The Doctor Who Thread.....

[Greg1138 3]

One thing about Bernard Cribbins character....of course Cribbins has travelled with the Doctor (albeit in a different guise) before.....I wonder if this wil get a sly mention somewhere?

The was also a reference to Martha being bonkers....I forget the exact sentence, but "Mad Martha" was actually quoted. Those of us who get certain bits of Who from certain sources wonder if this was intentional....the way the sentence was constructed makes me think that maybe it was.....

...and I spotted the Bees thing too - I'm assuming that's related to the trailer we've seen.....though I have learnt with RTD and the clan never to assume anything as far as this series goes.....

[John Crichton 4]

One thing about Bernard Cribbins character....of course Cribbins has travelled with the Doctor (albeit in a different guise) before.....I wonder if this wil get a sly mention somewhere?

You know, I watched parts of both those movies on YouTube and honestly, I'd rather just forget they existed.

"I'm Doctor Who, and this is my space/time ship, TARDIS."

As far as I know Donna's granddad is

former UNIT, but it's not clear if he actually knows the Doctor or not. It didn't seem like it in Partners in Crime.

The was also a reference to Martha being bonkers....I forget the exact sentence, but "Mad Martha" was actually quoted. Those of us who get certain bits of Who from certain sources wonder if this was intentional....the way the sentence was constructed makes me think that maybe it was.....

That was just Donna ribbing the Doctor for Martha liking him. But, as you say with RTD, who knows.

...and I spotted the Bees thing too - I'm assuming that's related to the trailer we've seen.....though I have learnt with RTD and the clan never to assume anything as far as this series goes.....

The bee thing will be in

episode 7, The Hornet and the Wasp, which is also the Agatha Christie episode. And written by Gareth Roberts (The Shakespeare Code). Now you'd assume with it being the Christie episode it'd be in her time period, how that's going to relate to modern day, you've got me.

[Greg1138 3]

For anyone interested, after the success of the "Music and Monsters" Children In Need concert, there is to a a Doctor Who Concert as part of the 2008 Proms Season in the UK......the concert will also feature music from other sources related to time and space, and will be hosted by Freema Ageyman and feature a specially filmed scene featuring David Tennant...

[Richard Penna 3,694]

It'd be nicer if they performed some music from the series itself although I read that the theme will be performed, or probably more accurately crucified.

TBH, I'm not that excited about the proms this year, particularly the film one. The orchestra performances of dynamic tracks are somewhat lacklustre (Escape to Paradise last year was a pretty underwhelming performance for me) and they usually only choose British films from like the 30s and 40s by composers I've barely heard of.

[Greg1138 3]

Wow...just watched The Fires of Pompeii - what I thought was going to be an entertaining historical alien romp was indeed just that for the first 35 minutes, and then turned into perhaps the most emotional 10 minutes of Who of the 4 series! Effects, superb....acting, top notch (especially Tate!! How wrong I am being proved about her....), direction, everything.....absolutely superb....

Who knew!!

[aj_vader 534]

Wow...just watched The Fires of Pompeii - what I thought was going to be an entertaining historical alien romp was indeed just that for the first 35 minutes, and then turned into perhaps the most emotional 10 minutes of Who of the 4 series! Effects, superb....acting, top notch (especially Tate!! How wrong I am being proved about her....), direction, everything.....absolutely superb....

Who knew!!

I AGREE!

It was an amazing episode, cant wait for the rest of the series!

[John Crichton 4]

Count me in too, absolutely great, everything was clicking. This should shut up those people who were whining about Partners in Crime and what it meant for the rest of the year. This just might be the best historical the new series has done yet.

Parts of the episode were shot on the same outdoor stages in Italy that were used for the series Rome, and it really added to the production value. And The Mill was (oh God, I'm actually gonna say this) on fire (groan). The exterior shots after the eruption were amazing, and I was only watching YouTube quality. And I have to give a mention to Murray Gold, another great score. VotD and last week's were good too, but this was his best in a while. He just might be getting back to his Series 2 form when he wrote his best stuff so far.

