The Eighties saw the broadcast of some of the finest Doctor Who stories ever, but unfortunately some of the poorest too (occasionally next to each other in transmission order). It was extremely inconsistent for the most part, settling down towards the end of its run as the Seventh Doctor era tried a few things that the show would be lauded for upon its return in 2005.
There was definitely something there, but the show had already been mortally wounded. Rather than being formally cancelled, Doctor Who was quietly abandoned before renewed interest around its 30th anniversary in 1993 saw an attempted anniversary special (‘The Dark Dimension’) and the Children in Need mini-episodes ‘Dimensions in Time’.
A frustrating end, then, to a frustrating decade, but occasionally the potential of the show was tapped to produce stunning images, performances and concepts that have stood the test of time. This is another best-of selection where we were spoiled for choice,...
There was definitely something there, but the show had already been mortally wounded. Rather than being formally cancelled, Doctor Who was quietly abandoned before renewed interest around its 30th anniversary in 1993 saw an attempted anniversary special (‘The Dark Dimension’) and the Children in Need mini-episodes ‘Dimensions in Time’.
A frustrating end, then, to a frustrating decade, but occasionally the potential of the show was tapped to produce stunning images, performances and concepts that have stood the test of time. This is another best-of selection where we were spoiled for choice,...
- 1/6/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
1985: Santa Barbara's Mason interrupted C.C. and Gina's wedding.
1993: All My Children's Kendall Hart arrived in Pine Valley.
1994: All My Children's Maria and Edmund were married.
2013: Dallas' Ewing family mourned at J.R.'s funeral."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: On Another World, at the dance, Dr. Joe Bernardi (Joe Bennett) encouraged Lee Randolph (Gaye Huston) to see the man underneath the doctor, then discouraged her from speaking to Dr. Farmer about John. He wouldn't let her use his medical opinion to...
1993: All My Children's Kendall Hart arrived in Pine Valley.
1994: All My Children's Maria and Edmund were married.
2013: Dallas' Ewing family mourned at J.R.'s funeral."History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into d ifferent and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: On Another World, at the dance, Dr. Joe Bernardi (Joe Bennett) encouraged Lee Randolph (Gaye Huston) to see the man underneath the doctor, then discouraged her from speaking to Dr. Farmer about John. He wouldn't let her use his medical opinion to...
- 3/11/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
1985: Santa Barbara's Mason interrupted C.C. and Gina's wedding.
1993: All My Children's Kendall Hart arrived in Pine Valley.
1994: All My Children's Maria and Edmund were married.
2013: Dallas' Ewing family mourned at J.R.'s funeral."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: On Another World, at the dance, Dr. Joe Bernardi (Joe Bennett) encouraged...
1993: All My Children's Kendall Hart arrived in Pine Valley.
1994: All My Children's Maria and Edmund were married.
2013: Dallas' Ewing family mourned at J.R.'s funeral."Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times. This arises from the fact that they are produced by men who ever have been, and ever shall be, animated by the same passions, and thus they necessarily have the same results."
― Machiavelli
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1966: On Another World, at the dance, Dr. Joe Bernardi (Joe Bennett) encouraged...
- 3/13/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Louisa Mellor Jan 30, 2018
Inside No. 9 does well-observed industry satire in its latest episode. Spoilers ahead in our review…
This review contains spoilers.
See related Riverdale season 2 episode 11 review: The Wrestler Riverdale season 2 episode 10 review: The Blackboard Jungle
4.5 And The Winner Is…
“What’s more important, awards or a massive audience?” I asked Inside No. 9’s creators in 2017. Simultaneously, without missing a beat, “Awards!” they answered to a chorus of laughs. “Can’t put an audience on your shelf!” said Pemberton.
However serious that answer, it’s not a stretch to see why TV awards-giving might be ripe for satire here. Inside No. 9 has won a number of prizes (Rose d’Or, Rts, Writers’ Guild, Banff Rockies, comedy.co.uk…), but there’s still a baffling gap where a Bafta might be. It’s a matter of genre, Reece Shearsmith suggested. As a dramatic comedy/comedic drama, Inside No. 9...
Inside No. 9 does well-observed industry satire in its latest episode. Spoilers ahead in our review…
This review contains spoilers.
See related Riverdale season 2 episode 11 review: The Wrestler Riverdale season 2 episode 10 review: The Blackboard Jungle
4.5 And The Winner Is…
“What’s more important, awards or a massive audience?” I asked Inside No. 9’s creators in 2017. Simultaneously, without missing a beat, “Awards!” they answered to a chorus of laughs. “Can’t put an audience on your shelf!” said Pemberton.
However serious that answer, it’s not a stretch to see why TV awards-giving might be ripe for satire here. Inside No. 9 has won a number of prizes (Rose d’Or, Rts, Writers’ Guild, Banff Rockies, comedy.co.uk…), but there’s still a baffling gap where a Bafta might be. It’s a matter of genre, Reece Shearsmith suggested. As a dramatic comedy/comedic drama, Inside No. 9...
- 1/26/2018
- Den of Geek
Louisa Mellor Jan 9, 2018
Inside No. 9 continues on excellent form with this bittersweet play about a lost showbusiness friendship. Spoilers ahead…
This review contains spoilers.
See related Geeks Vs Loneliness: belonging Geeks Vs Loneliness: being lonely on purpose Geeks Vs Loneliness: don't give up Geeks Vs Loneliness: disabilities that you can’t see Geeks Vs Loneliness: how to ask for help Geeks Vs Loneliness: hiding in plain sight Geeks Vs Loneliness: keeping yourself going
4.2 Bernie Clifton’s Dressing Room
In 2006, comedy double act Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball gave an interview to The Independent reminiscing about their stage and TV career. In their 1980s heyday, the pair had a serious falling-out, something “every double act goes through,” said Ball, “it’s like a marriage”. The piece concluded with Ball’s bittersweet line, “We've become really like brothers now. It's sad to say, but I'll bury him or he'll bury me.”
It probably wasn’t—Inside No.
Inside No. 9 continues on excellent form with this bittersweet play about a lost showbusiness friendship. Spoilers ahead…
This review contains spoilers.
See related Geeks Vs Loneliness: belonging Geeks Vs Loneliness: being lonely on purpose Geeks Vs Loneliness: don't give up Geeks Vs Loneliness: disabilities that you can’t see Geeks Vs Loneliness: how to ask for help Geeks Vs Loneliness: hiding in plain sight Geeks Vs Loneliness: keeping yourself going
4.2 Bernie Clifton’s Dressing Room
In 2006, comedy double act Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball gave an interview to The Independent reminiscing about their stage and TV career. In their 1980s heyday, the pair had a serious falling-out, something “every double act goes through,” said Ball, “it’s like a marriage”. The piece concluded with Ball’s bittersweet line, “We've become really like brothers now. It's sad to say, but I'll bury him or he'll bury me.”
It probably wasn’t—Inside No.
- 1/8/2018
- Den of Geek
Louisa Mellor Apr 7, 2017
Filming is well underway on the fourth series of the brilliant Inside No. 9. Here's who to expect among the guest cast...
Series one and two of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's consistently inventive, continually surprising anthology strand Inside No. 9 have recently landed on Netflix UK, which will hopefully bring it to the attention of those who didn't catch it on the first run. If you're among them, then run, don't walk, etc. It's simply one of the best shows around.
See related The X-Files: an episode roadmap for beginners The X-Files: Fox wants more episodes in 2018 Dirk Maggs Interview: Hitchhiker's, Douglas Adams, Superman, Batman, & more...
