Doctor Who, Series Five - "Bow ties are cool."

[Dasquian Belargic]

The latest series of Doctor Who has just started over here in the UK. I'm not sure if it's airing simultaneously in the US, but I thought I'd start a thread for it anyway! I'm a newcomer to the Doctor, having only watched watched episode of the David Tennant series, and I thought now would be a good time to hop into the show :) Who's watching with me?

[Captain Untouchable]

I am!

Having seen all of the Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant episodes, this new guy is taking a little getting used to... but he's doing a fantastic job of slipping in little nuances and references to not just his immediate predecessors, but some of the older Doctors as well: I keep spotting a little Tom Baker or John Pertwee in the way he looks at things and what not, which pleases my inner geek a great deal.

He has me won over. For now.

I'm also liking the new style, with regards to how the new series is put together. I can't put my finger on what makes it different... but there's a fresh feel to stuff. Maybe they've tweaked the contrast on the cameras or something?

I kinda like the new TARDIS. I also like the subtle Star Wars reference with his new screwdriver.

Oh, and Amy Pond. Scottish? Redhead? Oh my. :love

[Dasquian Belargic]

I am a little bit smitten with Amy Pond... :3

[Aidan Fox]

#@%&ing Syfy channel didn't renew their rights to Doctor Who, so the only way to see it in the States is to watch BBC America... which I don't get. Nice going, Syfy, you had exactly one show worth watching, and you blew it. Have fun with your ghost-hunting shows and third-rate WCW events.

Jace, I remember feeling the same way about David Tennant when he arrived to replace Christopher Eccleston - how could he possibly succeed such an excellent performance? It's hard to believe now we're all wondering the same thing about this new guy, but I'm encouraged by the high level of quality we've seen throughout the entire show. I truly wish I could enjoy it with you Brits; Doctor Who was the last sci-fi gem I had to look forward to since Deep Space Nine ended.

[Mitch]

Didn't much care for the new Doctor. He was a dick most of the time, and not in the charming, "Oh, he's a dick, but he's a dick for a good reason which is actually helpful," kind of way.

Also not digging how cheap, 70's and disco Romper Room the new Tardis is looking, inside.

[Captain Untouchable]

I like that he's a dick, though... and more of an overt, non-constructive dick. I think it's the sort of thing that will grow into something better: but lets face it. The Doctor has died, what, ten times now? Usually, it's because someone didn't listen to his advice and it caused some sort of mess; or because someone else was being a malevolant prick and he had to fix it.

I think it's about time we had a Doctor who is a little less appologetic about his arrogance: who illicits that "Damn it: I know you're right, but I'm struggling to overcome the urge to punch you in the face" reaction.

Looking back on it a day after, I did actually rather enjoy the first episode, and think I may well watch it again on iPlayer before the week is out. This in no way relates to kissograms, or anything like that. ;)

[Mitch]

I think it's about time we had a Doctor who is a little less appologetic about his arrogance: who illicits that "Damn it: I know you're right, but I'm struggling to overcome the urge to punch you in the face" reaction.

But, I don't think I could ever take an actor as young as Matt Smith seriously in that sort of role. Especially not in a bow tie.

Christopher Eccleston could do it, because he could get crazy scary and intimidating, but Matt Smith... he's less threatening than Michael Cera, to me.

[Dasquian Belargic]

"I'm the bloody Queen, mate!" :lol

Ian McNeice as Churchill? Win.

[Captain Untouchable]

By the standards of Doctor Who, I thought last week's episode was a little weak: felt a bit... fluffy and vague, like they were just looking for something to plug the gap between 1 & 3.

As Jenny pointed out though, some awesome lines in it ( :lol ), and I also liked how this is the first time when the Assistant has saved the day, without the Doctor being "indisposed". Every other time the Assistant has been the hero, the Doctor has been at Dalek gunpoint, or locked in a cage, or something like that. This was the first time that he was "out-Doctored" by his Assistant. Which bodes well: looks like they're aiming to make Amy a bit of a heroine in her own right, rather than a mere sidekick.

I also like how they seem to be linking the episodes together this time around. They've always had an overarching plot, with clues for the finale seeded throughout the series... but actually flowing from adventure to adventure like that seems pretty cool. I hope we don't wind up with a 24 situation though: left wondering when the hell they get any sleep!

And yes. More of the Amy Pond love. :love

[Dasquian Belargic]

The main issue I had with this episode was how little subtlety it had. As an attack on the government, it was pretty hamfisted, especially the 'FORGET / PROTEST' buttons when we are just coming up to the election.

I mean, if that wasn't an intentional jab at the system, then it was a huuuuge coincidence.

[Atreyu]

Whilst on the topic of Doctor Who, the following article is a good read :). It goes right through the history of the show, in particular looking at the first 8 doctors (9 & 10 are looked at briefly at the end):

The A.V. Club: Doctor Who Primer (http://www.avclub.com/articles/doctor-who,39924/)

[Droo]

I'm late on the bandwagon with this simply because I've been kept very busy with work these last couple of weeks and haven't really had the time to sit down in front of the telly to watch a good show. God bless BBC iPlayer!

So having just watched the first episode of the latest series I've decided to follow through with a commitment to the entire series because I found The Eleventh Hour to be absolutely thrilling from start to finish. I don't know how much it differs from previous episodes in terms of style or forumla because I've never been a follower of Doctor Who, although I have seen quite a few episodes featuring both Tennant and Eccleston in the past and had enjoyed them thoroughly so I had little doubt I'd find this new series entertaining at least to some extent. Anyway, I found the scenes with the little girl very sweet and touching, and I think Matt Smith is a joy to watch on the screen, which is filled from corner to corner with his vibrant hyper-active performance, and I found the comedy, action, and pacing of the episode absolutely spot on. And while I generally find the antagonists in Doctor Who episodes to be the least engaging aspect of the show, that is not a problem because it's everything else that's going on that keeps me watching.

I think I'll check out The Beast Below tomorrow...

Wow, that sounds pervy. :ohno

[Captain Untouchable]

The main issue I had with this episode was how little subtlety it had. As an attack on the government, it was pretty hamfisted, especially the 'FORGET / PROTEST' buttons when we are just coming up to the election.

I mean, if that wasn't an intentional jab at the system, then it was a huuuuge coincidence.

If it is an intentional jab, does that mean I can vote for the Demon Headmaster as my local MP? :ohno

[Dasquian Belargic]

Victory of the Daleks

Bah to the Daleks. Bah! I find them a totally boring, unthreatening enemy. I know they must have been scary when they first turned up, but I wish they'd bugger off. Still, I'm a sucked for a Union Jack fluttering in the wind so I did enjoy this episode. Even the fighter planes in space :lol

[Captain Untouchable]

The new Daleks were a bit... meh. Cool to see them go back towards the retro design, but it's far from the best way they've been dealt with in this series. I am genuinely intrigued by the cracks in time arc that they're setting up: it's much more overt, and thus more ominous than most of the other stuff they've done to tie each season together.

