Sunday, September 28, 2014

New Episode Reaction - The Caretaker *SPOILERS*

Hello readers. Episode 6 means we're halfway through the series now! This means that today, I will be reacting to The Caretaker. Enjoy!

About this Story

TitleThe Caretaker
No. of Episodes1
Series No.
Episode No.
Series 8
Episode 6
Broadcast Dates27th Sept 2014
Overnight Ratings (UK)4.89 million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


The Doctor goes undercover in Coal Hill School


The Reaction

Highlights

  • Character Development - Shed loads of much needed character development in this episode! We get to know Clara and the Doctor a bit better, but much of the development is on Danny. I liked this, as up until now all we knew about him in the present day was that he is a Maths teacher and used to be a soldier. Still don't like him, even if he did save the world...
  • Story Arc Reference - Missy made her first appearance since Into the Dalek with a scathing look over the shoulder. This time she has a sidekick in the sinister Seb, played by Chris Addison. This is filling me with intrigue, I want episode 12 like now.
  • Peter Capaldi - I think I write about this guy every week, but he definitely deserves it! Brilliant acting of serious and comedic sequences. I hope his tenure as the Doctor is one of decent length!


Low Points

  • Heavy Under-use of the Monster - The Skrillex Blister (or whatever the hell it was) could have been a proper scary robot thing. But it was just conveniently shoved 72 hours into the future to make room for some more character development. Also, it must have had the lamest defeat in history: it was just told to deactivate, and it did. Gripping stuff. (Sarcasm).
  • Pace - The large amount of character development and not much monster screen-time came at a cost to the pace of the episode. It felt incredibly slow to me, like it took a while to get started, then when it did get started, it was over very quickly.


Quote of the Week

Doctor: "Can’t you read?!"
Courtney: "Of course I can read. Read what?"
Doctor: "The door. It says “Keep Out.”"
Courtney: "No, it says “Go away humans.”"
Doctor: "Oh, so it does. Never lose your temper in the middle of a door sign."



Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Friday, September 26, 2014

Doctor Who DVD Files - Part Four: Issues 15-21

Introduction

Hello readers, and welcome to the fourth part of this blog series! In this part, I will be informing you about the content of issues 15 to 21, with the DVDs covering the thirds series and the 2007 Christmas Special! Enjoy!

Issue 15 (29/07/2009)

The DVD

Smith and Jones - When a hospital is transported to the moon, the Doctor must work with another doctor to save the day.

The Shakespeare Code - The Doctor takes Martha to the Globe Theatre, where witches are manipulating the Bard.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - Smith and Jones - Martha Jones is having the strangest day of her life (EP 3.1)
  • Enemies - Carrionites - Read all about these number-crunching alien hags (CN1)
  • The Doctor - Demons and Daleks - The Third Doctor's battle of wits with the Master continues (Part 15)
  • Episode Guide - The Shakespeare Code - There's deadly witchcraft afoot in Elizabethan London (EP 3.2)
  • Flashback - Space-Time Trap - Step into the bizarre world of the Fifth Doctor's first story (DR5-1)
  • Allies - Sarah Jane Smith: Best of Friends - How did the plucky journalist get on with the Fourth Doctor? (SJ2)
  • Behind the Scenes - Words of Power - Writer Gareth Roberts talks witches, fiants wasps and fly people (Part 15)
  • Enemies - Cyberking - Gape in awe at the Cybermen's mighty engine of destruction (CY5)
  • Technology - Judoon Translator - Not very good at languages? The Judoon have just the thing (JD1)


Issue 16 (12/08/2009)

The DVD

Gridlock - Returning to New New York and finding it vastly different, the Doctor faces a very old enemy.

Daleks in Manhattan - Travelling to 1930s New York, the Doctor finds his greatest enemies taking advantage of the Great Depression.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - Gridlock - A vast motorway plus massive crabs equals trouble for the Doctor (EP 3.3)
  • Allies - Romana: Fresh Face - Meet the second incarnation of the Doctor's fellow Time Lord (RA2)
  • Enemies - Dalek Sec - Take a closer look at the Dalek cult leader (DL6)
  • The Doctor - Escape from Earth - When the Third Doctor finally leaves Earth, life gets even stranger (Part 16)
  • Episode Guide - Daleks in Manhattan - Martha never expected to find Daleks on her first visit to New York (Ep 3.4)
  • Enemies - Marca - Find out more about the alien crabs that the Doctor has met twice (MC1)
  • Allies - Jackie Tyler - Read about Rose's mum and her alien adventures (JT1)
  • Technology - New New York Cars -Get behind the wheels of these futuristic flying vehicles (NW1)
  • Behind the Scenes - Script Doctoring - Helen Raynor talks to us about script editing and writing for the show (Part 16)


Issue 17 (26/08/2009)

The DVD

Evolution of the Daleks - Can the Doctor unite Hooverville and take down the Daleks?

