In preparation for the Christmas episode, the BBC has released a brief plot synopsis of the episode.
“Orbiting a quiet backwater planet, the massed forces of the universe’s deadliest species gather, drawn to a mysterious message that echoes out to the stars,” it reads. “Rescuing Clara from a family Christmas dinner, the Time Lord and his best friend must learn what this enigmatic signal means for his own fate and that of the universe.”
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I'd love to hear your thoughts on what we discovered about Matt's injury incorporated into the storyline with the Doctor losing a leg.
What do you make of Matt's last filmed scene as the Doctor with him hanging in harness with a look of despair and loss in front of 200 people?
What do you make of Matt's doctor aging in the episode?
What do you think of Clara's presence and the return to Trenzalore?
What do you think the financial success of the television and cinematic release means for the franchise?
I have to admit I am delighted to hear it has done so well. Although there are many David Tennant fans who are quite fanatical and almost territorial/exclusive about their Doctor, most reports indicate it is Matt Smith who has turned this franchise into a global phenomenon. Not only are Matt fans inclusive, but they tend to have a wider appreciation for the franchise as a whole.
It is a testament to the series that fans of all generations and doctors have turned up to celebrate Doctor Who. I think it speaks volumes that records are being broken around the world and the ratings are so high.
I once had a conversation with my husband where I likened a Whovian to being a New Kids on the Block fan. The world saw what happened during Beatlemania and perhaps in time they will speak about what happened in a slightly less degree with NKOTB. There was an inclusive global community that spread love and lacked all signs of rationality during the band's peak. Years later, I find myself on a bus when my eyes drift up at a stranger wearing a tanktop with NKOTB scrawled on it. I smile and ask, "Who's your favourite?" and a conversation begins with nostalgic stories of our childhood or teenage years growing up in Argentina and Canada and what it means to be a New Kids fan. This happens a lot. Strangers becoming friends over a boy band from years back.
I find the same to be true amongst Whovians (in particular Matt Smith fans). I have met people in parking lots, bathrooms, on the street and anywhere else you can imagine. It always starts off with a compliment on a shirt or button (or often in my case asking 'Who is your doctor?) and expands into a whole conversation about the show, our doctors and how our lives are slightly altered by the experience. It's a marvellous thing to be part of history no matter how small. There is a sense that Whovians just created their own generation of "Who Shot JR?" moments in television history.
I'm starting to get a sense that the emotional devastation we felt over Matt leaving will be amplified with his departure. It's rare to see your doctor have a merciless end. We will witness our beloved doctor grow old in a planet full of death as he loses a leg and most likely falls to his death. This has to be one of the darkest final hours for any Doctor and it is happening to the optimist and one that encouraged hope, inclusivity, equality, justice and love.
PART ONE
Matt and Jenna on the appeal of the show.
Marcus on Jenna.
Steven on why he thinks Doctor Who is the best show.
Matt on audition and playing an alien.
Matt and Steven on working together initially and the Eleventh Hour.
Matt on his costume.
Steven on Matt's audition.
Matt on his age.
Matt and Steven on episode.
PART TWO
Jenna talks about discovering what it meant to be the Impossible Girl.
Steven Moffat discusses whether he reveals spoilers when distributing scripts.
Marcus Wilson talks about producing Steven's scripts.
Steven Moffat talks about John Hurt.
Steven Moffat on writing the anniversary special.
Jenna on companions in the episode.
Matt on working with John, David and Peter.
Marcus discusses leaving with Matt on the Christmas special.
Jenna, Steven and Matt talk about saddest moment.
The camera is really shaky, but since it is intended for us to be able to just listen in I think it is good.
PART THREE
Jenna, Matt and Steven on the scariest monsters.
Matt, Steven, Marcus and Jenna on proudest moments.