Next week: some more odd Ood.

[aj_vader 534]

Count me in too, absolutely great, everything was clicking. This should shut up those people who were whining about Partners in Crime and what it meant for the rest of the year. This just might be the best historical the new series has done yet.

Parts of the episode were shot on the same outdoor stages in Italy that were used for the series Rome, and it really added to the production value. And The Mill was (oh God, I'm actually gonna say this) on fire (groan). The exterior shots after the eruption were amazing, and I was only watching YouTube quality. And I have to give a mention to Murray Gold, another great score. VotD and last week's were good too, but this was his best in a while. He just might be getting back to his Series 2 form when he wrote his best stuff so far.

Next week: some more odd Ood.

Yeah cant wait for next weeks! Ood... Scary Ood!

The Murray music was very good this week, but the best cue was when the Volcano was exploding and it was the cue from Voyage of the Dammed, but still loved it

[Greg1138 3]

Season 4 seems to be settling into mood now.....and that mood appears to be a good fun one.....Planet of the Ood, whilst not a classic episode by any means, is exactly that - good fun....

More mentions of the bees, and that somewhat startling line from Ood Sigma at the end.....and next week we see some old "friends", a not-so-old friend and a bunch of military-types whom I presume (due to the presence of the not-so-old friend), are UNIT bursting back on to the scene....

This season is an enjoyable romp so far - more please!!!!!

EDIT: Incidentally, I ws just browsing local news stories when I most distressed to discover that the amazing Gloucester Cathedral, which is about 15 minutes walk from my home (and I am playing at a service there on Wednesday night this week), has caught the eye of some other ACQUAINTANCES of the good Doctor's.....

[Richard Penna 3,694]

Parts of the episode were shot on the same outdoor stages in Italy that were used for the series Rome, and it really added to the production value. And The Mill was (oh God, I'm actually gonna say this) on fire (groan). The exterior shots after the eruption were amazing, and I was only watching YouTube quality.

That makes a lot of sense. When I was watching those parts I was thinking 'wow, they have the budget for this??!'.

The effects were indeed a lot better than I thought they would be. When it was reported that the series wasn't being shot in High Def (a decision I still think they really should have thought more about) because of the cost of visual effects, it isn't hard to see why.

[John Crichton 4]

EDIT: Incidentally, I ws just browsing local news stories when I most distressed to discover that the amazing Gloucester Cathedral, which is about 15 minutes walk from my home (and I am playing at a service there on Wednesday night this week), has caught the eye of some other ACQUAINTANCES of the good Doctor's.....

Yes, there was a similar report a few weeks ago that I neglected to mention, with a photo. Shots of Cybermen in a cemetary I believe. This is filming for this year's Christmas special, which I've also seen rumors that place it not modern day this year, but either the Edwardian or Victorian era (can't remember which).

John- who hopes to catch the odd Ood fun later tonight

[John Crichton 4]

OK, the Ood's ep was definately good. Nice development for the species, especially since they've always been called villans but were certainly not evil in their Series 2 appearance, they were victims. Tim McInnerny was very good, bringing a lot of interesting things to a character that could have been very dull. There were a couple of times when I thought I caught a bit of Darling's old facial tic too.

I love the way the Doctor and Donna's relationship is progressing, so much more mature. It was great when she just gave it right back to him after his slavery speech.

Did anyone else catch the subtle little reference to an old William Hartnell story?

Next week- The Sontaran Stratagem. UNIT. The ATMOS machine. Sounds like all the trappings of a classic 70s serial to me. I wholeheartedly approve.

Oh, and Martha's back too.

Greg, I forgot to ask, any chance you could do a bit of spying for us? Get a JWFan Who exclusive!

[pixie_twinkle 48]

(Trying not to read any Dr Who spoilers..... Keeping eyes off above posts...)

TORCHWOOD

SPOILERS BELOW. BIG ONES! DON'T READ UNLESS YOU WANT TO KNOW THE END OF THE SECOND SEASON OF TORCHWOOD!

