[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent Don’t think I have come across a mention of Drop bears yet in Discworld but  I still have about 30 plus books to read so plenty of opportunity. I do a colouring image for a local newsletter and last months featured drop bears. I am thinking of doing an image of a haggis running around a mountain next. I have a loose “mythology” theme.

@winston puppy punishment, now that is a novel idea. I guess at least it was memorable.

Cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent ah but you don’t have drop bears. (not sure how that is relevant.)

and @blenkinsoothrebrave I don’t recall the add in question but then did not watch very much commercial tv. Where I grew up we only got two channels, ABC and local which did not have much to offer. After leaving home I rarely watched tv and later, after settling down again and acquiring a video recorder  I would record any programs from commercial channels and cut out the adds. Does not surprise me however that Australia would “steal” a kiwi add. Australia has rather a habit of claiming credit for kiwi achievements, like for instance pavlova and The Piano.

Reminds me of something a Scottish landlady once told me. If the person who does something good is English then the British papers describe them thus but if the good/high achieving person is Scottish/Irish/Welsh they are described as “British”. If hte person commits a crime or something “bad” then if English they are “British” and if Scots/Irish/Welsh they are described as Scots/Irish/Welsh. (I did not read enough English papers to say if this is true or not)

Cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

@winston I will echo those sentiments. Hopefully we are seeing the beginning of a better USA, not just from the overt horrors of the past few years but of past horrors many of which have not been as “obvious” as the evils of the Trump era. Perhaps, (me being super optimistic here) Trump has been a much needed wake up call and brought things to the surface that might otherwise have kept festering and growing. Perhaps now issues such as climate change, social injustice and economic issues will be take more seriously and the growth of the far right will be dealt with.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@nerys it is good to know what someone wants in such circumstances. When my Mother in Law died as a result of a road accident we had no idea what she would want and made decisions that I regret still. I felt as though she would not have liked her funeral at all and that we let her down. It is important to “say farewell and honour a person’s life and it sounds as though you did that well.

Regards

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@winston I read the books some years back and really loved them so was very excited when I heard that BBC were doing an adaptation. It is just as I hoped, it captures the heart and scope of the story. The casting is excellent, the camera work stunning and the “daemons” very well done. We have started watching series 2 but it is the one show that the entire family watches together and getting them together is harder to organise that a feline conference on human management so it has become a very drawn out process. I am currently reading the second book of the new series, The Secret Commonwealth. I really recommend the books as they are very well written. I am finding these books to be “darker’ in tone than the original series, reflecting perhaps the world we live in now.

@dentarthurdent I believe that wearing masks on public transport is compulsory in other states and it should be. It makes sense though sadly it doesn’t not really effect us as our beloved train is being upgraded and so out of action indefinitely. Was supposed to be done in stages but plans keep changing and currently it is a one and a half hour bus ride to the city so we are not likely to be using public transport for a while. We caught a bus part way before Christmas and it was not at all pleasant and nobody was wearing masks. I keep mine and my s/o’s with me whenever we go out but his is still in its’ packaging.

Maybe there was an advertising campaign on tv and radio? I would miss that kind of information to as I get all my news from the net and very little of that is local. I now buy our local paper again but rarely read it. Not much of note happens in our little town and when it did back in April, the paper was closed down which meant that nobody knew there were seven local cases. Fortunately the paper was saved but they missed the big scoop of the year.

Here in S.A we also feel as though a storm could break over us at any moment. Makes it hard to plan anything. We got government accommodation vouchers but have not even looked at making bookings. We are living in a strange normal/not normal. Hopefully the vaccine will be effective but there is doubts about the vaccine our government has chosen and with some reason. They are not noted for their disinterested decision making.

Cheers

Janette

 

 

 

 

[janetteB @replies]

@nerys So sorry to hear about your Dad. It is always hard to loose a loved one, life is never quite the same and moving on, adjusting to the new reality takes time. Hope you can at least talk to family and share the memories even if it by digital means.

