Sunday, November 15, 2015

New Episode Reaction - Sleep No More *SPOILERS*

About this Story

TitleSleep No More
Series No.
Episode No.
Series Nine
Episode Nine
Broadcast Dates14th Nov 2015
Overnight Ratings (UK)4.00 Million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


A rescue team is sent to Rassmussen,
but can he be trusted?

The Reaction

Highlights

  • Atmospheric - The setting, lighting and camera work set up a suitably sinister atmosphere which complemented the tone and style of the episode brilliantly.
  • Psychological Games - This episode 'did a Blink' by taking a normal element of life and making it scary. The design of these monsters were creepy and their distant groaning kept the up tension throughout the episode.
  • Capaldi - Peter seems to act better when the Doctor isn't fully aware of the facts, and revels at the chance to solve a mystery. This episode is a good example of this


The Sandmen are lurking
in the shadows

Low Points

  • Guest Characters - The selection of guest characters in this episode didn't recieve much attention to detail. They were initially presented well within the opening sequence, but they didn't develop too far from there, leaving them feeling rather one-dimensional.
  • Motive - Rassmussen's plans weren't entirely explained and revealed, and even seem to not have been prevented. In this series of two-parters, this is one that could have been helped by the extra 45 mins. However, Gatiss has revealed plans for a sequel, so if we get that, this episode might become clearer.
  • The Grunt - A character that was set up to have real potential at the start, with all the other characters showing some prejudice towards her. Bethany Black was wasted in this role, alongside the possible subplot of the Grunt overcoming the prejudice.
  • Sandmen - Not a great fan of the name of these monsters....


Quote of the Week

Doctor: "Clara, hold my hand."
Clara: "I'm alright."
Doctor: "I'm not."



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

Sunday, November 8, 2015

New Episode Reaction - The Zygon Inversion *SPOILERS*

About this Story

TitleThe Zygon Inversion
Series No.
Episode No.
Series Nine
Episode Eight
Broadcast Dates7th Nov 2015
Overnight Ratings (UK)4.13 Million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


How did the Doctor and Osgood escape
from Bonnie's missile?

The Reaction

Highlights

  • That Speech - For me, that could possibly be Capaldi's era defining moment. It was brilliantly acted and written to give the Twelfth Doctor his best moment in the series so far.
  • Clever Twists - The plot surrounding the Osgood boxes was crafted well, as well as the reveal of Kate's survival of last week's cliffhanger.
  • Jenna Coleman - The scenes between Clara and Bonnie/Zygella were great. The tension was built up perfectly and the threat was believable. Coleman acted the two characters to perfection too, showing a great range in her abilities.
  • Osgood - Her dynamic with the Doctor is great, but as much as I'd love her to be the next companion, it is looking unlikely. Oliver's role in the scene with the half-disguised Zygon was one which confirmed her ability to be a great companion to the Doctor.
  • Imbecile's Gas - Just one of several good references to the past, alongside Kate giving the Zygon "five rounds rapid"


Bonnie is faced with an impossible
choice that could change life for both
humans and Zygons forever

Low Points

  • The Doctor's Names - Doctor Disco, Basil, Doctor Puntastic. "No, it's just The Doctor!"


Quote of the Week

Doctor: "I forgive you."



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

Sunday, November 1, 2015

New Episode Reaction - The Zygon Invasion *SPOILERS*

About this Story

TitleThe Zygon Invasion
Series No.
Episode No.
Series Nine
Episode Seven
Broadcast Dates31st Oct 2015
Overnight Ratings (UK)3.87 Million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


The Doctor is reunited with Osgood to fight the
Zygons, but which version of Osgood is she?

The Reaction

Highlights

  • Pacing - The pace of the episode was brilliantly designed to build tension, without the feeling that the story wasn't developing, a balance that can sometimes be tricky to get right.
  • Political Parallels - The edgy theme of the Zygon insurrection runs parallel to the current situation in the Middle East. Although rather unsubtle, it was done effectively and gave the story a brilliant driving force, similar to the Nazi themes in Genesis of the Daleks.
  • Perfect Perils - High stakes all round in this adventure, with many unexpected (but some rather obvious) twists in the tale. The unmasking of Clara was excellently acted by Jaye Jacobs as Jac (I really really hope she survives), and the downfall of Kate was shocking(ly obvious).
  • Tumbleweed - Seeing the human remains after the Zygon killings left me questioning whether the tumbleweed we see as Kate arrives in Truth or Consequences was actually tumbleweed or not. An episode as thought-provoking as that is very good.
  • Osgood - The minor details peppered throughout this episode only seem to scratch the surface of what's to come. Moffat better deliver on this one, and Ingrid Oliver can stay as long as she likes as far as I'm concerned.
  • The Cliffhanger - Best cliffhanger of the series so far, hands down.


Will the Doctor discover
the Zygon's plans?

Low Points

  • Lame UNIT Soldiers - Where do they get these idiots from? Seriously....


Quote of the Week

Doctor: "This is your country. Protect it from the scary monsters. And also from the Zygons."



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

Monday, October 26, 2015

New Episode Reaction - The Woman Who Lived *SPOILERS*

About this Story

TitleThe Woman Who Lived
Series No.
Episode No.
Series Nine
Episode Six
Broadcast Dates24th Oct 2015
Overnight Ratings (UK)4.39 Million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


The Doctor bumps into Ashildr again, but is she the
girl she used to be?

