[Whisht @replies]

ah – a bit late in commenting on this one (saw it last week) but wanted to echo a lot of @bluesqueakpip

I was also really impressed with the costumes and wondered if there’d been a recent Aztec-era play that they’d been nabbed from (especially that puma/ jaguar mask).

As for John Ringham – he’s got his teeth into it (and maybe the set) but I loved-out-loud his “Destroy him!” and “I will destroy her” lines.

As for Ian’s judo, I wonder if the Doctor had shown him any Venusian Aikdo…

[Whisht @replies]

Yes, I went there.

No apologies.

😉

[Whisht @replies]

Just wanted to say I enjoyed this (not seen it before).

Agree with pretty much everything above (“Richard III” made me laugh @blue!).
Interesting insight that this hammy-ness might be more prevalent in historicals @jimthefish – I don’t know the historical stuff well enough but something I’ll watch out for (maybe its a reflex when actors where togas etc).

And agree with you about the Doctor being “low in the mix”.
I’ve only seen a couple of Hartnell era stories (here to be honest), and if the show wasn’t called “Doctor Who” I wonder if anyone watching would think it should be called “The Time Travellers”, “Journeys Through Time” or similar, as the Doctor seems to be just another of the travellers in the Tardis (albeit one with most of the ‘knowledge’ like the ‘scientist’ is in stuff like the film Journey To the Centre of The Earth).

Anyway, what do I know – I’m off to be silly on the Music thread.

[Whisht @replies]

So as there have been so many mentions in the press recently (100 year anniversary and all), I thought I’d try and find some music.

Some of what I found was a bit earnest so I thought I’d play something a bit more fun :

 

and of course, all links lead to Bowie :

[Whisht @replies]

shit.

That might be a review or a response to another death.

For me its the latter.

With so many songs I could link to many and give a skewed appreciation of them, or just link to one (and admit the skew). This one is because, well, every planet has a North.
I’m not sure anyone liked everything they released and I’m sure they liked it that way.

But my main thoughts are with my mate Joe who encouraged/dragged me to their gigs and was just so happy there.
RIP

[Whisht @replies]

@pedant – True that 46 is no fucking age (says the guy who is 46 for at least another month or so).

Another musician that has died is the rather longer-lived Hugh Masekela.
I don’t know his music well; I heard this many years ago and loved it, but a subsequent hunt and ‘Best of’ didn’t have anything even close, so will have to see if there’s more I should listen to.

Its kinda raw, but if its not your thing then I’m sure that many here will enjoy the other Monterey songs if the right-hand related list is anything like mine!

[Whisht @replies]

Hiya all – just a note to say that I’m up for any re-watching regardless of the theme (and also hadn’t realised there were so many Time Ladies!).

Sadly @blenkinsopthebrave I’m just a bit too young to remember Peter Wyngarde first time around (except for Flash Gordon but that’s hardly his greatest role!).

Now (sadly) off to the Music thread for a post.

[Whisht @replies]

Ah, @craig
Funnily enough when I first read your post I couldn’t see the image and couldn’t listen. When I read her name I thought “uh oh – she does rather wear her Radiohead influences on her sleeve…”

and then realised it was Lianne de Havas I was thinking of!! *

So – I hadn’t heard Lana Del Rey’s song before, so I thought I’d listen and write stream-of-consciousness as I did…

…and I was pissing myself laughing that she/ they thought they could get away with it!!
Honestly – it feels like they traced the damn thing from the songsheet!
oh – but here’s a break that doesn’t sound like Creep – it instead sounds like something from a David Lynch film.
ah – back to Creep I mean the cover version with different lyrics.

ha ha ha ha ha. ahem.

I know that songwriters sometimes sing over other songs to find something and create something of their own; but this just feels like they forgot to do the second bit!

