The worst thing that could possibly happen to a Doctor Who fan is for the show to be cancelled again. Or for it to be broadcast again. Depends who you ask, really.
Despite the advent of the 15th Doctor and the anticipation that brings, there are nagging doubts abroad concerning the show’s future. And that’s fair enough, really. Some fans are just naturally pessimistic, some remember previous crushed hopes around Doctor Who’s wilderness years, and some just look at the state of TV streaming and feel that pessimism is a fairly realistic outlook. It’s also not unreasonable to be concerned that David Tennant is kicking around somewhere, especially given that it was raised by the host during Gatwa’s recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
Then there are the folk who simply don’t like Russell T Davies’ writing on Doctor Who. A previous line...
Despite the advent of the 15th Doctor and the anticipation that brings, there are nagging doubts abroad concerning the show’s future. And that’s fair enough, really. Some fans are just naturally pessimistic, some remember previous crushed hopes around Doctor Who’s wilderness years, and some just look at the state of TV streaming and feel that pessimism is a fairly realistic outlook. It’s also not unreasonable to be concerned that David Tennant is kicking around somewhere, especially given that it was raised by the host during Gatwa’s recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show.
Then there are the folk who simply don’t like Russell T Davies’ writing on Doctor Who. A previous line...
- 1/4/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
It’s Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary month, which calls for two things: celebration, and admin. Fittingly, here’s an administrative celebration of the BBC show, featuring every season/series that’s aired so far. After a six-tab Excel file and a lot of overthinking, it’s a big ol’ list arranging each of Doctor Who’s individual runs in reverse order of excellence.
(A note on methodology: this list does not include runs of Doctor Who specials or the TV movie, and Christmas specials are included under the entries for their relevant series.)
There’s good stuff everywhere in Doctor Who. Sometimes it can take a bit of digging to find it, but much of the time, you hardly even have to look – it’s just there, posing as the Commissioner from Sirius 4, or asking “Do I have the right?”. What follows is an attempt to arrange each season...
(A note on methodology: this list does not include runs of Doctor Who specials or the TV movie, and Christmas specials are included under the entries for their relevant series.)
There’s good stuff everywhere in Doctor Who. Sometimes it can take a bit of digging to find it, but much of the time, you hardly even have to look – it’s just there, posing as the Commissioner from Sirius 4, or asking “Do I have the right?”. What follows is an attempt to arrange each season...
- 11/14/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Contains spoilers for Tales of the Tardis, ‘Earthshock’, ‘The Three Doctors’, ‘Resurrection of the Daleks’, ‘The War Games’, ‘The Trial of a Time Lord’, ‘The Dalek Invasion of Earth’, ‘Survival’ and The Sarah Jane Adventures.
It’s not even November 25th and already we’re looking for Easter Eggs. Then again time has no meaning in a Remembered Tardis, the enigmatic location for Tales of the Tardis. What is Tales of the Tardis? I’m glad you asked. There are no stupid questions here, despite the best efforts of the comments section (I’m joking. Probably). Tales of the Tardis (I should probably put that on my clipboard now) is a new series of Doctor Who stories, edited to omnibus length with no episode breaks and bookended by appearances from characters connected to the stories. We went into more detail about it here.
A Remembered Tardis appears to be some...
It’s not even November 25th and already we’re looking for Easter Eggs. Then again time has no meaning in a Remembered Tardis, the enigmatic location for Tales of the Tardis. What is Tales of the Tardis? I’m glad you asked. There are no stupid questions here, despite the best efforts of the comments section (I’m joking. Probably). Tales of the Tardis (I should probably put that on my clipboard now) is a new series of Doctor Who stories, edited to omnibus length with no episode breaks and bookended by appearances from characters connected to the stories. We went into more detail about it here.
A Remembered Tardis appears to be some...
- 11/3/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Warning: contains spoilers for every multi-Doctor story on TV.
Multi-Doctor stories – what they are and what they try to do – are hugely shaped by the context in which they’re made. Very broadly speaking, they can be approached in two ways: ‘The Three Doctors’ and ‘The Day of the Doctor’ are examples of multi-Doctor stories that use the recent storylines of the show as a starting point, and have the story change the existing status quo (with the Doctor being able to pilot the Tardis again after ‘The Three Doctors’ and the restoration of Gallifrey in ‘Day of the Doctor’). By comparison, ‘The Five Doctors’ is a fun but heartfelt runaround of the show’s cliches and iconography.
However, it’s not as simple as that. All of these stories revel in nostalgia, and even the romp of ‘The Five Doctors’ has a twist long-standing character from the Doctor’s...
Multi-Doctor stories – what they are and what they try to do – are hugely shaped by the context in which they’re made. Very broadly speaking, they can be approached in two ways: ‘The Three Doctors’ and ‘The Day of the Doctor’ are examples of multi-Doctor stories that use the recent storylines of the show as a starting point, and have the story change the existing status quo (with the Doctor being able to pilot the Tardis again after ‘The Three Doctors’ and the restoration of Gallifrey in ‘Day of the Doctor’). By comparison, ‘The Five Doctors’ is a fun but heartfelt runaround of the show’s cliches and iconography.
However, it’s not as simple as that. All of these stories revel in nostalgia, and even the romp of ‘The Five Doctors’ has a twist long-standing character from the Doctor’s...
- 3/27/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
In March 1993, Doctor Who had been off-air for over three years. Paul McGann wouldn’t become the Doctor for another three, and it would be a further nine until Christopher Eccleston’s first appearance in the Tardis. The fans though, were keeping the show alive – fans such as Gavin Fuller, who chose it as his specialist subject in BBC One quiz Mastermind.
Fuller scored an impressive 16 points in his two minutes on Doctor Who, and increased that to a total of 29 after the General Knowledge round. He won the episode and went on to become the 1993 series champion, answering questions on the Crusades and the Medieval Castle in the British Isles as his two other specialist subjects.
When the BBC recruited four Doctor Who trivia fans for a special Mastermind episode in 2005 to coincide with the show’s revival, Fuller – who had since become head of The Telegraph’s reference...
Fuller scored an impressive 16 points in his two minutes on Doctor Who, and increased that to a total of 29 after the General Knowledge round. He won the episode and went on to become the 1993 series champion, answering questions on the Crusades and the Medieval Castle in the British Isles as his two other specialist subjects.
When the BBC recruited four Doctor Who trivia fans for a special Mastermind episode in 2005 to coincide with the show’s revival, Fuller – who had since become head of The Telegraph’s reference...
- 8/10/2021
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
In 2014, when Doctor Who Magazine asked its readers to rank the show’s first 50 years, out of 241 options, Season 24 stories ‘Time and the Rani’ came 239th, ‘Paradise Towers’ 230th, ‘Delta and the Bannermen’ 217th, with ‘Dragonfire’ thought best of in 215th place. This was largely a repeat of its 2009 poll, although then readers rated ‘Delta and the Bannermen’ above ‘Dragonfire’. Season 24 was also ranked bottom in a GQ article ranking every series of Doctor Who – a combination of words I never thought I’d write.
Season 24 of Doctor Who went into production just as its 23rd season, the 14-episode ‘The Trial of a Time-Lord’ was finishing up on TV. By late 1986, producer John Nathan-Turner was expecting to be moved onto another show and had lost both his script-editor and the show’s most prolific writer.
A surprised Nathan-Turner was given 13 months to hire a new script editor and produce 14 episodes...
Season 24 of Doctor Who went into production just as its 23rd season, the 14-episode ‘The Trial of a Time-Lord’ was finishing up on TV. By late 1986, producer John Nathan-Turner was expecting to be moved onto another show and had lost both his script-editor and the show’s most prolific writer.
A surprised Nathan-Turner was given 13 months to hire a new script editor and produce 14 episodes...
- 6/17/2021
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Graham and Ryan have left Doctor Who, and it was sad/joyous/on telly (delete as applicable), but where do their departures rank on the all-time list?
