I've thought about this one. I've really put some thought into it. And this is the thing that really bums me out: I think I'd be a dull Doctor.
Don't get me wrong. I don't believe that there's a way to play the lead character in the BBC's scifi series Doctor Who without in some way being a little crazy, quirky, and/or cool. But somehow, I feel like instead of being the goofy, madcap Doctor that everyone would expect of me, I'd end up being a little bit flatter.
I'm not sure how that particular Doctor would go off right now. Sure, I liked Eccleston during his run as the Doctor. I'm even in the silent minority that, to this day, still like what he did with the character. But in the shadow of David Tennant and now Matt Smith, it seems as if there just isn't a place for the more serious but still occasionally funny version of the character.
Not to mention that's not the version of the Doctor that I want to be. I want to be the craziest, zaniest Doctor that there ever was. Doesn't that sound like fun? But nope, I just don't think that would be a fit for me. I can't explain why, but it just feels like it would be wrong.
Of course, it's probably all a moot point. Because between the amount of time it would take me to be famous enough an actor to land the role combined with how long it would be before the show's runners would even bother holding an international search for a replacement, I doubt I'll ever manage to have the opportunity. That, or I'll be so old that playing a more subdued Time Lord would be the only thing that makes sense.
Don't ask me why I have thoughts like this first thing in the morning.
Showing posts with label Doctor Who. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doctor Who. Show all posts
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The Companion's Guide to Doctor Who - Part One (Rose Tyler)
(In honor of David Tennant's last days as the tenth Doctor, we look back at the supporting cast that helped make him the man that he was. Needless to say, there are some minor spoilers for already aired episodes.)
A Rose by any other name... etc., etc. Some might recall that when it was announced that Billie Piper would be the first companion, it wasn't exactly met with open arms from longtime fans. In their defense, though, they were probably nervous to begin with. This was, after all, the revival of a classic scifi show, and the much vaunted role of the Doctor's companion was being played by a pop star? Blasphemy!
You see, Rose's adventure actually began with the ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. And while he was his own brand of kooky and quirky, this Doctor had a bit of an edge to him. See, he's the one who came from the aftermath of the Time War and the loss of his people to the Daleks. So naturally, he got a bit... "cranky" at times. He wasn't even really sure that he wanted a companion to begin with, so Rose was both a welcome find and a minor nuisance.
Rose witnesses the Doctor regenerating...
What does this mean for the tenth Doctor, though? Well, right off the bat, he starts with a companion that is actually familiar with him and what he does. On top of that, since Rose helped bring the No. 9 back from the brink, No. 10 is quite appreciative of her and all of her efforts.
Rose helped to set a trend that would continue with the newer companions. While the main purpose of a companion has normally been to provide the audience with an everyman perspective and to give the Doctor a sounding board to explain things to the audience, the newer generation is a much more direct partner to the Doctor. Not necessarily an equal, but certainly a worthy and formidable ally in his adventures in time.
But moreso than all of those other things, Rose was the Doctor's friend in a time that he truly needed one, She helped him get his bearings and really get "groove" back (but not like that, you pervs). Whether you agree with Rose's portrayal being good or useful, the fact remains that she was the first, she was the longest, and she certainly made an impact.
They still like each other... aww...
A Rose by any other name... etc., etc. Some might recall that when it was announced that Billie Piper would be the first companion, it wasn't exactly met with open arms from longtime fans. In their defense, though, they were probably nervous to begin with. This was, after all, the revival of a classic scifi show, and the much vaunted role of the Doctor's companion was being played by a pop star? Blasphemy!
You see, Rose's adventure actually began with the ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. And while he was his own brand of kooky and quirky, this Doctor had a bit of an edge to him. See, he's the one who came from the aftermath of the Time War and the loss of his people to the Daleks. So naturally, he got a bit... "cranky" at times. He wasn't even really sure that he wanted a companion to begin with, so Rose was both a welcome find and a minor nuisance.
Rose witnesses the Doctor regenerating...
What does this mean for the tenth Doctor, though? Well, right off the bat, he starts with a companion that is actually familiar with him and what he does. On top of that, since Rose helped bring the No. 9 back from the brink, No. 10 is quite appreciative of her and all of her efforts.
