[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

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!

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

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).

 

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@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 attachment to the notion of a union/child between the Doctor and the Master. For me, the jury is still out on that one. But the idea is intriguing.

But why Larkin? Nothing is accidental or incidental when it comes to both RTD2 and Moffat.

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

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

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@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 pasts?

Clearly time to watch the episode (along with “The Church at Ruby Road”) again.

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@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.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

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 result of the way they interacted in this story, the snow implies something more serious than in did in RTD2 episodes.

And the issues this one dealt with: AI, capitalism, organized religion, were, well, serious on a scale that RTD2 hasn’t offered.

More thoughts…later.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@whohar, @ps1l0v3u

I am hoping the 3rd Doctor reference is his great response to a glass of wine:

A touch sardonic perhaps, but not cynical.

And as Moff admits in the interview to enjoying a glass of wine  in the evening, it may well transpire to be just that.

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@whohar The idea of a two-part finale featuring UNIT and a 3rd Doctor reference sounds cool.

p.s. I was reflecting on the passage of time recently and (although this will be meaningless to the many new participants on this site) the affair of you and the bathtub seems so long ago…

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

Moffat news

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/steven-moffat-doctor-who-christmas-2024-special-confirmed-newsupdate/

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@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 Years”. Something wicked comes to to remake a caring civilization in its own wicked image. That was done as a drama, this is done as fantasy. Fortunately, in a fantasy, we have the Doctor.

The end.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@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.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@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 point a bit later he stares wistfully across at where his earlier incarnation, Susan, Ian and Barbara would be. (Or did the romantic in me imagine that..?)

 

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

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?

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

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 point in half the time. And while  Jinx Monsoon can, I imagine, do their schtick really effectively in short bursts in a variety hall setting, it came across here as more bombastic than effective.

I was more intrigued by the opening sequence, set in 1925. Am I correct in thinking that 1925 was when the Christmas special started, with the role of the Toymaker in the invention of Television?

If so, we find both the Toymaker, and his child, Maestro, both initiating ways, in 1925, to destroy humanity.

Anyway, looking forward to the next episode, written by…Moffat.

@juniperfish Loved the clip of Baker’s Doctor playing dress-ups! I must have seen that when it first screened, but had forgotten. Great to see it again!

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

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 babies.

This viewing made me wonder if his point about everyone being unique and therefore of importance (the egalitarian point) blended with the final moments where the Doctor scans her DNA and also  his (now new) memory of confronting her mother (?) outside the church.  Does this mean she is “special” (the definitely not egalitarian point)?

I suppose we will find out.

 

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

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 kind of American? Kristi Noem? I suspect not. Then who? I’m really not sure.

Clearly, it was a introductory exposition episode: witness the rapid fire history the Doctor give to Ruby about himself. But back in the days of BBC Who it was expected that those discovering the Doctor for the first time would find out about previous incarnations themselves. Or if it was done (as in The Lodger) it was done almost in the form of a lark.

What did I enjoy about the episode? Probably the origin of the monster was the one time I found myself actually laugh. But the rest…?

For the moment, I think I shall regard it as the snot episode.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

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

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@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.

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

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

But now, off to watch Space Babies!

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

First review

Most importantly, don’t discuss anywhere else on the site except this page.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/may/06/doctor-who-first-look-review-ncuti-gatwa-will-make-this-show-far-more-fun-than-its-been-for-years

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@mudlark

It seems that RTD has answered the question of @ Maestro/Master connection:

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/doctor-boss-addresses-master-return-084200272.html

And yet, in spite of what RTD says, we know that somebody picked up the Toymaker’s gold tooth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

Just reading this, about Delia Derbyshire, the forgotten person who turned Ron Grainger’s original theme for the show into the iconic sound that it became.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ten-pieces/articles/zd4k382

I think there may be at least one documentary out there on her, but I have yet to find it.

I have always felt she deserved greater recognition.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@mudlark

Good point about Jinkx Monsoon’s character being named Maestro.

Hmmm. I would have thought that the Master requires someone who can communicate real threat. The little I have seen of Jinkx Monsoon seems to evoke silly rather than sinister.

But who knows.

