Gotcha. I'm only aware that the 7th regenerates into the 8th in the Fox TV-Movie. Rowan Atkinson played the Doctor in a non-cannon spoof (Curse of Fatal Death) and he regenerates like half a dozen times or so in that one. The time war is never mentioned until the reboot, so it's unclear (to me at least) where in the Doctor's timeline the time war occurs. It is definitely somewhere between the TV-movie and the reboot however.
[TV] The Doctor Who Thread
- Thread starter ThatNickGuy
- Start date
from the beast below
MOFFAT.
" Three, I murder a beautiful, innocent creature as painlessly as I can. And then, I... I find a new name, because I won't be The Doctor anymore."
MOFFAT.
Green_Lantern
Staff member
So, who wants to hibernate until november?
o/
Seriously, what the hell .___.
I mean great episode, but f@#&
o/
Seriously, what the hell .___.
I mean great episode, but f@#&
It was fun to see the...
Un-Chameleoned TARDIS
Good episode. Didn't really blow my mind or anything though.
I'm not sure how John Hurt is going to play into all of it. I assume he will be the Valeyard. The Doctor recognizes him, which I suppose makes sense since he's met him before. All this time travel stuff is so wonky, it's funny how he breaks his own rules so often and easily. But I think it's important to point out that I don't believe Hurt has been confirmed as the Valeyard in any way. The Great Intelligence mentions him as a nickname that the Doctor will have, but when we see John Hurt for the first time The Doctor does not call him by that name. He simply refers to him as his greatest and darkest secret. As a person who does not use the name The Doctor because he goes against that nature. This could certainly refer to the Valeyard, but it could also easily refer something/someone even darker. There isn't even enough evidence to suggest it's a future incarnation, because if he changed his name during his time looking like John Hurt, then Matt Smith still is the 11th Doctor. I was also very disappointed when The Doctor saves Clara. I do not like her.
BananaHands
Staff member
I think he's the gap between the eighth and ninth doctor. He's the one who ended the time-war.
Green_Lantern
Staff member
There is a theory that John Hurt...
...IS 8th, who aged at that point.
With the new season come and gone, I'd like to take a moment to run through my thoughts on the last seven seasons. Starting with the Christopher Eccleston episode "Rose"
Season 1
Rose- After a two decade wait for a new episode in the series (not counting the movie) it's actually quite fitting to have a reintroduction to the Doctor where his first lines are (pretty much) "Hello. I'm the doctor. Nice to meet you. Now run for your life.". It's fitting and it goes a long way. Rose is a decent enough companion... but Micky... oh god. Micky. Even the episode itself tries to toss him out with the garbage.
The End of the World - Not a bad 2nd episode. It establishes that the Doctor can go anywhere and any time. Yes it's still Earth technically, but they make use of some wonderful makeup and special effects for alien beings.
The Unquiet Dead - Kind of a nod to old Doctor Who where they just meet up with random historical figures and involve them in their most recent adventure. Not bad.
Aliens of London/World War 3 - "Can you please stop farting while I'm talking" pretty much sums up that these episodes were an elaborate set-up for some crude humor in Doctor Who. Not a fan.
Dalek - Actually a very emotional episode. Eccleston gives a wonderful performance, and Rose definitely shows some decent character traits here. The Dalek however was a wonderful sight to see, and establishes that they ARE a force to be reckoned with. DO NOT FUCK WITH DALEKS. It also introduces a new companion who I thought would be a welcome addition to the TARDIS family.
The Long Game - An interesting episode that I felt worked fine on it's own. Then they jack it up by making the new companion from the previous episode turn a complete 180 and do something stupid getting him kicked off the TARDIS. Probably just to prove to the audience that The Doctor doesn't take asshats.
Father's Day- A confusing episode that establishes what happens when Paradoxes are created and how the universe isolates the problems and erases them from time. Very confusing, not a great feature for a series that is FULL OF PARADOXES, which I think is recognized very quickly by the creators since it's never brought up again.
The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances - Steven Moffat proves his writing skill when he comes up with the terrifyingly haunting "Are you my mummy?" gasmask boy. Captain Jack Harkness is also a great character who makes his debut. The first half does pretty well, though the second half borderlines cheesy in a bad way.
Boomtown: Better return of the farting alien from Aliens of London, but nothing amazing.
Bad Wolf/The Parting of the Ways: Daleks show up and pretty much make the emotional and tragic end of the one in Dalek seem pointless. Then Rose does stuff and the Doctor turns into someone better. That's pretty much what we get from it.
Season 2
The Christmas Invasion: What a terrifying Christmas story. In fact there really wasn't anything Christmasy about it except for the Santa and tree robots. It does establish David Tennant as the new rightful owner of the role of the Doctor.
