Watching Doctor Who

I’m on vacation this week. Good thing too, as I have a cold. (grumble) In any case, I hope that your week goes well. I’ve set up my posts in advance, but I’ll be sure to stop by and check on things from time to time. Now, on to more important topics…

Reminder:
This Wednesday, September 10 at 2:15pm, is Torchwood: Lost Souls on BBC Radio 4. Just so you know, Martha is one of the characters that is appearing on this radio play. If you will not be available at that time, fear not! Radio 4 has a “listen again” feature that allows people worldwide to listen online for a week after the broadcast. Rumour has it that the program will be out on CD later this month.

The Torchwood 2009 Calendar is not quite available yet, but Amazon has the pictures up and you can already pre-order it.

Lest you feel that you have not gotten enough John Barrowman of late, he has written an article for the Observer called “What I know about Men.” If you are at all familiar with him, the content will not surprise you.

Series two of the Sarah Jane Adventures is coming soon! (in the UK at least.) I couldn’t find the airdate on the official sites, but never fear, Sarah-Jane.tv (your home for all SJA news) has the answer. The date is: 29 September 2008. Also? Here’s a trailer. (Please note, Maria will be leaving the show during this series as the actress needs to work on her GCSEs, or so I’ve read.)

Torchwood: Lost Souls, Torchwood, John Barrowman, Sarah Jane Adventures

The official Torchwood series three press release is not very illuminating about when in 2009 the series will play. I can’t wait to see what director Euros Lyn does with this mini-series.

Doctor Who seems to be quite popular in the land of awards shows. This time it has won the trophy for “Best Programme of 2008″ at the Edinburgh TV festival. Yay for our show!

Speaking of awards, it appears that David Tennant has received another one himself. He has been voted “Greenest Star on the Planet” in the Playhouse Disney’s Playing for the Planet Awards. It looks like Tennant is just as interested in saving the planet in real life as The Doctor is on TV.

BuddyTV is reporting that John Barrowman is working on another album. “Music Music Music” is due to be released on 24 November. Yet another thing to add to my Christmas list. It’s a shame that man isn’t busy. Heavens.

Rumour alert!
Is Doctor Who coming to the big screen? Well…Steven Moffat says that he isn’t against the idea. As long as it doesn’t interfere with the show, that is. (Mind you, that doesn’t mean it will actually happen.) I wonder if they will ever actually do this….

Torchwood, Doctor Who, David Tennant, John Barrowman

…And we’re back. Hello again. Sorry about the long wait. The good news is that it looks like they are going to be rebuilding my car (essentially rebuilding the front end) rather than “totaling” it. I’m healing apace, and I should be back at my day job on Friday.

Meanwhile, in the Whoniverse:

Do you remember the Torchwood Radio Drama that I mentioned a while back that was supposed to appear in celebration of CERN? It’s finally on its way! Torchwood: Lost Souls will play on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday 10 September at 2:15 pm. Want to hear a preview? Give a listen to the trailer below.

SyFy Portal is reporting that there are some interesting rumors swirling about on the topic of the 2009 Doctor Who specials. For two different supposed reasons, depending upon the story that you believe, two of the specials might be filmed in the United States! I know that this is merely a rumor at this point, but…that would be quite cool. (Thank you for the link, The Vig!)

Torchwood: Children of Earth, otherwise known as Torchwood Series three, the five-part mini-series, has begun filming. It’s looking like PC Andy will be making an appearance, all you fans out there. Apparently, it’s going to be quite a ride. (Psst! Don’t forget that Torchewood series two will be out on DVD in the USA on 16 September.)

Torchwood, Torchwood: Lost Souls, Doctor Who, Torchwood: Children of Earth

Catherine Tate on stage in “Under the Blue Sky”

For all of you who have been wanting a stuffed Adipose…go look here! I am totally adding this to my Christmas list. It even has the little tooth.

For those of you who have been waiting for the next series of Billie Piper’s Secret Diary of a Call Girl, the end of the wait is coming. Digital Spy is reporting that series two is due to arrive in the UK in September. (Fair warning. The article contains spoilers.)

Apparently, Phill Collinson is the one who came up with several of the ideas for Doctor Who series four. For example, Agatha Christie was his idea.

