[Craig @replies Emperor]

As I started a little Tim Minchin love in, here’s a full concert for those who haven’t yet appreciated his brilliance / madness.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@jimthefish

My pet theory about Yaz is that she’s being set up to become disenchanted with the Doctor and switch sides to become the Master’s companion.

While that is an interesting idea, I don’t think it will happen. Mostly because, while we may be colour blind, it would be very bad optics for some.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@arbutus @peter3110

Sorry, this is off topic, but I’m the Emperor. 🙂

Tim Minchin is a world treasure! I’ve never gone to one of his gigs but I’m now going to make peter3110 jealous (sorry about that). I once went to a small comedy club in Crouch End, London and half-way through the night Tim Minchin turned up (unannounced) – he was a friend of the promoter. He’d just done a gig to several thousand people in central London. He then did about half his act again – to about 50 people. It was so small I was sat about 2 metres away. It was fantastic.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

I have to admit I didn’t like this one. Such a disappointment after the first two episodes (which I thought were a vast improvement). It may have been my after-dinner G&T (which usually improves an episode) but the pacing seemed terrible.

There was no build up, we were straight into the action and then there was so much wasted time in the transport. They could have cut so much of that and spent some time on character development. I was reminded of “Midnight” and how that cramped, isolated scenario was done so much better.

And then the end – taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut. I honestly laughed out loud at the dialogue. Who thought that was a good idea? The only redeeming feature is that it reminded me of Tim Minchin taking the total mick out of pop stars like Michael Jackson or Bono who wouldn’t know subtle or subtext if they both punched them in the face at the same time.

But this is good – take your canvas bags to the supermarket:

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@juniperfish I’ve released all your posts and kept the first one (I think the others were more or less duplicates). Hopefully you won’t have any more problems. I think if you post too many links the system thinks you’re possibly a spammer so it puts them in “pending”.

Thanks for letting me know. And hopefully won’t happen again.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

Well, it might be the couple of gin & tonics I had since dinner but, I thought that was a vast improvement over possibly all the episodes from the last series. Loved all the time jump stuff and the fun stuff (such as Graham’s laser shoes – it’s a family show so it should be silly and fun at times – I can live with that). And there’s an ongoing story set up. It seems like Chibnall has learned from the reaction to last season. Here’s hoping it continues.

And if someone’s only takeaway from this is “Oh, yeah, forcing it down our throats that women did this and women did that and men are useless” I really feel sorry for them. But there’ll probably be a few.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

Hi all. Like The Doctor, I have returned on New Year’s Day. Apologies for abandoning you all for a while, and many thanks to those of you who were concerned – it is nice to know you care. I’m fine, just … y’know … stuff happens sometimes. Anyway, a new series is a good reason to get motivated again. I hope it will be great, and that the new year will be great for all of you.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

This ‘On The Sofa’ is now closed as it has exceeded the 1000 post limit by quite a bit – my bad! But there is a new, very comfortable sofa, for all sorts of Doctor Who chat here.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@pedant I got a message from Kayla too – so she’s been dealt with. Sorry but I’ve been busy with real world stuff but will try to get back to the site properly soon, including removal firms (although I have to wonder what they have to gain)

[Craig @replies Emperor]

Hi @blenkinsopthebrave Yes I’ve marked her/him as a spammer, and the next person who also registered with the same email domain right after I spammed them.

Some nights it’s like whack-a-mole!

[Craig @replies Emperor]

I think that I recommended “Snowpiercer” a while back. I was delighted to find that it has now been added to Netflix, so now I don’t have to watch it illegally.

It really is worth a watch. It is incredibly good. John Hurt, Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, Tilda Swinton and more, in a crazy allegorical sci-fi movie where all that’s left of humanity is stuck on a huge train travelling the whole globe, round and round.

It was directed by the amazing Korean director Bong Joon-ho and also stars several amazing Korean actors.

