soundtrack, Rose's mum looking sexy, a good old fashioned cliffhanger ending, Tennant beginning to out do Eccellston in my books... Have I missed anything? :cool:

I just hope the upcoming Dalek two parter is as good! :)

[Grant]

The second series is improving upon the first with each week imo. Great stuff!

Grant

[Mojo]

At last! Something to rave about! RISE OF THE CYBERMEN? Brill! Totally fascinating, humour kept to a wry minimum, great production design, rousing soundtrack, Rose's mum looking sexy, a good old fashioned cliffhanger ending, Tennant beginning to out do Eccellston in my books... Have I missed anything? :cool:

Agree with everything you've said there, Barry - this was excellent. Loved the redesign of the Cybermen. Their invasion of the house was brilliantly directed. Really enjoyable story.

Thumbs up from me :)

[WillHay]

[QUOTE=Barry Convex]At last! Something to rave about! RISE OF THE CYBERMEN? Brill! Totally fascinating, humour kept to a wry minimum, great production design, rousing soundtrack, Rose's mum looking sexy, a good old fashioned cliffhanger ending, Tennant beginning to out do Eccellston in my books... Have I missed anything? :cool:

I just hope the upcoming Dalek two parter is as good! :)[/QUOTE

Erm,
Absolute utter garbage. What a dumb story - a soft drinks maker being used to take over the world? The stupid parallel Earth thing just to revisit Rose's Dad and Mum... Soap opera scenes. Dull, dull, retarded rubbish.

Oh, and a complete rip off of Genesis of the Daleks as well.

The last 10 minutes were fun purely for the Cybermayhem - but the rest was garbage. An absolute insult to the concept of the Cybermen created by Kit Pedler.

[christats]

I didn't quite appreciate the Cybermen robocop rejects that they were.Thought the story was stupid,but it was watchable.
In the old series was there any indication of the origins of the cybermen or is it a case of liberties being taken,as with alot of the new stuff.I'm not a cybermen expert.
Sorry to have a difference with the majority, but this episode didn't quite do it for me.
Nice to have a cliffhanger,if thats what you can call it.

[Johnny_Alucard]

[QUOTE=Barry Convex]At last! Something to rave about! RISE OF THE CYBERMEN? Brill! Totally fascinating, humour kept to a wry minimum, great production design, rousing soundtrack, Rose's mum looking sexy, a good old fashioned cliffhanger ending, Tennant beginning to out do Eccellston in my books... Have I missed anything? :cool:

I just hope the upcoming Dalek two parter is as good! :)[/QUOTE

Erm,
Absolute utter garbage. What a dumb story - a soft drinks maker being used to take over the world? The stupid parallel Earth thing just to revisit Rose's Dad and Mum... Soap opera scenes. Dull, dull, retarded rubbish.

Oh, and a complete rip off of Genesis of the Daleks as well.

The last 10 minutes were fun purely for the Cybermayhem - but the rest was garbage. An absolute insult to the concept of the Cybermen created by Kit Pedler.

Some pertinent comments there. Once again this series delivers what is now expected of it...almost tangible disappointment! A pinch of the 'Sliders' tv show here...a little William Gibson there...and a title in the manner of 'Terminator 3'! How low can this series sink to! It was sad to see veteran 'Who' director Graeme Harper on the credits. The unimaginative revisionism of the Cybermen's origins would have Kit Pedlar and Gerry Davis turning in their graves - no consideration of the cybermen's planet of origin, earth's twin - Mondas, nor of their frozen tombs on Telos. And what about their arch enemies the Vogans from the planet of gold!? Key elements from the show's history are being ignored or altered to fit the most banal of storylines - the idiocy of the 'time war' notion to kill off the time lord race was bad enough and presumably an attempt to simplify the show for its pre-teen audience - some of the best 'Who' stories were set on Gallifrey! The 'Deadly Assassin' and 'The Invasion of time' being favourites! And now this! Admittedly, Terry Nation did revise the dalek's history in 'Genesis of the Daleks', but at least he did create them, and the story he came up with is a classic! What next, I wonder though!? I dread to think...

