tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39141825408072970862024-03-20T07:45:19.182+00:00Scribble CreaturesChalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.comBlogger248125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-6357125544336952702016-10-24T17:09:00.000+01:002016-10-24T17:39:06.631+01:00Review: Class - For Tonight We Might Die/The Coach With The Dragon Tattoo<b>The bell has finally wrung for <i>Doctor Who </i>spin-off <i>Class </i>to begin! Here's our report on the debut two-parter...</b><br />
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With <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/steven-moffat-to-leave-doctor-who-in.html" target="_blank">no new series of DoctorWho this year</a> and by nature of it being the first spin-off in five years,
there was a lot riding on new high school set show <i>Class – </i>created by hit YA writer Patrick Ness. This Saturday –
coincidentally, also the tenth anniversary of <i>Torchwood
– </i>the first two episodes finally arrived. So how did they measure up?<br />
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Well, how much you
enjoy<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Class<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>will depend on whether you find
its adherence to familiar format and elements endearing or offputting. Exec
producer Steven Moffat called it <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/new-doctor-who-spin-off-alert.html" target="_blank">a "British<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></a><i><a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/new-doctor-who-spin-off-alert.html" target="_blank">Buffy"</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>and fans of that show will find
many parallels with the Joss Whedon series here. In particular, the main set-up of teenagers dealing with monsters as well as their own adolescent problems. Likewise,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Who<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>fans will recognise ideas borrowed from previous<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Doctor
Who<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>spin-offs<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Torchwood<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The Sarah Jane Adventures. </i>i.e. a tear in time and space as the plot generator and an alien teen unfamiliar with human customs. Not to mention the conceptual similarities to Ness’
novel <i>The Rest of Us Just Live Here.</i></div>
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Speaking of which, in contrast to his terrific novels, Ness' two scripts so far are fast-paced, frenetic affairs that leave
much underdeveloped. For instance, important details are quickly infodumped which
leaves the viewer frequently playing catch-up. Fair enough, this is something that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Doctor Who<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>can suffer from too on
occasion, but it's particularly a problem in a pilot that has to set up a new show.
Plus, both episodes' monsters are fairly unmemorable – which is pretty damming
for a show connected to <i>Who. </i>In the writer's defense, there are some great lines including a joke about the Bechdel Test and
some meta-references to other TV shows. More of this self-aware, slightly more anarchic, humour could
mark <i>Class</i> out as separate from other Whoniverse shows going forward. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is also no disguising the fact that <i>Class’s
</i>debut episodes struggle to nail a consistent tone - it's mostly family-friendly until moments of blood, gore and nudity are stuffed in.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Torchwood<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>did the same thing in its first
run, of course, but the gleeful flaunting of its more mature demographic is brought
into sharper focus by the younger cast of characters and the inclusion of the
Doctor. It's odd to see him in a show with this much adult material.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yes, Peter Capaldi returns to our screens in the first episode and, oh, how we’ve missed him. <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/peter-capaldi-will-guest-star-in.html" target="_blank">The much-touted Doctor cameo </a>only lasts for about ten minutes, but it
is very much worth it and is naturally the highlight of the show so far. That
said, given how the rift is pretty much the Doctor’s fault – the TARDIS’
repeated presence there has worn reality thin – an opportunity to explore the consequences
of the Doctor’s actions was completely missed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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On the other hand, <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/cast-announced-for-doctor-who-spin-off.html" target="_blank">the main cast</a> deserve
some praise for giving life to some familiar character types. The most fleshed-out right now are Fady Elsayed’s grieving footballer and Vivian Oparah’s whizzkid Tanya. Greg Austin’s alien prince got some stuff to do but we don’t really know
him as a person yet, and the same goes for Sophie Hopkins as shy April. Both show
promise for the rest of the series, though. Katherine Kelly also had some fun moments as ridiculously sarcastic teacher Miss Quill. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Overall,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Class<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>is currently - much like a teenager - still
trying on different styles in a bid to figure out its own identity. I
wouldn't say these opening two episodes get top marks, then, but it is clearly
on a learning curve and may well improve its grades in future.</div>
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Is that enough school puns now?<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhf7nTQOKKH3t8PvL0CQ1GS3QFxK3Bsb392TH2lWEnf4qfmA7JDBPTfdgaZGH2UqG2d8P_e4d9CHQMfgBqMQYg80sSX1ZH_4GedzAgQNNvgLsTqKPoX9VGS4mz2oeNEoAUK6k_xZZLpNw/s1600/CvAZrpKW8AAOrIv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhf7nTQOKKH3t8PvL0CQ1GS3QFxK3Bsb392TH2lWEnf4qfmA7JDBPTfdgaZGH2UqG2d8P_e4d9CHQMfgBqMQYg80sSX1ZH_4GedzAgQNNvgLsTqKPoX9VGS4mz2oeNEoAUK6k_xZZLpNw/s320/CvAZrpKW8AAOrIv.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Unearthly Child - Doctor Who's oldest setting Coal Hill gets its own spin-off..</td></tr>
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Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-40540163505468581742016-09-23T17:38:00.000+01:002016-09-23T17:40:34.933+01:00Peter Capaldi Will Guest Star in Opening Episode of Class<b>Well, we all knew it would happen but now its official - the Doctor himself will turn up to help launch the latest <i>Doctor Who </i>spin-off <i>Class</i>...</b><br />
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Oh, it's been an arid year for us <i>Doctor Who </i>fans. With<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/steven-moffat-to-leave-doctor-who-in.html" target="_blank"> no Series Ten until April 2017</a>, we've been starved for new material. Thankfully, the wait will be over next month when <i>Class </i>arrives - bringing the Doctor with it, for a special guest appearance!</div>
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And OF COURSE the Doctor is in the first episode of Class. What did you THINK we were going to do? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClassDW?src=hash">#ClassDW</a></div>
— Patrick Ness (@Patrick_Ness) <a href="https://twitter.com/Patrick_Ness/status/779345219057754113">September 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>We also now know that the show will premiere on 22nd October, with the first two episodes arriving on the online BBC Three channel (via BBC IPlayer). Here are the two episode titles:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC2K-aclxOiy6LdVmCoJrxyLmB69SL2BMepU7YFb4no-y_a5ad2jnhjKgO8ysODk74RxA9yhI9nS94VYepn1Iz0LRedWB_0PnSLQXTTNrkklYxn4E_41-Xk9JxRFcLNG_QshW8GlIjSa_/s1600/CtDOYQeWIAAa7_J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDC2K-aclxOiy6LdVmCoJrxyLmB69SL2BMepU7YFb4no-y_a5ad2jnhjKgO8ysODk74RxA9yhI9nS94VYepn1Iz0LRedWB_0PnSLQXTTNrkklYxn4E_41-Xk9JxRFcLNG_QshW8GlIjSa_/s400/CtDOYQeWIAAa7_J.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here's a new promo image to boot. Nice to know the show will be taking <i>Doctor Who</i>'s place as compulsory Saturday night viewing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM86RJgaixnXd6al0f9YYMve5Kk1lK59-zWuIrjMn4mls0z3AO84zk2jqwQeFbGHK7IZAt1pScbqd-GqbSuL5_PFcGc1yvi9aEg0nhIwCgBixyvP5BfGXgA1ZZaB2YqbVmn1jWr-JudFEv/s1600/CtDSOr3WAAEkXla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM86RJgaixnXd6al0f9YYMve5Kk1lK59-zWuIrjMn4mls0z3AO84zk2jqwQeFbGHK7IZAt1pScbqd-GqbSuL5_PFcGc1yvi9aEg0nhIwCgBixyvP5BfGXgA1ZZaB2YqbVmn1jWr-JudFEv/s400/CtDSOr3WAAEkXla.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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From left to right, we have Vivian Oparah, Greg Austin, Katherine Kelly, Sophie Hopkins and Fady Elsayed. A lot of info is still tightly under wraps about the show but we do know that Austin is playing Charlie, Kelly is Miss Quill and Hopkins is April. Austin has also described his character as the "leader" in a Q+A on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bbcclassofficial/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED" target="_blank">the official <i>Class </i>Facebook page</a>, which suggests he is the main character. A fact sort of supported by the poster above. This is a bit of a surprise, as <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/cast-announced-for-doctor-who-spin-off.html" target="_blank">previous photos</a> have focussed on Hopkin's character, which would also make sense considering <i>Class</i>'s big inspiration - <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer. </i></div>
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Only a month to go until the Doctor's back on our screens! Until then, Class dismissed. </div>
<br />Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-88893475283962077922016-09-11T15:11:00.000+01:002016-09-11T15:11:03.816+01:00Doctor Who: 10 Greatest Chris Chibnall Episodes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5ZX6tGhoHLqNig_brFWBSY6ONL9glFKSKGDUHpa56nqUcDbufN2ND34ZpbIMW-EFuczeMkXu96tqAB5ZeYgIYsvERYMtYqFggq8icjjyJuYFKO516zW8HKED-qakHSeg1xUCuX7TxV4j/s1600/landscape-1453503182-chris-chibnall-fipa-festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5ZX6tGhoHLqNig_brFWBSY6ONL9glFKSKGDUHpa56nqUcDbufN2ND34ZpbIMW-EFuczeMkXu96tqAB5ZeYgIYsvERYMtYqFggq8icjjyJuYFKO516zW8HKED-qakHSeg1xUCuX7TxV4j/s400/landscape-1453503182-chris-chibnall-fipa-festival.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>We've already looked at the best of <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/doctor-who-10-greatest-russell-t-davies.html" target="_blank">Russell T Davies</a> and<a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/doctor-who-10-greatest-steven-moffat.html" target="_blank"> Steven Moffat</a>, so now its time to count down the greatest episodes of <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/steven-moffat-to-leave-doctor-who-in.html" target="_blank"><i>Doctor Who</i>'s newest showrunner</a> - Chris Chibnall.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouTBWwnWQ2HujM5ahW36APEkrFEgTW_Ph4sdW8EN7D3KwrT97fcQAgnXqhR5G9A5vs6IfkKuvbuYHCQ6qUMNWE6s7E0UVc_-WQMvK_PWtVlAAEGOBFJQ-pzma2yhzZm1d3KTHpvzKXZXR/s1600/Countrycide_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouTBWwnWQ2HujM5ahW36APEkrFEgTW_Ph4sdW8EN7D3KwrT97fcQAgnXqhR5G9A5vs6IfkKuvbuYHCQ6qUMNWE6s7E0UVc_-WQMvK_PWtVlAAEGOBFJQ-pzma2yhzZm1d3KTHpvzKXZXR/s200/Countrycide_main.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>10. <i>Torchwood: </i>Countrycide</b><br />
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</b> <i>Torchwood</i>'s debut season tried out various tones and styles until it found its feet. While this didn't always equal success, Chibnall delivered one of the better, and most shocking, episodes of the show in 'Countrycide'. Eschewing any alien element altogether, the episode is practically a TV slasher horror movie, with the gang facing a bunch of cannibalistic country folk.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTLwjNXechPlwT-n3bGYYL-n-T5LRTXE9YKm754s9OQfaZdwfbHO_XpAr6An17YSAtBwhEzwtqySdoMsUYs2zrlp160g7f0kMc6vAXDT05RhRwQk7GAqKXbVcxGwx-SlLc5G6JR4uCvNy/s1600/Adrift_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTLwjNXechPlwT-n3bGYYL-n-T5LRTXE9YKm754s9OQfaZdwfbHO_XpAr6An17YSAtBwhEzwtqySdoMsUYs2zrlp160g7f0kMc6vAXDT05RhRwQk7GAqKXbVcxGwx-SlLc5G6JR4uCvNy/s200/Adrift_main.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>9. <i>Torchwood: </i>Adrift</b><br />
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</b> Just a year later, <i>Torchwood </i>had matured to the point that it could produce this tragic and touching examination of how the Rift that runs through Cardiff effected the ordinary people of the city. Focussing on Gwen and putting Jack in an antagonistic role, it challenges the viewer's conceptions of right and wrong.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4OdbN7M6M_khFiGPP8H6PtXK3hI75i4wp6VYgavqBdWdEcEQ4W_LaAdjfuQfY6bWF1pNmU2k6Knw0v6Tp0qMKMS6rchWiHzDDJ7AgKSHnwxdnWsdH_x9bh0-O4YzpoUVxxJAaSzzwmbD/s1600/12_torchwood_08_april_2008_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4OdbN7M6M_khFiGPP8H6PtXK3hI75i4wp6VYgavqBdWdEcEQ4W_LaAdjfuQfY6bWF1pNmU2k6Knw0v6Tp0qMKMS6rchWiHzDDJ7AgKSHnwxdnWsdH_x9bh0-O4YzpoUVxxJAaSzzwmbD/s200/12_torchwood_08_april_2008_web.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>8. <i>Torchwood: </i>Fragments</b><br />
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This penultimate episode of season two functions as a portmanteau episode that gives us some backstory on different members of the team - for instance, how Ianto and Jack first met, Owen's tragic fiancee and Tosh's unfair imprisonment. The best is a quick history of Jack's century-long career at Torchwood.</div>
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<b>7. <i>Torchwood: </i></b><b>Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang</b></div>
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<i>Torchwood </i>always borrowed heavily from <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer, </i>but it wore it on its sleeve in this season two opener as James Marsters joined the cast - as the very Spike-esque Captain John Hart. Marsters injects a fresh energy to the show and the writing is fast and punchy. There should have been a lot more of John.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7Z6wSDUpMT48sjpP1RaqMTZFyQV-ZfRF2PTGplCqDVLCk5UfwEuVSJr00kKL95-EI38rQuYYi3iE7eEaNOwN9JNlt5iZ50yfDVSCLr2bCDhpA6shsTnLZYLnH6zG0MGn3ifs6Gcd8VPq/s1600/Torchwood_grieves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7Z6wSDUpMT48sjpP1RaqMTZFyQV-ZfRF2PTGplCqDVLCk5UfwEuVSJr00kKL95-EI38rQuYYi3iE7eEaNOwN9JNlt5iZ50yfDVSCLr2bCDhpA6shsTnLZYLnH6zG0MGn3ifs6Gcd8VPq/s200/Torchwood_grieves.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>6. <i>Torchwood: </i></b><b>Exit Wounds</b><br />
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That said, John did return to "tear your world apart, Captain Jack Harkness" in season two's thrilling yet heartbreaking finale. Twists and turns abound here, as well as multiple (yes, multiple!) character deaths that really hit home. If Chibnall can offer this level of shocking and emotional storytelling in <i>Who, </i>he'll be onto a winner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoe1GgVMsD7lXN39bAKc_Dnh9OHzN-Zj2xlQV0H2Wnf4K97EpCohBVYWsWm0LObHzKkKSgKSWt-dVMrbY6dU4FmWmS_cBDcHeaau1HTx7i0v7vzxRxRkJ__rFj-3nMTddVL29bwEVEOwY/s1600/doctor-who-42-episode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoe1GgVMsD7lXN39bAKc_Dnh9OHzN-Zj2xlQV0H2Wnf4K97EpCohBVYWsWm0LObHzKkKSgKSWt-dVMrbY6dU4FmWmS_cBDcHeaau1HTx7i0v7vzxRxRkJ__rFj-3nMTddVL29bwEVEOwY/s200/doctor-who-42-episode.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>5. </b><b>42</b><b> </b><br />
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</b> After his work on <i>Torchwood</i>'s first two seasons, Chibnall wrote his first <i>Who </i>episode in season three. Sporting the nifty premise of taking place in real time, it's a breakneck-paced runaround which features the terrifying sight of the Doctor taken over by the monster. One standout sequence is the Doctor's silent promise to Martha that he will save her from across space.<br />
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</b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXBYKeJcUcTYBJTg9pkOrWz6Zmqx3GdiRb-eHX45OZwOxypX6mU-EqCJmWOkC9TKPIB287KTM_567u0GPXALzGaXH8zFcSFs8m9WtxsOu0xQD8gDGw2GmQovpMNL87QUhojd-vN3f9xUZ/s1600/960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwXBYKeJcUcTYBJTg9pkOrWz6Zmqx3GdiRb-eHX45OZwOxypX6mU-EqCJmWOkC9TKPIB287KTM_567u0GPXALzGaXH8zFcSFs8m9WtxsOu0xQD8gDGw2GmQovpMNL87QUhojd-vN3f9xUZ/s200/960.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>4. The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood</b><br />
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</b> Chibnall didn't write another <i>Who </i>until Matt Smith's first season, where he reintroduced popular classic monsters, the Silurians. A wonderful throwback to the Third Doctor's era, it presents a fair-minded take on creatures that are much more human than most <i>Who </i>aliens. Plus, there is the emotional (first) death of Rory at the climax, as well as some tantalising hints about the wider story arc.<br />
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</b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge57BF72tjZmKgeo0ZYkClfHamu6GsYjDMI_w5UUqvtG3Ymtjric5R2ezxB649VlVDX9RedF94LOV_dTpFiXOJ8AAHosit_DblGTESQhMzCFGpb2t7NFkWrHOxqg-iTujdYKD7-OwZ1Exg/s1600/Steven_Moffat_s_Doctor_Who_Episode_Guide__The_Power_of_Three.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge57BF72tjZmKgeo0ZYkClfHamu6GsYjDMI_w5UUqvtG3Ymtjric5R2ezxB649VlVDX9RedF94LOV_dTpFiXOJ8AAHosit_DblGTESQhMzCFGpb2t7NFkWrHOxqg-iTujdYKD7-OwZ1Exg/s200/Steven_Moffat_s_Doctor_Who_Episode_Guide__The_Power_of_Three.jpg" width="200" /></a><b></b><b>3. The Power of Three</b><br />
