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Post by Alaric on Apr 22, 2006 11:30:43 GMT
Yeah, the BBC wiped a whole load of B&W shows (Dad's Army, Steptoe and Son, Doctor Who etc) in the move to colour, because they wanted to save on tapes and figured no one would miss them (Repeats weren't really around back then). Luckily they've got a number of them back from foreign sales and the efforts of teams like 'The Steptoe and Son Appreciation Society' and such. If this compo finds us some more eps, then I'm all for it.
Edit: Oh yeah, Jim, Ms. Collins was in 'The Faceless Ones', a story from the Troughton era.
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Post by The Old Bean on Apr 22, 2006 23:02:00 GMT
The long lost episodes of Doctor Who are each their own "Grails", with the Dalek Master Plan being the Holiest of Holy Grails. I'm glad they're giving prizes now, as in the past these sorts of things were left to film collector nerds. Or Ian Levine.... ugh...
Imagine if they found the rest of Dalek Masterplan... *slobbers*
But on another note, I hope "Tooth and Claw" was as good as it looked. I see that YouTube has the episodes up. I'm saving myself from temptation (although I did watch the Christmas Special and nothing will stop me from watching School Reunion!)
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Post by Alaric on Apr 23, 2006 16:58:16 GMT
Bean, and others, this is probably the only time you will ver hear me say this, so listen up.
Tooth and Claw was pretty good. Russell T. Davies wrote a good episode.
By all rights it shouldn't have been as good as it was. It was a Russell T. Davies episode with a crappy trailer (I hate those trailers). It should have been awful. But it wasn't. It was actually pretty entertaining and inventive. If it weren't for the rapid cuts between camera angles in some shots, Queen Vic's end speech thingy (Just too much of a setup) and the fact that Tennant's Doctor seems too similar to Eccleston's at this stage, it would have been perfect. See? Davies can write a good episode when he wants to. I just wish he'd do it more often.
And yes, if they recovered the rest of Master Plan, that would rock to the power of 25. Mind you, I'd settle for Power of the Daleks. Or The Highlanders, or *starts slobbering on the keyboard at the thoughts of all the Who eps they could find.*
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Post by StarTodd on Apr 23, 2006 17:11:01 GMT
My friend has Troughton's Tomb of the Cybermen if that means anything... On an aside, Russel T Davis is one of the greater writers, no compromises! As a rule, each Doctor usually takes on crtain traits from the pevious incarnation, hence why Tennant's smart alec has the manicness of Eccleston's. Viva La Doctor! (am VERY looking forward to next.....CRAP, FESTINIOG AGM!) [SOS: Can anyone tape /save next week's please? It's the uber-special K9 Reunion... ]
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JimBobDunnie
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Posts: 1,002
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Post by JimBobDunnie on Apr 23, 2006 17:18:46 GMT
Ah, no fear Festfox, I think its repeated on BBC3 some over time in the week (I got a rugby tour next weekend, so thats what me Dad suggested). That, or it will probably pop up on YouTube any time soon
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Post by The Old Bean on Apr 24, 2006 8:30:48 GMT
And the new episodes seem to be cropping up on YouTube... which is nice! Ahh yes, Tomb of the Cyberman is a classic. As for Russell T. Davies... what about The End of the World? A sheer classic... and Episode Two at that... ooh, eerie coincidences! I don't mind Alaric's opinion on Russell T. Davies episodes (even though I disagree and quite frankly like his writing style). What irritates the trousers off me are sad loser Doctor Who fans who have to b*tch and carry on about Russel's writing. Below is a link for "New Earth" reviews and amidst the positive reviews, you'll find those irritating fans along the lines of "I think it's a travesty that Russell T Davies has ever come near Doctor Who, even though he rescued it from the wilderness...". www.gallifreyone.com/review.php?id=2006-01From Season One, I actually found Mark Gatiss' "The Unquiet Dead" a bit meh in terms of writing. Probably blasphemy, but I didn't particuarly enjoy it. The best episode - not written by Davies - has to be Paul Cornell's Fathers Day. Maybe I'm an old sop, but I had the lump in my throat at the end... that is a classic. And as a devout fan of the old days, people might ask "Is it as good as the original?" I say it's better. Anyone who prefers the old over the new - without really, REALLY good reasons - is up their own fundament!
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Cranky Conner
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Who put glue in my shampoo?
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Post by Cranky Conner on Apr 24, 2006 9:27:04 GMT
Does anyone know if the opening credits were ver seen on the broadcast version of "Father's Day", because they don't seem to be present on my DVD?