Fragments: Well, I thought the penultimate episode was a real cracker. Best of the season. Wonderful spirit and sense of fun. I really enjoyed it. I wish more of S2 had been this good.

Final Episode: This one was a real disappointment. I didn't think much of Captain John first time around, and here he was little improvement. Jack's brother was equally forgettable. The dialogue was never anything more than sentimentally over-melodramatic. No offense to the Americans present, but this episode had "made for an American audience" written all over it. The bloody soap-opera drama was almost unbearable at times. If there's one thing we Brits do very well it's drama. And comedy. And beer. And cheese. And curry. Well let's face it, we do most things pretty well This episode just didn't feel, well, British.

The only moment where the tragedy of the final deaths really came across effectively was when the recording of Tosh said goodbye to Owen, and finally admitted she loved him. That was a terrific moment that far transcended anything else in this rather disappointing episode.

On the other hand I'm loving Sarah Jane Adventures! It is what it is, and manages to do it quite charmingly.

[John Crichton 4]

On the other hand I'm loving Sarah Jane Adventures! It is what it is, and manages to do it quite charmingly.

Yes, I haven't mentioned that, so am I. It's charming, light, and fun, and it's wonderful to see Sarah in a starring role. I'm not a fan of that Luke kid, but the girl that plays Maria is very good. Quite frankly, I like it more than Torchwood.

[Greg1138 3]

Greg, I forgot to ask, any chance you could do a bit of spying for us? Get a JWFan Who exclusive!

Will do my best!! :cool:

Meanwhile, more photos from the filming HERE....

EDIT: And one from me too

[John Crichton 4]

Hmm, a blue...something...under a white tarp. What could it mean?

Nice one, Greg, good luck if you're going back. And just reading that article, if they are right that both Donna and Rose are in the special too, that would contradict a lot of the rumors flying around about how Series 4 is going to end.

[Greg1138 3]

Right - no sign of withwr Donna or Rose yet companion-wise - just a bloke in a Parka jacket....

As far as the rumours flying around bout the end of series 4 - would it be stoking the fire to say that a major funeral scene (with the Doctor looking very sombre) was filmed on Monday?

A couple more photos below.....apologies for quality but camera-phone not the best!! Am going back tonight (it's their last night of filming tonight) with a decent camera to maybe get a couple more.....

This was a closed of part of the set - just next to the van is a large piece of wood blocking the public's view and just behind it was the alcove where I took the TARDIS photo...much rehearsing took place here of a singel line - "Oh, Gracious!".

This was a view of another set (though only a few yards away).....

And finally a view of the set in rehearsals......including - if you look closely - some Tennant bloke dressed up as a Doctor......

Greg

[John Crichton 4]

As far as the rumours flying around bout the end of series 4 - would it be stoking the fire to say that a major funeral scene (with the Doctor looking very sombre) was filmed on Monday?

Well, they're only supposed to be shooting for Christmas right now, all of Series 4 proper is supposed to be in the can. But I wouldn't put it past certified Evil Genius RTD to sneak in something pivotal for the end of the series under the guise of filming for Christmas.

From all the set reports I've seen before it seems the production crew are very accomodating and will allow fans pretty much free access, within reason obviously. And it's not at all unheard of for that humble Scottish chap in the suit to give the fans a few minutes between shots...Good luck tonight!

[pixie_twinkle 48]

This thread's been quiet for a few days so here are my opinions on Sarah Jane and Dr Who:

Sarah Jane episodes 2 and 3. Well, apart from the hideous fact that these seem to have been rather heavily edited for American TV (they run to around 20 minutes each with commercials making up the remaining 9 minutes or so!) I really enjoyed these episodes. The Slitheen worked better in Sarah Jane than in Dr Who I thought. The childish fart-joke humour didn't clash quite so badly. As for episode 1 of the Gorgon episode, wow, great stuff! The cast were excellent. This episode had a wonderful 70s Dr Who feel. The new cast member (the young black kid) is an excellent addition. He manages to be funny without being annoying. This show has all the makings of being a long-runner.

