The Piper's Lament - A Review

For the last five decades that 'Doctor Who' has been entertaining us, it has provided us with a host of memorable companions. Arguably one of the most popular of these has to be highlander Jamie McCrimmon, portrayed brilliantly by Frazer Hines. Jamie was a very loyal companion, and the relationship his character shared with Second Doctor, Patrick Troughton, is still one of the greatest partnerships in 'Doctor Who' history.
 

Of course, Jamie's final moments with the Doctor, echoed 40 years later when a similar fate befell Donna Noble, saw the many memories of his adventures in the TARDIS get erased without remorse. Although Hines would return several times to 'Doctor Who' in future years, these appearances would always be set within the time-frame of his travels with the Second Doctor (erm, more or less...see SEASON 6B). We were never given a chance to discover what happened next to Jamie, or if he ever rediscovered his lost past. Until now....

'The Piper's Lament' is Jamie's story. Although legal issues forbid the audio to mention Jamie by name, author David J Howe cleverly works this into the actual story, adding to the mystery, and the final, emotional climax of the piece. It is, essentially, a one-man play in audiobook format, told from the viewpoint of the nameless Piper, in a cosy highland pub. Hines is no doubt an expert at the audio format through his work with the Target readings and Big Finish, and his performance here balances nicely between explanation and emotion. It's obvious to the ear that Hines is relishing the material that he has been provided with, and he rises to the occasion admirably. Due to the set-up of the drama, he is very conversational in his approach, and thanks to the careful direction of Sam Stone, you have a genuine impression of sitting with him in a corner of a pub, listening to him telling you his story.

The script itself is gorgeous, too. Essentially designed to give the character of Jamie a proper moment of rediscovery, it manages to be far, far more than just a string of fan-pleasing references. As fun as a full 60-minutes of references to Ice Warriors, Cybermen, and giant crabs would be, Howe instead focusses on Jamie's pre-and post- TARDIS life. Without giving too much away, it's these parts of the story that genuinely break your heart, without needing to rely on anything we might have seen on television. Combining a beautiful script with an understated reading from Hines, we are made to care about the characters Howe himself has created, and there are a few death scenes that are genuinely striking and shocking. They linger in the memory long after, just like the gentle, melancholy score of haunting bagpipes lamenting throughout. These moments are peppered very nicely with touches of warmth and humour, that do nothing to disturb the atmosphere created by Stone's direction.

Of course, this being a play about a nameless piper remembering his past, there are plenty of extremely fan-pleasing sequences that will have lovers of the Troughton era squealing with delight. They are used sparingly, adding to their impact, and they help reinforce the fact that the piper is our Jamie McCrimmon, still battling on after all these years...

'The Piper's Lament' reaches a touching, heartfelt conclusion, that ties up the story of Jamie, and at the same time points us to the future. It is, absolutely, a love-letter to the character of Jamie McCrimmon, and perhaps to Frazer Hines himself, but a carefully constructed letter that manages not to gush. It's a celebration of Jamie, not just of his TARDIS adventures, but of his character, and of his own personal history.

Listen to 'The Piper's Lament' by a crackling fire, with a bowl of hot soup and glass of whisky. Now that winter is here, what more could you possibly want? Put your feet up, close your eyes, and catch up with an old, old friend....

Desperately Seeking Susan Foreman - A Review

 

Desperately Seeking Susan Foreman, by Richard Kirby, is a quaint, unusual, and very personal, voyage into the world of Doctor Who, with a unique anchor that certainly hasn't been done before. This anchor comes in the form of a challenge the author set himself for Children In Need, to try and collect as many autographs of the surviving female companions of the Doctor as possible. However, the actual focus is more on Kirby's own relationship with this barmy old show that we love, and manages to be both enticing to the seasoned Whovians among us, as well as a neat introduction for the beginners.

 

 

Starting at the very beginning, Kirby straight away mixes both fact and personal opinion into a cocktail that could have been quite tiresome. How many times have we read the synopsis and the background detail of the first ever episode, for instance? But thanks to the authors breezy, informal style, it manages to be a very easy read, in the best possible way. Kirby peppers the text with amusing side-notes and quips that lighten the mood, and he can't resist observing the connections between actors and the other shows they have appeared in, particularly soap operas. Let's put it this way, any Coronation Street fans out there will be very happy with this, and every reader is guaranteed to learn something new!

 

As well as briefly running through the entire history of Doctor Who, Kirby also includes some nice reviews of certain stories (particularly ones featuring actresses he has aquired signed photographs from). He isn't afraid to be honest, poking fun at the stories he reviews in a way only a dedicated fan could. And that is one of the joys of this book. Richard Kirby, like every other Doctor Who fan out there, does have opinions, and you won't agree with all of them. Sometimes you'll be nodding along with a smile on your face, other times spluttering into your tea (“'The Faceless Ones' is his favourite story, WHAT?”). And that can only be a good thing. I particularly enjoyed Kirby's review of 'The Ambassadors of Death'. Just read the authors own take on how Reegan gets into a top-secret place in a bakery van. Priceless!