Regards

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@missy yes I noticed that when I was giving the eldest and his g/f my book wish list at Christmas. (I am making my way through the books very very slowly. Right now however I am reading Phillip Pullman’s The Secret Commonwealth. I really love his “Dark Materials” series.

Cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

@winston it is the State Premiers who are to thank for our current situation not the federal government who have done nothing except criticise left wing premiers like Dan Andrews. Funnily enough they do not criticise the right wing premiers. We are fortunate to be able to close borders, which is a big help but there have been some appalling examples of mismanagement of quarantine which makes one wonder if those in charge have really thought about what they are dealing with.

Hopefully Dr Who will be back again soon though I must confess it does not excite me as much as it used to do.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@winston Glad that your and your husband are safe and well. The selfishness and stupidity of some people has been a major factor in the spread of Covid. The traction given to “anti maskers” here in Oz is really depressing. When there are so many things we should be getting agitated about, like the destruction of this planet of ours, to jump and and down about something that saves lives is so absurd. Victoria suffered the same kind of pressure (from our idiot P.M) to lift lockdown during our winter months when they had the spike in numbers but the Premier stood his ground making him a hero to many but unfortunately he is being vilified by the right and the “anti-mask” crowd. Needless to say the P.M is happy to take any credit going for Victoria’s success in getting back to “donut days”.

Yes that old saying about “interesting times” comes to mind often these days. I am using it as a title in some writing I am doing. (And that was before December last year.)

cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

Saw that Ontario is now in full lock down. Best Wishes to @winston Keep safe and well and hope that “normality” will soon be restored.

Right now it feels as though the world is teetering not on one knife’s edge but on many knife edges. We have “interesting times” ahead.

Cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent I agree that the cubes were a great idea and the reactions to them were also fun. Have to love Brian sitting watching them. I also liked the “character interaction” scenes with the Doctor, Amy and Rory in the flat but the plot really let this episode down. (as I said before, I suspect some of the best lines were edited in, especially after watching series 11 and 12. That kind of “light touch humour” does not seem to be Chibnell’s style.

cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

wow. This thread had been dormant for a long time. Looking at the date on Phaseshift’s post reminds me of how old this forum is.

@blenkinsopthebrave The Lodger is a fun episode. Maybe not being familiar with James Cordon helps as I found the report between him and the Doctor to be delightful. I also enjoy Closing Time. Whenever The Doctor attempts to be human we are reminded of how alien he is.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@blenkinsopthebrave. I will have a look at it. I don’t think I have seen any of the Liz Shaw stories. I was thinking Day of the Daleks as it to me typifies the Pertwee years. My eldest son suggested Monster of Peladon but I would rather a story that features UNIT. We will do Dr Who in November so plenty of time to think about it.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

Not sure if this is official yet or just rumour still but it is giving the media something to talk about, (other than the orange idiot and his mutinous minions.)

I do wonder if it is simply expected now that an actor will quit the roll after three series and so people just expect J.W. to do so. If she is leaving though I feel that the next Doctor probably should be female too otherwise people will say that having a woman in the role was a “failed experiment” and not just simply how it is now. The Doctor changes gender when he/she regenerates, just as he/she changes every other aspect of appearance. But Michael Sheen as the Doctor, a tempting prospect given my top pick for the role is now out of the running on account of being cast as the Master. In fact it is getting harder to think of a potential actor who has not been in the show at some point.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

Happy New Year all. Fingers crossed 2021 will see a turning in the trend in world affairs, not just in terms of the pandemic but that we will also see the end of the march of right wing ideas and some attention given to our beleaguered environment at last. We are at a critical point now and, with a new administration in the U.S. I feel as thought there is a smidgen of hope for this dying planet after all.

@nerys Glad to hear your father is improving.

