Doctor Who: Deep Breath - Controversies & Mysteries

     Doctor Who came back last weekend with series 8 and a new Doctor. Their task was to meet some very high expectations, and to smash some very low ones. To me they succeeded in both. I hope today I will do a full review of the episode because there are so many things to discuss. I think it was one of Moffat's best, as well as one of the best Doctor introductions. There always felt like there was a separation between the classic show and the new one, despite obvious exceptions like the Daleks. At first I thought I was enjoying a seamless blend of the two, but in actuality it was a whole new show that was drawing strongly from both eras, all while breaking new ground.

     Like I said, I'm going to do a review, but there are a few things that merit separate discussion. Two controversies and a mystery.First I'm going to tackle the mystery of Missy.

     We were told Missy would be coming in the finale episodes. She was described as the Gatekeeper of the Nethersphere. What we didn't know is she would pop up at the end of Deep Breath. Sound familiar? We knew Rose was coming in series four, not that she would have a cameo in Partners in Crime. We knew Clara was coming, but not in Asylum of the Daleks. We know now that Rose was bouncing, trying to find the Doctor. We know that was an echo of Clara in the asylum. Missy welcomed the clockwork man to "heaven", first describing in terms he could understand. Nethersphere, heaven? The finale is titled Death In Heaven. Who is she?

     I've seen lots of speculation. The Rani, The Master, The TARDIS, Clara somehow. It's the referring to the Doctor as her boyfriend that's interesting here. She said it was hard to see whether the Doctor pushed him or he jumped. Where was she? Heaven? I don't think it's River, and there isn't much information so my current thoughts are that she is a new character.

     Did he or didn't he....

     The first controversy is whether or not The Doctor killed the clockwork man. I struggled back and forth about this, figuring we will probably see what happened at some point. It wouldn't bother me if he did. Just in the past couple of days I kind of changed my mind, thanks to my niece, Andrea. She pointed out that while the Doctor said one of them was lying, we also know for sure he has killed. Remember Solomon in Dinosaurs on a Spaceship, for one? It will be interesting to see how this whole possible shift in the perception of The Doctor's morality plays out.

Finally I want to try and be as brief as possible when I talk about the other controversy, the "kiss." So much has been made about a homosexual kiss happening between Vastra and Jenny and with full disclosure that I am a gay man, that doesn't even matter because what I have to say is that you're all a bunch of freaking idiots. One moron posted a comment on another site that she didn't see why they needed to give an explanation about the kiss, the lung reserves and sharing of air, and just have the kiss. Um,  I have an answer for you, stupid. Because it wasn't a fucking kiss! They said all of that about the air reserves because Jenny was desperate for air. That's what it was about. Why the hell would she kiss her when she's starving for air? I don't care what it looked like. Have you ever seen what it looks like when a homoreptilia transfers air to a human? I didn't think so.

I want you to turn to your hypothetical partner and hold your breath for about a minute. then have your partner take air into their mouth and pass it to you. Now kiss while you're doing that. It makes no sense, you're all stupid homophobes who are just trying to make it into something that it is sooo ridiculously obviously not just so that you can have an outlet for your hatred. How so very, very pathetic.

Dying to know one thing

With series 8 premiering tomorrow, I've done very well at avoiding spoilers. Now that I'm regenerating my blog to fit the new Doctor, I'm left with one burning question left by a screenshot from one of the trailers, or perhaps it was a promo picture, but it looks like a screencap. Here's the pic...

That looks like a regeneration happening inside Matt's Doctor's TARDIS. I don't see Clara anywhere, so are we going to see more on Trenzalore at the beginning? I hear there is a nice cameo, could it be Matt?

The Christmas SPOILERS You're Being Warned About

"Orbiting a quiet, backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe's deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out of the stars. And amongst them - The Doctor. Rescuing Clara from a family Christmas dinner, the Time Lord and his best friend must learn what this enigmatic signal means for his own fate and that of the universe."

Want to know more? Me too. So far we saw in the trailer and photos that there are Weeping Angels, Daleks, Cybermen and Silence. We know about the regeneration. New information has come out, if The Sun is to be believed, and believe me that's not even easy for me to believe I'm typing it.

I am always scoffing at information that comes from a "BBC source." Recently everyone has blown up about Steven Moffat including the regeneration in Journey's end, making Matt the 13th Doctor. I can't actually find him saying that, only a "BBC source." It would, though, fit with the regeneration solution The Sun is proposing will happen. Unless this is all a clever ploy by the Moff to fool us. The difference is that this source provides a good bit of information, including the big solution to a series 5 problem.