As for the autographs, Kirby provides some very nice photos of his achievements, with a little summary of each actresses career. Beyond this, there isn't that much else on this particular topic, save for the introduction and a summary at the end. I was still rather amused by his attempt to get Bonnie Langford's autograph, which didn't go entirely to plan! And the whole idea of the autographs is a marvellous framing device, that enables the author to bring all eras of Doctor Who together.

 

It's also evident that Kirby hasn't seen much of late-80's Doctor Who. His summary of this particular era of the series relies very much on the critical reception of these stories, rather than his own. To the old-school fans out there, this could be seen as a little disappointing, but it still offers a nice insight for newcomers to the show. And as I have repeatedly stated, this is Kirby's own take on Doctor Who, so he is allowed to pretty much do as he likes!

All in all, Desperately Seeking Susan Foreman is a charming piece of work, that manages to both appeal to us sad old fans, as well as introducing beginners to the mad world of Doctor Who. It's a funny book, which branches off into anecdotes, connections and jokes with pleasing regularity. And the idea of using autographs as a framing device works beautifully in its favour. As an autograph collector myself, I can only imagine that it will inspire others to do the same. And the fact that Kirby did it for charity is simply marvellous.

If you're after something that will entertain, educate, and inspire you to re-watch certain episodes of your favourite television show, look no further than this. You might not agree with all of Richard Kirby's opinions, but you will certainly be laughing along with him. A splendid read that does even more than it says on the blurb! I hope there is more to come from this man (spoiler: There is!).

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Join Richard's journey HERE

 

Richard Kirby's next 'Desperately Seeking...' project - France Gall

The Doctors: The First Doctor (William Hartnell)

William Hartnell. Doctor Number One - The original, you might say! The First Doctor didn't crash, waltz, or explode onto our screens like his successors did. This Doctor wandered in mysteriously from the fog, on a dark November night. A strange old man wearing a scarf and an enigma.

 

 

 

 

Initially, and famously, rather unpleasant, Hartnell's incarnation of the Doctor (who wouldn't be revealed as a Time Lord for another seven years) was only a reluctant hero. Perhaps the Doctor and his granddaughter Susan's exile from their home planet was what made the old man so untrusting of humans, or maybe he felt that he was superior to them. Driven by his own selfish desires and whims, it took the two school teachers he kidnapped to break through the tough, cold exterior to the warmth and charm within him.  It is Ian and Barbara who are responsible for giving us the Doctor we know and love today.

 

 

 

The First Doctor is often described as a 'grumpy old man'. While this is the case to an extent, even at the very beginning of the series, there was far more to him than that. William Hartnell gave the Doctor depth, magic, and mystery. He is both irascible and hypocritical, even dangerous, and as he began to warm towards his human friends, his mischievous, whimsical side began to shine through. In fact, every single aspect of the Doctor's future lives can be traced back to the First Doctor - from his romantic nature (see his love for Cameca in 'The Aztecs'), to his desire for justice ('The Dalek Invasion of Earth'), and his delight as he explores the wonders of the Universe.

 

Clutching his lapels and harrumphing at his foes, the First Doctor, portrayed for three years by William Hartnell, was a citizen of the Universe, and a gentleman of the stars.

 

 

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The Stubborn Old Man

 

The mountains towered upwards into the sky, like natural skyscrapers. The sun hung in the air above them, casting a comforting glow across the horizon.

"Tired Doctor?" laughed Barbara, as Ian helped her climb onto the next set of rocks.

 "Nonsense Barbara!" the elderly man snapped, wiping his forehead as he attempted to clamber further up the mountain, "I never get tired! No time for it!" He slapped Ian's hand away, violently refusing help.

 "Nothing to be ashamed of Doctor!" Ian's voice was slightly patronising, as he smiled sideways at Barbara, "Men of your age tire easily. It's natural!"

 "Rubbish Chatterton! Fit as a fiddle, that's me!"

 The Doctor was still trying to hoist himself up, breathing heavily and unsteadily.

 "Ok then. Me and Barbara will get walking, and you can catch us up!" Ian replied, as the lady tried her best to stifle her laughter. Then the two school-teachers set off, strolling further up the winding path of the mountain, leaving their stubborn friend to struggle.

Glaring furiously up at the sky, face drenched with perspiration, the Doctor released a deep sigh.

"Chesterfield, wait! I, I'm...stuck..."

 

Cory John Eadson, 2013

4 - A Tribute to the Fourth Doctor

 

As you may already be aware, I had the pleasure of discovering I had won a poetry competition earlier this month. The idea was basically to write a poem about Doctor Who. My initial idea was to try and summarize the essence of the Doctor as a whole, but then I started to think about making it more personal. Instead of the Doctor as a man, how about focussing on a specific incarnation? And how about making it the Fourth Doctor - he was my first, after all.

 

And so,  rather than basing the poem in the deep depths of the Universe, I set it in a quiet little café, in wet old England. An intimate encounter with the bohemian wanderer - Tom Baker. Because seeing the Doctor in space is one thing, but seeing him in your town is quite another altogether.

