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[Vanadium 50]

The Zygons were originally from the Tom Baker era where costumes were less expensive and lower tech than today.

One thing I like about Capaldi is that you can really believe he's an older Tom Baker, and an older John Pertwee, and an older Matt Smith and even an older Sylvester McCoy.

 

[strangerep]

The Zygons were originally from the Tom Baker era where costumes were less expensive and lower tech than today.

Yes, but the Silurians were from the even-earlier Jon Pertwee era, and they were updated quite well in the modern series.

One thing I like about Capaldi is that you can really believe he's an older Tom Baker, and an older John Pertwee, and an older Matt Smith and even an older Sylvester McCoy.

An older Jon Pertwee?? Surely not.

Hmm,... checking Wikipedia,... I calculate that Pertwee was 55 when he stopped playing Dr Who. Capaldi first played Dr Who in 2013, making him... 55. What a coincidence.

 

[Algr]

Yes, but the Silurians were from the even-earlier Jon Pertwee era, and they were updated quite well in the modern series.

I wouldn't say that. Physics Forums ought to know the problem with boobs on a reptile. The original silurians were a single-gender race, (or if they weren't, we couldn't tell the difference.) and so seemed more alien. The new series silurians are just the usual humans in makeup. Does it make sense that humans could understand Silurian facial expressions and body language?

 

[strangerep]

Physics Forums ought to know the problem with boobs on a reptile.

Ha! Good point. Hadn't thought of that.

 

[Algr]

Now this is what an alien ought to look like.

This is just scales and human clothes on an actress.

 

[OmCheeto]

Ha! Good point. Hadn't thought of that.

Well, her head is full of bony-like protrusions. Perhaps she just has a pair of conveniently placed horns. Like a horny-toad Madonna.

Anyways, Drakkith was explaining to someone on another thread yesterday about the difference between science fiction and science fantasy.
After reading the discussion, I watched a 1978 episode, http://www.hulu.com/watch/570367#i0,p8,s15,d0 , where they shrank people.
It's probably because of PF that I stopped to think about the implications, and decided that shrinking people was science fantasy, as oxygen molecules would be mismatched in size, and the shrunken people would suffocate.

Update: I've now watched about 370 episodes in around 100 days. I should have taken better notes, as I'm never going to remember all of this.

 

[Vanadium 50]

I wouldn't say that. Physics Forums ought to know the problem with boobs on a reptile.

Like Jane Badler in V?

 

[Vanadium 50]

Now this is what an alien ought to look like

Technically, they are not aliens. (Indeed, that's part of a plot point)

An older Jon Pertwee?? Surely not.

I was imprecise - I should have said 3rd, 4th, and I think 7th Doctors.

 

[strangerep]

Like Jane Badler in V?

I was imprecise - I should have said 3rd, 4th, and I think 7th Doctors.

?? Jon Pertwee was the 3rd Doctor, afaik.

 

[strangerep]

Well, her head is full of bony-like protrusions. Perhaps she just has a pair of conveniently placed horns. Like a horny-toad Madonna.

Oh, you just ruined it for me.

Actually, her human-like well-manicured fingernails tend to give it away too.

I've now watched about 370 episodes in around 100 days. I should have taken better notes, as I'm never going to remember all of this.

When you reach the end, you might enjoy this documentary about the early days of Dr Who. I found it interesting, although William Hartnell's mental decline was rather sad.

 

[Loren]

Best Companion — Romona II (Romanadvoratrelundar — Lady Lalla Ward)

Well, it was refreshing to have someone on par with the Doctor for a change.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Jon Pertwee was the 3rd Doctor, afaik.

Yes, and Baker was the 4th, and McCoy the 7th. Your point?

 

[strangerep]

Yes, and Baker was the 4th, and McCoy the 7th. Your point?

Thank you. (I didn't realize we were scoring points here.)

 

[strangerep]

A piece of trivia...

I was watching an older episode (The Fires of Pompeii, circa Tennant+Tate). In the supporting cast were Peter Capaldi and Karen Gillan.

Does anyone know of other episodes in which an actor appeared briefly, who sbbsequently played a major (different) character in later series?

 

[OmCheeto]

A piece of trivia...

I was watching an older episode (The Fires of Pompeii, circa Tennant+Tate). In the supporting cast were Peter Capaldi and Karen Gillan.

Does anyone know of other episodes in which an actor appeared briefly, who sbbsequently played a major (different) character in later series?

Does the "Classic" Dr Who series count?
There's one guy that has been in 3 separate episodes, so far.
Googling indicates that his real name is Milton Johns.

And just to keep everyone up to date, I just started season 17. (1979)
To date, the only character from the series that I've recognized has been Geoffrey Palmer, of "As Time Goes By" fame.
I believe he's played two separate rolls so far.