But you are forewarned that this information, if it proves to be true, is EXTREMELY SPOILERY and should be avoided if you don't want to know anything. I just found what they say too delicious to pass up sharing....






SO






BE WARNED





SPOLIERS AHEAD








BIG TIME SPOILERS






POSSIBLY IF ITS TRUE







BUT IF IT IS WOW!!!








LAST CHANCE







SPOILERS  SPOILERS  SPOILERS  SPOILERS   SPOILERS  SPOILERS  SPOILERS




Okay, if you've made it this far you must be sure. Here is what The Sun says a "BBC source" says will happen in "The Time of The Doctor"

Trenzalore will be the "backwater planet" and Christmas Town is the location of a centuries long battle between The Doctor and a number of his deadliest foes, including the Sontarans. The Doctor is summoned to Trenzalore by a bell echoing across the universe, a sound that also brings his enemies. The Doctor hides in a clock tower, presumably the source of the bell. Supposedly The Doctor loses a leg after a Weeping Angel grabs it (implausible) and we will see him wage the 300 year war as Clara is tucked safely in the TARDIS.

Then they throw this in. The time crack was caused by the Timelords when The Doctor saved them in the 50th. At the climax a time crack will appear and the Timelords will be there. They will reward The Doctor with a new set of regenerations. If this is true then it really is set up for another 50 years like Moffat said he wanted to do. The time crack can even wipe out what happens at Trenzalore.

It's at least an interesting theory. At most a first for The Sun.

Here's a little theory of my own, assuming part of what I wrote here is true. What if we get a regeneration early on or midway through the episode? Steven Moffat said there would be explanation as to why his face was aged. If he fights part of the way that could age him. Just an idea.

Where does John Hurt's Doctor fit ?

I currently have two working theories on where John Hurt's Doctor fits in the timeline. All this is outside the possibility that this is really Doctor #9.

The first idea is newest so not very formed, but fed some by some of the new pictures as well as an interview with Steven Moffat in SFX magazine. First here is what he said about the matter...

"There's a whole lot of stuff you missed! It's a nice thing to be able to say in the show, and for no one to be able to contradict you, that there were years that you didn't know about... we lied and lied, there's a whole big old chapter you didn't know."

So I got the idea that this was 10.5, or The Meta-crisis Doctor who stayed with Rose in the other universe. He could be aged, his Rose could be dead. They could be taking into account the deleted scene where The Doctor gave him and Rose a chunk of the TARDIS to grow their own. Like I said, I don't have much of it worked out. But now look at these pictures:

In every picture John is BETWEEN the other two. Now I used to have theories as to why the TARDIS had so much detruction when David Tennant regenerated, like him holding in the energy to say goodbye and just put it off created the explosion. But what if something else happened. That could still be The Doctor who ended the time war.

In both cases it would be a Doctor born out of anger. The most likely in my mind is still the most obvious one I mentioned at first, but some type of shocker would really be welcome.

The New Doctor Is Announced

Today at 2pm Eastern time on BBC and here in America on BBC America they have announced in a live event who the next Doctor is going to be. There were old characters on hand or on video, including former Doctors, to speculate and ponder the past and future of the show. Even Stephen Hawking and Brian Cox weighed in. Hawking actually is in favor of a female Doctor with a male companion, lol. Also on hand was the actor himself. After so much speculation, guesswork, red herrings, and absolute rubbish guesses, we know now that the role will be taken over by Peter Capaldi!! We last saw him brilliantly portraying a troubled civil servant in Torchwood series three, but he also played Caecilius in "The Fires of Pompeii" so they have gone with an older actor and based on his work I've seen already I am pleased with this!! He has also done great work on The Hour and many  other dramas and I think a mature Doctor is a welcome return. And we have the 2nd time an actor plays The Doctor having been in the show previously. Colin Baker played Gallifreyan guard Maxil in "Arc of Infinity" before going on to play the 6th Doctor.

Here is the first promo pic released and a shot of him in Torchwood and Pompeii.

***SPOLIER*** When John Hurt Will Be/ Is/ Was The Doctor

***SPOILER***SPOILER***SPOILER***SPOILER***SPOILER***SPOILER***

The Telegraph has quoted Doctor Who costume designer, Howard Burden, in regards to John Hurt's role in the anniversary special. While Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, visited the set, Burden told them that John Hurt was playing a "dark Doctor" and that "There was a gap between Paul McGann playing The Doctor and Christopher Eccleston, when we didn't see a regeneration, and John Hurt will fit into that gap. He is a past Doctor not a future Doctor." Read the full article in the Telegraph about the royal visit to the set here.

