Cam's Introduction to Doctor Who
Oct. 22nd, 2005 10:06 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
misscamCam's Introduction to Doctor Who
- for those curious, those bored and those who just want to see what has taken in Cam so (and plot how to lure her back). Images within, so beware if you're on dial-up.
The Premise
Doctor Who is in many ways a British television classic. A British sci-fi series made by the BBC, it was started in 1963 and ran to 1989, mostly targetting a "family" audience with his action/adventure focus. It had a television movie showed in 1996 and was revived again in 2005. The show is about a time-travelling alien known as "the Doctor", who travels through time and space in the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension(s) In Space), which is larger on the inside than the outside and looks like a blue police box from the 1960s (the TARDIS is supposed to have the ability to disguise itself according to its surroundings, but became stuck in its current appearance during a 1960s trip). As the series progressed, it was revealed that the Doctor is a 900 year old Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, and a bit of a rebel one. He left Gallifrey at least in parts due to the restrictive society of the Time Lord and his desire to explore time and space and use his fairly immense knowledge. Like all Time Lords, he also has the ability to "regenerate" his body when he dies, though only twelve times. This means the Doctor can have 13 incarnations. Every regeneration not only affects his looks, but personality as well. On his travels, he usually takes at least one human - or at least one point, alien - companion, and he's had many of them through the course of the whole Doctor Who.
The Current Show
The 2005 revival introduced us to the Ninth incarnation of the Doctor, visiting Earth again. However, a major difference between this incarnation and the previous is that the Doctor is now the last of the Time Lords. The Time War, not seen on screen, has destroyed his planet Gallifrey. (The adversary in this war is revealed later in the series.) The Doctor is much more alone and vunerable in this incarnation, and the show is more emotional in its new form. The special effects are also much better - the older shows were rather affectionately known for rather dodgy effects at times. A second and third series will air on BBC in 2006 and 2007. A Christmas special is due this Christmas, too.
And beware the Bad Wolf...
Nine. Yes, that is 10 Downing Street in the background. No, he's not running for Prime Minister - alas.
The Shippy Aspect
Now we're in trouble!
When we meet Nine, it's through Rose Tyler, a human of 19, working in retail in London and feeling something lacking in her life. From her first encounter with the Doctor - he takes her hand and tells her "Run!" - it's clear that he can offer her an end to boredom. After she saves his life, he offers her to come along on his travels, and she eventually agrees when he reveals the TARDIS is also a time machine. He seems to enjoy her awe and wonder at his life, and interestingly, the first place he takes her is five billion years into the future to the end of Earth. Given he's had his own planet go boom, it's a choice that opens for speculation.
Just rocks and dust...
While the two deny having a sexual relationship - which people keep suggesting to them - it's quite clear there's a bond between the two. The hand-holding is a recurring thing (dubbed "hand!porn" by fans), and the Doctor is more than a little protecting, even to the point of hesitating to do something that would save the world but might kill Rose ("I could save the world but lose you..."). Even a Dalek seem somehow to pick on something, threatning Rose and proclaiming "What good are emotions if you will not save the woman you love?" (What kind of love is of course open to interpretation.) When she asks to see her father the day he died, the Doctor takes her despite what has to be serious misgivings and even forgives her an action that could very well have doomed the world.
Just tell me you're sorry...
He also doesn't hesitate to somewhat emotionally manipulate her to keep her travelling with him rather than stay on a return trip home, suggesting he needs her on some level and is prepared to be not-so-nice to keep her close. However, he does also trick her into being sent home when stuck in a situation he's sure will end fairly badly. Rose doesn't take this too well, and her following actions to save his life could very well have been at the cost of her own. ("I want you safe. My Doctor.") Of course, the Doctor is unwilling to let her die for him.
I think you need a doctor...
And of course, there's also the end scene of The Doctor Dances. In an episode where "dancing" has been used as a euphemism for sex, the episode ends with Rose and the Doctor dancing on the TARDIS (and with Jack, who've they've picked up from certain death, looking on). Hmmm-hmmm.
