Christian Cawley's Blog, page 245

Russell: “like it or not, the Doctor was half human”

Rebecca Crockett 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.

Do Time Lords look like humans or do humans look like Time Lords?

The fandom debate about this has been on going since the show started.

The Doctor loves humans. He has saved the Earth from total destruction time and time again. One could argue he has an almost inordinate love for our species, so much so that there must be a reason other than just affinity for our kind.

Given that the Tenth Doctor’s “extra” regeneration energy was able to bond with Donna’s human DNA to create a half-human copy of Ten, the two species – human and Gallifreyan, must therefore be at least genetically compatible, otherwise such a thing wouldn’t have been possible.

So what then about the almost throw away line in the TV Movie, where the Eighth Doctor, albeit in a bit of a joking matter, says that he is “half-human…on my mother’s side”? Do we ignore that one line (and that Eric Robert’s Master also declares the Doctor is half-human) or do we just chalk it up to the movie having been made by others maybe not as familiar with the character or thinking it would be useful for the future television show they were hoping would happen as a result of the movie?

Russell T. Davies says we can’t ignore it.

While chatting on Toby Hadoke’s Who’s Round, Davies was asked about the line and its implications for the character of the Doctor and the show.

I don’t like the half-human thing. He certainly isn’t half-human, but it’s less interesting to say it simply doesn’t count.

I always wanted to put in a line where someone says to the Doctor ‘are you human?’ and the Doctor says ‘no, but I was once in 1999. It was a 24 hour bunk.’ Part of the reason I never put that in was it was a bit too self-referential but also I thought I’m spoiling the TV movie if I do that.

In that time, like it or not, the Doctor was half human. Everything in that story says he was half human, so you can’t not count it. I don’t think we can ignore it.

What say you, K readers? Do you agree with RTD or do you choose to ignore it?

The post Russell: “like it or not, the Doctor was half human” appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Doctor Who: In Need of a Woman’s Touch?

Alex Skerratt 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.

So many new writers, so few females! In the wake of the news that talented scribes Jamie Mathieson and Peter Harness will be penning some episodes for the upcoming Series 8, many people have lamented the lack of female input into the Whoniverse. Even the classic series was somewhat lacking a woman’s touch, especially when Attack of the Cybermen was revealed to have been written by Eric Saward and (allegedly) Ian Levine, (not Paula Moore, who didn’t even exist!)

Keen to buck the trend, the bods at What Culture have compiled a list of five female writers (“5 Women Who Need To Write For Doctor Who“) who they would like to see scribing for the good Doctor. Here’s what they have to say about them…

Una McCormack

“Although Una McCormack would be new to writing for television, the success of writers such as Paul Cornell, along with her own work on Doctor Who, show that she should not be dismissed so easily… In addition to her short stories, tie-in novels, and audio adventures she has also contributed essays to several Whoniverse reference books (one of which she co-edited), written for audiences which range from general fandom to academic scholars.”

Lucy Watkins

“Not only did she write four episodes of Merlin over a period of three years, but she held the pen behind Lancelot Du Lac, a somewhat pivotal episode… Writing for Doctor Who is obviously a big responsibility, but with high praise from the likes of SFX Magazine (and more importantly, the fans), this is something Watkins has proved she can handle.”

Jane Espenson

“…women made up a quarter of Torchwood’s writers, and penned over a third of the show’s episodes. That said however, Jane Espenson’s entries came as part of the show’s underwhelming US co-produced fourth season, Miracle Day. Not that this should be taken against Espenson personally, as she has also made contributions to beloved shows such as A Town Called Eureka, Deep Space Nine, Battlestar Galactica, and, of course, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Jessica Hynes

“…Jessica Hynes joined Doctor Who’s (extended) family as an actress rather than a writer, and is best known to Whovians for portraying Joan Redfern in the highly acclaimed two-parter Human Nature / The Family of Blood. That said however, describing her only as an actress would be doing Hynes a massive discredit. Hynes initially proved her writing credentials when she co-wrote the cult sitcom Spaced… with Simon Pegg.  More recently she also penned the BBC4 comedy Up the Women, a sitcom set during the women’s suffragette movement in 1910.”