 

[Algr]

Best Companion — Romona II (Romanadvoratrelundar — Lady Lalla Ward)

Well, it was refreshing to have someone on par with the Doctor for a change.

Yes. I was hoping that the 'Doctor Who Legacy' game would let you put her in the Doctor's slot.

Does anyone know of other episodes in which an actor appeared briefly, who subsequently played a major (different) character in later series?

The most famous one is Colin Baker, who played a Time Lord bad-guy before becoming the Doctor. (Bigger role than Capaldi's.) Agatha Freeman played a different character the very episode before she became Martha. Nicholas Courtney played in a Hartnell episode before becoming the Brigadier.

 

[strangerep]

There's one guy that has been in 3 separate episodes, so far.
Googling indicates that his real name is Milton Johns.

One wonders if there was really a shortage a sufficiently talented actors in Britain, or whether this just reflects the various directors' favorites.

(Josh Whedon, of Buffy/Angel fame, seems to have a tendency to re-use his favorite young actresses -- until they get too old. )

 

[strangerep]

Agatha Freeman played a different character the very episode before she became Martha.

I guess you mean Freema Agyeman ?

(I also just noticed that Capaldi had an important supporting role in Torchwood -- Children of Earth.)

This is all in contrast to my recollections of "The Bill", where I never recognized a repeat performance by any actor. But perhaps that's because the inhabitants of South London were all portrayed as somewhat 1-dimensional?

 

[meBigGuy]

Best Companion — Romona II (Romanadvoratrelundar — Lady Lalla Ward) Well, it was refreshing to have someone on par with the Doctor for a change.

Actually, Ramona 1 was a Time Lord on the par with the 4th Doctor in the "Key's to Time Trilogy" (Episodes 98-103) just before Lalla Ward. She was a great and good looking companion, but not around for long.

Does anyone know of other episodes in which an actor appeared briefly, who sbbsequently played a major (different) character in later series?

Funny you ask that, because Lalla Ward was a character in the "Key's to Time Trilogy", and then when Ramona 1 rejuvenated into Ramona 2 (In Episode 104 "Destiny of the Daleks") she "copied" that character after trying a few others. The 4th doctor even commented on the copy job. Storyline wise, Ramona 1 and Ramona 2 were the same Time Lord.

My opinions:
Sara Jane was the worst Companion (Doctor, Doctor, Help Me - someone should count them)
Leela was fun
I really liked Rose
Clara is OK
Amy had her moments
Ramona 1 was great
Ramona 2 was the best overall
The rest were ... nothing special (?)

 

[Axon]

Yo! Whovian reporting for duty.

 

[rootone]

Does the Tardis still look like a 1969 police phone box in London, or did the Dr. manage to fix the fluid link yet?

 

[Janus]

Does the Tardis still look like a 1969 police phone box in London, or did the Dr. manage to fix the fluid link yet?

That would be a 1963 police box, and it is the chameleon circuit that failed. (There really was nothing wrong with the fluid link, The Doctor just said there was as an excuse to explore the Dalek city.)

 

[Axon]

Does the Tardis still look like a 1969 police phone box in London, or did the Dr. manage to fix the fluid link yet?

Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor was the only incarnation of the Doctor to fix the Chameleon Circuit.

Series finale is on tonight here in Australia.

 

[OmCheeto]

Colin Baker's Sixth Doctor was the only incarnation of the Doctor to fix the Chameleon Circuit.

I just finished watching that season this week. I wouldn't call what he did "fixing". He may have inserted something backwards into the circuit, as It seemed to pick objects that were quite extraordinarily out of place.
I think the first occurrence was a very expensive looking antique cabinet in a junk yard.

 

[OmCheeto]

I learn some of the strangest things watching Dr. Who.
Today I learned that Captain Kangaroo's theme song, Puffin' Billy, was earlier associated with a BBC children's radio program.
Season 25 Episode 2
Remembrance of the Daleks, part 2

I normally don't look up every odd thing I come across, but the setting was London, in 1963, and I thought it was very odd that they would be listening to Captain Kangaroo on the radio.

But I am quite familiar with the "Fire of London" now. It was referenced in one episode, at the very end, that the Doctor may have had something to do with it. Then they had a later episode where it actually happened.

One wonders if there was really a shortage a sufficiently talented actors in Britain, or whether this just reflects the various directors' favorites.
...

I haven't noticed any "recycled" actors lately.
I've also only recognized two people.
John Cleese, who I know from Monty Python, did a cameo appearance in season 17.
Patricia Quinn, who portrayed Magenta in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, was in one series during season 24.

I have just started season 25 today.