@missrori sorry to hear that you have been ill and hope you recover fully.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

Hi all,

This sounds like an interesting Dr Who project. I like the concept and hope they are able to do it given current restrictions in the U.K. Is this the first time Dr Who has been produced for theatre? (discounting Proms that is)

Also there was an article in the Guardian recently about Sacha Dhawan which is of interest. (still think he would have been an ideal future candidate for the role of the Doctor if he had not been cast as The Master)

And lastly a link to a podcast on a community website reviewing the second Doctor story, Tomb of the Cybermen. It is split into two parts as was too large for the site. This particular story generated a very robust discussion which was too good to cut. (editor’s view anyway) Another note, the editor does not necessarily agree with all the views expressed in this podcast. If you listen I think you will recognise what I am referring to.

Year before, (2019) the group reviewed “An Unearthly Child” and this year the plan is to look at a Pertwee story. Doing a Doctor a year.

Cheers

Janette

 

 

 

[janetteB @replies]

@blenkinsopthebrave I only just saw the item about Waris Hussein. He was especially talented given the obstacles he had to overcome to succeed at the BBC at that time. Really liked the portrayal of him in An Adventure in Space and Time.

We watch through a projector or if I am watching things while on the exercise bike, on son’s monitor so the 4k will not be noticed here either. We recently watched The Tomb of the Cybermen for a podcast. I always enjoy re watching the older stories. (and the new ones)

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

Merry Christmas to all

cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@nerys Nova Scotia sounds so lovely. Your descriptions bring back memories of L.M.Mongomery books. Glad you father is recovering.

@blenkinsopthebrave and @winston I really wish that our government had made mask wearing compulsory, especially as I spent an afternoon making myself a mask and have barely had an opportunity to wear it. Instead they are rolling out a “check in” thing which is fine only does not work for older model phones like mine. I have already been turned away from one premises because I could not check in. (they were at fault as they are supposed to offer a paper alternative for details but were not doing so.)

We are fortunate here and I really appreciate that especially after Victoria suffered so badly. As long as our governments bungle the quarantine accommodation however we are at risk and I would feel safer if people were wearing masks. Covid is so so contagious and spreads so quickly that once you know it is “out” in the population it is already too late. We have  been debating whether or not to go to the city Christmas shopping and I am nervous about doing so not helped by the fact that our train service is currently not fully operational due to line upgrades and the bus we would have to catch was the one that was noted as being a source of contamination a few weeks back. (Is safe now one assumes but is still off putting) I really hate driving to the city but otherwise cannot go book shopping and I want to avoid Amazon so it is city, bookshop and market with masks..

I hope that others are able to connect with family over christmas. Was looking at  photos in the Guardian yesterday of socially distanced Santas. This is certainly going to be a Christmas like no other.

Regards

Janette

 

 

[janetteB @replies]

@arbutus lovely to hear from you. You have been missed. Glad that you are doing ok in Vancouver.Sorry to hear about the health problems, not a good year for that.. I like the sound of your Advent Calendar. That is a  great idea. Our Son’s Girlfriend just bought the Elder Scrolls cookbook which has some very tempting drinks in it.

We have been fortunate here apart from out little “blip” a couple of weeks ago, the weekend we had finally booked to go away but this is that kind of a year where is nothing is certain. In a way I am not sorry about the restrictions here which are still very light but mean no Christmas events to organise though I am hoping to be able to host our traditional “end of term/year Christmas Drinks with the neighbours. IT is a long established tradition and we would be no more than ten, but that does not include the kids who will be upstairs and never join in so I feel as though we would not be breaking any rules. (though fingers crossed the number permitted for private gatherings will increased before then.)

Cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

@heyoli Hi Welcome. We watched this story just over a week ago, it being one of my favourites I have watching it many many times. there is no explanation of who the family are or their origins. They are just another of those random Dr Who “monsters”. If  I have one complaint about Dr Who is it the total absence of any attempt at “world building.”

@winston is right. Martha Jones is the real hero of this story. Having worked in hospitality back in student days I really relate to her. “Private school” boys, (in Aus we refer to them a private schools) are the most offensive. I refused to work on those events after a while. “Public Schools”, (which in Aus’ are no fee, government schools) were never a problem.

cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

@winston If I am ever fortunate enough to get to Canada then I will certainly visit and likewise if you ever get to Australia then would love to meet you.