New Earth: The return of an old villain, blah blah blah. It works. Tennant shows his goofiness here a bit and it works.
Tooth and Claw: It's one thing to make a series about aliens, but it's an entirely another to make fantasy elements like werewolves and try to explain them with a scifi mentality. Remember how Indy 4 made you mad when they said that holy artifacts were essentially alien tech? Same thing here. Establishes the creation of Torchwood, because the Queen is a bitch.
School Reunion: I like Anthony Head, so I enjoyed this one.
The Girl in the Fireplace: Moffat you wonderful bastard. If you see just one episode this season, see THIS one.
The Rise of the Cybermen/Age of Steel: Sets up a very haunting start for the return of the Cyberman. I don't really like seeing Micky again though.
The parallel dimension plot is kind of a weak excuse to get things to work they want for setting up the finale though.
The Idiot's Lantern: Meh. Hard to remember this one.
The Impossible Planet/Satan's Pit: Really... really? Satan? Ran out of ideas that quickly, Davies? Moffat probably had a broom closet of an office down the hall from you if you needed something decent. Well you can't really do worse, right?
Love and Monsters: FUUUUUUUUUUCCCKKKKKK YYYYYYOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!
Fear Her: Oh yay! The Doctor takes the Olympic torch from some guy! Asshole! Oh, and there is a little girl who's kinda more awkward and annoying than she is scary.
Army of Ghosts/Doomsday: Pretty much an excuse to get Cybermen and Daleks to duke it out. Micky shows up, pretending he's a badass still. As far as finales go it's okay.
Season 1
Rose- After a two decade wait for a new episode in the series (not counting the movie) it's actually quite fitting to have a reintroduction to the Doctor where his first lines are (pretty much) "Hello. I'm the doctor. Nice to meet you. Now run for your life.". It's fitting and it goes a long way. Rose is a decent enough companion... but Micky... oh god. Micky. Even the episode itself tries to toss him out with the garbage.
The End of the World - Not a bad 2nd episode. It establishes that the Doctor can go anywhere and any time. Yes it's still Earth technically, but they make use of some wonderful makeup and special effects for alien beings.
The Unquiet Dead - Kind of a nod to old Doctor Who where they just meet up with random historical figures and involve them in their most recent adventure. Not bad.
Aliens of London/World War 3 - "Can you please stop farting while I'm talking" pretty much sums up that these episodes were an elaborate set-up for some crude humor in Doctor Who. Not a fan.
Dalek - Actually a very emotional episode. Eccleston gives a wonderful performance, and Rose definitely shows some decent character traits here. The Dalek however was a wonderful sight to see, and establishes that they ARE a force to be reckoned with. DO NOT FUCK WITH DALEKS. It also introduces a new companion who I thought would be a welcome addition to the TARDIS family.
The Long Game - An interesting episode that I felt worked fine on it's own. Then they jack it up by making the new companion from the previous episode turn a complete 180 and do something stupid getting him kicked off the TARDIS. Probably just to prove to the audience that The Doctor doesn't take asshats.
Father's Day- A confusing episode that establishes what happens when Paradoxes are created and how the universe isolates the problems and erases them from time. Very confusing, not a great feature for a series that is FULL OF PARADOXES, which I think is recognized very quickly by the creators since it's never brought up again.
The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances - Steven Moffat proves his writing skill when he comes up with the terrifyingly haunting "Are you my mummy?" gasmask boy. Captain Jack Harkness is also a great character who makes his debut. The first half does pretty well, though the second half borderlines cheesy in a bad way.
Boomtown: Better return of the farting alien from Aliens of London, but nothing amazing.
Bad Wolf/The Parting of the Ways: Daleks show up and pretty much make the emotional and tragic end of the one in Dalek seem pointless. Then Rose does stuff and the Doctor turns into someone better. That's pretty much what we get from it.
Season 2
The Christmas Invasion: What a terrifying Christmas story. In fact there really wasn't anything Christmasy about it except for the Santa and tree robots. It does establish David Tennant as the new rightful owner of the role of the Doctor.
New Earth: The return of an old villain, blah blah blah. It works. Tennant shows his goofiness here a bit and it works.
Tooth and Claw: It's one thing to make a series about aliens, but it's an entirely another to make fantasy elements like werewolves and try to explain them with a scifi mentality. Remember how Indy 4 made you mad when they said that holy artifacts were essentially alien tech? Same thing here. Establishes the creation of Torchwood, because the Queen is a bitch.
School Reunion: I like Anthony Head, so I enjoyed this one.