 

I hope you enjoy it. I've titled it, rather simply, '4'...

He's sat there in the tea shop:

An unravelled yarn

Of brooding eccentricity.

A long scarf seems to wrap,

Like a woollen, multi-coloured snake,

Around his body a dozen times;

Almost as un-tameable

As the forest of curls

Atop his time-weary head.

He contemplates a mug of tea,

Elbow on table, chin in hand,

His wide eyes two pools of deep blue.

He doesn't seem to notice me staring -

His mind no doubt on other things.

I can almost hear ancient cogs

Grinding and whirring inside that mercurial mind:

Thoughts of distant worlds and falling stars,

And the spiralling chaos

Of the infinite vortex of Time.

I take a sip of my tea -

It's cold now,

Perhaps as chilled as me,

To be in the presence of this man.

A man who acts as a mighty pillar

Holding up the foundations of the Universe,

Now sitting in a small café on a wet day,

In the corner of the Galaxy known as England.

As I contemplate my own cold tea,

I barely notice him hurrying to his feet.

It isn't until he glides past

That I catch his eye -

And a rushing thrill seizes me in an instant.

As he leaves the tea shop,

His scarf flows behind him

Like the remains of a tattered, garish cloak,

And a second later the outside world has swallowed him up,

Leaving me alone with my cold tea,

The background noise of chatter, and bland muzak.

But he has left one trace of his existence,

For next to my mug sits a yellow jelly baby,

Stealthily deposited for my delectation.

“Thank you,” I say, mostly to myself,

Snatching up and devouring the tasty sweet,

Unable to suppress a wide smile.

“Thank you, Doctor...”

 

Cory John Eadson, 2013

50 Reasons Why 'Time Crash' Is The Most Perfect 8 Minutes of 'Doctor Who' Ever

#9 "Hands Free..."

 

Among all of the kisses to the past blown throughout it's seven minutes, Time Crash pays a little attention to the Fifth Doctor's lack of Sonic Screwdriver.

 

"I'm fine," Davison mutters, without even glancing up from the console, when Tennant offers him the use of his own Sonic.  It doesn't even occur to the Fifth Doctor to use it, having been without his trusty device for a good while now, ever since that nasty business with the Terilepils.

 

But what does the moment add to the context of the story? The honest answer? Bugger all! But, as with so many elements of the episode, it shows yet another subtle contrast between the two Doctors. Here's the Tenth Doctor, using his Sonic, relying on his Sonic to get up to all sorts of mischief, never mind applying it to get out some sticky situations! The Fifth Doctor, on the other hand, just soldiers on with whatever he can find at hand. And what's more, he manages to save the day! (OK, sort of. Ish).

 

Above all though, this moment is just a nod to the past that is beautiful in it's pointlessness. It's just there: A tiny moment that brings with it a host of subtle character contrasts and summaries, with only a throwaway line. And isn't that brilliant?

 

 

 

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For the previous Time Crash entries (SO FAR):

#8 'That Rubbish Beard'

#7 Belgium

#6 High Five!

#5 Murray Gold

#4 David Tennant

#3 Peter Davison

#2 Graeme Harper

#1 Steven Moffat

 

 

 

 

 

 

50 Years...

Earlier last month, a poetry competition was announced for fans of Doctor Who - All they had to do was write a poem based on the greatest television series in the world. I am overjoyed and still a bit surprised to say that I actually won the competition. But there were some excellent entries, not least from some very close friends of mine!

Neil Baird was one of the entrants, and here is the poem he submitted, along with an introduction by Neil himself. Neil has also supplied with some other excellent pieces that I will share over the coming weeks. Here's Neil...

November 23rd, 1963 saw a new program appear on the BBC Saturday teatime schedule. Its name? Doctor Who. 2013 is its 50th year.

 



While on, and sadly for a while, off TV, its fans have loved and remained loyal to the show. Eleven great and talented actors have played the Doctor, with number 12 arriving Christmas 2013. God bless them all.

 

This poem is my tribute to 50 years of my favourite series.

50 Years

 

November 1963 and Kennedy was killed. At 5.15 the very next day, British children were really thrilled.

 For they had something different. Something that was new. A children's TV show called Doctor Who.

 The story of an alien who travels through Time and Space.
Entertaining but educational. That should be its case.

 Showing science in the future and history in the past.
But the arrival of the Daleks changed its genre fast.

 It became a sci-fi show with monsters at every turn and being really scared is all kids would ever learn.

 Through the 1960's it was shown in black and white, but that didn't stop the Daleks who scared every child on site.

 William Hartnell was the first Doctor, the original you might say. He started off the character that's still on TV today.

 Then the Doctor, he went and changed. Pat Troughton took the role. A very different Doctor with a much more kinder soul.

 Through the 1970's the show was strongly run. Now it was made in colour, it couldn't be outdone.

 Jon Pertwee was the Doctor and he really was tip-top,
With the Brigadier and UNIT by his side there was no invasion they couldn't stop.