The question of “Who counts as a companion?” is a tricky one. Overall it’s an ad hoc combination of different criteria, with allowances made for the exceptions that are intended to fulfil the companion role on a one-off basis. The ranking system is based on whether the departure makes sense for that character, how well it’s built up to, and what it says about Doctor Who in a larger sense. The article only covers TV stories because I value what remains of my sanity.
That’s all the exposition. Please enjoy this non-linear history of production compromises.
47. Peri
Peri spends almost her entire time on Doctor Who being miserable, scared and under threat (even Big Finish doing a timey-wimey farce with...
The question of “Who counts as a companion?” is a tricky one. Overall it’s an ad hoc combination of different criteria, with allowances made for the exceptions that are intended to fulfil the companion role on a one-off basis. The ranking system is based on whether the departure makes sense for that character, how well it’s built up to, and what it says about Doctor Who in a larger sense. The article only covers TV stories because I value what remains of my sanity.
That’s all the exposition. Please enjoy this non-linear history of production compromises.
47. Peri
Peri spends almost her entire time on Doctor Who being miserable, scared and under threat (even Big Finish doing a timey-wimey farce with...
- 1/7/2021
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
It’s rare for someone to like all of Doctor Who. A fan may find some of it to have the occasional redeeming feature, but just doesn’t find it entertaining as a whole. On occasion, a run of stories isn’t what they want from Doctor Who. Fortunately the show has a solution to this: Doctor Who changes.
This has been said often enough that it feels like background noise but it’s worth stressing. Different people have made Doctor Who up as they went along, responding to different contexts as best they can. It’s unlikely you’re going to enjoy all of it, but on the bright side, the show always has been and will be different.
Depending on the role played by the BBC, the transition between production teams can be uneven. The change from producer Philip Hinchcliffe to Graham Williams in 1977 wasn’t helped by...
This has been said often enough that it feels like background noise but it’s worth stressing. Different people have made Doctor Who up as they went along, responding to different contexts as best they can. It’s unlikely you’re going to enjoy all of it, but on the bright side, the show always has been and will be different.
Depending on the role played by the BBC, the transition between production teams can be uneven. The change from producer Philip Hinchcliffe to Graham Williams in 1977 wasn’t helped by...
- 5/14/2020
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
By Darren Allison
On the 31st January, Silva Screen released two excellent BBC vinyl albums from the 1970s. Firstly, Paddy Kingsland was the first Radiophonic composer to see a solo release of his compositions, even though he’s not name-checked on the front of the sleeve. “Fourth Dimension”, first released in 1973, showcased Kingsland’s theme tunes for television and radio while at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. The recordings feature a rock-style backing band and synthesisers including the Vcs 3 and “Delaware” Synthi 100, and the track “Reg” from the album was also released as the B side to the 1973 single release of the iconic Doctor Who theme tune. Kingsland remained at the workshop for 21 years, leaving in 1981, during which time he composed music for much loved TV shows The Changes, Doctor Who and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy among others. Paddy Kingsland is now part of the newly-revived independent “Radiophonic Workshop...
On the 31st January, Silva Screen released two excellent BBC vinyl albums from the 1970s. Firstly, Paddy Kingsland was the first Radiophonic composer to see a solo release of his compositions, even though he’s not name-checked on the front of the sleeve. “Fourth Dimension”, first released in 1973, showcased Kingsland’s theme tunes for television and radio while at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. The recordings feature a rock-style backing band and synthesisers including the Vcs 3 and “Delaware” Synthi 100, and the track “Reg” from the album was also released as the B side to the 1973 single release of the iconic Doctor Who theme tune. Kingsland remained at the workshop for 21 years, leaving in 1981, during which time he composed music for much loved TV shows The Changes, Doctor Who and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy among others. Paddy Kingsland is now part of the newly-revived independent “Radiophonic Workshop...
- 2/11/2020
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Chris Farnell Jan 28, 2020
Did the latest Doctor Who series 12 episode finally prove a 35-year-old fan theory right? With major spoilers, Chris investigates
This Doctor Who article contains spoilers.
The words “Big Twist” are in the headline, so obviously if you’ve not seen Sunday night’s Doctor Who, well, probably turn off your computer and try not to speak to anyone until you’ve watched the episode because we have got spoilers aplenty right here!
Ready?
Right, Wow! Did you see? And then the bit where Captain Jack was all… and Ruth was like, and you knew it had to be a Chameleon Arch didn’t you? And then her name began with an R so I was all “Wait, are they going to bring back the Rani?” and then Boom.
I had to rewatch it with breakfast to just to reassure myself I wasn’t making it up. Yes,...
Did the latest Doctor Who series 12 episode finally prove a 35-year-old fan theory right? With major spoilers, Chris investigates
This Doctor Who article contains spoilers.
The words “Big Twist” are in the headline, so obviously if you’ve not seen Sunday night’s Doctor Who, well, probably turn off your computer and try not to speak to anyone until you’ve watched the episode because we have got spoilers aplenty right here!
Ready?
Right, Wow! Did you see? And then the bit where Captain Jack was all… and Ruth was like, and you knew it had to be a Chameleon Arch didn’t you? And then her name began with an R so I was all “Wait, are they going to bring back the Rani?” and then Boom.
I had to rewatch it with breakfast to just to reassure myself I wasn’t making it up. Yes,...
- 1/27/2020
- Den of Geek
Mark Harrison Sep 26, 2019
“Is no one interested in history?!” 40 years on, we revisit Douglas Adams’ hugely influential Doctor Who serial, City of Death.
This article originally appeared on Den of Geek UK.
“Well, I suppose the best way to find out where you've come from is to find out where you're going and then work backwards.”
To this day, "City Of Death" holds the highest viewing figures for any Doctor Who story on UK TV. Due to a technician’s strike that knocked out ITV for several weeks, plenty of programs on the two BBC television channels enjoyed increased ratings, but it’s auspicious that this particular Tom Baker serial wound up being seen by an average of 14.5 million viewers across its four instalments. Completely by accident, this Douglas Adams-penned escapade happens to be the ideal story for introducing new viewers to classic Who.
read more: A Celebration of Tom...
“Is no one interested in history?!” 40 years on, we revisit Douglas Adams’ hugely influential Doctor Who serial, City of Death.
This article originally appeared on Den of Geek UK.
“Well, I suppose the best way to find out where you've come from is to find out where you're going and then work backwards.”
To this day, "City Of Death" holds the highest viewing figures for any Doctor Who story on UK TV. Due to a technician’s strike that knocked out ITV for several weeks, plenty of programs on the two BBC television channels enjoyed increased ratings, but it’s auspicious that this particular Tom Baker serial wound up being seen by an average of 14.5 million viewers across its four instalments. Completely by accident, this Douglas Adams-penned escapade happens to be the ideal story for introducing new viewers to classic Who.
read more: A Celebration of Tom...
- 9/26/2019
- Den of Geek
Mark Harrison Feb 28, 2019
How does classic geek TV like Buffy, Doctor Who, and Star Trek: Tng fare in high definition? Mark examines the art of remastering shows...
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
There's an adage in fandom that tells us “the memory cheats." Coined by Doctor Who producer John Nathan-Turner in the 1980s, it refers to a kind of Mandela Effect where we improve TV episodes we haven't seen in a while in our heads. But in the age of DVD and Blu-ray, these shows are now available for posterity. Some of them have even been upscaled for glorious but utterly unforgiving high-definition formats.
To a certain extent, we've become conditioned to expect our TV shows in the highest possible definition and those who hold home media and streaming rights to our favourite geeky shows are usually eager to deliver.
So it goes with the recent Red Dwarf Blu-ray boxset,...
How does classic geek TV like Buffy, Doctor Who, and Star Trek: Tng fare in high definition? Mark examines the art of remastering shows...
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
There's an adage in fandom that tells us “the memory cheats." Coined by Doctor Who producer John Nathan-Turner in the 1980s, it refers to a kind of Mandela Effect where we improve TV episodes we haven't seen in a while in our heads. But in the age of DVD and Blu-ray, these shows are now available for posterity. Some of them have even been upscaled for glorious but utterly unforgiving high-definition formats.
To a certain extent, we've become conditioned to expect our TV shows in the highest possible definition and those who hold home media and streaming rights to our favourite geeky shows are usually eager to deliver.