Anyway, currently, the Sun newspaper in England is giving away free Doctor Who DVDs with their paper, and I don't just mean the new series, they're giving away old eps too. Trouble is though, you can only pick up the DVDs form certain shops such as Sommerfield, Fourboys (which I don't see a lot of in London) and three other shops which I know nothing of.
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Post by Alaric on Apr 24, 2006 13:01:45 GMT
As a rule, each Doctor usually takes on crtain traits from the pevious incarnation, hence why Tennant's smart alec has the manicness of Eccleston's. I don't deny this at all. But I do argue that usually the new incarnation of the Doctor is the inverse of the last. For example, the 5th Doctor cared deeply for his companions, whilst the 6th couldn't seem to be bothered with them. The 2nd Doctor was a man who liked to think things through, whilst the 3rd was a man of action who did Venusian Aikido. Usually the differences between Doctors are shown more than the similarities. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this isn't happening. The 10th Doctor's much more light-hearted than the 9th. I just think at times he acts too much like Eccleston's Doctor, and I have to admit I wish he wouldn't. Just my opinion. And it's weird looking through those Outpost Gallifrey reviews. Last time I checked them there was only 1 bad review. Now there's like...two more that I've seen, I'll have to check the rest. Of course, both parties are gulity of going over the top with their statements, but that's neither here nor there. Honestly, I like Davies. I liked The Second Coming, and I liked Tooth and Claw. It's just I haven't enjoyed the majority of his stories. If they reverted to telling stories over a number of episodes, instead of one 45 minute story a week, then I think I'd enjoy him more. I think that would give him a chance to pace himself better than having to cram everything in to a single episode. Again, my opinion.
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Cranky Conner
Passenger Engine
Who put glue in my shampoo?
Posts: 762
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Post by Cranky Conner on Apr 24, 2006 16:40:29 GMT
Did anyone see a picture of that Dalek in the London Marathon? I saw a picture in the London Metro and they didn't know if it was running, rolling or hovering!
Anyway, on Blue Peter today they were supposed to show us how to make the interior console room of the TARDIS (they made the outside on Wednesday), but they had to put it off til next Wednesday because Elizabeth Sladen, who plays Sarah Jane Smith, and K9 came in for an interview. Anyone else see that?
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Post by FlyingScotsman on Apr 24, 2006 21:30:47 GMT
I agree with a lot of what Alaric said about Tooth and Claw- Queen Vic's speech really did seem a little unnecessary. Maybe if she'd just said something like, "We may yet have a use for this place," or something, something that lets people work it out for themselves.
And the whole attempt to make the werewolf scientific just felt a little bit stupid. "Oh, it's not magic, it's an alien that does exactly the same as a standard werewolf." It's the same as the "They aren't zombies, they're aliens that inhabit corpses and make them act like zombies" from 'The Unquiet Dead'.
I think Davies is an excellent writer, and a lot of the flak that he gets is simply because he's the new guy. He's deviated from the original formula, true, but frankly the series needed a revamp. It had a fairly diabolical reputation outside the sci-fi fan community until the new series.
What Davies did was to create a balance between science fiction and character pieces. He gave us a strong supporting cast of non-sci-fi characters (Jackie, Mickey, Rose) as well as some memorable definitely sci-fi ones (Captain Jack, Cassandra, the Face of Boe). He's given us a Companion who's almost the Doctor's equal in terms of ingenuity and depth (and can I say that I don't think Billie Piper's all that bad as an actress?), while retaining the Doctor's position as the man who knows what's going on. Overall, I'd say it's the best sci-fi we've had on TV in years.
I like David Tennant. I think he has some way to go before he truly becomes his own man, but he's already fairly different from the Ninth Doctor. For one thing, he seems to like humans a whole lot more, judging by his pop culture references ("the town of Balamory"- I ask you...). He seems unburdened by the woes of Christopher Eccleston, and seems to have far more respect for Rose. I quite like the unintentional rudeness thing, but I hope it doesn't get overused.
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Post by The Old Bean on Apr 25, 2006 2:10:05 GMT
Interesting that Alaric brought up having Doctor-ish qualities that are inverse or supposedly inverse...
Colin Baker's Doctor did care about the companions. It is quite clearly seen in Trial of a Time Lord and The Two Doctors amongst others. It's just the writing made him more of an arrogant b*****d than he should have been. His audio adventures are far, FAR better. Yes it is true to have differences, but you cannot help to have qualities that are similar to the previous.
