Review: The Magician's Apprentice

Davros is back! What a twist for the episode to start off with. It felt like Moffat really wanted to show what this series was all about in that pre-titles sequence. Cliffhangers. I so wish that it had been kept a surprise to the reveal and The Mirror hadn't leaked it months ago. It would have made that reveal so much more for everyone. But I don't think that mattered too much as there was more twists and turns throughout.

The Episode really focused on the dilemma of time travel. If you knew someone was going to grow up to be evil, could you kill them or watch them die. Some could but I think we all know The Doctor could not! Even if it meant that the Daleks would be created and ultimately the start of the Time War. It was really a rehash of the idea behind Genesis of the Daleks but this time with the start of Davros and not the Daleks but I think it was done well enough and wit some fresh ideas for it not to feel like a repeat.
Though, the Doctor is dieing was used again and I feel that this was really not needed as it was only a few years ago (series 6) we had the whole arc about this and then of course The Time of the Doctor once again. It was just a plot reuse too far in my opinion. It did bring us though some more character development with The Twelfth Doctor. He felt much more relaxed and calmer than last series but could this just be down to him thinking he is about to die at the hands of Davros. I just loved his entrance though. The Doctor with an electric guitar. It just really suited this incarnation.

I was disappointed with the use of UNIT in this episode. As a fan of Kate, I felt it was a shame to see her really underused in this episode. She didn't really do much. Clara just stormed in and took control and Kate just stood there agreeing and doing what Clara said. I wish she could have had more of a presence even though it was only a small part of the episode.
While the whole cast was on form, I think a stand out mention should go out to Julian Bleach and Jami Reid-Quarrell as Davros and Colony Sarff. I will start with Sarff. He felt like a threat from the beginning and I think alot of that was down to the way he moved and the voice acting. It added a presence. And then the reveal of the snake was just such a wow moment and a brilliant bit of CGI.
I was so happy to see Julian Bleach back as Davros as he did a brilliant job in The Stolen Earth / Journey's End in 2008. In this he gave a completely different performance while still being inkeeping with Davros. It was a much more calmer approach and you felt like Davros was at the end of his life. He added to the scene with just the looks he gave, the way he sat and in the voice. I cannot wait to see more of him next week.

Overall I would give this episode a 7/10 but really I think it all depend on how The Witches Familiar turns out. It could easily push it up a bit if the build up is done justice.

2005! Ten Years of NuWho

As a child of the 90's, I didn't grow up with Doctor Who. I vaguely knew what it was but that was all (have memory of going around garden shouting EXTERMINATE.) So when it came back it passed me by. 
My mother had told me to watch it but as a 12 year old I just ignored her. On April 2nd however, I was bored. My 2 nieces were over and had nicked my room so I went into my mums room and turned on the TV. Basically, I tuned in by accident and am still watching. 
I have vivid memories of watching the scene in "The End of the World" where Rose was talking to the plumber while I was lying down on my mums bed, head nearest the TV. Didn't get to see Rose until months later when in Woolworths I asked (probably begged) my mother to buy me Series 1 Volume 1 and 4 on DVD. 
Don't know if I saw week after week but I think I must have as I remember being really excited to see the Daleks back in the trailer at the end of Boom Town. 
Cannot believe its been ten years! Where has the wonderful time gone. Happy Birthday to the current regeneration of Doctor Who! Long may you continue!

"An Unearthly Child" Review

I've seen this story many a time. Its an amazing introduction to the show that we know and love. I think this episode really stands the test of time. It starts off with the amazing title sequence which is just ground breaking for the time it was made in. And the theme tune is so magical and yet unearthly which just heralds what is to come with the series. I love that the theme tune continues on over the policeman checking the gates to the junk yard. And with our first glimpse of the TARDIS we have that unearthly hum which gives us that sense that its not just an ordinary police box.
What some newer viewers might find strange is that the Doctor is actually the last character to be introduced in the episode. We are first treated to the introduction of Ian and Barbara at Coal Hill School. This first scene introduces us to the mystery of Susan Foreman and her Grandfather, the Doctor. They decide to go check out the junk yard in which is the address Susan gave to the secretary. This is one aspect of the story that I think wouldn't have been allowed if this story was made these days since it could sort of be classed as stalking.