So it goes with the recent Red Dwarf Blu-ray boxset,...
- 2/28/2019
- Den of Geek
Andrew Blair Dec 4, 2018
Which lessons might Doctor Who Season 11 have learned from Classic Who? Andrew considers some of the similarities between now and then...
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
Doctor Who Season 11 has echoed aspects of the show from the early '60s and '80s, specifically with its three companions, near pure-historicals, grisly bouts of violence and cynical characters. What has it learned from these eras?
Until the end of its second seasons, Doctor Who featured three companions, and briefly did so again in its fourth and nineteenth seasons. However, in those cases, Jamie and Nyssa’s status as companions wasn’t confirmed until late in the day, with the following stories being hastily rewritten to accommodate them. In 1983, Doctor Who briefly returned to stories planned for three companions for eight weeks, but wouldn’t feature three regular companions traveling in the Tardis again until 2018.
Part...
Which lessons might Doctor Who Season 11 have learned from Classic Who? Andrew considers some of the similarities between now and then...
This article comes from Den of Geek UK.
Doctor Who Season 11 has echoed aspects of the show from the early '60s and '80s, specifically with its three companions, near pure-historicals, grisly bouts of violence and cynical characters. What has it learned from these eras?
Until the end of its second seasons, Doctor Who featured three companions, and briefly did so again in its fourth and nineteenth seasons. However, in those cases, Jamie and Nyssa’s status as companions wasn’t confirmed until late in the day, with the following stories being hastily rewritten to accommodate them. In 1983, Doctor Who briefly returned to stories planned for three companions for eight weeks, but wouldn’t feature three regular companions traveling in the Tardis again until 2018.
Part...
- 12/4/2018
- Den of Geek
For a very long time, Tom Baker was the iconic Doctor. With his striking scarf, twinkling eyes and anti-authoritarian demeanor, the Fourth Doctor has gone on to influence the character more than almost any other. The Doctor Who revival series can’t seem to resist referencing him, either, whether it be folks donning his iconic scarf, references to Jelly Babies or simply having him pop up as the mysterious Curator in the 50th anniversary special.
Despite this love, fans have been waiting a pretty damn long time to see Tom Baker’s final season – season 18 – hit Blu-ray. Broadcast from August 30th, 1980 to March 21st, 1981, it’s an especially interesting season because it marks a transition period for the series as it switched showrunners from Graham Williams to John Nathan-Turner, thus setting the tone of the show from then until its cancellation in the late 80s.
The BBC Are Finally Releasing...
Despite this love, fans have been waiting a pretty damn long time to see Tom Baker’s final season – season 18 – hit Blu-ray. Broadcast from August 30th, 1980 to March 21st, 1981, it’s an especially interesting season because it marks a transition period for the series as it switched showrunners from Graham Williams to John Nathan-Turner, thus setting the tone of the show from then until its cancellation in the late 80s.
The BBC Are Finally Releasing...
- 11/28/2018
- by David James
- We Got This Covered
There’ve been twelve – soon to be thirteen – Doctors over the past 55 years of Doctor Who, each of whom have their ardent fanbases, but it’s hard to argue that Tom Baker’s Fourth Doctor isn’t one of the greatest of the lot. His seven year tenure in the Tardis has never been, and likely never will be, beaten and his iconic outfit including his hat and long colorful scarf is probably still the Time Lord’s most recognizable silhouette.
So, after seven years of success in the role, why did Baker finally decide to pass on his keys to the Tardis? In a documentary on the DVD/Blu-Ray release of Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 12 – his first year on the show – Baker gives a very candid interview about his time on the series, and one juicy revelation is the reason he bowed out of the role of a lifetime.
So, after seven years of success in the role, why did Baker finally decide to pass on his keys to the Tardis? In a documentary on the DVD/Blu-Ray release of Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 12 – his first year on the show – Baker gives a very candid interview about his time on the series, and one juicy revelation is the reason he bowed out of the role of a lifetime.
- 7/4/2018
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Jamie Andrew Feb 8, 2018
Thirty years after it aired, Jamie looks back at Doctor Who season twenty-four to see if it merits reappraisal...
As January 1988 drew to a close, the dust was just settling on Sylvester McCoy's maiden season as The Doctor. Doctor Who really needed an unambiguous win – ratings, buzz, critical acclaim - following the uncertainty that had swirled around the show during Colin Baker's era (and threatened to consume it still); unfortunately, rather than being the shot in the arm the show so desperately needed, season 24 hadn't had the hoped for impact.
See related Why Annihilation going straight to Netflix matters Annihilation: Alex Garland on the battle between producers Annihilation: Alex Garland director on his film heading to Netflix
You needn't venture far to find proof of the intensely negative feelings McCoy's first run continues to inspire. A casual browse through the archives of any Doctor Who...
Thirty years after it aired, Jamie looks back at Doctor Who season twenty-four to see if it merits reappraisal...
As January 1988 drew to a close, the dust was just settling on Sylvester McCoy's maiden season as The Doctor. Doctor Who really needed an unambiguous win – ratings, buzz, critical acclaim - following the uncertainty that had swirled around the show during Colin Baker's era (and threatened to consume it still); unfortunately, rather than being the shot in the arm the show so desperately needed, season 24 hadn't had the hoped for impact.
See related Why Annihilation going straight to Netflix matters Annihilation: Alex Garland on the battle between producers Annihilation: Alex Garland director on his film heading to Netflix
You needn't venture far to find proof of the intensely negative feelings McCoy's first run continues to inspire. A casual browse through the archives of any Doctor Who...
- 2/7/2018
- Den of Geek
Mark Harrison May 10, 2017
Over Doctor Who's long history, what prompted the decision to leave for those in the lead role?
All sorts of things have killed off the Doctor. In the last half century, Doctor Who's unique approach to recasting the lead character has seen him fettled by old age, as punishment, by radiation poisoning, falls big and small, dodgy operations and time itself. There are plenty of in-universe reasons for why the Doctor regenerates, and the outgoing Time Lord Peter Capaldi promises that his upcoming demise will be suitably timey-wimey, but what of the behind-the-scenes reasons that the Doctor has to go?
See related DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar Batman V Superman: where does it leave the Justice League? Why cinema needs Batman: the world’s greatest detective Zack Snyder interview: Batman V Superman Deborah Snyder & Charles Roven interview: Man Of Steel
“While you're enjoying it,...
Over Doctor Who's long history, what prompted the decision to leave for those in the lead role?
All sorts of things have killed off the Doctor. In the last half century, Doctor Who's unique approach to recasting the lead character has seen him fettled by old age, as punishment, by radiation poisoning, falls big and small, dodgy operations and time itself. There are plenty of in-universe reasons for why the Doctor regenerates, and the outgoing Time Lord Peter Capaldi promises that his upcoming demise will be suitably timey-wimey, but what of the behind-the-scenes reasons that the Doctor has to go?
See related DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar Batman V Superman: where does it leave the Justice League? Why cinema needs Batman: the world’s greatest detective Zack Snyder interview: Batman V Superman Deborah Snyder & Charles Roven interview: Man Of Steel
“While you're enjoying it,...
- 5/3/2017
- Den of Geek
Pete Dillon-Trenchard Apr 29, 2017
Spoilers! We dig into Doctor Who series 10's Thin Ice, to see what else we can find...
This article contains spoilers. Lots of them.
See related Justice League: the brand new poster Future DC films will be "hopeful and optimistic" DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar The Crow reboot to finally shoot in January
The Doctor and Bill have saved the day again and something’s knocking in the vault - but it’s only knocking three times, so it doesn’t constitute a reference. Instead, here’s our weekly list of references, callbacks, tenuous spots and generally interesting waffle from this week’s episode. You’ll have to forgive me if I’ve missed anything - I’m at my sister’s wedding as this episode goes out, and they’ve refused to turn the music off for an hour so we can watch it.
Spoilers! We dig into Doctor Who series 10's Thin Ice, to see what else we can find...
This article contains spoilers. Lots of them.
