Doctor Who 50th Anniversary (and general series discussion)

[Filuwaúrdjan]

It's telly-as-entertainment first and foremost (not that there's anything wrong with that!) and is impossible to 'justify' on any other level, so bleating about pandering to a mass audience is... er... well, it would be quite self-destructive if such bleats were actually listened to (which they aren't, obviously). It's also about 50% or so a kids show, which is also absolutely fine (but, again, returns to the previous point). I do have a couple of issues about the way things have been going of late, but that type of thing is beyond ridiculous.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Capaldi is a fine actor and exactly the sort of change of direction that the show needs right now. Hopefully the writing - especially at a narrative level - sharpens up in response.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I liked the (necessary) backstory updating. A programme like this has to stay fresh and the whole 'woe is me for I am the last of my kind' thing - which worked at first, don't forget - wore thin years ago. Not impressed with the story used as a vehicle to get to that point, mind... still, the guests were good fun.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Anyway, did anyone see An Adventure in Space and Time as well? David Bradley remains fantastic, and the rest of the cast were good - and looked freakishly similar to the people they played - as well.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Well, he quit the show after one series in part because of the poisonous atmosphere on set (in that respect, as in many others, New Who is much like Old Who), and afterwards there was a lot of vicious and misleading briefing to the media by certain persons. I do agree that it's a shame (he's a great actor and happens to be my personal favourite in the role), but it would have been awkward for all concerned.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I did like the demonstration of quite how hellish the old studios were to work in.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Almost every individual scene was pretty good (some better, actually), but it didn't hold together so brilliantly: scene followed scene because scene followed scene, rather than because of the plot (which is what gave it its rushed feeling). I think a certain element of 'last chance to use this idea' was at work. Hey, Christmassy specials are rarely exactly strong, so, eh...