Partners in Crime. GREAT! I was nervous about Donna's return, but her newfound investigative instincts have made her less of a noisy annoying cliche, and much more watchable. The scene where she and the Doctor see each other for the first time through the windows was brilliantly written and performed, particularly by Tate. The little fat-creatures were hysterical! I was in tears during all those scenes. So silly. Only in Dr Who... As for the penultimate scene with a certain character appearing. Wow. As someone mentioned above, goose-bump city!

[John Crichton 4]

Glad to hear you liked Partners James, I can tell you after 4 eps it's easily the weakest one so far. And that's not a knock, I enjoyed it too. The "mime" scene when the Doctor and Donna first see each other has me almost rolling on the floor every time. And re-watching it on Sci-Fi in better quality I very much enjoyed the score. Murray Gold is really on a roll right now, not just with new music but with using the themes he's developed the last few years, particularly Donna's theme and the Doctor Forever theme. My only gripe is that there was a great scene cut for American transmission, the one where the Doctor's in the TARDIS chattering away at 100 miles an hour until he realizes he's the only one there.

I won't post full thoughts until after the second part airs next week, but I will say now that the wait for the return of the Sontarans and UNIT was very much worth it. Very much.

[Greg1138 3]

I won't post full thoughts until after the second part airs next week, but I will say now that the wait for the return of the Sontarans and UNIT was very much worth it. Very much.

Absolutely.....I have just caught up with this episode myself - and I wasn't particularly looking forward to it as it is a long time since the Sontarans have been "proper" bad guys.....but they are back on form here and another episode has followed the season pattern and been a great fun romp....so far I am enjoying this season more than the previous one.

My only problem with this episode was the cliffhanger - or lack of one....it just didn't really do anything.....even the makers seem to have had a real problem with it (notice how the Doctor Who banner that introduces the "Next Time" section appeared in the wrong place?).

Greg

[Richard Penna 3,694]

I thought that was a great cliffhanger - all hell breaking loose and even the doctor not having a clue what to do. That 'dance' that the sontarans did was a little odd though... and the kid joining in

BTW - I love your signature Greg. Which episode is it from?

[John Crichton 4]

That 'dance' that the sontarans did was a little odd though... and the kid joining in

Sontar-ha!

The cliffhanger was a bit stretched out, and it might have been more effective focusing on the worldwide situation rather than Wilf (or maybe if Donna was in the car instead/too), but it still worked.

The racketball shot into the probic vent was genius, not to mention keeping up nicely with what's been established about the Sontarans.

[Greg1138 3]

I love your signature Greg. Which episode is it from?

Ummmm - hell - I can't remember.....I just thought it was a cool quote I found somewhere....."Blink", maybe?

[John Crichton 4]

Yeah, that's Blink. Steven Moffat's dialouge is unmistakable.

[Richard Penna 3,694]

This week's episode... wow

Some really nice character moments and I thought the story was excellent. The doctor's little lines and quips are just getting better.

The preview for next week though - even more shocking than a certain surprise appearance in the first episode, and

boy does she look hot

. Can't wait.

[John Crichton 4]

I can't even begin to get into all the ways this episode was wonderful. Great action, great story, all the emotion and character was there. Even a twist/cliffhanger ending. And I love how UNIT was handled. Even the Doctor didn't think much of them anymore, and they came through in spades just like the old days. That Col. Mace chap will do just fine, and his big speech was great.

And you say you want continuity porn? Hoo boy, let's see: Rutans- check. The Brig- check. The Valiant- check. A totally random and wonderful reference to The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances- check. And a Rose cherry on top. And I'll be the second to say it: Georgia Moffett is hot.

Now, what was Alistair doing in Peru?

[Richard Penna 3,694]

Ah yes, I missed the second appearance of her - I paused and rewound just to make sure I'd seen that right.

[John Crichton 4]

So did I! And I had to go back and listen to the exchange about the Brigadier again too. I'm pretty sure I heard Mace call him Sir Alistair.

[Greg1138 3]

Yes - all agreed - enormous fun - and I had to rewind to check the Rose appearance too!