See related Justice League: the brand new poster Future DC films will be "hopeful and optimistic" DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar The Crow reboot to finally shoot in January
The Doctor and Bill have saved the day again and something’s knocking in the vault - but it’s only knocking three times, so it doesn’t constitute a reference. Instead, here’s our weekly list of references, callbacks, tenuous spots and generally interesting waffle from this week’s episode. You’ll have to forgive me if I’ve missed anything - I’m at my sister’s wedding as this episode goes out, and they’ve refused to turn the music off for an hour so we can watch it.
- 4/28/2017
- Den of Geek
Simon Brew Apr 15, 2017
Doctor Who series 10 episode 1 is The Pilot, by Steven Moffat. Here's our spoiler-packed review...
This review contains spoilers. Our spoiler-free review is here.
See related Exclusive: Bryan Fuller on American Gods casting Star Trek: what can we expect from Bryan Fuller's new show? Bryan Fuller interview: Hannibal season 3, Red Dragon, American Gods Bryan Fuller interview: Hannibal season 3, American Gods
10.1 The Pilot
“Banter”
Let’s start by talking about Pearl Mackie.
In the build up to Doctor Who series 10’s premiere (I cling to the word 'series', accepting that 'season' will ultimately win), much of the press surrounding her character, Bill, was about sexuality. Yep, in 2017. Sheesh. Come the episode itself, far less fuss was made, and instead, we got to see just what a find Mackie is. As Bill, it already feels like she’s bringing something just a little different: intently curious, a respecter...
Doctor Who series 10 episode 1 is The Pilot, by Steven Moffat. Here's our spoiler-packed review...
This review contains spoilers. Our spoiler-free review is here.
See related Exclusive: Bryan Fuller on American Gods casting Star Trek: what can we expect from Bryan Fuller's new show? Bryan Fuller interview: Hannibal season 3, Red Dragon, American Gods Bryan Fuller interview: Hannibal season 3, American Gods
10.1 The Pilot
“Banter”
Let’s start by talking about Pearl Mackie.
In the build up to Doctor Who series 10’s premiere (I cling to the word 'series', accepting that 'season' will ultimately win), much of the press surrounding her character, Bill, was about sexuality. Yep, in 2017. Sheesh. Come the episode itself, far less fuss was made, and instead, we got to see just what a find Mackie is. As Bill, it already feels like she’s bringing something just a little different: intently curious, a respecter...
- 4/14/2017
- Den of Geek
Doctor Who warps back on to our screens in two short days, with the premiere of a new 12-part series of sci-fi, sonic screwdrivers and Capaldi attack eyebrows.
But while the BBC has broadcast more than 800 episodes of generation-defining time travels, there's been as many cracking scripts that never made it to our TVs – from key character deaths to Jk Rowling cameos.
1. Jk Rowling vs. wizards
Russell T Davies' first idea for the 2008 Christmas special was to have the Doctor meet Jk Rowling - playing herself - with the pair battling wizards and witches.
David Tennant wasn't fond of the idea - he felt it sounded like a spoof - so Davies quashed the story to placate his leading man. In its place, we got 'The Next Doctor', which was pretty magical in its own right - so no damage, no foul.
2. Stephen Fry's 1920s adventure
Doctor Who...
But while the BBC has broadcast more than 800 episodes of generation-defining time travels, there's been as many cracking scripts that never made it to our TVs – from key character deaths to Jk Rowling cameos.
1. Jk Rowling vs. wizards
Russell T Davies' first idea for the 2008 Christmas special was to have the Doctor meet Jk Rowling - playing herself - with the pair battling wizards and witches.
David Tennant wasn't fond of the idea - he felt it sounded like a spoof - so Davies quashed the story to placate his leading man. In its place, we got 'The Next Doctor', which was pretty magical in its own right - so no damage, no foul.
2. Stephen Fry's 1920s adventure
Doctor Who...
- 9/16/2015
- Digital Spy
Simon Danes is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
My great claim to fame is my connection to Justin Richards. Back in 1980, I co-edited a fanzine called Fendahl. We once ran a charity raffle; John Nathan-Turner generously sent us a box of stuff that had been used on TV, including Tyssan’s nylon rope: as you watch the story, you will see Tim Barlow...
The post Retrospective: BBC Books’ The Banquo Legacy appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
My great claim to fame is my connection to Justin Richards. Back in 1980, I co-edited a fanzine called Fendahl. We once ran a charity raffle; John Nathan-Turner generously sent us a box of stuff that had been used on TV, including Tyssan’s nylon rope: as you watch the story, you will see Tim Barlow...
The post Retrospective: BBC Books’ The Banquo Legacy appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 7/24/2015
- by Simon Danes
- Kasterborous.com
Philip Bates is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
The new issues of Doctor Who Magazine is out now, and features a previously-unseen interview with 1980s Producer, John Nathan-Turner! With a special wraparound cover, Dwm #487 tells the tale of how Earth has survived its many, many alien invasions since Doctor Who started nearly 52 years ago! The stunning cover featuring Daleks in all their glory...
The post Invasions and Interviews in Doctor Who Magazine #487 appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
The new issues of Doctor Who Magazine is out now, and features a previously-unseen interview with 1980s Producer, John Nathan-Turner! With a special wraparound cover, Dwm #487 tells the tale of how Earth has survived its many, many alien invasions since Doctor Who started nearly 52 years ago! The stunning cover featuring Daleks in all their glory...
The post Invasions and Interviews in Doctor Who Magazine #487 appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 5/28/2015
- by Philip Bates
- Kasterborous.com
Jonathan Appleton is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
There’s a chance to have one of Doctor Who’s most important producers recognised in a unique way with an online vote to name a new bus after John Nathan-Turner! Authorities in Brighton are asking the public to choose local figures worthy of recognition by having their name on one of a new fleet of 24 Coaster...
The post 30 Years Late: A Bus for John Nathan-Turner! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
There’s a chance to have one of Doctor Who’s most important producers recognised in a unique way with an online vote to name a new bus after John Nathan-Turner! Authorities in Brighton are asking the public to choose local figures worthy of recognition by having their name on one of a new fleet of 24 Coaster...
The post 30 Years Late: A Bus for John Nathan-Turner! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 3/25/2015
- by Jonathan Appleton
- Kasterborous.com
From Autons to tribophysics via Kronkburgers, here's a pick of the best nerdy in-jokes and references from the 2005 series of Doctor Who...
Ten years ago, the world was about to be re-introduced to one of the most enduring and exciting television characters of all time, Doctor Who. The programme's new 2005 sheen brought with it a cheeky self-referential side (though it did do a bit of that in the 80s) and a knowingly raised pop culture eyebrow. From films such as E.T. to Barbarella to Star Trek to modern literature (The Lovely Bones) and icons (Michael Jackson) - everything was in the Time Lord’s gaze.
So let’s take our very own trip back in time and have a look at the more notable and interesting references and in-jokes from Doctor Who Series One, starring Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper.
Rose
Most obviously, this opener saw the return of the...
Ten years ago, the world was about to be re-introduced to one of the most enduring and exciting television characters of all time, Doctor Who. The programme's new 2005 sheen brought with it a cheeky self-referential side (though it did do a bit of that in the 80s) and a knowingly raised pop culture eyebrow. From films such as E.T. to Barbarella to Star Trek to modern literature (The Lovely Bones) and icons (Michael Jackson) - everything was in the Time Lord’s gaze.
So let’s take our very own trip back in time and have a look at the more notable and interesting references and in-jokes from Doctor Who Series One, starring Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper.
Rose
Most obviously, this opener saw the return of the...
- 3/23/2015
- by simonbrew
- Den of Geek
From the Queen Vic to the Tardis. As Eastenders prepares to mark its 30th anniversary, we look back at its encounters with Doctor Who...
Back in the mid-eighties an actor who played "Third Assistant" in a Doctor Who story called The Savages (1966) and the director of another Doctor Who adventure, The Underwater Menace (1967), came together to create one of the BBC’s most successful television shows.
And when they got together, it was murder. Well, not quite. (Though the first episode did feature a victim who would later die, fact fans.) But what they did create was Eastenders.