This is not anything that hasn't already been put out there. From what I've seen, it's been the most popular theory. What remains to be seen is if this is The Valeyard or a Valeyard type character that is the darker side of The Doctor come to life, or if John Hurt's Doctor is #9. Also, will elements of the Time War be involved in the 50th? I think it would be well received if so. It will be interesting seeing how this revelation steers the rumor mill.

More Waiting, A Review and Matt's Goodbye Message

According to a Radio Times article (click here to read full article), we are going to have to wait until just before the filming for the Christmas special to find out who the next Doctor is. They also are not starting filming until autumn, probably August or September, followed by filming for the next season. I don't mind any of this because it is going to break up the time we are having to wait for a new episode. It just means we have to put up with so many more rumors and useless speculations.

On my Classic Who tab you will find my review for "The Mysterious Planet", which is the first of four stories in the "Trial Of A Timelord" season. It features the 6th Doctor and his companion Peri Brown, and begins the story arc of The Doctor being put on trial (again) by the Timelords for meddling in the affairs of others. With a great script from Robert Holmes, the story lays a great foundation for the other 3 stories. It also sees The Valeyard in charge of the case against The Doctor, a nemesis of sorts mentioned by The Great Intelligence in "The Name of The Doctor."


The other day in Detroit, while filming his movie, Matt Smith recorded a thank you and goodbye video for Steven Moffat, his fellow cast members, crew, and most of all to the fans. This could have been just a nice gesture done in advance on a whim, but it also fuels speculation that Matt is already done. This isn't helped by the cutting of his hair, either. If he is done, and the regeneration happens at the end of the 50th special/beginning of Christmas, the Christmas special could essentially be a 12th Doctor story, which would fall in line with December being the 12th month. They have been focusing on a Doctor each month. But what if there was also a regeneration at Christmas. Say 11 regenerates into John Hurt, who then regenerates into The Doctor for season 8. This would then put us at the point where, according to Who canon, The Doctor would be out of regenerations. Just some thoughts.

Coming up, hopefully tonight, the review of the novelette, "The Angel's Kiss."

A Roundup Of Sorts

It's been a busy time. I finished my monthly article on time and then I got an iPhone, which I've been glued to for over a week. But there is simply no excuse for not having congratulated David Tennant earlier on his Emmy award win. The win came for vocal work on the cartoon "Star Wars The Clone Wars" as Huyang. This doesn't surprise me for David has a very idiosyncratic voice. Congrats, David, on this prestigious honor.




Okay, you already know how I feel about talking about nothing when it comes to the next Doctor. I avoid the speculation because it's an infernal waste of time. So every once in a while, like today. I might bring up the names of the moment, but I'm not going to keep track of it daily. I will probably also avoid posting about what other various people (related AND unrelated to Who) think about the topic, unless it's individually interesting. One other blog even posted a post, longer than some of my reviews, about why they are not talking about it. but I can hardly post after a couple of weeks without at least mentioning it.

The main male name I still see is Dominic Cooper. I recognize his face, but have seen nothing he is in, but I will probably see the Captain America movie. I have no feelings one way or the other because I have nothing to form an opinion about. It makes me laugh because the reports change from day to day. He's interested, he's not interested, he's interested. Ugh, it all really is silly to keep on about until it is announced.

Interestingly, the female name I am now seeing at the top of the list is Sheridan Smith. I will not let our common first name sway me. I know her from Gavin & Stacey, but not from watching it. I think shes quite charming, though, but I'm still one of those that doesn't truly want a female Doctor. An interesting connection here is that Sheridan plays The Doctor's companion Lucie Miller in the Big Finish audio dramas, which are awesome. I haven't listened to any of hers, but if any of you are interested, go to the Doctor Who Big Finish Webpage because these are great productions featuring actors from the show, including the Doctors. If you've never listened to an audio drama, think listening to the tv with your eyes closed, but with dialog to express what is happening and surroundings. Next year they are going to release "The Abandoned" which is the first to be written by a former star of the show. This was penned by former fourth Doctor companion Leela, Louise Jameson.

They announced who will direct the Christmas episode, Matt Smith's last. It will be Jamie Payne, who directed "Hide." Not that I think it will be the same, but I hope you liked "Hide," I sure did, and I know a huge portion of that was the direction. He has also done work on other shows I watched and liked. The Hour, Call the Midwife, Outcasts, and Survivors. With him directing Moffat's words and Matt & Jenna's actions, I am starting to get more excited about that episode.