The Girl in the Fireplace: Moffat you wonderful bastard. If you see just one episode this season, see THIS one.
The Rise of the Cybermen/Age of Steel: Sets up a very haunting start for the return of the Cyberman. I don't really like seeing Micky again though.
The parallel dimension plot is kind of a weak excuse to get things to work they want for setting up the finale though.
The Idiot's Lantern: Meh. Hard to remember this one.
The Impossible Planet/Satan's Pit: Really... really? Satan? Ran out of ideas that quickly, Davies? Moffat probably had a broom closet of an office down the hall from you if you needed something decent. Well you can't really do worse, right?
Love and Monsters: FUUUUUUUUUUCCCKKKKKK YYYYYYOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!
Fear Her: Oh yay! The Doctor takes the Olympic torch from some guy! Asshole! Oh, and there is a little girl who's kinda more awkward and annoying than she is scary.
Army of Ghosts/Doomsday: Pretty much an excuse to get Cybermen and Daleks to duke it out. Micky shows up, pretending he's a badass still. As far as finales go it's okay.
Season 3:
Runaway Bride: Awww! Donna! We love you! This episode is another reason to hate Christmas.
Smith and Jones: I enjoyed this one, and especially loved the Ja'doon as a police force for hire. I reused them in a session of the RPG once.
The Shakespeare Code: "let's explain magic to be a kind of science!"... "OKAY!"... "Incompetent high five!"
Gridlock: I really enjoyed this one. Very claustrophobic, but it works to it's advantage. Lots of colorful characters.
Daleks in Manhattan/Evolution of the Daleks: Apparently someone challenged Davies to make the Daleks seem as stupid and nonthreatening as possible. Complete success I'd say.
The Lazarus Experiment: Very middle road episode and hardly memorable.
42 - Very intense. A little out there plot wise, but still pretty thrilling.
Human Nature/The Family of Blood: The first viewing I liked it, but the second viewing I realized how flawed it is. A very slow pacing followed with some very hallow acting from certain supporting cast. But it does have a very touching quality to it, especially seeing the Doctor so vulnerable. Although that's also part of the problem as through most of this one the Doctor is just not the Doctor. In fact he's kind of a prick.
Blink: Moffat once again scares the shit out of us with the invention of the weeping angels, who will go down in history as one of the most memorable villains in the series.
Utopia/The Sound of Drums/Last of the Time Lords: I don't really know what to say about this one. I don't particularly enjoy the episodes where shit hits then fan then everything is undone so it never happened. It begs the question "why bother then?". It was nice to see the Master return, and I did like the evolution of his evil plot. The ending was very very out there though, even for Doctor Who. Apparently you can make a wish on a falling star and shriveled gnome The Doctor will get better. I don't know. It's all kinda stupid.
Runaway Bride: Awww! Donna! We love you! This episode is another reason to hate Christmas.
Smith and Jones: I enjoyed this one, and especially loved the Ja'doon as a police force for hire. I reused them in a session of the RPG once.
The Shakespeare Code: "let's explain magic to be a kind of science!"... "OKAY!"... "Incompetent high five!"
Gridlock: I really enjoyed this one. Very claustrophobic, but it works to it's advantage. Lots of colorful characters.
Daleks in Manhattan/Evolution of the Daleks: Apparently someone challenged Davies to make the Daleks seem as stupid and nonthreatening as possible. Complete success I'd say.
The Lazarus Experiment: Very middle road episode and hardly memorable.
42 - Very intense. A little out there plot wise, but still pretty thrilling.
Human Nature/The Family of Blood: The first viewing I liked it, but the second viewing I realized how flawed it is. A very slow pacing followed with some very hallow acting from certain supporting cast. But it does have a very touching quality to it, especially seeing the Doctor so vulnerable. Although that's also part of the problem as through most of this one the Doctor is just not the Doctor. In fact he's kind of a prick.
Blink: Moffat once again scares the shit out of us with the invention of the weeping angels, who will go down in history as one of the most memorable villains in the series.
Utopia/The Sound of Drums/Last of the Time Lords: I don't really know what to say about this one. I don't particularly enjoy the episodes where shit hits then fan then everything is undone so it never happened. It begs the question "why bother then?". It was nice to see the Master return, and I did like the evolution of his evil plot. The ending was very very out there though, even for Doctor Who. Apparently you can make a wish on a falling star and shriveled gnome The Doctor will get better. I don't know. It's all kinda stupid.
Season 4
Voyage of the Damned - Probably the most Christmas themed Christmas episode since the reboot. It's cornball but in a fun way. There's several things that don't make sense, but they try to explain it in that Doctor Who way.