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</b> I would say Chibnall's second episode for season seven is his best <i>Who </i>episode so far, though. While the following instalment saw the actual end of the Ponds, this one is their last hurrah as the Doctor is forced to live with them for the year of the "slow invasion." There are two moments of greatness - the reveal of Kate's parentage and the Doctor and Amy's quiet talk on the banks of the Thames.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee81jINmjAVQpxovIohYrywnkt4iob4ylmcaKOjJlSkCjpacGyBxvmBOvR3B-_WaGxufY8QDspI5rP0nz-iskt52IZ06B7kqEoBsWFAF-5PmyfNG6G9LZO6F7fPBxUiIWroLqsmdkfSMr/s1600/doctor-who-pond-life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee81jINmjAVQpxovIohYrywnkt4iob4ylmcaKOjJlSkCjpacGyBxvmBOvR3B-_WaGxufY8QDspI5rP0nz-iskt52IZ06B7kqEoBsWFAF-5PmyfNG6G9LZO6F7fPBxUiIWroLqsmdkfSMr/s200/doctor-who-pond-life.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>2. Pond Life</b><br />
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Accompanying that season was a five episode mini-series (the whole thing was 5 minutes long) about the home life of the Ponds - with added Ood and Doctor cameos. It's good fun and it ends on a sad moment for the pair which leads into their divorce in 'Asylum of the Daleks.'</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvu-Nz9DWswzY902KumJntVrEZ2jB34q4MS_tHV9WzmYpGXmtw27yib5u8hR7_a_gYMuXtqsntiCo9Oo7imy7pen-vZCUvbI3hey9uFz4CWCah4kCs1F0z9g4M8S5S6zAWxuZ6IndNAEA/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvu-Nz9DWswzY902KumJntVrEZ2jB34q4MS_tHV9WzmYpGXmtw27yib5u8hR7_a_gYMuXtqsntiCo9Oo7imy7pen-vZCUvbI3hey9uFz4CWCah4kCs1F0z9g4M8S5S6zAWxuZ6IndNAEA/s200/maxresdefault.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>1. P.S.</b><br />
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Perhaps Chibnall's most affecting <i>Doctor Who </i>writing was not even broadcast. Originally intended as a DVD extra, difficulty in getting the cast together prevented this from being filmed. Instead, this epilogue to Amy and Rory's departure - focussing on Rory's dad Brian - was realised with an animation and a voiceover by Arthur Darvill. Even in that diminished quality, it's still a lovely little scene.<br />
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<b>Honourable mentions: Dinosaurs on a Spaceship, <i>Torchwood:</i> End of Days, <i>Torchwood:</i> Day One, <i>Torchwood</i>: Cyberwoman</b></div>
Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-38355830005122434802016-08-13T14:10:00.000+01:002016-08-13T14:22:32.120+01:005 Ways To Get Through The Doctor Who Drought<b>For the past few years, we've been used to having new <i>Doctor Who </i>around this sort of time. Not this year, though. So what are us poor starved Whovians to do...?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjv2CbYwfHgV_q4ES3ULQSA6owjZ0HJnYEClMYuvxqtSMvCO-6LMZIc3FQKm2KaFHfgU-Zf3E1EfAdYWn-8yOZfcVkfXGLqNkalHe2WoTqIhH40TemzAFHUk_mQTl_ramXcYT_uBBWfLx/s1600/tumblr_mdee27jq771r3mjw1o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjv2CbYwfHgV_q4ES3ULQSA6owjZ0HJnYEClMYuvxqtSMvCO-6LMZIc3FQKm2KaFHfgU-Zf3E1EfAdYWn-8yOZfcVkfXGLqNkalHe2WoTqIhH40TemzAFHUk_mQTl_ramXcYT_uBBWfLx/s400/tumblr_mdee27jq771r3mjw1o1_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>5. Watch Some Other TV Shows</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMh_g6a3NmhtWA9VrrFUpToeXhPd_Wnyd6GSvoTVh4ZqfYgatDJqy4hKauSJP7ffcx8tlH9lgvbugf2JlDbT-wt-hTWtyhEj6BiBXGacnVrlvaD8dJGqokNWvVvdh4XZTsgYL28S9oBmIa/s1600/kyle-lambert-stranger-things-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMh_g6a3NmhtWA9VrrFUpToeXhPd_Wnyd6GSvoTVh4ZqfYgatDJqy4hKauSJP7ffcx8tlH9lgvbugf2JlDbT-wt-hTWtyhEj6BiBXGacnVrlvaD8dJGqokNWvVvdh4XZTsgYL28S9oBmIa/s200/kyle-lambert-stranger-things-poster.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
A shocking suggestion, I know - why should we have to settle for boring old regular telly instead of our precious <i>Who. </i>Well, actually 2016 has proven to be a great year for TV, with many shows around that should appeal to <i>Who </i>fans. The big hit of the summer is Netflix's Spielbergian sci-fi throwback <i>Stranger Things, </i>which you should definitely give a go if you haven't already. Plus, Neil Gaiman's seminal novel <i>American Gods </i>is coming to the screen very soon. There's also the long-awaited third season of Charlie Brooker's dystopian anthology series <i><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/monthly-mini-reviews-december-christmas.html" target="_blank">Black Mirror</a>, </i>which has led many to think he would be a perfect choice to write for <i>Who. </i><br />
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<b>4. Rewatch Series Nine</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsYYYSeLfHasYtr11SNKbpsGppdcXoLFek9al1Gey7ER7plxIQBGGAI1TauCZbpWP9xV5vXp0fAW8Wexc_8_dgGkNeJQE3LQPGpZ8BaM8GBspo24_0Bx7HgvVlh3g5mpH4gOJZ1XH-AWx/s1600/CPnsGtMWUAAevA1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsYYYSeLfHasYtr11SNKbpsGppdcXoLFek9al1Gey7ER7plxIQBGGAI1TauCZbpWP9xV5vXp0fAW8Wexc_8_dgGkNeJQE3LQPGpZ8BaM8GBspo24_0Bx7HgvVlh3g5mpH4gOJZ1XH-AWx/s200/CPnsGtMWUAAevA1.jpg" width="133" /></a>In lieu of new adventures for Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor, why not rewatch his last bunch of episodes? Perhaps you haven't seen them since they first aired a year ago? Or maybe you've watched each one twenty times since? Either way, the series is full of fascinating gems. There are out-and-out classics like <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/review-doctor-who-zygon-inversion.html" target="_blank">'The Zygon Inversion'</a> or<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/review-doctor-who-heaven-sent.html" target="_blank"> 'Heaven's Sent' </a>that never get old and there are episodes that take a few viewings to fully digest, like <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/review-doctor-who-hell-bent.html" target="_blank">'Hell Bent'</a> or <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/review-doctor-who-sleep-no-more.html" target="_blank">'Sleep No More.'</a> If there's no new <i>Who </i>in 2016, why not pretend it's 2015 instead?<br />
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<b>3. Buy From Big Finish </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oqgPR3Ansf2Dg93jMSYsZ85p2NCbtQptWjioxd10Kc46vKfSlAbhRxUUFpAStvq8rv6OnHtFvby0wwGqN2p35mBFKay_GbFEuz1Itp0tcb7c3-etOoHg5rt64WvmEtZZu1y-9F5IsICF/s1600/Big-Finish-Tenth-Doctor-Adventures-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oqgPR3Ansf2Dg93jMSYsZ85p2NCbtQptWjioxd10Kc46vKfSlAbhRxUUFpAStvq8rv6OnHtFvby0wwGqN2p35mBFKay_GbFEuz1Itp0tcb7c3-etOoHg5rt64WvmEtZZu1y-9F5IsICF/s200/Big-Finish-Tenth-Doctor-Adventures-poster.jpg" width="133" /></a>TV <i>Doctor Who </i>might have shut up shop for the year but audio production company Big Finish are still producing several new releases a month. Tom Baker, Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy all have a new audio out practically every month, while Paul McGann releases several boxsets a year. Big Finish have also just got the <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/new-doctor-who-is-coming-to-big-finish.html" target="_blank">license to do modern <i>Who </i>stuff </a>too. Now there are <i>UNIT </i>spin-offs for Kate and Osgood. <a href="http://www.starburstmagazine.com/reviews/audio-reviews/15334-torchwood-ghost-misson-review" target="_blank">A continuation of </a><i><a href="http://www.starburstmagazine.com/reviews/audio-reviews/15334-torchwood-ghost-misson-review" target="_blank">Torchwood</a> </i>with John Barrowman, Eve Myles and Gareth David-Lloyd and, most excitingly, a boxset of David Tennant and Catherine Tate back as the Tenth Doctor and Donna!<br />
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<b>2. Read The Comics/Books</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUovxGRnQv7yz4nSd5fJ9QURrbNXJw5gigN3UBSTJjdm_xTpl7DHtjhl6vnvXMkGwi_-cetULqlWGOLoaHlYzVfnxNH-si_o_r6clTRpgEvA7x1cvxta40djb6-ZzYNRFIxiEKi41EM6Ur/s1600/Four_Doctors_Cover_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUovxGRnQv7yz4nSd5fJ9QURrbNXJw5gigN3UBSTJjdm_xTpl7DHtjhl6vnvXMkGwi_-cetULqlWGOLoaHlYzVfnxNH-si_o_r6clTRpgEvA7x1cvxta40djb6-ZzYNRFIxiEKi41EM6Ur/s200/Four_Doctors_Cover_1.jpg" width="131" /></a>Alternatively, the Doctor's adventures in print are still going strong, as well. There are no new tie-in novels this year due to the lack of new episodes, but in their wake the BBC have released a few interesting anthologies. Like <i>The Legends of River Song </i>or <i>The Twelve Doctors of Christmas. </i>On the funny books side of things, US publishers Titan regularly produce comic books starring Doctors Four, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven and Twelve with the occasional multi-Doctor mini-series. Apart from those, the British <i>Doctor Who Magazine </i>has a 12 page comic strip in each of its monthly issues.<br />
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<b>1. Dig into Classic Who </b><br />
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If there's no new <i>new Who, </i>how about some new <i>old Who</i>? Because there is so much of it, there are bound to be some episodes from the original 26 year run of the show that you have never seen. Well, now is the perfect time to watch some of the classics. Not seen much of William Hartnell? Then stick on some of the grandaddy of all Doctors. Never given the Sixth Doctor a fair chance? Then go hunt down that gloriously garish Doctor's back catalogue. If you are mainly a fan of modern <i>Who, </i>then classic <i>Who </i>can be very different in pace and tone, but it is still recognisably the same show - with the same inventive spirit, the same warmth and, most importantly, the same brilliant lead character.<br />
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And, if all this still doesn't cut it, remember that<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/steven-moffat-to-leave-doctor-who-in.html" target="_blank"> 'proper' <i>Doctor Who </i>returns at Christmastime</a> before a full series airs in the spring. Not too long to wait!Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-36728719242588385622016-07-10T19:47:00.001+01:002016-07-10T19:47:57.486+01:00Doctor Who: 10 Greatest Steven Moffat Episodes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Now that <i>Doctor Who </i>is getting <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/steven-moffat-to-leave-doctor-who-in.html" target="_blank">a new showrunner</a> in the near future, it's time to look at the best work of the previous incumbents of the job. Last month, it was <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/doctor-who-10-greatest-russell-t-davies.html" target="_blank">Russell T Davies</a>' turn. Today, it's the man who has overseen more Doctors than anybody- Steven Moffat...</b></div>
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<b>10. The Night of the Doctor</b><br />
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Moffat is the king of mini-episodes, having written a great many of them over the past decade. The best of these can only be 'The Night of the Doctor', the most surprising and satisfying seven minutes of <i>Doctor Who </i>you've ever seen<b>. </b>Finally giving the underrated Eighth Doctor the swansong he deserved, it's a terrific example of economic storytelling - with all the dramatic weight of a proper regeneration episode in a fraction of the time. And, of course, it also sets up 'The Day of the Doctor' in giving us a glimpse of the War Doctor - as well as the first appearance of Ohila, the mother superior of the Sisterhood of Karn.<br />
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<b><b>9. Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead</b></b><b></b><br />
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Moffat's episodes in the RTD era were arguably the most anticipated of each run, so his Series Four two-parter had a lot riding on it. Thankfully, it was the writer's most ambitious and emotional story yet. At the time, it was a spooky tale with a technological, metaphysical edge and a great monster. In retrospect, it becomes even better as it foreshadows Moffat's own era by introducing the Doctor's future wife, River Song. Like the best two-parters, it is really two distinct episodes - both equally enjoyable for different reasons. For different reasons. For different reasons. Oops, sorry, my date ghost is running out.<br />
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<b><b>8. Heaven Sent</b></b><br />
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A great deal of the success of this episode, the most recent on this list, rests on the shoulders of Peter Capaldi - it takes a very talented actor to carry 45 minutes of TV on your own. Nevertheless, 'Heaven Sent' would fall apart if it was not for Moffat's puzzlebox script, which slowly reveals the answers as it builds up to a powerful climax - and then ends on a whopping great cliffhanger. A case could be made for this as a two-parter with the series finale 'Hell Bent', but for its utter uniqueness, I'm counting it as a solo episode here. <br />
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<b>7. The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang</b><br />
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<i>Doctor Who </i>finales are a tricky business - how can you believably raise the stakes in a show where the planet is under threat every episode? Well, destroying the TARDIS, decimating the universe and wiping the Doctor from the face of existence is a pretty surefire way of doing it. As well as scale, this two-parter is packed full of emotion (the speech at little Amy's bedside) and humour (the hopping about in time). Most of all both episodes are brimming with ideas, which possibly makes it the most overall enjoyable <i>Who </i>finale ever.<br />
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<b>6. A Christmas Carol</b><br />
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Something Moffat brought back from the classic series in his era was the 'pastiche' episode, where there would be a <i>Doctor Who </i>take on a well-known tale or genre. 'A Christmas Carol' is the absolute best of these, as it brings out the inherent sci-fi in Dickens' original tale with one of Moffat's best timey-wimey scripts. It's also a personal choice for the definitive <i>Who </i>Christmas special, as it delivers just the right amount of yuletide schmaltz. <i>Doctor Who, </i>Dickens and all ends in a carol. It's like Christmas defined.<br />
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<b>5. The Girl in the Fireplace</b><br />
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Everyone talks about the Doctor and Rose as <i>Who</i>'s greatest couple, but Moffat's writing is fundamentally more romantic than Davies'. This can be seen in 'The Girl of The Fireplace' which is surely the first, and still one of the most touching, of the romances in the show. Sure it doesn't quite gel in the scope of Series Two (isn't the Doctor meant to only have eyes for Rose at this point?), but on its own it is a beautiful tale of two people separated by time. Plus, evil clockwork robots - which should be a mandatory feature of all love stories, really. They would certainly liven up the average romcom.<br />
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<b>4. The Eleventh Hour</b><br />
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Much is made of the tough job RTD had in bringing the show back in 2005. While that is true, it was surely equally as tough for Moffat to completely reinvent the show after the phenomenally popular Tennant era. He managed to do so with aplomb, however, in 'The Eleventh Hour.' As well as being a delightful adventure in its own right, it acts as a mission statement for the rest of Smith's tenure. Out goes the domesticity and darkness of the previous year, in comes lots of jokes, whizz-bang pacing and a more fantastical, fairy tale slant. One of the strongest era openers ever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelHha_ZBseQJeqiZbcZWZ0UmTo3Ko_Q5nXzZEXeNXOvQvzCPyTDRDW21F0AH5EBcI_9TIWfBObULz0tMBHaWt96SIcKVfG0DUet2K0hENeFsUniFoaK4-IuUVHFrrrh9iHF_dI6uIdarc/s1600/s27-emptychild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelHha_ZBseQJeqiZbcZWZ0UmTo3Ko_Q5nXzZEXeNXOvQvzCPyTDRDW21F0AH5EBcI_9TIWfBObULz0tMBHaWt96SIcKVfG0DUet2K0hENeFsUniFoaK4-IuUVHFrrrh9iHF_dI6uIdarc/s200/s27-emptychild.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>3. The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances</b></div>
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While the rest of Series One ensured that the show was breaking new ground in terms of character dynamics and emotion, Moffat's debut work on the show ensured that the show was still doing something it had always done: scare the pants of its viewers. A brilliantly unique tale of a creepy gasmask-wearing boy haunting the streets of Blitz-torn London, 'The Empty Child' is a very well-plotted mystery that also introduces Moffat's signature quick-fire, sitcom-like dialogue, too. The mummy of all spooky <i>Who </i>episodes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgiDntonqfqD4ZYLx5LMq8AJAofekWrCRqQHItIl3aLhn645NKw4q9-aRi_-G6XzY034WxMJkq9o2YSXwvkcWMapCDqlWjVMEpt2WuJ-4WB6U9zJLnaW-Gb3yvFVEopOL1RJ4OEXeFc1u/s1600/blink+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgiDntonqfqD4ZYLx5LMq8AJAofekWrCRqQHItIl3aLhn645NKw4q9-aRi_-G6XzY034WxMJkq9o2YSXwvkcWMapCDqlWjVMEpt2WuJ-4WB6U9zJLnaW-Gb3yvFVEopOL1RJ4OEXeFc1u/s200/blink+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>2. Blink</b><br />
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As the previous year's 'Love & Monsters' proved, crafting an episode without the Doctor is no easy task. Ingeniously, Moffat turned this weakness into a strength, making 'Blink' a mini-horror movie that just happens to be set in the Whoniverse. Apart from limited time with the Time Lord, 'Blink' delivers on everything a <i>Who </i>episode promises - sparkling dialogue, big sci-fi concepts and a monster that will send children and parents alike behind the sofa. Read my extended thoughts on 'Blink' <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/my-top-three-doctor-who-stories-blink.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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<b>1. The Day of the Doctor</b></div>
