BS: Dr Who - first series impressions

Subject: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Stu
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 09:41 AM

Well, not the first series proper but the first of this millenium.

I thought it was superb, good scripts, plenty of nods to the original whilst bringing the Doctor into the modern age. Shame no Davros instead of the Emperor Dalek, but that is a minor niggle.

Hats off to Davis, Ecclestone and (I never throught I'd say this) Piper.

What did everyone else think?

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 09:51 AM

I wasn't all that keen on Ecclestone.   I think it was a central part of the "real" Doctors, the original format, that the Doctor was an older person possessed of superior knowledge.

Great shame almost all the women, particularly the "plucky young heroines" had voices that sounded like Janet Street-Porter without the brains.

Some excellent acting in the supporting parts - the young girl in Cardiff who opened the portal in the Dickens era was particularly good, I thought.

The firtation by the slithene woman was stomach-churningly well portrayed.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 10:01 AM

I am a big fan of Doctor Who, but i'm sorry to say no fan of the new series. I got about halfway through the first episode and gave up in disgust. The new version lacks any story link to the old series; and the actor playing the part does not come across as the character of a Time Lord. Sorry, I gave this one a thumbs down.

Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: DMcG
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 10:20 AM

Some excellent acting in the supporting parts - the young girl in Cardiff who opened the portal in the Dickens era was particularly good, I thought

I'd second that sentiment, but nominate the girl in the 'gasmasks' episode as someone to watch for in the future.

Taking up Dave's point, I think the first episode was one of the weakest in terms of storyline; there was just too much to cover: introducing new viewers to the series, linking back to the old series, Rose meeting the Doctor for the first time, and so on.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 10:21 AM

Great shame almost all the women, particularly the "plucky young heroines" had voices that sounded like Janet Street-Porter without the brains.

Agreed. Mind you I find that in most productions now, particularly period dramas, the dreaded "Estuary English" is predominant.They aren't taught to speak the language with any mellifluousness it appears. I don't want to go back to "Brief Encounter" English but I think the dumb down pendulum has swung too far.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 10:52 AM

Best thing I have seen on the box for yonks! Moved to tears in parts, like the lonely little dalek (Is that a Les Barker poem) a few episodes back. Roaring laughing at some of the Slithene antics (Well. Small things, small minds etc.) The last episode was just stunning in concept and execution. Well done all concerned!

Cheers

Dave the (Bad Wolf) Gnome

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 11:03 AM

I thought it was brilliant and Ecclestone was a mighty fine manic-but-sexy Doctor. The first Empty Child episode scared the life out of me. I remember hiding behind the sofa when I was wee, and was tempted to do so again.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 11:13 AM

Second that about the Accents, but it is an almost universal affliction now. Generally very good. The first episode should have been longer, as it had so much to cover.

The dedicated fans, who kept the demand for new books and audio scripts going through the long gap deserve a mention as well.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: C-flat
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 11:17 AM

I also thought that the series was excellent, a veiw fully supported by my 8-year-old daughter who was as mesmerised by this latest Dr.Who as I was by the original.
I think Ecclestone will be hard to follow although I quite like the idea of a new Doctor every series.

C-flat.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: *Laura*
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 11:23 AM

I thought Ecclestone was a brilliant doctor - really good at that slightly detatched, insensitive thing. Some fantastic acting, I think he's just so good. I'm not surprised he doesn't want to be the doctor for the next series - he should get loads of offers for stuff now.
Was very disappointed with the first dalek episode - but those last two were great.
Even Piper was good! (never thought I'd say that!)
And some excellent support roles (I agree about the girl in the gas-masks one)

I think the script writers are the real winners here though - fabulous scripts - i have laughed, cried, and attempted to push the sofa away from the wall in order to hide behind it!!

Briliant - and the new doctor - well - I was worried I'd hate it not being Ecclestone but wossisname has that same spontaneous grin thing going on -
BRILLIANT!

xLx

p.s. exterminate!!! (I faced my fear!!!)