Now onto the Hollies – I hadn’t heard this before (nor its own controversy with Creep).
oh hold on, of course I have heard this before.
Ah, now that I hear it again, I can hear why they contested this one.
And this does sound like Radiohead may have started with it as inspiration for the verses and though changing stuff, not actually changed it enough (at least to satisy the lawyers).
At least they didn’t try to keep the “all I need is the air that I breathe” bit as that is truly iconic.
Anyway, seems like the Radiohead lawyers cut a deal and awarded some royalties of Creep to the Hollies (which may be why they now want 100% of Lana’s royalties – or maybe its because Lana’s is more blatant – or maybe because, y’know, they’re lawyers).

Anyway all thoughts my own ramblings and if lawyers would like this post removed, I’m happy to hum it and upload the sound file sans words.

* and here’s where she covers Radiohead’s Weird Fishes which is just effing amazing gievn its at Glastonbury which is open air and not intimate in any way, yet she manages to try anyway.

maybe she just likes arpeggios (or maybe I just can’t tell what they are!)

and Radiohead doing Weird Fishes live

[Whisht @replies]

Hi @pedant – ah yes, The Farm.

I’ll admit I didn’t know that one was about the Christmas truce.
Somehow I’d scrubbed any knowledge (and sound) of them from my ears and brain.

Thanks for re-introducing that ‘music-hole’ back to my memory.

{ahem}

😉

Anyway, here’s something where the lyrics aren’t really that close to the episode, but it came up on shuffle and I went “yeah!”

🙂

[Whisht @replies]

Had been trying to find a ‘happy new year’ tune but nothing feels right (will try harder).

Had been trying to find something for Twice Upon a Time (but again, still not finding anything just right).

So will fall back on this.

So long Doctor – and welcome!

Happy New Year everyone!

[Whisht @replies]

Thanks @thane16 – that’s kind of you but as with any artwork in my avatars or whatever, its from a galaxy long ago and far far away!

Maybe when I retire in a few decades (which may never happen as I have no savings!) I’ll pick up the brushes again. Until then, I like the taste of beer and wine too much, which kinda screws up drawing.

#misplacedpriorities

😉

I missed getting back to @phaseshift too, but couldn’t think of a good question. The best come from young kids, so hope some of them got a chance (and no matter how childish I can be, sadly I can’t think like a kid!).

Really glad to hear you and your family gearing up for Christmas – truly hope you have a fantastic time!

[Whisht @replies]

[Whisht @replies]

As usual, the only Christmas music in chez Whisht is this

And this one is always fun (I love the “budderrumbdderummbumbm”)

[Whisht @replies]

Merry Xmas everyone!

Hope all of you are able to enjoy time away from the daily grind and spend it doing something special.

I’ll probably be watching the episode on the day, but will probably rewatch it before making many comments.
Thanks again to @craig for maintaining this place and thanks to everyone for reading, posting, discussing and sharing.
Here’s hoping 2018 brings even more to chew over!

[Whisht @replies]

nah, me neither.

and I’m a little bored by the lack of convincing argument on this one.
The Doctor doesn’t have to be:
– Male
– Female
– Two armed
– Two legged
– White
– Black
– Brown
– Southern
– Northern
– Scottish
– English
– Blue
– Hairy
– Bald
– Young looking
– Old looking
– Irritable
– Charming
– On Earth
– Limited by the imaginations of the audience
– Limited by the imaginations of the writers

etc etc blah blah.

The Doctor doesn’t even have to be liked (ie we have precedence).

[Whisht @replies]

I hadn’t seen this before (wasn’t alive at the time and hadn’t seen any version before now).

I think I’ll I’ll agree with @bluesqueakpip in that the animation is more dramatic and easier to follow as [ahem] drama, but I was glad to see the stills etc version to see what it was based on and for the glimpses of the actual programme.

I’m curious as to what the audience knew of what would happen before this episode aired – did anyone in the general audience know that this was the last time they’d see Hartnell as the Doctor? Was it a ‘big deal’ as an episode? Was Troughton known as joining the cast?

