Doctor Who has thousands of unproduced story concepts. Indeed, the first ever story ‘An Unearthly Child’ was based on a completely different idea: C.E. Webber’s ‘The Giants’, in which the Doctor and co. would have been shrunken down and faced comparatively massive Earth insects, was in an original series document produced for Doctor Who, and had Rex Tucker assigned to direct.
‘The Giants’ was vetoed for a combination of technical reasons: the small and outdated studio assigned to Doctor Who wasn’t up to the task of giant insects. Said insects drew the ire of Doctor Who co-creator Sydney Newman, who famously disliked bug-eyed monsters – you can’t get any more bug-eyed than literal bugs. Aspects of it ended up in the Season 2 story ‘Planet of Giants’, and the opening scene – where teenager Sue and her teachers Cliff and Lola meet Dr Who (sic) in the fog – was adapted...
‘The Giants’ was vetoed for a combination of technical reasons: the small and outdated studio assigned to Doctor Who wasn’t up to the task of giant insects. Said insects drew the ire of Doctor Who co-creator Sydney Newman, who famously disliked bug-eyed monsters – you can’t get any more bug-eyed than literal bugs. Aspects of it ended up in the Season 2 story ‘Planet of Giants’, and the opening scene – where teenager Sue and her teachers Cliff and Lola meet Dr Who (sic) in the fog – was adapted...
- 4/16/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
As you may have seen, Steven Moffat is writing for Doctor Who again (and I bet Tumblr are glad Cloud servers exist now). According to showrunner Russell T. Davies’ Instagram, he contacted both his successors/predecessors in the role and Chris Chibnall turned the offer down in favour of writing a novel, whereas Moffat agreed and, Davies teases, wrote a series 14 episode in which “a perfectly ordinary word [is] turned into something Terrifying and it’s all in outer space and there’s a woman and Oh My God”.
As we saw during lockdown, Davies and Moffat never really stopped having ideas for Doctor Who stories. While it may seem unprecedented to have a former showrunner return to write an episode, it was fairly common during Doctor Who’s original run. If we take the Script Editor role of the original run as comparable to that of the contemporary showrunner (it...
As we saw during lockdown, Davies and Moffat never really stopped having ideas for Doctor Who stories. While it may seem unprecedented to have a former showrunner return to write an episode, it was fairly common during Doctor Who’s original run. If we take the Script Editor role of the original run as comparable to that of the contemporary showrunner (it...
- 3/21/2024
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
In terms of baseline quality, the Seventies is probably the most consistent Doctor Who has been until the 21st Century. There’s a classic story in nearly every season, and fondly-thought-of stories throughout. The long-list for this one was very long, the certainty of not including someone’s favourite even more certain than usual.
Producer Barry Letts and Script Editor Terrance Dicks took a show with the potential for cancellation and moved it from Quatermass homage to the cosiest of nightmare fuel: a family show on and off-screen with the reassuringly haughty Jon Pertwee ruffling hearts and minds at the head of a regular ensemble cast.
After five seasons the family was breaking up, and the show was revitalised by incoming Producer Philip Hinchcliffe and Script Editor Robert Holmes. Aiming at an older audience (Holmes in The Daily Express in 1977: ‘I wouldn’t let any child under ten see...
Producer Barry Letts and Script Editor Terrance Dicks took a show with the potential for cancellation and moved it from Quatermass homage to the cosiest of nightmare fuel: a family show on and off-screen with the reassuringly haughty Jon Pertwee ruffling hearts and minds at the head of a regular ensemble cast.
After five seasons the family was breaking up, and the show was revitalised by incoming Producer Philip Hinchcliffe and Script Editor Robert Holmes. Aiming at an older audience (Holmes in The Daily Express in 1977: ‘I wouldn’t let any child under ten see...
- 11/27/2022
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
It’s a nice time to be an Anglophile with the March launch of BritBox. For $6.99 a month, users have been privy to upwards of 2,000 hours of British programming through the streaming service, created in collaboration with BBC Worldwide and the UK commercial broadcaster, ITV.
With a diverse collection that ranges from the classic Ricky Gervais comedy “The Office” and long-running British soap “Emmerdale,” there was still a Tardis-shaped hole in their programming. Lucky for loyal Whovians out there, one of the cornerstones of classic British television has come to BritBox. “Doctor Who” is coming to the platform with a full collection of Classic era episodes – that is, the episodes of “Doctor Who” which ran from 1963-1989.
Read More: The New ‘Doctor Who’: A Plea For Diversity, and 13 Dream Doctors
With an upcoming new companion and the end of an era for the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi), “Doctor Who...
With a diverse collection that ranges from the classic Ricky Gervais comedy “The Office” and long-running British soap “Emmerdale,” there was still a Tardis-shaped hole in their programming. Lucky for loyal Whovians out there, one of the cornerstones of classic British television has come to BritBox. “Doctor Who” is coming to the platform with a full collection of Classic era episodes – that is, the episodes of “Doctor Who” which ran from 1963-1989.
Read More: The New ‘Doctor Who’: A Plea For Diversity, and 13 Dream Doctors
With an upcoming new companion and the end of an era for the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi), “Doctor Who...
- 4/4/2017
- by Maya Reddy
- Indiewire
Andrew Blair Sep 22, 2016
A salute to the unexplained story elements in Doctor Who, that leave us wondering who makes all the equipment for the Daleks?
Doctor Who raises many questions. What is the Doctor’s real name? What would he have said to Rose on that beach? And most important of all, who is it that designs hats for the Daleks?
Throughout the show’s history, right back to 1964’s The Dalek Invasion Of Earth, the Doctor’s greatest foe have demonstrated precisely cack-all aptitude for millinery. The Robomen in that story were humans converted into slaves and fitted with large helmet/neck-brace combos for mind-control purposes. By 1988’s Remembrance Of The Daleks they’d realised that putting a small chip behind Michael Sheard’s ear was much less conspicuous, but then in 2007’s Daleks In Manhattan/Evolution Of The Daleks they’ve decided hats aren’t enough and turn people into pig hybrids.
A salute to the unexplained story elements in Doctor Who, that leave us wondering who makes all the equipment for the Daleks?
Doctor Who raises many questions. What is the Doctor’s real name? What would he have said to Rose on that beach? And most important of all, who is it that designs hats for the Daleks?
Throughout the show’s history, right back to 1964’s The Dalek Invasion Of Earth, the Doctor’s greatest foe have demonstrated precisely cack-all aptitude for millinery. The Robomen in that story were humans converted into slaves and fitted with large helmet/neck-brace combos for mind-control purposes. By 1988’s Remembrance Of The Daleks they’d realised that putting a small chip behind Michael Sheard’s ear was much less conspicuous, but then in 2007’s Daleks In Manhattan/Evolution Of The Daleks they’ve decided hats aren’t enough and turn people into pig hybrids.
- 9/6/2016
- Den of Geek
facebook
twitter
google+
Ground-breaking, intelligent, prescient 1970s drama Doomwatch, now out on DVD, is a British television classic...
Playing on the public's fear that 'this could actually happen', Doomwatch had a veneer of credibility unusual in the escapist television drama landscape of the late 60s/early 70s. This spring sees the most comprehensive haul of Doomwatch episodes released on DVD for the first time. The nickname for the "Department for the Observation and Measurement of Scientific Work", the series first appeared on BBC1 on Monday 9th February 1970 at 9.40pm. It followed half an hour of comedy from Kenneth Williams, which must have surely heightened its dramatic impact.