The Reaction

Highlights

  • Premise - The exploration of the Doctor's effect on the lives of the people he leaves behind was developed in a different way here. It's one that has been done before (e.g. Donna suggesting he turn Martha into a soldier), but this is a new twist on the same idea.
  • Visuals - The sets, specials effects, costumes and monster make up were all brilliant in this episode.
  • Maisie Williams - She had a lot more to do this week after her limited contributions last week. The further exploration of her character gave a wider range to the acting.
  • Character Moments - Treganna's script offered plenty of opportunities to get to know the characters a bit better, giving depth to what was happening to them within the story.
  • Humour - The script also offered plenty in the way of humour, with a good range of types, from slapstick in the earlier scenes, to more witty humour in the gallows scene.


Leandro is scheming with "Me", but
can he be trusted?

Low Points

  • Rufus Hound - As soon as it was announced about his casting, I wasn't particularly looking forward to his appearance. His acting style(?) didn't seem to suit the character he was playing; I presume highwaymen were pretty serious people.
  • Obligatory Alien Threat - The very forgettable Tharil thingy (forgot its real name) seemed rather surplus to requirements, taking away from the main premise of the episode which seemed to be about the effects of the Doctor's decisions on the people he leaves behind.
  • Foreshadowing - In small intriguing doses, I love a bit of foreshadowing. But the subtle as a brick through a window lines about Clara "never leaving" the Doctor take the biscuit. We all know how that ends.
  • Sonic Sunglasses - Ho hum.


Quote of the Week

Doctor: "Anyone in that village would have died for you." "Me": "Well, they're all dead now, and here I am. So I guess it's all worked out."



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

Sunday, October 18, 2015

New Episode Reaction - The Girl Who Died *SPOILERS*

About this Story

TitleThe Girl Who Died
Series No.
Episode No.
Series Nine
Episode Five
Broadcast Dates17th Oct 2015
Overnight Ratings (UK)4.85 Million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


Odin and the Mire attack the Viking village

The Reaction

Highlights

  • Pacing - I usually criticise an episode for its stop-start pace, but this time it seemed to work. The cutting between action and dialogue gave a chance to take the story in little bits at a time, as well as being teased about when the climactic action would come. Another compelling script by Mathieson!
  • Setting - Excellent graphics and set design effectively established the Viking setting of the story.
  • Quality Acting - Capaldi and Coleman on top form as ever, with Maisie Williams contributing brilliantly too. It should be good to see the less controlled part to her character next week.
  • The Face Thing - I have to say that I'm not disappointed with the way the face choice was resolved: we even got some flashbacks of Donna! Does make you wonder why Sixie took Maxil's face though...?
  • Immortality - It was quite shocking to see the Doctor grant someone immortality despite him being completely against it in the past. It also shows Twelve's development of human skills by giving her a second one for the person she falls in love with, though I theorise that she may pick the wrong person to use it on... We'll see next week....
  • Sonic Glasses - The Vikings snapped them. The Viking dudes are cool!


What is so special about Ashildr?

Low Points

  • Vikings - They didn't have horned helmets. It had to be said....
  • The Mire - Another enemy of the week that slipped through the fingers of the writers - underused and underwhelming. I'd also liked to have seen more of what was under that armour.
  • Odin's Cloud - Did it not seem all a bit Teletubbies?


Quote of the Week

Doctor: "Immortality isn't living forever, that's not what it feels like. Immortality is everybody else dying. She might meet someone she can't bear to lose. That happens, I believe..."



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

Sunday, October 11, 2015

New Episode Reaction - Before the Flood *SPOILERS*

About this Story

TitleBefore the Flood
Series No.
Episode No.
Series Nine
Episode Four
Broadcast Dates10th Oct 2015
Overnight Ratings (UK)4.38 Million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


The Doctor faces the Fisher King

The Reaction

Highlights

  • Beethoven's 5th - The little analogy for the whole episode in the pre-titles was great. The breaking of the fourth wall was effective, which would help the casual viewer to understand the concepts of the episode.
  • Axe Chase - The scene in which Moran was stalking Cass down the Drum's dark corridors was perfect. The audio and visuals built up the tension brilliantly.
  • Theme Tune - The different arrangement of the theme tune was a lot better than the usual one. It was probably the best use of the electric guitar this series, but hopefully the last...
  • Clara - Her assumption of the Doctor's role over Cass and Lunn was convincingly performed by Jenna Coleman, who worked well with both of the guest stars


Will Lunn escape the ghosts?

Low Points

  • Fisher King - Don't get me wrong, I thought the design of this monster was excellent, but it was just underused. We never actually got to see it properly in action.
  • O'Donnell's Death - It seemed rather pointless with the attack happening off-screen. It may have been more effective if she has actually died off-screen.


Quote of the Week

Bennet: "My first proper alien and he's an idiot!"