Steven on An Adventure in Space and Time
Matt and Jenna talk about the international appeal of the show, Day of the Doctor and Matt's last moments as the Doctor
Now back to the poster for "Time of the Doctor". I like the references to The Eleventh Hour by having the clock strike twelve and for the title to refer both to Time Lords and to the time theme we have seen throughout Matt's tenure.
The decapitated Cyberman and three Silence aliens intrigues me as it seems like they might have a stronger focus rather than the weeping angels and daleks. The Christmas tree and lights appear to be normal holiday fare, but it does remind me of when we saw the flying fish and had one of our saddest Christmas specials with the Doctor flying into the past, present and future. I have a gutted feeling that we will see Matt fall from the bell tower. Not only does the bell have an ominous tone, but there are only two options you can do with the prophecy. You can either make him fall as a tragic hero or you can make him literally fall towards the ground. I really hope they don't turn him into a tragic hero.
I am more elated after seeing Day of the Doctor in cinema than I was seeing the Mona Lisa in person at the Louvre. Matt Smith's artistry as an actor, John Hurt's subtle performance, David Tennant fanboying at every opportunity and Steven Moffat's creation makes this a more meaningful piece of art to me than anything I had the honour and privilege of seeing at the Louvre or Uffizi.
The event begins with a strict, yet wonderfully comedic, warning from Strax about proper etiquette in the theatre. The audience went wild as soon as he began describing the popcorn's screams and feasting on their bodies. The second video had Matt speak to us and a person off camera about 3D. The witty banter about the 100th anniversary, 57 doctors, and 12D made the audience chuckle quite a bit.
Admittedly, my heart skipped a beat when I saw Matt on the big screen. It is a marvelous thing to see the person you admire so greatly on a larger than life scale. It also allows you to relish in every nuance
and gesture. His performances are so settle that sometimes you need to watch him a second or possibly more times just to catch every moment.
There is one moment in particular that I really liked. It's the scene with David and John in the cell. You can see all the emotion in the profile of his face, especially his eyes. The moment that struck me was what he was doing with the carvings in stone. His fingers would swipe away markings and dust before gliding down the face for a second. It's the tiny things that make the moment seem real and genuine.
It'd be easier if I had the episode in front of me to pause and convey exactly why I think his performance stands out amongst others. It's not just his eyes are always searching or the tiny inflections in his voice, tilt of the head, crack of a smile, the way he holds his hands or slouches/straightens his shoulders. It's not just his gait, stride, and the way he holds his arms and points. There is something intrinsically more organic about the way he expresses his characters motives, emotions and personality.
John Hurt is always such a great performer and he understands the comedy in the script just as well as anyone else working on the project. I thought David was fantastic for the first time I saw him, but then I recalled a video where he talks about pulling faces and that is what I seemed to focus on the second viewing. He's still David. He's still awesome. It's just that it''s more apparent he doesn't quite match the caliber of John or Matt.
The cinematography and special effects were well done. Yes, there are moments that were noticeably not as smooth or authentic and it became more apparent on the big screen. I think leniency must be given to the fact this is a episode of television. It's not actually a feature film. It has the grandeur of film, but it's still television on a television budget.
Nick Hurran's direction was marvelous. We have seen his work before in the series with The Girl Who Waited, The God Complex, Asylum of the Daleks, and Angels Take Manhattan. Hurran has proven he understands action as much as he does drama and comedy. Steven Moffat has written his best script (other than "A Scandal in Bulgravia" for Sherlock and "Angels Take Manhattan/Name of the Doctor" for Doctor Who) I think he has truly outdone himself on this one. Thankfully, he didn't make us cry.
The Behind the Lens featurette at the end was equally fantastic. It never ceases to surprise me when I see Steven Moffat fanboying over his own work. I thought it was cute to hear him talk of the three doctors and then see him gleefully taking pictures of David, Matt and John. There was a great applause for all the classic and current doctors and a special whoop for Colin Baker at the end.