The series would run in tandem with the early Jon Pertwee era of Doctor Who; the first episode made its debut two days after part two of Doctor Who And The Silurians. The two shows undoubtedly shared a synergy of ideas - not to mention cast and crew.
google+
Ground-breaking, intelligent, prescient 1970s drama Doomwatch, now out on DVD, is a British television classic...
Playing on the public's fear that 'this could actually happen', Doomwatch had a veneer of credibility unusual in the escapist television drama landscape of the late 60s/early 70s. This spring sees the most comprehensive haul of Doomwatch episodes released on DVD for the first time. The nickname for the "Department for the Observation and Measurement of Scientific Work", the series first appeared on BBC1 on Monday 9th February 1970 at 9.40pm. It followed half an hour of comedy from Kenneth Williams, which must have surely heightened its dramatic impact.
The series would run in tandem with the early Jon Pertwee era of Doctor Who; the first episode made its debut two days after part two of Doctor Who And The Silurians. The two shows undoubtedly shared a synergy of ideas - not to mention cast and crew.
- 3/31/2016
- Den of Geek
James Holmes’ parents, Arlene and Robert Holmes, watched as their son was found guilty of murder in the Colorado movie theater massacre on Thursday. Arlene And Robert Holmes Believe Their Son Is Mentally Ill Holmes faced 165 separate charges with regards to the Colorado massacre, which occurred in 2012 when Holmes entered a movie theater […]
The post James Holmes’ Parents, Arlene And Robert Holmes, Watch Silently As Their Son Is Found Guilty Of Murder appeared first on uInterview.
The post James Holmes’ Parents, Arlene And Robert Holmes, Watch Silently As Their Son Is Found Guilty Of Murder appeared first on uInterview.
- 7/17/2015
- by Olivia Truffaut-Wong
- Uinterview
Doctor Who has debuted its latest menacing monster - an armoured antagonist that looks something like a grasshopper crossed with a tank.
In over 50 years, the world's longest-running sci-fi series has introduced us to hundreds of weird and wonderful creatures - but which is the best?
After much debate, here's our definitive ranking of the most memorable and terrifying monsters from 1963 to 2015 (and we're not counting humanoid wrongdoers, so no Master!).
Read on, then join the debate in the comments below...
15. The Haemovores
1980s Doctor Who can sometimes come in for an unfair drubbing - but there was still plenty of imagination, wit and inventive horror on show when the show was at its best.
'The Curse of Fenric' - airing as part of the final 'classic' series in 1989 - is a strong case for the defence, introducing the vampiric Haemovores - a species of evolved humans who lurked eerily...
In over 50 years, the world's longest-running sci-fi series has introduced us to hundreds of weird and wonderful creatures - but which is the best?
After much debate, here's our definitive ranking of the most memorable and terrifying monsters from 1963 to 2015 (and we're not counting humanoid wrongdoers, so no Master!).
Read on, then join the debate in the comments below...
15. The Haemovores
1980s Doctor Who can sometimes come in for an unfair drubbing - but there was still plenty of imagination, wit and inventive horror on show when the show was at its best.
'The Curse of Fenric' - airing as part of the final 'classic' series in 1989 - is a strong case for the defence, introducing the vampiric Haemovores - a species of evolved humans who lurked eerily...
- 4/23/2015
- Digital Spy
Doctor Who has debuted its latest menacing monster - an armoured antagonist that looks something like a grasshopper crossed with a tank.
In over 50 years, the world's longest-running sci-fi series has introduced us to hundreds of weird and wonderful creatures - but which is the best?
Here's our definitive ranking - from 1963 to 2015 - of the most memorable and terrifying monsters (and we're not counting humanoid wrongdoers, so no Master!).
15. The Haemovores
1980s Doctor Who can sometimes come in for an unfair drubbing - but there was still plenty of imagination, wit and inventive horror on show when the show was at its best.
'The Curse of Fenric' - airing as part of the final 'classic' series in 1989 - is a strong case for the defence, introducing the vampiric Haemovores - a species of evolved humans who lurked eerily under the sea and possessed razor-sharp claws and suckers for feeding.
In over 50 years, the world's longest-running sci-fi series has introduced us to hundreds of weird and wonderful creatures - but which is the best?
Here's our definitive ranking - from 1963 to 2015 - of the most memorable and terrifying monsters (and we're not counting humanoid wrongdoers, so no Master!).
15. The Haemovores
1980s Doctor Who can sometimes come in for an unfair drubbing - but there was still plenty of imagination, wit and inventive horror on show when the show was at its best.
'The Curse of Fenric' - airing as part of the final 'classic' series in 1989 - is a strong case for the defence, introducing the vampiric Haemovores - a species of evolved humans who lurked eerily under the sea and possessed razor-sharp claws and suckers for feeding.
- 4/23/2015
- Digital Spy
BBC
Despite the many fan attempts to fuse them together, Blake’s 7 and Doctor Who are set in two entirely different fictional universes. Behind the scenes, though, the two shows hold much in common.
As one might expect, they share writers such as Terry Nation, Robert Holmes and Chris Boucher, incidental music from Dudley Simpson and special effects genius Matt Irvine. Starting his career as a production assistant on Doctor Who, David Maloney went on to produce Blake’s 7 and direct episodes of both programmes.
At times even the props and scenery came in useful between shows. The eagle-eyed will spot Federation helmets in the Peter Davison story Frontios.
Famously Colin Baker, the Sixth Doctor, played the evil Bayban The Butcher in City at the Edge of the World but with Doctor Who running for so many years longer, and with such a massive range of spin off plays in its trail,...
Despite the many fan attempts to fuse them together, Blake’s 7 and Doctor Who are set in two entirely different fictional universes. Behind the scenes, though, the two shows hold much in common.
As one might expect, they share writers such as Terry Nation, Robert Holmes and Chris Boucher, incidental music from Dudley Simpson and special effects genius Matt Irvine. Starting his career as a production assistant on Doctor Who, David Maloney went on to produce Blake’s 7 and direct episodes of both programmes.
At times even the props and scenery came in useful between shows. The eagle-eyed will spot Federation helmets in the Peter Davison story Frontios.
Famously Colin Baker, the Sixth Doctor, played the evil Bayban The Butcher in City at the Edge of the World but with Doctor Who running for so many years longer, and with such a massive range of spin off plays in its trail,...
- 2/17/2015
- by Paul Driscoll
- Obsessed with Film
BBC
Running from 1975 to 1977, the Hinchcliffe era was a perfect and passionate storm, the result of visionary minds pushing against each other to create something they collectively believed in. It is largely because of this era that Doctor Who came to be an icon of science-fiction because it had created the icon of itself with the first three names you’d choose in their respective fields behind it. Actor Tom Baker, script editor Robert Holmes and of course, producer Philip Hinchcliffe.
As their first story, The Ark in Space, celebrates its fortieth birthday, it would be suitable to honour this golden age with a retrospective of all 16 stories. These stories sought to distance themselves from the outlandish action adventure stylings of the Pertwee years and focus on atmosphere through world building and good acting (which often was the case in this era).
These stories ended up being written as a family show…...
Running from 1975 to 1977, the Hinchcliffe era was a perfect and passionate storm, the result of visionary minds pushing against each other to create something they collectively believed in. It is largely because of this era that Doctor Who came to be an icon of science-fiction because it had created the icon of itself with the first three names you’d choose in their respective fields behind it. Actor Tom Baker, script editor Robert Holmes and of course, producer Philip Hinchcliffe.
As their first story, The Ark in Space, celebrates its fortieth birthday, it would be suitable to honour this golden age with a retrospective of all 16 stories. These stories sought to distance themselves from the outlandish action adventure stylings of the Pertwee years and focus on atmosphere through world building and good acting (which often was the case in this era).