 Then three became four and Tom Baker took the part. With his long scarf and floppy hat, he was a hit right from the start.

 Tom was the most remembered Doctor, one of the best we ever had, and when he left in eighty-one fans were really sad.

 At the end of the 1980's the show sadly came to a stop, after three more and seven great Doctors, the TARDIS got the chop.

 The 1990's and things for the Doctor looked bleak. No series for him to be in, no cliff-hanger every week.

 The series became ridiculed, many saw it as childish pap, with really wobbly sets and monsters made from bubble-wrap.

 The companions were seen as wimpy, full of screams and squeals, who'd run away from monsters while in two inch pink high heels.

 Eventually a movie was made and though in the UK it went down well, though sadly not in America where it just refused to sell.

 Finally in the millennium the Doctor finally came back onto the air. Now a new generation love it, once again kids really care.

 There was a fine actor at that TARDIS door. Chris Ecceleston was the Doctor. Then he wasn't anymore.

 The Daleks have returned as well and so have the Cybermen. For five years they battled David Tennant, playing Doctor number Ten.

 Then Ten became Eleven and Eleven was old school. He wore a tweedy jacket and said bow ties were cool.

 

River Song was a huge part of this Doctors life. Some say they are lovers, others say she's his wife.

 Matt Smith was only 26 but his performance mirrored Pats. The eleventh Doctor wore a bow tie and an array of different hats.

 Now the 50th anniversary approaches, with a new Doctor about to start. Peter Capaldi has been cast and fans can't wait to see him in the part.

 We have had 50 years of episodes, with many more to do, so come November all the fans will shout... Happy Birthday Doctor Who.

 

 

By Neil Baird, 2013

 



The Twelfth Doctor....Who?

 

So, in Doctor Who's fiftieth year, we will be getting a new Doctor! Of course, despite many false starts and rumours, the announcement of Doctor #12 has yet to be made.

There have, as usual, been numerous rumours in the press about who the new Doctor may be, but the newspapers and journalist usually take ounces of truth and spread it thick, adding their own opinions into the mix until it spirals into, essentially, blatant lies. What we do know, 100%, is that we are getting a new Doctor on Christmas Day. And that is it.

The last time Steven Moffat had to choose a Doctor, he had very clear expectations as to who he wanted. Not in terms of a specific actor, more a type of actor. He wanted somebody older, mid-40's, or roundabouts. He ended up casting the youngest Doctor ever in Matt Smith! Will Moffat have similar thoughts this time around? Will he, this time, try and find that older Doctor he wanted back in 2009, before Matt Smith ruined everything by being so brilliant? Or does he like the idea of somebody young and wild controlling the TARDIS?

Will the Doctor even be male? The idea of Time Lords changing their sex is now officially canon, and a great many actors and actresses have discussed the idea of the new Doctor being female, even more than before. But should 'he' be female? I find it hard to believe that the production team would decide automatically to make the next Doctor a woman, but less hard to believe that if a lady auditioned for the role, and bettered her male counterparts, then she would be cast. A lady Doctor would certainly make things interesting, but the idea, the novelty of him now being a her would have to be dealt with swiftly, otherwise, ten episodes in and the Doctor still going, “I'm a woman now, women are cool!” would be awfully tiresome.

So, who would I like to play the Doctor? I would certainly prefer an older actor this time around, and perhaps somebody I have never heard of. Somebody who can fully embrace the character of the Doctor, in the same way that Matt Smith did. There is a lot of controversy about certain actors at the moment, in particular, Daniel Rigby, of the BT ads. But I have given up saying who I want, or what I want. Because the last time I did that, we got somebody who totally confounded my expectations, and he was excellent. So if the next Doctor is another youth, I will have to put my trust in Moffat to find the right youth. He did it in 2009.

Whatever happens, 50 years after Doctor Who's conception, we are getting a brand new Doctor. And that is still the most exciting thing ever, whoever he or she may be.

Lovely Quote

Readers of Doctor Who Magazine will have no doubt, over the last two months, relished the excellent interview with Jon Pertwee, recorded 18 years ago but never shown in its entirety until now. The final part of the interview concludes with this inspiring message from a man who was a hero to millions. Such a beautiful quote, and so very Jon Pertwee...

"Here is a bit of advice. Don't be afraid to stand out. Don't be afraid to be memorable. Do it by being someone people can depend on, by being profressional, but don't be afraid to be yourself and make your mark. You do not have to conform. Getting a strong reputation and being someone people remember will do you more good - whatever your profession - than anything else. When people you have known or who have worked with move up the industry, them remembering you will do you more favours and provide more opportunities than anything else. Be a good chap - but be a good chap they remember. That is the trick!"

Amen, Mr Pertwee. Amen!

 

 

ICONS: Patrick Troughton

Ben: The Doctor always wore this. If you are him it should fit... That settles it!

The Doctor: I'd like to see a butterfly fit into a chrysalis case after it spreads its wings.

Polly: Then you did change.

The Doctor: Life depends on change, and renewal.