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I can't imagine the amount of pressure Moffat must have been under to make this very special episode as brilliant as he could, but thankfully he managed it. Featuring all the callbacks and fan-pleasing moments you would expect, it is also perhaps the first multi-Doctor story to be a proper great piece of drama. It's not necessarily my absolute favourite, but for somehow matching up to everything us fans hoped the 50th anniversary would be, <i>'</i>The Day of the Doctor' has to be crowned Moffat's greatest <i>Who </i>episode.<br />
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<b>Honourable Mentions:</b> 'Time Crash', 'A Good Man Goes To War', 'The Time of Angels/Flesh and Stone', 'The Magician's Apprentice/The Witch's Familiar' and 'Doctor Who and the Curse of Fatal Death.'Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-52710373944959153262016-06-28T12:45:00.000+01:002016-07-01T00:13:43.449+01:00Review: Neil Gaiman's Likely Stories (Series One)<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b>This mini anthology series based on Neil Gaiman's short stories is a real treat for fans of the author. Here's our review...</b></div>
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Seeing as many of<a href="http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/neil-gaiman/32012/the-upcoming-adaptations-of-neil-gaimans-work" target="_blank"> Neil Gaiman’s novels are being mined by film and TV</a>, it was
only natural that<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/review-trigger-warning.html" target="_blank"> his short stories </a>would get their turn, too. Enter<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Neil Gaiman’s Likely Stories,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>which brings four tales from the
writer’s short story collections to the small screen. It’s a difficult task to
adapt the writer’s often opaque (in a good way) fiction, but thankfully the
series manages it.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Likely Stories</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>actually
comprises a bunch of fairly uncommon Gaiman stories – perhaps due to budget
restrictions, they are less fantastical then his more famous works. That said, each episode exists in that strange space that the writer’s work inhabits that is somewhere between our world and a place of fantasy. Certainly,
they are very adult stories and will startle those only familiar with Gaiman
through the likes of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Coraline<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Doctor Who.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>For hardcore Gaimaniacs, though,
there is much to enjoy in these eerie, unsettling and profound tales.<br />
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The four stories are ‘Foreign Parts’, ‘Feeders and Eaters’,
‘Closing Time’ and ‘Looking For The Girl.’ Interestingly, ‘Feeders…’ was my
favourite, despite – or perhaps because – it was the one I least remembered
reading. Other episodes of the series utilise that common Gaiman device, the
story within a story, but I think this is the most effective. It follows a
waitress as she is told a bizarre story about a youthful-looking old lady and a
missing cat. Though it's only twenty five minutes long, it packs in a lot of
twists which make it just as unpredictable as a nightmare – indeed, Gaiman got
the story from a dream of his.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
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In a clever move, each episode features a core cast of
players, which suits how these pieces wear their status as fiction on their
sleeves. Monserrat Lombard, Paul Rutter and Monica Dolan each take on a variety
of roles, although one-off guest stars appear, too – including<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/review-game-series-one.html" target="_blank">The Game</a></i>’s Tom Hughes. Just
like all anthology series should (<i>The Twilight Zone</i>, for instance),
there is a brilliantly haunting theme from Jarvis Cocker.<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
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But the real draw is, of course, Gaiman’s writing. One success of this series
is how, though they embellish and add when they see fit, each episode resists
the urge to explain everything. One of the best things about Gaiman's short
stories is you never have everything spelled out to you - he gives you enough
to work with, but withholds just as much to keep things nicely ambiguous. Another really nice touch is how Gaiman himself appears in
each episode, quoting from his introductions to the stories he gives in his
short story collections<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Fragile
Things<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Smoke and Mirrors.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>It gives the author himself a
supernatural aspect, like he's a god subtly overlooking his own little kingdom. </div>
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None of these tales are actually any of my particular
favourite Gaiman shorts, so I would love to see a second series adapt, say,
'Chivalry' or 'The Price' or maybe even 'A Study in Emerald.' Thankfully, given
the success of this first series, I think a return run is quite a likely story
indeed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1olGa85wSX6S-y_z_aI3qBc9F7hUwkt0pNSpHBre3GGwpJx1vD30spzs-3o5viaJ3OG7eQdzIqzQ1wXEtpLQ5_GFoI_cxrtCuSdDDlC5qrfH8hn7GCA3Q5WFXdGyQo5ru_fFMoUafYV2V/s1600/MAS_neil_gaiman%2527s_likely_stories_s01-ingested.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1olGa85wSX6S-y_z_aI3qBc9F7hUwkt0pNSpHBre3GGwpJx1vD30spzs-3o5viaJ3OG7eQdzIqzQ1wXEtpLQ5_GFoI_cxrtCuSdDDlC5qrfH8hn7GCA3Q5WFXdGyQo5ru_fFMoUafYV2V/s400/MAS_neil_gaiman%2527s_likely_stories_s01-ingested.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neil Gaiman tells us some likely stories in this eerie collection of short tales.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-92166919176979581572016-06-14T20:40:00.000+01:002016-10-07T19:18:09.181+01:00Matt Lucas Joining Doctor Who as a Series Regular <b>Well, we didn't expect this! After appearing in the recent Christmas special, Matt Lucas will be joining the Doctor and Bill in the TARDIS next series...</b><br />
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The famed comedian (most known for <i>Little Britain</i>) <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/entries/6d059f23-2325-4a46-9b5e-cd0ad94b4a59" target="_blank">has said</a>: "I'm chuffed to bits that Nardole is returning to the TARDIS for some more adventures. I loved acting with Peter and I'm excited to work with Pearl."<br />
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Steven Moffat, <i>Doctor Who</i>'s lead writer for one last series, added: "Delighted and slightly amazed to be welcoming Matt Lucas back on to the TARDIS - and this time it's not just for Christmas, he's sticking around. One of the greatest comedy talents on planet Earth is being unleashed on all of time and space."<br />
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This news comes a couple of months after <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/pearl-mackie-is-new-doctor-who-companion.html" target="_blank">Pearl Mackie was revealed to be the Doctor's new main companion, Bill</a>. So that's our new TARDIS team - The Twelfth Doctor, Bill and Nardole!<br />
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If you don't remember, Nardole was a bobble-hatted bumbler from <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/review-doctor-who-husbands-of-river-song.html" target="_blank">'The Husbands of River Song.'</a> At the end of that episode, he had found a new life as a waiter at the Singer Towers of Darillium, whilst his head shared King Hydroflax's old robot body with River's husband Ramone (don't ask). Presumably, he will somehow get his body back in the future.<br />
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In other news, it has been revealed that - as well as Moffat writing the opener - Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who wrote <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/review-doctor-who-in-forest-of-night.html" target="_blank">'In The Forest of the Night'</a> from Series Eight, is returning to the show for Series Ten's episode two. Other writers include <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/review-doctor-who-face-raven.html" target="_blank">'Face The Raven'</a>'s Sarah Dollard and newcomer Mike Bartlett. He wrote last year's hit BBC drama <i>Doctor Foster. </i><br />
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I have to say I'm quite nonplussed by this news and have no idea what to think. It was assumed that Bill was to be bringing the funny in the TARDIS this year, but Lucas' return means that he will now automatically be the comic relief. Nardole was the definition of a Christmas one-off character when he last appeared, so how will he be deepened to work as a main character? Only time will tell...<br />
<br />Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-85465808046952623912016-06-09T12:16:00.000+01:002016-06-10T13:47:41.330+01:00Doctor Who: 10 Greatest Russell T Davies Episodes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Now that <i>Doctor Who </i>will get <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/steven-moffat-to-leave-doctor-who-in.html" target="_blank">a new showrunner </a>in the near future, it's time to look back at the best of the previous incumbents of the job. First up, the man who brought the show back from the dead - Russell T Davies...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAahLfPhen0Lk5BIDdM27WQNLmx_CGJxYGVMyns5pGYXy-TP0RGhXaj1h3juvg8bxuCR6QzTdQflNMKThuBJw_SfhYKZ-kxPElwlRg46WJEVRfs_EBOmDZPSVtu5MtL8ESxg1jm4lJIrIF/s1600/doctor_who_2005_rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAahLfPhen0Lk5BIDdM27WQNLmx_CGJxYGVMyns5pGYXy-TP0RGhXaj1h3juvg8bxuCR6QzTdQflNMKThuBJw_SfhYKZ-kxPElwlRg46WJEVRfs_EBOmDZPSVtu5MtL8ESxg1jm4lJIrIF/s200/doctor_who_2005_rose.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>10. Rose</b><br />
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A new version of the show with a completely different aesthetic, style and format, the 21st century take on <i>Doctor Who </i>could have been a travesty - except under the genius of Russell T Davies it honed in on the best parts of the classic series. While there is the odd quirk that is ironed out later (the burping bin, anyone?), just about everything else in 'Rose' is pitched-perfectly - from the characterisation of Rose to the holding back on the mystery of the Doctor. Simply one of the best pilot episodes of anything ever. Somehow, things got even better as they went along...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqJ-Ge2Gv1zUSHFcgNfPjsww1ZHACJbHl9zE_m_i1hI0wTCMftU7_MNMAnk5YVMo8A99VwAjMbrfpooqYXIYxTm7g2F8ArcninEE-XRK0k2YjLsgixydH5xHISAXyFCxPTJU7L52tJMY4/s1600/the-sound-of-drums.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqJ-Ge2Gv1zUSHFcgNfPjsww1ZHACJbHl9zE_m_i1hI0wTCMftU7_MNMAnk5YVMo8A99VwAjMbrfpooqYXIYxTm7g2F8ArcninEE-XRK0k2YjLsgixydH5xHISAXyFCxPTJU7L52tJMY4/s200/the-sound-of-drums.png" width="200" /></a><b>9. Utopia/The Sound of Drums/Last of the Time Lords</b><br />
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Not remembered too fondly in retrospect, partly due to the silliness of the climax, this rare three-partner for the new series (possibly only, if you don't count the last three of <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/doctor-who-review-of-year-2015.html" target="_blank">Series Nine </a>as one story) rounded up my personal favourite RTD series with aplomb. Introducing not one, but two, fantastic and very different iterations of the Master in Derek Jacobi and John Simm, the central idea of the story is terrific. What if the Master, who the Doctor foils every single time, actually won and took over the world? Just don't think about the weird 'Jesus Doctor' bit at the end.<br />
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<b>8. The Christmas Invasion</b><br />
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It is thanks to this story that <i>Doctor Who </i>at Christmas time - cos nothing says yuletide like alien nasties - is now a yearly tradition. Stripping the invasion story template back to basics, though still with some nice new ideas like blood control and the robot Santas, this one showcases the impact of the Doctor's regeneration on his companion more than ever before. The episode's masterstroke is holding back David Tennant until his triumphant arrival in the last quarter, as he duels with a Sycorax and then kills it with a satsuma. What an entrance!<br />
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<b>7. <i>The Sarah Jane Adventures: </i>The Death of the Doctor</b><br />
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Probably the best <i>The Sarah Jane Adventures </i>episode ever, it is no surprise that it is from the pen of Davies. Featuring Sarah Jane teaming up with the Eleventh Doctor and another classic companion in Jo Grant, it is a huge treat for classic fans. What's more, though, the story is a surprisingly grown-up mediation on grief, which shows how <i>SJA </i>could be as intelligent and mature as its older brothers. Also, Davies absolutely nails the Eleventh Doctor's personality. As of now, it is his final contribution to the Whoniverse. If it remains so, at least it was a terrific way to go out.<br />
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<b>6. Bad Wolf/The Parting of the Ways</b><br />
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The classic series had dabbled in longer story arcs but it had never really produced a series finale. This Series One closer was the very first in the show's history, then, and its shadow still hangs over all the others produced since. Some of the contemporary television references might date it slightly, but 'Evil Reality TV Run By The Daleks' is still a terrific premise for an episode. Add in one of the strongest regenerations ever, and the summation of the best single series story arc for the Ninth Doctor, and this is one helluva two-parter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM3h4fgzm-CMHyEe16XnJSQTOSLHAwhy8bctgUCGiVvrft__ZLSBnC1EJa-_9C8h1Hq0sGFyDRCgL_esnF839b0FybA58I96FR0s2sRWUOFh0lQ20ENAOA761u_b20dtwaHUIw4nLPtwB/s1600/Children_of_earth_day_5_main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM3h4fgzm-CMHyEe16XnJSQTOSLHAwhy8bctgUCGiVvrft__ZLSBnC1EJa-_9C8h1Hq0sGFyDRCgL_esnF839b0FybA58I96FR0s2sRWUOFh0lQ20ENAOA761u_b20dtwaHUIw4nLPtwB/s200/Children_of_earth_day_5_main.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>5.<i> Torchwood</i>: Children of Earth - Day Five</b><br />
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Despite being loveable, <i>Torchwood</i>'s first two series (and its fourth run, come to that) didn't really find their own identity outside of '<i>Doctor Who</i>'s raunchier spin-off.' The <i>Children of Earth </i>mini-series, however, understands that <i>Torchwood</i>'s role is to<i> </i>tackle more adult themes than <i>Who </i>can or should - including the political ramifications of an alien invasion and what happens when there isn't an easy solution available. The powerful final episode is the best example of this, as events build to a dramatic yet downbeat conclusion.<br />
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<b>4. The Waters of Mars</b><br />
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As much as Davies' <i>Who </i>is remembered for being funny and joyful, he could go really dark when he wanted to. Take 'The Waters of Mars', for example, which could have been a fun last adventure for the Tenth Doctor before his regeneration, but instead sees him at his lowest, darkest, ebb. <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/doctor-who-series-seven-ep-2-4-review.html" target="_blank">Subsequent</a><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/review-doctor-who-hell-bent.html" target="_blank"> episodes</a> have dealt with the Doctor going dark but none of them have done it as effectively as here. Also, the water zombies known as the Flood give Moffat a run for his money in the scary monsters department. Oh, this is co-written by <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/review-doctor-who-into-dalek.html" target="_blank">'Into The Dalek'</a><i> </i>writer Phil Ford, by the way.<br />
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<b>3. Turn Left</b><br />
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Another bold and darker one, this. Set in an alternate timeline where the Doctor dies and the Earth goes to pot without his protection, 'Turn Left' is partly a fan-pleasing parade of familiar events from a different viewpoint (The Titanic crashes into Buckingham Palace, Torchwood stop the Sontaran Invasion), and also tugs at the heart strings as things get very bleak for his Dystopian world. Davies gives Catherine Tate the material to deliver some of her best work on the show, plus it features the long awaited return of Rose. Easily<a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/my-top-three-doctor-who-stories-blink.html" target="_blank"> the second best</a> Doctor-lite episode.<br />
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<b>2. Midnight</b><br />
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Every series of RTD's <i>Doctor Who </i>had a 'cheap episode', the one without a lot of CGI or locations. Often these ended up being weaker episodes, but in 'Midnight' Davies turns the lack of resources into a strength to tell a claustrophobic psychological horror tale that plays off the eeriness of someone copying your words. Like the later Twelfth Doctor era, this one also showcases the less heroic aspects of the Doctor (he totally fails to contain this situation) and the nasty side of the human mob mentality. Definitely the writer's cleverest work on the show.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLPa_WRKC-CucW42NiCW8Rwp3DV5_PwwKa8DxHy66_bAKFvK41HBDE1x7yl7ZSrj25G5vVcZ8Waz_fUu05Wy0IRz5WVqe30zQoRmusifTGvW3uTG-weQOizZhyphenhyphen5SU9QH8VmHzfqqldPXS/s1600/stolen_earth_pic6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLPa_WRKC-CucW42NiCW8Rwp3DV5_PwwKa8DxHy66_bAKFvK41HBDE1x7yl7ZSrj25G5vVcZ8Waz_fUu05Wy0IRz5WVqe30zQoRmusifTGvW3uTG-weQOizZhyphenhyphen5SU9QH8VmHzfqqldPXS/s200/stolen_earth_pic6.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>1. The Stolen Earth/Journey's End</b><br />