In the old days, many of the episodes in the first season of a new Doctor were written with the previous in mind. It sometimes happens. The horribleness that is Four to Doomsday has a much more jovial Doctor with dialogue that wouldn't go out of place in a Tom Baker story. Similarly, Sylvester McCoy's horrible season opener - Time and the Rani - actually was written with a "generic" Doctor in mind. The script itself had no characterisation of the Doctor in it. Having said that, I do recommend the latter season of Sylvester McCoy. The stories Ghost Light and Curse of Fenric are absolutely marvellous.
As for the 45 minute episodes, I quite like the 45 minute story. Some stories drag - like in the case of The Empty Child. Nothing actually happens until The Doctor Dances. I'd rather a "two parter" like Bad Wolf / Parting of the Ways, where they are seemingly two different stories but have a cliff hanger. I think it will just be a skill to be able to write enough story to fit ... much like the early Thomas episodes. I mean in Season 5, all the story was rushed to fit in 5 minutes, with the narrator blabbering on at top speed. It'll take time.
From what I've seen of Tennant, he is great. I will really enjoy when they broadcast the damn series over here! Until then, hopefully someone uploads the episodes to YouTube!
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Post by FlyingScotsman on Apr 25, 2006 13:01:44 GMT
The season finale two-parter was an excellent example of the rug being pulled out from under the viewers' feet. We had an essentially comic episode, then at the end they have the big "Whoa! DALEKS!" reveal that changed the perspective on the whole thing.
I think 'Dalek' could have worked quite well as a two-part episode. Two eps would have given them more room to explore. For instance, I'd have liked to see more on the character of Van Statten, who just seemed too important to be introduced and disposed of so quickly. And a little more about the alien museum- did anyone else notice the egg from 'Alien' in the background?
Oh yes, and something that occurred to me yesterday- does anyone else think the Time Lords are going to return? It just seems to me that with the Doctor going on about how he's so important and unique all the time, he has to get his comeuppance. Plus the Face of Boe had something momentous to say, maybe it was the revelation that somehow, somewhere, there were other Time Lords. Could we even see a return for... the Master?
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Post by Dan the Countdowner on Apr 25, 2006 13:25:23 GMT
I'm afraid not. The Master was killed for the last time in the Doctor Who Movie with Paul McGann.
Has anyone seen the brand new K9? Apparantly it is starring in a new show coming to Jetix soon.
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Post by Alaric on Apr 25, 2006 17:48:20 GMT
The season finale two-parter was an excellent example of the rug being pulled out from under the viewers' feet. We had an essentially comic episode, then at the end they have the big "Whoa! DALEKS!" reveal that changed the perspective on the whole thing. Yes, that was a nice surprise. Too bad it had been completely spoiled by the fact that they showed up in the trailer the week before the episode. Otherwise it might have been more of a shock. Oh yes, and something that occurred to me yesterday- does anyone else think the Time Lords are going to return? It just seems to me that with the Doctor going on about how he's so important and unique all the time, he has to get his comeuppance. Plus the Face of Boe had something momentous to say, maybe it was the revelation that somehow, somewhere, there were other Time Lords. Could we even see a return for... the Master? Good golly I hope so. A return of the Time Lords would be great, and maybe we could find out more about why they were gone in the first place. And the Master, if done right, would be an excellent villain. I'm afraid not. The Master was killed for the last time in the Doctor Who Movie with Paul McGann. Ah, but the Master has survived death before. He's Death's Champion after all. These guys (the writers) are inventive, they'll think of something. Has anyone seen the brand new K9? Apparantly it is starring in a new show coming to Jetix soon. Is it CGI? I think I've seen a picture of the animated K9, but I could be mistaken. Anyway, I have to admit it has aroused my curiosity, and I'll definately check it out.
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Post by FlyingScotsman on Apr 25, 2006 18:52:59 GMT
I think there are a number of potential ways the Master could be brought back. Firstly, he seems to be able to possess people in the telemovie, which means that he does have ways of cheating death beyond the usual regeneration methods. Secondly, as he's a Time Lord, the Doctor could encounter him in one of his earlier regenerations, if you get my meaning. That is to say, the Master he meets could be from before his various on-screen deaths. Let's face it, total destruction hasn't been a barrier to characters' return. Within the space of the last season it was established that the Daleks were totally destroyed, only for them to return a few episodes later.
There is some debate over whether Anthony Head will be playing The Master.
CON: Russell T Davies has denied that he is the master.
PRO: Anthony Head has said that he definitely is. Also, fans have suggested that "Mr Finch", the name of the character in 'School Reunion', sounds like a Master pseudonym.