Back in the early “noughties” I was active in a toy collector’s forum and when we went to the U.K there was a meet up which was one of the highlights of the trip. It was so nice to meet people in person after being part of an on line community.  Now our kids talk about overseas travel in the same way that our parents generation did, as something that will never be in their reach.

@blenkinsopthebrave Our one day heatwave is over thankfully and we have had rain but there was a bushfire up on the hill just out of town near to one of our favourite wineries, this afternoon. The waterbombers seem to have stopped flying over so guessing it is now controlled and this is supposed to be a cool summer… As for Murdoch’s mates in Canberra.. they clearly live in a very different “reality” to me and just about everybody else for that matter..

cheers

Janette

 

 

 

 

[janetteB @replies]

@devilishrobby, @blenkinsopthebrave and @bluesqueakpip It would be interesting to see the Doctor and Yaz working together as they are forming a strong team I do feel that a bit of “gender balance” is good and so whether it is Ryan and Graeme joining the team occasionally or a new male companion it would satisfy that requirement. Also I like there to be two companions but felt at times that three was too many. The Doctor sometimes seemed to be overwhelmed by the “fam”.

I did hear somewhere that Tosin Cole had been cast in something so maybe he is moving on to “bigger’ things. I think that Ryan as a character is not dependent upon Graeme but not the other way around.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@devilishrobby  I was not aware that two companions are leaving. Hopefully that is Graeme and Ryan. Though  I will miss them would prefer not to loose Yaz yet as I feel the character has a lot more untapped potential. The dynamic between the companions and the Doctor has been one of the best aspects of series 11 & 12 so loosing any part of the “fam” is a shame.

I also like the new design and it makes sense if the two stories are linked.

cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent I loved Blakes 7 when I was young. Our boys were introduced to it at a young age. We did a podcast on it last year. (I will put up links but the site is undergoing a transition at the moment and I have to check to see that the older posts are there.) Babylon 5 was inspired by Blakes 7 and Doctor Who among other things. The first series is not particulary gripping but it improves massively. The best is brilliant but there are some cringey moments.

I just recently re watched Sherlock. It is very “Moffat”. Have you watched the recent Moffat/Gattiss Dracula? IT seems to follow their usual pattern of starting out brilliantly but tapering off at the end.

@blenkinsopthebrave Fun clips and scarily apt.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@thane16 gosh the lengths we Adelaidians have to go to  to get noticed…

@blenkinsopthebrave. Yes I am always grateful that my ancestors took the long journey around the planet and not the short hop across the pond, much though I would love to visit Canada one day. I am happy to be on the other side of the planet to the U.S. right now.  I am afraid that there is still plenty of trouble ahead, with a resident in the White House who refuses to leave. I think most people here welcome the decision to lockdown hard and fast. Better by far than delay and then be in lockdown for much longer though we here are “caught short” not having facemasks and as they are already sold out I am looking at making some.

@dentarthurdent when we get to Xena  I will ask your advice as to which episode to watch. IT may be a while though as we only record monthly and we have a very long list. This month we will be doing Tomb of the Cybermen as I have decreed that November is Dr Who month and I want to cover one story from every Doctor. We did An Unearthly Child last year and the New Doctor the year before. (as a special.)

Cheers

Janette

 

 

 

 

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent Have not watched either Hercules or Xena though the later is on our “Too watch” list for the cult TV podcast. Sounds like Hercules is another contender. (we look at Cult TV shows from over 20 years ago. that is so we can fit in Black Books.)

Well we are now in full on lockdown. Apparently there are mad queues at the supermarkets. We have a well stocked pantry and over stocked fridge and freezer so hoping to hold out until sanity resumes. It is only for one week and we are a very small state so really no reason to fear shortages. Our trip to the River is not happening but the money is being refunded and so another time.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent Your mechanics incident sounds like one of my plumbing disasters. I went about replacing a washer the wrong way and still have to fix up the resulting mess.