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Otherwise known as '<i>Doctor Who </i>And Everything Except The Kitchen Sink.' Though perhaps not my favourite RTD episode (though it's up there), this massive crossover between the three Whoniverse shows is definitely the one that encapsulates his style of <i>Who </i>the best. Influenced by comic books and American genre television and, naturally, the best parts of classic <i>Who, </i>there might not be a lot of subtlety to this two-parter but it is exciting, hilarious and heart-breaking in turn. A big sci-fi treat with character drama at its heart. That's Russell T Davies' <i>Doctor Who. </i><br />
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<b>Honourable Mentions: '</b>Voyage of the Damned', 'Army of Ghosts/Doomsday', 'Tooth and Claw', 'The End of Time' and 'Gridlock.'Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-84534490472660449002016-05-16T20:03:00.000+01:002016-05-16T20:15:05.397+01:00Doctor Who: 10 Best TARDIS Teams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4Fu8kw9R1Wa-CD-H3pi_FUyOLXJeP36BYt6OvzP2SfAu4q93HCcPZp6nl0QJfhZ8n1pWU1rCPF18nTNbfF7qKKxGNOi-13ZnIHj6QjCARbv0hcIcsy8vGNUUJouIKmOLUwEWvwSUyBXd/s1600/0210b481362ccd6c4a19ebcf60f2194b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4Fu8kw9R1Wa-CD-H3pi_FUyOLXJeP36BYt6OvzP2SfAu4q93HCcPZp6nl0QJfhZ8n1pWU1rCPF18nTNbfF7qKKxGNOi-13ZnIHj6QjCARbv0hcIcsy8vGNUUJouIKmOLUwEWvwSUyBXd/s400/0210b481362ccd6c4a19ebcf60f2194b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>With <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/pearl-mackie-is-new-doctor-who-companion.html" target="_blank">Pearl Mackie's Bill</a> joining Peter Capaldi for <i>Doctor Who </i>Series Ten, we have a brand-new 'TARDIS Team' for the first time since 2012. So what are the best Doctor-companion groups ever? Let's take a look...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iNJIsOtHKRPc8qDbNYxrY2x78e5v4ks5G2z6Bgn5SFbiKm99RY5u4elFRh4ayxXRVsJrOBnl6ZegeBdAYq6LOgC9H_By4pfRg2-CuZLQ1-yrdmCpW06nat2u5uWi8YFmQzqWUrA5zPpz/s1600/2647b77fa51ae1ddd87f1764bee3ce40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iNJIsOtHKRPc8qDbNYxrY2x78e5v4ks5G2z6Bgn5SFbiKm99RY5u4elFRh4ayxXRVsJrOBnl6ZegeBdAYq6LOgC9H_By4pfRg2-CuZLQ1-yrdmCpW06nat2u5uWi8YFmQzqWUrA5zPpz/s200/2647b77fa51ae1ddd87f1764bee3ce40.jpg" width="152" /></a><br />
<b>12. The Fifth Doctor & Adric, Nyssa and Tegan </b><br />
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For the early part of the Fifth Doctor's area, it certainly got very crowded in the TARDIS. With three young companions and a twentysomething Doctor, it was more like watching a sci-fi themed student housing drama than a time travel show. Still, there is a unique feel to this group and the dynamic results in one of the biggest surprises in classic <i>Who, </i>when Adric dies fighting the Cybermen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoDwofZ9BFe33p5cAkl3aflO7c5Pc41oYokTq_oW5J_CnUjo2DsE9gaXu6mln8yVKL7z2-5MtigDSf02ufXwEGkJ6ZKnJx8gIwWkoAIxB3l6jzPoFWTJUsCNRnhy9ODJLxNFYaEfsOSJU/s1600/tumblr_inline_mqsfnyvJpu1qz4rgp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeoDwofZ9BFe33p5cAkl3aflO7c5Pc41oYokTq_oW5J_CnUjo2DsE9gaXu6mln8yVKL7z2-5MtigDSf02ufXwEGkJ6ZKnJx8gIwWkoAIxB3l6jzPoFWTJUsCNRnhy9ODJLxNFYaEfsOSJU/s200/tumblr_inline_mqsfnyvJpu1qz4rgp.jpg" width="157" /></a><b>11. The Sixth Doctor & Frobisher</b><br />
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The best TARDIS teams aren't just from TV <i>Doctor Who, </i>as this comic strip pairing proved. While on television, the abrasive Sixth Doctor was always arguing with his companion Peri, he got on famously with his two-dimensional friend Frobisher - a shapeshifting penguin, no less. The wisecracking flightless bird made for a perfect sidekick to ol' Sixie and showed just how the comics can push the boat out further than on TV.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7iBhxcPXdCxw5Yl-xbS6vJR8qGFBLAjXkqJzSRzqS4ET4tcBEhH1bTsxd6hhgNKPoThjBAwAsTsSilCQ13qAIM5c9oijmN-OEHPi2HNE-Ew_NbbeGKhY6zN0Hhix2NOrmIIwUVxG-IUr/s1600/42714381_barbaramarinus400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7iBhxcPXdCxw5Yl-xbS6vJR8qGFBLAjXkqJzSRzqS4ET4tcBEhH1bTsxd6hhgNKPoThjBAwAsTsSilCQ13qAIM5c9oijmN-OEHPi2HNE-Ew_NbbeGKhY6zN0Hhix2NOrmIIwUVxG-IUr/s200/42714381_barbaramarinus400.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>10. The First Doctor & Ian, Barbara and Susan</b><br />
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The original and still one of the best. When the series began in 1963, the real stars of the show were Ian and Barbara, the high school teachers kidnapped by the grouchy Doctor when they happen upon the TARDIS in a junkyard. Along with the Doctor's granddaughter Susan, Ian and Barbara's humanity and kindness warm the Doctor over their adventures and help to make him become the hero we know today.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUZjKqLblBBp47cUSpHjoHilMU7sYGy_5dyJc3Cl8FmBNf5cXHe8sqJslu7eX9raLo6R02FRHX5d1HfyiLs5qm0TI7sQWbIr38MFCqQ62F5ykpPc4P4QTCQr9-AN9NWE6m9bhr7FCSd6h/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUZjKqLblBBp47cUSpHjoHilMU7sYGy_5dyJc3Cl8FmBNf5cXHe8sqJslu7eX9raLo6R02FRHX5d1HfyiLs5qm0TI7sQWbIr38MFCqQ62F5ykpPc4P4QTCQr9-AN9NWE6m9bhr7FCSd6h/s200/13.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>9. The Second Doctor & Jamie and Zoe</b><br />
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We hardly ever saw the Second Doctor without his faithful highlander Jamie McCrimmon at his side, as they faced Daleks, Ice Warriors and lots and lots of Cybermen together. It is this staunch and long-lasting friendship that ensures they are still one of the best TARDIS Teams today. The boys in the blue box were ably supported by the Victorian, er, Victoria, but we'll plump for future genius Zoe as the third wheel in this time-travelling trio.<br />
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<b>8. The Twelfth Doctor & Clara</b><br />
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Despite spending a year with the Eleventh Doctor, Clara will always be the Twelfth Doctor's companion. After a story arc that focussed on her as a plot device, Clara really came into her own over Series Eight and Nine, building up one of the most complex friendships in the show. They only come so low on this list due to a personal preference for TARDIS teams who enjoy themselves, rather than the up-and-down relationship this pair share.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDU9FocxhsomSp4CAiTR9zdwUEOy_e_un1rmCePv-AXZSPIaENBe14EgH-UR4_kWx1dD8EWjDq8aMNwwC2FTVVZHQQUQLmhQVaG6RE-YMzNVUc5wwEwXHxv5YkSoAwpCrxbnOcYUHfDv0/s1600/Bw1ImOHCAAAR7Pd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDU9FocxhsomSp4CAiTR9zdwUEOy_e_un1rmCePv-AXZSPIaENBe14EgH-UR4_kWx1dD8EWjDq8aMNwwC2FTVVZHQQUQLmhQVaG6RE-YMzNVUc5wwEwXHxv5YkSoAwpCrxbnOcYUHfDv0/s200/Bw1ImOHCAAAR7Pd.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>7. The Eighth Doctor & Lucy </b><br />
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Though he might have had <a href="https://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/doctor-who-step-back-in-time-1996-movie.html" target="_blank">limited screen time</a>, the Eighth Doctor has enjoyed a vast array of companions in other media. While his comic companions (sci-fi geek Izzy, alien fish girl Destrii and good guy Cyberman Kroton) are terrific, we'll plump for his long-running friendship on audio with bolshie Blackpooler Lucie Miller. As played by Sheridan Smith, Lucie is probably the best audio companion around, sharing a great chemistry with Paul McGann.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5kdULZWJodHte0SX9_OBbDlh63i88AP83zwsMVLJyyFOjRP3LdWdQUxPIbHHyEGzauQlLj4htmbFrox1fMzEX5HqPdez5Yb9Usd25gq6dU11vVdOWzOg-Ni5IifPKv1p9b9lFOYcX3c6/s1600/Ace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5kdULZWJodHte0SX9_OBbDlh63i88AP83zwsMVLJyyFOjRP3LdWdQUxPIbHHyEGzauQlLj4htmbFrox1fMzEX5HqPdez5Yb9Usd25gq6dU11vVdOWzOg-Ni5IifPKv1p9b9lFOYcX3c6/s200/Ace.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<b>6. The Seventh Doctor & Ace</b><br />
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The Teacher/Mentor dynamic between a Doctor and companion has been explored before (in the likes of the Fourth Doctor and Leela) but the best example of this is the Seventh Doctor and troubled teen Ace. This kindly, yet manipulative, Doctor frequently forced his friend to face the demons of her past, in an effort to help her mature. Ace was really the first companion to have a proper character arc, which makes this duo one of the show's standouts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6sAb-jAwWDaF4cKx_8PvJmwjvCZuFRBmR3ayCxpW29So523cCXxi3dHAaO_dQGeWEKjmG20o6AI-GkuvjrJXVzTyHeZjFcPV9bLkTWtBt6sqOvkEWhXbzmDQQp5CMrYHBCyEfCE1Ajv1/s1600/CKGgW5WWwAAfxxQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6sAb-jAwWDaF4cKx_8PvJmwjvCZuFRBmR3ayCxpW29So523cCXxi3dHAaO_dQGeWEKjmG20o6AI-GkuvjrJXVzTyHeZjFcPV9bLkTWtBt6sqOvkEWhXbzmDQQp5CMrYHBCyEfCE1Ajv1/s200/CKGgW5WWwAAfxxQ.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>5. The Third Doctor & Jo (with the UNIT boys)</b><br />
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The Third Doctor's era is perhaps the cosiest of the whole series, with a proper family unit around him. Exiled to Earth, the Doctor's colleagues at UNIT - the Brigadier, Sergeant Benton and Captain Yates - were honorary companions, even though they didn't travel with him in the TARDIS. His main companion was Jo Grant, who is mostly remembered for her clumsiness - which is somewhat unfair as she grew as a character across her adventures, from a ditzy assistant into a capable woman. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX-mIiAKUxIq9espAQ6azsvzVaiud44bX-WVA2n23OjibkP8a0EDOMCuwDP3LgRa-1d6YttdG-MCjINNIJiXT79ZLUU1pnPSvWAD3ZT5OiwZeOk5W5QcmDJpuVpQVkZUywCrKltTRSH_7/s1600/d9ae1b493fa7d2228eed79bdbfe2596d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX-mIiAKUxIq9espAQ6azsvzVaiud44bX-WVA2n23OjibkP8a0EDOMCuwDP3LgRa-1d6YttdG-MCjINNIJiXT79ZLUU1pnPSvWAD3ZT5OiwZeOk5W5QcmDJpuVpQVkZUywCrKltTRSH_7/s200/d9ae1b493fa7d2228eed79bdbfe2596d.jpg" width="135" /></a><b><br /></b>
<b>4. The Fourth Doctor & Sarah Jane and Harry</b><br />
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The Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane are rightly acclaimed as possessing perhaps the best camaraderie of the classic series (Sarah was the first person the Doctor called his "best friend") but people often forget Harry Sullivan, a bluff army doctor who joined them on their first season of adventures. A novice time-traveller who at first gets on his friends' nerves but eventually finds his place in the group, Harry perfectly rounds out this terrific TARDIS team.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY1ybEpv2_NLScmZ4zLn6fjUDn81L-lys4MOi2euYFDJGUrNmSqmf0AuFKJZZD92ibxzjzSbErMbBteTh7_YeY-BV8lIjcozpoEN8on_lNKYS-1DPQ9QhlpMdgH8Yl0iekvu_V8GUFFyK/s1600/screen-shot-2013-01-11-at-9-49-41-am.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMY1ybEpv2_NLScmZ4zLn6fjUDn81L-lys4MOi2euYFDJGUrNmSqmf0AuFKJZZD92ibxzjzSbErMbBteTh7_YeY-BV8lIjcozpoEN8on_lNKYS-1DPQ9QhlpMdgH8Yl0iekvu_V8GUFFyK/s200/screen-shot-2013-01-11-at-9-49-41-am.png" width="200" /></a><b>3. The Ninth Doctor & Rose and Captain Jack</b><br />
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They might have only lasted half a series, but the Ninth Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack form one of the most fun TARDIS teams ever - they just seem to enjoy themselves so much. Nine and Rose already had a wonderful dynamic, but Jack's inclusion just added that extra bit of pizzazz. Special mention goes to Mickey who joins the group in 'Boomtown', when the team are at their most loveable.<br />
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<b>2. The Tenth Doctor & Donna</b><br />
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As the past two choices suggest, I'm partial to a three-part TARDIS team but the Tenth Doctor and Donna don't need anyone else to muscle in on their partnership. After years of romantic entanglements in the TARDIS, the Doctor just having a great mate by his side was hugely refreshing. Donna's spirit yet vulnerability make her one of the most endearing companions ever, and Tennant and Tate's natural charisma shines through.<br />
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<b>1. The Eleventh Doctor & Amy and Rory</b><br />
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A personal choice here, as the Matt Smith years probably remain my favourite era of <i>Who. </i>Numerous previous companions had left the Doctor due to getting married but Amy and Rory showed how much fun could be had from having a married couple in the TARDIS, paired with the most awkward Doctor ever. The Ponds also best demonstrate the central theme in the Doctor/companion relationship - his friends can only stay with him until it is time for them to grow up.<br />
<br />Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-20704820823268026512016-05-12T14:26:00.000+01:002016-05-13T18:11:25.046+01:00Doctor Who: Step Back In Time - The 1996 Movie<b>To celebrate its 20th anniversary, we take a look at the underappreciated <i>Doctor Who </i>TV Movie... and it's about time!</b><br />
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<i>Doctor Who </i>fans have seen fit to split the history of the show into two neat chunks - the classic series and the modern incarnation. Yet where does that leave the TV movie made in the middle, the by-product of a co-attempt from the BBC and US network Fox to revitalise the franchise? As such, the so-called <i>Doctor Who: The Movie </i>often falls by the wayside. This is a shame as, while it is certainly not one of the strongest <i>Who</i>s out there, it really does have a lot going for it.<br />
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Chiefly, it lays a lot of the groundwork that the revived series would build on. There is a bigger budget, a companion with her own story arc, an emphasis on the mechanics of time travel... the list goes on. Sure, all these things are not honed quiet as well as they would be later on but <i>The Movie </i>should get the credit for introducing them.<br />
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On the other hand, the film struggles to nail its plot. Things are on much surer ground with the street-level crime and hospital drama aspects of the story than the sci-fi scheme, half of which doesn't make any sense while the other half is cribbed from classic Tom Baker story 'The Deadly Assassin.' For what it's worth, it sees the Master (who for some reason is now a snake made out of mucus) attempt to steal the Doctor's lives by using the TARDIS' power source, which will destroy the planet.<br />
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Such trifles can be forgiven, though, due to the brilliance of <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/countdown-to-doctor-who-at-50-eighth.html" target="_blank">Paul McGann</a>, by far the movies' greatest asset. A dashing, energetic romantic, he effortlessly sits alongside the modern Doctors, sharing their derring-do and deeper emotional complexity. The production tries its best to give him the least amount of time in the role as possible - McCoy is around for twenty minutes, then he is dead for another five, then McGann doesn't know who he is - but when he gets a chance to give his Doctor he is never less than spell-binding. Yes, we have all those hours of audios he has done for<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/new-doctor-who-is-coming-to-big-finish.html"> Big Finish</a> and that <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/review-doctor-who-night-of-doctor.html">glorious short from the 50th</a>, but it is one of the show's biggest crimes that McGann's tenure as the Doctor is so short. He really deserved a full-length series. </div>
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In contrast to how right McGann is for the part, the movie's biggest mistake is a misunderstanding of what <i>Doctor Who </i>is. It isn't the story of a Time Lord from Gallifrey with two hearts who can regenerate twelve times, as the stupidly-exposition heavy opening narration tells us. It's just about a man with a time machine, and the humans that accompany him. It is this central flaw which probably stopped the movie continuing on as a series, as planned. </div>
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Yet without this noble yet misguided attempt at bringing back <i>Doctor Who, </i>Russell T Davies might not have got it so right with 'Rose' in 2005. So for that, and gifting us the fabulous Paul McGann, we shouldn't forget this standalone adventure in between the two perceived separate blocks of the series. Because the beauty of <i>Doctor Who </i>is that it is all one coherent story, and shouldn't be packaged into neat boxes. Humans - always seeing patterns in things that aren't there. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eighth Doctor - energetic, easy-on-the-eye, but with an identity problem. Much like the movie, as a whole. </td></tr>
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If you liked this, read<a href="http://www.cultbox.co.uk/features/lists/8-reasons-the-doctor-who-tv-movie-is-better-than-its-reputation" target="_blank"> 8 Reasons Why The TV Movie Is Not As Bad As Its Reputation </a>over at <i>CultBox. </i></div>
Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-32794889326715412702016-04-29T13:12:00.000+01:002016-04-29T13:12:15.239+01:00British Heroes: Civil WarMany years ago, when superhero franchises were young, I assembled <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/british-avengers.html">a team of British heroes</a> as a counterpart to Marvel's <i>The Avengers. </i>Now that those guys are back and fighting amongst themselves in <i>Captain America: Civil War, </i>I thought it would be fun to update this idea and ask: 'which British team of heroes could win in a fight?'<br />