Catherine Tregenna

“As mentioned before, Torchwood was more than happy for women to write episodes alongside the men. Of these, Out of Time, and Captain Jack Harkness are in contention to be among the best of the whole series. Both were written by Catherine Tregenna… [She] has proved herself more than capable of handling characters audiences know and love… and with a nomination for such a prestigious sci-fi award [the Hugo], it is quite simply mind-boggling as to why she hasn’t written for the show already, especially during Russell T Davies’ tenure as executive producer.”

I certainly couldn’t argue with any of these nominations, and I must concur that Catherine Tregenna wrote some of my favourite episodes of Torchwood. But I would also like to throw the name Tanith Lee (alias Esther Garber) into the ring. She is an award-winning writer of over 90 novels and 300 short stories, including two sensational episodes of Blake’s 7 back in the 1980s. Also, how about letting Kay Mellor (The Chase, The Syndicate) loose in the TARDIS for a while…?

Anyway, keep the suggestions coming, Kasterborites! Who would you like to write for the series?

The post Doctor Who: In Need of a Woman’s Touch? appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Top 10 Musical Themes of the RTD Era

Nick Kitchen 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.

Say anything you like, but at the end of the day, you cannot have an insanely popular and successful television series without incredible music.

It is the glue that holds the acting, writing, effects, and filming together. It can certainly be argued (and I’ll be the first in line to do so!) that a great deal of the credit for the success that Doctor Who has had since the revival in 2005 belongs at the feet of the immensely talented Murray Gold. His scores have been the very heart of the programme and certainly made all the moments we fondly remember from Eccleston through Smith’s run all the more memorable. While Gold’s more recent work (“I Am the Doctor” and all of its marvellous variations, for example) has been arguably his most popular, it’s his work prior to The Eleventh Hour that really helped define the Doctor for a new generation. Thus, dear reader, join us as we take a look back over the top ten musical themes from the Russell T. Davies era…

10. Doctor Who Theme (Album Version and Series 4 Variations)

How do you take one of television’s most iconic theme songs and make it even better? Add production, horns, strings, and even some saucy guitar riffs and power chords to the classic piano arrangement and unforgettable “Woooooo!”

While the theme gets minor changes and updates from series to series now, the Series 1 remake and reworking for Series 4 and the Tennant specials is where the magic happens.

9. The Greatest Story Never Told

Regardless of which camp you reside in when it comes to how the River Song storyline played (maybe continues to play?) out, it’s hard to argue that her concept and Alex Kingston’s performance weren’t a perfect match in the Series 4 two parter, Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead. This track from the Forest of the Dead exudes both sadness and hope at the same time, a feat that rarely a composer can achieve. After all, hope in sadness is sort of paradoxical, isn’t it?

8. All the Strange Creatures

One of the reoccurring themes of Series 3, appearing in 4 of the series’ episodes, “All the Strange Creatures” is a driving fusion of modern classical music and pop sensibilities/electric sounds. I’ll probably be cited for having this appear so low in the countdown, but alas, it is a great track in a sea of great music from the first four series of the revival.

7. The Cybermen

Every villain worth their salt needs a tune that strikes fear and menace into the viewer’s heart – an Imperial Death March, if you will. Bold and brassy, Gold’s theme that accompanied the redesigned metal monsters in Series 2’s Rise of the Cybermen/Age of Steel is probably a little more menacing than the actual Cybermen in the two-parter. That being said, the score intertwined with the visual of the saws and lasers in the conversion chambers is certainly chilling.

6. The Dark and Endless Dalek Night

I am a complete sucker for great choral music. The beautiful thing about this is the inclusion of the all-male chorus that takes centre stage throughout the arrangement. Couple this with Davros’ plan to destroy all of reality itself, and it certainly makes for a compelling storyline (even if a little overcrowded by companions).

