Sunday, November 29, 2009

All is about to change... [Doctor Who]


*Might contain spoilers, so beware*


DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME BBC1
The end is nigh for this particular Doctor as David Tennant gets ready to hang up his Converse plimsolls. And this emotionally-charged two-parter is the dreaded finale before he is replaced by actor Matt Smith next year.
"It's a big end-of-an-era story," reveals David, who has played the 10th Doctor since 2005. "But at the same time it has a sense of carrying on, which is important since it's a show that's been going a long time before we showed up. Life for this Doctor will never be quite the same again. It's the beginning of the end."
And he faces his final moments as his nemesis, the evil Master, is reborn.
"Even though he ultimately wins, it's a bittersweet victory and people die," says David. "That's part of the story that we have to tell to go where we're going."
The special will see the return of many actors to the show, including Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate, Jacqueline King, John Simm, John Barrowman, Russell Tovey and Billie Piper.
David admits shooting the final scenes was "emotional", but because they were filmed out of sequence there was no sobbing on set.
"The last line I said as the Doctor was, 'You two, with me, spit spot', which wasn't particularly dramatic," says David.
"But it was very hard saying cheerio. Filming the final scene was very, very sad. There are lots of parts of the last story that were like that and were very emotional to play.
"Doctor Who means so much to so many people. It certainly meant a lot to me."
He also compared the job to being the US President, saying, "You always get to be called the Doctor".


Tennant Christmas!


by Christian Cawley

So - anyone not keen on David Tennant look away now: he's on TV a lot over Christmas as the soon to be ex-Doctor Who maximises publicity opportunities for The End of Time and fills up our airways in a way that would make John Barrowman appear shy.
On top of the 2 hours plus combined running length of both parts of The End of Time, Tennant is set to appear on Never Mind the Buzzcocks as guest host as well as star in a filmed version of the RSC production of Hamlet (very possibly Christmas Day or Boxing Day), as well as making a guest appearance on Qi, Alan Carr's Chatty Man and even guest starring in Catherine Tate's Christmas Special!


Who Squared

by Christian Cawley
Who On Who? marks the end of an era in the history of Doctor Who. In this programme Russell T Davies reveals to David Tennant whether he will ever write for the show in the future and his feelings about his successor on the series, Steven Moffat.
Scheduled for broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on December 29th, RTD also reveals the influences behind Doctor Who and why the success of the revamped series took the cast and creative team behind it by surprise.
Most interestingly, David Tennant asks about Russell's plans for the future and both men discuss why it's the right time for them to both leave Doctor and reveal that they made the decision to leave at roughly the same time.
"It just made sense and it's continued to make sense with hindsight," says Russell T Davies. "There's not been one moment where I've thought we've done the wrong thing."
David Tennant agrees: "It feels like we've had the right amount of time to tell a great story."

Radio Times Cover


Ooh... it is so GORGEOUS!
His song is ending soon... Not too thrilled about that.

See 'Gadget Gadget'! (Doctor Who Exhibition - Coventry)


Gadget The Robot has gone on display at the Doctor Who Exhibition in Coventry in the West Midlands.

The exhibition, which has an extended run until January, now features the Robot along with other props and costumes from The Waters of Mars including The Water Zombie and the costume of Captain Adelaide Brooks.

Visitors to the exhibition at Coventry Transport Museum, can also see Bessie, the Third Doctor's yellow roadster car and Jon Pertwee's costume.

Chief executive of the museum, Gary Hall, said: "The Doctor Who exhibition has been a big hit, with visitors coming again and again to see the exhibition. Getting new props for Christmas provides our visitors with a fantastic opportunity to visit the exhibition during Christmas holidays. We would urge people not to miss out on seeing the fantastic new props and costumes and posing next to Bessie for a photograph."

Note that although there is a charge to see the Doctor Who Exhibition, entry to the general museum is free. Visitors can see Bessie for nothing. - fab, you can see Bessie for free!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

It's Captain Jack and Beyoncé all in one!

This is for all of you John Barrowman fans out there... I find this hilarious!

Watch "Dreamland"! (Episode 6)

There you go, that's the last 'Dreamland' episode. Enjoy!

Christopher Eccleston as John Lennon?


Former Doctor Who star Christopher Eccleston is to play John Lennon in a BBC drama marking 30 years since the singer's murder in 1980.


Lennon Naked will tackle the death of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Lennon's developing relationship with Yoko Ono and his departure from the fab four.
The 90-minute drama ends in 1971 - the year Lennon released his album Imagine and he and Ono moved to New York.
Eccleston first came to attention in Danny Boyle's 1994 film Shallow Grave.
"Securing Christopher Eccleston to play John Lennon is further testament to the calibre of drama on BBC Four," said Ben Stephenson, controller of BBC drama commissioning.

After Shallow Grave, Eccleston became a household name in TV series such as Cracker and Our Friends in the North in the mid-1990s.
The 45-year-old made his debut as Doctor Who in the revival of the popular BBC show in 2005, but stepped down after just one series, and later appeared in NBC sci-fi show Heroes.
Earlier this year, Eccleston appeared on the London stage in The Doll's House opposite former X Files star Gillian Anderson.
Recent film work includes big budget Hollywood projects GI Joe: The Rise of the Cobra and Amelia.