These stories ended up being written as a family show…...
- 2/5/2015
- by Luke Williams
- Obsessed with Film
From the Macra to The Mysterious Planet, Andrew finds the gold in oft-unloved Doctor Who episodes from across the decades...
For the show's fiftieth anniversary, Doctor Who Magazine ran a new poll ranking the 241 stories up to and including The Time Of The Doctor. The Twin Dilemma came last again, having done so in 2009 survey, and though it does have many faults, it isn't completely bad. Colin Baker blazes his way haughtily through it, and the story noticeably lacks energy when he's off screen. Perhaps it might have been marginally better just to have had the Sixth Doctor and Peri go to a Little Chef so he could complain about the service.
In the lower half of the poll (compiled by people rating all the stories out of ten) are some pretty good stories, or at least ones that arguably don't deserve to be there. We've therefore compiled a list...
For the show's fiftieth anniversary, Doctor Who Magazine ran a new poll ranking the 241 stories up to and including The Time Of The Doctor. The Twin Dilemma came last again, having done so in 2009 survey, and though it does have many faults, it isn't completely bad. Colin Baker blazes his way haughtily through it, and the story noticeably lacks energy when he's off screen. Perhaps it might have been marginally better just to have had the Sixth Doctor and Peri go to a Little Chef so he could complain about the service.
In the lower half of the poll (compiled by people rating all the stories out of ten) are some pretty good stories, or at least ones that arguably don't deserve to be there. We've therefore compiled a list...
- 11/18/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Here's a question for you. Do you ever feel that you're marching out of time with the rest of the world? Especially when it comes to popular opinion? It's a mystery that frequently leaves me scratching my head. Popular opinion meant that somehow, Jj Barrie's schmaltzy dirge No Charge sold enough quantities to reach Number One in 1976. Popular opinion means that every two years in June, people become football fans regardless of whether they like the sport or not. And of course, it also means the continuation of a past-its-sell-by-date-show in which three pub bores with stupid hair talk rubbish about cars for a merciless hour. Abraham Lincoln once claimed that standing by a principle in the face of everybody else rejecting it links the human to the divine – whether or not that includes popular opinion on another Steven Moffat script is a point still to be decided.
It's a funny thing,...
It's a funny thing,...
- 10/11/2014
- Shadowlocked
BBC
Almost every Doctor Who writer has a certain thumbprint that they tend to leave on the stories they write. Steven Moffat has mind-melting time paradoxes, Classic Who scribe Robert Holmes had unsubtle political commentary, and Gareth Roberts has the Doctor trying to blend in with modern day humans; with The Caretaker being his third episode in a row to use this plot device.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing since he tends to do it very well. Despite the mass of similarities to The Lodger (2010) and Closing Time (2011), The Caretaker manages to carve its own little niche as a relaxed comedic episode thanks largely to the completely different character dynamics at play this time around.
BBC
The real thing that the episode has going for it is the humour. It’s not the out there gag-a-minute humour of Robot Of Sherwood but it’s still a very...
Almost every Doctor Who writer has a certain thumbprint that they tend to leave on the stories they write. Steven Moffat has mind-melting time paradoxes, Classic Who scribe Robert Holmes had unsubtle political commentary, and Gareth Roberts has the Doctor trying to blend in with modern day humans; with The Caretaker being his third episode in a row to use this plot device.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing since he tends to do it very well. Despite the mass of similarities to The Lodger (2010) and Closing Time (2011), The Caretaker manages to carve its own little niche as a relaxed comedic episode thanks largely to the completely different character dynamics at play this time around.
BBC
The real thing that the episode has going for it is the humour. It’s not the out there gag-a-minute humour of Robot Of Sherwood but it’s still a very...
- 9/30/2014
- by James T. Cornish
- Obsessed with Film
We spotted a few fun nods to previous episodes in Doctor Who's series 8 opener. And here they are...
There's a quote we often refer to at Den of Geek when writing about Doctor Who, and it comes from living legend Terrance Dicks about writing the show: 'You need a good strong original idea, but it doesn't have to be your good strong original idea.'
Steven Moffat is obviously aware of this statement, but has interpreted it differently to most. It doesn't have to be your good strong original idea, but it can be, and therefore that doesn't mean you only have to use it once.
On top of callbacks to some of Moffat's previous work, Deep Breath, has references scattered throughout, recalling the show's entire fifty year history. We've done our best to provide an extensive list, and you're very welcome to provide extensions and footnotes. So without...
There's a quote we often refer to at Den of Geek when writing about Doctor Who, and it comes from living legend Terrance Dicks about writing the show: 'You need a good strong original idea, but it doesn't have to be your good strong original idea.'
Steven Moffat is obviously aware of this statement, but has interpreted it differently to most. It doesn't have to be your good strong original idea, but it can be, and therefore that doesn't mean you only have to use it once.
On top of callbacks to some of Moffat's previous work, Deep Breath, has references scattered throughout, recalling the show's entire fifty year history. We've done our best to provide an extensive list, and you're very welcome to provide extensions and footnotes. So without...
- 8/26/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
On the eve of Doctor Who's new series, Andrew considers what lessons it could learn from classic Fifth Doctor story Earthshock...
1982's Earthshock casts a long shadow over Eighties’ Doctor Who.
After Tom Baker’s tenure – at best delightfully silly and dramatic, at worst glibly removing any hint of drama in a quest for a laugh – the show hadn’t exactly decided on what it was going to be.
Original Eighties’ script editor Christopher H. Bidmead firmly ushered in an attempt at a harder Science Fiction edge – with Tom Baker injecting some comedic moments – but this lasted one series, with Bidmead only returning to write Peter Davison’s first broadcast story after another script fell through.
At the start of the Davison era temporary script editor Anthony Root kept things ticking over with a variety of styles, some reflecting Bidmead’s taste in their commissioning, but the Davison era...
1982's Earthshock casts a long shadow over Eighties’ Doctor Who.
After Tom Baker’s tenure – at best delightfully silly and dramatic, at worst glibly removing any hint of drama in a quest for a laugh – the show hadn’t exactly decided on what it was going to be.
Original Eighties’ script editor Christopher H. Bidmead firmly ushered in an attempt at a harder Science Fiction edge – with Tom Baker injecting some comedic moments – but this lasted one series, with Bidmead only returning to write Peter Davison’s first broadcast story after another script fell through.
At the start of the Davison era temporary script editor Anthony Root kept things ticking over with a variety of styles, some reflecting Bidmead’s taste in their commissioning, but the Davison era...
- 8/20/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Digital Spy presents Doctor Who Week - seven days of special features celebrating the return of the world's favourite sci-fi series, and the arrival of a brand new Doctor - on August 23.
We've known he was coming since August 2013 - and he's officially been our Doctor since Christmas - but in a mere three days, Doctor Who fans will finally get the chance to size up Peter Capaldi's debut as a new, "more mysterious" Time Lord.
Between 1963 and 2014, the show's had 11 stabs at introducing a new Doctor - so before Steven Moffat's 'Deep Breath' is unveiled to the general public, let's take a look back at those other attempts - from the awesome to the audacious to the seriously misjudged.
The musical world of Doctor Who: From Ron Grainer to The Klf
An Unearthly Child
Aired November 23-December 14, 1963
Doctor Who fans accustomed to David Tennant...
We've known he was coming since August 2013 - and he's officially been our Doctor since Christmas - but in a mere three days, Doctor Who fans will finally get the chance to size up Peter Capaldi's debut as a new, "more mysterious" Time Lord.