I think the most incredible aspect of watching it in cinema is experiencing it with people like the woman who sat next to me who was watching for the first time mixed in with people like myself who had seen it before. It's fascinating to hear people gasp, laugh, and everything in between. I could go on and on about this episode, but I think I might actually wait until the bluray comes out so that I can talk about scenes that really meant a lot and why they did so.
Until then, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the experience.
If you are like me trying to kill a bit of time before you see The Day of the Doctor in cinemas and 3D, you might want to check out these videos....
Steven Moffat, Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman receive a plaque stating The Day of the Doctor has been entered into the Guinness World Records for largest simulcast.
Doctor Who online goes to Stunt School
Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman and Steven Moffat on Doctor Who
Matt Smith and David Tennant perform lines from famous movies
The Regenerations on The Graham Norton Show
Matt Smith and David Tennant talk about hair and other things on The Graham Norton Show
Matt Smith and David Tennant answer Whovian questions on the Graham Norton Show
David and Matt talk about working together
Filming at Trafalgar Square
In awe of John Hurt
Matt Smith and David Tennant on the honour of playing Doctor Who
If anyone ever questions you on why you love Matt Smith, you should really point them out to this video
Considering the amount of distractions surrounding this little girl with cameras flashing and people talking on the side, Steven Moffat and people onto the other side, more entourage in the back and Matt bloody Smith in your face, I think she did a marvelous job. I have always loved how Matt interacts with children and I think this is another fine example.
Now for my reaction to the videos below.
Deleted Scene:
I think the deleted scene is cute, but should have stayed deleted. Seeing the three doctors shuffle in chains may have been a bit much.
Christmas trailer:
We hear Matt ask, "This planet. What is it called?" A voice answers, "Trenzalore". This implies the special takes place before The Name of the Doctor, his memory has been wiped, or trenzalore is a bit more than simply just a graveyard for dead time lords.
We see Daleks, cybermen, silence, weeping angels, which indicates Moffat is doing a monster mashup for Matt's farewell. I am not sure whether I would like such a monster mashup unless they only arrived at a climatic scene as we have seen in previous episodes. I would prefer more focus on the characters and their development.
We see and hear a bell toll at the end, which seems to be a common literary and cinematic reference to the end of one's life. This could be an emotional ringer depending on how well the bell is used.
The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot
Peter Davison has outdone himself on this one. He wrote and directed a comedic look at the classic doctors.
Right from the first moment when the children ask him if he will be in the anniversary special, we see Sylvester McCoy wearing a Hobbit t-shirt. McCoy plays Radagast the Brown in the first and second installments of The Hobbit.
Then we see Colin Baker in a multi-coloured shirt, which is a reference to his coat during his tenure as a doctor. Paul McGann shows up making everything just that more awesome. Steven Moffat is shown deleting messages.
Then we are back to Peter Davison with a sign saying "No classics. No 50", which is a great point in itself. It also nods to some of the fan and cast initial reactions. I love how there is a question mark on his shirt, which is a nod to Sylvester and he's wearing a shirt matching his cricket outfit. You have to love the nods to the many Ten and Eleven shirts out there with their costumes.
We go into a fantasy setting with Matt saying it is an honour to meet them and Jenna saying they are their favourite doctor. We are interrupted by John Barrowman pointing out the show is shot in Cardiff, which is a nod to the difference in where there the classic show was shot.
We see Sylvester looking at Peter Jackson calling and the boys strolling down the hallway wearing their costumed shirts. I thought it was a nice nod to the hero shot we get of John, David and Matt. Then there is the cute end as well.
Overall, I found it brilliant and one I've been showing many others. I would love to hear your thoughts on all these things. Let me know through the comments or social media.
ORIGINAL POST
My husband was playing online so I didn't have a chance to completely geek out and I'll be out of the house tomorrow, but I did want to write a short post. What are your reactions to:
I have been fangirling on social media. You can catch me on Google+ here and Twittter here. It's been hours since I saw Day of the Doctor and I'm still frothing at the mouth and squeeing all over the place. You can only imagine what I'm doing with these other videos. I will write a more detailed note once I get the chance. In the meantime, let me know here or in the other arenas what you think.