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Ladies and gentlemen, meet Team Doctor and Team Sherlock!<br />
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Let's see how they do when they go toe-to-toe with each other...<br />
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<b>Harry Potter Vs. Merlin</b><br />
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Of course, the Doctor is friends with Harry Potter (remember his shedding a tear at <i>Deathly Hallows </i>in 'The Shakespeare Code'?). Meanwhile, Merlin is on Team Sherlock because, um, well, because I say so.<br />
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Their magical melee is quite evenly matched, as both are talented wizards. Merlin might be the greatest sorcerer of all time, but Harry managed to defeat the darkest wizard ever. Things are tight until, at the last moment, Harry whips out the invincible Elder Wand and defeats Merlin.<br />
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Team Doctor wins!<br />
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<b>River Song Vs. Agent Carter </b><br />
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When the Doctor's wife and Captain America's lost love (she's from an American franchise but, make no mistake, Peggy Carter is as British as a bulldog) come to blows it is a very close call, as both are very formidable fighters and skillful shooters. If this was Time Lord psychopath River she might have the advantage but this is the older version so, nope, no one can beat the other.<br />
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Team Doctor and Team Sherlock draw!<br />
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(If you're wondering, Peggy Carter is on Team Sherlock due to the detective and her sharing connections with the British secret service The same goes for one of our next pair...)<br />
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<b>Captain Jack Harkness Vs. James Bond </b><br />
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Finally. The world's two most dashing, lethal and not to mention immortal government agents go at it to prove who is the best.<br />
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The duo's duel at dawn is a close one, but there can only be one outcome. James Bond never dies whereas Jack pops his clogs all the time (he just gets better afterwards), Therefore, 007 must win this one - no doubt shooting off a quip as he shoots Jack down. Soon afterwards, though, Jack is back on his feet and the two go off to enjoy an entirely different rendezvous. But that's a story for another time...<br />
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Team Sherlock wins!<br />
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<b>The Doctor Vs. Sherlock </b><br />
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Here's the big one - although it isn't a slug match like the rest. These two great minds decide to test their mettle in a much more cerebral challenge - board games. Which ones? <i>Operation </i>and <i>Cluedo, </i>obviously!<br />
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<i>Cluedo </i>does not go well, as Sherlock maintains that the murder victim killed himself while the Doctor claims he doesn't need to work out the killer because he can just go back in time and save Dr Black. Things descend into argument.<br />
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<i>Operation </i>is equally tense, as Sherlock effortlessly removes the spanner without making the board buzz while the Doctor coaxes out the butterfly with ease. However, just as the final move is being made, the pair suddenly bond over how <strike>their mothers have the same name </strike> they are both written by Steven Moffat. Instead of finishing the game, the Doctor and Sherlock team up to defeat an evil union between Moriarty and Missy.<br />
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So there you have it, Team Doctor and Team Sherlock draw! Who would have thunk it...<br />
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<b>Next week: <i>Beano V Dandy: Dawn of Menace </i></b>Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-47519087021456107872016-04-23T20:24:00.000+01:002016-04-23T20:33:03.034+01:00Pearl Mackie is the New Doctor Who Companion <b>At last, we now know who will be playing the Doctor's latest companion... newcomer Pearl Mackie! </b><br />
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The news was revealed via this two-minute scene which sees Mackie verbally-sparring with Peter Capaldi and facing off against the Daleks! It also gives us her name - Bill! </div>
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The 28 year-old actress has previously been a rising star of the theatre, with only one film and TV credit apiece to her name in terms of screen acting. Landing a role as one of the leads in a globally-popular brand is quite the baptism of fire, then!</div>
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Mackie<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36111598?ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbc_breaking&ns_source=twitter&ns_linkname=news_central"> has described</a> Bill as "cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in." Sounds like a promising description for a character to me...</div>
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If I might put my fan hat on for the moment (it's TARDIS blue with the <i>Doctor Who </i>logo on the front, if you must know), from what we can gather from this clip it seems that Bill will err on the Clara side of companions - those that challenge the Doctor a little more than the likes of Rose or Amy. This might seem an odd move, as you would think a completely different type of character would be appropriate. </div>
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However, a companion who knows nothing about aliens and time travel and whatnot again will certainly be refreshing after three series with Jenna Coleman in the role. Change is a key part of the show, and I always look forward to those first few episodes of a series where the companion gets to grips with travelling with the Doctor. </div>
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Here are two promo images that were also released. Do we think they look like a good pair?</div>
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While this announcement is hugely exciting, it is sad to think that this scene is the the only <i>Who </i>we will get till Christmas. It looks like we will be watching this snippet a fair few times over the coming months...</div>
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<br />Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-83088742676080665422016-04-15T20:00:00.001+01:002016-04-15T20:00:38.456+01:00Sherlock Scribbles: The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes<b>This time on <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Sherlock%20Scribbles">'Sherlock Scribbles'</a> we take a look at perhaps the finest Sherlock Holmes film there has ever been (big words, I know), <i>The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes...</i></b><br />
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<b>Starring: </b>Robert Stephens (Sherlock Holmes), Colin Blakely (Dr Watson), Genevieve Page (Gabrielle Valadon) and Irene Handl (Mrs Hudson) with Christopher Lee (Mycroft Holmes).<br />
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<b>Synopsis: </b>The most illuminating case of Sherlock Holmes' career is finally revealed - a tale of Russian ballerinas, missing circus dwarfs, mysterious monks and the Loch Ness Monster. Plus, the answer to the biggest mystery of them all: just what made Sherlock Holmes the way he is?<br />
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<b>Doyled or Spoiled?: </b><i>Private Life </i>is steeped in the canon, although it isn't afraid to be cheeky with it as well. The film opens with Watson's strongbox of his most scandalous cases being opened in the present-day at Cox & Co bank, as per 'The Problem of Thor's Bridge.' Many canonical elements of Holmes' character - his great height, violin virtuosity and misogyny - are explained as being fabrications of Watson's to make the detective more colourful. Unlike Doyle's Mycroft, Christopher Lee is a thin, rakish character with a prickly relationship with his brother. Likewise, as many Holmes fans have theorised, the film presents Mycroft's Diogenes Club as a front for the secret service. <i>Private Life </i>goes above and beyond Doyle, however, by offering an explanation for Holmes' asexual, emotionally-distant ways. To find out what it is, you shall have to watch the film - but I will say it is somewhat similar to that offered in <i>Young Sherlock Holmes. </i><br />
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<b>Highlight:</b> It is nigh on impossible to say. The handling of the material is pitch perfect while the performances are uniformly brilliant. Still, I'm going to plump for the <a href="http://sites.psu.edu/remeanie/wp-content/uploads/sites/6813/2014/03/TPLOSH.gif">fantastic sequence</a> near the beginning of the film which sees the nature of Holmes and Watson's relationship called into question for comedic effect. This is something we are now quite familiar with, but pre-<i>Sherlock</i> adaptations rarely realised that you could have fun with Conan Doyle's work as well as treating it reverentially.<br />
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<b>Verdict: </b>My claim that this is the best Holmes film ever is obviously a huge one, but surely no other movie delivers everything you could want in a Sherlock Holmes adventure so well. There is an exploration of Holmes and Watson's friendship, of Holmes' character and his back story, as well as a rollicking and ingenious adventure which pits Holmes against the supernatural and the fantastical. Perhaps the reason why it is not more commonly praised is because it has a very unusual Holmes in Robert Stephens, though still brilliant he is much more dandyish and playful than the norm. If you don't believe my opinion of this film, it is also the favourite of <i>Sherlock'</i>s Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, who largely got that show's aesthetic and tone from <i>Private Life </i>(not least the presentation of Mycroft)<i>. </i>Definitely one to be checked out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMka6I7dwCSo3KW2KQb3IN3RTPrQBPYmMt1BRp_Wqv4ZqjgZ55T3Vf_qZjBvPWZOTm1A9QtuJ89JMDv2cSpFE9wjo3sH9xyxG_2XvNFbwoGAUMlGhMrkeuVZDC_Sd1sswWKoX6adsNaD_/s1600/private_life_of_sherlock_holmes_the_1970_685x385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMka6I7dwCSo3KW2KQb3IN3RTPrQBPYmMt1BRp_Wqv4ZqjgZ55T3Vf_qZjBvPWZOTm1A9QtuJ89JMDv2cSpFE9wjo3sH9xyxG_2XvNFbwoGAUMlGhMrkeuVZDC_Sd1sswWKoX6adsNaD_/s400/private_life_of_sherlock_holmes_the_1970_685x385.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Private Visit - Holmes and Watson check on brother Mycroft.</td></tr>
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Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-66153497627679714422016-04-04T20:49:00.000+01:002016-04-06T18:23:38.637+01:00Cast Announced For Doctor Who Spin-off 'Class'<b>The lead actors of new <i>Doctor Who </i>spin-off <i>Class </i>have finally been announced! Let's have a look at them...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwEMPVfG0-pZJ_vgoxfQZBQn3fMbgVobMcD0JOWFAbVVLBVsVS9WfS5InHX7P8wJrjmFVH1xcn43K_KZqjTbdxOWI1KLg6PPDXUb5IALNFdS3o-TDE-TTE236HzcTNOeHvjWEJ5GzW4zx/s1600/Katherine_Kelly_leads_the_cast_of_Doctor_Who_spin_off_Class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwEMPVfG0-pZJ_vgoxfQZBQn3fMbgVobMcD0JOWFAbVVLBVsVS9WfS5InHX7P8wJrjmFVH1xcn43K_KZqjTbdxOWI1KLg6PPDXUb5IALNFdS3o-TDE-TTE236HzcTNOeHvjWEJ5GzW4zx/s400/Katherine_Kelly_leads_the_cast_of_Doctor_Who_spin_off_Class.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a name='more'></a>The series, which will air on the now-online channel <i>BBC Three, </i>is orientated at a Young Adult audience. Fittingly then, writing all episodes of the eight-part series is successful YA novelist <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Patrick%20Ness" target="_blank">Patrick Ness</a>. Though the series is set at the recurring <i>Doctor Who </i>location of Coal Hill School, it will be the only <i>Who </i>spin-off without any of the lead characters having previously appeared on the parent show. So who are these new kids on the block?<br />
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From left to right, you've got upcoming young actors Vivian Oparah, Greg Austin, Sophie Hopkins, Fady Elsayed and Katherine Kelly, a familiar face to British telly viewers. We don't know much about their characters, although it has been confirmed that Kelly will play a teacher who is described in the press release as a "powerful new presence" at Coal Hill. Is she taking Clara's old job, now that she's dead/flying around the universe?</div>
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The synopsis for the show is as follows: </div>
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"Time has looked at your faces now. And time never forgets..." </blockquote>
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What if your planet was massacred and you were the sole survivor?<br />
What if a legendary figure out of space and time found you a place to hide?<br />
But what if the things that want to kill you have tracked you down?<br />
And worst of all, what if you haven't studied for your A-Levels...?</blockquote>
<i>Doctor Who </i>and <i>Class </i>exec producer Steven Moffat said:<br />
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"Coal Hill School has been part of <i>Doctor Who </i>since the very first shoot in 1963, but this new show is anything but history. <i>Class </i>is dark and sexy and right now. I've always wondered if there could be a British <i>Buffy - </i>it's taken the brilliant Patrick Ness to figure out how to make it happen."</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeL4I0t8LW2_D9xMpnKL_VIICdH0nYBG6GOYcsezLV_tGl5Lj-iEpaD-b0ho7tdNftqa-tb-4B72S5vweB6PVNFL-nudD-G7lMEWPXc25ahFvJxIFF5Z_iMWtS4zm0p4Wg9ibxJ7MZx3Y/s1600/Who_are_the_stars_of_new_Doctor_Who_spin_off_Class_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeL4I0t8LW2_D9xMpnKL_VIICdH0nYBG6GOYcsezLV_tGl5Lj-iEpaD-b0ho7tdNftqa-tb-4B72S5vweB6PVNFL-nudD-G7lMEWPXc25ahFvJxIFF5Z_iMWtS4zm0p4Wg9ibxJ7MZx3Y/s400/Who_are_the_stars_of_new_Doctor_Who_spin_off_Class_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So what can we deduce about the plot of the show? Well, going by the synopsis we can assume that the series will follow an alien as they adjust to normal life as an Earthling teenager. As she is in the centre of both of the group photos, it can be presumed that Sophie Hopkins' character is this alien and the others are her band of loyal friends. Maybe Kelly will be in the mentoring adult/Giles-type role?</div>
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Speaking of which, Moffat's comment about the series being a British <i>Buffy </i>is also an interesting one. <i>Doctor Who </i>itself is influenced by <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Buffy%20the%20Vampire%20Slayer" target="_blank">Joss Whedon's seminal drama</a> in its series structure, but <i>Class </i>does look to be borrowing from <i>Buffy's </i>'sci-fi fantasy messing with high school' premise. If the show can in any way match <i>Buffy'</i>s out-of-the-box thinking and depth of character, we will be in for a treat. </div>
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I have to say I was sceptical about this series<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/new-doctor-who-spin-off-alert.html" target="_blank"> when it was announced</a>, as it seemed an odd choice for a spin-off - what with all the other more obvious ones out there. However, I am getting more into the idea as I hear more about it. Ness is a very talented writer (I heartily recommend his <i>Chaos Walking </i>series) and <i>Doctor Who </i>has always been fab at casting its leads so I'm sure that has continued here. </div>
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<i>Class</i> is due to surface this September, so there's a while to wait before we get to see how it turns out. In the mean time, here are some more shots of the cast to goggle at. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR15zAIMEShUWeFPEDEtBVnaZUPWlLKRL5zF_Dc11slQaqXL6HbvPaS5eRqti6eANIB5fRwtoKsNP0eSD5-ZDRiJU5dkT2YJv19-Oewrjod8YQtPX4rJtE9uUOspK-6DmIY2uOqbN7GGgI/s1600/Class2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR15zAIMEShUWeFPEDEtBVnaZUPWlLKRL5zF_Dc11slQaqXL6HbvPaS5eRqti6eANIB5fRwtoKsNP0eSD5-ZDRiJU5dkT2YJv19-Oewrjod8YQtPX4rJtE9uUOspK-6DmIY2uOqbN7GGgI/s400/Class2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYPdCXOGe_DW_S01x4-8-hiOwMA-itNpsCjFqLJz5vopA7ZEcDZu518paYjZkZdD6DNGxfgvfBq_jsug6XmnoOfTBF3PAdzxXz_aeikFUPxicijmcqfpygQUZ-usuozKwOVlgUVUGlgD_/s1600/Class3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYPdCXOGe_DW_S01x4-8-hiOwMA-itNpsCjFqLJz5vopA7ZEcDZu518paYjZkZdD6DNGxfgvfBq_jsug6XmnoOfTBF3PAdzxXz_aeikFUPxicijmcqfpygQUZ-usuozKwOVlgUVUGlgD_/s400/Class3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEbG-OqPqUWEAKeG-rpOpZ5RWKSjKa6CqqtPvKwQmcVFbuILf-cxD9GqRjq0EKWO17FRq-v_7lZDeGWh4gCa4Doks0Zqa5JQcO5GenlkKjqO-JZTxZ0mXu3hQ3XA6khxbQj_jf9E3MVDU/s1600/Class4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEbG-OqPqUWEAKeG-rpOpZ5RWKSjKa6CqqtPvKwQmcVFbuILf-cxD9GqRjq0EKWO17FRq-v_7lZDeGWh4gCa4Doks0Zqa5JQcO5GenlkKjqO-JZTxZ0mXu3hQ3XA6khxbQj_jf9E3MVDU/s400/Class4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT87r_h4-zpug-ZCkUXndhczKz8UuHsquzx1Av9WGf5ZKBZlifwyFE-KRfRQpWQZKwlwJpYdkn5O_ZN8r-utLiAgUKUxQz6rbT61i-IGiD22X8xNmbjxe_LEoKWBeknRdpUcmPrmCHi-OQ/s1600/Class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT87r_h4-zpug-ZCkUXndhczKz8UuHsquzx1Av9WGf5ZKBZlifwyFE-KRfRQpWQZKwlwJpYdkn5O_ZN8r-utLiAgUKUxQz6rbT61i-IGiD22X8xNmbjxe_LEoKWBeknRdpUcmPrmCHi-OQ/s400/Class.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrcmXmtmBhUehqS9FIKkC3mPVn3ZHwSDMSTE3x6asaWsdLBfOaHuaDQzvc3TiE85S6tDa26TEBDcIneTxNTnJ93gnubf6mSoGNHumb9AYQsMZiFgnLVhuTz2YMpu8VHM7lvQxYlUKwJFt/s1600/Class5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrcmXmtmBhUehqS9FIKkC3mPVn3ZHwSDMSTE3x6asaWsdLBfOaHuaDQzvc3TiE85S6tDa26TEBDcIneTxNTnJ93gnubf6mSoGNHumb9AYQsMZiFgnLVhuTz2YMpu8VHM7lvQxYlUKwJFt/s400/Class5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is just one question left: will the Doctor turn up to check in on the Whoniverse's newest students?</div>
Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-5233521523838930162016-04-01T10:34:00.000+01:002016-04-01T13:55:05.594+01:00Review: Marvel's Agent Carter (Season Two)<b><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Marvel" target="_blank">Marvel</a>'s top secret agent is back for a second season! Let's see if it reached the heights of the first...</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPtBAtM9TNCoct0Q1QAJNtluWWyz3lk10-S2eNcOF2sfZ4ZPzmoCpvfUfOFFZuKYv6t577Jd6Bl1ChiS-WObXbtzjqRjntTwA2AN7EUAVOcS4V8CyEKNYrTBXhjY9tYIxALkVWLOBy5zF/s1600/1agcnycomicconminiposter1jpg-b6a1c6_1280w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPtBAtM9TNCoct0Q1QAJNtluWWyz3lk10-S2eNcOF2sfZ4ZPzmoCpvfUfOFFZuKYv6t577Jd6Bl1ChiS-WObXbtzjqRjntTwA2AN7EUAVOcS4V8CyEKNYrTBXhjY9tYIxALkVWLOBy5zF/s400/1agcnycomicconminiposter1jpg-b6a1c6_1280w.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The hugely enjoyable first season of <i><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/review-marvels-agent-carter.html" target="_blank">Agent Carter</a> </i>proved that this oddball (a period spy series from Marvel) yet ground-breaking (the first female-led property in the Marvel universe) show could deliver the goods. After only narrowly getting renewed thanks the size of its cult following, the pressure was on this second season to at least match, if not surpass, the first. In the result, it was a little uneven but the improved character dynamics made up for the so-so overall plot. </div>
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The series was a tad slow to start, for instance, as the first few episodes swung the pendulum too far to the side of goofy comedy, which is refreshing after the darkness of Marvel's <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/review-marvels-daredevil-season-one.html" target="_blank">other T</a><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/review-marvels-jessica-jones-season-one.html" target="_blank">V efforts</a>, but too much if delivered in large doses. The brilliant comic timing of the cast, Hayley Atwell and James D'Arcy in particular, make it work though. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFSE-v6likLsOqTntDkf7ZXuU7-KzZwjAGmLVKCu7vYlFH5534gucQs0GNxIE823iimpklT9xqIvx84_1uURc4BE71FCY34KEttzxJjFnYNq-TEC1LkDKQNkuzgsM_WhqpDx6hhK61xR3/s1600/AgentCarter2Quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFSE-v6likLsOqTntDkf7ZXuU7-KzZwjAGmLVKCu7vYlFH5534gucQs0GNxIE823iimpklT9xqIvx84_1uURc4BE71FCY34KEttzxJjFnYNq-TEC1LkDKQNkuzgsM_WhqpDx6hhK61xR3/s1600/AgentCarter2Quote.png" /></a>With the introductions of the first series out the way, returning characters like Souza and Thompson of the SSR are used very well, with <i>Dollhouse</i>'s Enver Djokav continuing to be particularly likeable. Less regular but still recurring characters like Howard Stark and Dottie, Peggy's nemesis from the first series, are used very well when they show up, to the extent that you wish they were there all the time. Once the series properly kicks off, the heart of the show is present and correct - the brilliant friendship between Peggy and Jarvis. The addition of Mrs Jarvis could have put a spanner in the works but Lottie Verbeek's Ana is another endearing character brought into the fold who actually strengthens the bond between the pair. </div>
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Some of its characters aren't utilised as well, however - it might just be me, but the 'comic relief' scientist Semberly outstayed his welcome. The biggest crime, though, is Jason Wilkes; he is introduced as a new love interest for Peggy but the pair don't have as much chemistry as Carter and Sousa. It doesn't help that Wilkes is also tied up in the rather underwhelming major threat of the series - the black space goo macguffin called Zero Matter. Apparently, this will come into play in the upcoming <i>Doctor Strange </i>(starring Benedict Cumberbatch!) but right now it feels like a stronger big bad could have easily been found. </div>
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Whitney Frost, the actress-cum-scientist who gains the power of Zero Matter, therefore doesn't match season one's Dr Fenhoff and Dottie as a villain. That said, potentially the highlight of the series is an episode that explores the similar pasts of Peggy and Whitney but shows how they have made different choices. </div>
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What really counts in <i>Agent Carter</i> is the exploring of the character dynamics, however, and<i> </i>this season certainly delivered on that in spades, moving things forward but with much still to be mined in future seasons. This makes it all the more saddening that, after poor ratings in the US, a third run doesn't look too likely. Please, Marvel, don't let <i>Agent Carter</i> go the way of her Captain America and be put on ice just yet. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn9KW86MVUTaqCfyA2mhj43BNPzg9pSKcYECzEB7yHCxflXJfA_PgUrS2A4btNsH2NxADrVlzMehFpdeQotJYDY_AcV5sI-8WHWFR-jUnaWQ-ho4IjgLlohYPFyxprEkV3yD3efRBnu2K/s1600/agent-carter-season-2-752x440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn9KW86MVUTaqCfyA2mhj43BNPzg9pSKcYECzEB7yHCxflXJfA_PgUrS2A4btNsH2NxADrVlzMehFpdeQotJYDY_AcV5sI-8WHWFR-jUnaWQ-ho4IjgLlohYPFyxprEkV3yD3efRBnu2K/s400/agent-carter-season-2-752x440.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">City of Agents - Peggy, Jarvis and Howard head to Los Angeles to tackle a new global threat. </td></tr>
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P.S. To regular readers, I'm aware things have been quite
Marvel-centric around here laterly. Don't worry, I'm sure there will be
more <i>Doctor Who</i> and Sherlock Holmes chat coming up!<br />
<br />Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-17266262649341832432016-03-25T20:14:00.003+00:002016-03-26T14:37:46.848+00:00Review: Marvel's Daredevil (Season Two)<b>After belatedly catching up with<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/review-marvels-daredevil-season-one.html" target="_blank"> Season One</a> of <i>Daredevil </i>earlier this month, here's a look at the brand-new Season Two. Did it live up to the first? </b><br />
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<i>Daredevil'</i>s<i> </i>first season arguably surpassed <i>The Avengers </i>as <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Marvel" target="_blank">Marvel</a>'s most acclaimed output yet. However, whereas that movie was a wisecracking fantastical blockbuster, <i>Daredevil </i>was a grounded mediation on the nature of heroism (with a lot of brutal fight scenes thrown in). The pressure was on the second season, then, to match it. On the whole, it continues on in the same spirit but doesn't manage to better the first run.<br />
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To make up for the absence of previous Big Bad Wilson Fisk, this season introduces two new characters into Matt's life; the criminal-killing Punisher and Elektra, Matt's enigmatic and martial artist ex. Both serve to strengthen the show's core themes: the notion of what makes a hero and how we identify ourselves and others in terms of heroes and villains. The Punisher is seen by society as a villain whereas he sees himself as a hero. Elektra sees herself as a villain but Matt believes she can be a hero. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_ZiFY-eA5C0sNLbLQRvMbCHNouvzGA2ESdVl9n-oLd6whzHFW1EGhaUopXIBgEhs2o9POwbi1nBDO1Tgor_AUzkI274cc0FNPIDgrBCoN01JUxS_N5EVzPXYP59eSfpXpjXNu5ap3oLQ/s1600/Daredevil2Quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_ZiFY-eA5C0sNLbLQRvMbCHNouvzGA2ESdVl9n-oLd6whzHFW1EGhaUopXIBgEhs2o9POwbi1nBDO1Tgor_AUzkI274cc0FNPIDgrBCoN01JUxS_N5EVzPXYP59eSfpXpjXNu5ap3oLQ/s1600/Daredevil2Quote.png" /></a>As these two new characters, Jon Bernthal and Elodie Yung are both terrific additions to the cast. Meanwhile, series regulars Elden Hensen and Deborah Ann Woll continue to do fantastic work as Foggy and Karen. A lesser series would cast the pair as simply the comic relief sidekick and love interest/damsel in distress but both are fully-dimensional characters. The performance that glues the whole show together, though, is Charlie Cox, who is just as good as in Season One. There are a lot more characters running around Hell's Kitchen in Season Two but Cox ensures we don't forget who the main character is. <br />
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As was the natural choice after Season One formed the origin story of Daredevil and his city, this season focusses much more on building up that world. The showmakers clearly have big plans, particularly involving the mystical ninjas the Hand (who were alluded to in the first run). While this foresight is impressive and I'm sure their inclusion pleases hardcore comic book fans, I have to admit I found the Hand too nebulous to properly invest in,
especially compared to Season One's much more grounded threat in Fisk. While I don't think the introduction of this more fantastical
aspect hurt the tone of the show, I am just not sure it was as
well-handled as other elements. <br />
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Likewise, in going for a 'bigger is better' mentality this season, I think the show might have lost the simplicity of the first season that made it so watchable. There were a few offshoots but the main thrust of the plot was simply Daredevil vs Kingpin. By the final episodes this season, however, you can hardly count all of the subplots that are unfolding on one hand. The result is that, while the Punisher and Elektra's story are compellingly told to start with, the show runs out of time before they can reach a completely satisfying end. That said, the finale is terrific entertainment and makes up for some of the other deficiencies. <br />
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Overall, this season might have more issues than the first season but the biggest is only that it spreads itself a bit thin, with a little too much ambition and content for the 13 episodes to handle - an abundance of good ideas, though, isn't something that should be lambasted. <i>Daredevil </i>remains one of the strongest TV shows around at the moment. It is an interesting omen of the future of the medium when the best series aren't even on television.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things get even more heated in Hell's Kitchen in <i>Daredevil </i>Season Two.</td></tr>
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Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-40103423356738950042016-03-16T13:44:00.001+00:002016-08-12T00:02:43.437+01:00Scribble Creatures Spotlight: Angel <b>It was</b><b><i><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Buffy%20the%20Vampire%20Slayer" target="_blank"> Buffy the Vampire Slayer</a></i></b><b>'s 19th birthday the other day. To celebrate, our <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Spotlights" target="_blank">Spotlight</a> series continues as we look at that show's often underappreciated spin-off...</b><br />
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<a name='more'></a><i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer </i>broke the mold of genre television over its seven-year run, proving that dealing with sci-fi and fantasy didn't mean a show had to exclude proper human drama and intelligent themes as well. The series' spin-off, <i>Angel, </i>which debuted after perhaps <i>Buffy</i>'s greatest year (season three) had its work cut out in escaping its sister show's shadow. If you have been put of by this or perhaps by its lead character, you should really reconsider. Though merely the romantic interest on <i>Buffy, </i>Angel hugely grows as a character once heading his own series, going from a proto-Edward Cullen<i> </i>to a fully-fledged hero on the road to redemption.<br />
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<i>Angel </i>begins as a supernatural noir series, casting Angel as a figure somewhere between Batman (he loves standing on rooftops) and Phillip Marlowe (he's a troubled detective). Despite the gloomier colour pallette and more sombre tone, the show certainly doesn't jettison the wit of <i>Buffy </i>and frequently pokes fun at its brooding hero as much as it plays him straight. At first, Angel's detective agency - Angel Investigations: they help the helpless! - is much more intimate than the Scooby gang, only consisting of charming rogue half-demon Doyle and former Sunnydale cheerleader Cordelia. She, in particular, is hugely fleshed-out over the course of the first series and those thereafter, growing from the self-obsessed teen found on the parent series into a powerful and caring woman. <br />
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Over the seasons, however, Angel Investigations swells to form a team that rival's Buffy's Scooby Gang in camaraderie and chemistry. There is street-wise Gunn, science geek Fred and flamboyant demon Lorne but my favourite probably has to be Wesley, who undergoes an astonishing character development across the series, similar to both Angel and Cordelia but to a more extreme state. Appearing as an insufferable source of comic relief in <i>Buffy </i>season three, he initially plays the same function here before quickly being fleshed out as an invaluable member of the team. Yet due to various tragic occurences (ssh, spoilers) by season five he is a battle-harded anti-hero. It's the exact opposite of where the character started but thanks to some great writing and an even better performance from Alexis Denisof, Wesley's progression is entirely believable. <br />
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Speaking of which, while the show grows organically over the seasons, heads and shoulders above the others is season five. It is simply one of the greatest revamps of a TV show ever, as the show's core premise is flipped. Instead of Team Angel fighting against Wolfram and Hart, they take over the establishment, hoping to change it for the better from the inside. This season also sees fan-favourite Spike crossover from <i>Buffy, </i>making for a great rivalry between him and Angel. By this time, Joss Whedon's other two shows - <i>Buffy </i>and <i>Firefly </i>- had been cancelled so he was able to fully commit to <i>Angel. </i>That, harder work from everyone else on his team, and perhaps the virtue of it being the last season conspire to create something special. <br />
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Far from <i>Buffy-</i>lite, <i>Angel </i>manages to largely carve out its own identity and arguably sports more mature central themes. While <i>Buffy </i>is about the drama of teenage life mixed up with the fight between good and evil, <i>Angel </i>is concerned with the light and dark in everyone and how the clash between these two sides is a perennial fight which never ends.<br />
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It also has one of my personal favourite TV theme tunes. Love that cello!<br />
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Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-76631333362480059712016-03-10T20:25:00.001+00:002016-03-25T18:30:37.596+00:00Review: Marvel's Daredevil (Season One)<b>With the second one arriving shortly, I finally catch up with season one of Marvel's much acclaimed TV series...</b><br />
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Regular readers (hi mum!) might remember my review of <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/review-marvels-agent-carter.html" target="_blank"><i>Agent Carter's </i>first season</a> in which I stated that I wouldn't call myself a Marvel fanboy. Well, since then I have to admit I have developed more of a soft spot for their <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Marvel" target="_blank">on-screen universe</a>, particularly their television output. That said, I somehow hadn't got around to watching possibly the most well-received of all their shows; <i>Daredevil</i>. I've now put that right and really wish I had watched it sooner.<br />
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You could write the show off as Marvel's Batman, as it also follows a vigilante with a tragic past being driven to clear up his city, but this would do it a disservice. While its grittier, more 'realistic' tone might pay lip service to Nolan's <i>Dark Knight </i>films, it is an engrossing drama in its own right. Also, an issue I have with those films is that the dark tone is pushed to the extent that they seem almost ashamed of being a superhero story which <i>Daredevil, </i>though it mixes in elements of crime and legal drama as well, never does. It is merely stripping away the excesses of the comics to get to the heart of the story and the characters. These two factors are one in the same, actually, as the narrative is driven by a cast of characters that are easy to invest in, including Foggy Nelson, Karen Page and Ben Urich. However, the series really belongs to the two enemies at its heart...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin2RafEOKGun9pi-Tf_x40OIznS0e3Hnl76aSVmsBLKhWWcaSDRr6NOVkLXkhbZDn3tcXiRoMDjgqOh5Gbu10RgT4ZJsFzRfCz2IkmMERnf6zXGBycuihgRbtprcSPjyYseeINiBRepNB/s1600/DaredevilQuote.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin2RafEOKGun9pi-Tf_x40OIznS0e3Hnl76aSVmsBLKhWWcaSDRr6NOVkLXkhbZDn3tcXiRoMDjgqOh5Gbu10RgT4ZJsFzRfCz2IkmMERnf6zXGBycuihgRbtprcSPjyYseeINiBRepNB/s1600/DaredevilQuote.png" /></a>A lot of the series' praise has been directed at Vincent D'Onofrio's powerhouse performance as antagonist Wilson Fisk. With a growling voice but a detectable vulnerability, he makes Fisk into a monstrous man-child. Unlike a lot of villains in comic book adaptations, though, he feels like a real person; Fisk clearly did not begin with ill intentions but life has just led him down that path. His burgeoning romance with Vanessa also adds another dimension. Usually a villain might lose a love interest as a means of motivation but it is rare for such a bad'un to be allowed to show a more caring side at the same time.<br />