Also, note to George Lucas: next time you're going to call something "Bravo Squadron", please take inspiration from that episode. Thanks.


Edit:

Jenny - next week's episode draws on a couple of David Tennant episodes. The Weeping Angels were introduced in "Blink", which was a superb bit of story writing, and was written by Steve Moffat: the guy who is now running the show. Might be worth trying to dl it before next week, just to get a little background on the villain, to see why they're meant to be scary, etc.

Also, River Song comes back: she was introduced in "Silence in the Library" and "Forest of the Dead" in Season 4 (also Steve Moffat episodes), and there's some complex stuff there, too. Obviously they'll explain it for the benefit of Amy, but you might wanna grit your teeth and tolerate Catherine Tate for a few hours, just so you can have it explained in a bit more depth and detail.

[Dasquian Belargic]

So I am just catching up on Time of the Angels and Flesh and Stone! I didn't get a chance to familiarise myself with River Song's history so I'm hoping that I can piece it together as these episodes go on ^_^;

Can I just say how much I laughed at "Have you got space teeth!?" :lol

[Emelie Shadowstar]

So... I could never get into this show before (There was something about the way it looked that drove me up the wall that I could never get past, sadly. - Though it's gone in this new incarnation of it. *shrug* dunno. )

Anyway...so the other day I was over at a friend's place and Flesh and Stone was on (guess they're big Doctor Who fans and were like "we're watching this...NOW. dammit.) Dear God... :| Nothing has creeped me out that much since watching eps of X-Files back in the day. Keep expecting to turn the light on in the bedroom when it's dark and have one of those damn angels staring me down. :shakefist

So naturally I was won over and have now gone back to watching the eps that are on the BBC America OnDemand... which right now is just up to ep 2. *pouts* Ep 1 was fun, though so ...yeah... looking forward to when they actually give us more episodes.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I know what you mean about the 'look' of Doctor Who. British sci-fi always lacks a certain... polish or gloss about it, which I guess is either because of the budget in comparison to US stuff, or just the technical method with which it's filmed. It's something that has bothered me about a number of homegrown shows. I'm glad that it doesn't seem so noticeable in the new Who.

[Captain Untouchable]

Wasn't as thrilled by Venice as I was by the WW2 episode, or the first Angels episode (do they make Commando Cleric action figures? :lol ), but the character portrayal is fun. Matt Smith especially is getting some brilliant moments (the cake!); and I like Rory, since unlike most of the other "friends of the companion", he was actually somewhat useful, and coped rather well.

Loved that Rory knew how the TARDIS worked, and how upset the Doctor was about him not saying "it's bigger on the inside". There seems to be a lot of self-mocking this year (especially mocking of the clichés that Russell T Davis injected into the series), which are always fun.

As for River Song: her relationship with the Doctor is totally non sequitur, so going back to watch the episode later is no problem. However, if you can't be bothered, all you need to know about is that (seriously: don't read if you plan to actually watch the episodes) when the Doctor and River met for the "first" time (from the Doctor's perspective), he was David Tennant. She keeps a diary that maps out the Doctor's life, which the Doctor refuses to read because of "spoilers". And somehow, she winds up as a Professor of archaeology or something. Oh, and River died.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Vampires of Venice was a fairly campy episode, but Matt Smiths antics continue to entertain me :eee The next episode looks dramatic/creepy!

[Dasquian Belargic]

Who's still watching along with me? Having been out of the country during the airing of the last episode, I just watched Amy's Choice this morning and was surprisingly moved by what was going on. The reactions to Rory's "death" were particularly hard-hitting, especially Amy's: "Well what use are you?" (or something to that effect, when the Doctor said he couldn't save everyone)

Onto the latest episode now :)

[Droo]

Yeah, I thought the Amy's Choice was particularly well done in terms of character development, especially in adding more depth and dimension to the relationship between Amy and Rory. And yes, I too found it rather moving.

One of my favourite bits was when Rory was hesitant to hit an old woman with what was, I think, a cricket bat, and Amy, upon seeing her fiancé's hesitation, simply barks "Whack her!" like hitting old women is such a normal occurence. It was a stop and rewind moment for me. I laughed my arse off.

And Jenny, be warned, the latest episode is the first of a two-parter. When it ended I was all "Nooooooo!"

[Dasquian Belargic]

That was a great moment :lol I love how matter of fact Amy can be.

I watched the preview for the next ep and wasn't hugely excited by it - but I'm finding that's becoming a trend for this show, for me. I never think "OH WOW DOCTOR WHO IS ON!" and rush to watch, but when I do sit down with an episode I am glued to the screen for 45 mins.

[Droo]

I was like that, I'd just fall back on the reliable BBC iPlayer to catch up but now Saturdays have become Doctor Who days. So much so that I've just ordered the Seasons 1-4 boxset from Amazon. :eee

[Dasquian Belargic]

The David Tennant episodes?

[Droo]

Christopher Ecclestone and David Tennant. Fifty quid for the lot including all the specials except the very last one.

[Dasquian Belargic]

That was quite a cliffhanger.

**** Amy :ohno ****

[Captain Untouchable]

I agree with you about the whole Rory death thing, Jenny: they handled it in a surprisingly grown up way, and are setting a trend for that, which seems to be something that Steve Moffat has brought to the show. I really like Rory so far, and like the direction they're taking things in; much better than the Rose/Mickey prototype from the Eccleston season.

Plus... I echo the "Noooooooo!" sentiments of my fellow Brits ( :ohno ) and think Amy should dress for Rio more often, though. :3

How is the box set presented, Droo? It may sound like an incredibly OCD, anal question, but one of the things that worries me about buying a self-contained box set like that is whether or not the next special, the Matt Smith seasons, etc will "match". It's a constant source of annoyance to me that the Season 2 box set of Stargate Atlantis is a different height to the others. :(

...I may have to buy a Region 1 version and swap the discs over, just so my DVD shelf looks neat. ^_^;

[Droo]

Well, this (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-1-4-Complete-DVD/dp/B002KSA41U/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1275004866&sr=8-4) is the box set I bought. Inside each series has it's own case and they're all uniform in presentation with each other. While the designs of the cases for the fifth series seem to differ in style, I think you can relax in the knowledge they won't be different shapes or sizes. I could be wrong but in any case, I'm very happy with this box set.