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

Sunday, October 4, 2015

New Episode Reaction - Under the Lake *SPOILERS*

About this Story

TitleUnder the Lake
Series No.
Episode No.
Series Nine
Episode Three
Broadcast Dates23rd Oct 2015
Overnight Ratings (UK)3.74 Million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


The Doctor and Clara find an adventure in The Drum,
an underwater mining facility in Scotland

The Reaction

Highlights

  • Base Under Seige - I love a good one of these, and this was certainly a good one. The atmosphere of the underwater base was perfect for tension building, helped along by the strong score from Murray Gold.
  • Guest Cast - It was lovely to have our first "proper" guest cast since Last Christmas! The two-parter is giving us a chance to get to know these characters better, with some pretty solid acting from them, particularly Sophie Stone, whose facial expressions were often more believable than some of the dialogue from other characters.
  • The Doctor and Clara - After being separated for much of the previous story, it was excellent to see them together in a new stage of their relationship. Capaldi and Coleman work brilliantly together, meaning I am beginning to draw parallels with the Tennant/Tate dynamic of Series Four, the best since the Baker/Sladen pairing.
  • Cards of Humanity - Clara's cue cards for the Doctor to be more human were great. The card with Aberdeen pulled on my emotions, and Capaldi's failed delivery of the card brought some good humour to the episode. Twelve's inhumanity is quite refreshing after the very human Doctors that have preceded him.
  • Threat - The amazing special effects made the ghosts pretty convincing. Their killing of Pritchard was harrowingly spooky, and his whole death scene had parallels with that of Scooti from The Impossible Planet, a story which I love.


It's soon a race against time to save the
lives of everyone on the base

Low Points

  • Wearable Technology - The sunglasses don't even look remotely "sonic" and it's just a stupid addition which should be removed sooner rather than later.
  • Faraday Cage - It's a bit like when you played tag in the school yard and had a base: everyone stayed on base and it was boring. Also, the ghosts were locked in there a bit too early, but that's just a minor nitpick...


Quote of the Week

Pritchard: "If it all goes pear-shaped, it's not them that lose a bonus."
The Doctor: "It's ok! I understand....you're an idiot."



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

Sunday, September 27, 2015

New Episode Reaction - The Witch's Familiar *SPOILERS*

About this Story

TitleThe Witch's Familiar
Series No.
Episode No.
Series Nine
Episode Two
Broadcast Dates26th Sep 2015
Overnight Ratings (UK)3.71 Million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


The Doctor is trapped in the heart of the Dalek City


The Reaction

Highlights

  • Julian Bleach - His performance of Davros was absolutely sublime. His scenes of dialogue with Peter Capaldi were brilliantly written and performed by both of them, developing both of the characters greatly. The highlight for me was the "Am I a good man?" scene.
  • Clara-Dalek - This subplot was excellently acted by Coleman. A throwback to The Daleks, the inner workings of Davros' evil creatures were further explored here, with particular credit to the way the Dalek translates some phrases. I honestly thought that Clara was going to die in the Dalek casing, either by the Doctor killing her unknowingly or by not surviving her removal, and I think either of those would have been good exits.
  • Missy - I think that she is better as an uneasy ally to the Doctor as opposed to the main antagonist to the Doctor. I particularly loved her interactions with Clara. Also, she poked Davros in the eye.
  • Structure - It was a very different pace to usual Doctor Who. With only four core actors, there were a lot of character driven dialogue scenes, and not much action. For this particular story, it worked due to the heavy development of characters which would not have been the same if rushed.
  • The Prophecy - This is an interesting idea and one I have my own theory about. I might make a post on it later on, but I think this really does have potential.


The Doctor and Davros share some
excellent scenes together

Low Points

  • Sonic Sunglasses - Not the direction I was hoping the show would go with Capaldi.... I was hoping for the more traditional, mature Doctor.
  • Flaws in the Plan - I don't see how an attack from the sewers could kill the Daleks. Surely they could easily fly away?


Quote of the Week

Davros: "I hope you are grateful. It wasn’t easy to procure, and very nearly unique, of course. You should feel privileged. The only other chair on Skaro."



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

Sunday, September 20, 2015

New Episode Reaction - The Magician's Apprentice *SPOILERS*

Finally! It has returned! After nearly 9 months without a new episode, Doctor Who returned to BBC One last night with The Magician's Apprentice. But what did I think of it?

About this Story

TitleThe Magician's Apprentice
Series No.
Episode No.
Series Nine
Episode One
Broadcast Dates19th Sep 2015
Overnight Ratings (UK)4.58 Million
DoctorTwelfth Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald


Missy's back! But can she be trusted?


The Reaction

Highlights

  • The Big Reveal - The reveal of Davros genuinely made my jaw drop. I have obviously heard all the rumours flying round, but never actually considered they'd come to fruition. It has no build up which doesn't really give you time to prepare, unlike the reveal of Missy in which we had 10 weeks.
  • Where It All Began - The return of Skaro also saw the return of Dalek cities of a similar design to the original from The Daleks. The ability to modernize the design with CGI, yet still make make it recognisable was a stroke of brilliance, and the return of the silver/blue Daleks, although anticipated, was pulled off brilliantly.
  • The Doctor and Missy - They dynamic of their relationship was deeply explored in this episode, throwing up some very interesting ideas, as well as Capaldi and Gomez working like a treat together.
  • Missy and Clara - Once they got over the underlying trust issues, there was a pretty interesting dynamic between these two. Dare I say it, but maybe Missy should get her own companion...?
  • Clara - Since the events of Dark Water/Death in Heaven, Clara seems to have matured a bit more. She seems to be more calm and controlled, bring a more convincing assertion over the Doctor, as opposed to the more stroppy, demanding demeanour we saw in parts of Series 8.
  • Cliffhanger - This cliffhanger has been extracted from a line in Genesis of the Daleks and brought to life in an excellent way. There seems to be a lot more at stake, with the apparent deaths of Clara and Missy (though I don't believe those for a second...). Just imagine what lengths the Fourth Doctor would have gone to if the Daleks had killed Sarah and Harry in Genesis....