Broadcast on February the 19th 1985 (in between episodes one and two of The Two Doctors), this creation of Who alumni would go on to share numerous links with the long-running science-fiction for years to come. Even its time-slot owes much to the adventures of everyone’s favourite Gallifreyan.
In an interview in...
Back in the mid-eighties an actor who played "Third Assistant" in a Doctor Who story called The Savages (1966) and the director of another Doctor Who adventure, The Underwater Menace (1967), came together to create one of the BBC’s most successful television shows.
And when they got together, it was murder. Well, not quite. (Though the first episode did feature a victim who would later die, fact fans.) But what they did create was Eastenders.
Broadcast on February the 19th 1985 (in between episodes one and two of The Two Doctors), this creation of Who alumni would go on to share numerous links with the long-running science-fiction for years to come. Even its time-slot owes much to the adventures of everyone’s favourite Gallifreyan.
In an interview in...
- 2/12/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
BBC
Doctor Who has a fine tradition of casting excellent guest stars right from the start. The black and white years were graced by high calibre thespians such as Julian Glover in The Crusade and well known actors such as Peter Butterworth as the Meddling Monk and Bernard Bresslaw as Varga the Ice Warrior. The colour years were also graced by some classy guest artists. Who could forget Philip Madoc’s Solon in The Brain of Morbius or Tony Bentley’s sublime Harrison Chase in The Seeds of Doom? Even when the show was regarded to be on its last legs, it could boast talent such as Ian Hogg, Honor Blackman, Pamela Salem and Sheila Hancock.
Since its revival, NuWho has managed to garner an even more impressive roster of talent. From Derek Jacobi’s one off Master, Hugh Bonneville’s pirate captain, Dougray Scott’s professor and Sarah Parish’s unforgettable Racnoss Queen,...
Doctor Who has a fine tradition of casting excellent guest stars right from the start. The black and white years were graced by high calibre thespians such as Julian Glover in The Crusade and well known actors such as Peter Butterworth as the Meddling Monk and Bernard Bresslaw as Varga the Ice Warrior. The colour years were also graced by some classy guest artists. Who could forget Philip Madoc’s Solon in The Brain of Morbius or Tony Bentley’s sublime Harrison Chase in The Seeds of Doom? Even when the show was regarded to be on its last legs, it could boast talent such as Ian Hogg, Honor Blackman, Pamela Salem and Sheila Hancock.
Since its revival, NuWho has managed to garner an even more impressive roster of talent. From Derek Jacobi’s one off Master, Hugh Bonneville’s pirate captain, Dougray Scott’s professor and Sarah Parish’s unforgettable Racnoss Queen,...
- 1/26/2015
- by Terry Warner
- Obsessed with Film
Sophie Aldred's Ace was a Doctor Who companion ahead of her time. We look back at the girl from Perivale's time in the Tardis...
In 1987, Doctor Who broke the companion mould with Dorothy Gale McShane - better known of course as Ace - the streetwise, working class kid who blew up the school art room, and became the only cautioned arsonist to ever board the Tardis.
With a fondness for homemade explosives, and hailing from a very different background to those she succeeded, Ace became the first Doctor Who companion to truly develop before our very eyes as she journeyed through adolescence and into adulthood. Laying the foundations for future companions to build upon, she is perhaps not only a pivotal character in Doctor Who history, but genre TV in general.
"From the beginning all we knew about Ace was that she would be a fighter and not a...
In 1987, Doctor Who broke the companion mould with Dorothy Gale McShane - better known of course as Ace - the streetwise, working class kid who blew up the school art room, and became the only cautioned arsonist to ever board the Tardis.
With a fondness for homemade explosives, and hailing from a very different background to those she succeeded, Ace became the first Doctor Who companion to truly develop before our very eyes as she journeyed through adolescence and into adulthood. Laying the foundations for future companions to build upon, she is perhaps not only a pivotal character in Doctor Who history, but genre TV in general.
"From the beginning all we knew about Ace was that she would be a fighter and not a...
- 1/4/2015
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
BBC
For those who lived through them, the ’80s are a bizarre mixture of blissful nostalgia and everlasting embarrassment, and that goes double for the shows during that period. The early ’80s have that interesting edge to them in which everything feels new, as Doctor Who did when John Nathan-Turner took over the reins. Then we moved into the mid-’80s, in which boundaries got pushed just a bit too far, as they did on Doctor Who (still being guided by John Nathan-Turner). And finally we moved into the late ’80s, when nothing took itself seriously, especially Doctor Who (again, under Jnt) – though Doctor Who seems to have gotten an early start in this area, if the costuming is anything to go by.
The brands of cringeworthy moments in ’80s Who are so variable, it’s hard to imagine sometimes that they come from the same series, or that they...
For those who lived through them, the ’80s are a bizarre mixture of blissful nostalgia and everlasting embarrassment, and that goes double for the shows during that period. The early ’80s have that interesting edge to them in which everything feels new, as Doctor Who did when John Nathan-Turner took over the reins. Then we moved into the mid-’80s, in which boundaries got pushed just a bit too far, as they did on Doctor Who (still being guided by John Nathan-Turner). And finally we moved into the late ’80s, when nothing took itself seriously, especially Doctor Who (again, under Jnt) – though Doctor Who seems to have gotten an early start in this area, if the costuming is anything to go by.
The brands of cringeworthy moments in ’80s Who are so variable, it’s hard to imagine sometimes that they come from the same series, or that they...
- 11/17/2014
- by Tony Whitt
- Obsessed with Film
From Lori Grimes to Wesley Crusher, Den Of Geek's writers defend some of TV fandoms’ least-loved fictional characters…
Feature
Warning: contains spoilers for The Walking Dead season three, Breaking Bad season five, and Battlestar Galactica.
The force of geek love is strong. So strong, in fact, it’s basically a Newton’s Third Law of Motion kind of deal. Each instance of geek love leads to the simultaneous, opposite force of geek hatred. Wherever a TV character is adored, another will be despised. For every fan of Angel, there’s a critic of Riley Finn. For every Rick and Shane fan, there’s someone shouting “boo” at Lori Grimes. For every Captain Picard nut, there’s a person scribbling devil horns and moustaches on pictures of Wesley Crusher. Geeks love and geeks hate. It is known.
As a great mind once said though, “hate leads to suffering”. That’s why...
Feature
Warning: contains spoilers for The Walking Dead season three, Breaking Bad season five, and Battlestar Galactica.
The force of geek love is strong. So strong, in fact, it’s basically a Newton’s Third Law of Motion kind of deal. Each instance of geek love leads to the simultaneous, opposite force of geek hatred. Wherever a TV character is adored, another will be despised. For every fan of Angel, there’s a critic of Riley Finn. For every Rick and Shane fan, there’s someone shouting “boo” at Lori Grimes. For every Captain Picard nut, there’s a person scribbling devil horns and moustaches on pictures of Wesley Crusher. Geeks love and geeks hate. It is known.
As a great mind once said though, “hate leads to suffering”. That’s why...
- 7/24/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Classic Doctor Who is returning to British television. Courtesy of the Horror Channel, episodes from the '60s, '70s and '80s will air on UK screens from Friday, April 18.
At a launch in central London, the Week in Geek had the privilege of sitting down with arguably the show's most iconic star - 80-year-old acting veteran and national treasure Tom Baker - for a frank discussion about his seven-year Who stint.
Tom talks landing his dream part, shares fond memories of Elisabeth Sladen, reveals his favourite period of Doctor Who from his tenure, plus makes a surprising admission.
Tom Baker open to Doctor Who return: 'Capaldi might ask for me!'
"Doctor Who hoisted me out of oblivion..."
"I had done several films before that - I'd been a leading actor with Maggie Smith in The Millionairess on television and then there was a lull. I was very down,...
At a launch in central London, the Week in Geek had the privilege of sitting down with arguably the show's most iconic star - 80-year-old acting veteran and national treasure Tom Baker - for a frank discussion about his seven-year Who stint.
Tom talks landing his dream part, shares fond memories of Elisabeth Sladen, reveals his favourite period of Doctor Who from his tenure, plus makes a surprising admission.