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

New trailer

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

On the question of whether Doctor Who moves to Disney+

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/mar/27/russell-t-davies-says-end-of-bbc-is-undoubtedly-on-its-way

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

the butterfly effect: this is a good explanation (and the origins of where it comes from)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Sound_of_Thunder

 

 

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@ps1lov3y0u–sorry, but after three attempts  I give up trying to get your name right…

“… a secret exclusivity option after say three seasons.”

And I was wondering what the reason was for calling this season 1 instead of 14…

I think I might be alarmed.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

new trailer

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

He’s back!

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-steven-moffat-return-newsupdate/

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

Goodbye, Ruby Sunday?

Came across a couple of stories, claiming Millie Gibson will exit after one season. Am providing a link, but it is the Daily Mirror. Make of it what you will.

https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/doctor-who-companion-millie-gibson-31924485

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@brewski

Welcome back! Very interesting idea about Mrs Flood. It does answer many of the questions I had about her seemingly contradictory behaviour. But her change of feeling regarding her neighbour from the beginning of the episode to the end still still seems a bit puzzling.

I tend to agree with you about the goblin musical number. Am willing to accept it was in the tradition of Christmas pantomimes, but still.

As for who is Ruby’s mum, I keep focussing on the shoes she is wearing as the Doctor looks at her from afar after she leaves Ruby at the church door. Yet I have no idea why I focus on the shoes.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@juniperfish

That made my day!

Brilliant.

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@mudlark After watching the two extant episodes, I was reading about the audience reception.  Apparently a significant number of television sets had been purchased at the time of the coronation. But there was little experience of actually watching a thriller on TV. On the basis of the two episodes I watched last night I can only imagine the response of the average television viewer  in the UK to “The Quatermass Experiment” in 1953. They must have been terrified!

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

Dug out my DVD of the “Quatermass Collection” last night and watched (for the first time) the first Quatermass story to be filmed — “The Quatermass Experiment” from 1953. It (that is, the first 2 episodes that survive of the 6 filmed) was great! And genuinely creepy. It was very early days for BBC television (and probably the oldest TV show I have seen, so it had a strangely archeological  appeal. Quatermass was played (very well) by Reginald Tate, and it was filmed live, so it had a certain theatrical feel to the interaction of the actors. The story…no, I won’t, as anyone who fondly remembers “Quatermass and the Pit” should watch it without spoilers.

And why do only 2 out of 6 episodes survive? It turns out that the BBC, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to even press the “record” button for the last four episodes! Fortunately, you can download the whole script, however, from the DVD.

Highly, highly recommended.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@mudlark

The 1958 version of “Quatermass and the Pit with Andre Morell is brilliant, and still very creepy. I have it on DVD, and a quick check reveals it is still available for purchase in the UK and North America. Surely a new year’s treat is in order…

Another TV adaptation of a distinctly British version of “end of the world” fiction that is surprisingly effective is the BBC version of Day of the Triffids with John Duttine. Miles better than other versions.

Nigel Kneale, John Wyndham…great stuff, fabulous writers.

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@ps1l0v3y0u

For me, The Honourable Schoolboy was one of the great novels of the 20th century. As you say, the critique of empire was devastating. And not just “empire” in a political sense, but the whole literature of empire that supported the belief system of the politicians and public servants who imposed and administered their power structures on millions of people across the globe.

It still cries out to be made into a movie.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

Just watched “The Five Doctors” (for the first time). What an abomination.

Susan. No. She does not somehow appear back in London in the 1970s. That abomination of a show does not demonstrate that she is anywhere but with her lover from “The Dalek  Invasion of  Earth”.

Sorry, but she is still back in the future London that was devastated by the Daleks.

As I type this Mrs Blenkinsop is trying to calm me down…

 

in

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@mudlark

Mrs Flood–not sure how she could be Susan (even if the age gap works) as the Doctor left his granddaughter in a future, devastated, London at the end of “The Dalek Invasion of Earth”. No?

Like you, I think RTD will surprise us with something entirely different.

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@devilishrobby

Thanks for reporting back from Doctor Who Unleashed (which I do not seem to be able to access out here in the colonies). So, RTD has indicated a slow reveal of Mrs Flood? This promises more guess work on our behalf!