And thrillingly, more of it is incoming. Hot on the heels of the recently aired third series, filming is already well underway on a fourth, to comprise six new standalone stories.
As soon as there's a sniff of an official broadcast date,...
Filming is well underway on the fourth series of the brilliant Inside No. 9. Here's who to expect among the guest cast...
Series one and two of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith's consistently inventive, continually surprising anthology strand Inside No. 9 have recently landed on Netflix UK, which will hopefully bring it to the attention of those who didn't catch it on the first run. If you're among them, then run, don't walk, etc. It's simply one of the best shows around.
See related The X-Files: an episode roadmap for beginners The X-Files: Fox wants more episodes in 2018 Dirk Maggs Interview: Hitchhiker's, Douglas Adams, Superman, Batman, & more...
And thrillingly, more of it is incoming. Hot on the heels of the recently aired third series, filming is already well underway on a fourth, to comprise six new standalone stories.
As soon as there's a sniff of an official broadcast date,...
- 1/20/2017
- Den of Geek
Louisa Mellor Dec 27, 2016
The Inside No. 9 Christmas special is an expertly layered treat for fans of vintage horror…
This review contains spoilers.
See related Batman Forever: the case for and against Val Kilmer looks back on Batman Forever Joel Schumacher on Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, nipples Jim Carrey on Batman Forever: Tommy Lee Jones hated me
The Devil Of Christmas opened up like a Matryoshka doll, revealing a different face each time. What first looked like a seventies TV film pastiche split open to reveal that mainstay of geek fandom, the director’s commentary. Inside that nestled something far nastier: a snuff film. Merry Christmas!
The retro send-up provided enough entertainment on its own—these days you have to be very good to make TV that bad—but this being a time of year for excess, Inside No. 9’s writers added a horrid final flourish. Avuncular veteran director Dennis Fulcher,...
The Inside No. 9 Christmas special is an expertly layered treat for fans of vintage horror…
This review contains spoilers.
See related Batman Forever: the case for and against Val Kilmer looks back on Batman Forever Joel Schumacher on Batman Forever, Batman & Robin, nipples Jim Carrey on Batman Forever: Tommy Lee Jones hated me
The Devil Of Christmas opened up like a Matryoshka doll, revealing a different face each time. What first looked like a seventies TV film pastiche split open to reveal that mainstay of geek fandom, the director’s commentary. Inside that nestled something far nastier: a snuff film. Merry Christmas!
The retro send-up provided enough entertainment on its own—these days you have to be very good to make TV that bad—but this being a time of year for excess, Inside No. 9’s writers added a horrid final flourish. Avuncular veteran director Dennis Fulcher,...
- 12/21/2016
- Den of Geek
Simon Brew Oct 10, 2016
From Doctor Who and The FiveIsh Doctors to Campion and Button Moon: we chat to the fifth Doctor, Mr Peter Davison...
Ah, the mighty Peter Davison. The Fifth Doctor, All Creatures Great And Small, Campion, and living in a house with Freddy from Rainbow are just some of the topics we chatted to him about, ahead of the publication of his terrific autobiography, Is There Life Outside The Box.
We’ve got a fair bit to get through, so without further ado….
I got a sense you thoroughly enjoyed writing this book, once you were over some initial research-y hurdles. Would that be fair?
Yeah, that’s fair. It was kind of a journey, really. A reassembling. I’ve had these memories, and it was really a chance to put them down on paper and order them. Everything fragments as you get older, and things come out,...
From Doctor Who and The FiveIsh Doctors to Campion and Button Moon: we chat to the fifth Doctor, Mr Peter Davison...
Ah, the mighty Peter Davison. The Fifth Doctor, All Creatures Great And Small, Campion, and living in a house with Freddy from Rainbow are just some of the topics we chatted to him about, ahead of the publication of his terrific autobiography, Is There Life Outside The Box.
We’ve got a fair bit to get through, so without further ado….
I got a sense you thoroughly enjoyed writing this book, once you were over some initial research-y hurdles. Would that be fair?
Yeah, that’s fair. It was kind of a journey, really. A reassembling. I’ve had these memories, and it was really a chance to put them down on paper and order them. Everything fragments as you get older, and things come out,...
- 10/6/2016
- Den of Geek
From ampersands to The Apprentice, from dinner ladies to Dirty Den, here's a selection of nerdy in-jokes from Doctor Who series 2...
Last month we took a look at Doctor Who Series One as it celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Specifically, we delved deep into the murky world of in-jokes and sweet nerdy references.
Let’s take another trip back in time and have a look at the more notable and interesting references and in-jokes from Doctor Who Series Two, starring David Tennant and Billie Piper, where the credit of “Doctor Who” had been changed back to “The Doctor”. Pfft, party poopers.
New Earth
Old-skool fans would have been forgiven for being excited at the prospect, given that “New Earth” was a planet mentioned in the 1974 classic Invasion Of The Dinosaurs (though it didn’t actually exist in that story, it was a fake world). But all fans could get excited at...
Last month we took a look at Doctor Who Series One as it celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Specifically, we delved deep into the murky world of in-jokes and sweet nerdy references.
Let’s take another trip back in time and have a look at the more notable and interesting references and in-jokes from Doctor Who Series Two, starring David Tennant and Billie Piper, where the credit of “Doctor Who” had been changed back to “The Doctor”. Pfft, party poopers.
New Earth
Old-skool fans would have been forgiven for being excited at the prospect, given that “New Earth” was a planet mentioned in the 1974 classic Invasion Of The Dinosaurs (though it didn’t actually exist in that story, it was a fake world). But all fans could get excited at...
- 4/29/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
From the Queen Vic to the Tardis. As Eastenders prepares to mark its 30th anniversary, we look back at its encounters with Doctor Who...
Back in the mid-eighties an actor who played "Third Assistant" in a Doctor Who story called The Savages (1966) and the director of another Doctor Who adventure, The Underwater Menace (1967), came together to create one of the BBC’s most successful television shows.
And when they got together, it was murder. Well, not quite. (Though the first episode did feature a victim who would later die, fact fans.) But what they did create was Eastenders.
Broadcast on February the 19th 1985 (in between episodes one and two of The Two Doctors), this creation of Who alumni would go on to share numerous links with the long-running science-fiction for years to come. Even its time-slot owes much to the adventures of everyone’s favourite Gallifreyan.
In an interview in...
Back in the mid-eighties an actor who played "Third Assistant" in a Doctor Who story called The Savages (1966) and the director of another Doctor Who adventure, The Underwater Menace (1967), came together to create one of the BBC’s most successful television shows.
And when they got together, it was murder. Well, not quite. (Though the first episode did feature a victim who would later die, fact fans.) But what they did create was Eastenders.
Broadcast on February the 19th 1985 (in between episodes one and two of The Two Doctors), this creation of Who alumni would go on to share numerous links with the long-running science-fiction for years to come. Even its time-slot owes much to the adventures of everyone’s favourite Gallifreyan.
In an interview in...