The Lazarus Experiment - The Doctor meets, then fights, a scientist who can create eternal youth.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - Evolution of the Daleks - Can a pig and a showgirl help the Doctor defeat the Daleks? (EP 3.5)
  • Enemies - Sycorax - Read about the skull-headed Christmas invaders (SY1)
  • The Doctor - Draconians and Daleks - See the Third Doctor face some of his greatest foes (Part 17)
  • Allies - Tallulah - Find out more about this sassy New Yorker (TA1)
  • Episode Guide - The Lazarus Experiment - The Doctor faces a mad scientist who wants to turn back time (Ep 3.6)
  • Technology - Genetic Manipulation Device - Look at the inner workings of Professor Lazurus' machine (GM1)
  • Flashback - Cave Monsters - See the Third Doctor come face to face with a dinosaur (DR3-2)
  • Behind the Scenes - The Write Man - Mark Gatiss talks about writing for and starring un Doctor Who (Part 17)
  • The Doctor - The Fourth Doctor - Get the lowdown on this scarf-wearing incarnation of the Doctor (DOC4)


Issue 18 (09/09/2009)

The DVD

42 - The Doctor and Martha race against the clock to stop a ship colliding the a sun.

Human Nature - The Doctor is being tracked by The Family of Blood and becomes human to hide from them.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - 42 - It's a race against time to save a spaceship from a vengeful sun (EP 3.7)
  • Enemies - Cyber Controller - John Lumic couldn't control his Cybus creations (CY3)
  • Allies - Joan Redfern - Read about John Smith's loved one and Martha's rival (JR1)
  • The Doctor - A New Face - As the Third Doctor's journey ends, a new one begins (Part 18)
  • Enemies - Scarecrows - Discover the significance of scarecrows to Doctor Who (SC1)
  • Behind the Scenes - Clothing Companions - Louise Page talks about dressing Rose, Martha and Donna (Part 18)
  • Allies - Adam Mitchell - Find out why not everyone is good enough to travel in the TARDIS (AM1)
  • Episode Guide - Human Nature - The Doctor and Martha hide their identities to escape an alien family (EP 3.8)
  • Technology - SS Pentallian - Step inside the ship that scooped out the heart of a living sun (PN1)


Issue 19 (23/09/2009)

The DVD

The Family of Blood - With the Family of Blood threatening humans, will the Doctor reveal himself to them?

Blink - The Doctor has to save lives in 2008, while he's trapped in 1969!

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - The Family of Blood - Will the alien family track down the Doctor? (EP 3.9)
  • Enemies - Omega - Find out about the legendary Gallifreyan (OM1)
  • Technology - Timey-Wimey Detector - Take a closer look at the Doctor's makeshift gadget (TW1)
  • Episode Guide - Blink - How can the Doctor save the day when stuck in the past? (EP 3.10)
  • The Doctor - Davros and the Daleks - Meet the Fourth Doctor and discover the origins of the Daleks (Part 19)
  • Behind the Scenes - Design Time - Exclusive interview about creating alien and historic worlds (Part 19)
  • Flashback - Thames Barrier - See Daleks emerge from the depths of London's river (DR1-2)
  • Enemies - Professor Lazarus - Both man and monster, read more about this mad scientist (LZ1)
  • Allies - Sally Sparrow - The girl who made sure the Doctor and Martha got back to the future (SS1)


Issue 20 (07/10/2009)

The DVD

Utopia - The Doctor and Martha travel to the end of the universe, meeting old friends and an old enemy.