It's been 13 hours since I saw Day of the Doctor and I'm still giddy. Steven Moffat has just provided the world with the best high ever. With everyone from Wil Wheaton to Russell Crowe to other celebrities and fans weighing in, it is easy to see why we all get so excited over this one episode.
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Yes, there are a few things we all can agree upon that we didn't like about the episode. It is clear from the start we were hoping Christopher Ecclesston would have been able to put politics aside for a new production team and showrunner to film one regeneration scene. I think we can respect him for his decision, but the John Hurt regeneration scene could have been so much better with Christopher's blessing.
I also think most of us would say Billie Piper was not integrated as well as we had hoped. Rose simply became an interface and the reference to Bad Wolf was minimal. I think most of us would have loved to see her able to interact with David one more time. It almost seems heartbreaking to see the two of them in such close proximity and they can't really acknowledge each other. I can understand Moffat's decision to not further complicate matters with infusing more of a love story in the episode. I think Moffat did a fantastic job writing for two popular doctors and treating them equally. If we were to bring in the Rose love story, wouldn't that also mean we would have to bring in one of Matt's love stories as well? That would truly just be convuluting things for no particular reason.
I loved the self references in the episode and there were many. I think it was a nice touch the last words spoken by David are "I don't want to go" along with other key moments. I think Moffat gave us a humourous and yet understandable reason why Elizabeth hates the Doctor and wants his head. If you think about how many times the Doctor actually insults his fiance and the fact the marriage proposal (and wedding) was somewhat a farce to begin with, I think the worst part is that he says he will be right back at the wedding and then runs off into his TARDIS not to really be seen again. Although John's doctor notices right away that Ten seems to kiss quite a bit, it is cute to see Ten not handling the ladies as well.
I can already anticipate a few moments where 3D will appear tomorrow. Tossing the fez, broken glass, and raising the tablet were all things I speculated would be in 3D before I saw the episode. I predict some of the action scenes will be in 3D or perhaps the glowing interfaces we see on Gallifrey. The lucky participants who saw it in 3D at the cinemas will be able to correct me.
There is so much more I want to say, but a certain amount of time has passed so it's not all fresh in my head. I do know I was deeply impressed with Matt hanging out of the TARDIS. It was a nice nod to the Eleventh Hour along with knowing it's actually Matt 90 feet in the air. I also spent a lot of time in google+ communities, facebook and twitter talking to fans about our initial reactions. I might include them later in a blog post. I plan to write another review once I have seen it in 3D. In the meantime, here is what other people had to say.
Here are some reviews:
Entertainment Weekly caught things like the Ponds and Benedict Cumberbatch. Did you? here
The Guardian also picked up on some key factors here
A fan's review, but I question their credibility a bit here
Metro credits Russell T Davies for the special more so than Moffat here
The Independent points out plot holes, but loves it anyway here
The Telegraph has iffy credibility in his review, but I think it is worth a read here
ORIGINAL POST
I'm not at home so this will be short. How many of you think the Christmas special will be on Gallifrey? What did you think of Tom's cameo? What did you think of Capaldi? What about the self references? What about the scenes with Matt and David together? Talk more later
Both our boys were on tonight and it was quite cute. It's also surprising how much the other guests didn't know about the upcoming special.
They showed a clip from the episode and I love it when Matt gets serious.
One of my fav bits with our doctors is when a fan reveals he has the doctors autograph his arm so he can tattoo it. Matt recalls being drunk when he signed the man's arm at SDCC. It was touching to see the spot meant for David's signature.
An Adventure in Space and Time is beautifully written by Mark Gatiss and performed by David Bradley. The story begins with Canadian film producer, Sydney Newman, who pitches the idea of Doctor Who and makes two interesting appointments.