Another thing happening sounded silly at first but once I looked into it I liked it more. A kickstarter campaign was started, and succeeded, in raising the $33,000 to send a 1 foot scale replica of the TARDIS in the payload of rocket and getting it into low earth orbit. The thing is, it has solar power cells in the windows so the light on top works. Hypothetically, the people in the space station could look out at the right time and see a TARDIS orbiting. It also contains a camera to take shots, like we don't have enough pictures of Earth. The thing that was interesting to me is that if this is successful, they would then like to raise some $300,000 to send up a life sized replica. Just imagine, with the right telescope, on a clear night....

New News Is No News

There's a whole lot of nothing to report. Speculation about the next Doctor goes on, with Rory Kinnear in the forefront today. I don't think I know him. It doesn't look like he's been in anything I've seen, yet. We are going through the Bond movies now, and I know he was in Quantum and Skyfall. Bottom line, I have no opinion on him. We'll see if I have one on whose name pops up tomorrow. I honestly don't know why people report rumors from some sources, sources that are particularly known for not getting it right. So I am going to stay out of that mix until something more reliable comes along.


Until then I have decided I am going to review a couple of books I got for my Kindle. One is, 'Angel's Kiss', by Melody Malone from "The Angels Take Manhattan". The other one is the one that Artie was reading in "The Bells of Saint John", called 'Summer Falls', by Amelia Williams. It won't be a spoilery review, like the episodes are. Actually, I might've just lied. I just haven't decided yet. I've never reviewed a book before. I also just started reading the 'Prisoner of Time' comic book series they have been releasing this year. That got me to thinking. These comic books are numbered, 1 of 12, 2 of 12, 3 of 12, and so on. Each is of one Doctor starting with the first. So in December will there be a 12th Doctor comic book? Same goes with the short novels they have been releasing each month, which I may also review.

Over on the classic side I'm reviewing 1986's "The Trial of a Timelord" which was the entire season 23. So that's what's coming up so far. Hopefully we will hear by the time they start filming Christmas next month who Who will be and all this madness can stop.

Doctor Who 2014

Look at how young Matt looks in this picture, one of the first taken after announcing he would take over from David Tennant. He doesn't even look like The Doctor yet. Soon we will have another such picture, and we may not have long to wait to find out who will replace Matt Smith as The Doctor. In This Radio Times Interview, they give us hope that we could hear as early as next month. This would fall in line with them beginning the filming of the Christmas special. Keeping Clara's appearance in "The Asylum of the Daleks"  a secret was one thing, but who the next Who is? That would be more difficult. At most we would have to wait until the Fall, when they will start filming season 8. I agree that it's more likely we will find out by the time they start filming for Christmas.


Speaking of season 8, another bit of good news seems to be the word that there will be one entire season, not split, but I am seeing a 12 episode run with the Christmas special following as the finale. That would be something different, which is what Moff said he wanted to do. It would also insinuate that the season would not begin until the Fall, around September if there was no break before the Christmas special. Still, better than those damn split seasons. One full season gives me hope that Clara will be in the entire thing. I like her, and I also love when a companion goes through his regeneration and continues traveling with him. In the Radio Times article, they were also told by a BBC source that Steven Moffat will still be showrunner for season 8. Personally I am happy with this. I love Moff's writing and am generally pleased with the direction the show has taken. I also believe he has assembled a very talented team, who all work to create the show. I know he will leave soon, but thankfully it won't be both he and Matt at the same time, if the source is to be believed. Radio Times are pretty reliable, right?




One last thing here. WOW is everyone talking female Doctor. I don't know how much of it is wanting it to happen or just the fun of speculating on who it could be. I have seen some interesting names, but right now the only one I truly love is Olivia Coleman. She really does have it all. The drama, the humor, the almost alieny look. (adorably so) I've said I would be okay with a female Doctor. Actually, depending on who it was, I would still watch but reserve being okay with it until watching. But for sake of argument, let's say Olivia got it, I would be okay with that, but what I don't want is for them to do it just for the sake of doing it. Just like making him a different race. The racist issue is silly. I believe if they find the right person no matter what race they would choose him/her, as long as (s)he's BRITISH.

