Watching Doctor Who

(Photo: WireImage/Samir Hussein - Catherine Tate arrives at the Woman’s Own Children of Courage Awards 2008)

Attention all David Tennant fans! (especially The Vig) The Telegraph is reporting that David Tennant, Patrick Stewart, and the rest of the Hamlet crew will be returning to film their Hamlet in June. Yes, you read that right. They’re going to be filming David’s Hamlet! Apparently it will be more than just filming the stage, but not quite the feature film level. Hamlet will be filmed over the course of two to three weeks. Let the squeeing begin! I can’t wait to see what they come up with, and it darn well better come out on DVD.

Remember how there was supposed to be a K9 series at some point? Well, now we have more information. Park Entertainment’s site has more information for us now. There is no trailer of promo up yet, but it looks like the show will take place in London of the future. There will be adventurous teens, a reclusive scientist, and, of course, K9. What will they be doing? Defending the Earth, of course. I’m not sure when we’ll be seeing the finished product, but I’m very curious to see what it looks like. It will be live action, by the way.

According to People.co.uk, Freema Agyeman may be currently working hard on Law and Order UK, but she isn’t ruling out appearing in Doctor Who again in the future. In the article, she even mentions that she’d like to be on Strictly Come Dancing. Well, it looks like her new show is already doing well. Congrats, Freema!

David Tennant, K9, Freema Agyeman

I’ve been over to my entertainment photos place again (WireImage for those of you who are curious) and I have brought back a crop of photos for your viewing pleasure. To start with, we have a picture of David Tennant on his way out after an evening as Hamlet. I wonder how many autographs he signed in total during the run. Quite a few, I’d wager. Good thing he’s got a scarf on. It looks cold out there.

(Photo: WireImage/D Martindale)

This next photo is one I turned up of Matt Smith acting in “That Face” from a couple of years ago. It’s nice to see that he’s had a variety of roles. It should stand him in good stead when facing a role like The Doctor. I would, however, like to point out to the character he is playing here that some nice shoes would make a world of difference with that dress.

(Photo: WireImage/Franks)

Freema Agyeman was recently a presenter at the South Bank Show Awards. It looks like success agrees with her, eh? Looking good Freema! I hope that Law & Order: UK turns out to be a fantastic success for you.

(Photo: WireImage/Mike Marsland)

I’m posting this last picture, of the beauteous Billie Piper, for a certain friend of mine. I’m thinking that he may kill me, though, when I tell him that the picture was taken at the CBS and Showtime Network’s Winter Television Critics Association Party in Hollywood, California on 14 January 2009. I hope that this picture makes up for that knowledge. She’s looking good post-baby, yes?

(Photo: WireImage/Bucci)

By now you should all be aware that Matt Smith has been chosen as the Eleventh Doctor, beginning filming later this year and finally appearing on UK Television screens on Easter 2010. Or at least, that’s what we understand at this point. For all we know, he could appear in the Christmas special just to surprise us. Who can say?

In the meantime, I’m sure that you are all as curious as I am to see our future Doctor in action. One of the shows Mr. Smith has appeared in is The Ruby in the Smoke. As some of you may know, the star of said show was none other than Billie Piper! So, I went over to YouTube and did a bit of searching. And what did I find? A veritable cornucopia of clips from the show? Yes. The show in its entirety? No. Oh, well. You can always check to see if your local library has the DVD in stock if you wish to watch the whole thing.

The first two videos below contain pretty much all of the parts of The Ruby in the Smoke that contain Matt Smith. Take a look, and let me know what you think.

Matt Smith in Ruby in the Smoke - Part 1:

Matt Smith in Ruby in the Smoke - Part 2:

So, have you not had enough of Phillip Pullman’s The Ruby in the Smoke yet? Here are a series of clips (containing a great deal of Billie Piper) that I managed to track down. (I really need to get my own personal seamstress. Billie’s dresses are lovely in this TV movie.)

The Ruby in the Smoke, Clip 1:

Clip 2
Clip 3
Clip 4
Clip 5
Clip 6
Clip 7 (Matt Smith is in this one)
Clip 8 (A tiny bit of Matt Smith in this one.)

What’s the verdict?

Matt Smith, Ruby in the Smoke

Day 24: A Greeting from Rosita:

That was a bit short, so here is the video from Day 25…Donna’s Story in 90 seconds.

Donna’s Story (series 4 in fast forward):

John Barrowman at Birmingham Christmas Lights 2008
(From WireImage.com, Photo by Jules Annan)

Have I told you folks about Torchwood Babiez? It’s like a combination of Muppet Babies and the Whoniverse in comic format. You can find it over at tw_babiez on Livejournal. The reason I mention it now in particular is that part 3 (of 4) has just been posted. I’m loving it, and I hope that part four isn’t that many months away.

Speaking of comics, it looks like Sheldon is a Doctor Who fan, or perhaps it’s artist Dave Kellett who’s the fan. Either way, this is the second time I’ve seen the show mentioned in his comic strip.