It is totally bonkers, but is worth your time, believe me. You won’t regret it. I’ve watched it several times and loved it every single time.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

Sorry for the late responses to you all @pedant @janetteb @whisht @mudlark @winston @thane16

Thank you for the kind words but I hope, actually I believe, it’s something anyone could and should do. As I said, I have no training, it just takes a bit of nerve to go up and talk to a stranger. It might take even more nerve to call up a friend.

Someone did commit suicide this week – unfortunately I wasn’t there. My neighbour, who also talks to people who look like they are in that frame of mind (we’re almost a tag team), reminded me that we can’t save everyone.

It’s been reported that he was a GP (a doctor) with a wife and two young daughters. You would think he had it all. I feel so sorry for all involved and can’t imagine how low, or disturbed, he must have been.

And yet he was loved. I took this picture tonight. Remember – you are always loved – even if you don’t think you are. And it will always get better. That’s what I always say to those I meet who are thinking about it.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@pedant You beat me to it. But here’s the beautiful clip from ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’.

Truly one of the greats.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

I guess this is some sort of Public Service Announcement. So it’s a bit dull, but I wanted to get it out there – for my own good, if not anyone else’s. I live near a well-known suicide spot and in the past two weeks I have talked two people out of killing themselves. Both had travelled for about an hour to get there – so they really made an effort and were serious.

And you know what I do? I just go up to them and say hello, then take it from there. It turns out people really like having someone to talk to. I’m not trained, I don’t have a map to follow, I just talk to them.

I guess my point is, if you have anyone you’re concerned about, pick up the phone and say hello. It does wonders.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

I’ve added this back to the home page as it completes our Chris Chibnall retrospective. We now have five episodes (four stories) to discuss in light of him becoming the new showrunner.

My own thoughts (which I can go into more detail if anyone wants) is that he wasn’t given the gig because the strength of his Doctor Who writing. None of his stories are standouts. I think, and this may be controversial, that “42” is probably the best of his pre-showrunner work. And it’s only okay.

I think he got the gig because, being a life-long fan, he knew what he was talking about when it came to Doctor Who, and because he’d done a good job on some Torchwood episodes (which I haven’t watched) and Broadchurch (which I haven’t watched). I believe he was viewed as a safe pair of hands – which, depending on your opinion, is maybe, or maybe not, what you want for a series about a madman/madwoman in a box.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

As @pedant suggests, this thread has gone over its maximum 20 pages so it’s now closed I’ve started a new one here:

General Music thread 4

[Craig @replies Emperor]

Thanks all – now marked as a spammer.

By the way, am hoping regular service will restart this Saturday I’ve had a lot going on but it’s almost over. Thankfully.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@pedant Cheers – spammer (or strangely confused person) duly removed.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@blenkinsopthebrave @bluesqueakpip, @thane16, @winston, @janetteb, @cathannabel,

I’m afraid I’m currently having to deal with some personal matters but normal service should be resumed in March. Hopefully you can wait until then.

We still have a short Chibnall retrospective to do, and a whole host of female Timelord stories lined up too.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@thane16 @kevinwho and everyone else. Apologies as always. I have marked our new friend as a spammer. (sorry for the delay but I was asleep – I have to sleep, sometimes) 🙂

Please do not respond to their emails. I have quite a tight ‘bot’ stricture on this site, but if a human signs up and posts nonsense messages then I’m kinda at your mercy. Thank you, you lovely people, for letting me know.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@cathannabel @miapatrick @whisht

Many thanks – have marked them both as spammers. It does seem to be the case that, because there is “Doctor” in the site name they think we might be interested in their dodgy medication. They take the time to sign up, and add a profile pic. But they don’t take the time to work out what the site is about!

[Craig @replies Emperor]

Just popping in – am home from my holidays. I watched “Killing Eve” with my Dad over the last few days. It is great. Was nominated for Best Drama at the Golden Globes and Sandra Oh won Best Actress. It’s a must see. It’s an “agent chases assassin” story, but it subverts so many of the normal storytelling tropes. The dynamic brings to mind Batman and the Joker or, dare I say it, The Doctor and The Master. Honestly, just watch it – you’ll love it.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@pedant @margaret-blaine @janetteb @kevinwho @jimthefish

Sorry, late to the party again (still on holiday). But you all seem to have done your thing. I think the user’s comments are fine – not great, but okay. It’s just the stupid username that’s the problem.