Are you curious about which Companion you’d be? Yes? Well, why not take this quiz and find out for yourself? (I ended up being Rose.) This quiz concentrates on four options - Donna, Martha, Rose, and…The Doctor.

Den of Geek is reporting that the truncated series three of Torchwood will be called “Children of Earth” and will feature the Directorial skills of the fabulous Euros Lyn. James Moran will be back as one of the writers, and there are rumours that James Marsters may appear again. I don’t know about you lot, but I can’t wait for the Spring.

Adipose, Billie Piper, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Phill Collinson, Doctor Who, Torchwood, Children of Earth, Euros Lyn, James Moran

John and his sister Carole in SoCal for a book signing.

The fabulous TVShowsOnDVD.com is reporting that the US series one Torchwood Blue-ray DVD set release has been pushed back to 11 November. The normal DVD US release of Torchwood series two is still scheduled for 16 September.

I can hear you out there saying, “well that’s good news for Torchwood, but what about The Sarah Jane Adventures?” ha HA! TVShowsOnDVD.com has the answer. The US release of The Sarah Jane Adventures series one on DVD is scheduled for 7 October. As such, I will be putting it on my birthday list now.

Digital Spy is reporting that Chris Chibnall’s next project, the UK version of Law & Order, will star none other than Freema Agyeman. Wow. Shame she’s not keeping busy. Isn’t this the second non-Who show she’s doing?

According to the San Diego Comic-Con Website registration is now closed. So, if you are headed down to the enjoy the Torchwood and Doctor Who fun they have scheduled, I hope that you have already registered. Also, be sure to let me know what you thought when you get back.

Previews for David Tennant’s Hamlet begin on 24 July, which is…today. For those of you that can’t be there to see it, Whatsonstage.com has some rehearsal pics for you.

Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures, Chris Chibnall, Freema Agyeman, Comic-Con, Torchwood, Doctor Who

I’ve just gone back over all of the questions I’ve done so far (yes…it took a while) and I’m surprised to discover that I haven’t yet asked this question. How is that possible? So I have decided to rectify the situation. Which is your Least favorite episode of Torchwood series one? Now, I must insist that you all play nice. Be polite. No swearing or bashing, as your least favorite may turn out to be someone else’s favorite. I’m merely interested to know which one you dislike the most, and why.

As is usual, I have included the list of episode titles below to help jog your memory.

Torchwood Series 1:
1. Everything Changes (Gwen has a run in with Torchwood. Also? There is pizza.)
2. Day One (The worst first day on the job ever.)
3. Ghost Machine (No really. Don’t push that button.)
4. Cyberwoman (Ianto? What’s that in the basement?)
5. Small Worlds (Of Fairies and Jack’s past.)
6. Countrycide (I looked into the fridge and the fridge looked into me.)
7. Greeks Bearing Gifts (Tosh has a close encounter.)
8. They Keep Killing Suzie (The title pretty much says it all.)
9. Random Shoes (The ghost that loved Gwen.)
10. Out Of Time (How would you survive if transported into the future?)
11. Combat (Fight Club…with Weevils.)
12. Captain Jack Harkness (Captain Jack or Captain James?)
13. End Of Days (The creature from beyond the rift…)

I have to admit that my least favorite series one Torchwood episode is Countrycide. I rather expect this has a great deal to do with my extreme dislike of horror films. This episode did have several important character plot points, but I just couldn’t deal with the gore.

So, which is your least favorite?

Torchwood

The is the Reaction Post for the final episode of Doctor Who series four - Journey’s End. Before I finish this write up, I’ll probably have to go watch it again. This may explain why this post was a bit delayed. Before you ask, though, I loved this episode. And I did cry.

Now, for my very scattered views on this episode come on past the spoiler barrier.

(more…)

Reaction Post, Doctor Who, Journey’s End

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

Recently I have been asked for some Dead Ringers parodies of Torchwood. As always, I am happy to oblige. This particular video was obviously made during or after Torchwood series one. It’s kind of random and a bit rude, but I’m sure that you’ll see what they’re driving at. I remember seeing John Barrowman’s impression of this Dead Ringer’d Captain Jack somewhere, but I can seem to find it again. I do remember that he was trying to walk the same way. (”Do I really walk like that?”) If anyone remembers where that bit is from, please let me know so that I can hunt it down. Thank you kindly.

Enjoy!