I’m not going to comment too much on the episode itself – I can imagine Hartnell’s poor health really affected the production.
I had thought that more would have been made of the over-emotional response of Cutler (and others) and the Cybermen’s lack of emotion (and how the Cybermen were the more successful in most of the decision making until the necessary ‘stoopid’ things like entering a radiation room etc etc).
But then again I’m not a writer!
Also whether the scientists (and Ben) dressed in radiation suits was deliberately echoing the Cybermen themselves.

Anyway – really glad we did this and really looking forward to hearing anyone who saw this the first time.

[Whisht @replies]

ah, cheers @craig – I’ll take a look after its all over (in case of trivial spoilers!)

😉

While watching this episode, I thought to myself how shouty it was (perhaps the first one too).
Then I was pondering on my way home tonight, how angry Cutler is (as is the Doctor to be honest).
And now I’m wondering if this will be mirrored by Cutler’s decision-making in terms of his son in space. Whether crucial decisions may be undone through his emotional attachment and how this echoes how unperturbed and rational the Cybermen were in terms of Zeus IV’s situation.

Or maybe we’ll see Cutler being emotionally detached, as that’s the ‘right’ (military) way to make decisions… but by doing so seeming to be monstrous.

hmmm looking forward to it !

[Whisht @replies]

I enjoyed this.
Not much to add to others’ observations.
I think the sing-song voice is a bit odd at times, but the fact that he doesn’t move his lips for words but simply as a speaker is very creepy).
I think some of the reasons its more ‘gripping’ is the use of the countdown (with cuts between faces each second) as well as some of the other group scenes in the base, as the camera pans between people (and has to focus which makes it feel very ‘live’ – because it is!).

I also like the credits but not sure if this was common to use affects for opening and closing credits of Who.

N N N N
XX XX XX XX
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ZZ ZZ ZZ ZZ ZZ ZZ ZZ
N N N N N
XX XX XX XX XX

[Whisht @replies]

[belated] Happy Birthday @thane16 !!

Curly hair??

Be careful if you have flowing locks, as it could lead to my current situation…

😉

Here’s something more lively from the Jam

(and live its amazing to see the energy they had!)

[Whisht @replies]

Well I enjoyed this.
I haven’t seen it before, so don’t know what happens.
I think @bluesqueakpip has mentioned a few of my thoughts but here’s a couple more:

– Cutler is such an idiot, he invites unknown and possibly hostile people into the viewing area so they can get a good look at what’s going on (maybe by 1986 there are no ‘hostile’ people?).
– I love the fact its so ‘international’ though I cringed at it at the same time (oh, Italian you say? Better sing me some opera and ogle at girls – mama mia!).
– I really like Ben (or the actor playing him at least – he seems a bit less ‘actor-y’ than some of the others perhaps).
– Mondasian Cybermen wisely have goolie-warming heating units in the cold conditions.
– cloaks make for wonderful disguises.
– karate chops are really really effective (hii-ya!).

[Whisht @replies]

Hey @craig – ah damn, sorry to hear about your situation.
I’ve been on both sides of it, and it starts and ends in spreadsheets, but hopefully people are being human throughout.

Thanks for putting up the Tenth Planet – hope this place is a fun distraction for you, as its giving a great distraction and communal place for lots of people.

[Whisht @replies]

Some may say my listening habits of late have erred toward the silly, but who could resist picking up a CD in a charity shop with this emblazoned on the cover:

“Cover versions of Krafwerk songs, arranged primarily on re-tooled Lo-bit gaming technology. Features some of the 8-bit scene’s best innovators and several of the inventors themselves.”

I hadn’t heard the original of this one, but think I actually prefer it!

If you liked that one, the album’s over here.

[Whisht @replies]

“Novelty record?” I don’t hear you ask.

Well, if you insist…

[Whisht @replies]

posted this before, I’m sure, but may as well again.

@missrori – imo the answer to your ongoing question will not come from others.