Between 1963 and 2014, the show's had 11 stabs at introducing a new Doctor - so before Steven Moffat's 'Deep Breath' is unveiled to the general public, let's take a look back at those other attempts - from the awesome to the audacious to the seriously misjudged.
The musical world of Doctor Who: From Ron Grainer to The Klf
An Unearthly Child
Aired November 23-December 14, 1963
Doctor Who fans accustomed to David Tennant...
- 8/20/2014
- Digital Spy
Andrew argues that Doctor Who series 8 could do worse than look to Hinchcliffe/Holmes story The Ark in Space for inspiration...
4C or not 4C? (Yes, it's a cryptic start, but frankly we don't have enough production code puns on the website). Let us speculate, just for a change, about what series eight of Doctor Who holds in store.
Is Peter Capaldi's Twelth Doctor going to be a less risky version of the Sixth? Initially unlikeable, but with the audience warming to him as he progresses?
Is Clara going to become a more rounded character, with the writers raising their game to reflect the quality of Jenna Coleman's performance?
Will you read a comment along the lines of 'Actually there were twenty six seasons of Doctor Who already, so I don't see why you're referring to it as “series eight”'?
Maybe, maybe, and yes.
For those of...
4C or not 4C? (Yes, it's a cryptic start, but frankly we don't have enough production code puns on the website). Let us speculate, just for a change, about what series eight of Doctor Who holds in store.
Is Peter Capaldi's Twelth Doctor going to be a less risky version of the Sixth? Initially unlikeable, but with the audience warming to him as he progresses?
Is Clara going to become a more rounded character, with the writers raising their game to reflect the quality of Jenna Coleman's performance?
Will you read a comment along the lines of 'Actually there were twenty six seasons of Doctor Who already, so I don't see why you're referring to it as “series eight”'?
Maybe, maybe, and yes.
For those of...
- 7/30/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
BBC
Steven Moffat’s overly ‘timey wimey’ take on Doctor Who may not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying that, on a good day, the man is easily the most ambitious, creative and original Who writer since the legendary Robert Holmes.
Now, it might seem to us Who fans that Moffat is the veritable ‘cat that caught the canary’. He is, after all, the lifelong Whovian that not only helped to bring his favourite TV show back from the brink of oblivion, but who also ended up as the series’ supreme creative authority just a few years later.
You’d think that those facts alone would make Mr. Moffat a happy, well-adjusted and overly good-natured person, wouldn’t you?
Well, he isn’t.
Like most great writers, the man is actually a deeply disturbed individual, one who clearly lives in a world populated by man-eating shadows,...
Steven Moffat’s overly ‘timey wimey’ take on Doctor Who may not be to everyone’s taste, but there’s no denying that, on a good day, the man is easily the most ambitious, creative and original Who writer since the legendary Robert Holmes.
Now, it might seem to us Who fans that Moffat is the veritable ‘cat that caught the canary’. He is, after all, the lifelong Whovian that not only helped to bring his favourite TV show back from the brink of oblivion, but who also ended up as the series’ supreme creative authority just a few years later.
You’d think that those facts alone would make Mr. Moffat a happy, well-adjusted and overly good-natured person, wouldn’t you?
Well, he isn’t.
Like most great writers, the man is actually a deeply disturbed individual, one who clearly lives in a world populated by man-eating shadows,...
- 6/16/2014
- by Chris Quicksilver
- Obsessed with Film
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
It goes by and large without saying, but when you’re a kid watching Doctor Who, the news that the Doctor is going to actually die at the end of the episode is the most exciting thing ever. Obviously this is down to two big reasons-
1: Most other shows don’t have the luxury of killing off the main character and not… you know… ending. The sheer novelty value alone of discovering that the title character of your favorite show could very well be brutally killed off has rocked many a 12 year old’s world.
2: The old Doctor being killed off means that there’s a New Doctor coming, and we don’t know anything about him! If you’re the sort of 12 year old boy that has just spent the last six months making lists of stories with Cybermen in them and cross referencing that to stories...
1: Most other shows don’t have the luxury of killing off the main character and not… you know… ending. The sheer novelty value alone of discovering that the title character of your favorite show could very well be brutally killed off has rocked many a 12 year old’s world.
2: The old Doctor being killed off means that there’s a New Doctor coming, and we don’t know anything about him! If you’re the sort of 12 year old boy that has just spent the last six months making lists of stories with Cybermen in them and cross referencing that to stories...
- 11/25/2013
- by Mikey Heinrich
- Obsessed with Film
Feature Andrew Blair 22 Nov 2013 - 06:43
Andrew counts down Doctor Who's 50 scariest moments, feat. Daleks, Cybermen, and Nicholas Parsons...
Doctor Who exists to scare children. It introduces them to Horror in a way that can prepare them for the increased intensity and gore of adult films, while its limited budget and family viewing constraints also mean it has to get under your skin in more creative ways. This list is not intended as anything remotely definitive, more a collection of fifty scary moments, scenes, and ideas that the show has given us over the years. There are obviously hundreds more out there, and a Comments Thread waiting for your suggestions. We begin at the beginning, but not necessarily in that order.
1. The first Tardis journey
Following an unsettling twenty-five minutes of investigation, torture and kidnap, our favourite family show was born. The Doctor decides schoolteachers Ian and Barbara have...
Andrew counts down Doctor Who's 50 scariest moments, feat. Daleks, Cybermen, and Nicholas Parsons...
Doctor Who exists to scare children. It introduces them to Horror in a way that can prepare them for the increased intensity and gore of adult films, while its limited budget and family viewing constraints also mean it has to get under your skin in more creative ways. This list is not intended as anything remotely definitive, more a collection of fifty scary moments, scenes, and ideas that the show has given us over the years. There are obviously hundreds more out there, and a Comments Thread waiting for your suggestions. We begin at the beginning, but not necessarily in that order.
1. The first Tardis journey
Following an unsettling twenty-five minutes of investigation, torture and kidnap, our favourite family show was born. The Doctor decides schoolteachers Ian and Barbara have...
- 11/21/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Feature Andrew Blair 21 Nov 2013 - 07:00
In this celebration week, Andrew tips his cap to just a few of the people whose hard work and talent made New Who what it is today...
After writing about the Classic Series production crew, we take a look at some of the people whose hard work, talent, and ability to fib have worked wonders behind the scenes in the twenty-first century.
5. Jane Tranter
In the late Eighties, Jane Tranter could be found marking out rehearsal rooms with tape as part of her job as an Assistant Floor Manager. She worked on shows such as Eastenders, Bergerac, and Doctor Who.
In 2000, she became Head of Drama Commissioning at the BBC. Like the Seventh Doctor, she had a long-term planny-type thing. Unlike the Seventh Doctor, Tranter did not actively seek out conflict by immediately announcing that Doctor Who would come back, waiting until she had...
In this celebration week, Andrew tips his cap to just a few of the people whose hard work and talent made New Who what it is today...
After writing about the Classic Series production crew, we take a look at some of the people whose hard work, talent, and ability to fib have worked wonders behind the scenes in the twenty-first century.
5. Jane Tranter
In the late Eighties, Jane Tranter could be found marking out rehearsal rooms with tape as part of her job as an Assistant Floor Manager. She worked on shows such as Eastenders, Bergerac, and Doctor Who.
In 2000, she became Head of Drama Commissioning at the BBC. Like the Seventh Doctor, she had a long-term planny-type thing. Unlike the Seventh Doctor, Tranter did not actively seek out conflict by immediately announcing that Doctor Who would come back, waiting until she had...