Tom Baker open to Doctor Who return: 'Capaldi might ask for me!'
"Doctor Who hoisted me out of oblivion..."
"I had done several films before that - I'd been a leading actor with Maggie Smith in The Millionairess on television and then there was a lull. I was very down,...
- 4/15/2014
- Digital Spy
Feature Alex Westthorp 16 Apr 2014 - 07:00
Alex's trek through the film roles of actors who've played the Doctor reaches Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy...
Read the previous part in this series, Doctor Who: the film careers of Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker, here.
In March 1981, as he made his Doctor Who debut, Peter Davison was already one the best known faces on British television. Not only was he the star of both a BBC and an ITV sitcom - Sink Or Swim and Holding The Fort - but as the young and slightly reckless Tristan Farnon in All Creatures Great And Small, about the often humorous cases of Yorkshire vet James Herriot and his colleagues, he had cemented his stardom. The part led, indirectly, to his casting as the venerable Time Lord.
The recently installed Doctor Who producer, John Nathan-Turner, had been the Production Unit Manager on...
Alex's trek through the film roles of actors who've played the Doctor reaches Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy...
Read the previous part in this series, Doctor Who: the film careers of Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker, here.
In March 1981, as he made his Doctor Who debut, Peter Davison was already one the best known faces on British television. Not only was he the star of both a BBC and an ITV sitcom - Sink Or Swim and Holding The Fort - but as the young and slightly reckless Tristan Farnon in All Creatures Great And Small, about the often humorous cases of Yorkshire vet James Herriot and his colleagues, he had cemented his stardom. The part led, indirectly, to his casting as the venerable Time Lord.
The recently installed Doctor Who producer, John Nathan-Turner, had been the Production Unit Manager on...
- 4/15/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Feature Alex Westthorp 9 Apr 2014 - 07:00
In the next part of his series, Alex talks us through the film careers of the second and fourth Doctors, Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker...
Read Alex's retrospective on the film careers of William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee, here.
Like their fellow Time Lord actors, William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker also shared certain genres of film. Both appeared, before and after their time as the Doctor, in horror movies and both worked on Ray Harryhausen Sinbad films.
Patrick George Troughton was born in Mill Hill, London on March 25th 1920. He made his film debut aged 28 in the 1948 B-Movie The Escape. Troughton's was a very minor role. Among the better known cast was William Hartnell, though even Hartnell's role was small and the two didn't share any scenes together. From the late Forties, Troughton found more success on the small screen,...
In the next part of his series, Alex talks us through the film careers of the second and fourth Doctors, Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker...
Read Alex's retrospective on the film careers of William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee, here.
Like their fellow Time Lord actors, William Hartnell and Jon Pertwee, Patrick Troughton and Tom Baker also shared certain genres of film. Both appeared, before and after their time as the Doctor, in horror movies and both worked on Ray Harryhausen Sinbad films.
Patrick George Troughton was born in Mill Hill, London on March 25th 1920. He made his film debut aged 28 in the 1948 B-Movie The Escape. Troughton's was a very minor role. Among the better known cast was William Hartnell, though even Hartnell's role was small and the two didn't share any scenes together. From the late Forties, Troughton found more success on the small screen,...
- 4/8/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
BBC
2014 is upon us and we cannot wait for the next series of Doctor Who to hit the streets. During the past 50-years we have seen some brilliantly satisfying moments from the show and leaving aside that some of the stories were simply duds, others live on in the memory as classics. ‘The Fanbase’, as TV likes to call us, has remembered moments from the show so clearly that we’re all experts. We can actually give very plausible reasons why some series worked well while others did not. Still, this is not the time to bring up Michael Grade or John Nathan-Turner, now is it?
‘Satisfying’ is a big word. If you don’t believe me, ask your boss! So let’s unpack that a bit. What were the little moments that made us punch the air and utter a silent, ‘Yes!’ The big moments that made it all worthwhile,...
2014 is upon us and we cannot wait for the next series of Doctor Who to hit the streets. During the past 50-years we have seen some brilliantly satisfying moments from the show and leaving aside that some of the stories were simply duds, others live on in the memory as classics. ‘The Fanbase’, as TV likes to call us, has remembered moments from the show so clearly that we’re all experts. We can actually give very plausible reasons why some series worked well while others did not. Still, this is not the time to bring up Michael Grade or John Nathan-Turner, now is it?
‘Satisfying’ is a big word. If you don’t believe me, ask your boss! So let’s unpack that a bit. What were the little moments that made us punch the air and utter a silent, ‘Yes!’ The big moments that made it all worthwhile,...
- 3/4/2014
- by Paul Hammans
- Obsessed with Film
An unusual convergence of historical dates of different emotional resonances for me occurred this weekend – the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and what would have been the sixtieth birthday of my late wife, Kimberly Ann Yale.
Like many Americans, I remember where I was when I heard the news of JFK. I was in my history class at Quigley Preparatory Seminary North near downtown Chicago. The word that the President was shot came over the loudspeaker used for school announcements, followed a little later by the news of his death. I was stunned, in denial. I remember little else of that day. I think school was closed and we were sent home.
Kim’s dad was a Navy chaplain and they were living on-base at the time. She later told me how she was at school off-base and had to hurry back.
Like many Americans, I remember where I was when I heard the news of JFK. I was in my history class at Quigley Preparatory Seminary North near downtown Chicago. The word that the President was shot came over the loudspeaker used for school announcements, followed a little later by the news of his death. I was stunned, in denial. I remember little else of that day. I think school was closed and we were sent home.
Kim’s dad was a Navy chaplain and they were living on-base at the time. She later told me how she was at school off-base and had to hurry back.
- 11/24/2013
- by John Ostrander
- Comicmix.com
Fifty years ago today, the world was recovering from the shocking assassination of John F. Kennedy.But as that death rocked the world and dominated the media, something new was born. At 17:15 on BBC One, the first episode of a new children’s drama serial was broadcast.
At that time, it was practically a miracle that Doctor Who’s first episode An Unearthly Child had been made at all after the disaster of the initial pilot episode. But those twenty-five minutes about a mysterious teenage girl, two inquisitive schoolteachers, and grumpy old man with an impossible machine were the start of a legend that has stretched across fifty years and over two-hundred countries, and become an immortal component of science-fiction, television drama, and British culture.
But the next five decades weren’t plain sailing. Not by a long shot. Despite a successful run and one of the most visible fan communities of all time,...
At that time, it was practically a miracle that Doctor Who’s first episode An Unearthly Child had been made at all after the disaster of the initial pilot episode. But those twenty-five minutes about a mysterious teenage girl, two inquisitive schoolteachers, and grumpy old man with an impossible machine were the start of a legend that has stretched across fifty years and over two-hundred countries, and become an immortal component of science-fiction, television drama, and British culture.
But the next five decades weren’t plain sailing. Not by a long shot. Despite a successful run and one of the most visible fan communities of all time,...
- 11/24/2013
- by James T. Cornish
- Obsessed with Film
Feature Andrew Blair 19 Nov 2013 - 06:39
In this week of Doctor Who celebration, Andrew salutes just a few of the individuals whose talent and hard work made the show what it is...
In the history of Doctor Who there are many names in the end credits that always seem to stand out. For some reason, I always look out for Alec Wheal in Eighties Who credits or, since 2005, the Script Editor. Over the years there have been hundreds of unsung contributors behind the scenes, and this article seeks to celebrate a handful of those who put in one helluva slog for our benefit.
Oh, and in researching this article I discovered that Dorka Nieradzik – who worked on Logopolis, Revelation of the Daleks and Silver Nemesis to name but a few – now appears to be Clive Owen's personal Hair and Make Up Artist.
It's not really relevant or anything, but...
In this week of Doctor Who celebration, Andrew salutes just a few of the individuals whose talent and hard work made the show what it is...
In the history of Doctor Who there are many names in the end credits that always seem to stand out. For some reason, I always look out for Alec Wheal in Eighties Who credits or, since 2005, the Script Editor. Over the years there have been hundreds of unsung contributors behind the scenes, and this article seeks to celebrate a handful of those who put in one helluva slog for our benefit.