In the car while waiting for Susan to turn up, we have some great foreknowledge. Susan says that she thought we were on the decimal system which was not actually introduced until 1971, 8 years after this story was televised. They follow her into the junk yard after seeing her entering the the site entrance. This is where we are introduced to the Doctor for the first time. This is not the Doctor we have grown to know and love. He starts off as a much more cold hearted and fiery character. Before the entrance to the TARDIS, he is just very dismissive as he is trying to get rid of the two of them.
That first entrance to the TARDIS is one of the best moments from Doctor Who for me. I wish they had used a simular shot to the pilot when Barbara runs in and the camera follows from the doors but thats just one small quibble I have. The set designed for the TARDIS is just an amazing budget especially when you remember the small budget they had. It really forms the basis of the design of what has continued throughout the 50 years. There is some really great dialogue throughout this TARDIS scene. Alot of memorable explanations of the things we now know and love about the series. "Have you ever wondered what its like to be wonderer's? To be exiles?" And as we come to the end of the episode we are treated to the first TARDIS take-off. The sound of the TARDIS was made up of a manipulated sound of a key being scrapped against piano stings. And from that we have the great sound of the TARDIS which was so magical it is still used to this day.

This episode is one of my favourite single episodes of Doctor Who. The serial is let down by the last 3 episodes but this episode is a definite 10/10. A memorable episode which really does still feel as great as it must have done when it first aired. How much I would love to go back to 1963 and get to watch this episode without the foreknowledge. To see them walk into the TARDIS and not know that size difference.

"An Adventure in Space and Time" Review

What a fantastically piece of heartbreaking television. Hats off to Mark Gatiss. He managed to create the perfect celebration of the birth of the best television show in the universe! There was many a moment there for die hard fans to just cheer out at yet it was also very watchable for people who don't watch Doctor Who. There was many a tear throughout the show. The first one for me was during Bradley's recreation of the farewell speech. It just genuinely moved me. And then the ending. Wow! So heartbreaking. From the breaking down to the last days filming.
Right, lets talk about the casting. I think the main cast was perfectly cast. Especially Sydney Newman, Waris Hussein, Verity Lambert and William Hartnell. The credits where they showed side-by-side pictures really showed this. And not only did they look the spitting image of who they were portraying, they were fantastically played as well. The smaller parts were not as good really but you don't really mind since they were only very small scenes. I loved the cameos from the original cast members. It was a brilliant inclusion of William Russell, Carole Ann Ford, Anneke Wills and Jean Marsh.

This drama shows how much faith Sydney Newman and Verity Lambert had in the series. If it wasn't for these 2 people (and there are many others too), we really wouldn't have the series today. It would have ran for a few weeks and that would be it. It was great how Sydney brought in 2 people in which people had no confidence because they were different to the normal way and with them they created history.
The whole ending was beautiful. From when Verity was told that Hartnell was ill I had a tear in my eye. And then when he broke down by the fire I was close to breaking down also. It was so moving to see that stern front just break away and show the true side of the legend beneath. And then onto the regeneration and the surprise cameo. I'm not naming who it is as I don't want to ruin the surprise but I was hoping they would include this person so was happy to see him. The look on Hartnells face was perfect. The twinkle in the eye, the happiness and yet the sadness at losing a massive part of his life.
There is only one score I can give this episode. 10/10. A fantastic celebration of the show we all know and love. A definite highlight of the 50th Anniversary. Thank you so much for sharing this Mark. Absolutely Fantastic!

"The Night of the Doctor" Review

The Fiftieth Anniversary of Doctor Who officially started today with the release of the new Mini Episode, The Night of the Doctor. And what a way to start with the return of The Eighth Doctor who was last seen on screen in 1996 in his only television story. I love that little nod of a line to us of "I'm a Doctor, but probably not the one that you are expecting." While there had been rumours floating about for months about this episode, it was still a fantastic surprise to see Paul back.
The first part of the episode was focussed around the Doctor trying to save Cass off the crashing spaceship though she refused to be helped after learning that he was a Time Lord. This just shows how much the Time Lords had become hated during the Time War. This is keeping in line with the End of Time and I presume it will be referenced again during the Day of the Doctor. Another great thing is that we finally get the chance to see the Eighth Doctor regenerate in this episode. A mystery which has been kept secret since 2005. I read a comment online which said they were disappointed in the fact they didn't like the Doctor died in a spaceship crash. I think this was still a fitting way to die. He could have just gone and left Cass but instead he stayed on board incase she changed her mind, sacrificing himself once again for one person.