--
I've got to say, I'm so excited about this. Being a HUGE Lennon fan, I've been following the news on the upcoming film 'Nowhere Man' and 'Lennon Naked'. I've read so many books about him I've lost count. For a while, there was a rumour that said that David Tennant would play John in 'Nowhere Man'... sadly, it wasn't true. The trailer has been released and no sign of David. Still, he may be in it, we never know!
Now, onto the news about Chris Eccleston... What a fantastic actor he is. After rewatching 'Jude' last night, I just feel like screaming out of joy. He's such a great actor and I know he will portray John very, very accurately. Doctor Who and John Lennon together... that's my ultimate dream.

Timothy Dalton in Doctor Who?


Timothy Dalton spies guest role in Doctor Who

"Doctor Who star David Tennant said he and former James Bond actor Timothy Dalton showed their mutual respect by breaking into a singsong of each other's theme tunes.
Dalton, who starred as 007 in films 'The Living Daylights' and 'Licence To Kill', will play The Narrator in the Doctor's adventures over Christmas, as he makes his final journey.
Full details of Dalton's character are being kept under wraps, but there has been speculation that he will be a 'baddie'.
Praising Dalton's down-to-earth attitude to the Radio Times, Tennant said: 'He had the panache and the skill of a movie star, without any of the alarming eccentricities or peculiar demands.
'At one point, he was singing the Doctor Who theme tune to me as I sang the James Bond theme tune to him!' - that's cute.
The grand finale, titled 'The End Of Time', will be shown in two parts and see Tennant bow out as the 10th Doctor, before regenerating into actor Matt Smith.
The episodes will see the Doctor's psychotic nemesis the Master, played by Life On Mars actor John Simm, re-born.Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate and June Whitfield will also make appearances."


What do you think? I like Timothy Dalton, I think he was a fine Bond. I think he will be a good addition to 'The End of Time'. As for David, well... he's such a fanboy, bless him. Just makes you love him even more!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Watch "Dreamland"! (Episode 5)

There you have it, uploaded by the same YouTuber mentioned on the other posts.

The End of Time Synopses!


The BBC have released synopses of both episodes of the Doctor Who special, The End of Time - the story that sees the return of the Master and the end of the Tenth Doctor...
Earlier than expected, some programme details have been released for the Christmas and New Year specials (although the latter is still to be confirmed) - and if the return of the Master wasn't bad enough, it seems there's something else far more ominous and threatening taking place...

The End of Time, Part One
It's the Tenth Doctor's final journey – but his psychotic nemesis the Master has been reborn, on Christmas Eve. With both determined to cheat death, the battle ranges from the wastelands of London to the mysterious Immortality Gate, while the alien Ood warn of an even greater danger approaching, as a terrible shadow falls across the entire Universe.

The End of Time, Part Two
The Doctor faces the end of his life as the Master's plans hurtle out of control. With the sound of drums growing louder, and an ancient trap closing around the Earth, the Doctor and Wilf must fight alone. But sacrifices must be made, and the deadly prophecy warns: "He will knock four times."


The End of Time is written by Russell T Davies and directed by Euros Lyn and sees David Tennant star for the last time as the Tenth Doctor, and features a raft of guest stars including John Simm, Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate, Timothy Dalton, David Harewood and June Whitfield.


Matt Smith Fundraising


Matt Smith Fundraising

by Christian Cawley


Incoming Doctor Who star Matt Smith has thrown his weight behind a bone marrow match for a neighbour, 15-year-old Northampton School for Boys pupil, Matt Herbert.
The teenager was diagnosed with leukaemia in December 2008 after already beating the disease once before. He hopes to find a suitable bone marrow match in order to undergo a life-saving transplant operation, on which his survival depends.

A clinic is taking place right now for potential donors to submit a saliva sample, running 5.30pm to 9.30pm at Old Northamptonians Association in Billing Road, Northampton.Smith - who takes over from David Tennant as the Eleventh star of Doctor Who - said:
"Matthew and I grew up in the same street in Northampton, just three houses apart."Although he is younger, we both played ball games in that same street – his was a rugby ball and mine a football."We both went to the same junior school and secondary school and we even share the same name."He added: "Matthew is such a kind, intelligent and fun-loving young man so it is extremely important to me, personally, that he has all the support and help he deserves with his current illness."
England international rugby fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is also backing the campaign along with manager Martin Johnson, and anyone wishing to find out more should check out this website, http://www.mattsmatch.co.uk/


--> Bless Matt. He's a good lad. I hope little Matt gets all the money he needs. Help this cause.