- 11/20/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
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
As of a few hours ago, long-time fans of Doctor Who were given a major treat when we finally got to see the regeneration of the Eighth Doctor into…well, what do we call him? We can’t call Hurt’s Doctor the Ninth Doctor, because, well because, obviously. I guess I’ll settle for the War Doctor, since that’s what the credits and Wikipedia call the character. Plus it’s close enough to the War Chief to make me squee a little.
This does, however, create a problem. William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, John Hurt, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi have all played, or in the case of Capaldi, are going to play, incarnations of a Time Lord normally known as the Doctor. This creates something of a problem, because back during the Fourth Doctor’s day,...
This does, however, create a problem. William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, Paul McGann, John Hurt, Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi have all played, or in the case of Capaldi, are going to play, incarnations of a Time Lord normally known as the Doctor. This creates something of a problem, because back during the Fourth Doctor’s day,...
- 11/15/2013
- by Chris Swanson
- Obsessed with Film
Feature Andrew Blair 8 Nov 2013 - 07:00
To celebrate its 50th birthday this month, Andrew talks us through 50 great Doctor Who scenes...
Doctor Who, what with being the greatest thing ever and all, has its fair share of great scenes. You could – and people have – write a list of one great scene per story. There are thousands to choose from. Here, we have a list of fifty in no particular order. The criteria is simply that we enjoy them.
Because we all know about 'Do I have the right?' and 'I'm not going to let you stop me now', I've also tried finding moments from less popular episodes just to give them some love. No story is completely without merit (Even Timeflight has Khalid) and like it or not, Time and the Rani happened, so we're all just going to have to deal with it.
So, here's a selection of fifty great scenes.
To celebrate its 50th birthday this month, Andrew talks us through 50 great Doctor Who scenes...
Doctor Who, what with being the greatest thing ever and all, has its fair share of great scenes. You could – and people have – write a list of one great scene per story. There are thousands to choose from. Here, we have a list of fifty in no particular order. The criteria is simply that we enjoy them.
Because we all know about 'Do I have the right?' and 'I'm not going to let you stop me now', I've also tried finding moments from less popular episodes just to give them some love. No story is completely without merit (Even Timeflight has Khalid) and like it or not, Time and the Rani happened, so we're all just going to have to deal with it.
So, here's a selection of fifty great scenes.
- 11/7/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Digital Spy readers named David Tennant as Doctor Who's greatest ever Doctor - now, with less than three weeks to go until the 50th anniversary, DS is embarking on a new quest... to list the top 10 Who stories of all time.
After paying heed to 'The Talons of Weng-Chiang', this week we've opted for another Tom Baker tale - the third greatest Doctor Who story of all time transports us to the battle-ravaged planet of Skaro, where a war between two races culminates in the creation of a scientific abomination...
3. Genesis Of The Daleks (1975) - Six episodes - written by Terry Nation
"Do I have the right?"
Yes, the giant clam is rubbish.
With that out of the way, let's get about appreciating everything that's amazing about 'Genesis of the Daleks' - without question, Terry Nation's best Doctor Who script and indeed one of the show's finest ever serials.
After paying heed to 'The Talons of Weng-Chiang', this week we've opted for another Tom Baker tale - the third greatest Doctor Who story of all time transports us to the battle-ravaged planet of Skaro, where a war between two races culminates in the creation of a scientific abomination...
3. Genesis Of The Daleks (1975) - Six episodes - written by Terry Nation
"Do I have the right?"
Yes, the giant clam is rubbish.
With that out of the way, let's get about appreciating everything that's amazing about 'Genesis of the Daleks' - without question, Terry Nation's best Doctor Who script and indeed one of the show's finest ever serials.
- 11/4/2013
- Digital Spy
Digital Spy readers named David Tennant as Doctor Who's greatest ever Doctor - now, with less than a month to go until the 50th anniversary, DS is embarking on a new quest... to list the top 10 Who stories of all time.
Appropriately enough, slot number four is filled by the fourth Doctor. Tom Baker's first entry in our 50th list is a fan favourite tale penned by one of the show's most acclaimed writers, the esteemed Robert Holmes...
4. The Talons Of Weng-chiang (1977) - Six episodes - written by Robert Holmes
"Let the talons of Weng-Chiang... Shred Your Fleee-aaaa-eeesh!!"
The finale to Doctor Who's 14th series is a wonderfully lurid, Penny Dreadful-inspired piece of drama, where the fog-strewn streets of London are littered with severed limbs and innocents meet a gruesome demise.
'The Talons of Weng-Chiang' features not one but two iconic villains."Slathering, gangrenous vampire" Magnus...
Appropriately enough, slot number four is filled by the fourth Doctor. Tom Baker's first entry in our 50th list is a fan favourite tale penned by one of the show's most acclaimed writers, the esteemed Robert Holmes...
4. The Talons Of Weng-chiang (1977) - Six episodes - written by Robert Holmes
"Let the talons of Weng-Chiang... Shred Your Fleee-aaaa-eeesh!!"
The finale to Doctor Who's 14th series is a wonderfully lurid, Penny Dreadful-inspired piece of drama, where the fog-strewn streets of London are littered with severed limbs and innocents meet a gruesome demise.
'The Talons of Weng-Chiang' features not one but two iconic villains."Slathering, gangrenous vampire" Magnus...
- 10/28/2013
- Digital Spy
The 50th anniversary of Doctor Who is right around the corner and, with mere months to go before the celebrations kick off in earnest, Digital Spy wants to know the answer to a very important question - who is your favourite Doctor?
Join us every day from August 28 to September 6 as we take a look back at a half-century of Who and - in a new daily blog - weigh up the merits of each Doctor, from William Hartnell to Matt Smith, before finally revealing DS readers' favourite Doctor of all time on Monday, September 9.
As September begins, we turn our attentions to an actor who took on a near-insurmountable task and came out the other side pretty damn well indeed... it's Peter Davison!
In 1981, Peter Davison faced the biggest challenge of any Doctor since Patrick Troughton - not only did some doubt the 29-year-old's suitably for the role, given...
Join us every day from August 28 to September 6 as we take a look back at a half-century of Who and - in a new daily blog - weigh up the merits of each Doctor, from William Hartnell to Matt Smith, before finally revealing DS readers' favourite Doctor of all time on Monday, September 9.
As September begins, we turn our attentions to an actor who took on a near-insurmountable task and came out the other side pretty damn well indeed... it's Peter Davison!
In 1981, Peter Davison faced the biggest challenge of any Doctor since Patrick Troughton - not only did some doubt the 29-year-old's suitably for the role, given...
- 9/1/2013
- Digital Spy
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
There are two things everyone wants to know from "Doctor Who" executive producer Steven Moffat: Who will play the next Doctor (after Matt Smith leaves) and what happens in the 50th Anniversary special.
Of course he's not telling.
But Moffat did tease a few things during a roundtable discussion in the BBC America press room at San Diego's Comic-Con International. Moffat touched on both of those topics, the idea of bringing back David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor and Billie Piper as Rose Tyler for the Anniversary special and the unique challenge of writing for the Doctor during a transitional period in his timeline.
What can you tell us about the special?
Steven Moffat: "Not a thing! It's that weird thing of we haven't actually finished it. The post-production on 'Doctor Who' is epic. It's not like most shows. There's gonna be a trailer [during the Comic-Con panel] but we...
Of course he's not telling.
But Moffat did tease a few things during a roundtable discussion in the BBC America press room at San Diego's Comic-Con International. Moffat touched on both of those topics, the idea of bringing back David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor and Billie Piper as Rose Tyler for the Anniversary special and the unique challenge of writing for the Doctor during a transitional period in his timeline.