- 2/12/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
James Lomond is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
The 250th issue of the excellent SFX, a UK science fiction and fantasy magazine, goes on sale today and includes a poll from over 90,000 readers on the top 250 moments in the genres. Billie Piper and David Tennant (and really Russell T Davies and director Graeme Harper with them) come out on top in first
The post Bad Wolf Bay: The Best Sci-Fi Moment! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
The 250th issue of the excellent SFX, a UK science fiction and fantasy magazine, goes on sale today and includes a poll from over 90,000 readers on the top 250 moments in the genres. Billie Piper and David Tennant (and really Russell T Davies and director Graeme Harper with them) come out on top in first
The post Bad Wolf Bay: The Best Sci-Fi Moment! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 6/26/2014
- by James Lomond
- Kasterborous.com
Feature Andrew Blair 19 Nov 2013 - 06:39
In this week of Doctor Who celebration, Andrew salutes just a few of the individuals whose talent and hard work made the show what it is...
In the history of Doctor Who there are many names in the end credits that always seem to stand out. For some reason, I always look out for Alec Wheal in Eighties Who credits or, since 2005, the Script Editor. Over the years there have been hundreds of unsung contributors behind the scenes, and this article seeks to celebrate a handful of those who put in one helluva slog for our benefit.
Oh, and in researching this article I discovered that Dorka Nieradzik – who worked on Logopolis, Revelation of the Daleks and Silver Nemesis to name but a few – now appears to be Clive Owen's personal Hair and Make Up Artist.
It's not really relevant or anything, but...
In this week of Doctor Who celebration, Andrew salutes just a few of the individuals whose talent and hard work made the show what it is...
In the history of Doctor Who there are many names in the end credits that always seem to stand out. For some reason, I always look out for Alec Wheal in Eighties Who credits or, since 2005, the Script Editor. Over the years there have been hundreds of unsung contributors behind the scenes, and this article seeks to celebrate a handful of those who put in one helluva slog for our benefit.
Oh, and in researching this article I discovered that Dorka Nieradzik – who worked on Logopolis, Revelation of the Daleks and Silver Nemesis to name but a few – now appears to be Clive Owen's personal Hair and Make Up Artist.
It's not really relevant or anything, but...
- 11/19/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
When Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccelston left Doctor Who after only one season, he left behind a set of episodes that were a great reintroduction to the classic series but more than anything, they were a springboard for whoever was going to take over the iconic role next. David Tennant’s Tenth remains one of the most memorable and beloved Doctors in the show’s long history. Bolstered by a robust and often deeply moving performance by Tennant, this five year run produced some of the finest Doctor Who stories in the show’s 50 year run. Here are Ten’s ten best stories:
10. “Blink”
Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by Hettie MacDonald
Aired June 9th 2007
“Blink” introduces the Weeping Angels, one of the most terrifying villains in the Doctor Who universe. Breaking the show’s usual format, this story barely features the Doctor and his Companion at the time, Martha (Freema Agyeman...
10. “Blink”
Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by Hettie MacDonald
Aired June 9th 2007
“Blink” introduces the Weeping Angels, one of the most terrifying villains in the Doctor Who universe. Breaking the show’s usual format, this story barely features the Doctor and his Companion at the time, Martha (Freema Agyeman...
- 11/7/2013
- by Tressa
- SoundOnSight
Feature Andrew Blair 8 Nov 2013 - 07:00
To celebrate its 50th birthday this month, Andrew talks us through 50 great Doctor Who scenes...
Doctor Who, what with being the greatest thing ever and all, has its fair share of great scenes. You could – and people have – write a list of one great scene per story. There are thousands to choose from. Here, we have a list of fifty in no particular order. The criteria is simply that we enjoy them.
Because we all know about 'Do I have the right?' and 'I'm not going to let you stop me now', I've also tried finding moments from less popular episodes just to give them some love. No story is completely without merit (Even Timeflight has Khalid) and like it or not, Time and the Rani happened, so we're all just going to have to deal with it.
So, here's a selection of fifty great scenes.
To celebrate its 50th birthday this month, Andrew talks us through 50 great Doctor Who scenes...
Doctor Who, what with being the greatest thing ever and all, has its fair share of great scenes. You could – and people have – write a list of one great scene per story. There are thousands to choose from. Here, we have a list of fifty in no particular order. The criteria is simply that we enjoy them.
Because we all know about 'Do I have the right?' and 'I'm not going to let you stop me now', I've also tried finding moments from less popular episodes just to give them some love. No story is completely without merit (Even Timeflight has Khalid) and like it or not, Time and the Rani happened, so we're all just going to have to deal with it.
So, here's a selection of fifty great scenes.
- 11/7/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Top 10 Andrew Blair 13 Sep 2013 - 06:48
Andrew counts down Doctor Who's top 10 Dalek stories, from Invasion Earth to The Power of the Daleks...
A cosmos without the Daleks scarcely bears thinking about.
Without the mutated remnants of the seemingly indestructible planet Skaro, we don't know if Doctor Who would have survived. If Terry Nation had dreamt up the Voord to menace Barbara in the series fifth episode, Den of Geek may well be paying tribute to Doctor Who as an obscure cult concern, cherished by a few but forgotten by many. Instead, we do things like this.
This list is not limited to the television series, because Doctor Who isn't limited to the television series. And hey, why not use our Comments Section to add your own list or express disbelief that I've not included Evil of the Daleks in mine?
10. Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.
There's something eternally...
Andrew counts down Doctor Who's top 10 Dalek stories, from Invasion Earth to The Power of the Daleks...
A cosmos without the Daleks scarcely bears thinking about.
Without the mutated remnants of the seemingly indestructible planet Skaro, we don't know if Doctor Who would have survived. If Terry Nation had dreamt up the Voord to menace Barbara in the series fifth episode, Den of Geek may well be paying tribute to Doctor Who as an obscure cult concern, cherished by a few but forgotten by many. Instead, we do things like this.
This list is not limited to the television series, because Doctor Who isn't limited to the television series. And hey, why not use our Comments Section to add your own list or express disbelief that I've not included Evil of the Daleks in mine?
10. Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.
There's something eternally...
- 9/13/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Steven Moffat may have some big surprises in store, but so far it seems Doctor Who’s fiftieth birthday will heavily weigh towards the extreme poles of Mark Gatiss’ docu-drama An Adventure in Space and Time and Moffat’s low-calorie (now with 43 years less nostalgia!), doubtless audacious Smith/Tennant/ John Hurt team-up. But it’s only right that we fans celebrate the spirit of Doctor Who, rather than a clip-show celebrating the letter—and pay tribute to its boldest and most original narratives.
So step forward, Revelation of the Daleks (1985)—a triumph from Colin Baker’s all-too-brief and troubled Doctorate. It’s a thoroughly unique and weird experiment—and its triumph, despite casting aside so much of Doctor Who’s then-standard repertoire, is as great a testament to Who’s storytelling prowess as any.
No matter what your taste in Doctor Who, chances are Revelation of the Daleks’ peculiar flavour is not easily acquired.
So step forward, Revelation of the Daleks (1985)—a triumph from Colin Baker’s all-too-brief and troubled Doctorate. It’s a thoroughly unique and weird experiment—and its triumph, despite casting aside so much of Doctor Who’s then-standard repertoire, is as great a testament to Who’s storytelling prowess as any.
No matter what your taste in Doctor Who, chances are Revelation of the Daleks’ peculiar flavour is not easily acquired.
- 7/3/2013
- by Hamish Crawford
- Obsessed with Film
Using the new Doctor Who Limited Edition Gift Set, your noble author will make his way through as much of the modern series as he can before the Christmas episode,The Snowmen.
Surpassed only by the Daleks, the Cybermen are the Doctor’s greatest foes. So like the former, it was only a matter of time before we would see…
Rise Of The Cybermen / The Age Of Steel
by Tom MacRae
Directed by Graeme Harper
“If you want to know what’s going on…work in the kitchen.”