The Children in Need TV event is on tonight, 14 November 2008, at 7pm. And what can we expect to see with relation to the Whoniverse? Well, apparently we will be treated to a clip from the Doctor Who Christmas special. In addition, there are rumours floating around that the next Doctor will be named during the show. I wonder if they’re actually talking about the name of the Christmas special, which is “The Next Doctor.” Who knows? I guess we’ll find out tonight.

Doctor Who series four is currently playing on BBCAmerica if you want to catch it again. It’s playing on Saturdays at 9(8c).

How did you first encounter Doctor Who? One of the things I haven’t done on this blog for a while is My First Doctor. Who was your first Doctor? Where did you see your first episode? Tell me your story and I’ll post it here. (You can see the previous ones here.) You can either comment with your story, or send me an e-mail using the Contact Me link near the top right of the blog.

Torchwood Babiez, Sheldon, Doctor Who

Noel Clark at MOBO Awards (photo by Ferdaus Shamim from WireImage)

I’m at a conference this week (Internet Librarian in Monterey, for those of you interested.) And so far (*fingers crossed*) my laptop is behaving itself. Mind you, this means that the Sarah Jane Adventures reaction post might be a bit late this week. Just so you know…

And now, the news….
Den of Geek is reporting that the first Doctor Who special of 2009 will be broadcast at Easter. It was co-written by RTD and Gareth Roberts and will be directed by James Strong. Finally some news! Yay!

Billie Piper is now about seven months along, for those of you keeping track, and it looks like she’s doing well.

Speaking of Billie, her Secret Diary of a Call Girl is set to have its first series come out on DVD in the US on 6 January 2009. It looks like the price will be around $29.98.

Noel Clark, Doctor Who, Billie Piper

This is the Reaction Post for The Sarah Jane Adventures series two - The Day of the Clown (part 2).

Has anyone heard any news about when The Sarah Jane Adventures series 2 might appear elsewhere? Like, perhaps, The United States or Australia?

As per usual, my rambling reactions to this episode are hidden behind the spoiler barrier. Click if you dare.

(more…)

Reaction Post, The Sarah Jane Adventures, The Day of the Clown

Series two of The Sarah Jane Adventures is finally here. (Well, in the UK anyway.) I wonder how long it will take for it to arrive elsewhere. Have any of you heard anything?

This is the Reaction Post for The Sarah Jane Adventures series two - The Last Sontaran (part 2).

As per usual, my rambling reactions to this episode are hidden behind the spoiler barrier. Click if you dare.

(more…)

Reaction Post, The Sarah Jane Adventures, The Last Sontaran

Series two of The Sarah Jane Adventures is finally here. (Well, in the UK anyway.) It’s nice to have our crew back. Let’s get to it, shall we?

This is the Reaction Post for The Sarah Jane Adventures series two - The Last Sontaran (part 1).

As per usual, my rambling reactions to this episode are hidden behind the spoiler barrier. Click if you dare.

(more…)

Reaction Post, Sarah Jane Adventures, The Last Sontaran

As I’m sure you all know by now, I tend to spend a fair amount of time surfing around on Youtube. There’s just so much stuff to look at over there. Today I bring you two videos for the price of one.

The price of one, being “free” in this case…but you get the idea.

The first video isn’t available to be embedded, sadly, but I can offer you a link. In 1979, British television played a spoof called Doctor Eyes. Can Doctor Eyes and Gloria survive the planet Chromokey? It’s a bit of silliness, but worth it for the giggle.

My second video offering today is from the 1985 Children in Need special. All you have to do is watch one of the special guests to know that it’s 1985. He’s dressed a wee bit like Rose’s dad in Father’s Day. Also, I’ve never really thought of the TARDIS as a clown car, but watching this video brings the image to mind. It’s more of a class reunion than a special scene or anything. Still, it’s worth watching for the memory jog. Enjoy!

Doctor Who Children in Need 1985:

Doctor Eyes, Doctor Who, Children in Need

John Barrowman at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Birthday

Rumours of a big screen version of Doctor Who continue. Currently, said rumours have David Tennant playing The Doctor and perhaps…Catherine Zeta-Jones as a companion. Anyone get the feeling that a certain Russell T. Davies is messing with the press again?

Speaking of the rumour mill, have you hear the latest “next Doctor” rumour? Do you remember Midshipman Frame? That’s right. The current rumour has Russell Tovey lined up as the 11th Doctor. Hmmm…I don’t know about this one. (The BBC notes that this is RTD’s idea… and it doesn’t seem to be official at this point.)

Have you ever wondered what your Time Lord name might be? Apparently mine would be - Acknalingundewaryerustlerechsamsayqueyer. Don’t worry, you can call me Fred. Get your name here.

Don’t forget! The Torchwood soundtrack CD is coming to the US on 14 October. You can pre-order it now, if you’re of a mind to do so.