Just finished the ninth episode of the first season, an episode called The Empty Child, and I have to admit I think I'm enjoying these episodes more than the new ones. I love Matt Smith's Doctor and I think Amy Pond is a fantastic character, especially how she was introduced and her relationship with the doctor in particular. I like the new TARDIS. However, there's something about these early episodes that I've watched which feels so fresh and engaging and fun; I think the stories are better. The Father's Day episode had me moved to tears by the end of it - it was just wonderful. Such a powerful and human episode.

And now, I have only four episodes left of the wonderful Christopher Ecclestone and I'm already in mourning because he really is a joy to watch. His Doctor has such a vibrancy and carefree love of life about him, he just seems perpetually pleased with things, any things. You get the impression he finds joy where others can't because of the life he lives. And yet he's still haunted by a terrible past and he can deliver the heavy acting and give his character a harsh, even embittered side when the time calls for it.

To any who are new to Doctor Who and are enjoying the fifth series, I simply cannot recommend this first series highly enough - it's just so thoroughly entertaining. And ps. The Empty Child. Best episode so far but it's a two-parter so I'll save my thoughts for later. Now I'm going to watch the next episode and go to bed. :)

[Captain Untouchable]

I really like Chris' Doctor, but there was something about the first series that, while I enjoyed it, didn't quite work with me. I enjoyed it at the time, but there are only a handful of episodes that I would go back and watch again... including the last few that you've yet to watch, actually!

Have to say though, as opening character-introduction lines go, "Hello, I'm the Doctor. Run for your life." is pretty good!

Also, what do you think of the new Daleks, Droo? Do you prefer the Season 1 Daleks, or the more traditional-looking Matt Smith Daleks? There's some "controvosy" over them.

[Droo]

I'm not a fan of the big bright colours in Series Five to tell you the truth. I can't imagine a race like the Daleks would care to paint themselves in such a garishly gay way. It makes them even less intimidating.

[Dasquian Belargic]

They can be whatever colour they want, they still won't scare me. Those Angels were far creepier.

As an aside, we have the http://www.doctorwhoexhibitions.com/ in Newcastle until Halloween!

[Dasquian Belargic]

1x10 Vincent and the Doctor

What a delightful episode! Quite touching too. Richard Curtis dead a great job as a guest writer. I found the actor playing Van Gogh really excellent, especially when the Doctor took Vincent to see his paintings.

[Droo]

Holy shit! Next week is going to be one hell of a season finale! :eek

[Captain Untouchable]

So. First half of the finale. Blimey! :eek

Unfortunately, I stumbled on some concept art for the Pandorica, so I'd seen that the Doctor went in the Pandorica; and had pretty much guessed it was built as a prison for him. Even so, there were a load of twists, particularly with Rory that totally caught me out. I love it when that happens, and I have to say: Steve appears to be much less "predictable" with his story arcs, which is great.

Once again, I was impressed by how well the special effects are being handled this year. The full-on, over the top shots - the space battle from back in the Dalek episode, and the ships in the sky tonight in particular - are really good. Even the prosthetics are really on the mark this time around... it's like they shaved off a few layers of the cheese factor, to expose a little more of the gritty awesome underneath.

Also, just watching Confidential: I didn't notice it in the episode, but when the Doctor busts into the underground chamber, the music in the background is from Raiders of the Lost Ark. That in itself is cool... but they actually played the music on set, to make sure that the movements of the actors would sync up with it. I like that.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Oh god, Rory reappearing tugged at the old heartstrings. Amy, don't leave us :cry

[Droo]

And I still don't know what the deal with River Song is at the end of this? I mean, there were stars going supernova all over the place. Did the TARDIS explode? What happened when she opened the door? And I wonder if, somehow, the universe is destroyed but the Doctor is kept safe inside the Pandorica. Think of all the layers of protection he has from all that space-time destruction business! Who knows? But I have to say I'm not too fond of the way the Rory situation has been dealt with - I knew he'd be back but given he's a robot, it won't be for long, which means he will have died three times in the space of a few episodes and come back at least twice. The back-and-forth nature of this character and his relationship with Amy has just left me not really caring what becomes of him now.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I think I found his reappearance more upsetting because I knew what affect it would have on Amy, rather than caring about Rory specifically. Especially after the Doctor was talking to her about the ring - and then knowing that he was a robot and he was going to shoot her... augh :ohno how are they going to get out of this pickle?!

edit: I just watched the end of this episode again, and I have to say - hats off to Matt Smith. His utter despair as he was locked into the Pandorica was brilliant. I love how flawed he is.

[Captain Untouchable]

I think that killing Rory so many times was a necessary part of the narrative. Doing it the first time was part of showing how much he meant to Amy, so they didn't have to over-labour the point in the Silurian episode: they could just play that scene as a perfect piece of emotional drama, without having to explain to us that Amy doesn't see the point of a world without Rory in it; which makes it all the more tragic when she forgets.

The other thing with Rory is that the Doctor likes him. We've seen a few glimpses of the potential that Rory has to be a truely great companion: all of the male companions the Doctor has had recently have pretty much been a bunch of 'tards, but there was so much potential with Rory. And saccrificing himself to save the Doctor: such a noble, and yet ultimately unnecessary thing for him to do; I sort of echo the obvious fondness that the Doctor has for him. Accidentally mentioning his name in the Van Gogh episode was a nice touch to emphasise that.

Steve Moffat keeps coming up with plot threads that I don't see coming, which is making this season absolutely fantastic. The Romans, and Rory, are Autons? Didn't see that coming; and I love the evil genius idea that the villains used Amy's memories to construct a scenario that would lure the Doctor in. I'm a little confused as to how they managed to program Rory with memories up to the time of his death, though; is that just going to be another one of those Doctor Who "psychic magic" moments? And also, was Rory being there intentional, or did they just find the photo of him as a Roman, and get confused?

Initially, I thought that River being "Doctor Song", rather than "Professor Song", was just a way to emphasise the fact that she was younger, and maybe a bit of an Indiana Jones reference. But the whole "Only the Doctor can fly the TARDIS" thing makes me wonder if it's a more deliberate parallel than that.

And just what is going on with the TARDIS? Did it just materialise inside something? Someone is controlling it, and that "Darkness will fall" (which is has featured in every major plot arc for the last couple of years, I think) quote popped up again. Did the TARDIS reroute the call to River on purpose (knowing that she was the only other "Doctor" who could fly the TARDIS), under the influence of whatever external force is controlling it? Just how many Doctor Who villains are smart enough to remote-control the TARDIS... and how many are left when you eliminate (Special Spoiler for Season 3, 4, and last year's specials): the Master and Davros, who have both been big plot arc villains in recent years, and thus are probably too recent for them to recycle just yet? Well, maybe Davros... he did want to destroy the universe, and "make the stars go out", which sorta just happened.

I'd normally make an educated guess of what is going to happen in the finale, but aside from the Doctor being protected from the universe ending inside the Pandorica (is he being stored "outside of time", maybe?), and something to do with the young Amelia Pond showing up, I am at a complete loss to guess what they're planning.