[Whisht @replies]

Spoilers page? Whisht?

yep usually they don’t go together, but I live in the UK so kinda impossible not to see JW’s costume.

I type “JW” but will admit “Jodie” is easier and more pleasant to say, and “Whittaker” is tougher (more syllables) and reminds me of a certain whistler.

Anyway….
I reckon I wouldn’t invest in culottes if I was a cosplayer (or even a crosscosplayer… crossplayer?).

A few wet night shoots in wintry Cardiff may make a quick costume re-evaluation to a jumpsuit likely.

To be honest, the ‘look’ isn’t one that I immediately thought “yeah – I get it”.
For me it does feel like 70’s/80’s TV children’s presenter (Rod Jane & Freddy a good shout @jimthefish) and that just doesn’t feel right.
Not even ironically.
But I am still looking forward to this doctor (and that coat looks like its got a hood – and maybe hoods are now a ‘thing’).

[Whisht @replies]

hey @bluesqueakpip – good luck with that!

And thanks – I’d never heard of NaNoWriMo before (had to google it) but may just send the ‘pep talks’ link to a friend who wants to be a writer, but is struggling with a bit of a ‘block’ at the moment.

[Whisht @replies]

Rather randomly read an interview with Bootsy Collins this morning, so thought I’d ask Google what I should get down to…

(my crappy laptop speakers basically didn’t play any of the bass so popped my headphones on and… sweet!)

[Whisht @replies]

Good luck @craig – whichever way it pans out, I hope the change is a great opportunity.

[Whisht @replies]

Well, I know I do this too often and the Music thread turns into the “they died?” thread but…

although I prefer the downright boogie woogie of this (and is it just me or is his singing a bit Professor Longhair?) (I also love his harmonica… sans harmonica!)

[Whisht @replies]

well, as has been mentioned, thatallfeltabitrushed

Although I thought Arbitan would emerge from under the mask in a “ah ha! My fiendish plan to get all my keys back!” didn’t materialise, I got all the clues in this one – and that never happens!

Ah well. I still think Barbara emerges as the most sensible person in these episodes (no Ian, splitting up the group is rarely a good idea).
But the companion taking over the show… ha, will never happen.

In terms of next ones to watch I honestly have no opinion. As long as someone who nose makes sure we watch the most appropriate one(s) before xmas, then I’m up for watching more of these First Doctor’s.

[Whisht @replies]

hey @craig – apologies for delay in responding.

Probably (certainly!) too late now, but…

{ahem}

“I doubt that phrases by the Tories can ever be fully justified”

{ahem}
{chuckle}

[grabs coat]

[Whisht @replies]

Just logging in to say I have been watching, but not strictly with 7-day gaps (usually a bit longer!).

Which means I’m sometimes wondering what exactly happened last week.

Nothing much to add except, yay the Doctor is back but hmm I’m not sure I like him [gasps from everyone else].
Why? well, I don’t enjoy his manner (slight rudeness and condescension to Barbara and Susan and yes I know its of the time, but… there you go). To be honest Barbara is probably my favourite character in this series of stories as she’s made few if any stoopid decisions (swimming in acid, leaving friends with complete strangers etc).

But really enjoying others’ comments on these as far more illuminating than mine!

[Whisht @replies]

@winston –

“She seems a little dense to me. I can imagine her driving 12 crazy. “stop trying to swim”, “don’t wander away” “don’t follow strange footprints” etc”

I love the idea of a weary Doctor, sick and tired of telling Susan what not to do…

[Whisht @replies]

@thane15 – ah, thankfully @craig has explained kerning better than I could.

Apologies for my rather tired ‘joke’ about kerning.
I’ll blame tiredness when posting for the lack of ‘funny’, as I think we can all agree that typography is a fascinating subject that can be deeply mined for comedy.

[ahem]

For more on typography in Sci Fi, you guessed it, there’s a blog for that.
(not me btw – I don’t know any topic in the detail this guy goes into!).