What can you tell us about the special?
Steven Moffat: "Not a thing! It's that weird thing of we haven't actually finished it. The post-production on 'Doctor Who' is epic. It's not like most shows. There's gonna be a trailer [during the Comic-Con panel] but we...
- 7/22/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Tomb of Cybermen
Kieran Kinsella
BBC America’s July 16 release of Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited 1-4 is dollar for dollar the best DVD set released to date. It features Tomb of Cybermen, Spearhead from Space, and Pyramids of Mars — all of which arguably rank among the top 10 Doctor Who stories ever broadcast. It also contains The Aztecs, a decent enough William Hartnell story that doesn’t quite rise to the level of the other stories in the collection. All in all, you get 16 episodes, 456 minutes of action and it is available at just $39.98
The stories in question recently aired on BBC America as part of the network’s celebration of the show’s upcoming 50th anniversary. The show’s current producer, Steven Moffat provided a commentary which is included in this set. Each story is shown in both its original format and the widescreen feature-length version that aired on BBC America.
Kieran Kinsella
BBC America’s July 16 release of Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited 1-4 is dollar for dollar the best DVD set released to date. It features Tomb of Cybermen, Spearhead from Space, and Pyramids of Mars — all of which arguably rank among the top 10 Doctor Who stories ever broadcast. It also contains The Aztecs, a decent enough William Hartnell story that doesn’t quite rise to the level of the other stories in the collection. All in all, you get 16 episodes, 456 minutes of action and it is available at just $39.98
The stories in question recently aired on BBC America as part of the network’s celebration of the show’s upcoming 50th anniversary. The show’s current producer, Steven Moffat provided a commentary which is included in this set. Each story is shown in both its original format and the widescreen feature-length version that aired on BBC America.
- 7/16/2013
- by Edited by K Kinsella
Review Andrew Blair 15 Jul 2013 - 06:09
An oft-released Doctor Who adventure gets a high-definition reissue. Spearhead From Space is well worth picking up, Andrew writes...
Spearhead From Space has been released several times (twice on VHS, four times on DVD, and it's on iTunes). Due to it being entirely on film as opposed to video (industrial action meaning it had to be filmed largely on location, where film would be used instead), it is the only story from the original run of Doctor Who that can be released on Blu-ray without upconversion, and so here we are.
I was unable to get a copy of the omnibus edition I rented from a video shop in Hereford in 1994 for comparison, but certainly the picture quality here is as crisp as Quentin or Quavers. Blemish free, it's never looked better, and it's always looked good. Derek Martinus and his camera and editing crew throw in flourishes throughout,...
An oft-released Doctor Who adventure gets a high-definition reissue. Spearhead From Space is well worth picking up, Andrew writes...
Spearhead From Space has been released several times (twice on VHS, four times on DVD, and it's on iTunes). Due to it being entirely on film as opposed to video (industrial action meaning it had to be filmed largely on location, where film would be used instead), it is the only story from the original run of Doctor Who that can be released on Blu-ray without upconversion, and so here we are.
I was unable to get a copy of the omnibus edition I rented from a video shop in Hereford in 1994 for comparison, but certainly the picture quality here is as crisp as Quentin or Quavers. Blemish free, it's never looked better, and it's always looked good. Derek Martinus and his camera and editing crew throw in flourishes throughout,...
- 7/12/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
On the 15th June, we wrote about the welcomed revelation that a whole host of classic Doctor Who episodes, missing to viewers since the 1960’s, had returned. A whole 90 episodes in fact.
There is a lot of speculation to this story, particularly the rumour that the entire William Hartnell catalogue might have been recovered. For me, it seems an awfully big coincidence that in the 50th year of Doctor Who, all those episodes, missing ‘legends’, have found their way back again.
And apparently the BBC is now denying these missing episodes have turned up at all. The bitter truth? Or denying the rumour so that they can come up with a big ‘surprise’ announcement last this year?
I have no idea.
But you know what? If it is true, then there are some fantastic stories to come our way. From all the stories and reviews I’ve read, if there...
There is a lot of speculation to this story, particularly the rumour that the entire William Hartnell catalogue might have been recovered. For me, it seems an awfully big coincidence that in the 50th year of Doctor Who, all those episodes, missing ‘legends’, have found their way back again.
And apparently the BBC is now denying these missing episodes have turned up at all. The bitter truth? Or denying the rumour so that they can come up with a big ‘surprise’ announcement last this year?
I have no idea.
But you know what? If it is true, then there are some fantastic stories to come our way. From all the stories and reviews I’ve read, if there...
- 6/24/2013
- by Baz Greenland
- Obsessed with Film
When it comes to established history, Doctor Who is constantly asking “What if?”. What if the Magna Carta was never signed? What if the British won the Battle Of Hastings? What If Queen Victoria was bitten by a werewolf? But there are a lot of big what ifs in the history of Doctor Who itself. Tipping points where history could have diverged and the programme could have changed considerably.
So with five months left until Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary, we ask what if…
10. Robert Holmes Never Worked On It
Apart from his tendency to write stories around his own personal views (such as the Fourth Doctor story The Sunmakers being about the evils of the taxman), Robert Holmes was one of Doctor Who’s best and brightest contributors. Not only did he create the Autons and the Sontarans, but he also wrote some of Doctor Who’s most highly...
So with five months left until Doctor Who’s 50th Anniversary, we ask what if…
10. Robert Holmes Never Worked On It
Apart from his tendency to write stories around his own personal views (such as the Fourth Doctor story The Sunmakers being about the evils of the taxman), Robert Holmes was one of Doctor Who’s best and brightest contributors. Not only did he create the Autons and the Sontarans, but he also wrote some of Doctor Who’s most highly...
- 6/23/2013
- by James T. Cornish
- Obsessed with Film
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.
Two BBC radio shows currently available on BBC iPlayer may be of interest to anyone who has even the slightest excitement for Doctor Who related programmes. The first is An...
The post Classic Robert Holmes & Jon Pertwee on iPlayer appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
Two BBC radio shows currently available on BBC iPlayer may be of interest to anyone who has even the slightest excitement for Doctor Who related programmes. The first is An...
The post Classic Robert Holmes & Jon Pertwee on iPlayer appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 6/21/2013
- by Meredith Burdett
- Kasterborous.com
Feature Andrew Blair 20 Jun 2013 - 07:00
A bit of silliness now, as we look at the Doctor Who episodes that would work if the Doctor were Batman. We like silliness.
This feature contains spoilers.
There are not any stories that could survive the removal of the Doctor and the Tardis without large changes apart from Planet of the Ood (a curious episode, where the real hero dies in a giant brain and the Ood sing a pleasant warning to the Doctor). So, part of the stipulation here is that stories can be tweaked to remove the Tardis, and reworked so they can involve Batman without too many narrative hijinks.
Still, if you're chiefly written by Grant Morrison, I suppose your main character being in a different temporal-spatial location to the bulk of the story is but a minor hindrance. If you can summarise Superman's origin story in four panels...
A bit of silliness now, as we look at the Doctor Who episodes that would work if the Doctor were Batman. We like silliness.
This feature contains spoilers.
There are not any stories that could survive the removal of the Doctor and the Tardis without large changes apart from Planet of the Ood (a curious episode, where the real hero dies in a giant brain and the Ood sing a pleasant warning to the Doctor). So, part of the stipulation here is that stories can be tweaked to remove the Tardis, and reworked so they can involve Batman without too many narrative hijinks.