Partners in Crime - Donna is back! Yay! Weird episode regarding people's fat getting up and walking away, but still watchable.
The Fires of Pompeii - A nice look at what the Doctor calls "Fixed Points in Time" although he's very quick to attempt to break the cycle, only having the attempt be what starts the whole thing in the first place. So it's really not so much a fixed point is it? It actually takes a choice from the Doctor to do it.
Planet of the Ood - The Ood are a pretty creepy but enjoyable race in the Doctor Who universe. This is a strong episode for them and for the Doctor and Donna.
The Sontaran Stratagem/Poison Sky - Martha is just no believable in her new role as a Unit medical officer. The Sontaran's are a welcome addition to rebooted monsters, however their plan to poison the sky with cars is kind of a not so subtle environment message that just doesn't work.
The Doctor's Daughter - A nifty little stand-alone adventure that manages to peak my curiosity and keep it through the majority of the episode. Decent ending, and now I'm wondering what happened to Jenny.
The Unicorn and the Wasp - I was kind of hoping for something a little more from this one, but it really just seemed like a clash of genres that didn't pay off too well. The wasp thing was a really stupid monster for this one.
Silence of the Library/Forest of the Dead - Oh dear lord, what an AMAZING episode. You get the first appearance of River Song, and what a delight she is. You get a fantastic foe that you cannot see and yet has a terrifying presence, and overall just an amazing set of episodes. Thank you Moffat. The producers next big decision regarding you is going to be their best. Watch these no matter what!
Midnight - Actually a pretty decent Davies episode I'm surprised to say. It's chlostrophobic and very intense/scary. A good use of very little special effects and manages to deliver some very chilling sequences.
Turn Left -Rose is back. Blah. Donna shines. Yay!
The Stolen Earth/Journey's End - Daleks have been the focus of 3 out of 4 finales so far. Common. Let's try for some originality. Overall it's not horrible. Donna's fate is absolutely tragic and I love it so dearly. Rose gets a fuck-buddy Doctor clone so that should shut her stupid ass up for a while.
Voyage of the Damned - Probably the most Christmas themed Christmas episode since the reboot. It's cornball but in a fun way. There's several things that don't make sense, but they try to explain it in that Doctor Who way.
Partners in Crime - Donna is back! Yay! Weird episode regarding people's fat getting up and walking away, but still watchable.
The Fires of Pompeii - A nice look at what the Doctor calls "Fixed Points in Time" although he's very quick to attempt to break the cycle, only having the attempt be what starts the whole thing in the first place. So it's really not so much a fixed point is it? It actually takes a choice from the Doctor to do it.
Planet of the Ood - The Ood are a pretty creepy but enjoyable race in the Doctor Who universe. This is a strong episode for them and for the Doctor and Donna.
The Sontaran Stratagem/Poison Sky - Martha is just no believable in her new role as a Unit medical officer. The Sontaran's are a welcome addition to rebooted monsters, however their plan to poison the sky with cars is kind of a not so subtle environment message that just doesn't work.
The Doctor's Daughter - A nifty little stand-alone adventure that manages to peak my curiosity and keep it through the majority of the episode. Decent ending, and now I'm wondering what happened to Jenny.
The Unicorn and the Wasp - I was kind of hoping for something a little more from this one, but it really just seemed like a clash of genres that didn't pay off too well. The wasp thing was a really stupid monster for this one.
Silence of the Library/Forest of the Dead - Oh dear lord, what an AMAZING episode. You get the first appearance of River Song, and what a delight she is. You get a fantastic foe that you cannot see and yet has a terrifying presence, and overall just an amazing set of episodes. Thank you Moffat. The producers next big decision regarding you is going to be their best. Watch these no matter what!
Midnight - Actually a pretty decent Davies episode I'm surprised to say. It's chlostrophobic and very intense/scary. A good use of very little special effects and manages to deliver some very chilling sequences.
Turn Left -Rose is back. Blah. Donna shines. Yay!
The Stolen Earth/Journey's End - Daleks have been the focus of 3 out of 4 finales so far. Common. Let's try for some originality. Overall it's not horrible. Donna's fate is absolutely tragic and I love it so dearly. Rose gets a fuck-buddy Doctor clone so that should shut her stupid ass up for a while.
David Tennant Specials
The Next Doctor - I enjoyed the Steampunk elements of this one. The giant Cyberman rampaging over Victorian London was pretty cool. The explanation of the Next Doctor is also one that I buy. So not bad. Not the best of the specials. But not bad.
Planet of the Dead - I like this one in the same way that I like Transformers: the movie. It's hokey, yeah. But it's a kind of fun hokey.