The Sound of Drums - The Doctor, Martha and Captain Jack travel back to the present day to thwart the Master's plans

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - Utopia - The meaning behind the Face of Boe's dying words becomes clear (EP 3.11)
  • Allies - Captain Jack: The Return - He's the TARDIS traveller who can never die (CJ2)
  • Enemies - Supreme Dalek - Read about the Dalek who thought he was in charge (DL7)
  • The Doctor - Gods and Monsters - Join the Fourth Doctor as he encounters some infamous enemies (Part 20)
  • Episode Guide - The Sound of Drums - The Master takes over the country, and then the world (EP 3.12)
  • Technology - Laser Screwdriver - Look at the nuts and bolts inside the Master's handy weapon (LS1)
  • Allies - Chantho - Find out more about the blue-skinned alien from Malcassairo (CH1)
  • The Doctor - The Second Doctor - Take a peek inside the Doctor's 500 year diary (DOC 2)
  • Behind the Scenes - The Age Old Question - All about how to add years with prosthetic pieces (Part 20)


Issue 21 (21/10/2009)

The DVD

Last of the Time Lords - Can Martha carry out her mission before the Master kills the Doctor?

Voyage of the Damned - The TARDIS collides with the Titanic, but that's the least of the Doctor's worries.

The Magazine

Here is a list of the pages featured in the magazine of this issue. Listed is the section it belongs to, the page title, a quick description of the page and its sorting code.

  • Episode Guide - Last of the Time Lords - Will the Doctor overcome his physical age to defeat the Master? (EP 3.13)
  • The Doctor - A Fond Farewell - It's all change in the TARDIS as Sarah Jane's time as a traveller ends (Part 21)
  • Enemies - Toclafane - Read about the lying foes from the edge of existence (TO1)
  • Allies - Ace - The companion with an unhealthy interest in chemistry (AC1)
  • Behind the Scenes - Past Masters - Find out about the actors who have played the evil Time Lord (Part 21)
  • Enemies - Harry Saxon - Take a look at the Master's perfect disguise (HS1)
  • Flashback - Te-Trap - Meet the Rani's vicious bat-like servants (DR7-1)
  • Episode Guide - Voyage of the Damned - The Doctor sails into danger in this disaster filled tale (EP 4.X)
  • Technology - SS Titanic - Get onboard the fated spaceship for a technological ride (TT1)




Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Sunday, September 21, 2014

New Episode Reaction - Time Heist *SPOILERS*

Before we start for to today, just to let you know we have had a change in URL. The blog is now known as thewhoviandiary.blogspot.com. Now then, onto today's post:

Hello readers. You're in for a treat! Two reactions in two days, aren't you lucky? Today, as promised, I will be reacting to Time Heist. Enjoy!

About this Story

TitleTime Heist
No. of Episodes1
Series No.
Episode No.
Series 8
Episode 5
Broadcast Dates20th Sept 2014
Overnight Ratings (UK)4.93 million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


Saibra (disguised), the Doctor, Clara and Psi enter
the bank of Karabraxos


The Reaction

Highlights

  • Timey-Wimey - This episode did timey-wimey correctly. It resolved everything leaving no loose-ends to be tied up in later episodes, which is good as it wan't really a major thing. Like, some timey-wimey things are significant, and best left to create suspense, but this wasn't particularly major. The wrapping up of the episode gave it a nice standalone feel.
  • Brilliant acting - Some fantastic acting from both the main and the supporting casts, with particularly great acting from Keeley Hawes and Peter Capaldi, but we kind of expected that anyway...
  • Sets and Direction - I enjoyed the overall effect of the direction and pace of this episode, which gave a real sense of the urgency to rob the bank. The only lapse in this was the slow motion shots when they first enter the bank.
  • "Those aren't tears, Clara. That's soup" - That's pretty much as graphical as Doctor Who gets these days, but it was brilliant! For me, it gave the Teller a real fear factor, but it's a shame it was ruined by it skipping off into the sunset with its mate at the end...


Low Points

  • Under-use of Keeley Hawes - Of what we saw of her, he acting was brilliant. However, she had very little screen time, which didn't really live up to the hype the BBC was giving her.
  • Predictability - As soon as it was mentioned that the Architect used time-travel to place the briefcases in the bank, I knew it was the Doctor. Which was disappointing, because I was really getting my hopes up for a return of the Great Architect from Paradise Towers.
  • Death Cop-Outs - The apparent deaths of Psi and Saibra gave an emotional touch to the story, and when the Doctor and Clara find what they wanted most you sympathised with them, because they died for it. But this was ruined when they are revealed to be alive.


Quote of the Week

Psi: "Still don't understand why you're in charge"
The Doctor: "Basically, it's the eyebrows"




Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Saturday, September 20, 2014

New Episode Reaction - Listen (Take 2) *SPOILERS*

Hello readers. Last Sunday, as you may remember, I was in utter turmoil over this episode. However, I have sorted out my thoughts now and feel ready to write this post. I'll be back tomorrow with the reaction to Time Heist. Enjoy!