I can dance, I can dance!
So, in conclusion - lots of tease and hints and lovely bonding, though whether or not interpreted as romantic is entirely up to the viewer.
Daaaaaleks!
I'm a Dalek. Like a lot of people on this show, I get tied up.
The Daleks, a race of genetically created aliens, are the most famous of the Doctor's enemies. They're so famous I knew and loved them before I'd even seen a single episode of Doctor Who. They've been on stamps, have made it firmly into popular culture and have countless jokes to their names. Especially involving stairs. They want to kill everything that's not Dalek - originally, they were meant to be reminicient of the Nazis - and look shiny while at it.
EX-TERM-INATE!
Why Cam Loves the Show
Well, there are Daleks.
Also, it's British-centred and I'm quite the anglophile. It's not afraid to be silly. Christopher Eccleston is fantastic as the Ninth Doctor, Billie Piper does a lovely Rose, the writing is sharp, there's banter, hand!porn, whacky aliens, an emotional core, it tackles some issues of today and it's enjoyable. It's charming. How can I resist?
Did I mention Daleks?
Choice Quotes
Rose:Hold on a minute! You can't just go swanning off!
The Doctor: Yes, I can. Look. Here I am. This is me swanning off. See ya!
Rose: What did you say your name was?
The Doctor: I told you; the Doctor.
Rose: Yeah, but, Doctor what?
The Doctor: Just the Doctor.
Rose: The doctor?
The Doctor: Hello!
Rose: Is that meant to be impressive?
The Doctor: Sort of, yeah.
Rose: So what you're saying is the entire world revolves around you?
The Doctor: Sort of, yeah.
Rose: You're full of it!
The Doctor: Sort of, yeah!
Rose: If you are an alien how come you sound like you're from the North?
The Doctor: Lots of planets have a north!
Computer: Guests are reminded that Platform One forbids the use of weapons, teleportation and religion.
The Doctor: Well, now... Yes, you see the thing is if I were you if I was going to execute someone by backing them against the wall between you and me little word of advice: don't stand them against a lift.
The Doctor: The thing is, Adam, time travel is like visiting Paris. You can't just read the guidebook, you've got to throw yourself in. Eat the food, use the wrong verbs, get charged double and end up kissing complete strangers... or is that just me?
Rose: It's not very Spock, is it? Just asking.
The Doctor: (listening at a door) Voices, music, people. What d'you think?
Rose: I think you should do a scan for alien tech. Give me some Spock! Just once, would it kill you?
The Doctor: And I'm looking for a blonde in a Union Jack. A specific one, mind you, I didn't just wake up this morning with a craving.
Jack: Okay, this can function as a sonic blaster, a sonic cannon, and a triple and full sonic disruptor. Doc, what you got?
The Doctor: I've got a sonic, er, never mind.
Jack: What?
The Doctor: It's sonic, okay, let's leave it at that.
Jack: Disruptor? Cannon? What?
The Doctor: It's sonic, totally sonic, I am soniced up!
Jack: A sonic what?
The Doctor: Screwdriver!
Jack: *Who* has a sonic screwdriver?
The Doctor: I do!
Jack: Who looks at a screwdriver and thinks "Oooh, this could be a little more sonic"?
The Doctor: What? You never been bored? Never had a long night? Never had a lot of cabinets to put up?
(Rose asks him to dance) The Doctor: Rose, I'm trying to resonate concrete
Jack: The last time I was sentenced to death, I ordered four hyper-vodkas for my breakfast. All a bit of a blur after that... I woke up in bed with both of my executioners. Lovely couple, they stayed in touch! Can't say that about most executioners.
Margaret: This... is... persecution. Why can't you leave me alone? What did I ever do to you?
The Doctor: You tried to kill me and destroy this entire planet.
Margaret: Apart from that.
BBC's trailer for Doctor Who 2005, for those interested (Yousendit link)
- for those curious, those bored and those who just want to see what has taken in Cam so (and plot how to lure her back). Images within, so beware if you're on dial-up.