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My favourite performance in the show, however, is Matt Murdock himself, blind lawyer by day, masked vigilante by night. I already liked Charlie Cox from his lead role in hugely underrated Neil Gaiman fantasy film <i>Stardust </i>but he is tremendous here. The idea of the hero worrying whether they are doing the right thing isn't a new one but Matt's inner conflict is so convincingly portrayed that it becomes the core of the show. The character's religious guilt over his actions is also an interesting angle and one I haven't seen before. What with Fisk's multi-faceted personality and Matt's darker edges, this isn't a simple tale of hero vs villain.<br />
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It's a close draw between which of <i>Daredevil </i>and <i><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/review-marvels-jessica-jones-season-one.html" target="_blank">Jessica Jones</a> </i>is superior, but it is probably the former. <i>JJ </i>is certainly the more ground-breaking and original but due to this it does have a few teething issues along the way. <i>Daredevil, </i>however, utilises familiar tropes (the secret identity, the corrupt city, the crime boss in the shadows) so well that they feel fresh and new again. As such, it is a definitive superhero story. If like me you have for some reason put off watching the show, I would urge you to reconsider. Go on, I dare you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blind Lawyer Matt Murdock brings justice to Hell's Kitchen as Daredevil.</td></tr>
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<b>BREAKING NEWS: </b>Spider-Man meets the Avengers!</div>
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While I've been working on this review, the latest <i>Captain America: Civil War </i>trailer has arrived - and it finally introduces Spidey into the Marvel world. See the blood-pumping trailer below: </div>
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Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-91731945479971244072016-02-29T18:13:00.000+00:002016-03-12T00:33:32.807+00:00Monthly Mini-Reviews: February - Ant-Man, Dickensian, Ghosts of Manhattan <b><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Mini-Review" target="_blank">Monthly Mini-Reviews</a> is back - in a brand-new format! This month: shrinking superheroes, Dickensian fan-fiction and steampunk vigilantes...</b><br />
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<b>Ant-Man </b></div>
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I had heard a lot about how <i>Ant-Man </i>proved that Marvel were running out of steam but I'm happy to say I very much enjoyed it. It is a not a ground-breaking remodelling of the superhero genre but I found it to be one of the studio's most outright entertaining. </div>
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Paul Rudd is a fun, charming lead as ex-con Scott Lang, who is hired by Hank Pym to steal his inventions back from the corrupt Darren Cross (who reminded me of a sort of Kevin Spacey lite). The linking to the wider world of the Marvel films that threatens to swamp some of their other entries is hardly an issue here, basically only a scene where Ant-Man takes on the Falcon serves to remind you that it is set in the same world (as well as a great line where Scott says what the audience are thinking: "why don't we call the Avengers?") </div>
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The strongest aspect was probably the use of Ant-Man's skillset. The superpower of shrinking and growing things felt fresh rather than simply being <i>Honey, I Shrunk The Superhero </i>(a highlight involves Thomas the Tank Engine). All in all, <i>Ant-Man </i>is a refreshingly simple yarn after the fun yet bloated<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/monthly-scribbles-from-avengers-to.html" target="_blank"> </a><i><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/monthly-scribbles-from-avengers-to.html" target="_blank">Age of Ultron</a>. </i>It might feel more in line with Marvel's TV shows (which are generally about what the lesser-known characters get up to while the big guns are busy) but just because its smaller-scale doesn't mean it's less good. </div>
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<b>Dickensian (Series One)</b></div>
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Everyone is always saying that if Charles Dickens were alive today he would be writing soaps. Well, kudos to Tony Jordan (creator of the brilliant <i>Hustle) </i>who has decided to put that to the test - by mashing up several of the author's works and making a TV series based around the soap opera format (multiple half-hour episodes per week),<br />
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The trick with this series was keeping the interest up once the novelty of seeing Miss Havisham and Scrooge walking down the same street had worn off. Thankfully, it largely managed it, becoming a treat for Dickens fans as it acted as a prequel to about four different novels (<i>A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, Oliver Twist </i>and <i>Bleak House</i>). There's a strong cast all-round but highlights were Sophie Rundle as a young Honoria Barbary who runs the whole gamut of emotions throughout the series and Stephen Rea as Inspector Bucket - the man in charge of investigating Jacob Marley's death - who plays him like a Victorian Columbo.<br />
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Unfortunately, the show's very format is to its detriment as the excessive runtime is filled with less-interesting subplots like the comic bumbling of, um, the Bumbles (with slapstick and broad innuendo that feels as dated as a Dickens novel). That aside, this was still a very well-conceived, enjoyable show. They've already ticked off Dicken's most known novels but there is more than enough material left for a deserved second series...Please, BBC, can we have some more?<br />
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<b>Ghosts of Manhattan</b></div>
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George Mann's <i>Ghosts of Manhattan </i>(writer of the brilliant <i>Doctor Who </i>novel '<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/doctor-who-off-screen-engines-of-war.html" target="_blank">Engines of War</a>') is an ambitious and breathless mash-up of pulpy costumed heroes, steampunk and HP Lovecraft-esque horror fantasy. Primarily it is a pastiche of pulp fiction novels - there's a city run by mobsters, a beautiful femme fatale and a man who takes the law into his own hands. The difference is this is a 1920s New York with dirigibles flying over head and coal-powered cars on the streets.<br />
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Mann writes it as if it is a pulp novel of the time, with lots of memorable turns of phrase that stay on the right side of purple prose (what would you call that? Violet prose?). He is also a natural at the sharp and fast-paced action scenes, with some brutal violence that might make you winch (Mann often writes for such non-violent heroes like the Doctor and Sherlock Holmes so he probably enjoyed cutting loose here).<br />
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The Ghost is a great creation, one who is steeped in the long history of fictional vigilantes. He might seem reminiscent of Batman at first glance, but actually he is cut from the same cloth as less well remembered vigilantes like The Shadow and The Spirit. There is also an intriguing notion that the Ghost and his alter ego Gabriel Cross seem to see themselves as distinct people which I wish had been further explored. In short, <i>Ghosts of Manhattan </i>might be haunted by the spirit of the wealth of material in its genre but it still stands on its own two feet.<br />
<br />Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-14637408759020259652016-02-28T18:28:00.000+00:002016-02-29T18:14:12.998+00:00Sherlock Scribbles: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes <b>The <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Sherlock%20Scribbles" target="_blank">'Sherlock Scribbles'</a> series delves into the bargain bin this week for 'mockbuster' <i>Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes...</i></b><br />
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<b>Starring: </b>Ben Syder (Sherlock Holmes), Gareth David-Lloyd (Dr Watson), William Huw (Lestrade), Elizabeth Arends (Anesidora Ivory) and Dominic Keating (Thorpe),<br />
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<b>Synopsis: </b>During the London Blitz, an elderly Dr Watson looks back at his most bizarre adventure with Sherlock Holmes - the time that London was attacked by sea monsters, dinosaurs and robot assassins...<br />
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<b>Doyled or Spoiled?: </b>Despite daring to put Conan Doyle's name in the title, this is one of the least faithful versions of the Holmes canon there has ever been, from the presentation of the lead character to the content of the 'story.' However, it could be argued that the film's far-fetched elements are a logical extension of the comic book/steampunk aesthetic of Guy Ritchie's <i>Sherlock Holmes </i>which this film was piggybacking off (for those who don't know The Asylum produce straight-to-DVD movies with similar titles to recent blockbusters, see also: <i>Transmorphers</i> or <i>Atlantic Rim</i>)<i>. </i>There is also the addition of Thorpe Holmes, Sherlock's hitherto-unseen brother. This perhaps has some precedent, as many Holmes pastiches have featured a third Holmes brother, although he is usually called Sherrinford. Likewise, the film also reveals, as some Holmes scholars have suggested before, that Sherlock is not the detective's real first name. Here, though, it is Robert, rather than the more usual William (as in <i>Sherlock</i>).<br />
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<b>Highlight: </b>Well... I'd like to say that it is Gareth David-Lloyd, who plays the brilliant Ianto Jones on <i>Torchwood</i>, but in truth he isn't given much to work with. How about we make up a new section for today?</div>
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<b>Lowpoint: </b>Easily Ben Syder in the lead role. Irrespective of his acting abilities, he is woefully miscast as the usually tall, lean and commanding Sherlock Holmes, possessing the wrong physique, stature and looks to fit the part. Unfortunately, and not to get too personal, Syder also has a thin, reedy voice which is again not what the role requires. I haven't seen every Sherlock Holmes film, but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that he is the worst Sherlock Holmes in screen history. </div>
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<b>Verdict: </b>Where do I start? If you hadn't guessed from the mention of dinosaurs and robots, the film has a plot which is completely devoid of all sense, far away at the other end of the spectrum from the puzzlebox plotting that makes up the best Holmes adaptations. It would be very easy to lay into this film for all the liberties it takes with Sherlock Holmes and for just being sub-par in general, but that strikes me as rather pointless. The film itself was cheekily and cheaply made, not to be a worthwhile film but to make a bit of cash. In the end, it is truly terrible but perhaps - just <i>perhaps</i> - a perverse pleasure could be gleaned from watching it, if you approach it in the right frame of mind.<br />
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Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-82672431649457083472016-02-07T14:11:00.000+00:002016-02-07T14:17:38.059+00:00Sherlock Scribbles: The Great Mouse Detective <b>The '<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Sherlock%20Scribbles" target="_blank">Sherlock Scribbles</a>' series continues with Disney's take on the Great Detective. So, of course, everyone is now an anthropomorphised animal...</b><br />
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<b>Starring: </b>Barrie Ingham (Basil of Baker Street), Val Bettin (Dr Dawson) and Vincent Price (Professor Ratigan) with Basil Rathbone (Sherlock Holmes, voice clips)<br />
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<b>Synopsis: </b>In<b> </b>a world of mice within Victorian London, Basil of Baker Street, the Great Mouse Detective, teams up with retired solider Dr Dawson to investigate the disappearance of a toymaker - which leads him to the latest colossal scheme of his arch-nemesis; the despicable Professor Ratigan...<br />
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<b>Doyled or Spoiled?: </b>About an adventurous animated mouse who lives in Baker Street, <i>Basil </i>should be closer to <i>DangerMouse </i>than it is to Holmes but it is actually as faithful as it is charming. Basil and Dawson are perfect stand-ins for Holmes and Watson - Holmes' quirks and antisocial edges are not shaved off for Basil and Dawson is even said to have served in Afghanistan. There is the odd nod to the canon too - Basil allies himself with a loyal dog named Toby, the same dog that aids Holmes in Doyle's 'The Sign of Four.' Basil Rathbone cameos in the film - through lines taken from a radio recording of 'The Red-Headed League' - when we glimpse Holmes' shadow at one point. And, naturally, Basil and Ratigan's final confrontation involves a tussle at a great height...<br />
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<b>Highlight: </b> While everything comes together here to make such an endearing film, the fantastic animation is responsible for the standout sequences, for instance the eerie scene in a derelict toyshop, filled with broken dolls. What takes the crown, though, is certainly the hugely impressive final showdown inside Big Ben. It is practically entirely silent, save for the atmospheric grinding of the cogs and wheels and Ratigan's cries, as he devolves from sophisticated cad to savage sewer rat. It's probably one of the finest realisations of the Holmes vs Moriarty fight on screen (only <i>Sherlock</i> beats it, in my eyes).<br />
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<b>Verdict: </b>I believe this was my first brush with the world of Sherlock Holmes so I am endlessly fond of <i>Basil The Great Mouse Detective - </i>but any Sherlockian coming to it cold as an adult will find much to enjoy. Indeed, there is <a href="http://pre07.deviantart.net/9c56/th/pre/i/2013/355/0/8/season_3_ftw_by_xxx_teddybear_xxx-d6ytcjv.png" target="_blank">a lot </a><a href="http://41.media.tumblr.com/2ba582544f8db09430706b54e402901b/tumblr_mho8kwLbEQ1rwe3swo1_500.jpg" target="_blank">of </a><a href="http://33.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0ck7shG5l1r315kzo1_500.jpg" target="_blank">space </a><a href="http://img15.deviantart.net/f421/i/2012/102/6/2/sherlock__the_great___mouse___detective__by_superfizz-d4vw5st.jpg" target="_blank">on </a><a href="http://thegreatestmousedetective.tumblr.com/image/58248459595" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> dedicated to mash-ups of <i>Basil </i>and <i>Sherlock. </i>From a Disney point of view, the film also sows the seeds of their so-called Renaissance that was a few years away, combining a clever script with top class animation and voice talent. Because how can you not love a film that has Vincent Price as a rodent version of Moriarty? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final thought: is Vincent Price's Professor Ratigan a reference to the Giant Rat of Sumatra? </td></tr>
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Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-24482158394086478432016-01-27T18:37:00.000+00:002016-01-27T18:37:58.852+00:00Scribble Creatures Spotlight: Labyrinth <b>In memory of David Bowie, the <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Spotlights" target="_blank">Scribble Creatures Spotlight</a> series returns to take a journey through the <i>Labyrinth...</i></b><br />
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<a name='more'></a>It's a testament to the popularity of David Bowie's performance in cult 1980s fantasy film <i>Labyrinth </i>that, when the terrible news struck that the great man had passed away, countless fans took to the internet to write about their fond memories of his part as Jareth the Goblin King. Though Bowie had a long and illustrious musical career, this seemed to be what many people of a certain age remembered him for. Let's take a look why...<br />
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Firstly, even without mentioning Bowie there is an incredible combination of talent behind the film including - but not limited to - director Jim Henson, scriptwriter Terry Jones and producer George Lucas (back when he was still in people's good books). As such, there is flair in the script, visuals and music. The film is hugely of its time, particularly in the effects and Bowie-written soundtrack, but its fairy tale qualities keep it fresh. <br />
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<i>Labyrinth </i>is also rich in subtext which is something you may have missed if you've only seen it as a child. For instance, the tale is clearly happening inside protagonist Sarah's head, as nearly everything from the land of the Labyrinth can be seen around her bedroom at the beginning of the film, but unlike <i>The Wizard of Oz </i>it does not address this and leaves it for the audience to pick up on. In fact, it is almost an allegorical tale of Sarah coming to terms with growing up, and taking on board the responsibilities of adulthood. Here the film takes inspiration from Little Red Riding Hood; just as the wolf tries to make her stray from the path, Bowie's Goblin King tempts Sarah with promises of everything she could ever want - if she would just forget about her baby brother. Make no mistake, <i>Labyrinth </i>is a fairy tale, but in the Grimm sense rather than Disney.<br />
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Having said that, of course the film is stuffed to the rafters with brilliant puppetry that will delight children of all ages. The imagination of Henson's Workshop never runs dry here, from impressive feats of puppetry like the large Ludo to the deceptively simple like the Helping Hands who form faces with their digits. To give a believable performance opposite them is a difficult task but I think Jennifer Connelly pulls it off. However, the film will always belong to someone else...<br />