Oh, and in researching this article I discovered that Dorka Nieradzik – who worked on Logopolis, Revelation of the Daleks and Silver Nemesis to name but a few – now appears to be Clive Owen's personal Hair and Make Up Artist.
It's not really relevant or anything, but...
- 11/19/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Feature Robin Betts 21 Aug 2013 - 07:00
From farting Slitheen to strangling companions, Robin rounds up some of Doctor Who's most bonkers moments...
With fifty years on the clock, it's safe to say that Doctor Who has enjoyed its fair share of Wtf moments. For some, these will be points that momentarily ruined the show, and for others, they'll encapsulate its ever-evolving style and bohemian spirit. Besides, the guy travels in time and space and changes his face so he pretty much has an excuse for anything! In no particular order then, here are some of Doctor Who's most bizarre moments:
Nazi River Song Kills The Doctor (Let's Kill Hitler)
A robot assassin full of miniature people. River Song dressed in a Nazi outfit. Hitler in a cupboard. Killer machines chanting “You will experience a tingling sensation and then death.” This episode is full of mental stuff and although...
From farting Slitheen to strangling companions, Robin rounds up some of Doctor Who's most bonkers moments...
With fifty years on the clock, it's safe to say that Doctor Who has enjoyed its fair share of Wtf moments. For some, these will be points that momentarily ruined the show, and for others, they'll encapsulate its ever-evolving style and bohemian spirit. Besides, the guy travels in time and space and changes his face so he pretty much has an excuse for anything! In no particular order then, here are some of Doctor Who's most bizarre moments:
Nazi River Song Kills The Doctor (Let's Kill Hitler)
A robot assassin full of miniature people. River Song dressed in a Nazi outfit. Hitler in a cupboard. Killer machines chanting “You will experience a tingling sensation and then death.” This episode is full of mental stuff and although...
- 8/19/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
An introductory viewer’s guide to the classic series, here is a list of important episodes: the essential, the exceptional, the merely expository (as, sadly, the very best episodes and those that are important to the overall series continuity are not always the same), and the execrable.
You can find Part 1 here:
Comments, criticisms and contrary opinions from other veteran viewers are, of course, welcome. But if you’re one of those fans who started watching Doctor Who when it came back in 2005, or who came onboard only as recently as the Tennant or Smith eras, who’s curious about past Doctors, past episodes, and the long and winding mythos of a series that has become an international phenomenon, but doesn’t know where to start, this guide is for you…
How does a show that had become a national institution in Britain, and a cult phenomenon worldwide, recover after...
You can find Part 1 here:
Comments, criticisms and contrary opinions from other veteran viewers are, of course, welcome. But if you’re one of those fans who started watching Doctor Who when it came back in 2005, or who came onboard only as recently as the Tennant or Smith eras, who’s curious about past Doctors, past episodes, and the long and winding mythos of a series that has become an international phenomenon, but doesn’t know where to start, this guide is for you…
How does a show that had become a national institution in Britain, and a cult phenomenon worldwide, recover after...
- 8/9/2013
- by Matt J. Popham
- Obsessed with Film
Feature Giles Marshall 2 Aug 2013 - 07:00
Giles looks back on the state of Doctor Who by its 25th anniversary, an inauspicious period leading to the temporary end of the Doctor...
Who can doubt the strength of Doctor Who as a popular cult series in 2013? It may not quite be all over television, as Steven Moffat perhaps a little over-enthusiastically promised, but its fiftieth anniversary year has definitely been making waves. The last eight episodes were high-concept, fantastically produced pieces of forty-five-minute television that ended on a cliff-hanger which has everyone in fandom – and a little beyond – hotly anticipating the fifitieth anniversary’s special episode. Nicely done, Mr Moffat.
For a series to be so strong fifty years since its creation is indeed an extraordinary phenomenon, matched by few other television creations. And yet at the half-way mark it all looked very different. Twenty-five years ago, at its silver jubilee point,...
Giles looks back on the state of Doctor Who by its 25th anniversary, an inauspicious period leading to the temporary end of the Doctor...
Who can doubt the strength of Doctor Who as a popular cult series in 2013? It may not quite be all over television, as Steven Moffat perhaps a little over-enthusiastically promised, but its fiftieth anniversary year has definitely been making waves. The last eight episodes were high-concept, fantastically produced pieces of forty-five-minute television that ended on a cliff-hanger which has everyone in fandom – and a little beyond – hotly anticipating the fifitieth anniversary’s special episode. Nicely done, Mr Moffat.
For a series to be so strong fifty years since its creation is indeed an extraordinary phenomenon, matched by few other television creations. And yet at the half-way mark it all looked very different. Twenty-five years ago, at its silver jubilee point,...
- 8/2/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Meredith Burdett is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
Are you free on Saturday 15th June at 3.00pm and live within travelling distance of Manchester’s Fab Cafe? If so, you may want to get yourself down there to attend...
The post Richard Marson Q&A on John Nathan-Turner appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
Are you free on Saturday 15th June at 3.00pm and live within travelling distance of Manchester’s Fab Cafe? If so, you may want to get yourself down there to attend...
The post Richard Marson Q&A on John Nathan-Turner appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 6/13/2013
- by Meredith Burdett
- Kasterborous.com
Costuming can make such a difference in television shows, especially when it comes to Doctor Who. Examine the first five Doctors…and then look at the 6th Doctor. It’s quite amazing by the costume differences. The Fifth Doctor’s costume for example, gets away with the striped trousers because it’s rather plain. Everything is light colored, the cricket sweater isn’t over the top, and the frock coat blends perfectly with the coloring of the trousers and sweater. In fact it suits the Fifth Doctor because he was a cricketer, and he was a rather Edwardian like Doctor. The 6th Doctor, well he certainly was not like any other Doctor. And perhaps that’s why John Nathan-Turner decided on the colors of the costume, to match his loud personality. Colin did have some decision on the costume as well, but what came out in the end, was not what he had in mind.
- 5/31/2013
- by Gwyn
- Obsessed with Film
Christian Cawley is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.
Well no, not really – but that’s just my opinion. But how do you think it will turn out? Will Newsnight be running a hatchet job on the John Nathan-Turner...
The post Newsnight Asks: Was 80s Doctor Who Rubbish? appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
Well no, not really – but that’s just my opinion. But how do you think it will turn out? Will Newsnight be running a hatchet job on the John Nathan-Turner...
The post Newsnight Asks: Was 80s Doctor Who Rubbish? appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 5/29/2013
- by Christian Cawley
- Kasterborous.com
A big debate among Doctor Who fans is whether the Doctor should suddenly change his sex and become a female Time Lord. This is one of those ideas that would certainly kill the show, not in my opinion alone, but to quite a few others as well.
For fifty years the show has revolved around a Time Lord traveling in his home, the Tardis with his granddaughter at one point in time, and with many companions, both male and female afterwards. This article is focusing on why the Doctor should stay male. And before people say I’m sexist, I’d like to point out having been active in feminist movements in the past, and still supporting them to this day, it just goes to show there are female fans that would just prefer to have the show stay as it has been for fifty years.
Why should a male character change his sex?...
For fifty years the show has revolved around a Time Lord traveling in his home, the Tardis with his granddaughter at one point in time, and with many companions, both male and female afterwards. This article is focusing on why the Doctor should stay male. And before people say I’m sexist, I’d like to point out having been active in feminist movements in the past, and still supporting them to this day, it just goes to show there are female fans that would just prefer to have the show stay as it has been for fifty years.
Why should a male character change his sex?...
- 5/11/2013
- by Gwyn
- Obsessed with Film
The Fifth Doctor, portrayed by Peter Davison from late 1981-1984, has always been unfairly judged by a certain amount of fans. It’s either the personality of the Fifth Doctor that tends to make people wary about his era, or people are unsure about his era just by the stories alone. Some fans didn’t think that Peter Davison could ever be as good as Tom Baker, who had the role of Doctor for seven years. But sometimes it’s the fact this Doctor was part of the John Nathan-Turner era as producer that turns people off from watching. Whatever the case, some of the criticisms can be downright harsh and it’s time to set things straight.