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Gervase
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 11:56 AM

I thought it was superb; the best yet. Intelligent, dramatic and moving scripts, great acting (even from Chris Evans's ex - blimey!) and excellent effects. In fact, it made me realise just how bloody awful a lot of the mid-period Doctor Whos were. I just hope Tennant can match up to the awesome standard set by Ecclestone. Roll on Christmas!

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: JulieF
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 11:57 AM

I'm not sure that Ecclestone was short of offers before he did Dr Who as he had previously put up some wonderful performances - Our friends in the North etc.

I really enjoyed this series - the espisodes I managed to catch. I was worried that the available effects would over whelm the storylines but it didn't.    I loved the first Dalek episode, would never have thought that I would cry at the death of a dalek and the last ones ( missed the middle one).

J

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: MBSLynne
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 01:40 PM

Yep...I thought it was brilliant. "The Empty Child" was one of the best ever. And I agree about the girl who was in it...we'll see more of her. I was surprised at how good Billie Piper was though I agree about the women all sounding like Janet Streetporter. And that was Dr Who's first ever kiss wasn't it? Or first two should I say? Can you imagine how people would have reacted in the days of the first Dr Who, to a kiss between two men??

I have great hopes for David Tennant. He was brilliant in Casanova. I think he'll bring just the right amount of humour to the part. Pity about Jack though......

How can I wait until Christmas for the next one??

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Tam the man
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 01:55 PM

My dad has never seen Dr Who, however he really liked this one, he thought the one with the gasmask was scary, oh by they my dad is 80 years old.

Tom
I liked it to

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Long Firm Freddie
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 02:00 PM

I loved it too, for all the reasons people have already said.

Apparently there are two Christmas specials coming up, series two starts in March with Billie Piper throughout,including the Cybermen (who I reckon are harder than the Daleks)and another series to come after that.

Excellent.

Hoping for a Dalek (or Billie Piper) in my Christmas stocking...

LFF

PS Which Dr Who monster do Catters most resemble?

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: lady penelope
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 02:23 PM

I always wanted to be Leela - I thought all the other female assistants were dead wet! Now, where'd I put that big knife...........?

I too have been very pleasantly surprised by this series. That last story was extremely brave. The writers have never been allowed to let the Doctor be quite so attached to any one before. At last, a Doctor for us girls to dribble/obsess over.

I can't get over how well Miss Piper came across either ! I was also getting rather fond of Captain Jack, mind you, considering the type of character he is, I wouldn't rule out the possibility of him turning up in future episodes.

Right, now, where was I? Oh yes, Barcelona any one?

TTFN Lady P.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 02:29 PM

My only beef is that a LOT of the episodes are very anti-climactic, but outside of that, a wonderful series... Sure goes a LONG way to blot out the old series and the over-acting and worse writing.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: *Laura*
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 02:54 PM

Yes Lady P - I think they'll meet him again on that satellite thing in future episodes...

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 03:08 PM

Ooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

I missed the lone dalek episode but will no doubt catch up.

It was streets ahead of the others (I'm a Pertwee/Baker/Baker era fan) in the effects department, but it was splendid to see they weren't OVER done..... The merging of the gas masks into faces and vice versa was beautifully done, the monsters were as alien as ever, but with surprising humane streaks played by wonderful actors (Annette Badlands as the last Slitheen, restraining herself over the killing of a reporter because she was 'with child'..... and then literally flirting with death in the restaurant with the Doctor later). Richard Wilson has now forever ceased to be Victor Meldrew (Patient ~ 'Oy, docter, moy leg's grawn beck': Dr ~ 'There's a war on, is it possible you miscounted?), "Are you my mummy?" has become a catchphrase in our house... as has 'I'm reconfiguring concrete!!'

It wasn't the Doctors' first snog, Paul McGann got to snog in the film but many die hard fans don't consider that as 'real' Doctor Who.

I suspect that Jack will be back, otherwise why bring him back to life and leave him alone on a space station......