If they change it, as they say they will, then I’m gonna leave it. For now.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

Cheers @kevinwho. That’s what happens when you copy and paste from the previous thread and don’t read it properly! 🙂

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@pedant Thanks for letting me know.

I am now closing this thread (as it is way over the 20 page limit). A continuation of the thread can be found here:

The Faces of the Doctor (2)

[Craig @replies Emperor]

Following on from @arbutus – one for New Year. I really liked this.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@pedant Don’t worry, I’ve been keeping an eye on it. Nothing too bad just yet, but getting close.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

I thought you might like this, in a metaphorical kinda way. You may not know, but John Cena is a famous wrestling star in America, and has now branched out in to acting – he was very funny in “Trainwreck” and is about to appear in “Bumblebee”, the new Transformers movie.

He’s had a crew-cut his whole career, but now he’s grown his hair a bit. And people are telling him he’s ruined their childhood! Made me laugh a lot. Is every fandom the same?

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@thane16 Puro, that’s very kind of you. But I couldn’t have done it without all of you.

I know @blenkinsopthebrave is concerned about the level of engagement or conversation recently (which, although I liked the latest series I would lay some blame at). I am going to take some time over the holidays, have a think, see what the New Year special brings and then decide on what we do for a non-Doctor year.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@thane16 No worries Puro – love you.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

As this topic isn’t a big part of the site I don’t mind just chatting. Strangely enough, just after I posted, a user joined called adamsnowflake. It’s gonna be a fun few days, I can tell.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

I may sound like a conspiracy theorist now, but people who complain about SJWs are usually white, privileged mostly-males from the UK or USA. As are the mostly-males who call people “Snowflakes” yet who take massive offence whenever you question them, Brexit, or Trump.

So they are educated – always wrong, but educated.

I’m starting to wonder if our friend is/was a Russian plant. Who knows what plan they have? Break the BBC? Create gender politics wars? Just be a pain in the ass?

They will not win. Report any pains in the ass to me.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

So I got a post (quickly deleted by me) which confirms what I thought. And it’s not even grammatically correct English. I begin to wonder where our friend is from?

I came here mostly to validate that the pettiness of SJW fans who can not accept other opinions.

What an idiot.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

Radio Times readers have voted for their favourite episodes this series.

Spoilers – Rosa came out top.

https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2018-12-18/doctor-who-series-11-best-episodes-ranked-fans-vote-rosa-as-best-episode-of-jodie-whittakers-first-series/

Edit: it is slightly concerning that almost every episode written by Chibnall is the public’s least favourite (although we don’t know how much he had to do with Rosa).

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@ All I’m now kinda busy with the run up to Christmas, but I have made our friend a spammer and deleted some posts. I don’t need it in my life and neither do you. They’ll probably think it’s SJW censorship or something, but I don’t care – it’s really just dealing with someone who has really bad manners.

But really – if we get more, don’t engage, just point them out to me and I’ll deal with them.

I’d really like to have a decent conversation with a polite person who thinks the series is awful – but our ‘friend’ wasn’t that person.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

And another little Christmas card from the good people at Doctor Who:

To get you in the festive spirit! 🎅🎄 #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/kqZpesvq8m

— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) December 18, 2018

[Craig @replies Emperor]

HBO have now made ‘Brexit – the movie’ With Benedict Cumberbatch.

I wonder, and when you watch the trailer you’ll see what I mean, if they made this because they can’t quite target the Trump campaign just yet. So, although it’s real, it’s also a metaphor. Quite clever if that was their thinking.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@pedant

While Youtube embeds automatically, you have to click “More” (the down arrow) on Twitter and then use the Embed Tweet code (in the text version of the editor). Like this:

Final series averages for the whole modern show. #DoctorWho #ratings pic.twitter.com/4lu6h7qkKS

— Deep and crisp and Iain (@iainjclark) December 17, 2018

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@winston You can download it using this link:

https://www.thedoctorwhoforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Death-and-Nightingales.pdf

It was just a first draft so is a bit over-written. When I read it now I groan at some of the dialogue and would probably cut quite a bit of it – but it’s still not bad (if I do say so myself).