This article is going to look in depth at the Fifth Doctor, his era and what makes him special in his own way, and what makes him so underated compared to some of the other Doctors.
This article is going to look in depth at the Fifth Doctor, his era and what makes him special in his own way, and what makes him so underated compared to some of the other Doctors.
- 3/20/2013
- by Gwyn
- Obsessed with Film
Like many people associated with Doctor Who for its nearly 49 years of existence, actors who’ve played companions to the wandering Doctor may choose depart from show, but they never fully leave it.
Yes, fandom is sometimes difficult. Science fiction fans are loyal, adoring and sometimes over the top, but in the end, they love the character as much as they love the actor who plays them, which is why, at this time, our hearts hurt to learn of their passing. And the fact that is, in the last eighteen months, Doctor Who has lost four beloved actors who played enduring roles on the cult show in the 1970s –Nicholas Courtney, Elizabeth Sladen, Caroline John and now Mary Tamm.
Tamm, who joined the show for season sixteen as Romanadvoratrelundar (Romana for short), passed away on July 26, after an 18 month battle with cancer. She was 62. Like Elizabeth Sladen, like Caroline John,...
Yes, fandom is sometimes difficult. Science fiction fans are loyal, adoring and sometimes over the top, but in the end, they love the character as much as they love the actor who plays them, which is why, at this time, our hearts hurt to learn of their passing. And the fact that is, in the last eighteen months, Doctor Who has lost four beloved actors who played enduring roles on the cult show in the 1970s –Nicholas Courtney, Elizabeth Sladen, Caroline John and now Mary Tamm.
Tamm, who joined the show for season sixteen as Romanadvoratrelundar (Romana for short), passed away on July 26, after an 18 month battle with cancer. She was 62. Like Elizabeth Sladen, like Caroline John,...
- 7/26/2012
- by spaced-odyssey
- doorQ.com
An 80s sci-fi epic that gave hope to videogame geeks everywhere, The Last Starfighter is still a lot of fun all these years later. Jeff takes a look back…
“The amusing thing about this? It's all a big mistake. That particular Starfighter game was supposed to be delivered to Vegas, not some fleaspeck trailer park in the middle of tumbleweeds and tarantulas. So it must be fate, destiny, blind chance, luck even, that brings us together. And as the poet said, the rest is history.”
1984’s The Last Starfighter might just well be the best embodiment of the wish-fulfillment fantasy for gamers everywhere. It validates the hours spent in front of video screens by rewarding one player in particular with high adventure, giant spaceships, cute girlfriends, and the opportunity to save the planet.
In this modern day Arthurian fable, Alex Rogan (Lance Guest, supposedly 17 or 18, but looking mid-20s) can...
“The amusing thing about this? It's all a big mistake. That particular Starfighter game was supposed to be delivered to Vegas, not some fleaspeck trailer park in the middle of tumbleweeds and tarantulas. So it must be fate, destiny, blind chance, luck even, that brings us together. And as the poet said, the rest is history.”
1984’s The Last Starfighter might just well be the best embodiment of the wish-fulfillment fantasy for gamers everywhere. It validates the hours spent in front of video screens by rewarding one player in particular with high adventure, giant spaceships, cute girlfriends, and the opportunity to save the planet.
In this modern day Arthurian fable, Alex Rogan (Lance Guest, supposedly 17 or 18, but looking mid-20s) can...
- 1/4/2012
- Den of Geek
The turbulent decade of the 1980s – not much fun, eh? Thatcherism at the height of its powers. The emergence of the yuppies. Not to mention the likes of mannequin crooners like Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet dominating the charts like suited bankers. So no wonder Doctor Who wanted to go revisit the 1960s for inspiration.
Think I'm joking? Well think on this. We've had Hartnell-like temper flares from the main man Davison. We've had an all-new historical adventure. And now, in true Daleks Masterplan-style, a companion is about to bite the dust.
Yes, time's run out for Adric, everyone's favourite laughing stock. He's about to buy it in spectacular fashion at the end of Earthshock, one of the jewels in season nineteen's crown. The great thing about this at the time was that it came totally out of the blue. Normally, companions – of late – tend to leave of their own accord or get married.
Think I'm joking? Well think on this. We've had Hartnell-like temper flares from the main man Davison. We've had an all-new historical adventure. And now, in true Daleks Masterplan-style, a companion is about to bite the dust.
Yes, time's run out for Adric, everyone's favourite laughing stock. He's about to buy it in spectacular fashion at the end of Earthshock, one of the jewels in season nineteen's crown. The great thing about this at the time was that it came totally out of the blue. Normally, companions – of late – tend to leave of their own accord or get married.
- 12/29/2010
- Shadowlocked
Some comments on my review of the Doctor Who Christmas Special 'A Christmas Carol' got me thinking about how it came to be that everyone's favourite Time Lord can never seem to get any 'action', romantically speaking. It's not been for want of attention or admirers; even back in the William Hartnell days, The Doctor was capable of flirting and even having a matrimonial 'near-miss' in the 1964 Who outing 'The Aztecs', so Matt Smith's Doctor is breaking no new ground in running away from connubial bliss with the 1957 version of Marilyn Monroe in 'A Christmas Carol'.
Can 47 years of sexual tension ever be released without killing the fundamental dynamic of the show? I've come to believe that it probably can't - which, if true, puts the Gallifreyan rogue at least neck-and-neck with Star Trek's Mr. Spock in terms of 'attractive unavailability'.
When the show...
Can 47 years of sexual tension ever be released without killing the fundamental dynamic of the show? I've come to believe that it probably can't - which, if true, puts the Gallifreyan rogue at least neck-and-neck with Star Trek's Mr. Spock in terms of 'attractive unavailability'.
When the show...
- 12/27/2010
- Shadowlocked
Seven months is not a long time. At the time of writing, October 2010 is still pretty much the same for me as it was in March. In Doctor Who-land though, time is all relative, and seven months can make a hell of a difference. The most glaring example is in 1980, when The Leisure Hive burst onto the screens.
It's a case of new brooms everywhere, as new producer John Nathan-Turner makes his debut. As a result, everything's changed in a drastic new makeover. After all it's the hip 'n' trendy 1980s, so why not get with the times? The Leisure Hive boasts all of these new changes, so much so that it's nigh-on difficult to absorb them all.
Hmmm, I feel a list coming on...
Change 1: The Theme Music
I'lll be honest with you. I used to be terrified of the original title music - to the point...
It's a case of new brooms everywhere, as new producer John Nathan-Turner makes his debut. As a result, everything's changed in a drastic new makeover. After all it's the hip 'n' trendy 1980s, so why not get with the times? The Leisure Hive boasts all of these new changes, so much so that it's nigh-on difficult to absorb them all.
Hmmm, I feel a list coming on...
Change 1: The Theme Music
I'lll be honest with you. I used to be terrified of the original title music - to the point...
- 12/1/2010
- Shadowlocked
Seven months is not a long time. At the time of writing, October 2010 is still pretty much the same for me as it was in March. In Doctor Who-land though, time is all relative, and seven months can make a hell of a difference. The most glaring example is in 1980, when The Leisure Hive burst onto the screens.
It's a case of new brooms everywhere, as new producer John Nathan-Turner makes his debut. As a result, everything's changed in a drastic new makeover. After all it's the hip 'n' trendy 1980s, so why not get with the times? The Leisure Hive boasts all of these new changes, so much so that it's nigh-on difficult to absorb them all.
Hmmm, I feel a list coming on...
Change 1: The Theme Music
I'lll be honest with you. I used to be terrified of the original title music - to the point...
It's a case of new brooms everywhere, as new producer John Nathan-Turner makes his debut. As a result, everything's changed in a drastic new makeover. After all it's the hip 'n' trendy 1980s, so why not get with the times? The Leisure Hive boasts all of these new changes, so much so that it's nigh-on difficult to absorb them all.
Hmmm, I feel a list coming on...
Change 1: The Theme Music
I'lll be honest with you. I used to be terrified of the original title music - to the point...
- 12/1/2010
- Shadowlocked
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