Dr Who Xmas special

Cullhaven

Hernes Son
I must admit to enjoying the episode, I enjoy most Doctor Who. This has a lot to do with the fact that its part of my childhood that seemed long gone, but showed up again. The modern Doctor Who plots never make sense - plot holes the size of a planet, bad logic in the context of the reality of the show, silly science etc. etc. etc. All covered up by Smith/Tennant rushing around, blinding us with dazzling personality and glib fast talk. Accept it - that's all "Modern" Doctor Who is - and you just have to watch it and not think too deeply about what you have just seen. This what folk want, these days, it seems, from British TV. There is no depth to anything, no drama or wit. I just got The Owl Service on DVD for xmas, children's TV from 1969 and its so deep and dramatic, still powerful today. Was watching I Claudius over the hols and ditto - you wont see anything that well written, conceived or acted on today's telly - not from Britain, anyway. I recently watched the Tom Baker episodes again. Not always brilliant acting but the storylines had a depth to them. They took time to let them play out as well - as I have said before, something badly lacking in the modern "Whovian " must finish every storyline in one episode" style. It makes it impossible for the show to have any depth of plot or character. I wont stop watching it, for sentimental reasons as much as anything else.
 

Janie

Full Member

Lost interest in that in the first paragraph where they said they preferred Clara to Amy - stupid talk. Clara is just dull, Amy was the best Nu-Who companion.

I think the problem with this episode lies in the simple fact they wanted to write one more (at least) Smith series - but he decided to leave so they had to wrap his story up in one episode. Trying to tie everything up that they had been writing for 4 years including a regeneration scene and also having to make it a Christmas themed episode was simply to much.

You could argue that they could have carry some of the Smith story lines (The Crack, The Silence, Tressalore, The Question (Doctor who?)) into the Peter era - but they clearly want to start a fresh - New Doctor, new problems (and hopefully new assistant soon!).

So yeah this episode was a mess, but ultimately not the best way for Matts Doctor to sign off, but that's probably down to his decision to quit the role. There were things I liked - Handles (the cybermen head), Amy's cameo, the final speech from Matt".........and really could have done without Clara's family - not needed in episode begging for more screen time, and wasn't that keen on the Doctor aging either. And if I'm being completely honest I thought Peter intro was alittle flat...
 

Btone

The Nice Chimp
I think the problem with this episode lies in the simple fact they wanted to write one more (at least) Smith series - but he decided to leave so they had to wrap his story up in one episode. Trying to tie everything up that they had been writing for 4 years including a regeneration scene and also having to make it a Christmas themed episode was simply to much.

from what i read smith wanted to stay but was kicked out like so many of the Dr before him.


in general i watch Dr who because it was much a part of my youth. but i have long given up on the Dr as real Sify as the powers that be treat it that only people under the age of 10 watch such things and so writing acting, direction doesn't matter
 

Swither

Full Member
I agree, the episode tried to do too much and fell flat.

But looks like they killed off the idea of the Dr searching for Galifrey for the next few series, which I am glad about, as he was avoiding the place from day 1, series 1 as I understand it.

Capaldis entrance was disappointing and I really hope he won't just be another Smith/Tennant character....fingers crossed.
 

Btone

The Nice Chimp
i cant help but think that we will be disappointed by Capaldis, he a dam fine actor but the underlying structure of DR who is wrong and the bbc won't spend the money to fix it, as they are snobs and look down on scifi. So dont build your hopes up to high then you wont get disappointed :)
 

Cullhaven

Hernes Son
Its crying out for decent stories. They do start decent story seeds, but there is so little chance to develop anything. Wondering how the 10 year olds will take to Capaldi.

Its a bit like the LOTR films - ok for now, but hope someone comes along and does a proper job at some point in the near future.
 
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