Good show, Mr Moffat. *hats off*

[Dasquian Belargic]

Darkness will fall? I thought it was silence will fall... which it did at the end of the episode! Right? Or am I imagining that the music just cuts out abruptly?

[Dragon]

I'm going to have to join the discussion in another three weeks when BBC America catches up! :(

[Dasquian Belargic]

If it's any consolation, you have some great episodes to look forward to. Also, I :love Karen Gillan:

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[Captain Untouchable]

Aww. Bless lil' scottish heart. :love

Someone needs to clone her. Enough times so that everyone can have one. :mischief

Also, "It's an anagram of stripper." :lol

[Dasquian Belargic]

I don't think this should spoil anything, and it was really too funny to not post:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/tehwofl/thumbs.gif

[Captain Untouchable]

"Look at me! I'm a target!" :lol

Watched the episode again last night with my sister... how did they manage to cram so much cool, drama, and funny in the same episode, and still have it work?

[Dasquian Belargic]

Theory about what must be going on, via someone at SomethingAwful:


[Describing the scene in Flesh and Stone when the Doctor runs off, leaving Amy with the soldiers] And suddenly the Doctor shows up [returns] - except he isn't excited anymore, he is completely somber. He is wearing his jacket [which he'd lost before], and tells Amy that she needs to trust him and "remember what he told her when she was seven," and then he leaves. And then it cuts to the Doctor, sans jacket, very excited and talking to River. I think the somber Doctor is himself post-Pandorica, traveling backwards in time to get Amy to remember... something. The entire time the Doctor is there, he is looking around, really worried. Like he is afraid he might run into himself.

I'm not sure, but I think that, combined with the weirdness of the proto-TARDIS in The Lodger and the probably-not-multiform-shaped shadow running around in The Eleventh Hour, makes it pretty clear that he's going to be running around through his timeline, trying to change around Amy's memories.

:whaa

[Captain Untouchable]

Please, please, please be that!

For a show that is focussed entirely on time travel, they don't go back and revisit their own timeline often enough; aside from cheap gimmicks, like the tie thing from when he met Martha. The episode Blink, and River Song - both of which Steve Moffat came up with - were fantastic steps in that direction, so I really hope they do have something intricately interwoven like that: such a step beyond the simple leaving clues that RTD admittedly did really well during his reign.

Sad news, though. Apparently, Matt Smith was at the BBC for a costume fitting a week or two ago. I hope the bow tie and the tweed jacket aren't tragic casualties of the finale. :(

[Droo]

Not a chance. Bow ties are cool. :colbert

[Captain Untouchable]

Damn right they are!

It cracked me up the other day: I was idly browsing Amazon, checking out the new Sonic Screwdriver toy. At the bottom of the page there was the "Customers who bought this also bought...", and the only things listed were an assortment of bow ties. :lol


I know it's a spoiler for the finale, and probably obvious, but:

The executive producers of Doctor Who have confirmed that Gillan will remain as Amy for the next series, again with Matt Smith.

Yaaaay! :eee

Since David Tennant rattled through one companion a season (Rose only lasted two to provide continuity for the transition from Eccleston to Tennant), I was worried that they were gonna write out another companion again. >_<

[Dasquian Belargic]

RE the above theory, check out this snippet from 'The Eleventh Hour' which we assume is Prisoner Zero in Amy's house, but whose silohuette could very well be the Doctor himself - it looks like the back of a jacket flapping up for a second, and you can see what looks like a wrist/sleeve too: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/tehwofl/shadow.gif

[Droo]

Okay, so I finally checked out those spoilers, and I have to admit feeling very excited about the rest of the season after watching Flesh and Stone, all the foreshadowing with River Song and in particular the scene you mentioned between the Doctor and Amy. It immediately stood out to me and I remember thinking "They're going somewhere with this," and I'd forgotten all about it. There was also a more outlandish theory about Amy in that episode, when she is avoiding the angels and there's a light and she's teleported to River and the Doctor. It was shot a little odd, like they were deliberately trying to prevent you from seeing something and people thought that perhaps she slipped through one of those cracks or something, and when she appeared, it was actually her future self... or something. I can't quite remember the theory exactly but it was interesting and there were also comments about the doctor's jacket back then.

[Dasquian Belargic]

I was worried about how the season is going to end, but if all this stuff isn't just a case of reading too much into it, then I think this season finale is going to be brilliant! :eee

[Captain Untouchable]

It has been confirmed that an action figure of Amy will be released, Karen Gillan noting "They have been very generous."

Generous, eh? :mischief

Edited:

For added (http://www.themindrobber.co.uk/matt-smith-karen-gillan-amy-pond/karen-gillan.jpg) :3

[Dasquian Belargic]

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I love her adorable babbling :3

[Captain Untouchable]

I love her everything. :3

...eat some crumpets? :lol I love how well the two of them get on. All their little bantery blog thingies are brilliant.


Episodes 1 through 12 of this series totals about 9.5 hours of running time. So if I started at about 8am, I could watch the entire run back to back.

Is it weird that I'm considering it? :uhoh

[Droo]

Not really. That's what iPlayer is there for! :)

[Captain Untouchable]

Does iPlayer have the full series, or just the last couple of episodes? If the latter, I can probably watch it all on the TV thanks to the wonders of my V+ box...

[Dasquian Belargic]

I believe the entire series is on there.

In others news, Karen and Matt... sooo much chemistry between them in all the Confidential stuff.

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"Impoot!" :lol

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(I am just binging on these behind the scenes videos whilst we wait for the new episode ^_^;)

[Captain Untouchable]

Aww, poor Karen. :lol

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[Dasquian Belargic]

I've seen that one before.. :3

Yup, pretty much in love with Karen Gillan, right here.

[Captain Untouchable]

That makes two of us. :3

Red head? Check. Scottish accent? Check. Adorable personality? Check.

*awesomesplosion*

[Captain Untouchable]

So, my massive rewatching fest has begun!

I'll edit this post as I go with some observations, because I'm boring and I do that. Beware spoilers and speculation throughout.

Episode 1:

I want to see Jeff again: the dude with the porn on his laptop. The Doctor said that anyone on the laptop screen would give him whatever job he wanted. I wanna see him show up as some sort of UNIT big-wig or something. Maybe not this season (there's probably not space for it in the finale), but still - it'd be nice if they remembered all the loose ends they set up (even the small ones).

Prisoner Zero apparently knows what caused the cracks, all the way from Episode 1. Who? What? How? When? Why? Does Prisoner Zero have any connection to the events of the finale, or was it all just some convenient plot device to set up the forboding "Silence Will Fall" quote? Is Prisoner Zero connected to the minous voice that repeated said words in Episode 12 (and took control of the TARDIS)?