About this Story

TitleListen
No. of Episodes1
Series No.
Episode No.
Series 8
Episode 4
Broadcast Dates13th Sept 2014
Overnight Ratings (UK)4.81 million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


Clara faces the monster in Rupert's bed


The Reaction

Highlights

  • Atmosphere - The dark tone of the whole episode was brilliantly executed! It worked really well and had me on the edge of my seat at times. I also watched it in darkness, which is unusual for me, which added to the whole effect.
  • Lack of a monster - At first, the lack of a monster was a slight let down. However, upon reflection, it is a good thing, as it robs the fear of an identity, meaning you don't really know what to be scared of!
  • Background to Danny - The visit to Rupert was a brilliant touch to add to Danny's character background, and Orson was a great addition, adding extra suspense with a possible hint at Clara's future and life after the Doctor, inferring an upcoming departure? I hope not...
  • Young Doctor - We see Clara influence the Doctor's past once again when they visit the barn from Day of the Doctor. And John Hurt. Omgosh. I would have fangirled to death if I wasn't watching with a friend...


Low Points

  • Sanctury Base Six Suit - WHY IS ORSON WEARING IT? Isn't it from the 51st Century when Orson is only from the quite near future? So confusing for me...


Quote of the Week

Rupert: "He took my bedspread."
The Doctor: Oh, the human race. You're never happy, are you?



Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Sunday, September 14, 2014

New Episode Reaction - Listen *SPOILERS*

Hello readers. Today I will be continuing this series of posts by giving my very brief initial thoughts on Listen. Enjoy!

About this Story

TitleListen
No. of Episodes1
Series No.
Episode No.
Series 8
Episode 4
Broadcast Dates13th Sept 2014
Overnight Ratings (UK)4.81 million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald



The Reaction

I have had 24 hours to mull over what I thought of this episode now, and I still have not formed any conclusive thoughts. This episode has had me torn over whether it was an absolute masterpiece or a complete disaster.

Right now, I'd like to call it the best incoherent mess since my bedroom floor on Friday night. I literally cannot think of anything else to say.

This story has addled my brain beyond belief and it took me well over 12 hours to think of anything remotely logical to do. This thing must be bloody off the scale... Whether it is above the scale or below the scale remains to be seen....

Proper review coming up soon when I can formulate a proper one without mess.





Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Death Count - Paradise Towers

Hello readers! In this edition of the Death Count series, I will be counting up the deaths in the Seventh Doctor story Paradise Towers.

About this Story

TitleParadise Towers
No. of Episodes4
Season No.
Serial No.
Season 24
Serial 2
Broadcast Dates5th Oct -
26th Oct 1987
Run-Time98' 22"
DoctorSeventh Doctor
CompanionMel Bush
The Doctor is attacked by a cleaner robot

Synopsis

After jettisoning the TARDIS swimming pool, Mel is looking for a place to swim. The Doctor decides to take her to Paradise Towers to use the pool there. However, when they arrive they learn about people disappearing, but nobody seems to be doing anything to stop it. Can the Doctor unite the factions and lead them to a victory?

The Death Count

Episode One

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Unnamed Yellow Kang2' 01"Killed by cleaner robot
Caretaker 345/12 Subsection 311' 18"Killed by cleaner robot
The Doctor and Mel meet a Red Kang

Death Toll:

2

Death Rating:

8.12 (White)

Episode Two

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
No Exit (Red Kang)4' 16"Killed by cleaner robot
A cleaner robot carries away a body

Death Toll:

1

Death Rating:

4.05 (White)

Episode Three

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Tabby2' 58"Killed by cleaner robot in Waste Disposal
Tilda3' 49"Killed by cleaner robot in Waste disposal
Unnamed Caretaker16' 25"Killed by cleaner robot
Chief Caretaker23' 10"Killed, body possessed by Kroagnon
Tabby is dragged down the waste disposal

Death Toll:

4

Death Rating:

16.26 (Mint)

Episode Four

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Pool Robot4' 41"Shot by Mel
Unnamed Caretaker6' 26"Choked on gas released by cleaner robot
Cleaner Robot16' 20"Blown up by Kang-Rezzie alliance
Cleaner Robot17' 18"Blown up by Kang-Rezzie alliance
Pex21' 17"Triggers explosion to kill Kroagnon
Kroagnon21' 17"Explosion triggered by Pex
Mel is attacked by the pool robot

Death Toll:

6

Death Rating:

24.54 (Green)

Overall

Death Toll:

13

Death Rating:

13.22 (Mint)



Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Sunday, September 7, 2014

New Episode Reaction - Robot of Sherwood *SPOILERS*

Hello readers. Today I will be continuing this series of posts by giving my initial thoughts on Robot of Sherwood. Enjoy!