The Waters of Mars - This one is actually quite frightening and enjoyable. I also greatly appreciate the Doctor's decision to basically to flip off the Universe, fuck causality in the wormhole, and save the day even when he knows he shouldn't.
The End of Time - I have very mixed feelings about this one, as I don't think it's the best special. Sure we get to see the Time Lords return, and get some other backstory regarding the Time War, but still it's kind of hit and miss. Mostly miss. A world full of Masters is a rather odd plan. There is one scene of noteworthy mention. Matt Smith's transformation scene.
Season Five -By far the best season.
11th Hour - This is the perfect episode for anyone to begin who has never actually seen an Episode of Doctor Who and wants a good solid place to start. You get an introduction to the Doctor that is just perfect. His meeting with young Amy Pond is one of the most touching and beautiful moments in the history of the show. Acting is amazing throughout. Older Amy Pond is a delight, as is Rory, even though we haven't even seen the best of Rory yet. But together the three of them work like magic. My overall favorite scene in this one is the ending confrontation on the roof of the Hospital. The Doctor calls the aliens back to scold them. It's brilliant.
The Next Doctor - I enjoyed the Steampunk elements of this one. The giant Cyberman rampaging over Victorian London was pretty cool. The explanation of the Next Doctor is also one that I buy. So not bad. Not the best of the specials. But not bad.
Planet of the Dead - I like this one in the same way that I like Transformers: the movie. It's hokey, yeah. But it's a kind of fun hokey.
The Waters of Mars - This one is actually quite frightening and enjoyable. I also greatly appreciate the Doctor's decision to basically to flip off the Universe, fuck causality in the wormhole, and save the day even when he knows he shouldn't.
The End of Time - I have very mixed feelings about this one, as I don't think it's the best special. Sure we get to see the Time Lords return, and get some other backstory regarding the Time War, but still it's kind of hit and miss. Mostly miss. A world full of Masters is a rather odd plan. There is one scene of noteworthy mention. Matt Smith's transformation scene.
Season Five -By far the best season.
11th Hour - This is the perfect episode for anyone to begin who has never actually seen an Episode of Doctor Who and wants a good solid place to start. You get an introduction to the Doctor that is just perfect. His meeting with young Amy Pond is one of the most touching and beautiful moments in the history of the show. Acting is amazing throughout. Older Amy Pond is a delight, as is Rory, even though we haven't even seen the best of Rory yet. But together the three of them work like magic. My overall favorite scene in this one is the ending confrontation on the roof of the Hospital. The Doctor calls the aliens back to scold them. It's brilliant.
The Beast Below - A wonderful second outing for Amy and the Doctor. The Doctor's true belief that all creatures are important is emphasized so well here. Amy also gets a chance to prove just how right she is for the role of a companion.
Victory of the Daleks - Not one of my favorites of the season, but it's still a lot better than the "misses" of previous seasons. Acting is overall wonderful in this one, especially the Doctor's angry rant against the Daleks. However their overall plan doesn't mean much when they don't end up ever using the new Dalek class system to any degree in future episodes. Also... space flying planes? I guess it's cool... until you get to that "wait a minute..." moment.
Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone - My absolute favorite Weeping Angels episode, and quite possibly one of my favorite episodes ever. This one does terror and suspense perfectly. Plus the angels are no longer the type to just "kill you nicely" by displacing you through time. Here they are out for blood and it's terrifying. The Doctor's "What you do not put in a trap" and his ending victory speech are fan-fucking-tastic.
The Vampires of Venice - This episode might be one of the lower points of the season if it's not for one important factor. Rory. Rory's "This isn't normal" attitude really makes this episode shine above the few "just okays" in this season. Plus there is a fantastic reaction from the Doctor when he meets the "brides". "Oh this IS Christmas!"
Amy's Choice - Oh I just love this episode. It's so sweet in it's simplicity. Two worlds. One choice. Amy's choice. Who does she want? Amazing and mysterious The Doctor, or plain ol Rory. The answer is obvious without spoiling it, but how she gets there is beautiful.
The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood - My least favorite this season I think, mostly because it takes up two episodes. Plot isn't that interesting, and neither are the monsters. Maybe if it were one episode it would be okay. Again not horrible. The Doctor/Amy/Rory do well enough to pull the episode through the rough parts of the script. The most important, and tragic part of the episode is at the very end of Cold Blood. Just tragic.
Vincent and the Doctor - A good stand-alone episode with a few fun segments such as the "monster in the rear view mirror" segment. There is some issues with it, but the acting and casting is just perfect. I don't think they could have gotten a better Vincent Van Gogh.
The Lodger - Hil-Fucking-Arious. I love this one. It's like a sitcom starring the Doctor.