In the second part of the episode we see another return. The sisterhood of Khan, last seen in the Brain of Morbius with Tom Baker. This was a fantastic surprise and made sense really with there history with the Time Lords. While The Doctor did switch rather quickly from staying one of the good guys to the warrior, this was needed since the episode only had a short amount of time to tell this story. He realised that if he didn't change and go on, countless more lives would be lost so he needed to turn into the War Doctor.
We also see the Big Finish Companions mentioned here, officially making the audio adventures canon to those who doubted it. This is one of the things that made my day. These stories are fantastic and deserve to be recognised. If you haven't heard them go buy one now in the Big Finish sale. You won't regret it!
"Physician Heal Thyself" I think this was a perfect last line for Eight. Following on from him saluting his companions. It felt really true to what his Doctor would say. I loved that when we finally saw Hurt, they had used a younger version of him showing how long he ended up fighting this war.
This episode really was a fan letter to the fans. So many things to make us happy. From the return of Eight, to the audio companions reference, to 8's regeneration and the Sisterhood of Khan. What a fantastic 7 minutes. It still feels like a dream... 10/10 I am now looking forward to what the rest of the anniversary has in store!

The Day of the Doctor UK Cinema Screenings

Today, BBC Worldwide announced details of the UK Cinema Screenings for Day of the Doctor. A total of 216 UK cinemas will be screening the 75 minute episode. The press release reads

In addition to the global TV broadcast, hundreds of cinemas in the UK and around the world are also confirming their plans to screen the hotly anticipated special episode simultaneously in full 3D, giving fans another unique opportunity to be part of a truly global celebration for the iconic British drama series. 216 VUE, Cineworld, Odeon, BFI and Picturehouse cinemas in the UK and Ireland have already confirmed their participation, with tickets for the anniversary screening set to go on sale this Friday October 25th at 9am.

On top of that cinemas in Germany, Russia, America and Canada will also be screening the episode as well as the 75 countries which will get a simultaneous TV airing. A total of 400 cinemas around the world will be showing the episode. This is fantastic as it means more people can get to enjoy this event television than ever before.

The Doctor Who Celebration which is being held over in London that weekend have yet to announce whether or not they will be screening the episode. I know I for one am rather annoyed with this. Up to now, I havn't really minded the lack of details and information that they have been giving but now with one month to go and the cinema tickets going on sale on Friday, I think they really need to get a move on and announce some details.

9 Classic Episodes Returned!

Sadly due to the cost of tape in the 60's/70's, Episodes of BBC tv shows were wiped so to make room for more programs. Due to Doctor Who being sold abroad by BBC enterprises, many episodes of the show have been tracked down, Today the BBC have announced that 9 more episodes have been found at a television relay station in Nigeria. The Enemy of the World episodes 1, 2, 4, 5 + 6 and The Web of Fear episodes 2, 4, 5 and + 6 have been returned to the BBC 46 years after they aired on TV. That means we now have the complete story of The Enemy of the World and all but episode 3 of The Web of Fear.

Philip Morris, who found the episodes, said

I remember wiping the dust off the masking tape on the canisters and my heart missed a beat as I saw the words Doctor Who. When I read the story code, I realised I’d found something pretty special.

Fiona Eastwood, director of consumer products at BBC Worldwide, said

We are thrilled with the recent discovery of The Web Of Fear and The Enemy Of The World and we’re very happy to be launching re-mastered versions of these treasured episodes to fans as we celebrate the 50th year of Doctor Who.

These stories are the perfect present for the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. The Enemy of the World is the second complete story we have of Victoria after Tomb of the Cybermen and The Web of Fear marks the first outing of the popular character, Brigadier, then Colonel, Lethbridge-Stewart.We now down from 106 missing episodes, to 97. There are rumours that more episodes have been recovered but only time will tell the truth.

The Episodes will be available on iTunes now with The Enemy of the World out on DVD on November 22nd with Web of Fear following in Early 2014. The missing episode 3 of The Web of Fear has been recreated using 37 still images and the original episode soundtrack for the iTunes release.

The Enemy of the World - Buy now on iTunes
The Web of Fear - Buy now on iTunes

I would like to pass on a big fan to Phillip Morris and whoever else was involved in the recovery of these episodes. Thank you so much for a fantastic 50th Anniversary Present