Speaking of prisoner Zero, it's always suspended from something. What is off-camera? Is it significant, or just artistic?

Not that it matters a huge amount, but their "coming soon" / season montage at the end of the first episode includes clips all the way to the penultimate episode - Romans, Stonehenge, etc. The voice over is particularly poinignant, as it repeats his line from the Angels episodes: "There's one thing you never put in a trap: me." I wonder if they'll echo / repeat that line in the finale, given that it's exactly what the Alliance has done.

Ongoing fairytale references:

- Amy tells the Doctor that she grew up; the Doctor counters that "You don't wanna do that." Add to that the fact that she leaves to travel with him in her nightie, and it has a certain Peter Pan quality to it.

- Also, she wants to come back in time for her wedding: in effect, she wants the entire adventure to happen all in one night... a bit Peter Pan, a bit Christmas Carol.


Episode 2:

How does Liz Ten know that the Doctor will put water on the floor? Did someone tell him to watch out for it? River, when she stole the painting? Someone else? She knows Amy by name, too. Is that because she went down the pipe, or because she's been told. She was apparently "brought up on the stories", which makes for a great excuse if thwey don't explain it... but even so, I wonder if there's more to it.

Why didn't the vote machine know Amy's marital status? Convenient plot device, or the result of some time travel tampering?


Episode 3:

Not much of long-term significance (aside from the return of the Daleks, obviously). Just a ponderance: how do these events affect the Chris Eccleston episodes from World War II? Did the Empty Child / "Are You My Mummy?" stuff still happen? Is Captain Jack still there as a Time Agent, or is this after he left? (Or are there two Captain Jack's? His timeline is almost as confusing as the Doctor's...)

Kind of a question to myself - is there a significance to the colours of the Daleks (aside from the fact that they're like the old versions... are they ranks, or "roles" like the Star Trek uniforms?), and do any of those same colours show up in the finale... or was that one black?

Ongoing fairytale references:

- Scottish robot dude "became human". Kind of a Pinnocchio situation?

[Dasquian Belargic]

I think I'm going to wait and do a full re-watch after tonights episode.

OMG EXCITED. Here's lots to think about, taken from a Doctor Who forum:


(I'm forgetting some things, but for starters....)

In the prelude special to TEH on BBC America, Moffat goes out of his way to remind us:

The TARDIS is a living being, referred to as "she".
Anything is possible with the TARDIS.
The TARDIS is the one true love of the Doctor's life, his most faithful companion.
The pictures/models in Amy's room are: Amelia, the Doctor and the TARDIS.
(And if you look at the close-ups of her room in TPO, the TARDIS is most emphasized.)
The paint in Amelia/Amy's room is referred to in Confidential as "TARDIS blue".
The Doctor refers to Amy as the "mad, impossible Amy Pond."
Amy's house is "too big", according to the Doctor. Since, TEH, I've always thought it looked bigger on the inside.
Amy's house door looks just like Craig's upstairs "TARDIS" door, except the colors are inverted.
Their stairways, Amy's second flight of stairs up and Craig's stairs up are suspiciously similar.
Time works very strangely around Amy. If you watch TEH again, only paying attention to the clocks and watches in it, you'll see what I mean. From Big Ben, to Amelia's kitchen, Amy's watch an instant later to the clock by the duckless Duck Pond, time is completely inconsistent throughout the episode. Time acts bizarrely around Amy in other episodes, too.
Listen again to the last scene in The Beast Below.
Amy says she understands how Bracewell feels. Why?
Amy knows things about the Doctor she shouldn't be able to know. For example, how does she know the Doctor doesn't usually allow anyone to salute him? Nothing in the series episodes or novelizations gives her that knowledge, at least not yet.
Amy says to the Doctor, standing in the TARDIS, "There's a whole world in here, just like you said." (Anagram Ledworth = the world)
Listen to the scene again in Amy's Choice, when the Dream Lord talks with Amy alone. "He always leaves you alone in the dark." "He'll never apologize."
Vincent says, "half human" and the camera focuses right on Amy.
The "TARDIS" at the top of Craig's imaginary stairs needs a "pilot". The concept art drawing from River's diary shows, "Amy Pond, TARDIS 'Pilot' " (quotes around pilot are on the page).
This one was pointed out to me: CusTARD and fISh

[There are several other clues from the novelizations, but in case people haven't read them yet, I've decided not to include them on this list.]

The chameleon arch technology which made the Doctor human in Human Nature is part of the TARDIS. Why wouldn't she be capable of doing the same to herself? Especially considering the damage done to that part of the old TARDIS at the end of EOT/beginning of TEH. It may not have been intentional.

Or like the young boy in The Empty Child, Amelia was a real little human girl who's house caught on fire when the burning TARDIS landed there. (She's got drawings of her house on fire.) I prefer the chameleon arch, but we know Moffat wrote the TEC.

Did you notice that when Amy died, the TARDIS with River cracked and the universe exploded?

and last but not least, from the Doctor himself:

"What if time could run out?"
"Amy's time." (Amy is time.)

So, yes, my favorite theory for this series, which doesn't actually mean I think it's right, is that Amy herself is an aspect of the living being at the heart of the TARDIS.

I might be proven 100% wrong, but I'll still like the theory.

Oh ... one more thing. Look again at the very first glance we were given of Amy Pond

disguised as a police officer


http://twitpic.com/1zslt4/full

[Captain Untouchable]

Just read through those ideas, Jen - an awesome theory! I doubt they're the case, given that Amy Pond is in next season, but they are all rather cool, and the type of random thing they'd cook up. I particularly like the last one.

I feel I should make some sort of related joke, like blimey! Just how many men has Amy had inside her? And how many at the same time?! :mischief


Episode 4 & 5:

I want to be a Bishop, Second Class. Commando Clerics rule.

That "There's one thing you never, ever put in a trap: me," line bears repeating. And if they don't say it again in the finale, I will be very upset. Well, slightly upset. Well, not upset. I'll just shout it at the screen, probably.

Given the ongoing fairytale thing, the spooky forest where everyone gets lost in is a pretty major example.

Another thing re-stated in this episode that might be significant: they describe the crack as "two parts of space and time that should never have touched". That definition gets lost with all the talk of explosions, and the universe being cracked: we just think of it in terms of regular cracks / explosions. But if it's meant to be two bits slammed together... what are the two parts of space and time? Is it an Amy / the Doctor thing, or is it just a turn of phrase?

I just spotted the "Doctor's Jacket" paradox. His jacket was grabbed by an angel, but he ran off into the forest without it. He's without it for ages, but then when he wanders off to the primary flight deck, and Amy can't open her eyes, he shows up again for a moment to tell her that she really needs to start trusting him... and he has his jacket on. The speculation is that he travels back in time from the finale in order to say that. Given how it reminds me of Back to the Future, I'm very fond of that notion.