Rose helped to set a trend that would continue with the newer companions. While the main purpose of a companion has normally been to provide the audience with an everyman perspective and to give the Doctor a sounding board to explain things to the audience, the newer generation is a much more direct partner to the Doctor. Not necessarily an equal, but certainly a worthy and formidable ally in his adventures in time.
But moreso than all of those other things, Rose was the Doctor's friend in a time that he truly needed one, She helped him get his bearings and really get "groove" back (but not like that, you pervs). Whether you agree with Rose's portrayal being good or useful, the fact remains that she was the first, she was the longest, and she certainly made an impact.
They still like each other... aww...
Thursday, April 16, 2009
HouseTV: Who for the Holidays: Part 2
It's like Speed, only slower and with more aliens.
(Note: This review of Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead may contain minor spoilers. I don't think it's anything that would wreck your viewing, but you've been warned.)
Call me crazy, but I've never bothered to double check when the Doctor Who specials were set to come out this year. I just occasionally check to see if there's any buzz about them anywhere on the interwebs. So imagine my surprise when a few scant days ago I realized that Easter was the set date for the appearance of my second favorite self-repairing, time and space bending hero. The first, of course, is mentioned by the Doctor himself in the opening moments of Planet of the Dead.
(Although honestly, I'm terrified just what the first Easter would be like in the Who-verse. But it's best not to think of such things, and just move on.)
So this holiday's adventure gives us David Tenant's Doctor stopping to catch a bus. This self same bus is occupied by the elusive and mysterious Lady Christina de Souza, played by Michelle Ryan. The bus, of course, makes an odd detour, and hilarity ensues.
Well, actually the entire episode plays a bit straight. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I know that I was especially critical of this year's Christmas special, almost to the point of feeling like it was phoned in. But even though the story here is hardly full of twists, it still manages to be entertaining.
The reason is no doubt due to the cast. Tenant is given much more to work with in terms of the scifi, and the Doctor as a character has more opportunity to interact with characters in this adventure. In truth, he seems much more like his old, quirky, unpredictable self (aside from a few heavy moments along the way).
Michelle Ryan's Christina is a refreshing change of pace. If you're like me, you'll play a game of, "Don't I know you from...?" before realizing that Ryan was A) in the BBC show Jekyll and/or B) played the titular character in the US remake of The Bionic Woman. Christina is a bit of a shift from companions past. Rose and Martha could be considered capable assistants. Donna openly challenged the status quo of the universe. Minogue's Astrid and Morrisey's "Doctor" were worthy a tagalong and a bizarrely effective leader respectively. And then there's Jack. Oh, Jack.
Christina certainly best fits with the final member of the list. Like Jack, Christina is a bit of a rogue that appears to be essentially good at heart. And when she seems to have everything a person could possibly need if stranded on a deserted island (or planet) in her backpack, she seems like a perfect companion for the Doctor. In theory, anyway. We all know that there's only so much leeway a companion is allowed to have before the Doctor considers them more trouble than help (just ask Adam).
If there's any fault with Christina, it's that she's forced a little too eagerly into a pairing with the Doctor. This isn't necessarily her fault, I guess. Not having multiple episodes to work with, I'd imagine that there just wasn't time to dance around the issue. And of course, it sets the table for the conclusion, which really ends up being inevitable.
As I said before, the story here is pretty straightforward. Honestly, you can't get more direct than this tale. The plot itself is so direct, in fact, that I'd argue that it's a good example of Plot 101. But there are worse things inthe world than a simple plot, and the fact that I enjoyed it as much as I did is a testament to how much I enjoy everything else about the show and the collective effort it puts forth.
Speaking of those other elements... did we go old school here or what? Looking at the backdrops for the various scenes, you'll realize that there were only a handful to be had. Street, desert, ship interior... that's pretty much it. Okay, there's a few more, but you get the idea. But the series has never been about the big effects or lavish sets, so that's hardly a complaint. What visual effects there are serve to complement to episode, but there's no doubt in my mind that many people will find one in particular a bit corny. Such is life.
As far as actual complaints, I only have a few. First, there was a disturbing lack of TARDIS here. Granted, I understand that this is the type of story that doesn't work if the Doctor has any access at all to his ship, but we don't even get a token fade in/fade out from it. You could have at least blinked the light on top of the call box for us. Something. Anything.