But my favourite thing has to be the scripts. Dr Who has always had a habit of extracting the michael from any situation (getting Jon Pertwee disguised as a Naval officer in one episode, at the same time he was playing a Naval officer in 'The Navy Lark' on the radio!). The scriptwriters for this new series have had me in hysterics... 'massive weapons of destruction, deployable in 45 minutes!!!' And the final words of the family Slitheen.... 'Oh Bol...'

I too, wish for the speedy arrival of Christmas!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Firecat
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 03:44 PM

I loved it! I think that the reveal of who the Bad Wolf was was brilliant.

This is the first series I have been able to watch all the way through on original broadcast (I was born during the Davison era), and I hope that David Tennant can continue the good work. I also think that the introduction of Captain Jack Harkness was a good idea because of the way that they play off each other.

The only episode I wasn't really keen on was The End Of The World (the second one of the series) as I felt it was a bit slow.

However, I think Russell T. Davies has made a very good job of bringing the Doctor to a new audience.

There are rumours that Jack may well come back in the future. I hope they're true!

Roll on Christmas!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: GUEST,McGrath of Harlow
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 05:51 PM

Good scary monsters; but I thought the working out of the plots was pretty lazy, especially in the series finale. "With one bound he was free" stuff. Throw in a bunch of flashy special effects and Shazam...

I agree about the girl Nancy in the blitz section - Florence Hoath. I was rather hoping they'd leave Billie Piper back in in 1940, and take Nancy time travelling instead. And I really hope they'll leave that Jack character marooned in the year whatever it was.

But the new Doctor - yes, I think he'll do very well.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: GUEST,Penny S. (elsewhere)
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 05:55 PM

On the accents - did anyone notice, or can confirm what I noticed halfway through the second of the blitz episodes, the difference between those of Rose and Nancy? My friend agreed with me that Nancy's London accent seemed very much in period (judged by old films, and my friend's childhood memories not quite that far back). There were times when she almost seemed to show that it was learned. I thought. If they pulled that off - that was real attention to detail.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 06:30 PM

Nancy's post-war (definitely post-war, to my ear) South to East London accent was right (ish) - if that's what it was supposed to be.   Billy Piper's is simply current London estuarine.

I regret that Tennant wholly prevented me from watching Casanova.

He was excellent in the program/series about the hospital radio narrowcaster in a mental hospital: "We are loonies, and we are proud", but I fear he can play only stereotyped Scots, and certain ones of those at that.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 20 Jun 05 - 07:19 PM

I thouroughly enjoyed the series, having started watching from the first, when the 'pilot' episode (that term wasn't used back then) was re-shown the second week because the start had been somewhat overshadowed by the news of someone getting shot stateside (23 Nov 1973)

'Captain Jack' has (to my mind) had his time. He was too much of a competitor to the Doctor.

The DVDs are coming out in the UK as sets of 3 or 4 episodes. I'm hoping that they soon will issue a whole series set, as the DVDs at present are overpriced.

The Daleks were tremendous. I've seen all their previous incarnations, and the single dalek in episode 4? was a poignant reminder of all previous appearances. It was also a great way to point out the Doctor as a practitioner of genocide. In the past he's killed, (or had killed) members of so many races that it has never seemed that he appreciates the diversity of life (IDIC- Star Trek). This new Doctor seems a more sympathetic character.

Anyway, enough from me...


... Next!

Nigel

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 04:09 AM

Nigel ~ Surely you are mistaken? I started watching Dr Who in 1973 and he was already on his third incarnation..... Either you have forgotten William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton who came before Jon Pertwee, or your dates are not entirely correct? Or have you your own Tardis and were standing next to Chris Ecclestone (see episode 1, latest series)?!

*BG*

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Kaleea
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 04:37 AM

I loved Dr. Who! I didn't know there was a new one. I don't have cable, tho.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Stu
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 04:54 AM

Well, good news for all Dr. Who fans on the BBC website.

This also confirms two more series have been commissioned. Including the Chrissy specials that's 28 new episodes to look forward to. If they keep the standards up, especially with the writing, that would be smashing.

