As all you Whovians know, Christopher Eccleston asked Russel T Davies to consider him for the role of the Doctor. After filming, Chris, for whatever reasons, decided he no longer wanted to be a part of the show. He told the team he was leaving, and they had to find a new Doctor. David Tennant was asked, completely out of the blue, because Russel T Davies knew how good an actor he was from working with him on Casanova. And the rest is history!
However, some fans seem to exist in a parallel dimension in which Eccleston was cast NOT because of his tremendous acting ability, but because RTD's first choice, David Tennant, wasn't famous enough yet. So Eccleston did one year as a 'favour' for Russel, while RTD ensured Tennant, in the meantime, rose to enough fame to be cast as the next Doctor.
Oh, and even though Hugh Grant WAS offered the part of the Ninth Doctor, according to this fan, that was 'just a joke'.
Here are the comments of said fan, who shall remain nameless, as he himself wrote them:
Thay havent asked him or
chris ecclstone or eny of the past docs. chris only did the dw job as
the bbc wouldnt let david tennent as at the time he was unown thay gave
rtd an oltamatum he gets a nown actor or now dw so he askd a faver an
chris said yep so was always going to b 1yr
Then
once david tennent was sucksesful thay could make him the doc. chris
rearly nev wanted to b dw just did it to help a m8 but if it wassent for
him we wouldnt have are faveret show back on tv so to me hes the most
important doc of all co he brourt it back thanks chris e. x
If u go check ur find im rite
david tennent and russle t davis and chris ecclstone have all said this
in intervuews and its in rtd book to its fact and the hu grant thing i
saw that live m8 it was bbc news at 6pm and rtd said it to get publisaty
for the show and on that same show he said im only joking but news is
new and thay latch on to the words that sell papers made me laf when he
said it tho x
Tho u do no what this all
means tho? That im a complet nurdy geek and i no way to mutch about dw
lol how f-ing sad hahahaha im like massive fan of dw i books and and
origanal scrips and props from the show that cost me tuns lol im that
geeky i no everythng about it omg geek hahaha
I agree but the bbc would
not of aloud rtd make it unles he got a name . not an unown thats a fact
its the bbc u blame not me lol just telling u the reason why that was
all dont shoot the messinger x
mm wel ive got rtd
outbiografie and he say in there about it oh and iv bin bying dw mag for
20yrs trust me thay never tel the trueth unles it sutes them lol
hahahaha enyway lol x
There is ritten documents
from rtd to the head of drama at bbc saying he wanted tennant but thay
said no until casanover was a succes and ecclestone was never ment to do
enymore than 1yr rtd has said in an intervuew iv seen him say it on tv.
U dont no the bbc very wel do
u paul magans tv film in 1996 got 9.6 somthn milione vuew fig more than
eny of the new dw put to geather fact it was bigst show that year tel
me why didnt it get a show the bbc said and i quote becos it didnt do
wel in americ lol it got more than the piorlt of xfiles lol .
Look its not me saying soooo
im just saying what iv hurd from rtd and c e and d t on tv intervuews
thats all an the bbc hated dw sory but thay did orful i no but true
Whats the problem?
After being asked what his problem is:
And me to im sory i just
happento no why and thought u two would of wanted to no why that was all
and iv not bin rude to him or u for that matter nxt time i just wont
txt u or him sory if iv inconveneanced u by x
And there you have it!
Friday, 16 March 2012
Thursday, 15 March 2012
Can You See Me Now? - A Poem
Life churns noisily
around me
Like an unstoppable
Vortex -
And I am trapped in the
centre,
Ignored, Unwanted,
Invisible.
Laughter springs
joyously
From the mouths of my
tormentors,
As they walk right over
me
Like I'm a
long-forgotten grave.
Shaking, simmering,
seething
I can do nothing but
wait
'til my mind blows and
shatters,
And my eyes blaze
Hellish red.
Give me a gun, give me
a knife,
It's time for me to end
your life.
I step out of the heart
And into the hurricane,
Disturbing the flow
That you have created.
Dead eyes gaze back at
me -
A mass of unfeeling
zombies
Trying to make some
sort of sense
Of what I'm about to
do.
I was never so bad,
Would never hurt
anyone...
But you pushed me,
Shoved me over the
edge.
I have a gun,
I have a knife.
It's time for me
To end your life.
Hell burns through my
veins, and how!
Listen up people, can
you see me now?
© Copyright Cory Eadson, 2012
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Blood and Bone China: Chapter 2: The Enigmatic Mister Pyre, and Chapter 3: Anna of the Six Towns
'The Enigmatic Mister Pyre' - a Chapter title straight out of a Dickens novel, leads us further into the candlelit horror of 'Blood and Bone China'. Bringing forth some new and fascinating characters, and getting us reaquainted with those we met in Chapter 1, this is where the story really takes off. It's also where the series starts to really show off, too.