The Tardis falls out of the time vortex and crashes…in London. Well, no, not quite, it’s a parallel Earth, one where Zeppelins are an established mode of transportation, and Rose’s dad Pete is not only alive, but one of the most successful businessmen in England. The Doctor cautions her that this Pete is not her father – there may be...
Surpassed only by the Daleks, the Cybermen are the Doctor’s greatest foes. So like the former, it was only a matter of time before we would see…
Rise Of The Cybermen / The Age Of Steel
by Tom MacRae
Directed by Graeme Harper
“If you want to know what’s going on…work in the kitchen.”
The Tardis falls out of the time vortex and crashes…in London. Well, no, not quite, it’s a parallel Earth, one where Zeppelins are an established mode of transportation, and Rose’s dad Pete is not only alive, but one of the most successful businessmen in England. The Doctor cautions her that this Pete is not her father – there may be...
- 12/20/2012
- by Vinnie Bartilucci
- Comicmix.com
Regenerations. They are part and parcel of keeping Doctor Who alive, both for the character and the programme. It's such a simple notion, but one that works perfectly. When William Hartnell was announced as leaving the show, well, why couldn't a man who travels in a police box change his face? The initial premise may have been cautiously accepted, but in a very short while, that excellent actor Patrick Troughton made the part all his own. The rest as they say is history.
So here then is a quick guide to all the final moments to date of each Doctor. It's time to play the Regeneration Game!
Death by: Old Age
Which Story? The Tenth Planet
Where? The Tardis
Notable Firsts: Obviously the first regeneration to take place, but it's also the first one to take place in the Tardis. The strange behaviour of the Tardis console suggests that it's pushing the regeneration process forward,...
So here then is a quick guide to all the final moments to date of each Doctor. It's time to play the Regeneration Game!
Death by: Old Age
Which Story? The Tenth Planet
Where? The Tardis
Notable Firsts: Obviously the first regeneration to take place, but it's also the first one to take place in the Tardis. The strange behaviour of the Tardis console suggests that it's pushing the regeneration process forward,...
- 11/21/2012
- Shadowlocked
If there's one thing that I lament about the new series of Doctor Who it's that there aren't enough cliffhangers. Ever since the Time Lord returned from a cancellation grave, the seasons were divided into bite-size standalone stories and hefty two-parters, which meant maybe three cliffhangers per season.
Which isn't really enough. Up until 1989, one of Doctor Who's signature hallmarks was the cliffhanger. It was the method by which to bring back the viewers for the next instalment, a ploy going way back to those creaky old B-Movies in the black and white days. Many of the soap operas always end the episodes on cliffhangers, from grimy old EastEnders through to sunny Neighbours (hopefully one of these days, a Neighbours cliffhanger will involve slimy rat-boy Rhys and a hungry bear).
The cliffhanger is a trick that especially appeals to kids – I should know: I remember in the good old...
Which isn't really enough. Up until 1989, one of Doctor Who's signature hallmarks was the cliffhanger. It was the method by which to bring back the viewers for the next instalment, a ploy going way back to those creaky old B-Movies in the black and white days. Many of the soap operas always end the episodes on cliffhangers, from grimy old EastEnders through to sunny Neighbours (hopefully one of these days, a Neighbours cliffhanger will involve slimy rat-boy Rhys and a hungry bear).
The cliffhanger is a trick that especially appeals to kids – I should know: I remember in the good old...
- 5/2/2012
- Shadowlocked
The Scariest Doctor Who Yet! So promised the creaky Doctor Who Hype Machine when promoting the penultimate Tenth Doctor escapade, The Waters Of Mars. The Hype Machine loves this turn of phrase, so much so that it seems to make every alternate story “The Scariest Yet”. I mean, the recent Impossible Astronaut two-parter was touted as The Scariest Yet, even though it wasn't that long after The Waters Of Mars. Well if slow-moving skull headed men in suits is your scary bag, fill your boots. Heaven alone knows what would have happened if they described the 13th and 14th seasons in this fashion: “The Talons Of Weng-Chiang! The scariest story yet! Well since The Robots Of Death anyway...”
Kill me now please – I'm writing like Gareth Roberts.
So at the back of The Doctor's mind is that nagging sense that the Bowie Base crew are not in for a happy time,...
Kill me now please – I'm writing like Gareth Roberts.
So at the back of The Doctor's mind is that nagging sense that the Bowie Base crew are not in for a happy time,...
- 10/17/2011
- Shadowlocked
The critics can advise you on what's good and what's bad in all aspects of life – whether it's TV, music, films or food – but at the end of the day, it's the public view that counts. A TV critic can pick apart a really bad programme until the cows come home, but if the public likes it, who cares? How else could you explain the long-running My Family – Aka, the most depressing, mean-spirited excuse for a comedy in the history of telly – a programme that seems to be derided by every critic under the sun, and yet seems to have lasted for decades. See? If the public likes something, then a critic's job sometimes feels a bit pointless.
Still, as I weep into my computer keyboard, at least I can console myself with the fact that My Family's limping to its well deserved end this year. As for Doctor Who,...
Still, as I weep into my computer keyboard, at least I can console myself with the fact that My Family's limping to its well deserved end this year. As for Doctor Who,...
- 9/7/2011
- Shadowlocked
“Mind blowing decisions causes head-on collisions”. So said 1970s funksters Heatwave in a notably laid back jazzy groove – but never a truer word was spoken when referring to a great Doctor Who story 30 years in the future. Yes, Turn Left, the bookend to Midnight in which the companion takes centre stage while The Doctor goes Awol.
Following the blockbusting Library two-parter and the equally impressive Midnight, it's easy to think that this Doctor-Lite story could be the weak link in the chain. In fact, it's no such thing and proves to be a tale that's just as amazing as its predecessors. A good factor in its success is that it's such a simple idea, and it works because of this. Basically, Donna is shown an alternative universe in which The Doctor doesn't exist any more – having chosen to turn right rather than left in her car en route to the...
Following the blockbusting Library two-parter and the equally impressive Midnight, it's easy to think that this Doctor-Lite story could be the weak link in the chain. In fact, it's no such thing and proves to be a tale that's just as amazing as its predecessors. A good factor in its success is that it's such a simple idea, and it works because of this. Basically, Donna is shown an alternative universe in which The Doctor doesn't exist any more – having chosen to turn right rather than left in her car en route to the...
- 8/26/2011
- Shadowlocked
Wasps. What are they good for? Well, as the old song goes, absolutely nothing – apart from to irritate the hell out of you on a hot summer's day. And even worse, they'll sting you without a second thought. At least bees may think twice about this, given that they're committing suicide in the process. But the wasp has no such mechanism to make it as benign, and more to the point, they'll make you look a fool in the process. Whether you're freezing like a waxwork dummy or doing some sort of crazy war dance in a vain bid to get rid of the annoying bugger, they'll still sting you like no tomorrow.
So a giant wasp should scare the bejesus out of any living man, woman or child. No wonder the latest Doctor Who story makes a virtue out of this with a story called The Unicorn And The Wasp.
So a giant wasp should scare the bejesus out of any living man, woman or child. No wonder the latest Doctor Who story makes a virtue out of this with a story called The Unicorn And The Wasp.
- 8/14/2011
- Shadowlocked
Well now, it's been a while since we've had a truly boring Doctor Who story. By my reckoning and my hazy memory, the last real snoozefest was when I reviewed The Mark Of The Rani , a pondersome ramble in Killingworth with waggling trees, incomprehensible dialogue and endless point scoring between two ageing Time Lords. Ever since the reboot of Doctor Who came about in 2005, we've had the occasional calamity, but never has a story been so boring.