The first is Verity Lambert, a female producer, and Waris Hussein, the director. Considering there was still blatant sexism and discrimination in the workplace, it should be noted that Newman was extraordinary for making these choices. The choice to cast William Hartnell as the Doctor comes a bit later, but is the heart of the story.
The sentimental and evocative script allows us to get a glimpse of what it must have been like to launch such a show and to create such a iconic piece of television. The true accolades goes to David Bradley who masterfully portrays Hartnell on set and in the quiet of his own home.
We do get to see Matt Smith make a cameo in the show and he speaks in the special afterwards where we get to hear from the original people involved with the show and Hartnell's life. I strongly recommend this movie before you embark on tomorrow's adventure as it provides such a rich context for where the show began to where we are now.
You can follow all the action on the official Doctor Who Celebration Twitter feed here
You can find interesting pictures like:
Bernard Cribbins and fan
Doctor Who Online posts a picture of Jenna and Matt
An emotional meeting between Jenna Coleman and fan
Andy Futter takes a picture with Matt
One of the many reasons why we adore Matt (as he poses with a young fan)
Matt, Steven and Jenna
Peter, Sylvester and Colin
Moffat taunting Smith by saying "he's lovely that Capaldi" and Smith claiming "It's too soon." (and he's right)
Tardis dress
You can discover interesting facts like:
Steven Moffat: anyone who saw Matt Smith's first audition would have cast him straightaway - get it on @ YouTube?
The Ultimate Guide to Doctor Who played to 4.9% of the total audience share of the audience of 0.89 million people Monday night. The two hour documentary featured wonderful archival footage of the first doctor, regenerations, companions including the sexy Leela and Perry, fourth doctor, and cybermen. They discussed how the fifth doctor introduced self doubt and how his regeneration was upstaged by a pair of breasts.
Like the other doctors mentioned, we got showrunners and celebrities to discuss how the Master, Jon Simm, and sixth doctor had an impact on the series. There was discussion of the seventh doctor being comedic with influences from Buster Keaton, but also being the coldest and manipulative doctor who is even willing to use his companion to serve his purpose. They discussed male companions such as Mickey, Captain Jack and Rory. There was also a surprising number of people who spoke of the eighth doctor's groundbreaking kiss and being the first of the romantic doctors.
Praise was given to Christopher Eccleston's scene confronting the dalek in Dalek along with his style and introduction of psychic paper.
David Tennant's tenure was covered quite well with an amusing quip from David not understanding why he is considered the ladies man of the group and dismisses the amount of times caught kissing girls.
It also featured the band, McFly, talk about what they think of the Tardis and how Matt flirts with it.
There were also some amusing quotes:
On Why We Love Doctor Who
We still want to be scared. We still want to be inspired. But in the same way as when we were kids. -Paul McGann
We want a hero. That's what we want. -Paul McGann
On The Doctor
He's an explorer who is in love with the universe -Steven Moffat
On the TARDIS
Tardis is like a Narnia wardrobe -David Tennant
Tardis is not just a vehicle, it's another character - Paul McGann
On Patrick Troughton
Patrick Troughton had the hard job. When he took over that part, flipped it on its side, put its legs in the air, and he became this loving cosmic hobo who is disarming and charming - Colin Baker
He's not just the hero. He's the comedy hero. -Steven Moffat
If there wasn't a Patrick Troughton there wouldn't be a Matt Smith today -Sylvester McCoy
On Daleks
Ruthless enemy that looked ridiculous -Paul McGann on daleks
On Jon Pertwee
Once Jon Pertwee lays down those tracks, the other doctors run on it. They're all almost a little actiony after that. -Steven Moffat
On Matt Smith
When I heard they were going to get a 12 yr old to play Doctor Who, i was like nooooo you can't go for young. But then Matt came along, he's terrific. -Sylvester McCoy
I love that energy, it's youthful of course -Paul McGann
He's like a boffin and an action hero at the same time. - Steven Moffat
He captures the character perfectly. I just think he was born to play that role. - Karen Gillan
He's one of the sillier versions of the character. He definitely played up the alien aspect. He's so not of earth. - Karen Gillian
I love the sheer brilliance of his physical comedy -Sophie Aldred
He's somewhere on the bowtie access between Indiana Jones and Stan Laurel - Steven Moffat
It reminds me of a silent screen comedian -Paul McGann
He thinks he's cool and is utterly wrong - Steven Moffat
Words escape me as I attempt writing my fiftieth post. Tears feel like acid burning my eyes as I wipe them away with my sleeve. Steven Moffat has outdone himself with the prequel and The Name of the Doctor. I would say that the pain feels much more real in this episode than in The Angels Take Manhattan.