The Premise
Doctor Who is in many ways a British television classic. A British sci-fi series made by the BBC, it was started in 1963 and ran to 1989, mostly targetting a "family" audience with his action/adventure focus. It had a television movie showed in 1996 and was revived again in 2005. The show is about a time-travelling alien known as "the Doctor", who travels through time and space in the TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension(s) In Space), which is larger on the inside than the outside and looks like a blue police box from the 1960s (the TARDIS is supposed to have the ability to disguise itself according to its surroundings, but became stuck in its current appearance during a 1960s trip). As the series progressed, it was revealed that the Doctor is a 900 year old Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, and a bit of a rebel one. He left Gallifrey at least in parts due to the restrictive society of the Time Lord and his desire to explore time and space and use his fairly immense knowledge. Like all Time Lords, he also has the ability to "regenerate" his body when he dies, though only twelve times. This means the Doctor can have 13 incarnations. Every regeneration not only affects his looks, but personality as well. On his travels, he usually takes at least one human - or at least one point, alien - companion, and he's had many of them through the course of the whole Doctor Who.
The Current Show
The 2005 revival introduced us to the Ninth incarnation of the Doctor, visiting Earth again. However, a major difference between this incarnation and the previous is that the Doctor is now the last of the Time Lords. The Time War, not seen on screen, has destroyed his planet Gallifrey. (The adversary in this war is revealed later in the series.) The Doctor is much more alone and vunerable in this incarnation, and the show is more emotional in its new form. The special effects are also much better - the older shows were rather affectionately known for rather dodgy effects at times. A second and third series will air on BBC in 2006 and 2007. A Christmas special is due this Christmas, too.
And beware the Bad Wolf...
Nine. Yes, that is 10 Downing Street in the background. No, he's not running for Prime Minister - alas.
The Shippy Aspect
Now we're in trouble!
When we meet Nine, it's through Rose Tyler, a human of 19, working in retail in London and feeling something lacking in her life. From her first encounter with the Doctor - he takes her hand and tells her "Run!" - it's clear that he can offer her an end to boredom. After she saves his life, he offers her to come along on his travels, and she eventually agrees when he reveals the TARDIS is also a time machine. He seems to enjoy her awe and wonder at his life, and interestingly, the first place he takes her is five billion years into the future to the end of Earth. Given he's had his own planet go boom, it's a choice that opens for speculation.
Just rocks and dust...
While the two deny having a sexual relationship - which people keep suggesting to them - it's quite clear there's a bond between the two. The hand-holding is a recurring thing (dubbed "hand!porn" by fans), and the Doctor is more than a little protecting, even to the point of hesitating to do something that would save the world but might kill Rose ("I could save the world but lose you..."). Even a Dalek seem somehow to pick on something, threatning Rose and proclaiming "What good are emotions if you will not save the woman you love?" (What kind of love is of course open to interpretation.) When she asks to see her father the day he died, the Doctor takes her despite what has to be serious misgivings and even forgives her an action that could very well have doomed the world.
Just tell me you're sorry...
He also doesn't hesitate to somewhat emotionally manipulate her to keep her travelling with him rather than stay on a return trip home, suggesting he needs her on some level and is prepared to be not-so-nice to keep her close. However, he does also trick her into being sent home when stuck in a situation he's sure will end fairly badly. Rose doesn't take this too well, and her following actions to save his life could very well have been at the cost of her own. ("I want you safe. My Doctor.") Of course, the Doctor is unwilling to let her die for him.
I think you need a doctor...
And of course, there's also the end scene of The Doctor Dances. In an episode where "dancing" has been used as a euphemism for sex, the episode ends with Rose and the Doctor dancing on the TARDIS (and with Jack, who've they've picked up from certain death, looking on). Hmmm-hmmm.
I can dance, I can dance!
So, in conclusion - lots of tease and hints and lovely bonding, though whether or not interpreted as romantic is entirely up to the viewer.
Daaaaaleks!
I'm a Dalek. Like a lot of people on this show, I get tied up.