 

William Hartnell played the First Doctor, from 1963 – 1966. He was an incredible actor, bringing us a perfect Doctor right at the very beginning of his adventures. In those mysterious, black and white days, Hartnell created a Doctor of mystery and intrigue, a fighter of evil, and a man even capable of falling in love. Every element of each Doctor since Hartnell was done by him first, whether to a larger or smaller extent. He set the standard, and was always going to be a tough act to follow.

 

When William Hartnell decided to leave the show, back in 1966, the BBC had a number of options when replacing him. They could get a Hartnell look-a-like to carry on the show, or even cast a widely different actor in the role but still pretend he's the same bloke. Either of these safe, mundane choices could have cost the show its next 47 years on television. Luckily, cleverly, they did something never before attempted in a series. They made the change of actor a part of the shows' mythology! Viewers would see the Doctor physically change into a different man. Even James Bond could never have done that (and this was even before the Bond films had changed their leading man at all)!

 

The idea of regeneration, or 'renewal', as it was then termed, was a brilliant idea, and the perfect 'get-out clause' for a show that needed to swap its star. But never one to rest on their laurels, the producers, having changed William Hartnell into newcomer Patrick Troughton, decided to leave the audience in some doubt over the new chap for a while. A brave, daring choice that added new spice to a show that had been on air for 3 years already.

 

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Part one of 'Power of the Daleks' is terrifying. Alien, claustrophobic, mysterious. A hot planet with mercury swamps, murderous humans double-crossing each other, and a deadly capsule containing the dreaded Daleks.

 

But the scariest thing about this story, the first episode in particular, is Patrick Troughton in his début adventure. Once he has taken over from Hartnell, his Doctor starts to act a bit oddly (what we now refer to as 'post-regenerative trauma'). But more than that, he's dangerous with it. The fiendish laugh Troughton gives near the episodes' beginning is absolutely terrifying, and that, combined with his choosing to speak of 'the Doctor' in third person, almost leads the audience to think that maybe some evil alien imposter has hijacked the Doctor's body....

 

In his first ever episode, the Second Doctor also gets his trusty recorder. Now seen as a whimsical, Troughton-esque quirk, in 'Power of the Daleks', its presence is almost chilling. Although 'Power...' no longer exists on film, the images conjured up by the audio track of this strange new man dancing around the TARDIS, playing his instrument, are disturbing, child-like and sinister. Perhaps the audio-only aspect adds to the atmosphere of this unusual piper – strutting about like a jester from the Devil's Court. The undertones are subtle, though, quietly sowing seeds of doubt and fear, unlike the blatant insanity of the misjudged 'The Twin Dilemma'.

Once the Doctor leaves the TARDIS to explore, however, the sinister elements slowly fade from his character; the old, Hartnell heroism slowly taking over. From rushing to the aid of a man who has just been shot, to giving his companion Ben a reassuring wink, we soon start to feel a bit safer around this renewed man.

 

Polly warms to the Doctor faster than Ben, who finds the lack of information on the Doctors' change of appearance (not to mention his constant tooting on the recorder) massively frustrating. But the stubbornness is just a front. The game-playing and silliness are just façades Troughtons' Doctor hides behind, and they quickly crumble away once his fear begins to creep through. His fear when stumbling upon his mortal enemies...

 

As Part 1 draws to a close, the audience starts to warm toward this new Doctor, accept him. What better way to cement his status as the new Doctor, then, than have him come face-to-face with his oldest and deadliest enemies? And even more so, to have the Daleks recognise him?

 

'Power of the Daleks' is an amazing story, with a game-changing first episode. Throughout the six-part adventure, Patrick Troughton gave us a glimpse of the many facets of his Doctor's character – the whimsical child, the cosmic hobo, the dark manipulator, the fighter of evil – and these would develop over the next three years, before becoming staples of many future Doctors.

 

By refusing to go down the obvious route, Patrick Troughton not only gave us a brilliant and influential Doctor, but he also gave our beloved show immortality. William Hartnell was excellent, of course, but without the concept of regeneration, the series could not have continued. And the regeneration would have counted for nothing, if the right man hadn't been chosen to continue where William Hartnell left off.

 

50 years of Doctor Who. We owe it all to Patrick Troughton.

 

 For more on the Troughton era:

- A New Discovery of Old

- Season 6B

 

 

 

 

A New Discovery of Old - Guest Post -

The new discovery of an old era by Neil Baird

 

When Doctor Who was only on TV via UK Gold, I watched the series constantly and barring certain stories such as the Dalek serials, saw from Tom Baker's first to Sylvester McCoy's last several times. This was the time when I became a true fan of the series.

Then after many, many months, Jon Pertwee's era was added to the run. I was delighted. Another part of Who's long history was opened up to me. But I always knew there was an era of this wonderful show that was denied to me and that was the black and white era of Doctor Who.

 

Those years of William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton were, to me, never to be seen. Due to the sadly many missing episodes/stories, and the haphazard continuity showing the surviving stories would cause, the Hartnell and Troughton stories were rarely, if ever, to my knowledge, shown on UK Gold or mainstream BBC.