[drterror666]

But the story was set in an alternate timeline. Who's to say that the Cybermen weren't created on Earth in this dimension? They were originally human anyway, so their creation could happen anywhere where there are humans.

I thought this was the best story so far. I'm not sure about this 'falling out of the time vortex' stuff though. Is there a reason for that? Anyway, the pace of the story slowed down because it's a two-parter and, imo, was all the more successful for it. Oh, and thank the Gods that they turned down the comedy!

I await to see next week's episode and how it fits into the finale to the season.

[CJ34]

I think the new series is abysmal, personally. What the hell is wrong with the script writers? What's with all this sloppy romance and one-dimensional emotionalism? This latest series is really grating on my nerves. I shall watch the Cybermen two-parter and then I may not bother watching anymore - it's just too painful to watch.

[Grant]

Think there's another cybermen 2 parter at the end of season 2 CJ but I'm sure peoples views will be reported on this thread later! :D

Grant

[christats]

So the cybermen were created on the twin earth planet of Mondas.Which I didn't catch the name of in this episode,unless I missed it.I can excuse the missing details of Vogons etc as the story hasn't got that far yet.
They have a gold Allergy,or they did.Whats the doctor going to do.Lock them in H Samuel's.
I am not going to give up watching the series,but I must agree it generally gets up my nose.

[Grant]

I thought in this alternate reality Trigger invented them :confused: :D

Grant

[christats]

He should have called his creations Cyber Daves.

[WillHay]

I think the new series is abysmal, personally. What the hell is wrong with the script writers? What's with all this sloppy romance and one-dimensional emotionalism? This latest series is really grating on my nerves. I shall watch the Cybermen two-parter and then I may not bother watching anymore - it's just too painful to watch.

This week's was very painful.

What do you expect - RTD & his friends are Soap and Sitcom writers - not genre writers. They're just cobbling together elements they believe make up a SF story with cheap action and romance.

[Mojo]

Maybe it's time to give up watching the series Will, if you hate it that much.

I'm not a sci fi fan, which is why I don't watch Babylon 5 etc, cos they bore the face off me.

As for the origins of the Cybermen , I'm no Cyberexpert either :D but, it's always been a bit muddled. First they came from Mondas, then they didn't, they came from Telos, then they were an invasion force used by others on Earth, then they could be killed by gold, even though they previously couldn't etc.

Wasn't Mondas Earth's twin / duplicate planet? So, maybe this latest story is a little closer to the original than previously thought?

Doctor Who has always been a strange programme - polarising people between liking it and hating it - and, within that, good stories / bad stories. I've pretty much grown up with the series, having watched pretty much every episode since 1970 - and, along with lots of terrific stuff, there's been some dross as well. Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker were fantastic Doctors, but, within that, some of their stories were absolutely terrible ( as was all of Sylvester McCoy's 'reign' )

This series ( and the previous ) aren't really that much different from previous ones, IMO. Most of them terrific, some OK, some crap :D

That's one of the things I've always liked about the series - you're not quite sure what you're going to get. Personally, I'm really looking forward to next week. :)

[christats]

Tom Baker got away with bad stories by being the perfect Dr Who.
It wasn't as noticeable,which cannot be said of less mighty actors.
So far the evidence is that David Tennant cannot carry a bad story.
Its still heading in the right direction.I am hoping it gets there before the 13 episodes are up.

[drterror666]

If the Doctor stuck to one timeline and dimension, how would all the inconsistenses of the series be explained? I mean, we have two different origins for the Daleks and now three for the Cybermen! The TARDIS can transcend all dimensions and times, so can go anywhere.

Surely the alternate timeline thing isn't that complex?

[James Lee]

I've said this before and I'll say it again...ENOUGH WITH THE STUPID CHAV FAMILY! Is RTD so sad he has to include these repulsive characters again and again? What I'd give for a nice, posh, middle class family - something like Ian Chesterson and Barbard Wright might have spawned

[richward]

I think what struck me most about this was the total lack of atmosphere or suspense. Worst of all the episode was so dull, again we have to spend time with characters who are just not interesting e.g Rose's parents. Who cares? It astounds me that the production team go on and on about the emotional depth of these characters when everything about the interactions between them is so dull, so simplistic and so fake. As Johnny Alucard says the only thing this programme delivers is tangible disappointment. The biggest disappointment is that there is no reason for the program to be like this. It could be so much better.