If we see the events of the other episodes happening in the background of scenes later today, I will be very, very happy.

Ancillery thought: why does everyone keep leaving poor Amy? The Doctor... the clerics... is that significant? They all disappeared when they "walked into the light" as well, which is pretty symbolic.

Also, who did River kill? "A hero to many" - was it the Doctor?


Episode 6:

Scary vampire mum says she fell through one of the cracks in time. If the cracks delete you from having ever existed, how was that even possible?

[Dasquian Belargic]

I am just rewatching The Lodger and noticed that Craig has a flyer for a Vincent Van Gogh exhibit on his fridge :D

"I'm the Doctor. They call me the Doctor. I call me the Doctor too. Still don't know why. o_O"

[Droo]

Seriously excited!

[Dasquian Belargic]

I'm watching "Rose" now, in anticipation that I will be craving more Who after the finale ^_^;

[Captain Untouchable]

So. All caught up on the episodes, except for #12: I have an alarm set for 5.30 to start watching that once, so I jump right from one half to the other.

No real observations to point out, aside from the one from the Lodger - well spotted, Jenny! - and all the bits we've touched on before.

My prediction for the finale?

I really don't have a fucking clue. :lol

[Droo]

FYI this thing starts at 18:05 on BBC One, instead of its normal time of 18:45. I almost would've missed it!

[Dasquian Belargic]

omg that was amazing. I don't even know where to begin.

:3

[Captain Untouchable]

I just... wow.

Yeah. Well done, Mr Moffat. That's probably one of the best season finales I've ever seen.

[Droo]

I feel the same way, it was wonderful and had a real fairytale quality to it. There were tears!

[Dasquian]

^ Jace and I were weeping a little too.

Damnit why do we have to wait so long for more!

[Captain Untouchable]

According to the closing comments of Confidential:

"The silence" that will fall is not actually the end of the universe. It refers to the plot arc for series 6. From the way they were saying it as well, The Silence might be a they, rather than an it.

Damn you, spoilers. :ohno

[Captain Untouchable]

Just watched again, after my sister got home. One thing I picked up on this time that I didn't the first:

I think the crack ate the ducks in the village duck pond. After all, "There never were any ducks."

Damn those sinister cracks. :shakefist

[Dasquian Belargic]

Wikipedia today :lol

[Captain Untouchable]

Hahahaha! Wikipedia for the win. :lol

[Dasquian Belargic]

Which episode is BBC America up to??

[Droo]

Btw, if anyone hears anything about the soundtrack for Series Five, including release dates, please let us know.

[Dasquian Belargic]

What are we supposed to watch tonight, without Doctor Who on BBC? :|

[Captain Untouchable]

I was just wondering that. :|


Edit:

I would so watch this. :lol

http://www.cad-comic.com/comics/64762d381278043206.jpg

[Droo]

What are we supposed to watch tonight, without Doctor Who on BBC? :|

Saturdays certainly feel empty without it. :(

[Barton Henning]

It's like BSG withdrawal.

At least we know we have the Christmas special to come, and series 6 next year.

[Droo]

Guest stars announced for this year's Doctor Who Christmas Special (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid_wales/10601111.stm): Catherine Jenkins and Michael Gambon! :love



Mr Moffat said the team were fired up for the episode.

He said: "We're going for broke with this one. It's all your favourite Christmas movies at once, in an hour, with monsters. And the Doctor. And a honeymoon."

An "unforgettable present!" :ohno

[Droo]

The BBC Proms season has begun and on Saturday, 24th July, there will be a special Doctor Who themed prom (http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2010/whatson/2407.shtml#prom10) featuring the music of Murray Gold with special hosts Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, and Arthur Darvill. I highly recommend it to all Whovians and any fans of great music. In fact, I'd recommend the BBC Proms to anyone with a bit of taste in music. I look forward to it every year and so far it's been wonderful. Don't forget: next Saturday, 7:30pm.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Oh god I love the Proms :3

Last Night at the Proms is one of the few nights of the year I'm proud to be British.

[Droo]

You should check out the first night. They did Mahler's Symphony of a Thousand and it was bloody glorious!

[Droo]

Don't forget, guys. It's starts in just over an hour! :eee

[Salem Ave]

:shakefist I thought there was more Who news.

[Droo]

Just enjoy your prom, will you? :colbert

[Droo]

Broadcast live on BBC Radio 3. Recorded for future broadcast on BBC Three.

Sorry for the mix up, I assumed it would be on TV, you know, just like everything else!! :mad

[Tiercel Habrok]

I am (finally) listening to Radio 3 now. WOW wowwowwow!

[Captain Untouchable]

Since I can't adequately express my reaction in words:

:eee :crack :eee :crack :eee

[Droo]

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The real Amy Pond theme!

[Sanya Tagge]

There was a little snippet of that in the Pandorica Suite, I think... but I am sad that we didn't get to hear the orchestra playing the whole thing :( I didn't recognise at all the piece that they introduced as Amy's Theme. Maybe it was from the "Amy's Choice" episode and I can't remember it? :whaa

[Dasquian Belargic]

"According to Who Online, the soundtrack for series 5 will also be released on 8th November 2010." :3

:dance with me, Matt and Karen!

[Captain Untouchable]

Hmmm. Interesting...

The next season of Doctor Who will be split into two parts (http://io9.com/5624739/the-next-season-of-doctor-who-will-be-split-into-two-parts)

It looks like Steve Moffat has decided that the best solution to Doctor Who withdrawl is to give it to us in smaller doses?

[Captain Untouchable]

I guess it's time again for a crazy unfounded rumor that a companion will be killed off, because everyone's favorite insane British tabloid, The Sun, is claiming Amy Pond will be killed off next series. Not only that, but her death is actually the massive cliffhanger that separates the first and second halves of the next series. There are a lot of things that make this seem hugely unlikely, but hey...it wouldn't be Doctor Who without The Sun reporting every character's about to die. [The Sun (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/3116628/Amy-Pond-played-by-Karen-Gillan-may-be-killed-off.html)]

Fuck you, The Sun. :shakefist



:cry

[Dasquian Belargic]

Shut your mouth :mad

*clings to Pond*

[Mu Satach]

Whaahhh - I just got to the end of season 4... waiting for season 5 to show up somewhere I can watch it.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Having watched all of the Ninth Doctor and some of the Tenth, I still prefer the Eleventh Doctor :love

[Droo]

While I hate to choose, because I love all three, but for me Tennant takes the cake. :love

[Captain Untouchable]

I'm with Droo... maybe it was because there's been so much Tennant comparatively, but he's certainly the one who obtains the sweet confectionary for me. :love

[Dasquian Belargic]

Doctor Who Proms on the Iplayer: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tq7bh/Doctor_Who_at_the_Proms_2010/

[Captain Untouchable]

Wibbly-wobbly, explodey-wodey. :love

[Dasquian Belargic]

It's even more magical with the visuals :3

[Mu Satach]

Not available in your area.
:cry

[Dasquian Belargic]

It will probably be on YouTube or somewhere soon.