The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang - Now THIS is a season finale. I hope you're watching Davies and taking fucking notes. Even features the Daleks without revolving around them.
Victory of the Daleks - Not one of my favorites of the season, but it's still a lot better than the "misses" of previous seasons. Acting is overall wonderful in this one, especially the Doctor's angry rant against the Daleks. However their overall plan doesn't mean much when they don't end up ever using the new Dalek class system to any degree in future episodes. Also... space flying planes? I guess it's cool... until you get to that "wait a minute..." moment.
Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone - My absolute favorite Weeping Angels episode, and quite possibly one of my favorite episodes ever. This one does terror and suspense perfectly. Plus the angels are no longer the type to just "kill you nicely" by displacing you through time. Here they are out for blood and it's terrifying. The Doctor's "What you do not put in a trap" and his ending victory speech are fan-fucking-tastic.
The Vampires of Venice - This episode might be one of the lower points of the season if it's not for one important factor. Rory. Rory's "This isn't normal" attitude really makes this episode shine above the few "just okays" in this season. Plus there is a fantastic reaction from the Doctor when he meets the "brides". "Oh this IS Christmas!"
Amy's Choice - Oh I just love this episode. It's so sweet in it's simplicity. Two worlds. One choice. Amy's choice. Who does she want? Amazing and mysterious The Doctor, or plain ol Rory. The answer is obvious without spoiling it, but how she gets there is beautiful.
The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood - My least favorite this season I think, mostly because it takes up two episodes. Plot isn't that interesting, and neither are the monsters. Maybe if it were one episode it would be okay. Again not horrible. The Doctor/Amy/Rory do well enough to pull the episode through the rough parts of the script. The most important, and tragic part of the episode is at the very end of Cold Blood. Just tragic.
Vincent and the Doctor - A good stand-alone episode with a few fun segments such as the "monster in the rear view mirror" segment. There is some issues with it, but the acting and casting is just perfect. I don't think they could have gotten a better Vincent Van Gogh.
The Lodger - Hil-Fucking-Arious. I love this one. It's like a sitcom starring the Doctor.
The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang - Now THIS is a season finale. I hope you're watching Davies and taking fucking notes. Even features the Daleks without revolving around them.
Man, so much I can't agree with, especially on the fifth season, which is probably the single weakest one of the new series for me. I mean, Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone (where Moffat goes "let's use this one cool species and forget basically everything about them") being better than Blink? 
Also, thought this was interesting:
Also, thought this was interesting:
So is making classic monsters sci-fi creature ok with Vampires, but not Werewolves?
Well that's easy to do when you ignore the Dalek's characterization and just throw them in because they're cool.
Actually, yeah, the point to Adam was to show that not everyone is cut out to be a companion.
Blink was good. But Angels/Stone improved upon the method. And no it's not "Let's use this one cool species", it's more like "Let's use the species I created". They have already been established as the oldest living and dangerous creatures in the galaxy. Pretty sure they have more up their sleeves than displacing people in time. And the Video clip scene with Amy is one of the scariest moments in Doctor Who that I can think of.Man, so much I can't agree with, especially on the fifth season, which is probably the single weakest one of the new series for me. I mean, Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone (where Moffat goes "let's use this one cool species and forget basically everything about them") being better than Blink?
Also, thought this was interesting:
So is making classic monsters sci-fi creature ok with Vampires, but not Werewolves?
Well that's easy to do when you ignore the Dalek's characterization and just throw them in because they're cool.
Actually, yeah, the point to Adam was to show that not everyone is cut out to be a companion.
As far as Vampires/Werewolves, please remember: "Not vampires. Fish from space". There is a difference between a fantasy creature that is explained as science fiction, and a science fiction creature pretending to be a fantasy one.
For example. I have a friend who, for the Doctor Who RPG, really wanted to play an Elf. So he came up with a science fiction BS reason to play an Elf. I think he said he was some race of Gods who could become any form they wanted. So he became the form of an Elf. Then explicably lost all his memories, and learned how to survive in a forest setting.
No matter how you explain it, it's still a fucking ELF.
And I don't feel the Daleks were just thrown into the 5th season finale. They had reason to be there just as any of them. And they were a fearsome enough foe as a temporary threat to the characters that worked well with the story that was being told. Plus River Song got to make a Dalek pretty much wet it's pants. Thumbs up.
Sorry you're not a fan though.
But please tell me you at least agree with me on Love and Monsters.
I try not to be a grammar or spelling Nazi, but this is a new one for me. Did you mean "Come on"? Unless you were trying to say "So common" like "That's so typical" with an eyeroll.