And let’s not forget this cropping up in The Day of the Doctor to the delight of fans worldwide!

5. Rose’s Theme

Love her, hate her, don’t care either way: Rose Tyler, divisive as she is, is really the face of the first 4 series of the revival. The Doctor is reintroduced through her eyes and understanding of him. The melody is stunning and has a touch of romance to it. Given that it was introduced long before the eventual love story that played out between the Doctor and Rose, it makes one wonder if the romantic pairing had been the plan from day one in the Writer’s Room or if Murray Gold is just that good at sensing where things may be going.

4. Doomsday

Following the final events of the same titled episode, “Doomsday” enriches the agony and sadness being portrayed on screen by Tennant and Piper. While some fans were more than thrilled that Rose’s story had appeared to come to an end, it was still an emotional moment as Ten says goodbye to Rose. The emotion is echoed through the single soprano voice and weeping violin work.

3. This is Gallifrey: Our Childhood, Our Home

Reintroducing Gallifrey, the Time Lords, and the Master was always going to be a risk; and it was a brilliant tactical move to wait until the show had hit its stride in the first 3 and a half series before bringing them back. The stunning CGI imagery is equally matched by the arrangement put forth, and serves to add even more depth to the Gallifreyan mythos.

2. The Doctor’s Theme (Series 4)

If Matt Smith’s theme song is “I Am the Doctor,” then you would have to identify “The Doctor’s Theme” with Eccleston and Tennant. Originally introduced in Series 1, the haunting melody evolved from a single soprano voice to a choral arrangement in Series 4 reworking. The theme evolved, much in the way that David Tennant’s Doctor increased in power and popularity. While arguably a lesser composition when compared with “I Am the Doctor,” the Doctor’s Theme is still a tune worthy of the beloved Time Lord.

1. Vale Decem

This was inevitable really; it would be more than hard to argue that any other song from Series 1-4 and the Tennant Specials belongs in this spot. Serving as the soundtrack for Tennant’s goodbye and subsequent regeneration scene, the emotion of the moment does nothing but add to the beauty of the composition. At 3:19 seconds long, the song leaves you wanting for more. No doubt echoing David Tennant’s “I don’t want to go” dialogue. It is, in my humble estimation, Murray Gold’s finest composition – which is to say quite a bit, as there are very few missteps in the catalogue of his Doctor Who work.

What do you think, fellow Kasterborites? Do you agree with my assessment or would you have it ordered differently? Or maybe you’d replace a few of my choices? Feel free to respectfully join the conversation below!

The post Top 10 Musical Themes of the RTD Era appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Has Missing Doctor Who Serial The Power Of The Daleks Been Found?

Christian Cawley is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

Released in 2012, Power of the Daleks: Reimagined was an atmospheric adaptation of the original missing Doctor Who serial, released online (and at conventions) to largely favourable reviews.

However, in an interesting turn of events which we believe is omnirumour-related, the two-part film has been excised from YouTube, apparently following a request from the copyright holder, the BBC.

After two years, this seems like a slow reaction; could something else be a contributing factor?

With Nick Scovell as the Doctor and a notable cast for a fan film that included Nick Briggs, Barnaby Edwards and Lisa Bowerman, Power of the Daleks: Reimagined succeeded in keeping affection for the original serial alive while reworking some of its stunning scenes. Now, other than by watching the trailers, this is no longer possible.

Could this be omirumour related? Is the BBC paving the way for the original definitive version of The Power of the Daleks to be issued on DVD, recovered by Philip Morris’ Television International Enterprises Archives Ltd or some private collector?

Let us know what you think.

(With thanks to Ryan)

Update: An Interesting Split

Following our report on Sunday, we’ve noticed an intriguing split in opinion over this. In general, those that have seen Power of the Daleks: Reimagined seem to lean towards its pulling from YouTube actually *meaning* something, whereas those unfamiliar have the broad attitude of “it’s a fan film, meh.”

Naturally, as with any omnirumour claim or counterclaim, we all need to keep our heads and not get our hopes up, advise we’ve been sharing since it all went mainstream last year.

This morning I’ve spoken to one of the people involved with producing the film, who is currently unaware of why Power of the Daleks: Reimagined was pulled.

It’s a fascinating situation, one that will have a lasting effect one way or another…

The post Has Missing Doctor Who Serial The Power Of The Daleks Been Found? appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

The Doctor vs Robin Hood? [SPOILER]

Christian Cawley is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

PhotoBucket user MikeWinks has kindly uploaded his recent videos and photos of some Doctor Who location work, in which Peter Capaldi’s stunt double is filmed duelling with a man in tights…

Choose your weapon!

Apparently dealing with the outlaw with nothing more than a spoon, the Twelfth Doctor’s alternate, more active and easier to insure self seemingly has no problem in dealing with what appears to be a certain infamous outlaw on a log crossing a stream…

Click play to see the fun. Further investigation of MikeWinks’ account will also reveals snaps with Capaldi and Jenna Coleman.

The episode currently known as “Robots of Sherwood” will appear in Doctor Who Series 8, when it is broadcast later this year.

(With thanks to Daren)

The post The Doctor vs Robin Hood? [SPOILER] appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Sylvester McCoy Joins Scots Romcom Journey Bound!

Christian Cawley is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

Sylvester McCoy, star of Doctor Who and The Hobbit trilogy is the latest house-hold name to join the cast of new Scots indie film Journey Bound.

The romcom road movie is directed by BAFTA nominated filmmaker Ryan Hendrick and tells the story of a young lawyer being driven by his eco-warrior cousin through the Highlands of Scotland to salvage his relationship with the love of his life. Hendrick’s ambitious vision has already attracted some of the most talented people working in film and television today with Still Game star Ford Kiernan, Gregory’s Girl star Clare Grogan and Doctor Who/Emmerdale favourite Frazer Hines, along with award winning cinematographer John Rhodes (Only Fools and Horses, One Foot in The Algarve & 16 Years of Alcohol) and renowned theatre director and musician Gordon Dougall.

Director Hendrick says:

It is fantastic that such esteemed and talented professionals like Ford, Clare, Frazer, John, Gordon and now Sylvester are wanting to be involved in this project as they all understand what we are trying to achieve.

Journey Bound starts filming later this year – you can follow progress on twitter @JOURNEYBOUND1 or check out the official Facebook page.

(With thanks to Ryan)

The post Sylvester McCoy Joins Scots Romcom Journey Bound! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Rose Tyler Coming to Titan Gallifrey Collection!

Nick Kitchen 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.

Whovians, you spoke and Titan Entertainment listened! In response to massive interest, Titan has confirmed that they will be adding Rose Tyler to their popular TITANS Gallifrey Collection!

“Since we first started our Doctor Who TITANS all that time ago, fans have been requesting one figure more than any other, we received emails, tweets, requests at every show we displayed at – and we listened also we really wanted to do it, because we’re massive fans too…we can now proudly reveal – Rose Tyler is confirmed for the TITANS Gallifrey Collection! Due for release alongside the 10th Doctor, K9, The Master and more, the Bad Wolf herself – as memorably portrayed by Billie Piper – will be available as a 3” blind boxed figure as designed by superstar artist Matt Jones aka Lunartik!”

Here is a look at the incoming lineup:

The set, featuring Ms. Tyler, is due out in August, and UK buyers can place their £7.99 order from Forbidden Planet now. Will you be buying up blind boxes in search of Rose this summer? Do let us know below, won’t you?

The post Rose Tyler Coming to Titan Gallifrey Collection! appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Watch Out For This Doctor Who Fan Film “TRACE”

Drew Boynton 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.