Chapter 2 - 'The Enigmatic Mister Pyre'
Opening with yet another glorious montage - a rising sun, stuffed animals and skulls, a long-abandoned cup of tea, and yet another token candle - we are then thrust straight into the heart of this mystery. Newlyn Howell has been given much of the information the audience already knows off-screen, to save on time and repetition, and the enigmatic bearer-of-bad-news from Chapter 1 is revealed to be a close friend of the late Richard (the 'Mister Pyre of the title, in fact), just a minute and a half into the episode.
The producers of this show get their audience. They aren't trying to make something overly-serious and gently-paced. They understand that this series has got to hold the attention of its' viewership, lest they log off and find something else to do. At the same time, the story is handled with care, and the writers make sure that all, or most, of the plot holes are avoided. For instance, Richard is killed off simply because he needed to die for the plot to unravel, but his death isn't forgotten or papered over - Newlyn discusses funeral plans, viewing the body, even giving the mysterious Mr. Pyre a brief bit of history on he and his late kin's relationship. In fact, the whole episode furthers the plot through exposition, and yet it almost hurts to see it done so brilliantly. Never has two characters standing in a room spurting plot at each other been so entertaining!
And the Chapter is, essentially, a two-hander between Newlyn Howell and Pyre. Anthony Miles adds more layers to Newlyn, giving him a backbone without losing that fallible edge. It's an endearing performance, and cements him as the likeable hero of the piece.
John James Woodward, as Pyre, is much more straight-laced, and even a bit dark. There are certainly shades to his character, and Woodward makes sure that he doesn't come across as entirely trustworthy.
In terms of the direction, this Chapter certainly ramps things up a notch. The beautiful dawn in the opening shot, the train chugging along the countryside, and, my favourite, the macabre residence of Newlyn's brother. Chris Stone bleeds every bit of menace out of the sequences inside the house, and utilises the shadows in a Nosferatu-esque way. It's a glorious bit of film, and the ending is suitably shocking...Another winner!
Chapter 3 - 'Anna of the Six Towns'
I love 'Doctor Who'. It's my favourite thing in the whole wide world. And I think the creators of this series like 'Doctor Who' as well. They like it so much, that they take inspiration from the show without ever ripping it off or sending it up - rather, they twist the elements they have taken and mould it to fit their own series. It's nicely done, and lots of fun for those who get the references. And those who don't - it doesn't matter anyway!
The cliffhanger from Chapter 2 is resolved in a humorous way, seeing 'Doctor' Newlyn getting whacked around the head by a girl who must surely go on to be his new companion (anyone remember how the Eleventh Doctor and the grown-up Amy Pond first met?).
Anna is a wonderful character (and she also happens to be an investigative journalist), and is a wonderful foil for Newlyn. Admittedly, the tiny bit of romantic tension when they first met made me cringe a little, but this isn't a show that can really allow for them to spend great periods of time falling in love, so we'll excuse it.
Once again, the plot is furthered, with a few strands from Chapter 1 being nicely tied up (for instance, who Richard was waiting for when he was attacked). The title of the series itself also starts to make sense here, and one assumes that the audience is intended to 'cotton on' before the characters within the show. That's all I'm saying though, spoilers!
The final clip has a nice cliffhanger (that you can't truly appreciate unless you paid attention to Chapter 1 and know who, or rather, what, The Servant is - so make sure you watch it!), and a little joke bound to put a knowing smile on the face of every Whovian. It once again reminds us that this show is fun. And a little bit scary!
A special mention must go to Rachel Shenton, famous for her role in teen soap Hollyoaks, who gives an enthusiastic performance here, and she and Anthony Miles have a great rapport on-screen.
Two more fantastic installments that musn't be missed! And, I suppose, a rather nice way of passing the time waiting for 'Doctor Who' to come back, as well! ;)
Watch these Chapters here:
More About 'Blood and Bone China'
Official Website: http://www.bloodandbonechina.com/index.html
Twitter: @BloodBoneChina
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Blood and Bone China, Overview and Chapter 1 Review
A web series is a wonderful thing. Short, captivating installments of a show, made on the cheap but by very talented and dedicated people, they can gain huge cult followings. It seems, however, that one such series managed to slip under my radar. Yet, through the glories of Twitter, I was able to fall into the sordid world of 'Blood and Bone China'.
It certainly ticks all but one of the boxes of a typical web-series. The episodes are short and captivating, and those on and behind the camera are tremendously dedicated to bringing forth a hugely entertaining succession of installments. But somehow, it doesn't seem cheap. The sets are lavish, the fake blood (which so many big budget horrors get wrong) is very realistic, and it has special effects that wouldn't be out of place on a mainstream sci-fi show. 'Blood and Bone China', within the first ten minutes, slapped me around the face and told me to pay attention. This is not a show to be missed!
So, what's it about? Good question, and one of the big factors of this show is that you don't really know, to begin with. Like a novel (of which more in a moment), the plot unfolds slowly, but maintains your interest with intriguing events and some wonderfully perverse characters. I shall give a bit of detail, plotwise, on each of the episodes, or 'Chapters', but not much. If you want to know what happens, watch them!