In fact, they should release it on DVD!

[Captain Untouchable]

It's even more magical with the visuals :3

The scene with the little kid was adorable. :3

[Droo]

The look on the kids' faces is priceless. :D

[Dasquian Belargic]

I think I had the same look on my face :3 'I Am The Doctor' is love.

Also: I watched the end of Series 2 today and - I never thought I'd say this - but I shed a tear on account of Billie Piper's acting (I'm so sorry I ever doubted you, Billie). When they were standing on the beach, and the Doctor vanished before he had time to say what he wanted to say... :cry

[Droo]

Yeah, that scene is heartbreaking. And on the Billie Piper matter, I have to admit, when I went back and started watching Doctor Who from the first series, I was pretty stunned by her acting talent. Where did that come from!?

[Dasquian Belargic]

I don't know! I suppose I shouldn't have judged since "Because We Want To" is the only thing I could remember her for... although looking at that video now - with a spaceship, bins turning into metal men, a rhinoceros bouncer - it all looks very... Doctor Who! :lol

[Captain Untouchable]

Yeah, that scene is heartbreaking.

Quoted for great truth.

Even thinking about that episode has me a little choked, and I haven't watched it since it aired. It was so... unexpected. They lulled you into the sense of false security where you expected the Doctor to be able to save the day no matter what (granted, he might die, but everyone else would be safe), and then bam. :(

That whole episode / finale ensemble is definately up in my Top 5 Tennant stories, though. If only for the Daleks v Cybermen showdown. :D

[Droo]

Okay, Blink is the best episode of Doctor Who I've seen. Easily!

[Mu Satach]

<i>Blink</i> is the episode that actually got me digging around in my Netflix account to watch all the Doctor Who stuff. Caught that episode one night last year on PBS and well, that was it.

Now just waiting for the next season to become available. :)

I like the Library. Not sure if that's its title or not.

[Captain Untouchable]

Blink is easily one of the best - it's one of the reasons I was so excited that Steve Moffat was taking over. It was such an imaginative idea, and so fantastically well executed.

Also, now you know the significance of the "wibbly-wobbly, explodey-wodey" from the Prom. :lol

[Mu Satach]

My one gripe with the series because of that episode - to this day I continue to wonder what the 3 things and a lizard were that they were dealing with at the end. :)

[Captain Untouchable]

Yeah - I was really hoping they'd explain that. They never explained what the Doctor did to piss off Queen Elizabeth in the Shakespeare episode, either. :(

Mind you, it may be explained in one of the books that people keep buying me, and that I've never got around to reading yet... ^_^;

[Vince]

I forget which episode it was, but my day was made when my buddy showed me the episode where the good Doctor pops out of the cake during a party and starts talking:

"___ is outside, I think she might need a jacket. Lovely girl. Oh, and I need to talk to you about your fiancée. She tried to kiss me. You're a very lucky man, she's very good."

I know I didn't get it right, but it doesn't matter. My buddy said, "That reminds me of you, Vinny. That and the comfy chairs."

I've been watching the more recent Who stuff with Matt Smith and have been finding it quite enjoyable.

[Droo]

Steven Moffat and Doctor Who were simply made for each other. Just watched Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead, and frankly, considering the River Song story: (Series 4 spoiler to follow) I daresay the ending, with her sacrifice and "death", actually packs a bigger punch if you've seen her from Series 5 first, considering the chronology of their relationship is all over the place, but in any case, as much as I liked River Song, I now completely love her! :love

Favourite Who episodes thus far: The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances, Blink, and Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead - all Steven Moffat episodes. Now, I know I haven't mentioned any episodes from Series 5, I'll have to revisit the series in November when it's released, but in all honesty, despite how much I enjoyed The Eleventh Hour and the two-part series finale, I have to admit I don't think Moffat has quite hit the heights of the aforemention episodes from previous years. Regardless, clearly the talent is there, his stories are brilliant and it bodes so well for next year... and frankly, the Christmas Special can't get here fast enough!

[Dasquian Belargic]

The Girl in the Fireplace is ranking high as one of my fav episodes at the moment :3

[Droo]

Yep, another Steven Moffat gem. :)

[Mu Satach]

The Girl in the Fireplace is ranking high as one of my fav episodes at the moment :3

Luv that one. :)

Aw... made me sniffle at the end.

[Droo]

And now I'm completely up to speed. Pretty much cried like a baby here, but seeing Matt Smith at the end just brightened everything up. So excited about Doctor Who for Christmas and beyond!

[Dasquian Belargic]

I get misty-eyed just thinking about those last two episodes.

Rory the Centurion :cry

BTW the whole of Series 5 is on iTunes for £20, a much better deal than buying all of the BBCs "Series 5, Volume..." DVDs.

[Droo]

Well, the whole series is out on the 8th November on Blu-Ray. That's for me! :D

ps. Murray Gold should get an Oscar or something.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Fingers crossed that they release the Doctor Who Prom along with the series :ohno

[Droo]

Well, on my complete specials boxset they included the first Doctor Who prom, which I'm yet to watch actually. It would be criminal for them not to include it either for the fifth season boxset or the sixth.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Just for Brit fans, the BBC is re-airing the Tennant episodes at the moment. At the moment, The Satan Pit (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0074fpm/Doctor_Who_Series_2_The_Satan_Pit/), Love and Monsters, Fear Her and Army of Ghosts are all on the iPlayer.

I'm guessing that they will be moving onto the next series soon.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Available for Pre-Order!!

Doctor Who - The Complete Series 5 (Limited Edition Steelbook) [DVD]
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Complete-Limited-Steelbook/dp/B003XIIW38/ref=pd_bxgy_m_h__text_c


* Numbered Special Packaging
* This 6-Disc Jumbo Steelbook contains a Collector's Booklet with foreword from Steven Moffat (Producer) and 4 illustrated Artcards
* Additional scenes: Meanwhile in the TARDIS - additional scenes, written by Steven Moffat and featuring Matt Smith & Karen Gillan, telling the story of what happens between episodes. Why was Amy floating in Space above Starship UK, and what happened after 'that' kiss between the Doctor and Amy? - Exclusive to DVD.
* Monster Files - The Monster Files will get under the skin and inside the minds of the latest Doctor's most challenging opponents. With previously unseen footage and exclusive comments from cast and crew, the Monster Files take fans old and new even further behind enemy lines.
* Outtakes
* In-vision commentaries
* Video Diary
* Confidential Cut Downs
* BBC Trails and Promos to New Series 5


Doctor Who Series 5 Original TV Soundtrack [Soundtrack]
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Original-TV-Soundtrack/dp/B003Z1YJAS/ref=pd_bxgy_d_h__img_b

[Dasquian Belargic]

The Doctor is coming to America...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11510514

Doctor Who series six will begin in the Utah desert


The sixth series of Doctor Who will open with a two-parter set in the US, the BBC has announced.