End of Time on New Years Day Confirmed

End of Time on New Years Day Confirmed

by Mick Karma

Christmas TV listings released in various newspapers this week (notably The Sun) virtually confirm that the Doctor Who specials - both parts of The End of Time - will air on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Showing the final installment of The End of Time - and David Tennant's time as the Doctor - on New Year's Day has long since been rumoured, but only has it now been released as a fact.
Both episodes will be aired at 7pm on their respective dates of broadcast - Christmas and New Year listings are released early to assist advertisers, emergency services and viewers in forward planning over the seasonal period.
While some elements of the scheduling are subject to change (according to the publication, The End of Time, Part Two has an hour long slot; we know via Doctor Who Magazine that this episode is around 75 minutes long) it is pretty much now set in stone that these episodes will air on December 25th and January 1st respectively!

#4 Remembering Past Who Episodes - The Next Doctor S4

Given I've had the chance to let off some steam and relax today, I thought I'd watch 'The Next Doctor'. I had only seen it once (can you believe it?), and I was dying to see it again. Today, the opportunity presented itself. I got the change to rewatch it, now that Christmas is getting closer and closer by the day.
First of all, I have to say that I loved both Davids' acting. It was, quite simply, fantastic. Breathtaking. After 'Blackpool', it is a joy watching them on screen together. Now David Morrissey isn't Ripley Holden, but 'The Next Doctor', whereas former D.I. Peter Carlisle is now 'The Doctor'. I'm referring to David Tennant, obviously.
I must confess that when I first saw the episode I wasn't that much impressed. I liked the plot and the characters, but I didn't like the Cyberking: I thought it looked too Meccano-like. But now, watching it again after almost a year, I've been able to see things in a different way. The plot is suddenly much more appealing, the characters are more enigmatic and now that Ten is regenerating you watch for every single detail. I loved the character of Mercy Hartigan, Miss Hartigan as she's referred to the most. She was so strong minded and determined that her mind and her mind alone could defeat all Cybermen. Her emotions were not cut by the cyberconvertion, she was able to keep them. I had only thought that only Timelords could perform such a deed. Perhaps not (ooh, spoilers? Am I on something here?). Now onto The Next Doctor. The beginning was incredibly fun, with Rosita screaming for help and both Doctors appearing. And all that was happening to the next Doctor was really interesting... the way he say they had taken a precious thing from him... the memories of a Timelord. At the time it was aired, we were all thinking 'oh, what a fantastic Doctor Morrissey would be', but then (or did we already know that? I'm too tired to think now) Matt Smith was cast as the Eleventh Doctor. I was a bit disappointed, to be honest, because I had high hopes towards Morrissey. Still, Matt will be a fine Doctor, I'm sure.
The way the plot thickens is quite intriguing... all the explanations about infostamps and about the way they compressed information and how it had been transferred to the next Doctor's mind who was, in fact, a man called Jackson Lake. The fob watch DID have the answer! Our beloved Doctor wasn't wrong. Then, as Miss Hartigan is cyberconverted and Jackson finds out that besides killing his wife they had taken his child, Frederic, he then goes and helps the Doctor every way he can. The ending is surprising as well, given that Miss Hartigan, with a little help from the Doctor, saw what she had become and, having such a strong mind, deleted all Cybermen (ooh, pun!). Not only that, but the Doctor was able to save little Fred and take him back to his daddy.
The humorous side to DW is present in this episode in more ways than one: the next Doctor's sonic screwdriver being just an ordinary screwdriver that made some noise when it banged into something; the Next Doctor's vehicle, the TARDIS, that instead standing for Time And Relative Dimensions In Space stood for Tethered Aerial Release Developed In Style; the way the fob watch broke when the Doctor opened it. This is why DW isn't just a scary series: it makes you laugh so hard that you start crying even before panic strikes you.

Be Rose Tyler in under 30 minutes!

This following videos were made and uploaded by XpaintedloveX on YouTube. This tutorial shows you how to do Billie Piper's make up and overall look from Season 1 of Doctor Who. So, if you're a cosplayer, you'll find this most helpful! I've tried this look and I must confess... I did look like Rose, a brunette version of her!



It's... Tennant Tuesday! - November 24, 2009












It's Tuesday, and as we Tennant Fans know... it's TENNANT TUESDAY! And you may ask 'What do you do on Tennant Tuesday'? It's quite simple, really: watch Davidy stuff (shows with David on, movies, interviews, etc. You make your own tradition!), squee at pictures of David, post on Twitter (your tweet followed by #TennantTuesday), post pictures of him, show the world the wonderful actor he is and tell people how gorgeous he is. It is up to you, really. This day was made up by RandomLittleImp. Bless you! People who contribute the most to this day are mcfangirl and RandomLittleImp (on Twitter), so that's @mcfangirl and @RandomLittleImp. make sure you follow them, you won't want to miss a bit!
My contribution are those pictures above. Enjoy.
Follow me! @Britparsley

News: Doctor Who: Brand New Picture from The End Of Time

Doctor Who: brand new picture from The End Of Time

by Cameron K McEwan

"David Tennant and Bernard Cribbins feature in the latest publicity still from Doctor Who: The End Of Time. But is there more to it?
The BBC has released this morning another shot from the Christmas Doctor Who specials, The End Of Time. At first glance, it's the marvellous Bernard Cribbins alongside David Tennant in a quiet street (albeit looking a little startled).