Also, how is there not a UNIT series of some type already in the works? They're proving themselves to be horrifically entertaining in small doses, and if someone would produce some episodes, I'd be all over them. Come on. Let the little red berets have their fun, too. It'd be nice to see what they were up when they're not bowing down at the altar that is the Doctor's feet.
All in all, Planet of the Dead came right when I was about done with wondering when there'd be new Who and gave me exactly what I was looking for. If The Next Doctor was on the good side of mediocre, then I'd have to say that this adventure was on the average end of good. It did everything I expect of the show, and managed to drop in a handful of extras that I enjoyed. Now back to reality, and the return of my inevitable Who withdrawal.
Rating: 7.5/10 (It's good Who, but it can't quite break the awesome barrier.)
(Note: This review of Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead may contain minor spoilers. I don't think it's anything that would wreck your viewing, but you've been warned.)
Call me crazy, but I've never bothered to double check when the Doctor Who specials were set to come out this year. I just occasionally check to see if there's any buzz about them anywhere on the interwebs. So imagine my surprise when a few scant days ago I realized that Easter was the set date for the appearance of my second favorite self-repairing, time and space bending hero. The first, of course, is mentioned by the Doctor himself in the opening moments of Planet of the Dead.
(Although honestly, I'm terrified just what the first Easter would be like in the Who-verse. But it's best not to think of such things, and just move on.)
So this holiday's adventure gives us David Tenant's Doctor stopping to catch a bus. This self same bus is occupied by the elusive and mysterious Lady Christina de Souza, played by Michelle Ryan. The bus, of course, makes an odd detour, and hilarity ensues.
Well, actually the entire episode plays a bit straight. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I know that I was especially critical of this year's Christmas special, almost to the point of feeling like it was phoned in. But even though the story here is hardly full of twists, it still manages to be entertaining.
The reason is no doubt due to the cast. Tenant is given much more to work with in terms of the scifi, and the Doctor as a character has more opportunity to interact with characters in this adventure. In truth, he seems much more like his old, quirky, unpredictable self (aside from a few heavy moments along the way).
Michelle Ryan's Christina is a refreshing change of pace. If you're like me, you'll play a game of, "Don't I know you from...?" before realizing that Ryan was A) in the BBC show Jekyll and/or B) played the titular character in the US remake of The Bionic Woman. Christina is a bit of a shift from companions past. Rose and Martha could be considered capable assistants. Donna openly challenged the status quo of the universe. Minogue's Astrid and Morrisey's "Doctor" were worthy a tagalong and a bizarrely effective leader respectively. And then there's Jack. Oh, Jack.
Christina certainly best fits with the final member of the list. Like Jack, Christina is a bit of a rogue that appears to be essentially good at heart. And when she seems to have everything a person could possibly need if stranded on a deserted island (or planet) in her backpack, she seems like a perfect companion for the Doctor. In theory, anyway. We all know that there's only so much leeway a companion is allowed to have before the Doctor considers them more trouble than help (just ask Adam).
If there's any fault with Christina, it's that she's forced a little too eagerly into a pairing with the Doctor. This isn't necessarily her fault, I guess. Not having multiple episodes to work with, I'd imagine that there just wasn't time to dance around the issue. And of course, it sets the table for the conclusion, which really ends up being inevitable.
As I said before, the story here is pretty straightforward. Honestly, you can't get more direct than this tale. The plot itself is so direct, in fact, that I'd argue that it's a good example of Plot 101. But there are worse things inthe world than a simple plot, and the fact that I enjoyed it as much as I did is a testament to how much I enjoy everything else about the show and the collective effort it puts forth.
Speaking of those other elements... did we go old school here or what? Looking at the backdrops for the various scenes, you'll realize that there were only a handful to be had. Street, desert, ship interior... that's pretty much it. Okay, there's a few more, but you get the idea. But the series has never been about the big effects or lavish sets, so that's hardly a complaint. What visual effects there are serve to complement to episode, but there's no doubt in my mind that many people will find one in particular a bit corny. Such is life.
As far as actual complaints, I only have a few. First, there was a disturbing lack of TARDIS here. Granted, I understand that this is the type of story that doesn't work if the Doctor has any access at all to his ship, but we don't even get a token fade in/fade out from it. You could have at least blinked the light on top of the call box for us. Something. Anything.