Yes The River is the Murray.Water is a very scarce commodity in South Australia so the river is a vital source of fresh water, much fought over with the eastern states.

My knowledge of N.Z is pretty sketchy though improved after watching LOTR. My partner has visited a couple of times for work but that was when the boys were young and we stayed home.

cheers

Janette

 

 

[janetteB @replies]

Nice to see so many familiar faces on the forum again. It has been very quite here for the last few months.

@dentarthurdent I hope the “outbreak” in Auckland is under control now.

@nerys Hoping that your Dad is doing ok.

Well we have been feeling like we are living in a Covid safe bubble too but two days ago that bubble burst with our first community transmission cases since April 16 and now we are heading back into lockdown which is unfortunate for us as we have a holiday away booked for this weekend, our first break for the year. We were going to the River for a Writing event. In S.A. there is only one river so people talk about “going to the river”. I suspect the event won’t be happening but hopefully we can still get away, for a socially isolating weekend. So now it is us checking the daily dashboard for updates and let’s see if our Premier can match Dan Andrews, (Victorian Premier) for dedication.

Cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

@nerys So sorry to hear about your Dad. I hope that he is lucky and pulls through this. Do take care of yourself too through this difficult time.

Regards

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent I agree totally with your list of potential Doctors. They all have the quality that J.W. lacks. I felt the same about Peter Davison. He was a good actor, as is J.W. but lacked that something else that is needed for the role. J.W. is also hampered by scripts as was P.D. Both are passable Doctors but neither for me quite nail what it takes. They perhaps feel too much like actors playing the part whereas the actor playing the Doctor should just be the Doctor.  I do feel that she is more natural in the role by series 12. I will probably really like her as the Doctor by the times she leaves.

Sophie Okonedo, aka Liz 10 would have been a great Doctor. She has that “spark”. Seems most of the best potential Doctor’s have already appeared in the show. Sacha Dhawan was top of my Doctor/actor wish list so I was really disappointed when he appears in series 12 as another character. I kept thinking, “but he would be so much better as the Doctor”. (better than as the person he was cast as that is)

I don’t like the new Tardis interior either but am getting used to it. Have not really been a fan of any of the AG interiors other than the Capdoc one. Loved the bookcases. Just what the Tardis needs.

Cheers

Janette

 

 

[janetteB @replies]

@thane16 so sorry to hear that you lost a close family member due to covid 19 and difficult not being able to see her before she passed away.

@mudlark good to hear from you. Glad that you are keeping well.

@nerys I don’t think the “Orange Menace” will conceed willingly or gracefully and like you fear that there is trouble ahead but his power base is fast evaporating. (good to hear from you too.)

Cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

Um. My reply just got eaten so try again.

Thank you for that link @blenkinsopthebrave A good antidote to the news, or lack of. This is torture even for us on the other side of the planet because the welfare of the planet is at stake.

Fingers crossed, toes crossed,

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent I stopped watching Dr Who at about the time Peter Davison took over due to life circumstances, leaving home and heading off to the other side of the planet mostly. Watched a few episodes while living in the U.K but don’t even recall what they were, then many years later saw several McCoy stories and would have re engaged but then the series was cancelled. It did feel as though it was canned just when it had hit an upwards trajectory. But at the same time I do appreciate the gap. Maybe it it had not been cancelled then it would have run aground again and we would not have had the wonderful revival ten or so years later.

Ace is a good companion, one of my favourites from BG Who.

While on the subject of BG Who there was this rather fun article on the Guardian the other day. “Gotta” love that cheeky smile, still the same after all these years.

Cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

@blenkinsopthebrave I am not sure I could keep it down to just three Desert Island Stories. I would want at least one from each Doctor AG and the first four BG but if I really had to get it down to just two,

Oh this is tough,..