But look a bit closer. That book that the Doctor is holding is called Fighting The Future, by Joshua Naismith. Joshua Naismith is a character in The End Of Time, being played by David Harewood (he's in the trailer for the episode).

How about a bit more, though? Remember the bus in Planet Of The Dead special earlier in the year? It had an advert on the side of it. Remember who that advert was for? It was for a telecommunications company Neon by Naismith. The plot thickens.

We'll leave you to connect some of those dots together....!"

www.denofgeek.com

Interesting, eh? What do you all think?

Doctor Who Fan Video - What It Means To Be Human

I made this a while back... thought you'd like to see it. I hope you like it!



Uploaded by Britparsley. Feel free to follow me on YouTube!

Watch "Dreamland"! (Episodes 2, 3 and 4)

There you go, and enjoy it! Sorry for the delay in posting. Episode 5 is on tomorrow... don't miss it!
www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/dreamland

Episode 2


Episode 3


Episode 4


All these were uploaded onto YouTube by drgrantwilliams934. Thanks a bunch!

#3 Remembering Past Who Episodes - Logopolis S18


This Sunday, being cold as it was, I stayed at home and planned a nice, little afternoon treat. I had considered a DW marathon, Season 18 mostly, but I didn't have the time to actually do it due to the fact that whenever football is on, boys want to watch it... so I only had the time to watch 'Logopolis'. I didn't know where to start, now, or best, what to watch: if there was no marathon, then what would I watch? So I picked up a DVD from my DW collection and it turned out to be 'ogopolis'. I wasn't too thrilled when I first watched it, because seeing Four regeneration doesn't come easy. Still, I did re-watched it and I must confess, it was a joy. I love this episode because of the plot. It's so incredibly clever, and I love the Logopolitans. I'm not too much a fan of Adric's, though, but I quite like him in this episode. He's not as... nosey as he usually is. But that's just my opinion.
The episode starts and, after a little while, the Doctor is explaining to Adric was the chameleon circuit is (I love the way Four gives his explanations, because although very scientific you seem to understand 'em all), and telling him how it is stuck, making the TARDIS look like a police box. I thought that was quite great. It is a good start and it gives the Doctor an 'excuse' to go to the planet. Really love that bit. Anyway, we see Tegan and her Aunt getting ready to go to the airport (Tegan being one of my favourite companions), when noticing a flat tyre, Tegan goes and tries to ring somebody to help them (obviously, a lot of thing happen in the middle, but they're not relevant to this). She then goes into the TARDIS, unaware of it being such. The Doctor and Adric know that something is wrong, given that they're stuck in a recursive system, as the Doctor puts it. By this time, we all know that the Master is behind all these tricks, for we hear his evil laughter every once in a while. To get out of the recursive system, the Doctor suggests that they land the TARDIS in the Thames, but they end up materialising on a boat, in which the Doctor first spots the Watcher on top of a bridge. The figure of the Watcher is very enigmatic and quite good, I think. It was a good way to trick us, thinking that it was the Master all along. Having previously measured a police box up, Adric and the Timelord go to Logopolis to give their people the measures, for them to give them these special combinations to restore the TARDIS' chameleon circuit. They do this by block transfer computation, something beyond any computer, which is funny, in a way. I love the Logopolitans: the clothing is phenomenal, and the little details on the back of their heads are fantastic. They do look like mathematicians and all! The Monitor is absolutely great, we have here some good acting by John Fraser.
This is just the reason why they land on the planet: I'm not telling any more of the plot, so you've got to watch it! The storyline is truly outstanding, Anthony Ainley delivers a perfect Master and Tom Baker is unique as always. I loved watching it, following the plot and trying to work out the little bobs and pieces that I could not understand at first. The ending was sad, though: I think the regeneration process is, by itself, a bit sad: as I love Tom's Doctor, it's always painful having to let go of him everytime I watch this particular episode. When he is lying on the ground, Whovians all over the world get that funny feeling: the stomach feels a bit strange, you get tense and anxious, all that. "It's the end... but the moment has been prepared for." Eventually, he regenerates to Peter Davison, the Fifth Doctor, the youngest by then. Watching the Watcher and Four as one is quite strange... the first time I saw it, I too thought the Watcher had something to do with the Master! It's funny how you feel cheated (sort of, in a good way) when you find out that he was the Doctor all along. He did try to drive Nyssa and Adric to a safe place, anyway, so I guess I should have known better. But that's the beauty of DW, innit? You never know what's going to happen.
Watching this episode made me feel incredibly sad because when I was watching the episode's finale, I kept thinking about Ten... about the fact that he is regenerating... and how I'm not prepared for it to happen at all. He is, in my opinion, the best Doctor we've had. It is for the best, of course, but David Tennant being as unique and outstanding as he is... is hard to let go of. And I feel sympathetic towards all Whovians that had to watch Four go as he approached the end of his life.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Watch 'Dreamland'! (Episode 1)



There you go!

Episode 1:





This episode was uploaded by drgrantwilliams934. Thank you!