Dead Ringers, Torchwood

As was suggested in a recent interview with Eve Myles (that I can’t find the link to, sorry), it has now been revealed that series three of Torchwood will not be the usual 13 episodes long. During 2009, the same year containing the Doctor Who drought broken only the four special episodes, Torchwood will consist of one five episode long story arc. It looks like said episodes will take place during one week? (Well, at least that’s what TV Guide is saying.) So, that only leaves The Sarah Jane Adventures in 2009, unless its second series suddenly materializes later this year instead. (I still haven’t heard when to expect series two for The Sarah Jane Adventures.)

So, right now I guess that this is what we are looking at:
Torchwood: First, there will be the Radio play this Summer (which is rumoured to include Martha), then next year we will have one five episode story arc.

Doctor Who: We still have the rest of series four to get through. Then, Christmas episode 2008. 2009 will bring us three specials, and, we assume, Christmas episode 2009. Come 2010 we will have all thirteen episodes of series five, as helmed by new Head Writer Steven Moffat.

The Sarah Jane Adventures: Last I heard, series two was being filmed and there is a rumour going around that The Doctor will make an appearance. (There is also a rumour about a new “companion.”) No word yet as to when the second series might air.

I have no idea how all this will translate as far as the U.S. is concerned. But, there you are. The news as I currently understand it.

Torchwood, Doctor Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures

(Image Source: David-Tennant.com Photo Archive which you should totally spend some time clicking through if you have a chance.
Thanks to Mkejenkins for the heads up)

That’s right, folks. David Tennant’s time with the Royal Shakespeare Company has nearly arrived. He will be appearing in Love’s Labour’s Lost from 2 October to 15 November 2008 and in Hamlet from 24 July to 15 November 2008. Never have I wished more that I could win the lottery and/or that they would film these productions to show on the BBC. Sigh.

Heads up! Torchwood is up for a NewNowNext Award. Vote at will!

Interested in having your own wee TARDIS console and happen to have £325.00 lying around? Well, if so, you may wish to pre-order now. (And if you have an extra £325.00…buy one for me.)

I know that this isn’t directly Doctor Who related, but…Primeval will begin playing on BBC America on 2 August 2008 according to Variety. This show was originally created to compete with the SciFi coolness happening over on the BBC…and now it’s appearing on the same channel. Just thought that you lot would like to know. I quite enjoyed series one…

Freema Agyeman mentioned in a recent interview that she will be appearing in a BBC production of Little Dorrit, and that the filming should begin soon. I hope that she has all kinds of fun doing period drama, and that the production turns out to be a rousing success.

And speaking of Ms. Agyeman, according to the BBC Press Office during the BBC Proms 2008 music festival she will be hosting a very special “Prom.” The Press Office says - “A Doctor Who Prom, presented by Freema Agyeman (aka Martha Jones). A family concert featuring a specially filmed scene written by Russell T Davies and starring David Tennant, plus a selection of classical favourites with a strong flavour of time and space (27 July).” So, pencil in the date on your calendar. (Don’t worry. It looks like it will be available online.)

Oh, and speaking of the Proms…here is a fellow by the name of Nigel Kennedy from the Proms photocall, performing the Doctor Who theme on an electrical violin. Enjoy!

David Tennant, Freema Agyeman, Little Dorrit, Nigel Kennedy, Doctor Who

For those of you who have been waiting for it, Torchwood series 1 and 2 are now available on iTunes in the US. Buy at will!

Flat Holm, the island featured in the Torchwood episode “Adrift,” is turning into a tourist destination. I wonder if they will ever actually go to Scotland and see Torchwood 2. It would spread the tourist love around even more.

I get the About.com Ancient History newsletter, and guess what I noticed in the most recent one? Doctor Who! N.S. Gill mentions the upcoming (in the US) episode - The Fires of Pompeii and points out that, “Not only does Doctor Who make reference to classical themes, but so do its spin-offs, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures.” It’s always cool to find another fan.

David Tennant and John Barrowman have been asked by the National Trust for Scotland to spend a “Perfect Day” exploring the Highlands to help them launch the Perfect Day website. At least, according to the Daily Record. Now that sounds cool. If only I could then win a trip to the Highlands…

Doctor Who won six awards at the BAFTA Cymru Awards! They took home - “Best Drama Series (Phil Collinson, for Voyage of the Damned), Best Screenwriter (Steven Moffat, for Blink), Best Sound (BBC Wales Sound team), Best Director, Drama (James Strong for Voyage of the Damned), Best Director of Photography (Ernie Vincze for Voyage of the Damned), and Best Make-Up (Barbara Southcott and Neill Gorton at Millennium FX for The Shakespeare Code).” Further, Torchwood received the Best Costume award for the episode Captain Jack Harkness.

