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Doctor Who Series 9 |OT| Let Zygons Be Zygons
- Thread starter Quick
- Start date
Christmas specials in general are usually pretty stand-alone. Sometimes the season finale leads into them, like in The Snowmen where The Doctor's irritated behaviour makes better sense if you've watched prior episodes, but it doesn't seem to be the case this time. There'll probably be several call-backs to season 9, but the gist of it is supposed to be fun and understandable even if you don't follow the show extensively.
Evidently you're in the minority (at least here) on that one.
There's a way to portray things changing as a result of the time travel in Doctor Who. There's a way to portray the time-line resisting change in Doctor Who. Those things have been done before perfectly well and nobody complained. The Silence are not perceived that way, making a huge grand multi-episode plot about <thing> and then dropping it next episode multiple times is not perceived that way, explaining a cliffhange/plot hole with "Lol I'm the Doctor" over and over again is not perceived that way. It just frustrates a lot of people because it comes off as lazy and/or fickle.
tonysidaway
Member
It will probably help if you know who River Song is. Otherwise Doctor Who Christmas specials tend to be undemanding. They're going for a relatively broad audience this year, if the cast of guest stars is any indication.
tonysidaway
Member
I notice that this kind of nitpicking turns up here a lot, and it's funny in an eye-rolling way.
Today I visited a close relative and as usual a Doctor Who story was shown. On this occasion it was a back-to-back showing of Silence in the Library and Forest of the Dead. It's an old favourite, but these days we have so much Matt and Peter to watch that a David Tennant episode is becoming quite a rare event. It's a very good episode, very solidly directed. River's perplexity and dismay at meeting Ten and not being recognised beautifully foreshadows her confession to Rory in The Impossible Astronaut. "I live for the days when I see him, but I know that every time I do, he'll be one step further away. And the day is coming when I'll look into that man's eyes, my Doctor, and he won't have the faintest idea who I am. And I think it's going to kill me." That's great writing, whether you watch it forwards or backwards.
I miss the trappings of the Davies/Gardner era. I never failed to watch Doctor Who Confidential, and always tried to see the long version shown after the first broadcast of each episode. I used to love the commentaries you could listen to on the website while you watched the catchup.
I grow tired of people calling unresolved details "plot holes," which they're not. I grow tired of people saying this show isn't being written to their exacting and highly specific standards, as if they knew any better than the current production team how to move it forwards. I grow tired, increasingly, of people who launch personal attacks against writers because an episode wasn't to their taste or a series didn't fit into some procrustean formula.
I enjoy the grandiose moments and the "oh no I've gone too far yet again" moments. I love the fact that none of this makes any more sense than it did in that junkyard the day after the Kennedy assassination. I am proud of the show.
I could nitpick about episodes if I wanted to, but I don't see how that would improve anybody's enjoyment or appreciation of the show. I dislike some episodes that others love and vice versa. But my overwhelming feeling is that it's a really great show.
I missed most of Tom Baker's episodes because I was too busy being a young man, and I don't feel any urge to watch them now, though for most people including me his portrayal is the most recognisable. For me the best Doctor Who is always the current one and the best stories are always the ones that present a new vision of an old friend.
Moffat's finest moment in S9 along with his anti-war speech that elevated The Zygon Inversion.
I hope the Christmas special is tons of fun, A Christmas Carol may be the best but I think it's the right move to go with a light-hearted ep. I'm not expecting something amazing.
Fine Ham Abounds
Member
I forgot we had a Christmas episode coming. It's probably either the fact that I've barely enjoyed any of them, or that I've barely enjoyed anything with River Song
I can't remember if two things with a 10% chance of me enjoying them adds up to a 20% chance, or if it doesnt change, or if you multiply them together and get 1%, or do you divide and get 100%
I can't remember if two things with a 10% chance of me enjoying them adds up to a 20% chance, or if it doesnt change, or if you multiply them together and get 1%, or do you divide and get 100%
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
Catching up on this thread, I think the theory of why Season 6 didn't work for me is a good one. I also dislike River being Amy and Rory's daughter, for the reasons stated plus the fact that she's a more interesting character than the Ponds.
Also, any use by me of "Moffatism" isn't imbued with any hatred. It's just shorthand for repeating aspects of his work, same was I'd use it with any other creator. I don't hate Moffat. I just dislike the direction he took the show and the things he emphasizes/deemphasizes. It's an opinion, not hatred. I'm not invested enough in the show to hate anybody over it.
Now, on to fun stuff-- this is a link to an imgur album of a friend of mine who makes replicas of the Sonic Screwdrivers. Are they not beautiful? I'm not a huge fan of the Sonic conceptually, but I gotta say these are amazing: http://imgur.com/a/0aDLK
Also, any use by me of "Moffatism" isn't imbued with any hatred. It's just shorthand for repeating aspects of his work, same was I'd use it with any other creator. I don't hate Moffat. I just dislike the direction he took the show and the things he emphasizes/deemphasizes. It's an opinion, not hatred. I'm not invested enough in the show to hate anybody over it.