Back to the Doctor Who Proms 2008


Given the fact that I'm such a Doctor Who geek, I spent the entire day watching DW. Oh, what a choker, isn't it? Well, yeah, I am a Whovian, and what else can I do with my spare time? Read a book, check: 'Back to the Vortex' (Series 1 and 2). Watch a movie, check: 'Doctor Who movie'. Watch a documentary, check: 'Doctor Who Confidential'. Watch a TV show, check: 'Blue Peter' with Jon Pertwee. It's a laugh. But yeah, let's just say that the highlight of my weekend (apart from the release of 'Dreamland') was rewatching the DW proms. One of the things I love the most about the new version of the sci-fi show is the incidental music and the characters' themes. They are so wonderful and make me cry a lot... that's how good they are! If you own the soundtracks, then you know what I'm talking 'bout: listening to a certain song makes you go back in time (how appropriate) and remember the whole episode: each character's lines, the plot, the monsters involved, the Doctor in it, the lot. The combination of the strings and brass sections is a winner. I'd like to thanks the BBC National Orchestra, Ben Foster and, above all, Murray Gold. Murray is a genius and I had already listened to some of his pieces in other shows, but I never got really into his songwriting until DW hit the screens. Then I aknowledged his talent as a composer... he truly is one of a kind and is, in my honest opinion, one of the best composers of the 21st century. His pieces make you want to cry, laugh and share your time with the Doctor... 'Doomsday' makes you want to go to Norway and hug Rose, 'Song of Freedom' makes you cry along with Donna, and 'The Girl From The Fireplace' transports you back to Madame de Pompadour's France. He is truly gifted and for all this, I thank him. As I've said to him before (through Twitter, I never thought he was going to reply!), I think he is amazing, and I'll say it again if I have to: MURRAY GOLD IS SIMPLY AMAZING. Call me sentimental, but all his songs touch my heart, and bring me one step closer to the almighty Doctor every time I listen to them.

Freema Agyeman made a terrific job presenting the venue, and I was quite excited when Catherine Tate appeared. All the kids were so terrified and yet so fascinated by the perfection that DW is. All the monsters - the Ood, the Daleks, the Cybermen, Davros, the Sontarans, the Judoon - were hand-picked, of course: they're the most popular and characters like the Daleks and the Cybermen are now iconic in Britain. The TARDIS was there, too: lit up and looking so... transcendental as it actually is. 'Music of the Spheres' was fantastic, great acting from our lovely David!!, and very, very funny as well. 'Ode to the Universe' should be added to my playlist... just for the fun. I might do it someday. The Graske was a good addition to the show, specially when he steals the Doctor's water pistol - for Ten fans, just as iconic as the sonic screwdriver (not really!). Anyway, I'll leave you now... I'll be preparing a post about 'Dreamland', so keep your eyes peeled for that!



The End of Time Preview!

v

This video is part of BBC's property and was uploaded by theiceman2288. Thank you a lot!

Transcript:
THE DOCTOR: Ah, now sorry, there you are. So, where we, I was summoned wasn't I. Ood in the snow calling to me. Well, I didn't just have to come straight here, had a bit of fun you know, traveled about bit of this and that, got into trouble, you know me, but it WAS brilliant, I saw the phosphorous carousel of the great Mingelinga Stat, saved a planet from the red carnivorous Maw, named a galaxy Alison. Got married, that was a mistake, good queen Bess and let me tell you, her nickname is no longer... ahem, anyway, what do you want?

OOD SIGMA: You should not have delayed.

THE DOCTOR: Last time I was here, you said my song would be ending soon. And I'm in no hurry for that.

OOD SIGMA: You will come with me.

THE DOCTOR: Hold on, better lock the TARDIS. (beep beep) You see, like a car. I, I locked it like a car. Like, it's funny. No? Blimey, try to make an Ood laugh.

-

THE DOCTOR: So how old are you now Ood Sigma? Ah! Magnificent! Oh come on, that is! Splendid. You've achieved all this in how long?

OOD SIGMA: One hundred years.

THE DOCTOR: Then we've got a problem. 'Cos all this is way too fast, not just the city, I mean your ability to call me, reaching all the way back to the 21st century, something's accelerating your species way beyond normal.

OOD SIGMA: And the mind of the Ood is troubled.

THE DOCTOR: Why? What's happened?

OOD SIGMA: Every night Doctor, every night we have bad dreams.

-

OOD ELDER: Returning, returning, it is slowly returning, through the dark and the fire and the blood, always returning, returning to this world. It is returning. He is returning. And they are returning. Too late. Too Late. Far too late. He has come.

OOD SIGMA: Sit with the elder of the Ood and share the dreaming.

THE DOCTOR: So. Right. Hello.

OOD (together): You will join. You will join. You will join. You will join. You will join. You will join. You will join.

THE MASTER: Hahahaha!

THE DOCTOR: That man is dead.

THE MASTER: Hahahaha!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Introducing Tom Baker... the heartbreaker!