Rumor Alert!

Will Christopher Eccleston star in a new version of The Prisoner? (It seems to me that this is the second time around for this rumor.)

Is Billie Piper pregnant? (The story goes like this: Billie and her Husband were on vacation, being photographed all the while by stalker photographers, and while they were on the beach Billie patted her belly. Now, everyone seems to think that she’s pregnant. Quite a lot of hoopla for a belly pat.)

Torchwood, Doctor Who, Christopher Eccleston, Billie Piper

You knew that it was coming. This week’s question is quite simply this: Which is your favorite Torchwood episode so far? Think back over the last two series of episodes. Which one did you enjoy the most? Once again, I’m not saying “which was best written or acted?” I just want to know which one you personally found most enjoyable. So, which will it be? As per usual, I have listed the episodes here to jog your memory. Series 2 even has the links to the Reaction Posts.

Torchwood Series 1:
1. Everything Changes
2. Day One
3. Ghost Machine
4. Cyberwoman
5. Small Worlds
6. Countrycide
7. Greeks Bearing Gifts
8. They Keep Killing Suzie
9. Random Shoes
10. Out Of Time
11. Combat
12. Captain Jack Harkness
13. End Of Days

Torchwood Series 2:
1. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
2. Sleeper
3. To The Last Man
4. Meat
5. Adam
6. Reset
7. Dead Man Walking
8. A Day In The Death
9. Something Borrowed
10. From Out of the Rain
11. Adrift
12. Fragments
13. Exit Wounds

I suppose that you want to know which one I’ve chosen. Well, I have to say I like Greeks Bearing Gifts and Something Borrowed, but my favorite episode of both series is still Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. It’s a rollicking good time with moments for all of the characters. How can you go wrong with that? Plus…”Bloody Torchwood” and a Blowfish driving a convertible. Oh yeah…and Captain John.

So…which one did you choose?

Torchwood, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Well, now that Torchwood series two is over in both the US and the UK I bring you the inevitable question. Which episode of Torchwood series two did you enjoy the most? I’m not asking which episode you felt was best written or best acted, merely a value judgment based upon your enjoyment. Were you mad about one of the Martha episodes? Did you particularly enjoy our trip to the department of backstory? Did you most enjoy the sleeper awakening? What shall it be? I’ve linked the list of episodes below to the reaction posts for each episode, just in case you need to jog your memory.

Torchwood Series 2:
1. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
2. Sleeper
3. To The Last Man
4. Meat
5. Adam
6. Reset
7. Dead Man Walking
8. A Day In The Death
9. Something Borrowed
10. From Out of the Rain
11. Adrift
12. Fragments
13. Exit Wounds

After due consideration, I’ve decided that Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was my favorite episode this time. It contained both action and mystery with a large dose of teamwork and foreshadowing. And really, it quite entertained me. A fish driving a sports car. Owen leaning out of the window to shoot at the fleeing vehicle. Jack returning just in time. Oh, and Captain John Hart. How can you go wrong with all that? My second favorite would have to be Something Borrowed. Not only was I vastly entertained by the whole thing, but it also contained one thing I adore in shows like these: our heroes dealing with the clueless general public. My friends call me The Earth Lobby for a reason. They had to retcon everyone for goodness sakes. Overall, I liked this series better than the last. It was a great deal more even.

Anyway, that’s my vote. Which did you choose?

Torchwood, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Something Borrowed

This is a Reference Post to help provide easier access to all of the Torchwood Series 2 Reaction Posts. Links to all of the Reaction Posts appear in order below. Yep. I have successfully reacted to every episode for series 2.

Torchwood Series 2:
1. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
2. Sleeper
3. To The Last Man
4. Meat
5. Adam
6. Reset
7. Dead Man Walking
8. A Day In The Death
9. Something Borrowed
10. From Out of the Rain
11. Adrift
12. Fragments
13. Exit Wounds

Reference Post, Torchwood, Reaction Post