Clara taken to the Dalek City on Skaro

Low Points

  • The Grand Entrance - Tonally, this scene seemed a bit out of place with the rest of the episode. It also seemed rather out of character given what he knew was going to happen. Once joined by Missy and Clara, the scene did get better.
  • UNIT - Unless they reappear and do something in the next episode, the addition of UNIT seemed a bit pointless.


Quote of the Week

Missy: "No! I've not turned good!"



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

Friday, September 18, 2015

Death Count - The Crimson Horror

Hello readers! I'm still alive... I swear I'm probably the worst blogger in the world! But I'm back, and should be for the foreseeable future!

In this edition of the Death Count series, find out just how deadly Sweetville could be in the Eleventh Doctor story The Crimson Horror. Enjoy!

About this Story

TitleThe Crimson Horror
No. of Episodes1
Series No.
Episode No.
Series 7
Episode 11
Broadcast Date4th May 2013
Run-Time44' 45"
DoctorEleventh Doctor
CompanionClara Oswald
Mrs Gillyflower supports Mr Sweet and uses his
poison in an attempt to wipe out the human race


Synopsis

When the Paternoster Gang are approached to solve a case involving a deadly prehistoric poison killing people in Yorkshire, it turns into a rescue mission for the Doctor and Clara who have been affected by the poison. The poison preserves some humans, yet can be deadly to others, causing the dead bodies of the rejected humans to turn up in the canal with red stained skin. However, when Mrs Gillyflower advances her plans to cleanse the Earth of humans and start again with her selected batch of elites, can she be stopped before its too late?

The Death Count

CharacterTime of DeathDescription
Edmund0' 52"Killed by Mr Sweet's poison (see notes)
Mrs Gillyflower39' 50"Fell from stairs after avoiding shot from Strax's gun
Mr Sweet40' 11"Crushed and beaten by Ada

Notes:
  • Edmund's screams can be heard at 0' 52", and he is next seen dead. However, his death is seen in a flashback at 21' 39"
  • Jenny rescues the Doctor after he is
    caught in the preservation process

    Death Toll:

    3

    Death Rating:

    6.70 (White)



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

    Saturday, August 1, 2015

    Quick Update

    I'm going on holiday so no posts for two weeks. Try not to be too upset and see you soon!

    Wednesday, July 29, 2015

    Doctor Who DVD Files - Part Sixteen: Issues 79-83

    Introduction

    Hello readers! In this part, the issues cover the latter part of Series 5, including the 2010 Christmas Special. Following this, issues included a Third Doctor Dalek story, the Sixth Doctor's trip to Telos and the Fifth Doctor encounters and ancient enemy deep beneath the ocean's surface. Enjoy!

    Issue 79 (11/1/2012)

    The DVD

    The Lodger - The Doctor has to live a normal life to investigate aliens in Essex.

    The Pandorica Opens - The Doctor and Amy discover the perfect prison beneath Stonehenge.

    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 Pandorica Opens - A trap awaits the Doctor deep beneath Stonehenge (EP 5.12)
    • Allies - Henry Avery - This pirate captain wasn't as evil as he seemed (HE1)
    • Alien Worlds - Logopolis - Visit the planet that kept the universe from unravelling (LO1)
    • Behind the Scenes - The Rani Returns - Read part two of our exclusive interview with Kate O'Mara (Part 79)
    • Technology - Pandorica - Climb inside the strongest prison in the universe (PR1)
    • Enemies - Light - A surveyor from another world, Light wasn't good at adapting (LG1)
    • Who on Earth - New Companions - The nineties and noughties were busy times for the Doctor (Part 28)
    • Enemies - Pandorica Alliance - Find out who was who in this unholy union of monsters (PR1)
    • Episode Guide - The Lodger - The Doctor embarks on his greatest adventure: normal life! (EP 5.11)


    Issue 80 (25/1/2012)

    The DVD

    The Big Bang - The Doctor is in a race against time to stop his TARDIS from destroying the universe

    A Christmas Carol - Amy and Rory's honeymoon is heading for disaster...

    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 - A Christmas Carol - The Doctor must use all his wits to outsmart Kazran Sardick (EP 6.X)
    • Enemies - Stone Dalek - Even fossilisation couldn't stop the monsters from Skaro (DL13)
    • Who on Earth - World's End - 2006 was the year in which everything changed for Earth (Part 29)
    • Flashback - Maximum Power - The Third Doctor takes his last stand against a giant spider (DR3-7)
    • Alien Worlds - Parallel Earth - Explore a world that was a twisted mirror of our own (PE1)
    • Allies - Abigail Pettigrew - The frozen women helped to thaw Kazran Sardick's heart (AL1)
    • Behind the Scenes - Astro Girl - Exclusive interview with Wendy Padbury, who played Zoe (Part 80)
    • Episode Guide - The Big Bang - The Doctor meets a grreat artist and a terrifying monster (EP 5.13)
    • Technology - TARDIS Console - Discover the secrets of the Eleventh Doctor's eccentric ship (TD7)