Some of you might know that I love the way Tom looks. It might sound funny, but I think in was rather attractive, in an alien-ish sort of way. The eyes and the curls... you can't go wrong with 'em! Enjoy, my friends... ;)

#2 Remembering Past Who Episodes - Doctor Who (The Movie)


I know it's not a episode, but oh well.
I watched this last month, I think... and I've always wanted to share my views on it. Well, I've got my chance now, don't I? 'Doctor Who - The Movie' features 8th Doctor Paul McGann (and we also get to see the 7th Doctor, Sylvester McCoy, one of my favourite Doctors), the Master (Eric Roberts), and two 'companions' to the Doctor and the Master (sort of, eh?), Chang Lee (Yee Lee Tso) and Grace (Daphne Ashbrook). First of all, I've got to say... I was pretty excited about seeing the film and all that. So I thought 'I'm gonna watch the movie, it will be real Doctor Who and Bob's your uncle!', but I've got to admit I was fairly disappointed. I know the movie was made to attract American viewers to the show, but co'mon... that wasn't Doctor Who. And if that was the so called 'Americanised' version of it... I'm not sure I'd love it as much as I do now. I know plenty of American people who don't like the film. Mind you, Hollywood movie productions are fantastic, but I didn't like this adaptation of Doctor Who. Simply because it ain't Doctor Who.

Let's start with the things I didn't like... The interior of the TARDIS, for example. It looked like a temple. Like a cathedral. And the TARDIS may be big on the inside, but that doesn't mean it has to look like St. Paul's. I didn't like the console... it didn't look very realistic to me. Sure you can say 'and the other one was??', well, the answer is yes. It was more realistic. Less flashing lights and more Doctorish buttons and levers. I think Eric Roberts is a pretty good actor, but that wasn't the Doctor. That was the chap what stands outside clubs to let you in. That didn't look like the Master in any way. I mean... the Master being so... I dunno... strange. I can't even put it to words. Chang Lee was alright, and I liked Grace as well. The plot was fairly good, although I have to mention some things... Firstly, the Doctor wouldn't die just because of getting shot. No way, my son. That was very disappointing and to be honest, harsh. I didn't like that scene. Maybe it's because I love Seven, but who knows. Second of all (and this is good one)... I think it was good making the Doctor get closer to a human... The New Series showed us that, so that was a good move. Paul was absolutely fantastic as Nine, but I wasn't excepting any less of him, he's a great actor and it's a pity we didn't get to see more of his incarnation.

I know some people will think I am being too much of a pessimist regarding the film... but let's think of it. Classic DW is known for its low budgets and wacky Doctors. And I love it that way... That's what DW is all about, making less look like more. And even if you think of the new Series, all that charm and magic is still there, because it is not all about special effects and the lot... It gives you a palpable perspective of the Doctor's life... The Daleks are there, the TARDIS is there. They're not a computer image, they're the real deal. And it works for me. Oh, does it!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Tom Baker Newsletter - Mid October 2009 (Barry Letts)

Bella and Poppy, Tom Baker's pets


I'm sad to hear that darling Barry Letts has died. He was a very accomplished director and producer for many years at the BBC. He was greatly admired by so many people. He was especially admired by Tom Baker who became the fourth doctor on the say-so of dear Barry. There were several links in the chain of command at the Beeb when it came to replacing John Pertwee. Bill Slater as head of Series and Serials put my name forward and Shaun Sutton as Head of Drama saw me too. But it was up to Barry to decide. He saw me as a wizard in a Ray Harryhausen film (The Golden Voyage of Sinbad) and decided I was worth the risk. And for that I am always grateful. I had no idea how to approach the part. I just turned up and did my turn and Elisabeth Sladen was pleased and so was Barry. Liz always thought of herself as Barry's girl. I always think of myself as Barry's choice. And I always think of Liz Sladen with such tender memories for the confidence she had in me. We had such a happy time together. And soon after setting me up as number four Barry was replaced by Philip Hinchcliffe. And off we went with a bang. Barry directed us in one story in which there were humanoid robots. In one scene a deadly robot finger was pointed at me and threats uttered: the usual thing. I didn't have a line so I casually asked: "Is that finger loaded?" One of my silly ideas. Barry Letts knew that aliens from Gallifrey could be just as silly as the next outsider and he allowed the line to stay. As I cast my mind back to those days the memories are of a serious Barry Letts, but also memories of how sweet and patient he was. Always so ready to give time to suggestions. Always so kind. He was a good man and I am proud to have known him. (...)
Do get Mary Tamm’s new book: “Second Generation”. The elegant Mary tells a good story of her origins, Estonia and her journey to stardom here in England. I have often said that her talent for comedy went unappreciated during her time in Doctor Who. Well, when you read her book you will laugh and agree with me.