I had enjoyed the glimpses of this era in the later stories such as 'Mawdryn Undead' and Patrick Troughton in the Multi Doctor Adventures he appeared in always enthralled me, but I really wanted to see him and William in their own times as it were.

As the audio releases of 'lost stories' came out I snapped them up. Then I finally saw a Hartnell story. 'The Time Meddler'. What a wonderful two hours of TV it was. I adored it. and wanted more!

When my mum went on a trip to London, I begged her to buy me a black and white Doctor Who video and she did. She brought back 'An Unearthly Child'.

I watched it that night and that first episode just transfixed me, as I know it did to viewers in 1963. I had fallen in love with this era.

 

The DVD releases have steadily come out over the last few years and I have always been keener to get one if it is an unseen (to me) black and white story.

Across the special features of the DVDs I already had there were often clips of the Hartnell/Troughton era, and to sit and watch a full, never seen before story (to me) is always a pleasure and a joy. Even in 2013 I'm still discovering these black and white Doctor Who adventures.

To see again a black and white story broadcast all those years ago. There is always something so magical about them. It saddens me to see modern day Doctor Who fans ignore these classics despite clips and images used in the current series. William Hartnell was in the first Matt Smith series four times! So I say embrace them. These stories are the groundwork for the modern episodes we see today. I understand to some used to the fast paced, over in 45 minutes series, that these black and white stories are slower and can take up to three hours to tell.

But don't ignore them. Some of the best stories and most remembered cliffhangers of Who history are there. It is no less shocking to see the Doctor or a companion in danger, or the reveal of a monster in simple black and white. The Dalek rising from the Thames or the Cybermen breaking out from their tombs would not be half as scary in colour.

 

So the next time you get the chance to watch a Doctor Who, give a classic black and white story another chance. The magic of the police box with the most beautiful, timeless and iconic inside is no less wonderful in monochrome.

Join the journey from a junkyard in London 1963 to our hero forced by his own people into changing. You never know. You might find yourself a gem or two. I did.

Neil Baird, 2012

 

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For more stories on how Doctor Who can change lives, check out these links:

 

- Thank You Doctor Who!

 

- How I Became a Doctor Who Fan

 

Everything I Learned In life, I Got From Doctor Who:

- #1 Talk To Strangers

- #2 Tea Is The Best

- #3 Be Yourself

- #4 Eat Jelly Babies

 

 

GUEST POST - Thank You, Doctor Who! -

Over the course of the next few weeks/months/years/centuries (delete as applicable), I will be letting people guest-blog and be interviewed on this very site. Maybe. Or maybe not. And to start this brand new series that may or may not actually become a series is Mrs Evil herself, Tricia Hayes, who has written a rather sweet little piece about how Doctor Who led her to love. It isn't for the cold-hearted, as there is romance involved. It also highlights just how much Doctor Who can mean totally different things to different people. Everybody has their own unique relationship with the show, which is why there are such a diverse range of fans out there, and a massive variety of opinions and theories on the show. And that is brilliant.

But anyway, without further ado, here is my amazing girlfriend, talking about stuff. Enjoy!

The first episode of Doctor Who I saw was 'Rise of the Cybermen'. I didn't see it on its' original broadcast, but a few years later when BBC 3 started showing repeats of the television show that would change my life, in a way I never could have imagined.

I had seen the Paul McGann TV movie a few years before and had enjoyed that, so I'm not sure why I didn't watch the series when it returned in 2005. Then again, I guess everybody discovers Doctor Who in their own way! Anyhow, I started watching regularly from the repeats of 'Rise of the Cybermen and 'The Age of Steel' onwards, and it had me right from the opening credits. I started watching whenever I could, and the DVD Files helped me build up my knowledge of the earlier episodes I had missed, and fill in the gaps. I have been a fan ever since.

By now, I had seen four actors in the role of the Time Lord known only as the Doctor. McGann, Eccleston, Tennant, and Smith, but what about the other seven before them? Soon enough, I would get to experience stories from Doctor Who's past, as my life changed unexpectedly. Here is how it happened....

I joined Facebook in February 2012. I had never bothered or thought about it before, but it was the curiosity of signing up to the site that led me to a Doctor Who Page, and caused a series of events that would spiral out of control. I can't remember the name of the page I liked, but on it were lots of people moaning and complaining about various aspects of the show. And then, amongst all that, there was a lovely, positive comment from this chap called Cory John Eadson. It was so nice to see somebody with such an optimistic attitude, and I decided, rather nervously, to send him a friend request.

We became friends on Facebook in March, and if you are wondering how my life has changed since then, well, in just under four weeks time we will be celebrating our 10-month anniversary together as boyfriend and girlfriend. I live in Ireland at the moment, but I am writing this in a notepad in England, sat on Cory's bed surrounded by his amazing Doctor Who collection.

Doctor Who has changed my life in a way that I could never have imagined. It introduced me to my very own Time Lord, Cory John Eadson. I would never have thought, sitting down to watch 'Rise of the Cybermen', that a few years later I would be sitting in a different country with the love of my life. In fact, the very first time we met physically was when Matt Smith returned in 'Asylum of the Daleks', the first episode we watched together.