Step forward The Doctor's Daughter – the big turkey of Tennant's third season and probably one of the worst duffers of the era. Don't be fooled by the title – in no way does The Doctor suddenly realise he's misplaced a long-lost daughter in the constellation of Canthares or some other obscure location. There's no jaw-dropping revelation that The Doctor had some late night fumblings with either Romana, Todd or even Rose. No – all that...
Step forward The Doctor's Daughter – the big turkey of Tennant's third season and probably one of the worst duffers of the era. Don't be fooled by the title – in no way does The Doctor suddenly realise he's misplaced a long-lost daughter in the constellation of Canthares or some other obscure location. There's no jaw-dropping revelation that The Doctor had some late night fumblings with either Romana, Todd or even Rose. No – all that...
- 8/6/2011
- Shadowlocked
Attention Shortarses everywhere. You have nothing to fear. Apparently the average height for a bloke in the UK is around 5'9”, although for some odd reason everyone seems to be taller than that even. And yet – despite the fact that media she-hacks still suggest that height is one of the most important prerequisites of a man – shortarses still seem to be doing spectacularly well. Pompous U2 oaf, Bono. Snarling tycoon monster Baron Von Sugar. Simon Cowell henchmen Ant And Dec – even Cowell himself doesn't seem to be the tallest guy on the planet.
So since this particular writer stands as tall as he can at 5'8”, this is pleasing news. Actually I've never had a problem with height – or relative lack of it. Unlike the poor old Sontarans, a race who always seem to have some massive inferiority complex. Look at them strutting around, looking like baked potatoes with eyes...
So since this particular writer stands as tall as he can at 5'8”, this is pleasing news. Actually I've never had a problem with height – or relative lack of it. Unlike the poor old Sontarans, a race who always seem to have some massive inferiority complex. Look at them strutting around, looking like baked potatoes with eyes...
- 7/31/2011
- Shadowlocked
I guess it was only a matter of time before the Ood came back for another tussle with The Doctor. They had proven to be a big success in David Tennant's first season, thanks to their strikingly unusual appearance and the mystery of whether they were goodies or baddies. In the end, they got a rather sad exit in The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit, after they were killed in explosions, having been possessed by the Beast. Even The Doctor couldn't save them this time, the scoundrel.
So he figures that he owes them one after arriving on the Planet Of The Ood. We'd seen how they were no more than shuffling servants to human beings in the far future, serving up drinks and food like badly mutated butlers. The concept of Ood slavery was briefly mentioned, but it's dwelt upon more heavily in Planet Of The Ood – which incidentally,...
So he figures that he owes them one after arriving on the Planet Of The Ood. We'd seen how they were no more than shuffling servants to human beings in the far future, serving up drinks and food like badly mutated butlers. The concept of Ood slavery was briefly mentioned, but it's dwelt upon more heavily in Planet Of The Ood – which incidentally,...
- 7/27/2011
- Shadowlocked
Right now, I'm disturbed by a hubbub outside the window. A whopping great tractor is trying and failing to park in a cul-de-sac just over the road. No great surprise about that in theory – except that I've seen bigger cul-de-sacs in Trumpton. Tractor guy's already getting grief from a couple of creaky old codgers waving their fists aloft like he's just threatened to crush their cottages to rubble with his clunky vehicle.
What's this got to do with Doctor Who, I hear you cry. Well now, it just so happens that I've reached the last story of the 2007 season, no less: the equivalent of an old school six-parter. A big finale that brings back The Doctor's wretched nemesis, The Master, who's now wreaking havoc in two forms: an apparently genial old fossil on a futuristic planet and then in a younger version who's evidently been living on a crash diet of chocolates,...
What's this got to do with Doctor Who, I hear you cry. Well now, it just so happens that I've reached the last story of the 2007 season, no less: the equivalent of an old school six-parter. A big finale that brings back The Doctor's wretched nemesis, The Master, who's now wreaking havoc in two forms: an apparently genial old fossil on a futuristic planet and then in a younger version who's evidently been living on a crash diet of chocolates,...
- 7/15/2011
- Shadowlocked
24. One of the mainstays of Noughties American TV and a resounding smash hit with viewers. I'll be brutally honest though – I've never seen an episode of 24: Not even one five-minute smidge. Jeez, Bensalhia, call yourself a TV reviewer?
In my defence, there's only so many in the hours in the day and just not enough time to sit in front of action-packed, frantic melées. However, I'd heard enough about the show to recognise that Doctor Who was gearing up to provide its own take on the show with an episode called 42. Ha! See how they did that? They just swapped the two and the four around to create a title of sheer genius.
Sarcasm's the last trick in the bag for any self-respecting reviewer, but nevertheless I'm inclined to use such cheap tricks when commenting on this episode. It happens to be written by Pip And Jane Baker scourge,...
In my defence, there's only so many in the hours in the day and just not enough time to sit in front of action-packed, frantic melées. However, I'd heard enough about the show to recognise that Doctor Who was gearing up to provide its own take on the show with an episode called 42. Ha! See how they did that? They just swapped the two and the four around to create a title of sheer genius.
Sarcasm's the last trick in the bag for any self-respecting reviewer, but nevertheless I'm inclined to use such cheap tricks when commenting on this episode. It happens to be written by Pip And Jane Baker scourge,...
- 7/6/2011
- Shadowlocked
The problem with writing a review for Army Of Doomsday (as I call it) at the time of transmission is that it's not the finished article. Back in 2006, most commentators would have summed up the big season finale as follows: Doctor and Rose find that ghosts have taken over Earth; Ghosts turn out to be Cybermen; Cybermen then use Earth as a battleground for their war against the Daleks; Doctor stops the war but at a price because Rose gets trapped in a parallel universe forever; Too much weeping and wailing at the end.
Which is a fair summary. Now fast forward a couple of years, and you'll realise that the review's not quite complete. So how's about now, you can change the bit about Rose getting trapped forever to – well, actually, Rose gets temporarily trapped because she comes back a couple of seasons later, even though The Doctor said...
Which is a fair summary. Now fast forward a couple of years, and you'll realise that the review's not quite complete. So how's about now, you can change the bit about Rose getting trapped forever to – well, actually, Rose gets temporarily trapped because she comes back a couple of seasons later, even though The Doctor said...
- 6/20/2011
- Shadowlocked
Which came first? The chicken or the egg? The NuWho episode or the Classic Doctor Who DVD release? There's a poser for dopey Professor Kerensky – maybe he should have devoted his time to organising a Doctor Who DVD schedule instead of building his infernal cellular accelerator contraption. At least, he wouldn't have ended up ageing to a skeleton.
So cast your minds back to 2006, when it was announced that Inferno and The Invasion would be out on brand spanking new shiny disc. Coincidence? Well, consider that the two-part Rise Of The Cybermen/The Age Of Steel (or Rise Of Steel as I like to call it) included the much-heralded return of the tinpot meanies, a reference to International Electromatics, a crazed entrepreneur with delusions of grandeur, and a doomy parallel universe. Which meant that the two DVDs would be popular choices for new generations of fans who had lapped up...
So cast your minds back to 2006, when it was announced that Inferno and The Invasion would be out on brand spanking new shiny disc. Coincidence? Well, consider that the two-part Rise Of The Cybermen/The Age Of Steel (or Rise Of Steel as I like to call it) included the much-heralded return of the tinpot meanies, a reference to International Electromatics, a crazed entrepreneur with delusions of grandeur, and a doomy parallel universe. Which meant that the two DVDs would be popular choices for new generations of fans who had lapped up...