@ps1l0v3y0u

You are, of course, correct. It’s true, there was a lot of…shall we say Christmas cake…yesterday.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

Trailer for new season

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

Ruby and Bill. Both orphans/foundlings. One black and brought up by a white foster mother. One white and brought up by a black foster mother. Coincidence?

Mrs Flood–my first thought was that she was just a 4th wall device by RTD to end the show with a cute line. But…wasn’t there an RTD episode back with Tennant as the 10th that was about the ice warriors and the flood?

Sorry, it’s Christmas night, it’s late, and there has been wine…But there is something about the ice warriors and the flood…Or not…

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

Lots of fun and a real sense of charm. As Mrs Blenkinsop (and others here) wondered, who is Anita Dobson playing? Or is she RTD breaking the 4th wall and just being cheeky with us?

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

Watched “The Shakespeare Code” last night. Loved it! The word play (obviously), the action in the streets of London and in the Globe (which had a sort of anarchic exuberance), and the slightly daffy (but wonderfully charming) allusion to JK Rowling at the denouement–was all incredibly charming and fun. And then afterwards, I started thinking that the tone of it reminded me of something. And it suddenly came to me. Only few days earlier I had been reading one of the Gervase Fen novels by Edmund Crispin–“The Moving Toyshop”. For those of you who have not encountered the Gervase Fen novels, they are rollicking and slightly anarchic murder mysteries featuring Gervase Fen, Professor of English literature at a fictitious college in Oxford, written during the 1940s by Edmund Crispin, whose actual name was Robert Bruce Montgomery, and who, under his real name, was the composer of a huge number of film scores ( such the medical comedies “Doctor in the House”, Doctor at Large”, “Doctor at Sea”, with Dirk Bogarde and James Robertson Justice, in the 1950s, and many of the early “Carry On” movies in the late ’50s and early 60s, which began with “Carry on Sergeant” starring…William Hartnell).

Anyway, back to the Gervase Fen novels. As I watched the “The Shakespeare Code” I had the strongest feeling that Tennant’s Doctor (particularly in this story) was almost channeling Gervase Fen. When I saw that the episode was written by Gareth Roberts, I decided to look him up, only to discover that Roberts himself felt that there was a connection between the Gervase Fen novels and post-gap Doctor Who.

So, just in case you are looking for something to read…

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@devilishrobby – Yes, that is explained in the movie. What I was personally struck by was just how much the actual Hartnell had aged so early as a result of the smoking and drinking. But this is to focus on the sad side of his story. What the movie captures perfectly is just how much he captured the hearts of Britain’s children, and just how much the enthusiasm and hard work of people like Verity Lambert, Waris Hussein, and so many others created what we are still enthusing about today.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

Watched “An Adventure in Space and Time” again last night. What a brilliant labour of love to the origins of the show it is. The screenplay by Gatiss is pretty much perfect, as is the acting by David Bradley, Sacha Dhawan, Jessica Raine, Lesley Manville, and the list goes on. I have watched “Doctor Who” since the Hartnell days, but it was only last night, when looking up Hartnell after the show was over, that I realised he was only 55 when the show started and only 58 when he handed over the reigns to Troughton. You look at his faltering performances towards the end, and you assume he must have been at least a decade older. Anyway, a wonderful production and one richly deserving a repeat viewing.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@mudlark The BBC seems to be flooding the airwaves with clips at the moment, encouraging all to see, but yes, perhaps I should err on the side of caution with future clips.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

the BBC has just released…the Goblin Song from the Christmas Special

@jimthefish – If you thought the trailer screamed Harry Potter, this screams pure and utter fantasy. I will try and reserve judgement until Christmas.

 

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@whohar

Very good point about The Watcher. And yes, there was indeed a lot of inconsistency with the regenerations in the pre-gap years. To be honest, I sometimes think that inconsistency is part of the DNA of the show. I loved Hartnell-era Who when I saw it as a kid, and Tom Baker Who when I saw it as an undergraduate, and I thought The Giggle was a hoot when I saw it as a creaky old geezer on Saturday. They were all different, but they were all Who.

[blenkinsopthebrave @replies]

@bobbyfatv2
  We may need a flow chart!

That is brilliant! While this web site already has a wonderful sub-heading, I think your line would be an excellent header for subsequent discussion of the world of RTD2.

 

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