    Issue 81 (8/2/2012)

    The DVD

    Planet of the Daleks - The Doctor and Jo run into trouble on the planet Spiridon

    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 - Planet of the Daleks - The Doctor and Jo are trapped in an alien jungle (DOC 3.18)
    • Allies - Madame Vastra - Read about the Silurian adventuress from Victorian London (VS1)
    • Enemies - Ganger Jen - Jeffiner Lucas' flesh avatar had a life of its own (GA2)
    • Who on Earth - Wanted Aliens - 2008 was a year of relentless alien invasion (Part 30)
    • Behind the Scenes - Taylor Talks - Actor Peter Purves shares his memories of playing Steven (Part 81)
    • Technology - Dalek Time Travel - Discover the secrets of the Dalek's time travel technology (DL4)
    • Alien Worlds - Messaline - This subterranean world of warfare was not what it seemed (MS1)
    • Enemies - Torchwood One - Before Captain Jack there was Yvonne Hartman (TW1)
    • The Doctor - The Eleventh Doctor - Everything you need to know about the madman with a box (DOC 11)


    Issue 82 (22/2/2012)

    The DVD

    Attack of the Cybermen - The Sixth Doctor and Peri visit 1980s London, where they encounter Cybermen from Telos

    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 - Attack of the Cybermen - The Doctor and Peri battle the silver ginats on Telos (DOC 6.2)
    • Enemies - Cyber Guard - If you go down to Stonehenge, you're sure of a big surprise (CY7)
    • Alien Worlds - Castrovalva - Visit the city that was really a mathematical trap (CA1)
    • Allies - Lorna Bucket - Meet the girl who ran with the Doctor (LB1)
    • Technology - Osterhagen Key - Martha Jones held the key to doomsday in her hand (OK1)
    • Who on Earth - Raising Aliens - Adipose, Daleks, stingrays and the Master (Part 31)
    • Enemies - Auntie and Uncle - The Patchwork People of House were not what they seemed (AN1)
    • Allies - Amy Pond - Little Amelia grew up to be a traveller in space and time (PO2)
    • Behind the Scenes - Sontaran Concept Art - Check out the designs that brought the clone warriors to life (Part 82)


    Issue 83 (28/12/2011)

    The DVD

    Warriors of the Deep - The Fifth Doctor, Tegan and Turlough encounter Silurians and Sea Devils preparing to conquer Earth

    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 - Warriors of the Deep - Silurians and Sea Devils unite to take on the Fifth Doctor (DOC 5.15)
    • Allies - Richard Nixon - The US President nicknamed Tricky Dicky had a secret (RX1)
    • Who on Earth - Changing History - The Eleventh Doctor's adventures on Earth begin (Part 32)
    • Enemies - Doctor Malohkeh - Was this Silurian scientist as creepy as he looked? (MK1)
    • Behind the Scenes - Ood Doodles - Check out the concept art that brought the Ood to life (Part 83)
    • Alien Worlds - Argolis - Visit the famous planet of the Leisure Hive (AR1)
    • Allies - Jo Jones - Find out what happened to Jo Grant after she left the Doctor (JG2)
    • Enemies - Madame Kovarian - This fiendishly clever woman was determined to stop the Doctor (KO1)
    • Technology - Dalek Crucible - Check out the beating heart of Davros' New Dalek Empire (DL5)




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

    Sunday, July 26, 2015

    Death Count - The Androids of Tara

    Hello readers! In this edition of the Death Count series, I will be counting up the deaths in the Fourth Doctor story The Androids of Tara, in which the Doctor and Romana hunt for the fourth segment of the Key to Time.

    About this Story

    TitleThe Androids of Tara
    No. of Episodes4
    Season No.
    Serial No.
    Season 16
    Serial 4
    Broadcast Dates25th Nov -
    16th Dec 1978
    Run-Time98' 12"
    DoctorFourth Doctor
    CompanionRomana
    K-9 Mk II
    The Doctor attempts to crown Prince Reynart

    Synopsis

    In the hunt for the fourth segment of the Key to Time, the TARDIS lands on Tara, where the Doctor wishes to relax while Romana searches. However, when Romana runs into trouble with Count Grendel, the Doctor is roped into the plot to crown Prince Reynart. When both of them are troubled by android doubles, can they come together and crown the correct king?

    The Death Count

    Episode One




    Death Toll:

    0

    Death Rating:

    0.00 (White)

    Episode Two

    CharacterTime of DeathDescription
    Android Strella23' 32"Deactivated by the Doctor with a staff through the head

    Grendel holds Romana captive

    Death Toll:

    1

    Death Rating:

    4.08 (White)

    Episode Three

    CharacterTime of DeathDescription
    Android Romana16' 46"Deactivated by K-9's laser
    Lamia17' 11"Killed by Grendel's guards
    Android Reynart22' 58"Deactivated by Grendel with a spear

    Lamia escorts the android Romana

    Death Toll:

    3

    Death Rating:

    12.53 (Mint)

    Episode Four

    CharacterTime of DeathDescription
    Grendel's Guard18' 36"Killed by Royal Guards with electric swords
    Grendel's Guard18' 36"Killed by Royal Guards with electric swords

    Romana and Strella are held in
    Grendel's dungeons

    Death Toll:

    2

    Death Rating:

    8.05 (White)

    Overall

    Death Toll:

    6

    Death Rating:

    6.11 (White)



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

    Wednesday, July 22, 2015

    Character Profile - Rose Tyler: The Returns


    Calling Out

    Following the conclusion of the battle of Canary Wharf, Rose finds herself trapped in a parallel universe with no way to return to her home universe. However, as determined as ever, Rose did not let this stop her. Rose makes a surprise appearance at the end of Partners in Crime, when Donna Noble leaves her with a message for Sylvia, Donna's mother. However, without passing the message on, Rose disappears with a flash of light, returning to the parallel universe, with neither her or Donna knowing about the other person's connection with the Doctor.