Rich

[Wayne]

I have to be honest I really enjoyed the last series and this series, i respect that times have moved on and the episodes now are geared at a younger audience...............But, I have to agree i found this week a bit dried up and flat. I recorded it and actually wondered away and did something else to pass the time whilst it was on.

Wayne

[christats]

What are the elements of Doctor Who.
A bit of mystery.Scary,but not shocking.Snappy remarks.Cliffhangers.
Yes David Tennant is bound to be erased along with his mockney cohorts,...not.
I am not getting anything of the sort.
I don't want the series to go away,but I am starting to think I am watching it because I am required to.To affirm my love of the 70's-80's series.

[CJ34]

The stories are weak, the acting is feeble and the characters are one-dimensional. Emotional depth? Where?

I really wanted to like this resurrection of Dr Who, I really did. I also didn't expect it to simply be like the classic series - but i had hoped for a fresh and innovative take on the concept. What do we get? Soap opera melodramatics, crap stories, appalling dialogue, idiotic characters (Mickey??) and awful acting.

I don't expect it to equal the classic series - but c'mon, so far we've had an emotional dalek, the Dr falling for Madame De Pompadour, a werewolf story lifted wholesale from Brotherhood of the Wolf, Rose's reunion with her Dad, Mickey getting jealous (and attacked by a wheely bin), farting aliens, The Weakest Link and a spell in the Big Brother house. Good God, talk about utter rubbish. At least the classic series showed some imagination, whereas RTD just wants to turn it into a soap, or so it would seem.

If this is really what youngsters want today, then I truly despair for the future of the human race!

[drterror666]

But RTD can only do soap...:rolleyes:

[LoungeLizard]

To be honest this is the reason why I no longer watch it. Because I'm a fan of the 70's-80's series (but more especially the 60's).

Already this is showing signs of going the same way as the dreadful C Baker/McCoy years. Appalling scripts, dire effects (I won't call them 'special' because they aren't), and truly abysmal acting. Is it essential for Dr Who to have 'guest stars' these days? The Hartnell-Tom Baker years (63-81) didn't because they didn't need to - and guest stars appear to be only there to cover up a multitude of sins in all other departments ('cor, never mind the tripe storyline - let's watch it cos Peter Kay/Trigger/that woman from My Family and Harry Potter/Uncle Tom Cobley is in it tonight'). :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

William Hartnell was always my fave doctor with Pertwee & Baker (Tom) a joint second (there's too little surviving of Troughton alas to build a stronger opinion of him but what does survive is very good). After that the series started to descend into ludicrous-land. The original premise with Chris Eccleston was promising but instantly evaporated with the casting of Billie Piper and the turn (or re-turn) into 'guest star galaxy' yet again (remember Ken Dodd & Richard Briers in the latter McCoy episodes?) - and I'm afraid David Tennant does nothing whatsoever for me (except bring on a shoe-throwing fit). Bill Nighy would have been a far better choice.

Christat's quote ('Tom Baker got away with bad stories by being the perfect Dr Who') is absolutely bang on - and I would add that Hartnell & Troughton did the same (highly ropey effects at times, wobbly but entertaining storylines, perfect casting in the Doctor/assistants category). This is something that so far the new series has succeeded in failing at every level.

[James Lee]

What I don't is why anyone thought RTD would be a good writer for Doctor Who in the first place. That's like getting Stephen King to revive Crossroads - actually, that might be fun...

[LoungeLizard]

Yes that DOES sound good! :) :)

Imagine the scene........

Upstairs in the motel.......
A terrified Meg Mortimer hides in a motel room......
An axe is chopping down the door........ :eek:
Meg threatens to sing but the stalker ignores her......
A terrifying face peers through the shattered wood....... :eek: :eek:

Here's................ BENNY!!!!!!! :D :D

[Mojo]

Following the brilliant Pertwee adventure Inferno :cool: it seems the Tom Baker adventure Hand Of Fear is getting a DVD release this year.

Other rumoured releases in 2006 include The Daemons and the Troughton Cybermen epic The Invasion :)

Sounds like a good line up!