Still, if you're chiefly written by Grant Morrison, I suppose your main character being in a different temporal-spatial location to the bulk of the story is but a minor hindrance. If you can summarise Superman's origin story in four panels...
- 6/19/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Andrew Reynolds 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.
It’s an absolute Robert Holmes fest in the coming months as the BFI continues its Doctor Who at 50 celebrations. One of Doctor Who’s most celebrated writers and script editors,...
The post BFI Screenings: It’s a Holmes-fest! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
It’s an absolute Robert Holmes fest in the coming months as the BFI continues its Doctor Who at 50 celebrations. One of Doctor Who’s most celebrated writers and script editors,...
The post BFI Screenings: It’s a Holmes-fest! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.
- 4/30/2013
- by Andrew Reynolds
- Kasterborous.com
Review Andrew Blair 12 Apr 2013 - 06:16
Some fine Doctor Who work from Brian Hodgson gets a CD release in May. Here's Andrew's review of the soundtrack to The Krotons...
Brian Hodgson: inventor of the Tardis dematerialisation noise (included on this disc), techbod for the original Dalek voices, and ambient soundscape purveyor to the stars. His legacy lives on in the current iteration of the Radiophonic Workshop, and restoration work by Mark Ayres. YouTube footage of a 'reunion gig' from 2009 can and should be searched for.
For those who aren't curious about the legacy of an old BBC department, old Doctor Who soundtracks are more useful than you might think. Trust me, you haven't Laserquested until you've laserquested to the soundtrack of Caves Of Androzani, and also acknowledged that 'Laserquested' is definitely a word.
What you could do to the soundtrack of The Krotons (the debut Doctor Who story for pipe-smoking extraordinaire,...
Some fine Doctor Who work from Brian Hodgson gets a CD release in May. Here's Andrew's review of the soundtrack to The Krotons...
Brian Hodgson: inventor of the Tardis dematerialisation noise (included on this disc), techbod for the original Dalek voices, and ambient soundscape purveyor to the stars. His legacy lives on in the current iteration of the Radiophonic Workshop, and restoration work by Mark Ayres. YouTube footage of a 'reunion gig' from 2009 can and should be searched for.
For those who aren't curious about the legacy of an old BBC department, old Doctor Who soundtracks are more useful than you might think. Trust me, you haven't Laserquested until you've laserquested to the soundtrack of Caves Of Androzani, and also acknowledged that 'Laserquested' is definitely a word.
What you could do to the soundtrack of The Krotons (the debut Doctor Who story for pipe-smoking extraordinaire,...
- 4/11/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Feature Cameron K McEwan 5 Apr 2013 - 07:00
Cameron selects ten tremendous Doctor Who series openers, from Rose to Ribos, and Tomb to Terror...
Over the years, Doctor Who has suffered from what is commonly known as "Sos" or "Season Opener Syndrome". There's been some stinkers like Destiny of the Daleks, Attack of the Cybermen and Arc of Infinity and some mundane instalments such as New Earth, Robot and The Dominators. But there are some genuinely good ones out there too - some damn good ones. So here's ten of the best season openers over the last forty-nine and a bit years of Doctor Who.
10. Partners In Crime (2008)
Despite the levity of the episode, and we're talking about the Adipose here, this Russell T. Davies beauty managed a couple of mean feats. Firstly, he re-introduced us all to the mighty Donna Noble again (The Doctor and Donna's meeting through the windows...
Cameron selects ten tremendous Doctor Who series openers, from Rose to Ribos, and Tomb to Terror...
Over the years, Doctor Who has suffered from what is commonly known as "Sos" or "Season Opener Syndrome". There's been some stinkers like Destiny of the Daleks, Attack of the Cybermen and Arc of Infinity and some mundane instalments such as New Earth, Robot and The Dominators. But there are some genuinely good ones out there too - some damn good ones. So here's ten of the best season openers over the last forty-nine and a bit years of Doctor Who.
10. Partners In Crime (2008)
Despite the levity of the episode, and we're talking about the Adipose here, this Russell T. Davies beauty managed a couple of mean feats. Firstly, he re-introduced us all to the mighty Donna Noble again (The Doctor and Donna's meeting through the windows...
- 4/4/2013
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Peter Davison was at New York Comic-Con recently, and was by all reports as charming and funny as always. And he had a few things to say about current and classic Doctor Who. From Spinoff Online: Comparing the classic series to the current one, Davison explained the difference in how writers approached the show. “Now Doctor Who is one of the BBC’s premier prestige programs. It really wasn’t in those days,” he said. “It was very successful and it sold to many countries and made the BBC lots of money, but it was never considered a premier drama series. So the people who wrote for Doctor Who quite often were people who wrote for a detective series one week, Doctor Who one week, and then maybe a hospital drama the week after. They weren’t really driven by their love of science fiction. Except my last story ‘The...
- 11/2/2012
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
Robert Holmes, the father of suspected shooter James Holmes, arrived in Colorado Friday following the early morning shooting at the premiere of the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises," in Aurora.
TMZ posted an exclusive photo of the elder Holmes walking toward a vehicle after landing at Denver International Airport.
Scroll down to see the photo.
According to TMZ, Holmes was the first person to exit the Southwest flight and was quickly ushered by law enforcement into an awaiting police van.
Holmes flew in from San Diego, likely to see his son who is currently being held for the Aurora shooting that took 12 lives and injured 59 others. The younger Holmes, a 24-year-old former graduate student at University of Colorado-Denver, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting at Century 16 movie theater.
A woman who identified herself as Holmes' mother spoke to ABC News earlier today, responding on a gut instinct.
TMZ posted an exclusive photo of the elder Holmes walking toward a vehicle after landing at Denver International Airport.
Scroll down to see the photo.
According to TMZ, Holmes was the first person to exit the Southwest flight and was quickly ushered by law enforcement into an awaiting police van.
Holmes flew in from San Diego, likely to see his son who is currently being held for the Aurora shooting that took 12 lives and injured 59 others. The younger Holmes, a 24-year-old former graduate student at University of Colorado-Denver, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting at Century 16 movie theater.
A woman who identified herself as Holmes' mother spoke to ABC News earlier today, responding on a gut instinct.
- 7/20/2012
- by Matt Ferner
- Huffington Post
James Holmes' father just landed at the Denver International Airport, presumably to see his son who is in custody for the slaughter at the "Dark Knight" premiere.Robert Holmes flew from his home in San Diego and was mum when he got on the Southwest Airlines flight.Robert Holmes was the first one off the plane and was escorted by cops into a police van.The Holmes family released a statement earlier expressing sympathy for...
- 7/20/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Huzzah! After much media brooding and betting about the identity of the new Doctor Who companion, actress Jenna-Louise Coleman was announced at a press call last Wednesday.
The speculation had been gathering at pace of late, with a few whispers of Sophia Myles somehow coming back to Who after playing Madame du Pompadour six-odd years ago. Possibly this was some sneaky red herring paper trail left by Steven Moffat who urged his Twitter followers to follow La Myles, while a forthcoming interview in Doctor Who Magazine could have also been a clue. But no – quite how Sophia will be involved in the next series (at the time of writing this) is a mystery, so apologies if early next week she's announced as the next incarnation of The Rani.
What else? Waterloo Road, a programme that I dip into about once in a blue moon. It's an odd one in that...
The speculation had been gathering at pace of late, with a few whispers of Sophia Myles somehow coming back to Who after playing Madame du Pompadour six-odd years ago. Possibly this was some sneaky red herring paper trail left by Steven Moffat who urged his Twitter followers to follow La Myles, while a forthcoming interview in Doctor Who Magazine could have also been a clue. But no – quite how Sophia will be involved in the next series (at the time of writing this) is a mystery, so apologies if early next week she's announced as the next incarnation of The Rani.