(...)
I have been down to woods today three times. Poppy [Tom's pet] has been spayed and we are told not to let her loose as chasing rabbits could undo her stitches. Well the rabbits around here could be caught by Long John Silver. In fact chasing hardly comes into it. They have very little sense of self preservation and often just offer themselves up, as fearless as the silly pheasants which do not even break into a trot as Poppy and I appear. So there is no danger of Poppy's stitches coming adrift. The only small risk is when we get back to the house and she leaps onto the island in the kitchen to gobble up the kitten food. Treasure Island for a dog. Devil's Island if you are a hungry kitten: and little Bella is always hungry. She eats like a horse and gallops about the place nipping the heels of cats, dogs and any other heel that might be there.
It's time for bulbs to be planted so that we can be sure of a good show next spring. Off I went and fetched hundreds of daffodil bulbs: two varieties, King Alfred and Mount Hood. Sue did all the work as usual and I did the admiring. It seems a reasonable arrangement: I'm big on admiration and Sue knows what needs to be done and how to do it. Because of the badgers who dig as hard as Jack Russell terriers we have to defend the newly planted bulbs. They have to be fed too, so no stinting on blood meal. And especially they have to be protected from the squirrels and Badgers. How? Simple: plenty of cayenne pepper. Lawks, how the badgers sneeze and how I laugh at the thought of them staggering about weeping tears of rage at being outsmarted.
The temperature has dropped further and the flies are suffering and I hope they'll be off soon. Bella will miss them, well she always misses them but she loves the chase. I watched a spider abseil down from a beam to near where Bella was waiting for action. Down came the spider and would have sat down beside her but Bella was not in the mood: she snaffled the spider and gobbled it up. None of that Miss Muffet nonsense, no sir: down the hatch.
The place is littered with thousands of sweet chestnuts in their hairy green cases and out of them. Too many even for the squirrels. In the woods they fall on your head! Well, not on your head but on mine. And I rake up the chestnuts with the leaves ad have a good old burn up. I just adore the smell of woodsmoke on these damp mornings. Sometimes in the late afternoon I prepare several heaps of leaves and nuts and then when I get down to them in the morning it's the work of five minutes to get a conflagration going. I try not to inhale as young sweet chestnuts mixed with holly leaves and hornbeam might have a strange effect.
This morning at 8.15 sharp I am dressed in pink shorts and striped shirt and both my feet in a red plastic bucket of hot water. Why? Because Mrs.Toes is to arrive and do my feet. Oh, the pleasure of an 8.15 tickle. What a light touch she has and how sharp her instrument. I felt so much lighter afterwards that I toyed with the idea of changing the way I walk. I showed Mrs Toes my idea but she pronounced it too "bouncy" for my age.
When my knees feel particularly creaky and I'm full of aches I feel old. Of course I am old. BUT I noticed the other day as I was standing next to the Castle in Hastings that the castle looked very very old. And, can you believe it? I suddenly felt quite young! Yes, and the sensation of being young again lasted for about five minutes. Bliss. And I noticed how high it was and then I felt small. One moment I felt young again and the next moment I felt small, belittled.
Some news for you! I’ve decided to open a forum on my site. I can see from my guestbook that some of you would like to communicate with one another, so now you’ll have the chance! Watch out for it within the next few weeks – we’ll announce it in the news section, so if you opt for an RSS feed, you'll get to hear about it! Thanks for all your inquiries in my guestbook. Many of you have asked whether I’ll do any more Dr Who audiobooks. Well, I suppose it’ll depend on the response from the fans! If I’m asked to do another one and I like the script, I probably will. There was another question about the names of my family members on the picture in my photo album. I’ve updated the caption on the picture itself so you’ll find them there. (...)
I don’t have a favourite Halloween story, but I’ll try making one up when I’m down in the woods!


Copyright: tom-baker.co.uk

Thursday, November 19, 2009

#1 Remembering Past Who Episodes - Last Of The Timelords S3

Because I love S3 and because Martha is growing on me, I've been rewatching S3. After weeks and weeks stuck with college works after college works, I've finally (!) had the time to watch the last but glorious episode of this season, 'Last of the Timelords'. And what a joy it was. I've always loved this episode... I think it is because we get to see the Master as he really is... the 'classic' Master, that evilness that doesn't go away. It's funny... and yet it is sardonic and so, so touching. The Doctor, with his kindness, never willing to kill anybody... had to see his 'brother' die in his arms. It certainly brings a whole new perspective when we're talking about WOM... that's one of the reasons he snapped, for sure. And being the last of his kind... it can't be easy. All those Gallifreyans, all those children when he was at the Academy... all dead. He's the only one left and he has to accept it. And still he is the most lovely person on the universe. That's tough. I'd hazard 'impossible', but that's not a word you can use when you're describing Doctor Who. It's emotionally challenging more than anything. It defies your imagination, it tricks you in ways you never thought were possible, and it certainly is the most fantastic sci-fi show ever produced.
Back to the episode... The whole plot is fantastic, but there are certain things I want to point out. First of all, let's look at the Master's personality. Now, that is sheer brilliance. He's so incredibly evil and, as the Doctor says, he is capable of killing anybody who happens to stand in his way expect for himself. This is a more egocentric version of the Doctor's nemesis, and I love it. Even more than the previous Master, although I loved Ainley and Delgado. Ainley is a tad closer to this new Master... I'm glad RTD revived the Master. He's an important a piece as are the Daleks or the Cybermen. Everybody remembers the Master. Tom Baker once said that every hero needs a dark side (funny though, looking at the way WOM was written), or a dark enemy. And he was spot on! That's right. The Master and the Doctor, the ying and the yang... couldn't be more different. John Simm was an excellent choice for the part... A very talented young man.
The way Martha travelled the world to spread the word about how marvelous the Doctor was really touched me. She travelled and crossed the seven seas and all continents just to ask the people for one thing: say a specific name at a given time. Couldn't be any more simple than that. All the plot revolves around the Archangel network, the Master's greatest weakness. It sent a low frequency signal that made people vote for the Master (then Harold Saxon) and believe in what he promised to the British. That made, people would, without even knowing why, vote for him and believe in every single thing he said. But with their minds on somebody else... the telepathic bond weakened and weakened, and ultimately justice was made. I love the way Martha starts to giggle when the Master thinks he has the entire Earth in his hands. That's an epic moment, in my opinion. And everything from then on is fantastic... I love the ending, I love the revelation that Jack *may* be the Face of Boe, but most importantly... The ring. The ring with the Gallifreyan symbol. Who took it? It certainly burns my mind. It could be Lucy, I think. Red nail polish and long fingers... looks like Lucy Saxon to me. Rumour has it that it could be Donna (the Doctor Donna), or even Jenny! Who knows? I can't wait to find out and I think we'll have our answers when 'The End of Time' hits our screens this upcoming Christmas.