[LoungeLizard]

The Daemons was definitely a classic and even Damaris Hayman (remember her?) was good as the psychic. One of the big 3 'Paint Box' episodes (together with The Silurians and Terror Of The Autons) which saw the uncut b/w version combined with the cut colour version and 'doctored' (sorry) :p to create a full-length colour master (sorry again) :p copy.

Such a shame that only 6 complete Troughton stories survive though. It would be great to have seen The Invasion and The Web Of Fear all the way through. :(

[James Lee]

Mark Of The Rani is coming out this year. I kind of like this one - its got Kate O'Mara, The Master, George Stephenson and a T-Rex embyro

[christats]

It is Colin Baker though.I'll be having Hand of Fear and The Daemons if they turn up.

[James Lee]

The Daemons was the first Doctor Who story I ever saw, way back in 1992 - after Stingray and The Man From Uncle on Friday nights. Sigh...

I actually really like Colin Baker - I assume me being colour blind makes be immune to the horrors of his coat!

[paramanjara]

Plus Mark of the Rani has one of the singularly silliest/crap effects in Doctor Who ever. I do of course speak of the rubber Dad's Army tree. I always half expect Clive Dunn to clamber out saying "Don't Panic! Don't Panic!"

[christats]

The Daemons was the first Doctor Who story I ever saw, way back in 1992 - after Stingray and The Man From Uncle on Friday nights. Sigh...

I actually really like Colin Baker - I assume me being colour blind makes be immune to the horrors of his coat!
and his blond perm.I have seen virtually nothing of the C.Baker and the Davidson eras,but I believe one or two of the stories were good.
Troughton and Hartnell I am two young to remember.So any Tom Baker release I will buy and the recomended Pertwee ones.

[paramanjara]

A bit blinkered but fair do's

There are some great stories and some turkey's from every doctor. I am too young to remember Hartneel, Troughton, Pertwee and most of Baker (I vaguely recall the his last season) but Troughton is my favourite Doctor, even thoughstrictly speaking my doctors were Davison, Baker and McCoy. I find something to love and sometimes hate, in the best and worst of the stories. Plus I'm a completist so I'll be getting every story they decide to release :D

[James Lee]

I'm a completist of the old series but I won't be touching the new ones with a ten foot barge pole

[christats]

A bit blinkered but fair do's
D
I was talking hair do's.I admit I am blinkered and I know what I don't like.Mainly little Scottish blokes who remind me of a duck quacking.
I also have no reason to buy the two new series.

[CJ34]

Other rumoured releases in 2006 include The Daemons and the Troughton Cybermen epic The Invasion :)
Funnily enough, I was just thinking today that it'd be nice to have The Daemons on DVD - and there it is! Nice one. I'll be having one of those; I like its gothic overtones.

[James Lee]

The Daemons is only a rumour. The Invasion is an odd choice, considering two episodes are still missing. I'd have waited a few more years

[Mutual Friend]

I've said this before and I'll say it again...ENOUGH WITH THE STUPID CHAV FAMILY! Is RTD so sad he has to include these repulsive characters again and again? What I'd give for a nice, posh, middle class family - something like Ian Chesterson and Barbard Wright might have spawned

Oh, what a nasty imperialist little squirt you are. Grow up or stop watching – whichever is easiest for you. :rolleyes:

[James Lee]

The irony is I'm from a council house background and I can assure you we were never like that!

[Mutual Friend]

Then I apologise, your post smacked of a rather underminding view of the 'working class'.

[James Lee]

My problem is that the chav stereotype, regardless of who it is stereotyping, is annoying as hell and has no place in drama.

The funny thing is; the chavs I see aren't working class at all. They're spoilt middle class kids who think they are 'cool'

[richward]

I live on a council estate and regardless of their class status think that Ian and Barbara are more interesting and entertaining than the supposedly more identifiable pantomime character that is Jackie Tyler.

[James Lee]

Ian and Barbera are just so sweet. And Barbera is hotter than Billy Piper!