    Rose calls out to the Doctor
    Rose later appears on the TARDIS scanner silently calling out for the Doctor, unseen by Donna, who was concentrating on the plan to defeat the Sontarans. The same happens later on in the Crusader-50 on the planet Midnight. However, the Doctor is busy dealing with the entity that is terrorising the passengers of the stricken tour bus.

    Bad Wolf Rises

    When Donna had an alternate timeline created around her decision to turn left at a junction, a choice that led her to meet the Doctor. In this alternate timeline, Donna turns right, causing her never to meet the Doctor. Rose appears to Donna several times after the Doctor died in this parallel universe as Donna was not there to intervene. During this time, Rose encourages Donna to get out of London for Christmas in 2008, saving her from the Titanic which crash-landed in Central London without the Doctor to prevent it, but leaving Donna homeless.

    Rose persuades Donna that the
    timeline is not right
    Rose appears to Donna once again, revealing she is working with UNIT to attempt to fix the timeline. They have realised that Donna is the cause of this timeline, and to prevent it ever happening, Rose has to persuade Donna to travel back in time and somehow convince herself to turn left. After Donna sacrifices herself to save the timelines, Rose leaves her a message for the Doctor: "Bad Wolf."

    When the Earth is transported across space, Rose returns to her home universe in the midst of a Dalek invasion. Trying desperately to contact the Doctor, Rose attempts to join the Subwave Network with the Doctor's other friends. However, this is unsuccessful, leading her to go and find the Doctor by herself. However, just as they are about to reunite, a Dalek shoots the Doctor, causing the Doctor to begin regenerating...

    The Metacrisis Doctor goes to the
    parallel world with Rose
    The Doctor manages to direct the regeneration energy into his severed hand, allowing him to keep his appearance, following which Rose infiltrates the Dalek Crucible alongside the Doctor, Donna and Jack. Here, Rose meets Davros, creator of the Daleks, before teaming up with more of the Doctor's friends to defeat Davros and the Daleks, with help from the Metacrisis Doctor. Following this, Rose is forced to return to the parallel world, but this time she gets to keep the Metacrisis Doctor, who like her, only has one life.

    Shining Moment

    The Moment takes on the
    form of the Bad Wolf
    Rose appears again as the Tenth Doctor visits all his friends prior to his regeneration. However, as Rose is in the parallel world, the Doctor has to visit Rose in the past, meeting her on New Year's Day 2005, where he foreshadows her later meeting with him.

    When the War Doctor is about to use the Moment to destroy Gallifrey, the interface takes on the shape of Rose as an important figure from the Doctor's timeline. In the form of "Bad Wolf", the Moment guides the War Doctor to make the right decision, showing him his future selves and how his choice affects his future.



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

    Sunday, July 19, 2015

    Doctor Who DVD Files - Part Fifteen: Issues 74-78

    Introduction

    Hello readers! In this part, the issues have returned to the New series, releasing Series Five, in which the newly regenerated Eleventh Doctor fights old monsters such as Daleks, Weeping Angels and Silurians, as well as meeting new adversaries such as Smilers and Saturnynes. Enjoy!

    Issue 74 (02/11/2011)

    The DVD

    The Eleventh Hour - Can the new Doctor recover in time to save the world?

    The Beast Below - Amy Pond has a difficult first adventure in the TARDIS

    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 Beast Below - Will the Doctor's new friend Amy Pond survive her trip Starship UK (EP 5.2)
    • Who On Earth - Dalek Chase - The 1960s were as deadly as they were swinging (Part 23)
    • Enemies - Prisoner Zero - This malevolent multiform ran amok in sleepy Leadworth village (PZ1)
    • Alien Worlds - Terra Alpha - Visit an Earth colony world policed by the brutal Happiness Patrol (TR1)
    • Allies - Hawthorne - Meet the chief advisor to Liz 10, queen of spacefaring Britain (HA1)
    • Technology - TARDIS Defence Systems - The TARDIS is practically indestructible, find out why and how (TD6)
    • Enemies - Professor Hobbes and Dee Dee - A creature on the planet Midnight made monsters of this brainy pair (PH1)
    • Episode Guide - The Eleventh Hour - The Doctor must save the world while is still regenerating (EP 5.1)
    • Behind the Scenes - Pond Life - Exclusive interview with Arthur Darvill, the actor behind Rory the Roman (Part 74)


    Issue 75 (16/11/2011)

    The DVD

    Victory of the Daleks - The Daleks turn up in World War Two London, but can they be trusted?

    The Time of Angels - The Doctor, Amy and River traverse the Maze of the Dead, surrounded by deadly Weeping Angels.