Waters of Mars Galore!


Yes, it has been televised. 'The Waters of Mars' hit the 9 million viewers mark last Sunday and, it has to be said, it has also marked our lives as Whovians forever. Every now and then, there comes a time in which the Doctor must regenerate. He changes his body, the way he speaks, the way he acts. Easier said than done, I can assure you. What happens when that Doctor turns out to be your favourite Doctor? Is it easier to let go, much harder to let go? The latter applies to most Whovians and I'm guilty of that as well.

On to my views on the episode...
I can't say it enough... RTD is a genius and everybody should acknowledge him as one. He is witty, inventive and comes up with the most amazing storylines ever. And WOM was no exception.

*Spoilers*
For the first 30 mins or so of the episode, I felt completely numb. I couldn't feel at all. My face was completely glued to the screen and I could hear myself thinking 'Doctor, what's wrong, I know something isn't right'. Well, turns out... I was dead right. (no, 'dead' wasn't a pun for the obvious coming regeneration)
But then my face changed. My whole expression changed. I started to curl up on my chair. The Doctor said something about being a winner... a 'Time Lord Victorious', as he put it. I was absolutely shocked. I had prepared myself for something regarding the imminent return of the Master or something... but certainly not that (see? I told you RTD was a genius). NOT that. It all started to build up from there. His posture, his speech, his attitude, his 'little people' remark. It shook me up. And then I realised... Every Doctor needs a reason to regenerate, whether it is getting shot or absorbing the Time Vortex. It just has to happen... It is inevitable and still, I wanted to change the course of the show so bad.
Now for the question everybody wants to be given an answer to... (I published this on Team Tennant.)

Has the Doctor gone insane?
It was so scary... the way he talked, the way he spoke of him as 'Time Lord Victorious'... That's not the Doctor. He sounded like the Master. It was really creepy. His face changed, his posture changed, even the way he talked sounded strange. Is Ten insane? I don't know. Maybe he's just realised that the universe is at his command. Maybe something has taken over him. But, to be honest with you, I think he is having an emotional breakdown. All those companions, having to leave Rose with 10.2, what happened with Donna, not being able to save Astrid... All that sadness built up and now he's getting to experience all those emotions he tried to hide. 'Cause that's what he does, he hides his emotions. He can't show love or hate. He has to be neutral. But deep down, he has two hearts, and we know that one heart can grieve and rejoice throughout our lives, let alone two hearts. It was as if he had a bottle with him... all the anger and sadness were constantly being shoved into it, and he placed a cork for it not to open. But as it builds up, there's no space left... the cork popped and the Doctor is terrified. He's exposed, he's 'naked', he's the Doctor and everybody knows what he did. And he knows that was he did was terrible... he infringed the Laws of Time. We say that it's the intention that counts, but I don't think we can apply that to Doctor Who. Not unless we are talking about our compassionate Doctor. He is facing his doom... and he wants to fight it. But what for?, he knows it is all going to end soon. He can feel it. The TARDIS knows it. Hence the Cloister Bell. I want him to come back... the lovely Doctor. He's Ten inside somewhere... but he's confused now. Bless him... it's all too much for a Time Lord.

I don't know whether I'm right or wrong... Maybe I'm just being sympathetic, or maybe I'm just trying to avoid the regeneration process. I could sit here speculating all day, but what's the point?

By the way, it has been revealing the the name of the upcoming episode is 'The End of Time Part One'. I bet you can't guess the name of the last one.

Now for a little treat... A good friend of mine, FanaticalWhovian (check her blog out, it is amazing and filled with DW goodness), made this video... a tribute to 'Gadget, Gadget', now a favourite creature of mine. I hope you enjoy it... I love it. Thank you, FW! :)


http://fanatical4who.livejournal.com/436.html