[Mojo]

The Daemons is only a rumour. The Invasion is an odd choice, considering two episodes are still missing. I'd have waited a few more years

They're all rumours at the moment ( interesting ones, though! )

The Invasion is an excellent story, even with the odd missing episodes ( is there really any hope of recovering these? )

Anyway, according to the Zeta Minor website, the following are all supposedly in the pipeline:

Attack Of The Cybermen
Kinda
Revenge Of The Cybermen
State Of Decay ( commentary recorded )
Terror Of The Autons ( commentary recorded )
The Daemons ( commentary recorded )
The Invasion
Keeper Of Traken ( commentary recorded )
Key To Time series ( commentaries for each recorded )

:)

[James Lee]

"The Invasion is an excellent story, even with the odd missing episodes ( is there really any hope of recovering these? )"

There is always hope. There are still 11 full Hartnell and 3 full Troughton stories left to release anyway and after that the 4 semi-full stories to release on DVD, which are The Reign Of Terror, The Tenth Planet, The Ice Warriors and The Invasion and then there's the Pertwee episodes lacking colour versions of episodes - The Ambassadors Of Death, The Mind Of Evil, Planet Of The Daleks and Invasion Of The Dinosaurs. Lost In Time has taken care of the episodes from stories where 50% or more is still missing

[christats]

3 more Tom Baker stories.Terror of the Autons.Nice.Along with Key To Time which was inevitable as a release here,I already have the R0 set from BBC America.
I just hope the two new series speed up the release of the old ones.
Just like a crap film remake highlights the original.

[James Lee]

Terror Of The Autons would be a good choice - surprised the BBC didn't use this to cash in on that tacky Rose episode. Mind you, Terror Of The Autons has some of the most bizarre awful effects ever. Ever wanted to see a CSO kitchen?

[Mojo]

Terror Of The Autons would be a good choice - surprised the BBC didn't use this to cash in on that tacky Rose episode. Mind you, Terror Of The Autons has some of the most bizarre awful effects ever. Ever wanted to see a CSO kitchen?

:D :D

Yeah - this story is almost ruined by the constant use of CSO backgrounds ( did they not have enough money to build any sets? ) I much prefer Spearhead From Space anyway.

Pity there's so little Troughton stuff available :(

[James Lee]

I think Terror Of The Autons was an experimental project. Barry Letts - who directed and produced the story - was very keen on trying out this new fangled CSO. I'm not 100% on that - maybe the DVD will reveal more. I find CSO most distracting in shots when it's not neccesary - the kitchen in Terror Of The Autons, the shots in The Green Dead of the Doctor driving Bessie through the maggot field - which is just the car against a blue backdrop that doesn't match the actual film shots in the slightest!

[LoungeLizard]

Thoroughly enjoyed Terror Of The Autons but I thought Spearhead From Space was a gem.

Jo (the lovely Katy Manning) was my top Doctor's assistant - with Susan, Ian, and Barbara close behind (I'll cheat and vote for them as one) :D .

Who are your fave sidekicks? (and if anyone says Bonnie Langford then I'll thcweam and thcweam till I'm thick)....... :p :p

[James Lee]

Sarah Jane Smith, Jo Grant, Romana II, Ian & Barbera and Jamie McCrimmon

[LoungeLizard]

Some great choices there. I loved the family-style atmosphere of the early Hartnell stories with Susan, Ian and Barbara. When Carole Ann Ford left and Maureen O'Brien came along as Vicki the series wasn't quite the same (though still good) but Peter Purves et al opposite Hartnell just didn't work at all.

Troughton + Jamie & Zoe were a superb team. Pretty much the same with Pertwee & Jo (sorry Liz Shaw), and Baker & Sarah Jane (though Leela was also pretty unforgettable). :D

[stuhh]

The best combination seems to be the Doctor together with a male and female companion: Ian and Barbara, Jamie and Zoe, Sarah Jane and Harry. It gives the opportunity for just the right amount of clever interplay and different plot threads. For some reason, Sarah Sutton as Nyssa appeals to me as well...

[christats]

So the Cybermen were overthrown by a mobile phone text.:(
Well at least next weeks trailer looks grim and spooky.

[James Lee]

From now on I am not going to watch the new series at all. It's not good for my health

[christats]

I will still watch it.The 2 words f*cking and useless spring to mind.
I challenge anyone to defend it.
I don't like the way the stories are resolved.
The actors are either below par or not suited as well.