It is through Cory that I have a fondness for 'classic' Doctor Who. I was inspired to watch 'Remembrance of the Daleks' at home by Cory, and afterwards we had a little chat about it. He also had a star letter printed in Doctor Who Magazine, an article on Season 6B published in a fanzine (and HERE), and had done a great many short stories based on the Doctor, all of which deepened my interest for the old series. One of Cory's stories involved Eight regenerating into Nine in a different and original way to what actually is believed to have happened, and it was a beautiful piece that really fired up my imagination.

Cory has taken me on a great adventure through time and space, introducing me to every Doctor I hadn't seen before, many amazing episodes, and telling me things about the making of the show that I never knew.

Me and Cory have also had a great many adventures of our own, away from the escapades of the TARDIS, and I know we will continue to have them for Evermore. We might have met through Doctor Who, but it is because of us that our relationship is so strong, because of us that we are in love.

I am fond of Doctor Who, but I am in love with my Cory John Eadson. And I will be, forevermore.

Tricia Hayes, January 2012

 

 

LISTS! - A Beginner's Guide to Doctor Who -

Image by http://ferrlm.deviantart.com/

Seeing as it's Doctor Who's fiftieth anniversary year (in case you hadn't already noticed), I think now is a good time to reel in those people on the fence. You folk who watch it 'a little bit', who think it's 'ok'. Now is your chance to join the side of the Whovian, by watching these 11 television stories.

I have picked one story from each of the eleven Doctors so far, carefully selected for the inquisitive beginner. All of these serials are available on DVD, and after a marathon viewing, you may just open up your life to a world of jelly babies, long scarves and bow-ties!

1) The Dalek Invasion of Earth (1964) – This is the second Dalek story, in which the metal meanies not only invade earth, but actually conquer it! Scary, tense, and in its' final moments, heart-breaking, The Dalek Invasion of Earth pre-dates the eerie 'Night of the Living Dead' movie by a few years with the deserted streets and lumbering, zombie-like Robomen, and sees William Hartnell bringing a new heroic rise to the character of the Doctor. The cliffhanger to the end of episode 1 is also absolutely stunning.

2) Tomb of the Cybermen (1967) – A creepy, claustrophobic adventure seasoned with moments of genuine hilarity at the hands of Patrick Troughton and Frazer Hines, certainly one of the greatest Doctor/companion pairings of all time. This is one of the best Cyberman stories.

 

3) The Green Death (1973) – The one with the giant maggots. Scary, funny, camp, heart-breaking...a brilliant story with a strong exit for the Third Doctor's longest-running companion.

4) Genesis of the Daleks (1975) – A masterpiece. It is everything a Doctor Who story should be, and more. The regulars give sterling performances, but extra credit must be given to Peter Miles' cold realisation of Nyder, and Michael Wisher, the first actor to bring the Daleks' creator, Davros, to life. It was this story that cast me into the time vortex: 'How I Became a Doctor Who Fan: An Autobiographical Account of a Huge Obsession'

 

5) Kinda (1982) – A deep, beautiful story. Layered and slightly whimsical, it features collapsing sanity, possession, giant snakes, and a lavish jungle setting. One to make you think.

 

6) Revelation of the Daleks (1985) – A darkly humorous story from the 'violent era' of the show. It packs in references to cannibalism, necrophilia, incest, torture and alcoholism, and has the Doctor almost crushed by his own, giant headstone. The best Davros story since Genesis.

7) Battlefield (1989) – McCoy gives one of his best performances in this entertaining romp. He is at the top of his game in this tale of sword and sorcery. It also marks the last proper Doctor Who television adventure with the Brigadier, played by the late, great Nicholas Courtney.

 

8) The Movie (1996) – McGann's only TV story. A flawed, contrived plot and overly-Americanised elements can't detract from the shameless fun of this adventure. Paul McGann is excellent throughout!

 

9) Dalek (2005) – The Doctor comes face to face with his oldest enemy again in an underground base. Eccleston completely sells the Doctor's anger and fear of his arch nemesis, and takes the Time Lord to new, uneasy depths. The end is also surprisingly touching.

 

10) School Reunion (2006) – Elisabeth Sladen. 'Nuff said. I guarantee you will cry.

 

11) The Doctor's Wife (2011) – The TARDIS is personified, quite literally. A funny, beautiful love-letter to the show, penned by Neil Gaiman, this episode is brought stunningly to life with an endearing performance from Suranne Jones as Idris (the TARDIS), and some excellent set-design. A dark, whimsical adventure with a fairy-tale quality to it. Perfection.

 

All of these stories are available on DVD right now (!), so you have absolutely no excuse not to watch them. If anybody else has their own definitive 'Beginner's List', please feel free to share it!

 

 

Cory Eadson, 2013

And here is how Doctor Who can change your life...
- #1 Talk to Strangers
- #2 Tea is the Best
- #3 Be Yourself
- #4 Eat Jelly Babies

50 Reasons Why 'Time Crash' Is The Most Perfect 8 Minutes of 'Doctor Who' Ever

#8 "Does he still have that rubbish beard?"