I think he'd make a pretty good Master, certainly better than Eric Roberts...
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Post by StarTodd on Apr 25, 2006 21:22:56 GMT
As a rule, each Doctor usually takes on crtain traits from the pevious incarnation, hence why Tennant's smart alec has the manicness of Eccleston's. I don't deny this at all. But I do argue that usually the new incarnation of the Doctor is the inverse of the last. For example, the 5th Doctor cared deeply for his companions, whilst the 6th couldn't seem to be bothered with them. The 2nd Doctor was a man who liked to think things through, whilst the 3rd was a man of action who did Venusian Aikido. Usually the differences between Doctors are shown more than the similarities. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this isn't happening. The 10th Doctor's much more light-hearted than the 9th. I just think at times he acts too much like Eccleston's Doctor, and I have to admit I wish he wouldn't. Just my opinion. And it's weird looking through those Outpost Gallifrey reviews. Last time I checked them there was only 1 bad review. Now there's like...two more that I've seen, I'll have to check the rest. Of course, both parties are gulity of going over the top with their statements, but that's neither here nor there. Honestly, I like Davies. I liked The Second Coming, and I liked Tooth and Claw. It's just I haven't enjoyed the majority of his stories. If they reverted to telling stories over a number of episodes, instead of one 45 minute story a week, then I think I'd enjoy him more. I think that would give him a chance to pace himself better than having to cram everything in to a single episode. Again, my opinion. No problem at all with yon opinion at all Alaric. =) I've noticed that Doctors tend to take on a rota: "Formal" (suits, more smooth mannered, eg Pertwee, Hartnell, Davidson) followed by 'Informals' (maniacs, bit weird, dress in anything, eg, Troughton [and THAT flute], Tom Baker and Eccleston). That might explain the 'inverse' deal?
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Post by The Old Bean on Apr 25, 2006 22:07:18 GMT
It was a recorder, not a flute actually! </anal Who fan>
No, I don't think he's the Master. He's a Headmaster and from the clips and things I've seen, he's definately not a Time Lord, but rather some sort of beast type thing. It will be an interesting watch.
The Master has cheated death before, but why bring him back? I mean, I'd like it if they did (esp. if he was portrayed as the gentleman he was in the Delgado days), but he isn't necessary. There's plenty of other villains out there.
As for the Time Lords...
They're dead. Huzzah. They don't need to come back. The Time Lords are one of those things that have horrible convoluted histories to them. In fact, Time Lord stuff is one of the things that makes Dr Who nerdy. You'd be surprised how much time obsessed fans have taken to develop the history of Rassillon and so forth. The great thing about the early stories is that we didn't know about the Time Lords. They were a mysterious powerful race. That's all we need to know.
Anyone who has seen The Invasion of Time will understand why I agree with Russell for having no more boring Gallifrey stories!
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Post by Alaric on Apr 29, 2006 20:05:28 GMT
School Reunion has aired! And this time, there are no complaints from me. Nope. Not a single one. Well...OK, maybe one (You knew there would be). But it's not about the episode, so I won't mention it much further, other than my Dad totally agrees with me about it. I know people like Bean won't want this episode spoiled, so I shall simply say the plot was pretty good and leave it at that. Acting-Good as ever. Tennant's really his own Doctor now, and I think the writers have realised this. I saw no Eccleston qualities at all. And K9. K9! Yay K9!
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Post by The Old Bean on Apr 30, 2006 4:27:20 GMT
Oh I'm bursting with excitement. Having seen aspects of it on YouTube, I'll keep waiting until that nice person who uploads whole episodes does it again for School Reunion. Then no more cheating from me!
EDIT: Although I don't know if the episode has it or not (I doubt that it has), I reckon what would have been super would be the final moments of The Hand of Fear with a cross dissolve of Sarah as she is freezeframed looking at the sky and now.
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Post by FlyingScotsman on May 1, 2006 0:41:39 GMT
I think School Reunion might actually be my favourite of the new Doctor Who episodes so far. Won't spoil it for those who haven't yet seen it, but it's everything a Doctor Who story should be, with some added extras. And I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but Elizabeth Sladen's still gorgeous. Honestly, why Sarah Jane Smith is hanging out with that robot dog when there are so many perfectly eligible cartoonists about is quite beyond me.
But I digress. Here's my theory on the difference between the 9th and 10th Doctors.
The 9th Doctor was a tragic figure at heart, who covered that vulnerability up with light-heartedness. The 10th is a light-hearted figure who keeps being forced to analyse the worst aspects of himself.
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