What else? Waterloo Road, a programme that I dip into about once in a blue moon. It's an odd one in that...
- 3/28/2012
- Shadowlocked
The Doctor’s triumphant return to television after 16 years has created a two-tier system of fans: people who are only interested in the show from 2005 onwards, and people who embrace its entire 48 year history. As a member of the second group, I am occasionally asked what story I would start with from the original 26 year run to try and convince someone whose first Doctor was Christopher Eccleston that there was more to the Classic Series than wobbly sets, identical corridors and polystyrene spaceships. Well, I mean, of course there was. There were also gravel pits.
I always end up with the same story, one that was among the very first released on VHS, back in the 1980s. I would start with The Time Warrior. Here’s a quick list of reasons why.
1. No Obvious Problems
The Time Warrior has a number of very apparent features that some other stories lack.
I always end up with the same story, one that was among the very first released on VHS, back in the 1980s. I would start with The Time Warrior. Here’s a quick list of reasons why.
1. No Obvious Problems
The Time Warrior has a number of very apparent features that some other stories lack.
- 2/14/2012
- by Tom Salinsky
- Obsessed with Film
Chaotic, dark, philosophical and very, very funny – it’s Terry Gillliam’s Time Bandits. Andrew takes a look back a the 1981 fantasy classic…
Time Bandits, for those of you unversed, is what happens when Boy’s Own adventure meets 2000 Ad cynicism, by way of epic fantasy quest. If you want to see something funny featuring short people, this is much better than Life's Too Short, and it isn't parched for celebrity cameos either. Starting in a plausibly terrible version of the near future, Time Bandits is the story of Kevin, whose humdrum home life with his vegetative parents is boring, secluded, and starved of fun.
The opening sequence, complete with imposing synthscapes and zooms through space and time, implies something epic, only to end on a long shot of an ordinary area of post-war housing, and then a none-more-nutmeg-coloured living room. Jim Broadbent plays a macabre game show host, who...
Time Bandits, for those of you unversed, is what happens when Boy’s Own adventure meets 2000 Ad cynicism, by way of epic fantasy quest. If you want to see something funny featuring short people, this is much better than Life's Too Short, and it isn't parched for celebrity cameos either. Starting in a plausibly terrible version of the near future, Time Bandits is the story of Kevin, whose humdrum home life with his vegetative parents is boring, secluded, and starved of fun.
The opening sequence, complete with imposing synthscapes and zooms through space and time, implies something epic, only to end on a long shot of an ordinary area of post-war housing, and then a none-more-nutmeg-coloured living room. Jim Broadbent plays a macabre game show host, who...
- 11/29/2011
- Den of Geek
Frequent Doctor Who scripter Robert Holmes had his own run-in with Internal Revenue and his fury resulted in a lambasting on the science fiction show. Nobody likes the tax man, but this does offer a fun diversion for fans instead of pondering their bills. The Doctor (Tom Baker) and Leela (Louise Jameson) arrive on Pluto in time to save a suicidal Cordo (Roy Macready). What they also find is now Pluto has six suns, a breathable atmosphere and a large industrial community run by the Company. The Company taxes the workers on everything imaginable; such was Cordo.s attempt since he not only owes his own taxes but those of his deceased relatives as well. The Doctor and...
- 8/19/2011
- by Jeff Swindoll
- Monsters and Critics
Attention Shortarses everywhere. You have nothing to fear. Apparently the average height for a bloke in the UK is around 5'9”, although for some odd reason everyone seems to be taller than that even. And yet – despite the fact that media she-hacks still suggest that height is one of the most important prerequisites of a man – shortarses still seem to be doing spectacularly well. Pompous U2 oaf, Bono. Snarling tycoon monster Baron Von Sugar. Simon Cowell henchmen Ant And Dec – even Cowell himself doesn't seem to be the tallest guy on the planet.
So since this particular writer stands as tall as he can at 5'8”, this is pleasing news. Actually I've never had a problem with height – or relative lack of it. Unlike the poor old Sontarans, a race who always seem to have some massive inferiority complex. Look at them strutting around, looking like baked potatoes with eyes...
So since this particular writer stands as tall as he can at 5'8”, this is pleasing news. Actually I've never had a problem with height – or relative lack of it. Unlike the poor old Sontarans, a race who always seem to have some massive inferiority complex. Look at them strutting around, looking like baked potatoes with eyes...
- 7/31/2011
- Shadowlocked
Doctor Who a Good Man Goes to War. Co. BBC America
Every Friday, get 2 for 1 movie tickets when you use your Visa Signature card.
B Van Heusen
Last week we saw the noble Doctor doing his best to save some “almost people” from being liquidated. This week we saw the Doctor going on an unprecedented killing rampage. Quite what Jon Pertwee would have made of it all is a point worth considering. Steven Moffat, like his predecessor Russell T Davies, has a penchant for throwing high energy, action packed scenes our way that make no sense and leave the audience scratching their heads. How and why did the Doctor blow up a whole fleet of Cybermen? He could not save Adric, Katarina or even Rose but he can tear the Universe apart to track down a fairly uninteresting, already married Scottish lass?
This story featured a cheesy reunion of various...
Every Friday, get 2 for 1 movie tickets when you use your Visa Signature card.
B Van Heusen
Last week we saw the noble Doctor doing his best to save some “almost people” from being liquidated. This week we saw the Doctor going on an unprecedented killing rampage. Quite what Jon Pertwee would have made of it all is a point worth considering. Steven Moffat, like his predecessor Russell T Davies, has a penchant for throwing high energy, action packed scenes our way that make no sense and leave the audience scratching their heads. How and why did the Doctor blow up a whole fleet of Cybermen? He could not save Adric, Katarina or even Rose but he can tear the Universe apart to track down a fairly uninteresting, already married Scottish lass?
This story featured a cheesy reunion of various...
- 6/12/2011
- by admin
You think the casting of Jason Isaacs for the lead role of NBC's cerebral thriller Rem was awesome enough? Think again.
We have to go deeper.
Deadline reports today that former That '70s Show star Wilmer Valderrama, along with Law and Order staple Bd Wong and The Practice alum Stephen Harris will join Isaacs, Dylan Minette and Terriers' Laura Allen for the so-called "Inception-Style" pilot.
Penned by Lone Star creator Kyle Killen, Rem chronicles Detective Mark Britten (Isaacs), who wakes up after an accident to find he is living in two different realities, the first in which he has killed his son Rex (Minnette) and one in which he has killed his wife Hannah.
With Britten sharing different detectives in the two realities, Valderrama takes the role of the younger, eager partner Detective Richard Vega, while Harris will play the more grizzled, wry-humored counterpart of the other.
Law and Order...
We have to go deeper.
Deadline reports today that former That '70s Show star Wilmer Valderrama, along with Law and Order staple Bd Wong and The Practice alum Stephen Harris will join Isaacs, Dylan Minette and Terriers' Laura Allen for the so-called "Inception-Style" pilot.
Penned by Lone Star creator Kyle Killen, Rem chronicles Detective Mark Britten (Isaacs), who wakes up after an accident to find he is living in two different realities, the first in which he has killed his son Rex (Minnette) and one in which he has killed his wife Hannah.
With Britten sharing different detectives in the two realities, Valderrama takes the role of the younger, eager partner Detective Richard Vega, while Harris will play the more grizzled, wry-humored counterpart of the other.
Law and Order...
- 3/14/2011
- UGO TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.