The Doctor's arch nemesis, the Master, who has destroyed countless lives and planets over many centuries, is nevertheless the subject of some ridicule. The Tenth Doctor had just been aged beyond all recognition and locked inside a cage for a year, while the Master conquered the world, and yet in Time Crash the two Time Lords have no problem poking fun at him, as if he's just a minor niggle!

It's Five's 'beard' comment that I find the most telling. Imagine Davison's Doctor tied to a chair while a chuckling Ainley Master calmly explains his plans for Universal domination. Part of the Doctor is hastily concocting a plan in his mind to escape, while the other part of him is thinking, "Gosh, I wish the Master would have a bloody shave!".

More Moffat genius!

 

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For the complete list (SO FAR), click HERE!

 

What We Know About the Fiftieth Anniversary (So Far)

In case you hadn't noticed, this is Doctor Who's fiftieth anniversary. And, in true fan-style, speculation is rife about what will be happening between now and December. What we do know so far is that there will be a further 8 episodes that commence on the 30^th of March, concluding series 7. There will be at least one anniversary special for broadcast around November 23^rd. And there will be a 90-minute docu-drama based on the creation of the series back in 1963. We also know that both the Ice Warriors and the Cybermen are returning, that there will be a TARDIS-centric episode, and a tangled web of intrigue surrounding Clara. There will also be a Christmas special.

The 50^th anniversary special itself has garnered a fair bit of controversy, as it has been heavily rumoured that it will be a mere 60-minutes long. Note that I said 'rumour'. In fandom, rumours can either be very close to the truth, or as far from it as an Ice Warrior on the sun. Steven Moffat himself has told us not to believe this guff, and I trust him completely. He is a fantastic writer and exec-producer, and it's his vision that has given our favourite show a new lease of life.

So, you loathe the idea of a 3D episode? Well, watch it in 2D then! Angry about the rumours of a sole 60-minutes for the biggest episode in the series' history? Don't believe them! Hate Moffat's vision for the show? Watch something else!

I watch Doctor Who because I love it. I trust Moffat and everyone else at the BBC to bring us a year to remember. Let's stop worrying, and enjoy the ride! And if you're still not happy, there IS the Big Finish audio celebration to look forward to....

 

 

Raymond Cusick, 1928 - 2013

Raymond Cusick could, in many ways, be credited with the immortality of Doctor Who as much as Verity Lambert, William Hartnell, the concept of regeneration, or the overall story of the show.

An early Dalek design by Cusick

In 1963, set-designer Cusick received an incredible script by writer Terry Nation, featuring a race of creatures driven by pure hatred. The script featured only the most basic of descriptions for these monsters (eyes on stalks, round base, arms with claws), and Raymond Cusick went away and came up with one of the most unique and exciting designs in the whole of science fiction history. The Daleks were born.

Their debut story started in 1963 and ran for seven weeks, reeling in the viewers and terrifying a whole nation. After the Daleks' first adventure was broadcast, audiences were already demanding a rematch with the Doctor. People were no longer just passively watching the series, they were actively getting involved, campaigning and making requests to the BBC, such was the popularity of these metal meanies. Thanks to the Daleks, Doctor Who was now an institution!

An image from 'The Sun' (2004)

Fifty years on, the main design of the Daleks is still instantly recognisable worldwide. Back in 2004, when Doctor Who was on the way to making a big comeback, and the whole 'will the Daleks be making an appearance or not?' saga was settled, 'The Sun' newspaper printed a picture of the new-look Daleks. I was flabbergasted, in the best possible way. I couldn't believe how close the BBC had stuck to the original Dalek design. I was expecting some bland overhaul, but no! The eyestalk, balls and sink plunger were all present and correct. It was a thrilling moment, and a testament to Cusick's genius.

Of course, the Daleks were one thing, but Cusick did a lot more for early Doctor Who. He played a large part in designing additional rooms in the TARDIS for 'The Edge of Destruction', and created excellent sets for the underrated 'The Keys of Marinus' and historical romp 'The Romans'. Not content with merely bringing the words on a page to life, Cusick used his imagination to fill in the gaps left by some writers (Terry Nation famously used to describe rooms and corridors as 'white and featureless', leaving the designers to do as they pleased!) to create exciting worlds, landscapes and buildings. A designer in the truest sense of the word.

 

 

Although Cusick didn't get the full credit he deserved for the creation of the Daleks (he was paid a small fee for his work, whereas Terry Nation had all the copyright and royalties for coming up with the idea of them for his script), he has created a legacy that will never fade away.

Raymond Cusick passed away in his sleep on the 21^st of February, 2013, but he lived long enough to see his Daleks rise again, made from the same blue-print as his original masterpiece 50 years ago.

Rest in peace, Raymond Cusick, 1928-2013. Without you, we wouldn't have Doctor Who now as we know it, if at all! As Mark Gatiss wrote on Twitter, “Daleks forever!”