Also, how is there not a UNIT series of some type already in the works? They're proving themselves to be horrifically entertaining in small doses, and if someone would produce some episodes, I'd be all over them. Come on. Let the little red berets have their fun, too. It'd be nice to see what they were up when they're not bowing down at the altar that is the Doctor's feet.
All in all, Planet of the Dead came right when I was about done with wondering when there'd be new Who and gave me exactly what I was looking for. If The Next Doctor was on the good side of mediocre, then I'd have to say that this adventure was on the average end of good. It did everything I expect of the show, and managed to drop in a handful of extras that I enjoyed. Now back to reality, and the return of my inevitable Who withdrawal.
Rating: 7.5/10 (It's good Who, but it can't quite break the awesome barrier.)
Monday, January 5, 2009
HouseTV: Who for the Holidays
(Warning: I've tried to keep this review of Doctor Who's Christmas episode: "The Next Doctor" relatively spoiler free, but I'm sure that some things herein here could be considered minor spoilers. You've been warned.)
As anyone knows, I'm a pretty big fan of the Who. No, not the band (although I'm sure they're great and all that jazz). I'm talking about Doctor Who. I'm a big fan of all of the spinoffs (even the Sarah Jane Adventures, which I'm sure someone somewhere can't stand for some convoluted reason).
I admit to being a bit out of the loop on the news front. I was so out of the loop that it wasn't until this past week that I learned that David Tennant will be leaving the show at the end of 2009. Merry Christmas to me. As much as I love him on the show, maybe he has a point. Sometimes it is better to go out on top, and I really could see the role of the Doctor being something that, if not stepped away from in short order, you could end up doing for the rest of your life.
So with that news being added to the fact that in lieu of a full season of shows we only get a handful of specials, I sat down to check out this year's Doctor Who Christmas special hoping that it would serve to get my mind off the news and thoroughly sate me of my Who fix for the near future. It was a partial success.
Without going into too much detail, the special opens with the Doctor showing up in 1851 on (surprise, surprise) Christmas Eve. Hearing someone calling for his help, he runs to the wayward damsel in distress only to find that she isn't calling for him, but in fact for a different man. A man who also calls himself the Doctor. This entire incident, which takes up just the first two minutes of the program, sets the stage for a series of mysteries and missteps that you have come to expect from the show.
The setting and visuals are naturally Dickensian. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. And so on and so forth. But this is less a tale of two cities and more a tale of two Davids.
David Tennant is of course his normal bubbly self as the Doctor. Although still reeling from the events of last season (which is slowly becoming a trend for Christmas adventures), he keeps most of the fare lighthearted and zany. Still, he does know when to rein things in for a serious or somber moment.
David Morrisey excels at his role as the titled "Next Doctor". He certainly does seem to relish the role, at times coming close to dwarfing Tennant's performance. Granted, he nears going too far over the top at times, but if you're like me, you can just accept that as a character trait/flaw and move on. His performance here is actually good enough to make me forget Basic Instinct 2. You hear me Mr. Morrisey? All is forgiven. But seriously, he does tap depths with the character.
The story? Sadly, the story was just okay for me. Mind you, a run of the mill Doctor Who tale is still better than half the stuff out there, but this is clearly middle of the pack territory at best. The show has always been more character than story driven, though, so this may or may not bother you.
I openly admit that I might be biased here. With last Christmas' special (the epic but tragically depressing Voyage of the Damned), a stellar fourth season (wrapped up with a jawdropping season finale), and my newly discovered news of Tennant's departure, it's possible I may have just expected too much from the whole thing. Without a full season to back it up, this special felt like it needed to stand out more on its own, and it just didn't. I don't know how I could find a show with two Doctors, two TARDISes (...TARDII?) and a horde of Cybermen as mundane, but it just seemed that way.
The most glaring absence would be the lack of a true companion. Even with Morrisey acting as an ad hoc companion and even having a companion of his own, the lack of Tennant having a true companion can be felt throughout the show. It's an apt testament to just how integral the companion has become over the years.
There's no point in giving a real recommendation here. You're either a Doctor Who fan or you're not. For fans, you're going to watch this no matter what (assuming you haven't already). For non-fans or new fans... well, you can check this out. It isn't breaking new ground, but like I said before it is still above average. In fact, check this out now, and then go back and dig up Season 4 of the series to see how they got to here. And especially check out the episode Midnight. Speaking of what happens to The Doctor when there's no companion around... ouch.