    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 Time of Angels - The Eleventh Doctor answers a cry for help from River Song (EP 5.4)
    • Who on Earth - Awakening Evil - In 1969 humanity decided to go to the Moon, or did they? (Part 24)
    • Alien Worlds - Karn - Visit the desolate, storm-lashed home of Morbius (KA1)
    • Enemies - The Silence - Meet the monsters behind the Apollo Space missions (SE1)
    • Technology - Gangers - Discover the secrets of a creepy 22nd century invention (GA1)
    • Alien Worlds - Krop Tor - Dare you set foot on the planet of the Beast? (KT1)
    • Allies - Doctor Ryder - The Ood owe their freedom to this brave double agent (RY1)
    • Episode Guide - Victory of the Daleks - The Daleks are back and bigger and bolder than ever (EP 5.3)
    • Behind the Scenes - Redesign of the Daleks - Read an exclusive interview with concept artist Peter McKinstry (Part 75)


    Issue 76 (30/11/2011)

    The DVD

    Flesh and Stone - The Doctor, Amy and River need to outrun the Angels and the crack from Amy's wall...

    The Vampires of Venice - The Doctor takes Rory and Amy on a romantic trip to Venice, but things don't go to plan

    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 - Flesh and Stone - Can the Doctor, Amy and River escape the Weeping Angels? (EP 5.5)
    • Allies - Grace Holloway - This American heart surgeon accidentally killed the Doctor (GH1)
    • Enemies - Angel Bob - Meet the Weeping Angel that crashed the Byzantium (WA3)
    • Flashback - To the Death - The Master and the Doctor fight for survival (DR 7-4)
    • Behind the Scenes - Terror in Trogir - Visit Croatia, the exotic home of Vampires and Van Gogh (Part 76)
    • Episode Guide - The Vampires of Venice - Is Rosanna Calvierri's Venetian academy really a school of fish? (EP 5.6)
    • Alien Worlds - House - This sentient world lived outside the known Universe (HO1)
    • Who on Earth - The UNIT Years - Open up the top-secret file on UNIT's dating controversy (Part 25)
    • Technology - Byzamtium - Take a tour of the starliner that crashed on Alfava Metraxis (BY1)


    Issue 77 (14/12/2011)

    The DVD

    Amy's Choice - Can the Doctor, Amy and Rory tell the difference between dream and reality?

    The Hungry Earth - The Doctor is faced with a very old foe in a quiet Welsh village

    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 Hungry Earth - An ancient underground foe awaits the Doctor in Wales (EP 5.8)
    • Allies - Tony Mack - This innocent father was caught up in a cold-blooded conflict (TM1)
    • Enemies - Heavenly Host - Meet the mechanical servants of Max Capricorn (HH1)
    • Technology - River Song's Tech - Check out the weapons and gadgets belonging to Dr Song (RI1)
    • Enemies - Alaya - This bitter Silurian warrior wanted to destroy humanity (AL1)
    • Behind the Scenes - Boots, Braces and Bow Ties - Take a look at the Eleventh Doctor's super-cool wardrobe (Part 77)
    • Who on Earth - Travels with Tegan - The Fourth Doctor picks up an outspoken new companion (Part 26)
    • Alien Worlds - Mars - Behold the Red Planet, home of the Ice Warriors (MR1)
    • Episode Guide - Amy's Choice - The Doctor faces an emeny just as clever as he is... (EP 5.7)


    Issue 78 (28/12/2011)

    The DVD

    Cold Blood - The Doctor, Amy and Rory enter a deadly fight against the Silurians

    Vincent and the Doctor - A puzzling picture takes the Doctor and Amy to see Van Gogh

    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 - Cold Blood - The Doctor and his human friends take on the Silurians (EP 5.9)
    • Allies - Idris - What connects this scatty woman with the soul of the TARDIS? (ID1)
    • Alien Worlds - Traken - Take a trip to the most peaceful place in the Universe (TK1)
    • Who on Earth - Cyber Plans - The 1980s were a dangerous time to be alive (Part 27)
    • Allies - General Sanchez - Meet UNIT's head of operations in New York (GS1)
    • Enemies - Nephew - This lost Ood was servant of the mysterious House (OO1)
    • Behind the Scenes - Time Lady - Exclusive interview with Kate O'Mara who played the Rani (Part 78)
    • Episode Guide - Vincent and the Doctor - The Doctor meets a great artist and a terrifying monster (EP 5.10)
    • Technology - Raston Warrior Robot - Discover the secrets of the perfect battle machine (RA1)




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

    Tuesday, July 14, 2015

    Top Five(ish) - Doctors

    Hello readers! Something a bit special today. I haven't been around for a few weeks due to scary future stuff, but I couldn't miss today. Today marks the first anniversary of this blog! To mark this special day, I thought I'd answer one of the most essential questions of Doctor who fandom: who is my favourite Doctor?

    This isn't going to be a normal Top Five post. That would be much too difficult to write and rank. I am going to start with my favourite Doctor, then work my way down from there. I have different tiers of Doctors, within which I cannot decide an explicit ranking. Therefore, without further ado, here is my top five tiers of Doctors. I can't do anything the simple way.... -sighs-

    Note: A large amount of time passed during the writing of this post and this order underwent some heavy reshuffling and opinions changed leading to many rewrites, so just go with it...


