Stunning. The best RTD story I have seen, and one of the very best Who stories I have seen.

I have been sceptical of RTD’s focus on fantasy…until now.

It was as if he managed to blend Who and M.R. James and…RTD!

More thoughts on Larkin.

He was credited with being the first Librarian to digitize his library. it was the university library in Hull (think “Blink” for Hull and also think of Doctor Moon for the digitized library).

@juniperfish It goes without saying that I love your over-heated bonkerising!

Re: the reflection on Larkin above, why does the Doctor quote Larkin? Apart from his free and easy attitude to women, his views on race were problematic to say the least. So why Larkin? What is Moffat and/or RTD2 asking us to think about?

I can understand your…[Read more]

Courtesy of Mrs Blenkinsop, an interesting reflection on Philip Larkin’s “An Arundel Tomb”

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/articles/69418/philip-larkin-an-arundel-tomb

@juniperfish Thanks for the information and the reflections. You put up a strong case for the possibility that we may find out far more about the Doctor’s past. Indeed, we (or at least, I) have assumed that it was Ruby’s past that we would discover as the season went on, but it may well be that we discover more of both their pasts. Inter-linked…[Read more]

@craig The actress is real, but to be honest, I am getting a little irritated by RTD2 dropping her into every episode. One would assume that just like us watching, the Doctor can see this same face in every episode. But with no response on his part. The payoff better be pretty good.

Absolutely loved it. This is what Moffat does–he adds gravitas to, well, everything. With RTD2 the relationship between the Doctor and Ruby was sweet and full of fun; here, the relationship was tested with visible threat. And it means that we will carry that experience through to the next time we see them together. The snow for example. As a…[Read more]

SPOILER, SPOILER, SPOILER...

SPOILER, SPOILER, SPOILER...

SPOILER, SPOILER, SPOILER...

@ps1l0v3y0u

I just typed a very long post (beginning by agreeing with your point about 1925, of course) which, needless to say, disappeared somewhere into the depths of the internet when I tried posting.

Here is  the truncated version of that post:

I think what RTD is doing here is somewhat similar to what he did with his miniseries “Years and…[Read more]

@juniperfish Good to know that wistful scene did occur!

I went looking for 1925 events myself after I posted and discovered it was also the year that saw the publication of Mein Kampf.

I think it indeed likely that 1925 will be referenced again as the season goes on.

@scaryb and @jimthefish

Thanks for those excellent links. Love it when Ian points out that Aubrey Waites’ original stage name was John Smith. And, well, of course…

I will watch again, but I seem to recall the Doctor telling Ruby that they are in London at the same time as The Hartnell Doctor and Susan. (Or words to that effect.) And at some…[Read more]

As Mrs Blenkinsop quite rightly pointed out to me, the opening sequence featuring the role of the Toymaker in the invention of Television takes place in The Giggle, not the Christmas episode.

So 1925, both the Toymaker and Maestro, intervening in ways designed to destroy humanity.

Coincidence?

Mrs Blenkinsop and I just finished watching it. And my response? Well…there were no babies!

Beyond that, I don’t think we can accuse RTD of subtlety. Or perhaps that is unfair. His basic point about the need for music to live is, obviously, one that no-one should disagree with. I suppose my reservation was that I think he could have made that…[Read more]

Re-watch. Second time around: it’s strengths (for me, any way) were both the main actors.  They were simultaneously both over the top and grounded, and swept you along (as they did in “The Church on Ruby Road”). Did RTD sweep me along? Yes in terms of the energy, but I really hope this is the last time we have to spend extended time with…[Read more]

Well, decided I had to sleep on it before commenting. Why? Mostly, because the cuteness factor was ramped up to max (and beyond).

So, in the cold light of day…I am still overwhelmed by the sheer overload of cuteness. One of the questions I ask myself is: who is the audience that RTD is writing for? Well, American, of course. Beyond that, what…[Read more]

@syzygy Hi Puro! So great to see you back!°

@craig

Greetings Emperor Craig

As the new Disney + arrangement means that those of us in North America have now already seen the show I wasn’t sure if you wanted to wait until it available in the UK before posting a page for it or not. Probably best if we hold back on comments until you post a dedicated page.

Cheers.

@scaryb Hello old friend! Thanks for posting that. it was very cute.

But now, off to watch Space Babies!