The references were fun to spot, the story whipped along at a cracking pace, Donna's Mum showed her muscle (!)....good episode once more....

In general, I think Season 3 hit the mark as far as pure TV drama is concerned and Season 4 does not seem to reach that level, but it doesn't seem to be trying - it just seems happy to be a good fun romp, and where Doctor Who is concerned that suits me just fine....

Question.....who is the Mother????

[Unlucky Bastard 7,782]

ABC2 just aired the second episode with the creepy kid in a gas mask. Now that was freaky.

[Hitch 57]

Doctor....I.....am your daughter.

[John Crichton 4]

Question.....who is the Mother????

I'm expecting some kind of twist. Genetic manipulation, that sort of thing. Or it could be Madame du Pompadour.

Honestly though, I'd rather want to know what Alastair was doing in Peru!

[Greg1138 3]

The Doctor's Daughter - more fun (with an unnecessary tacked-on ending?), the Agatha Christie episode - enormous fun once again (and we were clearly wrong about all those mentions of the bees!! Looks like more to come)....

The title of the penultimate episode of series 4 is being kept top secret......

And finally - RTD has finally announced he's to STEP DOWN, to be replaced by Steven Moffat as we suspected....Moffat said: "I applied before but I got knocked back 'cos the BBC wanted someone else. Also I was seven.". I know that quote's on the link I provided, but I thought it was a cool quote

Greg

[John Crichton 4]

And finally - RTD has finally announced he's to STEP DOWN, to be replaced by Steven Moffat as we suspected....

'Scuse me a moment...

YES YES YES YES!!!

*ahem* Thanks.

I'm sorry to see Davies go, he's done a great job, but four years is long enough and...come on, it's Steven F'n Moffat! Hopefully Tennant will stick around for another couple of years.

The Doctor's Daughter- Much better than Greenhorn's mess last year (Lazarus). I liked twist at the end about the timeframe the story takes place in. Georgia Moffat is both gorgeous and talented, and she and the Doctor developed a nice relationship in a short time. I liked the ending just so we might get her back later on. But Martha didn't really need to be there.

The Unicorn and the Wasp- More classic Gareth Roberts fun. And yes, I for one mistook wasps for bees in the first trailer. Guess that's still to come.

[pixie_twinkle 48]

ARE THERE ANY DUTCH DR WHO FANS HERE???

I ordered the Dr Who DVD Earthshock (Peter Davison) from a seller on Amazon Marketplace. I received the Dutch release. It's region 2, and it's an official UNOPENED BBC DVD. The only difference from the UK version is all the text on the box is in Dutch, and the Dutch subtitles (which can be turned off, apparently) automatically appear onscreen when you watch the disk.

When I told the seller it was not what I wanted (I'm a bit anal about my collections and really want the UK release) they refunded my money and told me I could keep the DVD anyway. Very nice of them, I thought. SO...

I am happy to post this Earthshock DVD to anyone here who wants it, free of charge! It's brand new, sealed. It's a gift horse! So if Steef (who I know visits this thread on occasion) or anyone else would like this feel free to send me your address in a PM and I'll post it to you.

[Richard Penna 3,694]

I forgot to post last week

Very cool episode, although the CG wasp was a little on the dodgy side. And yes John, I mistook it for one of the bees we keep hearing references to. I guess there's something more to come concerning them.

I'm very curious about the newest trailer airing on BBC, with

Rose running around carrying a big gun

, although I'm a little concerned about

how they're going to bring her back given how the Doctor made such a big thing at the end of season 2 about how it's impossible for them to ever meet again...

. I hope it won't be another RTD plot 'fix' like

turning back time

was at the end of the last season.

[aj_vader 534]

Did anyone see our new villian at the end of the trailer?

[John Crichton 4]

There was certainly a Davros-like figure hidden in shadow.

[Greg1138 3]

There was certainly a Davros-like figure hidden in shadow.

Indeed.....my appetite iswhettened for a showdown to end all Who showdowns.....if it IS Davros and it an EVIL Davros (in Wisher mode) we have some treats to come.....