Freema Agyeman is commencing work on her part in Law & Order: UK this month. Series one looks to be thirteen episodes long. Looks like Freema’s career is going strong, doesn’t it?

Doctor Who, Russell Tovey, Time Lord, Torchwood, Freema Agyeman

Generally on Wednesdays I like to post a couple of (more or less) topic appropriate videos. Today is no different.

I’m sure that you are all shocked by this fact. (Hey! I heard that snicker!)

In any case, the first video that I am sharing with you on this particular Wednesday is from the UK’s Dancing on Ice television program. John Barrowman was a contestant on the show. Not too surprising when you consider that he can skate and dance. Oh, and also the fact that he seems to be everywhere these days. This video features his first routine and some of the training that went into it. Apparently he used to ice skate as a kid. He can even skate backwards! I have been ice skating all of once, myself, so I’m quite impressed by all of this. So there you are. Enjoy John and his skating prowess!

John Barrowman in Dancing on Ice:

Dancing on Ice, John Barrowman

Well, while I’m waiting impatiently for the final episode and trying to avoid spoilers. Here are a few newsbites to keep you entertained in the meantime. (Yes. You read that correctly. I am trying to avoid spoilers. I mean…spoilers are so sketchy and if you watch an episode like this one after having read an incorrect spoiler… Well, it could ruin the experience. It does for me, anyway. Enough of my rambling. Read on!)

Could David Morrissey be the next Doctor? Yes, it’s another “next Doctor” rumour. Mr. Morrissey is supposed to be in the next Christmas Special and pictures of him in period garb have already been taken. The question folks are asking is: Who is he playing? Or rather, is he playing Who? He is refusing to say one way or another.

Afterelton.com has a deleted scene from the Torchwood episode “Meat” up on its site. Apparently the scene was termed “too racy to air.” Think about that for a minute. Too racy to air on Torchwood? Watch it for yourself and decide. Personally, I thought it was hilarious.

According to the official Doctor Who site, the Doctor Who folks have arranged for a screening of Journey’s End (7pm, Trafalgar Square) as part of Pride London ‘08. It seems to me that this didn’t quite work out last year. Here’s hoping that they manage it this year.

And especially for Erik, I bring you links to two YouTube video extras from Secret Diary of a Call Girl featuring none other than Billie Piper.
1) Why I Became a Call Girl and 2) Would You Visit a Call Girl (A big Hat Tip to Jen, Joe, and Duncan for sending me the links.)

David Morrissey, Torchwood

This is the first half of an interview video that is up on the BBC website. The second half of this talk with Billie Piper will be up on the BBC Website after the episode this Saturday. Of course, like all the videos currently on the official site, only folks in the UK can watch them. …And that’s where Youtube comes in. This half of the interview isn’t particularly spoilery, but if you are trying to remain spoiler free for the eleventh episode (Turn Left) you may want to give it a miss. For the rest of you…watch it before they take it down! (Sorry about the video quality, but this was the only version that I could find on our faithful video sharing site. The second half will be up as soon as I can find it.)

The First Half of the Turn Left Billie Piper Interview:

Billie Piper, Turn Left

Billie and her husband Laurence

Paul over at ToyBender has found some Daleks made out of legos online. Definitely worth stopping by to see.

Today I was reading an article from the Canadian Press about the Secret Diary of a Call Girl coming to the US soon, and a couple of important things were mentioned during the last paragraph of the interview with Billie Piper. “Undaunted by the media criticism, Piper has begun filming a second series as Belle, and a third series has been ordered. But she may soon need a body double, she says, because she’s pregnant.” So, from this it looks like 1) there will be second and third series of Secret Diary and 2) it seems that Billie really is pregnant. Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Fox!

It turns out that Steven Moffat was offered the job as the new Head Writer for Doctor Who via e-mail! He got this e-mail sometime last Summer, which means that he knew about this when he was at Gallifrey One this last February. That would explain his reaction when he was asked if he might take over some day. Interesting.

Remember that Freema Agyeman is going to be in a production of Little Dorrit? Well, it looks like Torchwood’s Eve Myles will be in the production as well. Oh yeah. And Andy Serkis. I’m thinking that I really need to see this one.

I’ve just received notification that the FAQ at the Official Doctor Who Site has been updated. I went over to have a look, and I discovered this possible good news for non-UK residents - “For Series Four, we have moved to using Flash Video. We are currently not allowed to stream Flash Video overseas without the involvement of BBC Worldwide, however. We are working on a solution to resolve this.” Let’s hope that the solution comes soon.

I have been looking for David Tennant’s interview with Andrew Marr for a couple of days now, and here it is. David talks about playing the Doctor, playing Hamlet, and even playing in one of his earlier projects. Enjoy!

Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Billie Piper, Steven Moffat, Doctor Who, Freema Agyeman, Eve Myles, David Tennant