Now, on to fun stuff-- this is a link to an imgur album of a friend of mine who makes replicas of the Sonic Screwdrivers. Are they not beautiful? I'm not a huge fan of the Sonic conceptually, but I gotta say these are amazing: http://imgur.com/a/0aDLK
This. I'm pretty sure you can use the term "RTDism" as well to describe certain things in the early seasons and you'd be equally justified in doing so.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
I probably have, although I haven't discussed the old episodes as much.
APZonerunner
Member
Heaven Sent is, I think, the finest episode of the show there's been next to Midnight, writing wise. I don't think it necessarily resembles the best of Doctor Who in terms of what Doctor Who typically is (for me, that's probably still The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit which has a solid mix - space base, companion/Doctor sentimentality, Doctor love for human ingenuity, both prosthetic AND CG creatures, lots of deaths, and both the companion and the Doctor saving the day in their own ways) but as an individual piece of writing (and indeed execution) it's probably the best the show has delivered. It's nuts.
Picked up the 2nd series of 8th Doctor stories from the Big Finish Main Range. $120 
Listened to Scherzo over my commute yesterday and I thought it was a great story. While the bizarre nature of the Divergent universe is not really scientifically believable, the story does a great job of making it at least fucking weird. The decision to make basically nothing happen in the first two parts pays for me, as I wanted time to come to terms with the weird reality as much as the Doctor and Charley did. The ending face-off between Doctor/Charley and the sound creature is disturbing and horrifying.
That said, I could really do without the Doctor/Charley love stuff. I think it's done little more than strip down Charley to nothing but that since it started up. In this episode, she doesn't contribute anything except for pine for love and/or family. I feel like we're so far gone from the Charley I admired in Storm Warning and the Stones of Venice.
The Doctor's personality has also been quite harmed over the last few episodes. He explicitly says this episode that he does not sulk, but I think he's done pretty much nothing else since Neverland. I don't like this new, moody Eight. Even his fascination for the Divergent Universe is tempered by a nihilism and petulance that doesn't suit.
Listened to Scherzo over my commute yesterday and I thought it was a great story. While the bizarre nature of the Divergent universe is not really scientifically believable, the story does a great job of making it at least fucking weird. The decision to make basically nothing happen in the first two parts pays for me, as I wanted time to come to terms with the weird reality as much as the Doctor and Charley did. The ending face-off between Doctor/Charley and the sound creature is disturbing and horrifying.
That said, I could really do without the Doctor/Charley love stuff. I think it's done little more than strip down Charley to nothing but that since it started up. In this episode, she doesn't contribute anything except for pine for love and/or family. I feel like we're so far gone from the Charley I admired in Storm Warning and the Stones of Venice.
The Doctor's personality has also been quite harmed over the last few episodes. He explicitly says this episode that he does not sulk, but I think he's done pretty much nothing else since Neverland. I don't like this new, moody Eight. Even his fascination for the Divergent Universe is tempered by a nihilism and petulance that doesn't suit.
This mirrors my thoughts exactly. I also think it's so special because, besides the great writing, it excels in basically every area. Direction is great, cinematography is great, the set is great (perhaps except for one or two of the castle areas), music is great, acting is outstanding. It was obvious the entire production knew what a special script it was and delivered accordingly.
SigmasonicX
Member
On another note, I started watching a show called The Librarians, and it really feels like an American, goofier, lower-budget version of Doctor Who. Seriously, look at this trailer. I'm just three episodes in, but it's a decently fun show, and it might just scratch the itch for some people.
Got to agree. It's in my tricefta with Blink and The Girl in the Fireplace. Just really, really good TV with scene chewing acting.
Plenty of other great episodes, but these are award winners that rise above the rest.
Future Foundation
Member
Minor note about the Season/Series Nine DVD + Blu-Ray sets, they'll include both last year's Christmas Special and this year's. That doesn't usually happen, does it?
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
No comments on my friend's handcrafter Sonics?
infiniteloop
Member
EvilRedEye
Member
Whaaaaaaatttt?!
Implications of nothing before 2016's Christmas special there then.
EDIT: At least that means no dicking about with the double Christmas special, unlike Series 7 where they weren't going to include both until fans started kicking off.
I still think the 11th Doctor's sonic has my favorite sonic screwdriver design. The newest one is growing on me though. Your friend makes amazing replicas. I thought they were props or something for a second before reading your post.
Exterminieren
Banned
Very impressive- particular 12's new one, given the relative lack of promotional material with it. Top marks!
One of the interesting things I noticed in Hell Bent was the shot of Clara's extraction... how it directly mirrors the shot of 10 in Pompeii that was specifically called back to in Girl Who Died. What I love about that is how throughout the season most of the arc chatter has been focused on who/what/hybrid when I think the arc is really about the lengths he will go to and costs of the Doctor saving people, that more than the hybrid goes all the way back to the first trailer with the major ripples of the arc beginning in Girl Who Died.
Better yet: the person on the receiving end of the Doctor's hand here? Peter Capaldi.
Better yet: the person on the receiving end of the Doctor's hand here? Peter Capaldi.
tonysidaway
Member
Well spotted.