About this Story

TitleRobot of Sherwood
No. of Episodes1
Series No.
Episode No.
Series 8
Episode 3
Broadcast Dates6th Sept 2014
Overnight Ratings (UK)5.22 million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


Robin Hood and Clara practice archery


The Reaction

Highlights

  • References - I loved all the references in this story! Within the first few minutes there were references to Carnival of Monsters, as the Doctor thought they were in a miniscope, and The Crusade, when the Doctor recounted a battle with Richard the Lionheart.
  • Pace - For me, I'd say the pacing of this episode was almost perfect. For me, it had the right amount of build-up and then the action parts of the story were very well placed, making the flow of the story seem natural. Definitely a great improvement over Deep Breath
  • The Doctor - This episode represented some wonderful characterisations for the new Doctor. For example, we are shown that this Doctor is going to be a great deal more serious than his preceding incarnation.
  • Classic! - This episode was a classic Medieval story. Personally, I like the Medieval stories from the classic era, such as The Time Warrior, and as far as I can remember, this is the first one since the show returned in 2005. I forgotten how much I loved this format until I was watching it!


Low Points

  • Recycled from Deep Breath - This episode has basically the same plot as the series opener only two weeks ago. However, I think this episode does it so much better than Deep Breath that I can almost forgive it.


Quote of the Week

The Doctor: "I’m sorry, blood analysis. Oh! All those diseases. If you were real, you’d be dead in six months."
Alan-a-dale: "I am real."
The Doctor: "Bye."



Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Death Count - The Seeds of Doom

Hello readers! In this edition of the Death Count series, I will be counting up the deaths in the Fourth Doctor story The Seeds of Doom.

About this Story

TitleThe Seeds of Doom
No. of Episodes6
Season No.
Serial No.
Season 13
Serial 6
Broadcast Dates31st Jan -
6th Mar 1976
Run-Time144' 46"
DoctorFourth Doctor
CompanionSarah Jane Smith

The Krynoid swamps Chase's mansion




Synopsis

The Doctor and Sarah Jane are sent to Antarctica to investigate the discovery of a strange pod. But when the pod thaws, an alien plant threatens humanity. When mercenaries take an identical pod back to England, can the Doctor prevent the Krynoid escaping and ending animal life on Earth?

The Death Count

Episode One

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Derek Moberley23' 21"Strangled by Charles Winlett under influence of Krynoid
Winlett mid-way through transformation

Death Toll:

1

Death Rating:

4.13 (White)

Episode Two

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Charles Winlett6' 42"Transformed into Krynoid
John Stevenson21' 39"Killed by Krynoid
Krynoid6' 42"Explosion in generator room, caused by Scorby

Note: The transformation was judged as completed when there were no human features visible


Death Toll:

3

Death Rating:

12.38 (Mint)

Episode Three


Death Toll:

0

Death Rating:

0.00 (White)

Episode Four

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Arnold Keeler20' 26"Transformed into Krynoid
Richard Dunbar23' 19"Killed by Krynoid

Note: The transformation was judged as completed when there were no human features visible

Keeler is attacked by the second seed pod

Death Toll:

2

Death Rating:

8.16 (White)

Episode Five

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Unnamed Guard17' 18"Strangled by vines controlled by Krynoid
Hargreaves22' 50"Killed by plants controlled by Krynoid

Note: The guard dies off-screen, but we see his body and he appeared earlier in the story


Death Toll:

2

Death Rating:

7.94 (White)

Episode Six

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Sergeant Henderson7' 53"Put in compost machine by Chase, turned into compost
Scorby9' 28"Drowned by pond weed controlled by Krynoid
Harrison Chase16' 00"Killed by compost machine attempting to kill the Doctor, turned into compost
Krynoid18' 58"Explosion from air strike ordered by UNIT

UNIT fire a laser gun at the Krynoid

Death Toll:

4

Death Rating:

18.24 (Mint)

Overall

Death Toll:

12

Death Rating:

8.29 (White)



Thank you for reading! Drop a comment with your thoughts or suggestions! They will be greatly appreciated!