I nearly forgot.Who does the Cybermen voices.A ten year old kid holding his nose.Really scary.

[James Lee]

Isn't it the guy who does them for Big Finish. Nicholas Briggs I think he's called.

All Cyber fans should check out the Big Finish audio Spare Parts, which shows that pathetic RTD how to do it properly

[richward]

I have to say I enjoyed it. But it could have been so much better, the whole story needed a re-write. The story just didn't really go anywhere. Disliked Rose running back to her mother at the end, where's the danger etc if you can just run home whenever you want to? The music was awful throughout. Either too loud or just ineffective. David Tennant - That Mockney irritates the hell out of me. A fake accent for what feels like a shallow performance. I haven't seen him in anyything else, so I don't know if all his performances are like this or that he has been told to play it a certain way.

[christats]

I don't think its David Tennants fault.Christopher Eccleston didn't exactly seem to fit or do much.Tennant seems a goodish actor.
There's only so much they can do with inadequate writing.
Why couldn't he be Scottish.?
Sylvester McCoy was.
Maybe thats why he's trying not to be.
The last story had a few moments,I.e wandering past the defrosting cybermen,although the inevitable chase up metal rungs happened.

[Grant]

Good stuff, me and the kids enjoyed it. Nice to see the back of Mickey/Ricky off to do something useful for once too.

Grant

[Johnny_Alucard]

I will still watch it.The 2 words f*cking and useless spring to mind.
I challenge anyone to defend it.
I don't like the way the stories are resolved.
The actors are either below par or not suited as well.

I nearly forgot.Who does the Cybermen voices.A ten year old kid holding his nose.Really scary.

Totally agree - the previous history of the cyber race dismissed in one throwaway statement! Plot elements from previous dalek stories especially 'Genesis...' and 'Dalek Invasion of Earth' used as lame plot devices and worst of all, the rather callous way that the 'good' doctor kills off London's cybermen, by re-activating their humanity and not seeming particularly bothered afterwards - I'd be slightly bothed if I'd committed a form of genocide...still, at least Mickey's gone, all we need now is to get rid of Rose, the current Doctor and the writers - from little acorns as they say! At least one of the BBC's satellite channels showed how it should be done when they repeated 'The Flipside of Dominic Hide' last night - a delightful, quirky, funny time travel fantasy, which is as entertaining now as when it was first shown in 1980 and the sequel's on next week...hurray!

[WillHay]

I will still watch it.The 2 words f*cking and useless spring to mind.
I challenge anyone to defend it.
I don't like the way the stories are resolved.
The actors are either below par or not suited as well.

I nearly forgot.Who does the Cybermen voices.A ten year old kid holding his nose.Really scary.

I stopped watching this one towards the end - absolute garbage. Ineptly written, lousy acting and sloppy directing and editing. The story just doesn't hang together. Tennant's doctor is a pathetic whiner, and the scripts just have him burst into huge chunks of exposition.

[drterror666]

I switched my brain off and enjoyed this story all the more for it.

RTD says that this series is aimed at a family audience. I can understand that, but I'm getting slightly worried about the 'family mentality'. I mean, does RTD really think that these stories are what the 21st Century family audience want? I can understand the need for fast, action orientated stories, but a bit of plot wouldn't go amiss.

The way the Doctor offed the Cybermen is up there with the 'alien virus transmission' from Independence Day! But they're not completely dead, are they? They've got to break through into our dimension for the two part finale. Peggy Mitchell will put them in their place! :rolleyes:

[Grant]

Being an alternate Earth and with the cybermen being invented on Earth I would think that the regular ones have nothing to do with these so continuity still reigns.

Or am I wrong? :confused: Looks like the alternate ones will return in the season finale though. Do they battle the daleks I wonder?

Looks like this series is regularly hitting about 7-8 million viewers and ITV are once again thinking of 'revamping' their programs on a Saturday night!

Grant

[CJ34]

This series (and the last) is just a parody of Dr Who. RTD has successfully turned Dr Who into the Naked Gun of sci-fi television - I vote for Leslie Nielson as the next Doctor. Well done RTD. :rolleyes: