Title: Doctor Who checks in to SciFi
Description: and Torchwood & Sarah Jane
Description: and Torchwood & Sarah Jane
Tarantulas - January 15, 2006 11:35 AM (GMT)
This is great news. I'm glad to see that The Doctor will be seen here again after such a long absence.
| QUOTE |
| SCI FI Channel and BBC Worldwide Americas announced today a major licensing deal for the first series of the latest Doctor Who adventures. The 13-part drama is about a mysterious time-travelling adventurer known simply as "The Doctor" (Christopher Eccleston) and his companion, Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). The Doctor and Rose risk death and danger, battling aliens and monsters. The deal, brokered by Lisa Hofer, Director Co-Production & Sales, BBC Worldwide Americas, grants SCI FI Channel the first run rights for series one with an option for series two. The award-winning series will premiere on SCI FI beginning in March, airing Friday nights at 9.00pm. Russell T Davies, Head Writer and Executive Producer told us: "The Doctor's made all sorts of journeys in Time and Space, but this is one of his most exciting yet! I'm a huge fan of the SCI FI Channel, and I'm delighted that Doctor Who is appearing on a channel that supports and enhances the entire genre." "With its rich history of imaginative storytelling, Doctor Who is a true sci-fi classic," stated Thomas P. Vitale, SCI FI's Senior Vice President, Programming & Original Movies. "We're excited to add the show to our lineup." Commenting on the deal Candace Carlisle, Senior Vice President, BBC Worldwide Americas, said: “The new production has fantastic storylines and production values and has already gained an iconic status around the world. SCI FI Channel is the perfect home for the show and will introduce Doctor Who to a whole new generation of fans in the US.” In addition, BBC Video has moved the US release date of the DVD from February 2006 to July 4, 2006 to capitalize on the exposure from the TV broadcast. As part of the deal, BBC Video and SCI FI Channel have agreed to work together on joint marketing promotions to support the brand launch. Burton Cromer, Vice President, Consumer Products, BBC Worldwide Americas said: “We are delighted to be working with SCI FI Channel on the launch of this exciting new take on Doctor Who. The additional marketing support from SCI FI, as well their ability to reach such a broad audience base, made moving the release date an easy decision.” Executive Produced by Russell T Davies (lead writer) and Julie Gardner, the first series of Doctor Who attracted huge ratings and received critical acclaim when it aired on BBC ONE in March 2005. |
Lab-Rat - January 15, 2006 01:05 PM (GMT)
yeah...but notice the timeslot it will be airing in.
So this begs the question...which show is getting the boot to make room for the new Doctor Who?
And by getting the boot...I mean either cancelled or moved to another day/hour timeslot.
I've heard some rumors that Sci-Fi may end up moving Atlantis to another day...but as I've said...only rumors.
So this begs the question...which show is getting the boot to make room for the new Doctor Who?
And by getting the boot...I mean either cancelled or moved to another day/hour timeslot.
I've heard some rumors that Sci-Fi may end up moving Atlantis to another day...but as I've said...only rumors.
Dr Archeville - January 15, 2006 01:58 PM (GMT)
'bout time!
I'd heard the reason it sook Sci-Fi so long was b/c, initially, BBC wanted $500,000 per episode. And, one exec reportedly called the show "lacking."
I'd heard the reason it sook Sci-Fi so long was b/c, initially, BBC wanted $500,000 per episode. And, one exec reportedly called the show "lacking."
Roadbuster - January 15, 2006 03:16 PM (GMT)
YES!!!
Tarantulas - March 18, 2006 09:21 AM (GMT)
The first two episodes were not disappointing. I haven't seen an episode of Doctor Who in many years, but when that theme song started playing I completely lost interest in everything else and was drawn back into the old mythology again. The memories came flooding back, of watching the old-time episodes and being so fascinated at how the writers could come up with so many new ideas week after week, and all on what looked like a hundred dollars per episode. And after watching the opening credits, it was obvious that Doctor Who has finally entered the twenty-first century.
The first episode, "Rose," introduces the character of Rose Tyler, who will become the Doctor's Companion. The battle in this episode is against the Nestene Consciousness, and it has all the nostaligia of the original episodes. Take something simple and harmless and make it menacing and deadly. Then bring in The Doctor, who knows the reason behind the problem and will volunteer to put things right. The only thing that prevents the complete destruction of the Earth is this little thing here, and it's ... just ... beyond ... my reach ...
The second episode, "The End of the World," is everything a Doctor Who fan could dream of. Imagine some of the most innovative episodes of the 1960s. Now take the best of the best and shoot it in 2005 with cutting-edge special effects. That's "The End of the World." The scenes in space are breathtaking. The aliens, well, as Rose says, "They're SO alien!" These are not your normal TNG aliens with the nose appliance of the week. Several of them are pure computer animation, and what a pleasure it is to see someone's imagination implemented without considering whether it can be done by a man in a rubber suit. When you see the scary monsters in this episode you are going to think of Stargate SG-1. I'm not saying that one show stole an idea from another show. But they are similar.
When I saw Christopher Eccleston in the episode previews, I thought he wouldn't make a very good Doctor. I was wrong. He's great! He's everything a Doctor should be - confident in his abilities, cryptic in his explanations, smiling in the face of danger, and contemptuous with his enemies. But he adds one other dimension in that he is a tragic figure, the last of the Timelords from the destroyed planed of Gallifrey. He carries an internal bitterness, a sadness, and most of all a big load of guilt for not being able to save his planet. And it's funny - after watching both episodes a second time, every time I see him now I think of a young Al Bundy. He must be Ed O'Neill's son.
Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper, is an interesting Companion. The only special talent Rose has is as a gymnast. But she has a strong sense of right and wrong, and excellent judgment. The result is that she will place herself in extreme danger to save a friend ... or the entire human race. She doesn't hesitate to question The Doctor's judgment, but once she gets an adequate explanation she is willing to go along with the program. She is an admirable character, one with a good sense of morality and enough common sense to know what to do in an emergency.
The only big problem I have with this series is that the character of Rose speaks in a British dialect that is incomprehensible at times. It's the type of speech where the character substitutes "f' for "th", for example, "I fink..." instead of "I think..." There were times in the first episode where she was talking with The Doctor at a rapid pace and I had no idea what she was trying to say. In previous episodes of Doctor Who, the characters spoke clearly enought to be understood. I hope this problem doesn't get any worse.
On July 4 the first season will be released on DVD, and it can be pre-ordered now at amazon.com. If the first two episodes are a good example, it will be a worthwhile purchase.
The first episode, "Rose," introduces the character of Rose Tyler, who will become the Doctor's Companion. The battle in this episode is against the Nestene Consciousness, and it has all the nostaligia of the original episodes. Take something simple and harmless and make it menacing and deadly. Then bring in The Doctor, who knows the reason behind the problem and will volunteer to put things right. The only thing that prevents the complete destruction of the Earth is this little thing here, and it's ... just ... beyond ... my reach ...
The second episode, "The End of the World," is everything a Doctor Who fan could dream of. Imagine some of the most innovative episodes of the 1960s. Now take the best of the best and shoot it in 2005 with cutting-edge special effects. That's "The End of the World." The scenes in space are breathtaking. The aliens, well, as Rose says, "They're SO alien!" These are not your normal TNG aliens with the nose appliance of the week. Several of them are pure computer animation, and what a pleasure it is to see someone's imagination implemented without considering whether it can be done by a man in a rubber suit. When you see the scary monsters in this episode you are going to think of Stargate SG-1. I'm not saying that one show stole an idea from another show. But they are similar.
When I saw Christopher Eccleston in the episode previews, I thought he wouldn't make a very good Doctor. I was wrong. He's great! He's everything a Doctor should be - confident in his abilities, cryptic in his explanations, smiling in the face of danger, and contemptuous with his enemies. But he adds one other dimension in that he is a tragic figure, the last of the Timelords from the destroyed planed of Gallifrey. He carries an internal bitterness, a sadness, and most of all a big load of guilt for not being able to save his planet. And it's funny - after watching both episodes a second time, every time I see him now I think of a young Al Bundy. He must be Ed O'Neill's son.
Rose Tyler, played by Billie Piper, is an interesting Companion. The only special talent Rose has is as a gymnast. But she has a strong sense of right and wrong, and excellent judgment. The result is that she will place herself in extreme danger to save a friend ... or the entire human race. She doesn't hesitate to question The Doctor's judgment, but once she gets an adequate explanation she is willing to go along with the program. She is an admirable character, one with a good sense of morality and enough common sense to know what to do in an emergency.
The only big problem I have with this series is that the character of Rose speaks in a British dialect that is incomprehensible at times. It's the type of speech where the character substitutes "f' for "th", for example, "I fink..." instead of "I think..." There were times in the first episode where she was talking with The Doctor at a rapid pace and I had no idea what she was trying to say. In previous episodes of Doctor Who, the characters spoke clearly enought to be understood. I hope this problem doesn't get any worse.
On July 4 the first season will be released on DVD, and it can be pre-ordered now at amazon.com. If the first two episodes are a good example, it will be a worthwhile purchase.
Icefang - March 18, 2006 03:02 PM (GMT)
Yeah, I loved them both! I was tempted to rewatch the episodes, but I was drifting off so I didn't. From what I hear from other fans who have already been watching this series, it gets to be REALLY good as it goes on. After the first two episodes, I'm not surprised. Even as someone who isn't as familliar with the whole mythos (I just watched some spotty Tom Baker episodes) I still was able to pick it up easily.
Jackass Maximus - March 18, 2006 03:19 PM (GMT)
My dad and brother are big fans (it's been airing on CBC for some time), but I've only seen one episode and wasn't all that impressed.
Roadbuster - March 18, 2006 04:38 PM (GMT)
I love Doctor Who, and I was impressed with these. They stayed very true to the spirit of the old Doctors and storylines, while adding a bit of a grittier and darker edge to the Doctor's more whimsical nature.
I think the major departure from the previous Doctors is the fact that he's the only remaining Gallifreyan (ooo.. spelling?) left alive. I don't recall the wars that he refers to, but that doesn't mean that they didn't happen in the later episodes.
I do think this guy did a stand up job of being the Doctor. Though I have to say... I miss the quirkier wardrobe! His companion, Rose, isn't obnoxious (a big step up from the made for America movie a few years back) and they are doing a good job of bringing more about the characters feelings and thoughts.
Having Rose confronted with the destruction of her planet on the first time trip she took with the Doctor was genius. It gave them a great chance to play through the sheer culture shock she felt, mixed against a kind of apathy and depression that this Doctor grapples with.
Can't wait to see more of the series! (now... if they would only start playing some of the classic Doctor Who on Sci Fi!!)
I think the major departure from the previous Doctors is the fact that he's the only remaining Gallifreyan (ooo.. spelling?) left alive. I don't recall the wars that he refers to, but that doesn't mean that they didn't happen in the later episodes.
I do think this guy did a stand up job of being the Doctor. Though I have to say... I miss the quirkier wardrobe! His companion, Rose, isn't obnoxious (a big step up from the made for America movie a few years back) and they are doing a good job of bringing more about the characters feelings and thoughts.
Having Rose confronted with the destruction of her planet on the first time trip she took with the Doctor was genius. It gave them a great chance to play through the sheer culture shock she felt, mixed against a kind of apathy and depression that this Doctor grapples with.
Can't wait to see more of the series! (now... if they would only start playing some of the classic Doctor Who on Sci Fi!!)
Dr Archeville - March 18, 2006 08:55 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Roadbuster @ Mar 18 2006, 12:38 PM) |
| now... if they would only start playing some of the classic Doctor Who on Sci Fi!! |
No, they'll not be doing that, because that would make far too much sense....
Tarantulas - March 19, 2006 10:00 AM (GMT)
This season was shown last year on British TV, so the episode guides are already available online. The destruction of Gallifrey in the Time Wars was not shown in any Doctor Who series up to now. It's assumed as the "back story" for the start of this series and will be explained in further episodes. Also, the phrase "Bad Wolf" shows up somewhere in every episode this season, with the explanation provided later. The word is that when the term is finally explained, it may not be as important as we may think.
Some of the people who have seen the series say that the first episode, "Rose," is the weakest of the whole season, and to watch up to the sixth episode and then decide whether to watch the rest or not.
Even the British fans who have seen this season think that it's a great continuation of the mythology. And that's good enough for me to keep watching it.
Some of the people who have seen the series say that the first episode, "Rose," is the weakest of the whole season, and to watch up to the sixth episode and then decide whether to watch the rest or not.
Even the British fans who have seen this season think that it's a great continuation of the mythology. And that's good enough for me to keep watching it.
Roadbuster - March 20, 2006 06:24 PM (GMT)
True that, the Brits are usually the toughest crowd to win over with a Dr Who. I liked the eps, and I hope that they WILL continue to get better.
Tarantulas - March 21, 2006 07:55 AM (GMT)
Reading the discussions on the SciFi.com board, I stumbled across a thread where the Battlestar Galactica folks got bored because their series won't have any new episodes until October, so they came to the Doctor Who board to cause trouble. Among all the discussion and nostalgia, someone mentioned a parody song called "Doctorin' the TARDIS," so I searched for it and here's what I found:
| QUOTE |
| Doctorin' the Tardis by The Timelords (who were really The KLF under another name). A proto-mash-up of the Doctor Who theme with Gary Glitter's Rock and Roll, Part 2. [7.2 MB MP3] Dr. Qui by musical comedian/comedic musician Bill Bailey. In this track Bill performs the Doctor Who theme as Serge Gainsbourg would've done it. It helps if you know a little French and are a little familiar with Serge's work. [6.6 MB MP3] |
The first one is an interpretation of the Doctor Who theme song set to a familiar tune. Prisma Nova should appreciate the second one since it is (supposedly) sung in French. I was laughing the whole way through it because it's like a lounge singer's interpretation of the Doctor Who theme.
EDIT - Also check out this page, which presents the different Doctor Who opening credits from 1963 to the present.
Dr Archeville - April 15, 2006 05:15 AM (GMT)
EXTERMINATE!
Roadbuster - April 15, 2006 01:53 PM (GMT)
loved that episode! Too bad there aren't anymore Daleks left though. i always liked the silly saltshakers... or aren't there more.... (remembers seeing a picture with multiple Daileks in it...)
Roadbuster - April 15, 2006 01:57 PM (GMT)
Yeeeessss....
(from a later episode...)
(from a later episode...)
Dr Archeville - April 15, 2006 02:03 PM (GMT)
Pepperpots, not saltshakers :P
Dr Archeville - May 21, 2006 05:22 AM (GMT)
Coming up is the 2-part season finale.
Roadbuster - May 22, 2006 05:18 PM (GMT)
DANGIT
I forgot to watch last night...
I forgot to watch last night...
Dr Archeville - May 22, 2006 08:09 PM (GMT)
Well, then, read this ;)
Roadbuster - May 22, 2006 08:22 PM (GMT)
great summary... don't know if that makes missing it better or worse, but at least I can go on watching the season... thanks!
Dr Archeville - June 8, 2006 12:22 AM (GMT)
Doctor: "No! Because this is what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna rescue her. I'm gonna save Rose Tyler from the middle of the Dalek fleet, and then, I'm gonna save the Earth, and then, just to finish off, I'm gonna wipe every last stinkin' Dalek out of the sky!"
Dalek: "But-you-have-no-weapons. No-defenses. No-plan."
Doctor: "Yeah... and doesn't that scare you to death?!"
Dalek: "...!"
Dalek: "But-you-have-no-weapons. No-defenses. No-plan."
Doctor: "Yeah... and doesn't that scare you to death?!"
Dalek: "...!"
Roadbuster - June 8, 2006 01:13 AM (GMT)
yessssssss............. twas a very good episode, and I can't wait to see the season finale. It's too bad that he only stayed on for Doctor for one season
Icefang - June 8, 2006 01:19 AM (GMT)
Yeah, I really liked him as the doctor, but the replacement is the guy who played Barty Crouch Jr. in Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire. He oughta do well.
Roadbuster - June 8, 2006 01:20 AM (GMT)
oh, cool.. didn't realize that was him...
Icefang - June 10, 2006 02:10 AM (GMT)
Dammit! I want more Dr. Who now! That was a kickass episode, man....
Still, I think I may like the new Doctor. It just feels like we didn't get enough of the old doctor (the ninth).
Still, I think I may like the new Doctor. It just feels like we didn't get enough of the old doctor (the ninth).
Roadbuster - June 10, 2006 02:10 AM (GMT)
kickass season finale!!!
Now, they better get off their arses and get season 2 asap!!
Now, they better get off their arses and get season 2 asap!!
Devastator - June 23, 2006 01:05 AM (GMT)
BBC aired a Christmas special that was considered part of Season 1, but for some reason Sci-Fi didn't air it. What the.....? It's even in the BBC DVD Season 1 set, but the set being release in the US doesn't have it.
Hopefully we'll get to see it at the beginning of Season 2.
Hopefully we'll get to see it at the beginning of Season 2.
Roadbuster - June 23, 2006 02:21 PM (GMT)
Has anyone heard any news for sure on the second season being on Sci-Fi? I know it did well....
Dr Archeville - September 22, 2006 11:06 PM (GMT)
Second season starts next Friday, the 29th.
Dr Archeville - September 4, 2007 07:15 PM (GMT)
It's still fantastic!
Roadbuster - September 4, 2007 08:07 PM (GMT)
Agreed. I've missed a slew of episodes and am getting annoyed that Sci fi hasn't bothered to re-air anything from it. However, BBCA is currently starting season 2, so maybe I can catch a few that I missed.
Also:
granted, this wouldn't affect us in the US until 2009ish to 2011ish.
Also:
granted, this wouldn't affect us in the US until 2009ish to 2011ish.
| QUOTE |
| "Who" fans face two-year wait for new season Tue Sep 4, 1:27 AM ET LONDON (Hollywood Reporter) - "Doctor Who" fans will be forced to go for almost two years without a series fix from the Tardis-travelling Timelord, because actor David Tennant will take time off to do stagework, the BBC said Monday. The fourth season of the latest iteration of the sci-fi action drama will air in the spring of 2008, but season five will be delayed until 2010, BBC director of fiction Jane Tranter said Monday. The show is one of the public broadcaster's biggest success stories in recent years and has proved an international hit. The BBC will air three one-off specials during 2009 and a Christmas special in 2008. Tennant will work with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford Upon Avon on projects thought to include a lengthy run of "Hamlet." |
Dr Archeville - September 8, 2007 09:29 PM (GMT)
Billie Piper (Rose Tyler) has been... busy (possibly NSFW).
Roadbuster - September 10, 2007 03:11 PM (GMT)
heh.. I got an add for ITT technical institute...
Dr Archeville - February 14, 2008 10:05 PM (GMT)
Roadbuster - February 14, 2008 10:35 PM (GMT)
Can't wait! And with BBC showing Season 3, I'm getting all nice and caught up on the eps I missed! (I've still never seen the season 2 finale though... dangit)
Grand Moff Daniel - February 15, 2008 07:52 AM (GMT)
Outpost Gallifrey/Doctor Who Forum seems to have confirmed most of those spoilers in the "whazoo" link.
The fact that Catherine Tate has gone on record as saying she's only doing one season, and we'll see why by about the 6 episode hints that yes, she's for the chop and yes the Doctor becomes very dangerous (as hinted by previous Tennant seasons).
What was it Mister Copper said in the Voyage of the Damned about being able to choose who lives or dies? Ahh yes... "that'd make you a monster".
The fact that Catherine Tate has gone on record as saying she's only doing one season, and we'll see why by about the 6 episode hints that yes, she's for the chop and yes the Doctor becomes very dangerous (as hinted by previous Tennant seasons).
What was it Mister Copper said in the Voyage of the Damned about being able to choose who lives or dies? Ahh yes... "that'd make you a monster".
Dr Archeville - April 28, 2008 09:11 PM (GMT)
I found something quite funny on YouTube the other day. Apparently there was a charity ep of The Weakest Link (the original British version) back in early 2007 in which all the contestants were from season 2 of Doctor Who. They had David Tennant and John Barrowman, Noel Clarke (Mickey Smith) and Camille Coduri (Jackie Tyler), Tracy-Ann Oberman (Yvonne Hartman, director of Torchwood One) and Nicholas Briggs (the man who voices most of the Daleks & Cybermen), and K-9, and a few others.
The highlight (IMO): when Anne got Barrowman to show off his musical theatre chops by singing the Doctor Who theme song (with some accompaniment by Tennant).
Part 1 of 6
Part 2 of 6
Part 3 of 6
Part 4 of 6
Part 5 of 6
Part 6 of 6
The highlight (IMO): when Anne got Barrowman to show off his musical theatre chops by singing the Doctor Who theme song (with some accompaniment by Tennant).
Part 1 of 6
Part 2 of 6
Part 3 of 6
Part 4 of 6
Part 5 of 6
Part 6 of 6
Icefang - April 28, 2008 11:49 PM (GMT)
Wow! Thanks for the links Doc, those are great clips.
Grand Moff Daniel - April 29, 2008 03:52 AM (GMT)
Well of the first 3 episodes of season 4, I've LOVED Fires of Pompeii and Planet of the Ood.
Grand Moff Daniel - April 29, 2008 04:27 AM (GMT)
"SONTAR HA! SONTAR HA! SONTAR HA!"
Make that 3 of the first 4.
SPOILERS FOR The Sontaran Stratagem (highlight to read):
LOVE the fake "cliffhanger", but the real one had me shouting "BREAK THE WINDOW" at YouTube.
The Doctor had some good moments as well, BUT his little rant at Colonel Mace about simply standing next to a man with a gun. Get over yourself mate, death follows you, and you've killed HOW MANY? I'm sure far less then Mace ever has, and no doubt far less then the entire UNIT regiment under his command.
Make that 3 of the first 4.
SPOILERS FOR The Sontaran Stratagem (highlight to read):
LOVE the fake "cliffhanger", but the real one had me shouting "BREAK THE WINDOW" at YouTube.
The Doctor had some good moments as well, BUT his little rant at Colonel Mace about simply standing next to a man with a gun. Get over yourself mate, death follows you, and you've killed HOW MANY? I'm sure far less then Mace ever has, and no doubt far less then the entire UNIT regiment under his command.