- 6/6/2011
- Shadowlocked
In 1985, things were not looking so good for Doctor Who. The show was to be put on ice for 18 months in the wake of controversial storylines and supposedly poor viewing figures – all tosh of course, especially when you think that the programme was still pulling viewing figures of about seven million – a perfectly respectable number.
So The Doctor doesn't get to take Peri to Blackpool – well, on screen, at least. And unlike previous years, there were no more customary Who repeats in the summer to mollify the fans. 18 months, as I've said, isn't such a long time by today's standards, but back in 1985, you can understand why fans were weeping into their scarves. The crisis was so bad that the infamously bad 'Doctor In Distress' record was hastily assembled. The so-called supergroup of Who Cares actually comprised Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, Nicholas Courtney and Anthony Ainley, along with Faith Brown,...
So The Doctor doesn't get to take Peri to Blackpool – well, on screen, at least. And unlike previous years, there were no more customary Who repeats in the summer to mollify the fans. 18 months, as I've said, isn't such a long time by today's standards, but back in 1985, you can understand why fans were weeping into their scarves. The crisis was so bad that the infamously bad 'Doctor In Distress' record was hastily assembled. The so-called supergroup of Who Cares actually comprised Colin Baker, Nicola Bryant, Nicholas Courtney and Anthony Ainley, along with Faith Brown,...
- 2/23/2011
- Shadowlocked
From the sublime to the ridiculous. The Caves Of Androzani – one of the finest examples of Doctor Who – was always going to stand tall when compared to the following story. But when that story's The Twin Dilemma, it's like comparing the Bfg with Ronnie Corbett.
The Twin Dilemma has – um – not exactly been welcomed by open arms with the fans of Doctor Who. It's frequently languishing at the bottom of Most Popular Story polls and has been subjected to the sort of scorn that a simpleton yokel would have got in the stocks back in the days of yore. So feel free to hurl a rotten tomato at the following. The lousy script. The tacky production. The weak direction. The monsters. The twins. It's a complete and utter disaster, but the problem is it shouldn't be, since it's the first story for the brand new Doctor.
Oh, god, that outfit.
The Twin Dilemma has – um – not exactly been welcomed by open arms with the fans of Doctor Who. It's frequently languishing at the bottom of Most Popular Story polls and has been subjected to the sort of scorn that a simpleton yokel would have got in the stocks back in the days of yore. So feel free to hurl a rotten tomato at the following. The lousy script. The tacky production. The weak direction. The monsters. The twins. It's a complete and utter disaster, but the problem is it shouldn't be, since it's the first story for the brand new Doctor.
Oh, god, that outfit.
- 2/4/2011
- Shadowlocked
A day in the life of The Doctor. Get up. Have breakfast. Land on an alien planet. Suffer lots of silly "What does it all mean?" questions from assistant. Meet aliens. Get captured. Escape. Save the universe. Go to sleep.
In the case of The Caves Of Androzani, the daily masterplan gets somewhat lost in translation. Even though it starts off as a harmless investigation on the planet of Androzani Minor, The Doctor and his new friend Peri rapidly find that they have only one mission statement: To stay alive.
Inevitably, being a regeneration story, you know what's going to happen. But since The Doctor encounters more scrapes than a paint stripper, the question on everyone's lips is how does he buy it this time? Death by firing squad? Death by shuttle crash? Death by Magma Beast?
In the end though, it can only be Death by Spectrox Toxaemia, after...
In the case of The Caves Of Androzani, the daily masterplan gets somewhat lost in translation. Even though it starts off as a harmless investigation on the planet of Androzani Minor, The Doctor and his new friend Peri rapidly find that they have only one mission statement: To stay alive.
Inevitably, being a regeneration story, you know what's going to happen. But since The Doctor encounters more scrapes than a paint stripper, the question on everyone's lips is how does he buy it this time? Death by firing squad? Death by shuttle crash? Death by Magma Beast?
In the end though, it can only be Death by Spectrox Toxaemia, after...
- 2/2/2011
- Shadowlocked
The director of Coronation Street's forthcoming tram crash stunt has revealed that he wants the disastrous moment to "shock" viewers when it takes place on screen. Graeme Harper - best-known for his long career on Doctor Who - was recruited by the soap's producer Phil Collinson to take charge of the spectacular scenes, which air in a double bill on Monday. As announced earlier in the year, a huge explosion at The Joinery bar will cause a tram to fall from the viaduct above, resulting in devastation and deaths on the cobbles. Speaking to Inside Soap, Harper commented: "I hope I'll have succeeded in surprising the audience when the (more)...
- 12/1/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Kudos and congratulations are in order for the winners of this year's Hugo Awards. Named for "Amazing Stories" founder, Hugo Gernsback, the Hugos were awarded at this year's WorldCon (Aussiecon 4, in Melbourne, Australia) to celebrate fine contributions for the year's top science fiction or fantasy works. So, without further adieu, let us present this year's winners, and offer our congratulations!
Best Novel: Tie: The City & The City , China Miéville (Del Rey; Macmillan UK); The Windup Girl , Paolo Bacigalupi (Night Shade)Best Novella: “Palimpsest”, Charles Stross (Wireless ; Ace, Orbit)Best Novelette: “The Island”, Peter Watts (The New Space Opera 2 ; Eos)Best Short Story: “Bridesicle”, Will McIntosh (Asimov's 1/09)Best Related Book: This is Me, Jack Vance! (Or, More Properly, This is “I”), Jack Vance (Subterranean)Best Graphic Story: Girl Genius Volume 9: Agatha Heterodyne and The Heirs of the Storm Sc: Written by Kaja and Phil Foglio; Art by Phil Foglio; Colours...
Best Novel: Tie: The City & The City , China Miéville (Del Rey; Macmillan UK); The Windup Girl , Paolo Bacigalupi (Night Shade)Best Novella: “Palimpsest”, Charles Stross (Wireless ; Ace, Orbit)Best Novelette: “The Island”, Peter Watts (The New Space Opera 2 ; Eos)Best Short Story: “Bridesicle”, Will McIntosh (Asimov's 1/09)Best Related Book: This is Me, Jack Vance! (Or, More Properly, This is “I”), Jack Vance (Subterranean)Best Graphic Story: Girl Genius Volume 9: Agatha Heterodyne and The Heirs of the Storm Sc: Written by Kaja and Phil Foglio; Art by Phil Foglio; Colours...
- 9/6/2010
- by Marc Alan Fishman
- Comicmix.com
"Doctor Who" took home its fourth Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form, but it's not quite a win for new showrunner Steven Moffat just yet. The BBC series picked up the award for "The Water of Mars," written by Russell T. Davies and Phil Ford, and directed by Graeme Harper. "Doctor Who" actually dominated the category in the awards, given out at AussieCon 4 through the World Science Fiction Society, that also included "The Next Doctor" from Davies and director Andy Goddard and "Planet of the Dead" with Davies, Gareth Roberts and directing word by James Strong. Also nominated were the "Dollhouse" episode "Epitaph 1" from Joss Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen, Jed Whedon and David Solomon, as well as "No More Good Days" from the now-canceled ABC series "FlashForward" from ...