As anyone knows, I'm a pretty big fan of the Who. No, not the band (although I'm sure they're great and all that jazz). I'm talking about Doctor Who. I'm a big fan of all of the spinoffs (even the Sarah Jane Adventures, which I'm sure someone somewhere can't stand for some convoluted reason).
I admit to being a bit out of the loop on the news front. I was so out of the loop that it wasn't until this past week that I learned that David Tennant will be leaving the show at the end of 2009. Merry Christmas to me. As much as I love him on the show, maybe he has a point. Sometimes it is better to go out on top, and I really could see the role of the Doctor being something that, if not stepped away from in short order, you could end up doing for the rest of your life.
So with that news being added to the fact that in lieu of a full season of shows we only get a handful of specials, I sat down to check out this year's Doctor Who Christmas special hoping that it would serve to get my mind off the news and thoroughly sate me of my Who fix for the near future. It was a partial success.
Without going into too much detail, the special opens with the Doctor showing up in 1851 on (surprise, surprise) Christmas Eve. Hearing someone calling for his help, he runs to the wayward damsel in distress only to find that she isn't calling for him, but in fact for a different man. A man who also calls himself the Doctor. This entire incident, which takes up just the first two minutes of the program, sets the stage for a series of mysteries and missteps that you have come to expect from the show.
The setting and visuals are naturally Dickensian. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. And so on and so forth. But this is less a tale of two cities and more a tale of two Davids.
David Tennant is of course his normal bubbly self as the Doctor. Although still reeling from the events of last season (which is slowly becoming a trend for Christmas adventures), he keeps most of the fare lighthearted and zany. Still, he does know when to rein things in for a serious or somber moment.
David Morrisey excels at his role as the titled "Next Doctor". He certainly does seem to relish the role, at times coming close to dwarfing Tennant's performance. Granted, he nears going too far over the top at times, but if you're like me, you can just accept that as a character trait/flaw and move on. His performance here is actually good enough to make me forget Basic Instinct 2. You hear me Mr. Morrisey? All is forgiven. But seriously, he does tap depths with the character.
The story? Sadly, the story was just okay for me. Mind you, a run of the mill Doctor Who tale is still better than half the stuff out there, but this is clearly middle of the pack territory at best. The show has always been more character than story driven, though, so this may or may not bother you.
I openly admit that I might be biased here. With last Christmas' special (the epic but tragically depressing Voyage of the Damned), a stellar fourth season (wrapped up with a jawdropping season finale), and my newly discovered news of Tennant's departure, it's possible I may have just expected too much from the whole thing. Without a full season to back it up, this special felt like it needed to stand out more on its own, and it just didn't. I don't know how I could find a show with two Doctors, two TARDISes (...TARDII?) and a horde of Cybermen as mundane, but it just seemed that way.
The most glaring absence would be the lack of a true companion. Even with Morrisey acting as an ad hoc companion and even having a companion of his own, the lack of Tennant having a true companion can be felt throughout the show. It's an apt testament to just how integral the companion has become over the years.
There's no point in giving a real recommendation here. You're either a Doctor Who fan or you're not. For fans, you're going to watch this no matter what (assuming you haven't already). For non-fans or new fans... well, you can check this out. It isn't breaking new ground, but like I said before it is still above average. In fact, check this out now, and then go back and dig up Season 4 of the series to see how they got to here. And especially check out the episode Midnight. Speaking of what happens to The Doctor when there's no companion around... ouch.
Rating: 7/10 (I can't help feeling it's better than I'm giving it credit for being, but I can't bring myself to rate it higher.)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Who is This Guy.
With a period, because it's not a question.
According the BBC News page, "Matt Smith has been named as the actor who will take over from David Tennant in Doctor Who - making him the youngest actor to take on the role."
And here I thought Tennant would be the young, hip Doctor of this era and they might go a different route with their new choice. But I'm not going to naysay at this point. It's still a full year before any changes are taking place, and I'm the first one to say that I reserve judgment until the show actually airs. After all, how many people went up in arms over Catherine Tate's casting last season only to eat their words later? Well, assuming you liked her (which I did).
Anywho, guarded optimism.
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