The Daleks, a race of genetically created aliens, are the most famous of the Doctor's enemies. They're so famous I knew and loved them before I'd even seen a single episode of Doctor Who. They've been on stamps, have made it firmly into popular culture and have countless jokes to their names. Especially involving stairs. They want to kill everything that's not Dalek - originally, they were meant to be reminicient of the Nazis - and look shiny while at it.
EX-TERM-INATE!
Why Cam Loves the Show
Well, there are Daleks.
Also, it's British-centred and I'm quite the anglophile. It's not afraid to be silly. Christopher Eccleston is fantastic as the Ninth Doctor, Billie Piper does a lovely Rose, the writing is sharp, there's banter, hand!porn, whacky aliens, an emotional core, it tackles some issues of today and it's enjoyable. It's charming. How can I resist?
Did I mention Daleks?
Choice Quotes
Rose:Hold on a minute! You can't just go swanning off!
The Doctor: Yes, I can. Look. Here I am. This is me swanning off. See ya!
Rose: What did you say your name was?
The Doctor: I told you; the Doctor.
Rose: Yeah, but, Doctor what?
The Doctor: Just the Doctor.
Rose: The doctor?
The Doctor: Hello!
Rose: Is that meant to be impressive?
The Doctor: Sort of, yeah.
Rose: So what you're saying is the entire world revolves around you?
The Doctor: Sort of, yeah.
Rose: You're full of it!
The Doctor: Sort of, yeah!
Rose: If you are an alien how come you sound like you're from the North?
The Doctor: Lots of planets have a north!
Computer: Guests are reminded that Platform One forbids the use of weapons, teleportation and religion.
The Doctor: Well, now... Yes, you see the thing is if I were you if I was going to execute someone by backing them against the wall between you and me little word of advice: don't stand them against a lift.
The Doctor: The thing is, Adam, time travel is like visiting Paris. You can't just read the guidebook, you've got to throw yourself in. Eat the food, use the wrong verbs, get charged double and end up kissing complete strangers... or is that just me?
Rose: It's not very Spock, is it? Just asking.
The Doctor: (listening at a door) Voices, music, people. What d'you think?
Rose: I think you should do a scan for alien tech. Give me some Spock! Just once, would it kill you?
The Doctor: And I'm looking for a blonde in a Union Jack. A specific one, mind you, I didn't just wake up this morning with a craving.
Jack: Okay, this can function as a sonic blaster, a sonic cannon, and a triple and full sonic disruptor. Doc, what you got?
The Doctor: I've got a sonic, er, never mind.
Jack: What?
The Doctor: It's sonic, okay, let's leave it at that.
Jack: Disruptor? Cannon? What?
The Doctor: It's sonic, totally sonic, I am soniced up!
Jack: A sonic what?
The Doctor: Screwdriver!
Jack: *Who* has a sonic screwdriver?
The Doctor: I do!
Jack: Who looks at a screwdriver and thinks "Oooh, this could be a little more sonic"?
The Doctor: What? You never been bored? Never had a long night? Never had a lot of cabinets to put up?
(Rose asks him to dance) The Doctor: Rose, I'm trying to resonate concrete
Jack: The last time I was sentenced to death, I ordered four hyper-vodkas for my breakfast. All a bit of a blur after that... I woke up in bed with both of my executioners. Lovely couple, they stayed in touch! Can't say that about most executioners.
Margaret: This... is... persecution. Why can't you leave me alone? What did I ever do to you?
The Doctor: You tried to kill me and destroy this entire planet.
Margaret: Apart from that.
BBC's trailer for Doctor Who 2005, for those interested (Yousendit link)
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2005-10-22 08:15 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-10-22 08:24 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2005-10-22 08:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-10-22 08:22 pm (UTC)"Well done, Edric."
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Date: 2005-10-22 08:42 pm (UTC)Hmm, a stranger...
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Date: 2005-10-22 08:23 pm (UTC)For those wanting to know more about old skool canon as well, the
And though I don't really ship Jack/Doctor, I found the article Who's Queer? on the link between Doctor Who and queer pop culture an interesting read.