[Whisht @replies]

So, I’ve joined in with some people watching The Keys of Marinus on the other thread.

and I thought “I wonder what was on the radio at the time?”

I wasn’t around at the time, so I’m using what I think was in the charts (based on this site) but happy (perhaps happier) for people who were around at the time to tell me “well, yes that was in the charts but actually this was popular…”

Here’s something recorded a few months later, but was number 1 when The Keys… went out live.

Here’s another song that had already been in the charts a while.

[Whisht @replies]

Hooray – New Who (well at least to many of us!)

So, I thought it might be interesting when we saw a lovely island, then… “The Sea of Death” title.

(more terrifying is its terrible kerning).

{shudder}

Loved the Toy Tardis. Where can I get one??!!?
The exterior of the Tardis seems grubbier than nowadays.

What struck me was that the Doctor doesn’t know things.
(he seems baffled by the force field; doesn’t know which planet they’re on; who Voords are etc)
He’s never even seen a sea of acid!
btw a sea of acid and yet the air doesn’t smell of it?? Heck, I was up a smoking volcano once and I couldn’t breathe and it corroded my glasses!
But (as in AG Who) he finds childish glee in new things.

I loved that the ‘monster’ Voord as it waited for Susan got surprised by the revolving wall-door! Hilarious!
(couldn’t tell whether to think the person that’s viewable behind the door is meant to be seen… apparently not!)

Agree with @bluesqueakpip that Susan seems to have been sipping at the “Lets do something stoopid” well (lets follow tracks; jump into pools; etc).

I must admit I’m thinking we’ll see that the Voords will end up being the good (or at least not ‘bad’) guys.
Not sure why I think that other than the lone occupant seems… well, maybe I’m just conditioned not to trust lone occupants of temples with a story-to-tell!

Looking forward to next week!

[Whisht @replies]

well, I don’t know this musician deeply (others here will, I’m sure). Just a few tracks by Can and collaborations with David Sylvian.

Although every time I come across anything he’s said, he seems amusing, curious and subversive, the music I came across him first was probably this moody, atmospheric piece.
Its still one I’ll put on when I’m reading so that now it sparks odd visual memories from books and comics I’ve read.

Holger Czukay 1938-2017

[Whisht @replies]

ah @Thane15 – not seen The Mist, but I love Perfect Day.

I was lucky to know a couple who lived in New York 20-odd years ago and spent a holiday or two with them.

I couldn’t help but hum this after spending a wonderful day with one of them in Central Park (and a few museums/ galleries).

[Whisht @replies]

@bluesqueakpip – sounds good.

Always glad to hear from people here as to how stories/ writing/ acting has changed, how society that created it has changed, but also how exciting/ baffling it was at the time.

Is your idea a binge watch or ‘as-it-happened’ week-by-week ?

[Whisht @replies]

So, a song for Bill.

Because the aftershow managed to get fixated by hair (and it seemed a gentle distraction here too) I thought this might work.

Maybe a bit ‘stoner’/ ‘slacker’ for Bill, she’d be more energetic, but… its late and its all I got for now!

;¬)

[Whisht @replies]

apologies not been ‘on’ the forum for a while – though I had thought I’d been reading everything.

Everything that is except for the Spoilers thread that I don’t go on.

So thanks @jimthefish for shifting the discussion with @nick about future economy to a more open thread.
I’m intrigued by it but obviously missing how it began and how its developed, so what are we discussing?
Is it “how does culture change as technology changes?”
It may not be easy to summarise (especially if its morphed) and if so I’ll wait till I can add something useful (which to be honest may be what happens even if I do know the gist of it!!)

The other thing I seem to have missed is Puro’s birthday?
MASSIVE apologies @thane15 – will try and find music.

Also @miapatrick – enoooooooorrrrrrrmously belated congratulations. You deserve music too.

May take a while as I want to find some I’ve not linked to before.

I know I’ve also missed other things but these two stuck in my mind since I last logged in.