I thought the single Dalek episode was great - the Doctor showing real fear when faced with the Dalek was great character development.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 06:22 AM

I strongly suspect that Nigel has been indulging in a little time travel. Comments about someone getting shot stateside lead me to believe his Tardis should have landed in November 1963 but due to quirks in the space/time continuum he overshot (pun intended)

:D

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Dave Masterson
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 08:21 AM

When I was a young teenager back in the early 60's, I used to spend Saturday mornings listening to Brian Matthew presenting 'Saturday Club', and in the evenings watch Doctor Who.
So what am I doing 40 years on? I spend Saturday mornings listening to Brian Matthew presenting 'Sounds of the 60's', and in the evenings watch Doctor Who.
Who needs a Tardis.. I got the Beeb!

The new series has been superb, and like others think Billie Piper was superb... she's quite a good actress too...

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: MBSLynne
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 03:43 PM

Damn! I forgot Paul McGann's snog! How could I ever! It's still the first time he's been kissed by a man though!

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: sian, west wales
Date: 21 Jun 05 - 04:21 PM

Yep, liked the new series tho' I missed the last episode. I'll have to wait for the DVD. I would have liked, however, for the Doc to keep a little of his sartorial splendour - maybe not the whole hat/scarf/coat combo but at least a LONG leather coat.

I was in a Wales Tourist Board Cultural Tourism meeting last week and after seriously debating a whole lot of stuff the meeting ended with the Chair remarking, "Let's face it: episode X (the second Slitheen episode, whatever number that was) did more for Cardiff Tourism than any of us will ever do." How true! Nice to see the tardis outside our new Millenium Centre. Should bump up the visitor numbers!

siân

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 03:03 PM

The full series box set can be preordered from the BBC. Delivery I think is October.

Piper has a fairly general purpose London working class accent. If you want to hear what the Estury accent sounds like then listen to Annie Dearman.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: The Curator
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 04:11 PM

Bring back Peri, Tegan and Nyssa.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 04:31 PM

A quick google led me to some Annie Dearman reviews. Estuarine is not RP. I live but a mile or so from the Thames, truly on the estuary, between the Medway and the Thames, and I can hear estuarine simply by opening my front (or back) door.

Estuarine is a lower middle class whine affected by some educated or elevated, for fear of appearing snobbish. It is often mimicked by the working class and underclass for the obverse reason.

There is some parallel with the mockney accent affected by public schoolboys like Guy Ritchie.

Piper probably could not manage true Sarf Lunnun (Noo Crorst) or Rotherhithe, or Cockney.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 05:01 PM

It was total bollocks, of course - always was and always will be!
Has anyone noticed that, what I call TVSciFi (the term 'SciFi is a gross insult to a true Science Fiction fan), is really just another soap opera? All they do is pick out the 'shiny bits' from real Science Fiction and stick it onto a soap opera plot without any understanding or appreciation of the significance of the shiny bits - a bit like a magpie decorating its nest with milk bottle tops and silver paper.
When I was a kid I enjoyed Dr Who for the ridiculous, papier-mache, budget monsters - but it began to take itself more and more seriously and became more and more absurd and pompous. The casting of Christopher Ecclestone as the Dr is the ultimate expression of this - a rather pompous actor who tends to appear in self-important, 'gritty', 'socially-aware', Northern dramas (yawn!!!).
Anyway, I enjoyed some of the special effects (digital papier-mache?) - pity about the boring bits in between!

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 22 Jun 05 - 11:24 PM

(the term 'SciFi is a gross insult to a true Science Fiction fan)

You here to try to tell us what a "TRUE Science Fiction Fan" is you arrogant dick?

Don't bother... no one is listening to you anway....

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 03:59 AM

I think it may be a bit tongue in cheek, Clinton, but I have been known to be wrong...