I think in part, because it is the last series episode we shall ever see with Matt. I have a hard time wrapping my head around that prospect. He may be the Roger Moore of the franchise, but then again he is so unequivocally more than that. I recall the first time I heard Matt speak after the announcement and he was surprised at the emotional devastation left by the fans. To some degree, we were acting as if he had died and it was our time to mourn. I think that moment speaks volumes to what he does mean to us. It is so hard to say goodbye and there does seem to be a void left in our hearts. It is almost like for a moment we simply don't know how to move on.
Yes, we may have two episodes left, but it isn't the same. Not really. There will never be anyone like him. In my humble opinion, there will never be anyone nearly as talented.
My journey into the Whoniverse began with this episode. I already knew that Matt would forever be my doctor. I just didn't know that I would see all the references in the episode as a gateway into learning more about the franchise. The opening scene with Clara interacting with all the doctors and later again with the Great Intelligence bearing witness to the various doctors and once more with all the faces and moments flying around the Doctor's life stream.
It beckoned me to embark on a journey into this universe. If I allowed my curiosity to get the better of me, I would discover there is so much more to this show than superficial entertainment. Now that I have dabbled with the classic doctors and took the time to try learning more about this marvellous show and its community, I am thankful for the people I have met along the way and for the closeness it has brought to me and my family as a new member of the Whovian community.
When I come across other fans who think that this is all there is and it's okay to only know one or two doctors, I hang my head a bit lower these days. It is like saying you understand the Trek universe, because you watched Enterprise but none of the other series or movies. Or you truly understand Star Wars because you saw one film or better yet an episode of Robot Chicken or Family Guy without watching the rest. Better yet, it is akin to saying you are a true Indiana Jones fan after only seeing the
(non existent) fourth film. These things are only a sliver of what that universe holds and only a fragment of the beauty that lies within it. It is like stardust sprinkled within the universe. It may appear pretty, but it's so very little.
The self referential moments (outside of the clips) are also amusing. The mention of London 1893,
soufflé girl, reunion of old friends, St. John's Ambulance on the door,
The Greater Intelligence may need to get better henchmen. They remind me of Wheadon's Gentlemen in Hush.
I did, however, enjoy the poetic moments of discovering what lies in trenzlemore and the Doctor referring to the children being little daleks once his blindfold came off. The interplay between River and Clara was also interesting as the old and potential new loves meet. It is cute when Clara begins fishing for some answers.
Clara: So who was she? The lady with the funny name and space hair? Doctor: An old friend of mine. Clara: What like an ex? Doctor: Yes, an ex.
The Doctor's phrasing is interesting as it would be so simple to say she is my wife. The fact that he shies away from it and then understates her importance is equally intriguing. I almost forgot about that moment as soon as I saw Matt/Doctor crying over Trenzalore.
Seeing the graveyard now that we are about to watch the upcoming special takes on a different meaning. It hits you differently in the same way you can't watch the guards at the beginning of the episode in the same light now that we have seen The Last Day. It is also hard not to notice the gravestones are given to soldiers and the larger ones indicate a higher rank so what does it say when the Doctor's tomb dwarves and shadows all the rest? I did think it was a nice touch that he was buried with his TARDIS.