Scenes will be filmed in the Utah desert for a story set in the late '60s in which the Doctor, Amy and Rory find themselves on a secret summons to the Oval Office.

The episodes have been written by new series boss Steven Moffat and co-produced with BBC America.

Production starts in Cardiff this month with Matt Smith and Karen Gillen.

Alex Kingston will reprises her role as River Song.

Moffat said: "The Doctor has visited every weird and wonderful planet you can imagine, so he was bound get round to America eventually.

"And of course every Doctor Who fan will be jumping up and down and saying he's been in America before. But not for real, not on location - and not with a story like this one."

It has been announced previously that series six has been split into two blocks, with the first airing on BBC One in spring 2011 and the second block showing in autumn 2011.

[Mu Satach]

Boom Yay Bitches!

[Dasquian Belargic]

Series 3, Episodes 1 - 3 currently on BBC iPlayer, UK peeps :)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0074gly/Doctor_Who_Series_3_Smith_and_Jones/

[Droo]

Martha Jones, easily the hottest companion. :love

[Dasquian Belargic]

Is 'The Runaway Bride' worth watching? It seems like they've skipped airing that for some reason.

[Droo]

Probably because it's a Christmas special and might seem out of season. It's worth watching.

[Captain Untouchable]

Martha Jones, easily the hottest companion. :love

Excellent. More Amy Pond for me. :love

[Mu Satach]

Martha Jones rocked.

[Dasquian Belargic]

http://doctorwhotv.co.uk/series-6-casting-updates-10418.htm

Mark Sheppard (aka Romo Lampkin) is going to be in the series 6 opener as a character called Canton Everett Delaware III

[Dasquian Belargic]

Space Gandalf!

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LAI7ZcIbzw4?fs=1&amp;hl=en_GB"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LAI7ZcIbzw4?fs=1&amp;hl=en_GB" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

http://io9.com/5686732/watch-what-happened-on-doctor-who-after-amy-tried-to-hit-on-the-doctor

[Droo]

omgjustseenchristmasspecialtraileronchildreninneed !!! :eee

[Dasquian Belargic]

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[Captain Untouchable]

Amy in her police outfit, and Rory in his centurion stuff, on what looks to be the bridge of a Royal Navy version of the Starship Enterprise? :eee

[Ilias Nytrau]

Matt Smith on 'The Nerdist' podcast today! :D

The Nerdist, No. 46: MATT SMITH (http://www.nerdist.com/2010/11/number-46-matt-smith/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=number-46-matt-smith)

[Dasquian Belargic]

I could listen to Matt all night :3


I picked up the season 3 boxset on the cheap. Handily, the Runaway Bride is part of the boxset so I will try to suffer through Catherine Tate (..oh god stop bringing up Rose :cry)

Come on, Christmas sales. Where's my season 4? ;)

[Droo]

I think you will learn to love Donna Noble. Character-wise, I think she's the strongest of all three companions during the Tennant years, but I think that's a product of the more experienced writing more than anything. That's not to take the shine of Tate though, I think she is very good as Donna.

For the time being however, enjoy yourself some Martha Jones. :love

[Captain Untouchable]

I think Catherine Tate has an unfair reputation. People quite often forget that it's her characters that they dislike, rather than her as an actress. She's actually a pretty impressive character actor if you look at her other work.

Runaway Bride is very much a "Catherine Tate cameo" episode, but Series 4 is much different. Because of the attitude that Tate brings to the show, they manage to tackle the Doctor/Companion dynamic in a very different way... and in many respects, I think Donna wound up being a prototype for Amy. Storywise too, there are a fair few Tennant/Tate episodes that could easily be Smith/Gillan episodes, but that wouldn't have worked with the earlier companions.

I might be biased though. I learned Latin at school from the same textbook that The Fires of Pompeii is based on, so I might have a season bias. :lol

[Dasquian Belargic]

Lenora (from Being Human) Crichlow is in the episode Gridlock (3x03) :D yay. Also, is that Ardal O'Hanlon as a... cat-person? o_O

[Dasquian Belargic]

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So, what are our thoughts on the Christmas special?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00wyj5p/Doctor_Who_A_Christmas_Carol/

[Oliver Queen]

I didn't watch it until this morning. I enjoyed it - thought it was definately more Christmassy than the last couple of specials. I thought that the way that the Doctor made it similar to A Christmas Carol on purpose was a good twist.

I like how they managed to one-up the time travel shennanigans of the Series 5 finale as well. And also, the fez! :eee

[Droo]

Probably the best Christmas special of the franchise. Moffat was allowed to go into full fairytale mode with this one and I love that, it felt truly magical, and left me smiling and full of that wonderful Christmas warmth. Michael Gambon was brilliant as always and Katherine Jenkins was beautiful!

Edit: "Everything's got to end sometime otherwise nothing would ever get stopped."

How did I not pickup on that the first time around? What a foreboding line that is, and loaded with connotations for the next series, which now feels further away than ever. Anyway, on second viewing, it's definately my favourite Christmas special.

[Oliver Queen]

Was it not: "Everything has got to end, otherwise nothing would ever get started," Droo?

When I heard it the first time, it reminded me of a lyric from Closing Time by Semisonic: "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Agree about the second viewing, though. It's by far the most Christmassy, and some of those fantastic lines and moments made me grin even more the second time around. (I'm waiting for an opportunity to use "Marylin, get your coat!" in anger :lol)

If we're talking about forboding though... how about that series six promo? :ohno

[Dasquian Belargic]

I heard started and the look on his face after he said that was so :(

[Droo]

You're right, it's started, and that sounds more poetic. My favourite thing about this special is Michael Gambon, he's a real joy to watch, especially as he starts to soften and is watching his past adventures with the Doctor unfold, you can really see his newfound childlike wonder start to win through against his curmudgeonly old self.

There was something I found really amusing about his:

:ohno 7258...
:mad 7258!
:verymad 7258!!!

[Oliver Queen]

Michael Gambon is the man. He conveyed so much without even needing dialogue - his emotions and reactions were stunning. I thought they did a really good job tying the three Kazran performances together too; there were odd little mannerisms and things that all three actors seemed to echo. Made it all the more convincing that they were all the same chap.