As for the setting, 'Blood and Bone China' is Victorian England, 1897, right out of a Hammer Horror film, with all the 'behind-closed-doors naughtiness' and mystery that that entails. The setting, and overall plot, is also clearly influenced by the Gothic Horrors that were written during the time this show is set. Indeed, with its' carefully crafted storyline, and deep and sordid characters, not to mention the fact that the installments are labelled as 'Chapters' rather than 'Episodes', 'Blood and Bone China' itself feels like a Gothic novel, or one of the episodic Penny Dreadfuls of the day. Just a bit more modern in its' execution!
CHAPTER 1 - 'Oblivion and Paradise'
Chapter 1 begins the story, by revealing that a Dr. Richard Howell has made some sort of disturbing discovery, that could also prove dangerous. During an attempt to deliever a package, he is attacked by a Vampire, and the story begins....
The lively opening sequence kicks things off nicely - a pacy, slap-in-the-face affair with a catchy punk theme tune (courtesy of the band Birthrite), and teasing glimpses of some of the friends and freaks we'll be meeting on this journey. It works well, and once you've seen it, it's impossible to NOT watch the rest!
Once the Chapter starts proper, we're given some lovely glimpses of Stoke-On-Trent, and the inside of Dr. Howell's study/lab. The attention to detail here is excellent, all skeletons and bizarre drawings, not to mention the token lit candle that every self-respecting Gothic horror should feature at some point. Accompanied by a haunting choir score, this is the first example of everything falling into place very quickly.
Another thing that falls into place very quickly is the acting. Simon Hooson, as Dr. Richard Howell, brings forth the characters determination and torment with carefully observed skill. He purveys the haunted nature of the man very well, and with complete conviction.
By contrast, Richard's relative, the vet Newlyn Howell, is awkward and rather absent-minded. Seeing him at work, falling over and generally letting things get on top of him, the audience is instantly on his side. Anthony Miles channels his inner-Peter Davison here, but adds a charm and eagerness all of his own.
Then there is the sumptuous Lara De-Leuw as Lady Victoria, a truly wicked she-Vampire, and servant of a mysterious figure known as Linus Hemlock. Miss De-Leuw plays Lady Victoria as an utterly vicious, totally evil monster, and she nails it. She evidently relishes the role of villain, and makes her character both scary and sexy. Indeed, if there's one thing I cannot resist, it's beautiful Vampiric vixen bathing in blood.
The rest of the cast are all brilliant, and it's safe to assume that as the plot unravels, we will be seeing more of them. Special mentions must go to Ryan Callaghan, as 'The Servent', who is reminiscent of 'Bad-Angel' in Buffy, and John Dutton as Farmer Hewitt, who has hilarious comic timing.
Directed with flair and passion by Chris Stone, and with a spot-on script and superb cast, 'Blood and Bone China' is unmissable stuff. Sexy, scary, gripping, and bloody, this should be number one on your viewing list. And you can do it right now! Chapter 1 - 'Oblivion and Paradise'
More About 'Blood and Bone China'
Official Website: http://www.bloodandbonechina.com/index.html
Twitter: @BloodBoneChina
Sunday, 4 March 2012
50 Reasons Why 'Time Crash' Is The Most Perfect 8 Minutes of 'Doctor Who' Ever
#5 Murray Gold did the music. His beautiful scores are cinematic, epic on a grand scale. And yet, for this little slice of nostalgic fun, Murray Gold scrapped his soaring orchestras and multi-layered harmonies in favour of an 80's style symphonic score. It adds to the overall effect, another direct little nod to a past era of this huge show. Just check out the little "Dun dun DDUUNNN!" bit when it's apparent the TARDIS will create a Belgium-sized hole in the Universe. Wonderful.
LISTEN TO THIS
Today, I'm bringing to your attention a frankly epic slice of old-school metal. A riff-roaring, multi-guitar-solo-ing beast of a track, 'Chainsaw Charlie' is easily the best thing on W.A.S.P. 's superb 'The Crimson Idol' album (1992). Lyrically, the song is about a greedy record-company owner, luring a wannabe rockstar into a life of excess and sin. It's brought to life beautifully, and is a genuine piece of incredible, powerful music. Just ignore this rather bland video, and focus on the music.
Oh, and W.A.S.P. are touring again this year. What are you waiting for?
Lilies - A Poem
Lilies
This field of lilies,
As white as winter snow,
Stretches on forever -
A pure, unbroken flow.
Hazily gleaming
Beneath a watchful Moon,
They are like freed spirits
Escaping Nature's womb.
Yet, not these lilies
Have I come here to admire,
But the lady who picks them,
Upon the midnight hour.
From my perch on high,
And clothed by the shadows,
I see her come bounding
Through the haunted meadow.
Raven hair so dark
Against the glowing bloom,
Lips like a scarlet heart,
Skin like a marble tomb.
She sinks to her knees
And gently plucks a flower.
The sweet scent of perfume
Seems to soothe and relax her.
The smile on her face
Outshines any moon or star.
Like a lily, just blossomed -
Dainty, elegant, and fair.
But the Night grows tired,
And the lady must return
To wherever it is she hides
When the great red Sun burns.
But return she will
On the following night,
To pick her chosen lilies,
Thus bringing me secret delight...
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