Nooo, I don't spend too much time reading up stuff on the Internet...
And in conclusion: Daleks!!!
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Date: 2005-10-22 08:45 pm (UTC)*peeks at links* The head writer used to write for Quuer as Folks UK, so am not that surprised links to queer culture would be drawn.
Daleks! Daleks!
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Date: 2005-10-22 08:41 pm (UTC)I think it only ever shows the older ones here. Oh well.
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Date: 2005-10-22 08:51 pm (UTC)And there's always downloads(no subject)
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Date: 2005-10-22 09:11 pm (UTC)hehehe, reminds me of this fanvid (http://s50.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0R2YMRVOX5M5F0R16WAV4O7CLG)
The Daleks, a race of genetically created aliens, are the most famous of the Doctor's enemies. They're so famous I knew and loved them before I'd even seen a single episode of Doctor Who. They've been on stamps, have made it firmly into popular culture and have countless jokes to their names. Especially involving stairs. They want to kill everything that's not Dalek - originally, they were meant to be reminicient of the Nazis - and look shiny while at it.
you know this (http://s50.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3J00QV2094UDA1SMPAEDOEMZN6) song?
*me wants to see the christmas special with Chris*
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Date: 2005-10-22 10:34 pm (UTC)Yeah, I keep wanting just one more ep with Chris, but I'm sure DT will be good too.
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Date: 2005-10-22 09:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-10-22 09:48 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-10-22 09:36 pm (UTC)I have no idea when and if it's going to air in America. I doubt that DVD for the series will be released in Region 1 until after it's finally shown there. It's highly unlikely that BBC America will bother to manufacture a DVD set just for Canadian distibution, especially since Americans can always buy it through an online Canadian distributor or if they were to travel north of the border; therefore, possibly ensuring lower ratings if it ever does air in the States. ::sobs:: I want my Ninth Doctor DVD set now!
- amazon.ca shows nothing
- amazon.com shows a release date of December 31, 1969...wtf? Do need a T.A.R.D.I.S. to get my hands on one? How ironic...
- comingsoon.net hasn't shown any advance release date either...at least not since I went through it month by month a couple of weeks ago.
I HATE being beholden to the States for releases of British shows on DVD. Grrr!
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Date: 2005-10-22 09:43 pm (UTC)It truly is brilliance.
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Date: 2005-10-22 10:53 pm (UTC)Hooray for the Doctor!love.
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Date: 2005-10-22 11:02 pm (UTC)(no subject)
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Date: 2005-10-22 11:38 pm (UTC)I liked this quote. I'm now considering of giving the series a chance third chance, if I ever get the chance to see it.
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Date: 2005-10-22 11:55 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-10-22 11:54 pm (UTC)*wanders towards the shiny*
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Date: 2005-10-22 11:58 pm (UTC)Come to the shiny, shiny Dark Side...
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Date: 2005-10-23 01:00 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-10-23 01:31 am (UTC)If you're a torrent person, look for Doctor Who 2005. I found all the eps on torrents(no subject)
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Date: 2005-10-23 02:11 am (UTC)It's weird though, because I never knew Billie Piper went into acting.
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Date: 2005-10-23 02:39 am (UTC)And yeah, I hear she tried a singing career that didn't go to well. But she's done well in acting, it seems.
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Date: 2005-10-23 03:54 am (UTC)So, what is it that makes the Daleks so loveable?
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Date: 2005-10-23 04:03 am (UTC)And yes, watch. Watch is good.
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Date: 2005-10-23 09:37 am (UTC)Very good summation of Doctor Who as a whole and why the comeback worked so successfully and hooked a whole new generation. :)
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Date: 2005-10-23 02:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-10-23 11:01 am (UTC)The Daleks always scared my Dad, poor thing. The first time they came on the new series, he literally squeaked with fright.
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Date: 2005-10-23 02:45 pm (UTC)Hee. Childhood trauma come back, much?
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Date: 2005-10-23 11:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-10-23 02:45 pm (UTC)Way cool.
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Date: 2006-01-15 09:45 am (UTC)