    First Tier

    This one is solely reserved for my favourite Doctor:

    The Fourth Doctor

    Portrayed by Tom Baker, the Fourth Doctor (and also the longest serving Doctor) is my favourite due to the energy he brought to the part. Baker's sole ambition was to make the show as enjoyable as possible for his audience, something which he put forward in his portrayal with excellent conviction, even if he didn't have the best material to work with. His comedic performances with excellent ruthlessness was a brilliant combination, and I can't really sum up into words how good he is. Though that could just be me writing this at 2am.

    Second Tier

    Here you will find the Doctors I consider to be excellent, but not quite the best:

    Sixth Doctor

    The Sixth Doctor is the most underrated Doctor. Colin Baker brings a fresh energy to the role and during his time as the Doctor, you can see his character develop massively. He gels well with his companions, yet still keeps the abrasive side to the character. It's a shame that the BBC weren't fully backing the show once it came round to this era, but Baker puts his all into his portrayal despite of all the bad press and cancellation efforts.

    Eleventh Doctor

    Despite some shaky patches for the show during Matt Smith's time as the Doctor, one constant brilliant element to the show was his acting talents shining through. The progression of the show during this time was great for my tastes, as it moved from fairy-tale to a darker fantasy. I liked how this Doctor reacted to personal trauma, as he took time to recover from it rather than jump straight back into adventures and keep talking out his traumas, but more on that later....

    Third Tier

    These Doctors give a good, solid performance:

    Second Doctor

    Patrick Troughton's Doctor was the first one to take over the lead role, giving him the great responsibility of selling the changes to the audience. The Second Doctor was a lot more active than the First Doctor making him less reliant on his companions. Troughton's Doctor also brought a more juvenile characteristic to the role, yet could still play serious when the role demanded it. He brought a humour to the role which has stuck around for the show's history.

    Seventh Doctor

    The late 1980s was a rough time for Doctor Who. After defying cancellation once, the show was under great scrutiny from the powers that were. For me, the Seventh Doctor, portrayed by Sylvester McCoy, got off to a rocky start, but once he was paired with Ace, the show began to improve despite the reduced production values. His character showed echos of the Second Doctor, with silly and serious sides when they were appropriate. 

    Ninth Doctor

    This Doctor brought the show back with a bang in 2005. Portrayed by Christopher Eccleston, this Doctor was possibly the most human yet, showing the pain and grief caused by his loss in the Time War. This Doctor got more personal with his companions, making his character more relatable then his previous incarnations and more appropriate for the modern audiences. Despite the 'damaged goods' character, Eccleston could also play a more comedic chatacter towards the end of his tenure when Captian Jack joined the TARDIS crew. 

    Tenth Doctor

    Widely considered as the best Doctor by the young fans of today (many of whom are ignorant to the classic era), I find that David Tennant's Doctor is suitably eccentric, alongside the ability to be comedic and serious in the appropriate circumstances. However, this Doctor became too attached to Rose and his new inability to move on from lost companions meant his Doctor was almost too human. This Doctor was at his best with Donna when Rose was completely out of the picture. 

    Twelfth Doctor

    The current Doctor, played by Peter Capaldi, has got off to a decent start. So far, I am thoroughly enjoying his tenure with Capaldi being one of the shining lights in the not so good episodes. While this Doctor has not yet been fully developed and explored, in episodes we have seen so far, the Twelfth Doctor has been shown to be practically inhuman. He isn't as tolerant as other incarnations towards humans, but I hope that he mellows over time like the First Doctor. 

    Fourth Tier

    The following are still good, but have some character flaws:

    First Doctor

    The original Doctor was portrayed as a wise, learned old grandfather by William Hartnell, and this enabled him to come across as kind and caring some of the time, but also crotchety and intolerant at other times. These contrasts in characterisation sometimes make his performance seem disjointed, however, Hartnell's excellent acting abilities allow him to steal any scene, regardless of his health issues later in his tenure. 

    Third Doctor

    This Doctor's era got off to a brilliant start with Jon Pertwee's partnership with Caroline John. As intellectual equals, they had an agreeable relationship with mutual respect. However, with intellectectual superiority over later companions, the Doctor began to show arrogance. However, the earth bound format of much of his era gave Pertwee lots of chance to establish chemistry with the UNIT regulars. 


    Fifth Doctor

    Portrayed by Peter Davison, this Doctor had an excellent charm and a great relationship with most of his companions. However, there were times when he could be hapless and childish, often leading to immature arguments between him and his companions, such as Adric. Nevertheless, the Doctor held up some Doctor-ish traits such as pacifism and getting there with minimal bloodshed. Also, I find that due to a large number of companions in his era, character development could be limited at times.

    Fifth Tier

    I don't have enough experience with these Doctors to pass a suitable judgement upon them:

    Eighth Doctor

    At time of writing, I have only just recently watched the TV Movie, and I have to say, I really think this Doctor had great potential. Paul McGann brought an excellent personality to the role, despite the narrative issues in the film. However, his character was much more developed in the Big Finish audio dramas, but I haven't been able to listen to many of those. 

    War Doctor

    John Hurt's forgotten Doctor is portrayed brilliantly, with most of the Doctor's human qualities stripped right back making this Doctor seem even more alien than the rest of them. However, with only his 50th Anniversary appearance to go off, this Doctor's full development was limited. 




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