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Despite being the film's villain - stealing a baby, wearing a terrifying wig and, let's face it, attempting to romance a 14 year-old girl - it is impossible to dislike the Goblin King, even in the 'we-love-to-hate-him' way of other villains. It is a shame Bowie never got a chance to play the Devil (just as Neil Gaiman 'cast' him as in his <i>Sandman </i>comic), as Jareth is so deceptively smooth and charming. He even gets us to sing along with him when saying lines like 'slap that baby, make him free.'<br />
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Speaking of which, I mentioned above that the soundtrack was very much of its time but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Popular consensus has it that the lively <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kL355NM78-8" target="_blank">'Dance Magic Dance'</a> is the only good song here but that's because it's the only one that properly fits a family fantasy film. The foreboding <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v43wJeoFkCY" target="_blank">'Within You'</a> and romantic ballad <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcWvBz2v5YY" target="_blank">'As The World Falls Down'</a> are both solid Bowie songs (which means they're stupendous by anyone else's standards) but not very Muppet-friendly. Only <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTkDCUSTnUA" target="_blank">'Chilly Down'</a> disappoints, and that's probably because it isn't sung by Bowie.<br />
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So why is the film so fondly remembered? Perhaps because - and not to ignore all the hard work from everyone else behind the scenes - <i>Labyrinth </i>acts as a fantastic entry point, especially for younger viewers, to David Bowie. It sort of symbolises the approach to all of his work - intelligent yet accessible and delivering something special by going beyond the norm (certainly the norm of today's family films - I wouldn't expect this much subtext in, say, <i>Penguins of Madagascar</i>). They really don't make them like this any more. <br />
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RIP David Bowie. You shall always remind us of the babe.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Jareth steals Sarah's baby brother - and weirdly the audience's hearts.</td></tr>
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Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-88231411311281675412016-01-23T00:15:00.000+00:002016-01-23T00:16:44.657+00:00Steven Moffat to Leave Doctor Who in 2017 <b>It has been announced that current <i>Doctor Who </i>showrunner Steven Moffat is to leave the series and will be replaced by previous <i>Who </i>writer Chris Chibnall...</b><br />
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Moffat's last series in charge will be Series Ten which, in a shocking move, will not air this year but instead in the spring of 2017. By that point, the <i>Sherlock </i>co-creator will have taken hold of the show's reigns for an impressive seven years. </div>
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Series Eleven will then broadcast in 2018, with Chris Chibnall in the head role. Chibnall has written several episodes for the show before, including '42', <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/doctor-who-series-seven-ep-2-4-review.html" target="_blank">'Dinosaurs on a Spaceship'</a> and 'The Power of Three.' He was also the head writer of spin-off <i>Torchwood's </i>first two series as well as the creator of hit crime drama <i>Broadchurch </i>(which is famous for being a home for former <i>Who </i>actors like Arthur Darvill, Eve Myles and David Tennant)<i>. </i></div>
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For any fans wondering how they are going to make it through until then without any series this year, there will still be the traditional Christmas special as well as the spin-off <i><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/new-doctor-who-spin-off-alert.html" target="_blank">Class</a>, </i>which is coming this Autumn. </div>
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This is surely a sad day for <i>Doctor Who </i>fans (no matter what the Moffat haters say). It can't be denied that Moffat has steered the show through its most ambitious and inventive run ever, with series arcs getting more extensive than ever before, the idea of time travel explored to a fuller extent and stories tackling some really big themes like the <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/review-doctor-who-dark-water.html" target="_blank">afterlife</a>, <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/review-doctor-who-woman-who-lived.html" target="_blank">immortality</a> and <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Series%208" target="_blank">the Doctor's increasing darkness</a>. Moffat has indelibly left his mark on the show and it will be incredibly hard to match, let alone, top the creativity of his tenure. </div>
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For me personally, Moffat is responsible for my favourite era of the show ever, in Matt Smith's time as the Doctor - which is no light thing for me to say as a fan of all 50 years and counting of the series. That era, in particular, encapsulates the scale, energy and heart of <i>Doctor Who </i>better than any other for me and I can't see it being replaced in that any time soon. </div>
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Still, to end on a lighter note, I avidly await Series Ten next year which promises to be a wonderful run, with more Peter Capaldi and a new companion at his side, so hopefully it will be a fitting send-off for Steven Moffat. As for Chris Chibnall, I can't say his episodes rank up there with my favourites but I congratulate him on landing what must be the best job on telly. I hope he does the show justice. </div>
Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-24960800233551707212016-01-10T14:54:00.000+00:002016-01-24T15:58:48.758+00:00Review: A Doctor Who Fan on Star Wars: The Force Awakens <i>This piece was originally published on </i><a href="http://www.cultbox.co.uk/reviews/movies/a-doctor-who-fans-reaction-to-star-wars-the-force-awakens" target="_blank">Cultbox</a><i> but, as it fitted in with my '<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/review-skyfall-doctor-who-fan-on-james.html" target="_blank">a </a></i><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/review-skyfall-doctor-who-fan-on-james.html" target="_blank">Doctor W</a><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/review-doctor-who-fan-on-star-trek-2009.html" target="_blank">ho </a><i><a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/review-doctor-who-fan-on-star-trek-2009.html" target="_blank">fan on...</a>' series, I've reposted it here. So make sure to give those guys a click </i><i>before reading at <a href="http://cultbox.co.uk/">http://cultbox.co.uk/</a>!</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
For me, <i>Doctor Who </i>and <i>Star Wars </i>come from opposite ends of
the sci-fi spectrum. While the latter is a big-budget blockbuster saga
revolving around a group of rebels fighting galaxy-spanning battles, <i>Doctor
Who </i>is a generally underfunded television series about a lone man who
travels around in a ramshackle time machine. That said, neither of them are
known for their hard science as both fall on the fantasy and adventure-driven
side of things. And they do sort of share a linchpin theme of the never-ending
struggle between good and evil.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
For whatever reason then, I've never really 'got' <i>Star Wars. </i>I've vaguely watched the prequels and though I thought the first three movies (that is to say <i>Episodes IV-VI - </i>why can't <i>Star Wars </i>have simple numbering like the Doctors?) were good films they've never hooked me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
So how did <i>The Force Awakens </i>compare to the others? Well, whether it was the fact of seeing it in its natural home of the cinema, or the actual film itself, I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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While there were lots of breath-taking visuals and action set pieces, what immediately stood out to me were the lead characters. Brilliantly played by young British talents Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, Rey and Finn were two relatable people thrown into a wild adventure - something that reminds me of <i>Doctor Who </i>companions who are likewise the audience's eyes and ears. The two leads - plus a fun supporting role from Oscar Isaac as ace pilot Poe Dameron - somehow hold their own against the presence of the series' classic protagonists who rightly take more of a back seat to make way for the new guys. Despite the fine acting on show, however, my favourite character is probably BB-8. A terrific creation, he could be a rip-off of R2-D2 (who he effectively replaces in the film) but the design work - which allows him to show expression through moving his head - helps give him his own character beyond just another perky, brave droid. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXmdRt5CTnYffUkjS1lIl1Lk_5uW51kMyMW-v4HpqDZjGDirZP8bdcEK5cRRkl-LHyuaMFvbnsmhdqbJ5l8oCyd069dXqAg3Tatk80hwEnWKR4fVNbQyAeYgzJFSK1HoSG4BK4nxLG7_0/s1600/ForceAwakensQuote.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXmdRt5CTnYffUkjS1lIl1Lk_5uW51kMyMW-v4HpqDZjGDirZP8bdcEK5cRRkl-LHyuaMFvbnsmhdqbJ5l8oCyd069dXqAg3Tatk80hwEnWKR4fVNbQyAeYgzJFSK1HoSG4BK4nxLG7_0/s1600/ForceAwakensQuote.png" /></a>On the other <i>side </i>of things, Kylo Ren is obviously not the instant pop culture icon that Darth Vader was but this is worked into the story in a canny bit of metatextuality as the First Order's prime villain feels that he is himself under Vader's shadow. There's more of Adam Driver's face beneath the mask than you might expect but he gives me a chilling performance, reminding me of the love child of Alan Rickman and Javier Bardem (no? Just me?). And the reveal of his true parentage is one of the film's best shocks - shocking in that it is thrown away in such a casual manner. The best surprise of the film though is Ren's murder of this own father - none other than Han Solo! The death of arguable the saga's best loved character is a ballsy move that has to be applauded. Even as a non-fan, the death of such a behemoth hero of cinema leaves your jaw hanging. </div>
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It wasn't a perfect film, of course, as there were a few superfluous scenes (the sequence with Han's enemies and the rathtars, for instance) and narrative contrivances (e.g. R2 suddenly waking up so Luke can be found in time for the film's end). Perhaps the most prominent issue is the reusing of plot and character beats from previous movies - even as a layman, they were hard to miss. It's an approach that is in danger of crossing over from the nostalgic nod to full-on plagiarism. It's a shame Abrams didn't learn from the negative reaction <i>Star Trek Into Darkness </i>received from some quarters after it aped <i>The Wrath of Khan. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Overall, though, <i>The Force Awakens </i>delivers on the most important thing: it's a fun, entertaining adventure film which harks back to the original trilogy and yet is still clearly able to win over the few who aren't already familiar with the saga and awaken the inner Jedi within. <i> </i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BQhGu58wYvS0lf3WXjz6LMkBdKFdjxPn0fI925Hx59iJn3FnoM1RAYSbesj_nOXJmK7Bes0Z6R2fqkiKZF5w9Zpqk5zpED-FyOaSTFy_2KFnEVcxj-Qiw2r4a0jBnVUZzvw8DaMPK9pT/s1600/Star-Wars-Force-Awakens-Rey-Finn-BB8-running-667x334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BQhGu58wYvS0lf3WXjz6LMkBdKFdjxPn0fI925Hx59iJn3FnoM1RAYSbesj_nOXJmK7Bes0Z6R2fqkiKZF5w9Zpqk5zpED-FyOaSTFy_2KFnEVcxj-Qiw2r4a0jBnVUZzvw8DaMPK9pT/s400/Star-Wars-Force-Awakens-Rey-Finn-BB8-running-667x334.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future stars Daisy Ridle<i>y, </i>John Boyega and<i> </i>BB-8 lead this surprisingly fun film<i>.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i>Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3914182540807297086.post-14043280780110571282016-01-05T20:56:00.000+00:002016-01-05T20:56:01.527+00:00Doctor Who: Other Dimensions - The Sixth Doctor's Last Adventure<b>The '<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Other%20Dimensions" target="_blank"><i>Doctor Who: </i>Other Dimensions</a>' series continues as we take a look at the story behind what we saw on TV...</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gYdM_PfYhVKM8MiHFemAjFAtVsOWAzjGagdbTzQy0LOPOxjxqORfbpU2IIWvqxbjfRphnH6K5c3fgq2t6l1dt8CY-amuA_cngWLvg9JQ5eemf2Nk0dP9-p8FK4J_vkmQ9lpSqjbyvdyT/s1600/Sixth-Doctor-Last-Adventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2gYdM_PfYhVKM8MiHFemAjFAtVsOWAzjGagdbTzQy0LOPOxjxqORfbpU2IIWvqxbjfRphnH6K5c3fgq2t6l1dt8CY-amuA_cngWLvg9JQ5eemf2Nk0dP9-p8FK4J_vkmQ9lpSqjbyvdyT/s400/Sixth-Doctor-Last-Adventure.jpg" width="281" /></a> </div>
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<i>'I'm a Time Lord who's out of time.'</i></div>
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Being the die-hard <i>Doctor Who </i>fans that they are, Big Finish's MO is to expand on the TV series. Think that companion didn't get enough adventures? Don't worry, Big Finish have it sorted. Want this Doctor to meet that monster? You can listen to it on CD or download! Recently, they finally got around to righting one of the biggest wrongs of the classic series - <a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-twelve-regenerations-before.html" target="_blank">the Sixth Doctor's regeneration</a>. Have a look at the original below:<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4_OT2obe710/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4_OT2obe710?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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Not really a dignified way to go for a Time Lord, is it? Thankfully, the four-part boxset <i>The Sixth Doctor: The Last Adventure </i>(featuring stories from across his life) gives him a much more fulfilling end.<br />
<br />
The opener to the mini-series seems to take inspiration from that of the Tenth Doctor's final adventures as <i>The End of the Line </i>resembles 'Planet of the Dead' (perhaps by way of 'Midnight') as it sees an ordinary train pass through an interchange and end up in another dimension. A taught, atmospheric yarn, there are also a couple of jaw-dropping twists that this listener didn't see coming. We also get to meet Sixie's latest companion, Constance Clarke, who we are told was a Wren at Bletchley Park. Miranda Raison does a fine job so I look forward to eventually hearing her introductory story.<br />
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<i>The Red House </i>might be the least best of the four, as it lacks the surprises of the first part, although it does sport a fun twist on the usual werewolf tale - and kudos for the use of the original pronunciation of the term (<i>were </i>not <i>where</i>). There is also good use of perhaps Big Finish's definitive companion, Charley Pollard, as the Valeyard uses the Edwardian Adventuress' status as a complicated event in time and space for his own malevolent ends.<br />
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The penultimate tale <i>Stage Fright </i>travels to Victorian times (there's a lot of that<a href="http://chalbo.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/review-sherlock-abominable-bride.html" target="_blank"> going on of late</a>) and has the Doctor and Flip team up with the ever-endearing investigators of infernal incidents Jago and Litefoot. Unlike the relationship of equals that he shares with Constance and Charley, Sixie's paternal side is showcased here as he mentors the younger, less experienced Flip. He's also at his most vulnerable as he sees himself as culpable for the Valeyard's crimes - as the villain kills innocent folk in a bid to recreate all the Doctor's previous deaths. Just in time for his next one... <br />
<br />
And so the Sixth Doctor finally comes to <i>The Brink of Death</i>, as he fights to save himself and stop the Valeyard's dominion over time. Firstly, a word for Michael Jayston, whose shadow lurks over this boxset. What the Valeyard lacks in subtlety (he's always cackling away like a pantomime villain) he makes up for in style. Jayston's timbrous tones do all the hard work, immediately making the Valeyard a credible threat. Elsewhere, Mel does less than the other companions on show here but is
still far removed from the perky screamer she was on-screen. The companion role is actually filled more by the likeable Genestra, a Gallifreyan who dreams of seeing the universe (sound familiar?). <br />
<br />
So what of the Sixth Doctor's death? I won't spell it out but suffice it to say that it gives him the self-sacrifice that every Doctor deserves for their regeneration. There is also a timey-wimey edge to it which recalls Steven Moffat's knack for using time travel to up the tragedy. <br />
<br />
One of Big Finish's greatest triumphs has always been their reclamation of the Sixth Doctor, turning him from the, let's face it, mostly muddled and misfired character on screen (the fault of the writers, never Colin Baker) into a much more endearing incarnation. Here they followed through with this to, at long last, give him a fitting farewell. It's a magnificent change. And not a moment too soon...<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AsXs8osKVsqB0EthBDgbosPKMuqztbvSqueSl1Vr-plP2xmQbwpsyR98_efWEHSfVGggXalbLDq2I5VUZD4PcqUSQKlwsCaml0b5_SUDXgxPlRxmBLJKHaJI2qerrZJrvnScNvkPrngp/s1600/tumblr_ntftjdEeSZ1rnnroro1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AsXs8osKVsqB0EthBDgbosPKMuqztbvSqueSl1Vr-plP2xmQbwpsyR98_efWEHSfVGggXalbLDq2I5VUZD4PcqUSQKlwsCaml0b5_SUDXgxPlRxmBLJKHaJI2qerrZJrvnScNvkPrngp/s400/tumblr_ntftjdEeSZ1rnnroro1_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Regeneration Game - The end is nigh for the Sixth Doctor. </td></tr>
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Chalbohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17592515847774274311noreply@blogger.com0