1, and 2 Human Nature and Family of Blood. 3. Has to be a Capaldi. Maybe Last Christmas for the reasons mentioned by @dentarthurdent and if 1 & 2 count as one story then third would be Day of the Doctor.

The Empty Child and The Doctor Dances are certainly the best of the first series and would be my fourth choice. Hard to pick between those two and Human Nature and Family of Blood.

@dentarthurdent I just watched Ghost Light which was ok. Not brilliant but certainly watchable. I do like Ace as a companion and there is a great rapport between her and the Doctor. Curse of Fenric is another good story.

cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

Hi @dentarthurdent I have been looking forward to your review of this episode. It is one of my favourites from this series, in part because of the location, in part because of the very welcome appearance of Grace and the early scenes in the house. The ending is a bit rushed and there are some narrative inconsistencies but overall it is a very enjoyable episode and has a “Who” feel that some of the earlier episodes lack.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@blenkinsopthebrave I know of the book though I have never read it. I do often think of the title, though I thought it was “The Great Australian Ugliness” when I look at post war houses. It seems Australian architecture is on a “race to the bottom”. Our houses get uglier and uglier. There is a street that I walk down when walking into town with some lovely colonial housing. One stone cottage would date back to the 1860s or 70s at a guess. It was recently extended, understandably as it would be no more than two rooms, but there has been no attempt made to compliment the style of the original. I just don’t understand the thinking or lack of. Even on a tight budget one can have sash windows in wooden frames, (I know..) and a rough render that won’t conflict with the stone and scream modern.

I hope you find the rake. When we lived in Sweden we had a similiar situation with the snow shovels. We did not realise their usefulness and let the boys play with them so when it snowed they were buried under the snow, disaster..

@winston Belated happy Thanks giving. Incidentally my Great, great, great grandfather moved to Moore township in Lambton County Ontario. The story is that he visited his son in Australia then went on to visit another son in Canada and settled there.  I am reading this from family history so the names may well have changed over the years.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@blenkinsopthebrave I always say that in Australia we are so focussed on keeping houses cool in summer that we entirely forget about the need to keep warm in winter, especially in S.A which has very cold winters. The early settlers built cellars and water tanks before they built proper houses. Our house originally had both but the former has been filled in. The kitchen was always separate to keep the cooking heat away from the main house. I guess they were used to cold but the heat must have been a shock to them. I can’t imagine how they survived those summers without any form of cooling and barely any fresh water.

It still makes sense to have cellars in Aus but post war housing is designed to be as cheap to build as possible with little regard for energy saving, comfort or aesthetics. I do think Australia must have the worst house design on the planet.

And another thing, (rant warning) that really irks me about Australian housing is the attitude that a house is an asset not a home. We were reprimanded repeatedly for “over capitalising” when we built an extension on our house, an extension that has enabled our children to stay at home, to have partners move in and friends to stay. (We now have seven people living in our house..)  The money we spent vastly improved our quality of life but we were told we were throwing it away.

I agree re’ attics and cellars. When we lived in Sweden we had a three story house, basement, ground floor and attic level. It was not a large house but full of “secret spaces.” When we built the extension we built up rather than out, swallowing up the garden as is the trend here. Due to heritage restrictions we could not build above the original roof height but due to the ceiling height in the old house we were able to have attics. I do understand why Australians did not have attics as they get very hot in summer, even with heavy duty insulation and good air flow but for the kids it almost feels like their own place up there. We now have an “upstairs” cat. Eldest son and his girlfriend recently got a cat that has yet to leave their room, and meet the “downstairs” cat. Interesting times ahead..

cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent I never miss a new post on the forum. (And I check far too often.) I really enjoy this story too. It is one of the few that I re watch from this series. The story reminded me of a book we studied in “Post Colonial Lit”. which lacked the demons. I did like that the aliens were not evil. Disappointed however to learn that it was not filmed in location but guess there are reasons for that.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@blenkinsopthebrave  I do agree that anything that has been screened no longer counts as a spoiler. The location in question is Gallifrey. I was not happy at all about that story development especially as we have seen Gallifrey at the end of the universe. It felt rather as though Chibbers was stomping on Moff’s story.