Either way, it made me think of this:
The thing about Angels/Stone is that other than the very basics of the race, it radically changes the Angels, both with a bunch of retconned in abilties (some of which, like the image of an angel becomes an angel, could well have serious implications for the protaganists of Blink) and modus operandi. The Manhattan episode, while having it's own flaws, at least builds on the angels and makes them scarier by focusing on what's already established.
Worst of all is the change to how their "quantum locking" or whatever is portrayed. In Blink it's said that they absolutely cannot move when being observed, so the turning to stone must happen by unconscious reaction. However, in that case, simply acting like you're not blind shouldn't activate the abilty, they're not actually being observed, so the reaction doesn't kick in, period. Amy's fake-out only makes sense if they choose to turn to stone, which means a bunch of times when they were inches away with nothing to stop them, they just decided to freeze. Blink also had the nice touch that it treated the camera observing the angels for that as well, which they just tossed out in the two-parter.
Fair enough on the vampire/werewolf thing.
As for the Daleks in the season 5 finale, they seem thrown in because there's no reason given that they, being the fanatical space nazis that they are, would decide to work with a bunch of inferior races. They'll happily die rather than be corrupted, and ending reality has been on their list of goals as well. The utterly lawful Judoon being in the alliance as well is similarly strange. And honestly, the River making a Dalek beg for mercy is one of those things about River in the post-RTD era that makes her "meh" to me, special pet treatment.
To be fair, it's not like I despise the more recent Doctor Who, or even season 5. It's still pretty solid in general, I just think Moffat worked best as an episode writer, as showrunner he seems to get caught up in something that seems cool and not uncommonly ends up ignoring continuity or leaving threads dangling. And while RTD did some good work, Love and Monsters was definitely not one such episode.
Worst of all is the change to how their "quantum locking" or whatever is portrayed. In Blink it's said that they absolutely cannot move when being observed, so the turning to stone must happen by unconscious reaction. However, in that case, simply acting like you're not blind shouldn't activate the abilty, they're not actually being observed, so the reaction doesn't kick in, period. Amy's fake-out only makes sense if they choose to turn to stone, which means a bunch of times when they were inches away with nothing to stop them, they just decided to freeze. Blink also had the nice touch that it treated the camera observing the angels for that as well, which they just tossed out in the two-parter.
Fair enough on the vampire/werewolf thing.
As for the Daleks in the season 5 finale, they seem thrown in because there's no reason given that they, being the fanatical space nazis that they are, would decide to work with a bunch of inferior races. They'll happily die rather than be corrupted, and ending reality has been on their list of goals as well. The utterly lawful Judoon being in the alliance as well is similarly strange. And honestly, the River making a Dalek beg for mercy is one of those things about River in the post-RTD era that makes her "meh" to me, special pet treatment.
To be fair, it's not like I despise the more recent Doctor Who, or even season 5. It's still pretty solid in general, I just think Moffat worked best as an episode writer, as showrunner he seems to get caught up in something that seems cool and not uncommonly ends up ignoring continuity or leaving threads dangling. And while RTD did some good work, Love and Monsters was definitely not one such episode.
I felt that Vincent and The Doctor had a similar feel to The Girl in the Fireplace, but with a happier ending. Both were haunted by something specific to them, that no one else could see/understand. As expected, their enemies were defeated. At the end of the episode, a happy Vincent got to see that his work was loved and appreciated, but Madame de Pompadour was left waiting for The Doctor to return and take her away (another girl who waited).
Also, The Girl in the Fireplace is one of my favorite episodes in all of television.
Also, The Girl in the Fireplace is one of my favorite episodes in all of television.
Points well made. I guess I'm of the mindset that if something doesn't work well with the story you're trying to tell you're going to have to "Doctor Who it", in other words give an exception to what's going on. For example the angels were "confused and scared" when they ran into blind Amy due to the opening rift behind them. This same logic applies for the numerous number of times they have changed the basics of the universe to fit their needs. Sometimes with and sometimes without explanation. Take the Christmas Carol episode. Wonderful episode. But it does require them to break some paradox rules such as touching a younger version of yourself.
Daleks ARE space Nazis. And I'll consent to your complaints concerning the Pandorica trap scene as they would not be there with the other races. Especially the Judoon. At least not with a decent explanation that they did not provide.
The explanation is simple. They see the Doctor is so big a threat that they're all willing to set aside everything in order to work together to imprison him.
*Shrugs* For a lot of them, that works, but like I said, the Dalek's endgame has been the destruction of reality before, so they're just kinda there IMO.