Much like the Sycorax, the city of Cleveland also rocks.  Not just because ”Cleveland Rocks!” was a song by Ian Hunter.  And not just because the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum is located there.  One reason that Cleveland rocks might just be a group of Doctor Who fans there who’ve made their own fan film–and it has already received a glowing review.

Details of the story and characters are a bit scarce so far, but examiner.com reviewer Kenneth Carpenter loved the five-minute movie, called T.R.A.C.E..  Carpenter has nothing but praise for director Johnny Wu and his amateur filmmaking team:

“TRACE definitely deals with the Doctor, and I won’t tell you which one, although it is an obvious and well done one, believe you me. I was impressed with what I saw. What I can say is that the focus is on this being a potential tie-in to a larger story, has lots of martial arts without affecting the Doctor’s reputation, and more…”

In the conclusion of his spoiler-free article, Carpenter remains enthusiastic about the film and gives his final verdict:

“The production quality is quite good, and cinematic, with music by [Wu's] longtime composer, who always does a fantastic job, and even keeps to a Doctor Who theme… The cuts and dialogue were great, and above average.  I give thumbs up, and only have one slight issue with the whole film….like any Doctor Who episode, it keeps you wanting more!”

T.R.A.C.E. is set to be officially released on May 7th, so keep an eye on kasterborous.com for further details. Until then, click play to enjoy the teaser above!

Kasterborites, have you seen any Doctor Who fan films that have impressed you enough to recommend to everyone?

 

The post Watch Out For This Doctor Who Fan Film “TRACE” appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Doctor Who & Harry Potter Stars Snap Airborne Selfies

Drew Boynton 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.

What do you get when you cross Doctor Who with Harry Potter and add in a dash of the Airplane! movies?  Well, it might look something like this!

The Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith) and Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) recently crossed paths with Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) on an airplane flight, and the result could have been an epic cinematic battle.  Thankfully, it (of course) turned out completely the opposite, with lots of smiles and peace signs all around.

It's always best to fly with a doctor on board x pic.twitter.com/8K6XdUPxjp

— Tom Felton (@TomFelton) April 28, 2014

Karen Gillan posted the resulting fandom-tastic selfie photo on Twitter.  Smith and Felton are the goofy-looking ones behind her.

Party plane! pic.twitter.com/QXKQPLiNlq

— Karen Gillan (@KarenGillan2) April 27, 2014

What’s next, Tom Baker, K-9, and Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) on a hand-glider?  Perhaps David Tennant (the Doctor one), David Tennant (the Barty Crouch Jr. one), Dobby the House Elf, and Dame Maggie Smith on a surfboard?  The combinations are endless… and fascinating!

Kasterborites, what Harry Potter character do you think would make a perfect companion for the Doctor?  No fair saying Luna Lovegood–she’s my favorite!

The post Doctor Who & Harry Potter Stars Snap Airborne Selfies appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Phil Collinson Admits Running Doctor Who Was “Terrifying”

Jonathan Appleton is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

Former producer Phil Collinson is happy to admit that had no idea how to make the programme when he started work on Doctor Who in 2004.

In a newly released interview recorded at the 50th anniversary Doctor Who Celebration event last November, Collinson says he found the prospect of realising Russell T Davies’s series outline ‘terrifying’.

At the time, nobody really in this country was doing anything that had any sort of special effects.

Although he was friends with RTD, it was Collinson’s experience on BBC One drama Sea of Souls that got him the gig on Doctor Who, and he’s honest enough to say that at his interview he played up the limited special effects experience he gained on the supernatural series for all he was worth!

Elsewhere in the interview Collinson recalls the struggles of making that first series, from an inadequate studio with a leaky roof to the constant fight to keep up with a challenging shooting schedule.

He ends by saying that, after such a battle making the series, the moment he knew he had a hit on his hands was when he saw the chemistry between Billie Piper and Christopher Eccleston on screen.

Who else is planning a Series 1 rewatch in this tenth anniversary of new-Who going into production?

The post Phil Collinson Admits Running Doctor Who Was “Terrifying” appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.