Has anyone put out the name of Mark Shepherd? I know he does work on Supernatural, but I would love to see him as The Doctor. I also like the idea of Simon Pegg. I thought when Tennant left that he would be good in the role. Call me crazy but I like Daniel Radcliffe for the role. I don't know how it would work with Sherlock, but Andrew Scott would be great, IMHO. Oh, and speaking of Harry Potter people, what about Matthew Lewis? Really, I could go on and on like so many are doing, but what I really hope deep down is that once again it is a relative unknown.

UPDATE: I am seeing news supporting the 12 episode Fall run with the 13th episode being the Christmas special finale. There are also rumors that Ben Daniels may have already been signed as The Doctor. I reported him yesterday as having the highest odds on SkyBet. I loved him in Law & Order U.K. most recently. I love the idea but am a bit surprised if it is true since it would age The Doctor's appearance.

Who will it be? Off and running.

I can't remember how "plugged in" I was into the information zone when David Tennant announced he was leaving, but after Matt Smith's announement, the NEXT morning I get up and there are rumors and speculations galore. And that's all it really is, speculation, but the speculation does bring up many points about the next Doctor. How old should he be, what race, and what gender? Many wonder whether or not Steven Moffat planted a seed, or was fishing, when he asked the crowd at a convention if they would still watch if The Doctor became female. Sure, like he says, it is in Timelord lore now, but only because HE put it there. (Ok, technically Neil Gaiman, but he could've had a request) I thought it would be fun to look at the names that are floating around, and MAN are there a lot. I find it an odd thing on which to bet.

Now, all of this is totally ignoring the end of "The Name of The Doctor," when John Hurt is introduced as The Doctor. I wonder why I don't see more talking about this. Maybe he's next? I saw a speculation that at least part of season 8 would be like a time war flashback kind of thing, but I don't find that likely, especially with Clara staying. It would be interesting, though.

Some bookmakers immediately topped their lists with a new name and a repeat. Once again Russell Tovey finds himself in the rumor mill as the possible next Doctor. I like Russell, and it wouldn't be the first time The Doctor has appeared in an earlier episode. (Colin Baker as Maxil in "Arc of Infinity") I just don't like him enough to be The Doctor, and think they might go in a different direction. One possibility is that they will find a relative unknown, like almost every other Doctor has been. I like that, and whatever else they choose to do, I hope they still do that.

They could continue with the trend of decreasing the age of The Doctor. One name I'm torn about is Rupert Grint. I've never seen him act outside of Harry Potter, but I think that my hesitance and the pic I used says what I felt about his performance. But on the other hand, he's ginger. One name I'm slightly familiar with is Ben Whishaw. I only saw a little of The Wire, but thought it was good. I could see that I think. High up on one list though is Ben Daniels. It would take The Doctor a little older, but I do like that actor. But will they age him with such a new young audience?

Speaking of aging him, what about if he's a her? I'm not opposed to nor am I very thrilled at this idea. I have to accept it now that it happens to be canon, planted for this very opportunity, I'm sure. The funniest name to me is one I kind of like, and someone who I hear expressed interest before, Dame Helen Mirren. But imagine it's Helen Mirren... as Queen Elizabeth! Romana chose the body of Princess Astra to regenerate into, why not here? Or it's just an accident. The one name I do love if this idea happens is Olivia Coleman. I fell in love with her on Peep Show and am sure she would do a great job. Not an unknown in Britain, however. She's an incredible BAFTA award winning actress. That would be two firsts, I think. Another interesting name out there is Eve Best. Many Americans will know her from Nurse Jackie, but she's so much more than that role. To be honest, they could change the gender or race of The Doctor and I would continue to watch, as long as The Doctor was still British. Well, you know what I mean by that. Take these American actors' names out of the so-called running.

So speaking of changing race, there are some interesting names there, including some who have been in Doctor Who. Like Ashley Walters, who we just saw as the dominant Van Baalen brother in "Journey to the Centre of The TARDIS." I can probably see that. Idris Elba would be very good, but are they going to go younger? I'm not very familiar with Adrian Lester, but he looks a good age. Then I saw Zawe Ashton on one list, who I'm also not familiar with. It would be interesting to change both race and gender.

Various sites have various odds. Right now William Hill has Rupert Grint and Russel Tovey at 10/1, but SkyBet has Ben Daniels at 6/1 and Olivia Coleman at 25/1. There are some ridiculous names on SkyBet. Russell Brand. Zac Efron. Neil Patrick Harris (puhleeze). Also some interesting ones like Simon Pegg, David Walliams, and yes, for real, David Tennant at 33/1. A friend alerted me to this rumor of Tennant coming back. But wait, didn't he leave Who for a Hollywood career?