We are reminded of River and Clara's connection in the graveyard when the women speak to one another and Clara learns that River is his wife. At this point, we are assured River is dead harking back to our first meeting with her and David. She is now the database Ten placed her in.
When the Greater Intelligence confronts the Doctor outside his tomb, we are reminded that not everyone sees him in a positive vein. "Doctor lives his life in darker hues day upon day and he will have other names before the end. Storm, the beast, the valeyard" These criticisms seem to foreshadow John Hurt's version of the Doctor lying within the time stream and what we are about to discover in the upcoming special.
Clara begins to remember her conversation with the Doctor in the TARDIS upon the cliff. We are reminded that every moment with Clara is meaningful. Just as Amy's beginning and farewell ended with her first words, we are also reminded at the beginning and end of the episode of Clara's first words as herself "I don't know where I am".
It is only when The Doctor and the Greater Intelligence confront each other in the tomb do we see how diabolical he truly is.
Doctor: Time travel is damage. It's like a tear in the fabric of reality. That is the scar tissue of my journey through the universe. My path through time and space. From Gallifrey to Trenzalore. (Voices) my own personal time traveller. All the days even the ones I haven't lived yet. No, no, which is why I shouldn't be here. The paradox is very bad. No, no somebody stop him.
Greater Intelligence: The doctor's life is an open wound, and an open wound can be entered.
Doctor: No, it will destroy you.
Greater Intelligence: not at all. It will kill me. It will destroy you. I can rewrite your every living moment. I can turn every of your victories into defeats. Poison every friendship. Deliver pain to your every breath.
Doctor: It will burn you up. Once you go through you can't come back. You will be scattered along my time line like confetti.
Greater Intelligence: It matters not, doctor, you thwarted me at every turn. Now you will give me peace as I take my revenge. Every second of your life, goodbye. Goodbye doctor.
This moment seems to bring clarity to Clara, but the viewers also get a chance to be with Vastra as she realizes what it would mean if the Doctor's history was rewritten. Meanwhile, we hear Clara's talk with the Doctor.
Clara: I have to go in there. Doctor: Please, please, don't. Clara: But this is what I've already done. You've already seen me do it. I'm the impossible girl. And this is why -
As we see River and Clara talk to one another, we are reminded why both these women have earned the Doctor's love.
Clara: Well how about that? I'm soufflé girl after all Doctor: No, please. Clara: (get everyone out of here as fast as you can) Doctor: No Clara Clara: In fact, you know what? Run, run you clever boy and remember me.
With those last words, she steps in to save the Doctor. The repetition of words makes the moment even more special. I think the most warmest and surprising moment is between The Doctor and River. After both actors having a somewhat awkward chemistry with moments of flirtation and seemingly honesty, it is their farewell moment to one another that seems quite genuine and believable. River calls out to him and raises her arm when he catches it without looking at her. He turns around.
River: How are you doing that? I'm not even really here. Doctor: You're always here to me and I always listen and I can always see you. River: Then why didn't you speak to me? Doctor: Because I thought it would hurt too much. River: I believe I could have coped. Doctor: No, I thought it would hurt me and I was right.
Then HE kisses her. Passionately.
Doctor: Since no one else can see you god knows how that looked. There is a time to live and a time to sleep. You are an echo river. Like Clara, like all of us. My fault, I know. But you should have faded by now. River: It's hard to leave when you haven't said goodbye. Doctor: Tell me, because I don't know. How do I say it? River: There's only one way I'd accept. If you ever loved me, say it like you're going to come back. Doctor: Well then, see you around Professor River Song.
It is with those words that seem to express how we feel. How do we say it? How do we say goodbye?