I don't think I could rank the Christmas specials because, with the possible exception of The End of Time, I don't really watch them as often as the normal episodes. This article does what I can't.
http://www.gamesradar.com/doctor-who-christmas-specials/
There are a few surprises there, but I don't have any vehement quarrels with the order.
I suspect my favourite Christmas special so far might well be Last Christmas, but perhaps that's simply because it's among the few I've watched in the past year. I do remember being particularly impressed at the time.
peanutbutterlatte
Member
Had no idea what to ask for this Christmas, so bought myself a Sonic screwdriver... There's no excuse or rationale. I wanted a Doctor Who toy.
And Lego Dimensions was just too much
And Lego Dimensions was just too much
Its so worth it tho. Think of the fanservice so much if it.Had no idea what to ask for this Christmas, so bought myself a Sonic screwdriver... There's no excuse or rationale. I wanted a Doctor Who toy.
And Lego Dimensions was just too much
peanutbutterlatte
Member
Not at £120 sorry! I don't agree with the business practice behind it, as clever as it is. Maybe I'll buy just the £30 Doctor Who set so they'll know support for a full game is there.
mightynine
Member
Guess I'll be able to get rid of that standalone Blu-Ray for Last Christmas then!
acheron_xl
Member
Stuff like that is why let's plays exist.
New clip from the Christmas special. (It's the whole "there's a medical emergency" bit from the trailer)
Looks like they reused the Trap St. set. I feel like they should've shot it a bit differently, because even with the changes they made, it just feels like we're back to Face the Raven xD
I think I found Lego Dimensions for half off during black friday. Really couldn't justify it even for $60. I'd much rather buy that Lego set, at least it won't drag me down an expansion packages rabbit hole.
Looks like they reused the Trap St. set. I feel like they should've shot it a bit differently, because even with the changes they made, it just feels like we're back to Face the Raven xD
Had no idea what to ask for this Christmas, so bought myself a Sonic screwdriver... There's no excuse or rationale. I wanted a Doctor Who toy.
And Lego Dimensions was just too much
I think I found Lego Dimensions for half off during black friday. Really couldn't justify it even for $60. I'd much rather buy that Lego set, at least it won't drag me down an expansion packages rabbit hole.
BrokenFiction
Member
PC says Season 10 might be his final year.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/...enes-of-the-Doctor-Who-Christmas-special.html
Fucking shippers and Tumblrs, man...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/...enes-of-the-Doctor-Who-Christmas-special.html
Fucking shippers and Tumblrs, man...
Jeez I hope not. I love Capaldi in the role, and it still feels like he just started yesterday. Can't blame Capaldi because his reasoning makes sense of course, but still. I was hoping for at least 2 or even 3 more seasons. If he needs a break for that to work and we'd really have a year without Who I would be totally fine with that.
acheron_xl
Member
I've wanted him to do the Pertwee five ever since he was cast. I mean, he can't leave yet - he's only just gotten his new sonic!
....you THINK old age stops shippers and tumblrs of doing sexy fanarts of anything ?
LOL they are probably the ones that love old doctos the most
Maddocks
Member
i say he goes two more seasons then calls it quits. Demanding job and big time commitment, but this season he found his stride in playing the doctor and he can't waste that with only one more season. But 4 seasons as the doctor and an exit is good.
My head says 4 and out, but my heart says do it till you absolutely hate it and go 5-6 years but I just don't see Peter doing it for that long.
My head says 4 and out, but my heart says do it till you absolutely hate it and go 5-6 years but I just don't see Peter doing it for that long.
infiniteloop
Member
Excited for #13 even if he/she likely won't make an appearance until the end of 2017.
Meh, Tom Baker had some terrific times as the Doctor, but he continued to the point where he hated it and it really showed on the screen. He did 7 seasons, but he really should have quit at least a year earlier than he did. I'd rather he would have quit on a high point.
That said, yes, 3 seasons does seem too short for Capaldi.
Bobby Roberts
Banned
I'm inclined not to take it as the greatest of signs that he's publicly putting it out there this could be his final year.
I feel 3 seasons would not be enough for Capaldi. He can't leave before delivering another Zygon monologue or another Hell Bent. In all honesty, I would prefer to watch lots and lots of those moments but I will take what I can have, if he feels he doesn't have fun anymore, who are we to disagree?
He said the same thing last month:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/doctor-who-star-peter-capaldi-6792591
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/doctor-who-star-peter-capaldi-6792591
25th at 5:15pm UK time.
paradox121
Member
I wonder if Capaldi is unsure if he'll be leaving seeing as, seemingly, S10 will be Moffat's last, and no-one yet knows how he or whoever takes over from him wants to leave the show.
Like, maybe the next person wants an established Doctor and a new companion, maybe they want an established companion and a new Doctor, or maybe they want a Moffat style clean slate. I don't feel like it's driven by some great Tumblr-based conspiracy to get a pretty boy in again.
Like, maybe the next person wants an established Doctor and a new companion, maybe they want an established companion and a new Doctor, or maybe they want a Moffat style clean slate. I don't feel like it's driven by some great Tumblr-based conspiracy to get a pretty boy in again.