We feel as though we are currently living in a bubble in S.A. Life goes on almost as normal. Last night we even went to the city for the first time since Fringe in Feb’ and to the cinema. (don’t ask what film…) But we are aware that our security is fragile, very fragile and everyone makes plans while looking for something wooden to touch, even the most cynical of us. When all else fails we fall back on superstition. (well at least I do, silly though it is)

The entire world is watching the U.S with trepidation. I always think the one disadvantage with Canada is not the weather but its border. (even though I really, really feel the cold I love snow and extreme cold and in Canada the houses are well heated. We probably feel the cold more here in S.A. because heating is an alien concept and our houses are designed purely for summer and turn into ice boxes in winter.)

cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@blenkinsopthebrave Thank you for the good news. (Might be a bit spoilery for those who have not yet seen series 12)  I hoped the festive special (if there was one) would pick up from the last episode and I’m still hoping to see some of the events of series 12 undone, especially as the depiction of a certain location does not tie into earlier stories, which are set much later.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@winston N.Z has the advantages of being an Island and Jacinta Arden. I think too many people just don’t appreciate how contagious this virus is or how dangerous and governments keep obsessing over the economic damage rather than the human cost. I hope you will be able to see your grandchildren in person again soon. A good friend of mine became a grandmother just when lockdown started in March and had to wait two months to see her granddaughter.

@dentarthurdent The cat is very well. Bank account less so..

@oochillyo I like Doctor Mysterioso too but like Winston I do a Christmas Special re watch in the run up to Christmas, usually starting late November. I also try to squeeze in Hogfather which was my introduction to Pratchett and several other dramas. (usually a Dickens. Like Gatiss I do like a good ghost story at Christmas.) sorry I can’t advise as to the I Player problem.

I am currently re watching Sherlock as I felt like some “Moffaty” writing. I see that he is now working on something titled Jekyll. (He worked on a tv series back in 2007 with the same name so presumably whatever this is it is based upon that,)

Cheers

Janette.

 

 

[janetteB @replies]

Hi all.

Hi @winston really sorry  to hear that you are back in Lockdown. I think this is going to be an “ongoing” for all of use for a long time to come. We have spent the last few months holding our breaths as we dodge the bullets here. the situation across the border in Victoria shows just how easily and quickly Covid can get out and spread. Thankfully they seem to have the lid on it now.

@dentarthurdent We so seem ot agree mostly but not on Arachnids in the U.K I thought Yaz’ family were great but the only good thing in the episode, perhaps because here in Oz we cannot afford to be so forgiving of spiders. A couple of years ago one of our sons and a visiting neighbour were attacked at the top of the stairs by a funnelweb, Luckily it didn’t get to bite because while not the Sydney variety which are very deadly, it would still have been very nasty. We also share our house and garden with a major colony of redbacks. Australia must be the only country to ever censor an Peppa Pig. (the episode in question stated that spiders are friendly.)

Rosa I enjoyed parts of. The moment where Graeme realises that he had to be that guy to keep history on track is good. The history elements are good and the subject matter very pertinent at the moment. I think the real problem is that after the “show” which is good we then get the “tell”, something that seems to be common problem with the Chibnell era stories. I worry that the “preachiness” of the ending alienates those who agree with the message as they “got” it and undoes any good that the story achieved with those who don’t agree but might be influenced by the story by ramming in the message. It has been over a year since I watched Rosa so I might be doing the episode an injustice.