[Whisht @replies]

ooh – missed a few of these!

@toinfinityandbepond – great song – I’ve not heard of Dar Williams before.
I liked this version I found (prodded by you) as I somehow heard the last verse better – maybe as i wasn’t distracted by the images. thanks!!

@wolfweed – I’ll admit to not being a massive ELO fan but I AM a fan of Silent Running!
Huey!!!
I’ll warn “Spoilers” for anyone who hasn’t seen it and wants to see a great film – don’t watch the video (but listen to the song with the browser down!)

;¬)

so – apologies I haven’t been on for a while but am lurking/reading (just not on the Spoilers thread and nothing to add yet to Capaldi memories until I re-watch his seasons).

So, a song for the 13th (btw I love how xmas is 12 + 1 =13!)

anyway – how did I miss this one (apologies if already done and I missed it)

[Whisht @replies]

great choons – so one from me!

cos the Doctor is, right?

[Whisht @replies]

@jimthefish – that’s extremely kind.

“Bras are cool”

[Whisht @replies]

thought I’d update my avatar.

did it years ago, but change is good.

[Whisht @replies]

Not much time at present to add anything of value to the news.

I’ve not seen Jodie Whittaker in any role so have no expectations (not seen Broadchurch either).
Maybe will re-watch some Chibnall eps while I wait for Christmas!!

Have no qualms with a female Doctor. My only qualm would be if Chiball is awful or it is a miscast, then some people may view the decision to have a female Doctor as the ‘problem’ when in fact it isn’t.

[Whisht @replies]

Well @craig I was wondering if after the Men’s Final it might be Federer who was revealed (he is after all conquering Time!).

But so is Venus – oooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

;¬D

GREAT suggestion!

[Whisht @replies]

ooh – somehow I missed @arbutus‘ post – GREAT song!

Now…. a post for the next Doctor reveal….

Maybe dour (Johnny where’s the fun!? in your voice), but hopeful.

;¬)

[Whisht @replies]

blimey – so it wasn’t the new Doctor you were all talking about on the Spoilers thread!!

:¬)

Well, unless I stop watching Youtube/ internet/ bbc/ guardian/ anything/ most-importantly-this-forum I’ll be watching after the Men’s final.

{sigh}

guess I need to find a choon at short notice…..

[Whisht @replies]

Well – I rally enjoyed seeing this again and especially the ‘behind the scenes’ which I’ve not seen before!

I guess all I can add is that on re-watching how surprised I am at the quality of it.
This is something done on an even more restricted budget than the real thing (pre AG).
Its done as a way to entice people during an evening to watch a TV telethon and be exposed to continued appeals for donations to a charity.
Yet there’s so much effort involved and a real sense that everyone who was involved just put more effort in than they were asked for.

I loved opening scene’s music and the later special affect of the city for Tersurus. Jonathan Pryce has a whale of a time being the Master (and the laugh-as-a-war-cry may be said for fun but is close to the mark).
The enthusiast amateur film makers who supplied the Daleks and Tardis are incredible; and their pride completely justified – these are enthusiasts, hobbyists.

Shooting the whole thing in 3 days… I’m sure as exhausting as doing it nowadays if not more so.

And Moffat says that he hopes that the whole thing comes across as “affectionate” and I think it does – it pokes fun, has fun, but doesn’t ridicule.

I think its closer to the spirit of Who than, say, the 1960’s Casino Royale with David Niven is to Bond. Its probably closer than even the Cushing Who movie (which I have affection for as well).

Anyway – a good, affectionate laugh that also showed thoughts of how The Doctor might be played:
– as Romantic (Hugh Grant similar to McGann but maybe more so to Tennant – actually RE Grant is similar to Tennant’s “I’ll lick myself I’m so gorgeous” turns too)
– as shy (Broadbent similar to aspects of Matt Smith)
– as in control (similar to… well all of them!)

anyway – thanks for putting these links up!

[Author]

Posts