Personally I'm more go with the flow about inconsistencies in physics or laws of time and such than in more tangible things like characterization, like for example the "channel the collective energy of humanity through the Master's telepathic worldwide network" bit from season 3 just makes me go, "alright, sure, that's not the most ridiculous technological feat on the show" and the varying takes on paradox throughout the series just fall under "wibbly wobbly timey wimey".
Personally I'm more go with the flow about inconsistencies in physics or laws of time and such than in more tangible things like characterization, like for example the "channel the collective energy of humanity through the Master's telepathic worldwide network" bit from season 3 just makes me go, "alright, sure, that's not the most ridiculous technological feat on the show" and the varying takes on paradox throughout the series just fall under "wibbly wobbly timey wimey".
News about the Christmas special
Matt Smith to leave the show http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/Matt-Smith-to-leave-Doctor-Who Disappointed to see him go, I felt he was the best of the new Doctors (Smith > Eccleston > Tennant). Any thoughts about who could replace him, John Hurt (depending on what happens in the 50th anniversary special), Benedict Cumberbatch (worked with Moffat on Sherlock), or someone else?
Benedict is too busy to film three episodes of Sherlock a year.
I doubt Benedict, mostly because his film career has just blossomed as a result of Sherlock. Plus I think that Benedict playing the Doctor is bound to be very similar to Sherlock. Matt Smith originally auditioned for the show Sherlock. I think he auditioned for the part of Watson, but his manic style was just too close to what Benedict was already using for Sherlock. However it was enough to get him noticed when it came time to audition for the new Doctor.
I'm going to miss Matt Smith. I'm very sad to hear he's leaving. Especially after such a mediocre season.
I'm going to miss Matt Smith. I'm very sad to hear he's leaving. Especially after such a mediocre season.
In my opinion, Smith was the best Doctor of the rebooted series. It wasn't just the character, which I loved because he had this gleeful childlike quality, but also Smith's performance. Even just in the way he moved or even sat so proper with his legs crossed, he stood head and shoulders above already great performances in Eccelston and Tennant.
I'll definitely be crying when he regenerates. I wasn't entirely emotional when Tennant left because honestly, I was growing tired of his over-the-top Shakespearean acting. When he shouted, "SO MUCH MORE!" in his finale, I was like, "Ohhhh-kay, I'm ready for the new guy now." From day one, I have never grown tired of Smith.
I'll definitely be crying when he regenerates. I wasn't entirely emotional when Tennant left because honestly, I was growing tired of his over-the-top Shakespearean acting. When he shouted, "SO MUCH MORE!" in his finale, I was like, "Ohhhh-kay, I'm ready for the new guy now." From day one, I have never grown tired of Smith.
Green_Lantern
Staff member
I am have said this before, and I will say again: Matt Smith was the only actor that could actually pass the notion of a 1000+- time traveling alien, both Tennant and Eccleston passed a sort of... experienced and weird vibe, but they are never as good as Smith to pass both the child-like curiosity and excentricy combined with the ancient knowledge and wearyness that the doctor have faced in his long, long life.
figmentPez
Staff member
Not something I'd actually want, but it made me laugh.
Smith wasn't bad, but I won't feel bad to give someone else a shot at the role. After Eccelston and Tennant, Smith didn't really bring anything new to the role, he had the manic hyperactive doctor bit down, but beyond that...? Eh. 11 at times seemed too immature to be the Time Lord he was. I also miss the scary, unleashed fury aspect of the Doctor that Smith rarely, if ever, showed.
These are some of the things that illustrate why I enjoyed Smith as much as I did. The 11th Doctor brought back that child-like curiosity and immaturity that the 4th Doctor portrayed. But behind that maturity was the intelligent and calculating mind that all Doctor's seem to possess. He could call something a "shiny-button-thing" but there is never any doubt that he knows exactly what it is right from the start. So when those moments of absolute clarity, absolute fear, and absolute rage surface, you just now it's a very serious situation.
Rumors have started circulating that a number of lost episodes have been found. The most likely serial to benefit from this is 1967's "Evil of the Daleks" of which only one episode is currently known to exist. Reportedly, the missing six episodes have been recovered and the complete serial will be available later this year. (via BleedingCool)
My friend went over what she considered to be wrong with Matt Smiths Doctor and in particular this last season.
http://smokeythemagnificent.com/2013/06/14/pah/
I can't say that I entirely disliked the season myself but I agreed with some of what she has here.
http://smokeythemagnificent.com/2013/06/14/pah/
I can't say that I entirely disliked the season myself but I agreed with some of what she has here.
I agree with most of those complaints, but I don't think Matt Smith is to blame. I put the blame squarely on Stephen Moffat's shoulders. The writing and direction of the show has gone downhill steadily as he gets more control. Clara is a terrible companion, and it's 100% because the writing for her sucks.