- 9/5/2010
- GeekNation.com
The DVD documentary Who Peter has helped earn its director and writer, Chris Chapman, a Royal Television Award, the Andrea Wonfor trophy, for Best Newcomer. The 30 minute feature will form part of the Myths and Legends Box Set due to be released in the UK at the end of March. The judges described Chapman's potfilio of work for Dene Films, which included Who Peter, as breathtaking for the quality of skills on show.
In other DVD news a couple of the additional extras for the re-issue of The Caves of Androzani as part of the Re-visitations box set have been announced. The disc will include 8 minutes of Peter Davison and Colin Baker's appearance on a chat show as well as a documentary looking at Graeme Harper's work on Doctor Who.http://gallifreynewsbase.blogspot.com...
In other DVD news a couple of the additional extras for the re-issue of The Caves of Androzani as part of the Re-visitations box set have been announced. The disc will include 8 minutes of Peter Davison and Colin Baker's appearance on a chat show as well as a documentary looking at Graeme Harper's work on Doctor Who.http://gallifreynewsbase.blogspot.com...
- 3/3/2010
- by Marcus
- The Doctor Who News Page
In the next few weeks, American fans will have several opportunities to meet Doctor Who celebrities and celebrate the show. Coming up this weekend (February 26–28) in Los Angeles is Gallifrey One, the largest Doctor Who convention in North America. This year's guests include classic series companions Sarah Sutton (Nyssa), Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Deborah Watling (Victoria Waterfield), Anneke Wills (Polly), Frazer Hines (Jamie), and John Levene (Sgt. Benton). From modern Doctor Who and its spin-offs, actors Tommy Knight (Luke Smith), Georgia Moffett (Jenny), and Andrew Hayden-Smith (Jake) will be in attendance. On the production side, guests include costume designer Louise Page, directors Graeme Harper, Colin Teague and Alice Troughton, polymath Nicholas Briggs (voice of the Daleks, actor in Torchwood: Children of Earth, writer and producer for Big Finish Productions), script editor Gary Russell and writers Bob Baker (co-creator of K9 and the new K9 TV series), Phil Ford (head...
- 2/24/2010
- by Josiah Rowe
- The Doctor Who News Page
"Water always wins." Those words are uttered by the Doctor (David Tennant) about a certain water-based entity stalking the crew of Bowie Base One, the groundbreaking Mars colony currently inhabited by a group of Earth scientists. Certainly then, the Doctor and the residents of Bowie Base One (and, yes, that's a direct reference to "Life on Mars" singer David Bowie) are at a bit of a disadvantage. How do you fight something that's persistent, deadly, and can wait forever, wearing down everything around it? How do you battle the eternal? In his journeys through time and space, The Doctor has squared off against some pretty tough adversaries but perhaps none quite so dangerous as the one he faces in the latest Doctor Who special, the darkly compelling Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars, written by Russell T. Davies and Phil Ford and directed by Graeme Harper. That's because the...
- 12/18/2009
- by Jace
- Televisionary
Warning: This review is based on the UK broadcast of Doctor Who : Waters of Mars and contains a few spoilers. The episode will air on BBC America on December 19th, and Space in Canada at an unannounced time. If you do not wish to be spoiled, please do not click through.
Bowie Base One. 21st November 2059. A certain timelord decides to take a little sightseeing trip on Mars. Leaving his Tardis to take in the beautiful red hued vistas. Upon leaving the Tardis he views a station, and suddenly feels a weapon in his back. A robot, Gadget (pictured left with The Doctor and Adelaide Brooke), who takes him to the base.
And lo, Doctor Who is back after a seven month break in proceedings, and he's darker than he has been for quite a while…
Captain Adelaide Brooke leads her team of International Scientists on humanity's first base on another planet.
Bowie Base One. 21st November 2059. A certain timelord decides to take a little sightseeing trip on Mars. Leaving his Tardis to take in the beautiful red hued vistas. Upon leaving the Tardis he views a station, and suddenly feels a weapon in his back. A robot, Gadget (pictured left with The Doctor and Adelaide Brooke), who takes him to the base.
And lo, Doctor Who is back after a seven month break in proceedings, and he's darker than he has been for quite a while…
Captain Adelaide Brooke leads her team of International Scientists on humanity's first base on another planet.
- 11/15/2009
- by Paul Kerton
- TVovermind.com
"Don’t drink the water. Don’t even touch it. Not one drop." For something so hugely anticipated, given the Doctor Who drought this year, 'The Waters Of Mars' was pant-wettingly brilliant. A well-measured script and genial performances wrung every drop of tension and emotion from the dire predicament of the Bowie Base One crew and a certain beleaguered knock-fearing Time Lord. Cranking up the terror with some chillingly-directed sequences courtesy of Graeme Harper, particularly Maggie's initial transformation, 'The Waters Of Mars' functioned as a clever riff on the tried-and-tested 'base under siege' plot. The relentless and unstoppable advance of the squishy enemy undoubtedly sent plenty of adults taking up residence behind the sofa with the kids, as a refreshingly bleak tone established events for the forthcoming regeneration (more)...
- 11/15/2009
- by By Ben Rawson-Jones
- Digital Spy
Don't miss BBC Three this Sunday evening as The Waters of Mars gets the Doctor Who Confidential treatment! This edition is obviously titled "Is There Life on Mars?" and spends an hour giving us interviews with the stars of The Waters of Mars - David Tennant and Lindsay Duncan, as well as Executive Producers Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner and director Graeme Harper. Covering the design and realisation of the water zombies to creating the explosive effects, Doctor Who...
- 11/13/2009
- by Christian Cawley info@kasterborous.com
- Kasterborous.com
The Waters of Mars will come to Canadian Television on Saturday 19th December when it premiers on Space at 9pm Et. This is the same date the special will be shown in the Us on BBC America.
The final two specials are expected to be shown over the Christmas holiday.
The Waters of Mars is now scheduled in most of the English speaking world with premiers confirmed in Australia, Canada and the United States, all less than 6 weeks after the special has premièred in the United Kingdom.
The Doctor is in, and the countdown is on! David Tennant’s final four adventures as the Tenth Time Lord unfold exclusively on Space. The second of four high-octane specials, Doctor Who: The Waters of MarS premieres Saturday, December 19 at 9 p.m. Et.
To kick-start the event, 24 hours prior, Space is re-airing Doctor Who: Planet Of The Dead. Space fans laid...
The final two specials are expected to be shown over the Christmas holiday.
The Waters of Mars is now scheduled in most of the English speaking world with premiers confirmed in Australia, Canada and the United States, all less than 6 weeks after the special has premièred in the United Kingdom.
The Doctor is in, and the countdown is on! David Tennant’s final four adventures as the Tenth Time Lord unfold exclusively on Space. The second of four high-octane specials, Doctor Who: The Waters of MarS premieres Saturday, December 19 at 9 p.m. Et.
To kick-start the event, 24 hours prior, Space is re-airing Doctor Who: Planet Of The Dead. Space fans laid...
- 11/10/2009
- by Marcus
- The Doctor Who News Page
The BBC press office has released details of the forthcoming special The Waters of Mars. The episode is currently unplaced in the schedule, but is expected to be shown in mid November.
Mars, 2059. Bowie Base One.
Last recorded message: "Don't drink the water. Don't even touch it. Not one drop."
Starring David Tennant as The Doctor and guest starring acclaimed British stage and screen actress Lindsay Duncan, The Waters Of Mars is the second Doctor Who special to be screened this year.
Lindsay plays Adelaide – the Doctor's cleverest and most strong-minded companion. She and the Doctor face terror on the Red Planet in one of the scariest adventures yet.