Bets on Actor's please? Did Kingsley finally sign on the dotted line? Was the mention of David Bowie just an Oddity? Who else was rumoured?

Greg

[John Crichton 4]

None of the above, it's all but confirmed that it's....

Julian Bleach

There are also supposedly photos of the new Davros that have been leaked and distributed privately. Those that have seen them say Davros' design is pretty much the same as the old days, just with a few minor tweaks (a larger headrest, some bits and bobs on his tunic).

[pixie_twinkle 48]

None of the above, it's all but confirmed that it's....

Julian Bleach

There are also supposedly photos of the new Davros that have been leaked and distributed privately. Those that have seen them say Davros' design is pretty much the same as the old days, just with a few minor tweaks (a larger headrest, some bits and bobs on his tunic).

Let's hope the mask looks more like the original snug-fitting, realistic Michael Wisher mask (which still impresses) than the chunky blubbery Terry Molloy mask. Also, I really hope the actor can rasp and hiss his lines like Wisher did. Mind you, Wisher talked like that normally! He still rasps in Carnival of Monsters!

[John Crichton 4]

It was all that smoking! Tom Baker has a great story (doesn't he always...) on the Genesis DVD about how Wisher did all the rehersals with a paper bag over his head to get used to what the mask would feel like, and he was always smoking so it looked like a chimney.

I'll never argue that Wisher wasn't the best Davros, he clearly was, but I still have a soft spot for Molloy's performance. It's not his fault the writing wasn't as good.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,265]

ARE THERE ANY DUTCH DR WHO FANS HERE???

I ordered the Dr Who DVD Earthshock (Peter Davison) from a seller on Amazon Marketplace. I received the Dutch release. It's region 2, and it's an official UNOPENED BBC DVD. The only difference from the UK version is all the text on the box is in Dutch, and the Dutch subtitles (which can be turned off, apparently) automatically appear onscreen when you watch the disk.

When I told the seller it was not what I wanted (I'm a bit anal about my collections and really want the UK release) they refunded my money and told me I could keep the DVD anyway. Very nice of them, I thought. SO...

I am happy to post this Earthshock DVD to anyone here who wants it, free of charge! It's brand new, sealed. It's a gift horse! So if Steef (who I know visits this thread on occasion) or anyone else would like this feel free to send me your address in a PM and I'll post it to you.

Thank you but I am only an occasional watcher of this show. I'm sure you can make someone else far more happy then moi.

[Greg1138 3]

Silence in the Library........ A very O.F.T. episode.......

O.F.T. = Officially F***ing Terrifying.

Anyone gonna argue??

Goooooood....

[John Crichton 4]

I wouldn't dream of arguing.

All that aside though, the main thing I want to know is what the deal is with Ms. River Song.

[Richard Penna 3,694]

Yes, the Doctor seems to be rather freaked out by that, plus the fact that she

has a sonic screwdriver

.

It's just like Moffat to come up with the idea of ghosting - a really haunting idea, and heaven knows what the little girl has got to do with all this...

[Melange 446]

I haven't really been watching the Dr who episodes apart from the first two or so, and after that I never managed to finish a whole episode. They didn't hold my interest. But I saw some of that episode last night about the library. I thought it was pretty clever and the story seemed a bit more interesting than some of the silly ones I'd seen bits of prior to this. Saying that, I still didn't end up watching it all. It just seems to be shown at a time when I want to go off and do other things. But from what I saw of it, it was one of the more interesting episodes. All I've got to say is - "Is the nice woman there?"

[John Crichton 4]

I think this year has been outstanding so far, Partners in Crime was probably the weakest but I found it to be a hell of a lot of fun.

[aj_vader 534]

I think this year has been outstanding so far, Partners in Crime was probably the weakest but I found it to be a hell of a lot of fun.

yeah Partners in Crime was loads of fun, but i thought that the Doctor's Daughter was a bit flat and thought that was the weakest too along side Partners in Crime.

Can't wait for next week now, Forest Of The Dead its called