As I said before – trigger warnings. It’s a domestic drama but also, kind of, a metaphor about the early Irish ‘troubles’. It’s a complex story and the leading man is abusive to his wife and there are also threats of child abuse.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

So the Doctor (well, Stacey Dooley – who is almost a real-life version of the Doctor) won this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ (or ‘Dancing With The Stars’ as it’s called in the US).’

Big congrats to her.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@ichabod The one that immediately springs to mind is “Bladerunner”. The studio forced Ridley Scott and Harrison Ford to lay down a voiceover, as they thought no one would understand the film. You can tell Ford was bored with the whole thing. In the “director’s cut” they dropped the voiceover and added a few extra elements.

A lot of people think the “director’s cut” without the voiceover is far superior.

That said – I actually like the voiceover version just as well as the subsequent versions as it makes it a throw-back to film noir. But that’s just me.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@bluesqueakpip Cool. I hope she’ll be voting for Plaid Cymru. 🙂

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@idiotsavon Thank you for taking the time to read my script. I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I may post another one soon.

The TV version was really good – but it was interesting in that it almost completely focused on the second half of the story. There is little of Billy and Cathy. So, I hate to say it, but I think my version is more complex and interesting. The TV version may be more atmospheric though. Each has its own virtues.

I sent a message to the actress who plays Beth – I hope this works.

I used to work for Jonathan Cavendish and James Mitchell, when they first got the rights to the book, and knew Allan Cubitt too. I know the book well and I thought you were a brilliant 'Beth'. It was excellent. Look forward to seeing you in much more.

— Craig Murray (@CraigMurrayScot) December 12, 2018

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@bluesqueakpip Untangling Scotland from the UK basically means parting from one country (no offence meant towards Wales or Northern Ireland – but you know what I mean). Untangling from the EU means splitting from 27 countries (or is it 26, I lose count?)

Anyway, one seems much easier than the other.

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@bluesqueakpip That was the point. Upstream @idiotsavon wondered, if Scotland left the UK, would that condemn England to a lifetime of Tories. To which I said no – Scotland has little impact on the UK Government. So don’t worry if we go independent, it won’t effect you much!

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@thane16 @winston

I skipped through it and there are a lot of little treats in that fireplace video. The Doctor appears in the snow globe. Then she appears on the hill outside the window. There are custard creams on the table. Giant spiders crawl outside the window. And then the Doctor turns up and warms herself by the fire (at around 1hr 38mins).

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@idiotsavon (and cc. @jimthefish – see above post too)

I came across this today too. Just some proof that Scotland really doesn’t effect UK elections. It’s from the same source but the facts can be checked.

Why Labour doesn’t need Scotland

[Craig @replies Emperor]

@idiotsavon Following up on our conversation a while back, I thought you might find this interesting. ‘Wings’ is a very pro-independence website but it’s pretty factual, providing links to all his sources. So while it is partisan, it’s also quite reliable.

How Scottish Labour's toxic hatred of the SNP has brought the entire UK to the brink of a disastrous no-deal Brexit: https://t.co/PkKhgN1nod

— Wings Over Scotland (@WingsScotland) December 14, 2018

[Craig @replies Emperor]

To lighten the mood – this made me laugh. Another Christmas Card to everyone.

BBC America has produced a 2 hour video of a Doctor Who-themed fireplace. Put it on repeat for all your festive needs!

[Craig @replies Emperor]

I thought you might like this. An interview with James Cosmo. You may know him from Highlander, Braveheart, Trainspotting or Game of Thrones. But I know him because he’s my Uncle once removed (or something like that – my grandfather and his father were cousins – and he looks just like my Uncle).

You can skip the first 11 minutes as it’s all intro – but the rest is an interesting perspective on an actors life.

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