Not notice anything wrong with the expersession 'true science fiction'? ;-)

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: GUEST,muppitz at work
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 07:37 AM

I'm not a big fan of watching tv lately, the last series I avidly watched was ER when George Clooney was still in it and I can remember watching the series with Sylvester McCoy, can't remember anything about it, but I can remember that I used to enjoy it!
However, I watched some of the Dr Who series and what I saw, I liked enough for me to keep an eye out for the DVD's to be able to watch at my own leisure.
The only thing I can remember seeing Christopher Eccleston in is the film "Gone in 60 Seconds" and for the entire 1st episode it was killing me who where the hell I'd seen him before, but he was good and I thought he and Billie Piper worked well together, the chemistry was there, it's a shame he's gone.
I've always admired Billie Piper because she's just a normal gal who's done a bit of everything she enjoys doing and she got married to someone who genuinely cared for her, basically said balls to the age gap, what he looked like and what people thought of him.
And to boot she had a good time doing it at his expense!

Can't wait for the DVD's so I can see what I missed.

muppitz x

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Bunnahabhain
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 08:18 AM

Well, in the opimion of GUEST 5.01 PM, any science fiction on television since Quatermass is unoriginal and boring.

Quatermass, which Dr Who is heavily influced by, was broadcast in three series in 1953,'55 and '58, and it established the three basic science fiction plot-lines. We go to them, they come to us, and they've always been here.

Plus where do you draw the line on calling something TV Sci Fi? Dr Who and Star Trek (Yes, even those series without Shatner, LH) are, but about Captin Scarlet? Red Dwarf? HHGH?

Some things, yes, are soaps in space, such as Battlestar Galactica, but dismissing everything is going too far.

Bunnahabhain.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Stu
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 09:16 AM

What about Blake's Seven. Cardboard sets and excellent scripts.

That was Sci-Fi.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 01:32 PM

I suppose I could attempt a definition of a "true Science Fiction" fan, ClintonHammond - but I suspect the effort would be wasted because YOU wouldn't listen to me.
On the other hand, an "arrogant dick" is someone who throws insults around any time they encounter an opinion that differs from their own.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 03:37 PM

"someone who throws insults around"

Like you're doing by being dismissive and condescending? At least I have the stones to not nancy around with innuendo... I'll come right out and call you an arrogant prick and dismiss your opinion... Not because your opinion is different than mine, but because you seem to think that your opinion is somehow worth more than mine...

Ya wanna talk WITH us, good... ya wanna talk down to us, don't bother....

If "the term SciFi" is good enough for Arthur C Clarke, then it's MORE than good enough for me...

"such as Battlestar Galactica"
The new BSG series is by far the best scifi TV I've seen in my life... I hope it goes on for years

" Red Dwarf"
Ahh... I miss Red Dwarf something fierce...

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 23 Jun 05 - 08:13 PM

When people say "soap" what they frequently mean is interaction between a set of characters in story arcs that extend over a number of episodes. That's a pretty important element in most extended series, in all kinds of genres, including science fiction.

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Crystal
Date: 24 Jun 05 - 03:48 AM

In that case Babylon 5 was a "soap". It was also one of the best and most innovative SciFi TV series EVER (except season 5, but there was a reason for that!)

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Jun 05 - 05:49 AM

Steady with the invective, CH. Someone has gone and we don't want him back!

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 25 Jun 05 - 03:52 AM

I miss Red Dwarf too.... but the DVDs of series 1-7 are available now.... Limpit is mightily impressed with it too!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 25 Jun 05 - 11:04 AM

I'll wager I could find Red Dwarf on eMule to tie me over...

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Limpit
Date: 26 Jun 05 - 07:42 AM

it is ggggggggggggggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaattttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Limpit

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Jun 05 - 11:34 AM

No, Mr Bridge and CH I'm back - but I seem to have interrupted a mutual masturbation session - so I'm off again!

Subject: RE: BS: Dr Who - first series impressions
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 26 Jun 05 - 12:40 PM

See how easily he's ignored...

I pleasantly surprised to find GIGs and GIGs of Red Dwarf all over the Bit-Torrent sites I recently started using...