Neighbours, Flying Doctors and Casualty star Peter O'Brien also guest stars as Ed, Adelaide's second-in-command at the base.
The Waters Of Mars is written by Russell T Davies and Phil Ford and is directed by Graeme Harper.
http://gallifreynewsbase.blogspot.com...
Mars, 2059. Bowie Base One.
Last recorded message: "Don't drink the water. Don't even touch it. Not one drop."
Starring David Tennant as The Doctor and guest starring acclaimed British stage and screen actress Lindsay Duncan, The Waters Of Mars is the second Doctor Who special to be screened this year.
Lindsay plays Adelaide – the Doctor's cleverest and most strong-minded companion. She and the Doctor face terror on the Red Planet in one of the scariest adventures yet.
Neighbours, Flying Doctors and Casualty star Peter O'Brien also guest stars as Ed, Adelaide's second-in-command at the base.
The Waters Of Mars is written by Russell T Davies and Phil Ford and is directed by Graeme Harper.
http://gallifreynewsbase.blogspot.com...
- 11/7/2009
- by Marcus
- The Doctor Who News Page
The BBC today announced the dates for the last Doctor Who episodes starring David Tennant as the Doctor.
The next special, Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars airs on BBC America, Saturday December 19, 9:00pm Et/Pt. It stars Tennant and British stage and screen actress Lindsay Duncan (Rome, Langford) as Adelaide, his cleverest and most strong-minded companion.
All will be revealed as the Doctor and his companion Adelaide face terror on the Red Planet in one of the scariest adventures yet. Peter O'Brien (Casualty, Neighbours) guest stars as Ed, Adelaide's second-in-command at the base.
The Waters of Mars is written by Russell T Davies (Torchwood, Queer as Folk) and Phil Ford and directed by Graeme Harper. The executive producers are Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner (Torchwood, Life on Mars).
The remaining episodes, starring Tennant, will air over the holiday season as a two-part special.
The next special, Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars airs on BBC America, Saturday December 19, 9:00pm Et/Pt. It stars Tennant and British stage and screen actress Lindsay Duncan (Rome, Langford) as Adelaide, his cleverest and most strong-minded companion.
All will be revealed as the Doctor and his companion Adelaide face terror on the Red Planet in one of the scariest adventures yet. Peter O'Brien (Casualty, Neighbours) guest stars as Ed, Adelaide's second-in-command at the base.
The Waters of Mars is written by Russell T Davies (Torchwood, Queer as Folk) and Phil Ford and directed by Graeme Harper. The executive producers are Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner (Torchwood, Life on Mars).
The remaining episodes, starring Tennant, will air over the holiday season as a two-part special.
- 10/30/2009
- doorQ.com
Top Doctor Who director Graeme Harper has been revealing all on the next installment of the Tenth Doctor's adventures - The Waters of Mars airs before Christmas, and SFX have an interview with the man who directed 1980s classic The Caves of Androzani as well as many more recent adventures including the 2008 series finale. Naturally, "the Guv'nor" isn't giving anything away - obviously we're not going to either. If you want to read the interview, hop over to the SFX website and take...
- 10/6/2009
- by Christian Cawley info@kasterborous.com
- Kasterborous.com
The Story: "Casanova" by Matt Fraction (W) and Gabriel Bá (A) - Image Comics
What It's About: The title hero, Casanova Quinn, is part James Bond, a little bit Doctor Who and a dash of Buckaroo Banzai. He's an alpha male super-spy for hire with with a dad out to kill him and beautiful lady robots around every corner. His first volume of adventures in "Casanova: Luxuria" smacks of Nick Fury bravado and Terry Gilliam-style absurdity.
His father Cornelius, the ultimate authority figure, runs a planetwide organization called E.M.P.I.R.E. that enforces world peace with a mighty fist. Casanova remains the persist rebel, but transdimensional hijinx and his father's nemesis, a villain named Newman Xeno, pull him into an adventure involving alternate versions of himself and deranged sci-fi plans.
Why It Works: Casanova is a textbook of male wish fulfillment, punching alien creatures through the...
What It's About: The title hero, Casanova Quinn, is part James Bond, a little bit Doctor Who and a dash of Buckaroo Banzai. He's an alpha male super-spy for hire with with a dad out to kill him and beautiful lady robots around every corner. His first volume of adventures in "Casanova: Luxuria" smacks of Nick Fury bravado and Terry Gilliam-style absurdity.
His father Cornelius, the ultimate authority figure, runs a planetwide organization called E.M.P.I.R.E. that enforces world peace with a mighty fist. Casanova remains the persist rebel, but transdimensional hijinx and his father's nemesis, a villain named Newman Xeno, pull him into an adventure involving alternate versions of himself and deranged sci-fi plans.
Why It Works: Casanova is a textbook of male wish fulfillment, punching alien creatures through the...
- 9/23/2009
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Splash Page
It's the 27th of July 2009 - just a matter of months before the beginning of the end for the Tenth Doctor Who. Following the screening of a Waters of Mars trailer at the San Diego Comic Con over the weekend, the trailer was made available on the BBC website overnight. Starring David Tennant as the Doctor and Lindsay Duncan as Adelaide, The Waters of Mars also stars former Neighbours/Flying Doctors actor Peter O'Brien, and was directed by Graeme Harper. "Certain moments in time, are...
- 7/27/2009
- by Christian Cawley info@kasterborous.com
- Kasterborous.com
David Tennant returns to his Time Lord role in The Waters Of Mars, the second of four Doctor Who specials being screened on BBC One this year.
Announcing its autumn season, the BBC confirmed Tennant would be joined by "his cleverest and most strong-minded companion yet", Adelaide, played by acclaimed British actress Lindsay Duncan.
In the storyline for the special, Adelaide is head of the Mars Base and doesn't take kindly to an uninvited appearance by The Doctor.
Peter O'Brien, star of Neighbours, Flying Doctors and Casualty, guest stars as Ed, Adelaide's second in command.
The Waters Of Mars is written by Russell T Davies and Phil Ford and is directed by Graeme Harper.
Two more specials will follow, the second featuring Tennant's Time Lord dying and regenerating into 11th Doctor Matt Smith.
Lindsay Duncan said earlier: "I'm thrilled to be involved in Doctor Who. I've never done anything like...
Announcing its autumn season, the BBC confirmed Tennant would be joined by "his cleverest and most strong-minded companion yet", Adelaide, played by acclaimed British actress Lindsay Duncan.
In the storyline for the special, Adelaide is head of the Mars Base and doesn't take kindly to an uninvited appearance by The Doctor.
Peter O'Brien, star of Neighbours, Flying Doctors and Casualty, guest stars as Ed, Adelaide's second in command.
The Waters Of Mars is written by Russell T Davies and Phil Ford and is directed by Graeme Harper.
Two more specials will follow, the second featuring Tennant's Time Lord dying and regenerating into 11th Doctor Matt Smith.
Lindsay Duncan said earlier: "I'm thrilled to be involved in Doctor Who. I've never done anything like...
- 7/9/2009
- by David Bentley
- The Geek Files
Graeme Harper has praised the casting of Julian Bleach as Dalek creator Davros for the recent two-part season finale of Doctor Who. Speaking to TV Zone, veteran director Harper said: "I met him just after Christmas and was blown away... this bloke has got something that comes right through the mask. "He's the Davros that we all know and have seen before and yet there is something fresh and different about him." (more)...
- 7/24/2008
- by By Ben Rawson-Jones
- Digital Spy
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