I hated Nightmare in Silver the first time I saw it. The episode relishes in its own mythology of the Cybermen with most references dating back to the classic era. I've never enjoyed the Cybermen mostly because I find them foreign enough to be annoying, but not so much to find them terrifying. I find the second viewing allows me to ignore them and to concentrate on the moments I do/did find amusing such as watching Warwick Davis and Matt battle it out against himself.
Critics seemed to universally praise Smith's performance, but found the hype surrounding the Cybermen disappointing. Here is what those involved with the episode had to say
Here are some of my favourite moments.
1. The Doctor and Clara's relationship continues to amuse me.
Clara: I trust the doctor. Captain: You think he knows what he's doing? Clara: I'm not sure I'd go that far.
2. Seeing Matt behave badly. Is it weird that I find it so delightful watching him play the Cyber Planner?
Doctor: Stop rummaging in my mind.
Cyber Planner: Just try and stop me. It's a treat seeing Matt perform two roles so beautifully.
CP: I know who you are, you're the impossible girl.
CP: Wakey wakey boys and girls. Matt genuinely looks creepy delivering this line.
CP: Clara, I suppose I'm the only one that knows how I feel about you right now. How funny you are. So funny. How pretty and truth is I'm starting to like you in a way that is more than in just Admit it. A part of you was hoping it was the Doctor saying these lines.
3. The references to Nine "fantastic" and Ten "Allons-y".
4. The Doctor's expression when he hears himself talk about Clara. "Impossible girl. Mystery wrapped in an enigma that is squeezed into a skirt that is a little too tight. What are you?"
Admittedly, I did not like The Crimson Horror the first time I saw it, but the second viewing unearths some cute gems. I can further appreciate the on and off screen mother and daughter relationship between Diana Rigg and Rachel Stirling along with a few other notes.
1. Matt's shuffle towards the steam room reminds me of Frankenstein.
2. The scenes between Ada and the Doctor where she refers to him as her monster. It is also sad to see her discover he is gone from his cell and we hear her whimpering "where are you monster? Where are you?"
3. The lightheartedness of the Doctor's antics including leaping out of the steam room towards Jenny, "Ah. Miss me?" There is also the moment when he confronts Mrs. Gillyflower, "I'm the doctor. You're nuts and I'm going to stop you."
4. Matt kissing people. The Doctor dips and kisses Jenny. She slaps him and he says, "you have no idea how good that feels." The Doctor kisses Clara on the forehead. He also kisses Ada on the cheek.
5. The old footage.
6. The Doctor and Clara apply to Sweetsville as Doctor and Mrs. Smith, a cute nod to Matt's name.
7. The Doctor and Clara's relationship and how he often refers to it as complicated. I also like their little chat at the end.
Doctor: You're the boss. Clara: Am I? Doctor: No, no. Get in.
8. Strax's comments including "Horse, you have failed in your mission. We are lost without any sign of sweetsville. Do you have any last words before your summary execution? "
9. Jenna looks like Helena Bonham Carter when she comes out of the steam room. Matt sometimes reminds me of Johnny Depp as well.
10. The empowerment of women while still kicking ass.
Matt Smith Prepares to Finally Say
Farewell to Doctor Who here
Matt Smith preps for Doctor Who farewell
in 50th-anniversary special (with video) here
Matt Smith: 'David's doctor is swashbuckling, mine's more of a weirdo!' here Matt Smith to exit Doctor Who here Doctor Who goes Global here As he exits Doctor Who, the world knows who Matt Smith is here Rumour: Matt Smith called in for Star Wars VII here
I just watched The Last Day, which is the second mini episode released on iTunes yesterday.
In it, we see a soldier providing training to another soldier when they are attacked by Daleks. Let me know if you want me to put up the transcription of the video as I can just copy the captions on iTunes.
I'm itching to talk about what I just saw as the surprise attack does take you off guard and it also gives us a glimpse into the life on Gallifrey. It also strongly implies we are going to actually see the war between the Time Lords and Daleks and what it was like during those last moments.
For a picture, go here and for a better description go here