I have more to add but am being reminded that the cat is due at the vets in 15 mins so will post now and continue when we return.

cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent Hi. I am following your posts with interest. Overall I am in agreement with you. Series 11 does improve but I found it lacking. One family member said it lacked “charm” but I think “bland” is very apt. It is good but all a but bland. There are no terrible episodes but no brilliant ones. There are only three episodes in the series that I enjoy enough to re watch. I do feel that Jodie Whitaker’s acting lacks that magic ingredient that the role of the Doctor requires. (I felt exactly the same way about Peter Davison.) Both are fine actors. P.D was probably one of the best actors to play the Doctor before the gap but he lacked that ingredient which Tom Baker, who was not such a great actor, had in spades. The actor who plays Grace may well have been better. she is charismatic and warm. There were comments to that effect here after watching the first episodes. I don’t dislike J.W. and I think she is hampered by scripts which are often ‘leaden”. Maybe if Moffat was show runner we would see some of that charm and charisma that is lacking.

On the companions  I agree and disagree. I liked the “fam”, Yaz especially. She is a good character played with conviction. She feels more “real” than many of the previous companions. Ryan and Graeme can be a bit to ready to play the “wise words” role, a bit preachy, which is one of the problems with the writing of the series overall. That is pared down a bit in series 12 I think. It feels as though there is a bit more confidence in the writing, letting the narrative speak for itself. My issue with the companions is one with the writing. At times the splintering of the narrative feels contrived at at time they overshadow the Doctor. But for me these are minor quibbles.

The good news is having just re watched series 12 I can say it is much better than series 11 so hang on, keep watching.

Good Omens is wonderful. I have yet to read the book. It is on top of my “too read” pile. Oh and check the You Tube Good Omens lock down snippet. It is golden.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

Another lost story animation. Article about it is here

It is great that the missing stories are being brought back in some form, as best as can be done without access to a Tardis.

Cheers

Janette

 

[janetteB @replies]

@oochillyo We are the extended “fam”. I like that idea.

@dentarthurdent I agree you on most points but not the Tennant/Rose pairing. Their’s is the Doctor/Companion relationship that I like least of AGWho. (After Gap  Who) Series 2 is my least favourite and I find Rose quite irritating in some episodes.

Three seems to be the magic number for the Tardis crew it seems. (Doctor and two companions.) More than two companions can work but too often one is getting pushed to the background which I feel is a tendency in these last two series. Often I think there is too much of Graeme not enough time for Yaz and Ryan to develop and even the Doctor is sometimes taking second place.

cheers

Janette

 

 

[janetteB @replies]

@oochilyo and @dentarthurdent I am really enjoying your discussion. Sorry for not joining in but am busy with lots of stuff and usually read posts here when I am tired or just need a break.

Declan, I will defend Clara too, but like Dentarthurdent I am biased because I like Clara, though many of my friends do not so I get that to some viewers she is annoying. She does treat Danny badly but she is aware of doing so. She does take responsibility for her “faults”. Clara to me is very real and very human. I really enjoy the report between her and “CapDoc”.

Kill The Moon is one of the few recent episodes that I just can’t watch. Forest of the Night is also preposterous but it gets a pass from me because it is fun, has heart and though the science is silly there is a good message in it and I love the idea of a forest growing up overnight in London.

We recently watched Extremis and the following two episodes. I understand Bill’s decision to ask for help from the monks. she was left with two bad choices because the planet was not likely to survive without the Doctor. In her position would I do as she did, possibly and it did buy time. She saved the Doctor and in doing so ensured the eventual saving of the planet.

It is a pity Bill and Nardole did not get to do another series as  I really enjoyed them both as companions.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

Are we doing a re-watch of this?? Tried it once and did not get far but might have been my frame of mind at the time. Will give it another go.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent That is a wonderful and very comprehensive analysis of Hell Bent. Reading it was almost as good as watching the actual episode. It is a beautiful episode and as you demonstrate the writing and acting are both close to perfection as is the directing. I do think this episode and Heaven Sent are two of the best of the best Who stories.

Cheers

Janette

[janetteB @replies]

@dentarthurdent (I hope I spelt that correctly..) I read Day of the Doctor at Christmas and loved it. It is so typically MOffat in style, witty, clever and imaginative. One of the best “Who” novelisations I have read. Definitely worth its place on the bookshelf.

Cheers

Janette

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