 

[TardisRobber]

I am also a big fan of doctor who and am lucky to have netflix since they put the newest episodes out only a few days after they air due to their contract.
All in all I personally like any episode with both David Tennant ( or Matt smith) and River Song since you know somethings going to go big.
The episode " ANGELS IN MANHATTEN" was an amazing show of the Weeping Angels true determination.

 

[Axon]

Devastated that they're is no new series for 2016.

 

[James Holland]

yeah love it but not much of a fan of the new doctor

 

[tobyr65]

I had to go back and look at the date on these. No replies since 2013?

 

[Drakkith]

I had to go back and look at the date on these. No replies since 2013?

The post above yours was made in March of this year.

 

[strangerep]

I had to go back and look at the date on these. No replies since 2013?

Huh? Posts on this page are from 2015 - 2016.

I'm also not a huge fan of Capaldi, though I think his 2nd season was better than his first -- except for his music.

Transplanting Arya Stark into the main story arc was an interesting attempt, but I'm not sure it really worked. Tbh, I'm having trouble recalling any memorable episodes from the latest season. I hope they can find an interesting new companion for the next series.

Quick Quiz/Contest: In http://www.doctorwho.tv/50-years/companions, what do you reckon each one is saying/thinking?

I'd say the majority are thinking "WTF??". Except for Wilfred Mott who is totally speechless.

And Donna Noble, who's thinking: "OMG! He's got 2 hearts -- does he have 2 of anything else?"

 

[James Holland]

Mine is Tennant and Rose.

i second this
but when he had K-9 with him he was awsome

 

[strangerep]

I'm also not a huge fan of Capaldi, though I think his 2nd season was better than his first [...]

Reactivating this thread after a long break...

I'm kinda glad Capaldi's tenure has come to an end. I'm sure he tried his best, but I just found him mostly boring -- boredom only exceeded by Pearl Mackie's character "Bill" who was excruciatingly tedious. They never really got proper value from Matt Lucas's character, imho, though he does his best with the script(s) he's been given.

And now: 13th Doctor = Jodie Whittaker. I really like her in other roles, but,... as a female Dr Who?? Hmmm.
Yes, it seems that Dr Who has totally jumped the WHALE.

 

[Ryan_m_b]

Reactivating this thread after a long break...

I'm kinda glad Capaldi's tenure has come to an end. I'm sure he tried his best, but I just found him mostly boring -- boredom only exceeded by Pearl Mackie's character "Bill" who was excruciatingly tedious. They never really got proper value from Matt Lucas's character, imho, though he does his best with the script(s) he's been given.

I liked Capaldi but the latest series wasn't the best. He and Coleman had a lot better chemistry.

And now: 13th Doctor = Jodie Whittaker. I really like her in other roles, but,... as a female Dr Who?? Hmmm.
Yes, it seems that Dr Who has totally jumped the WHALE.

Its a show about a thousand year old, two hearted, immortal time traveller who goes to ridiculously inconsistent places and times that are almost always a reflection (AKA stereotype) of some aspect (often idealised) of British culture. Why on Earth is the Doctor being a woman an issue?!

 

[strangerep]

[Capaldi] and Coleman had a lot better chemistry.

Yes.

Its a show about a thousand year old, two hearted, immortal time traveller who goes to ridiculously inconsistent places and times that are almost always a reflection (AKA stereotype) of some aspect (often idealised) of British culture.

Certainly there are plenty of episodes like that. But "almost always"? Dunno about that. What idealised aspect of British culture is reflected in The Rings of Akhaten or Blink (besides being set in Britain)? And the Weeping Angels in general?

Why on Earth is the Doctor being a woman an issue?!

Heh, because she'll probably acquire an attractive young male companion at some point, which I'd find really boring.

Oh! Did I actually say that out loud?

 

[Algr]

Why on Earth is the Doctor being a woman an issue?!

It's disturbing that people don't seem to see the difference between this and say, a female CEO. The Doctor is a person, not a job description. If they wanted a female lead they could have Jodie Whittaker as Romana and then write the Doctor out for a season. Yes, they said that Time Lords can change gender, but they also said that they could have "two heads, or no head." (Parting of the Ways, 2005) But would that make a good series?

 

[Drakkith]

It's disturbing that people don't seem to see the difference between this and say, a female CEO. The Doctor is a person, not a job description.

The Doctor is more than a dozen different people. They change out the actor more often than some companies change out CEO's, making the Doctor an entirely new person each time.

 

[Algr]

making the Doctor an entirely new person each time.

That doesn't mean he has no identity at all. Would it bother you if Jodie Whittaker played the role without a head?

 

[RyderP]

Has anyone heard about the new Doctor, Jodie Whittaker?

 

[RyderP]

Forget I asked. But, I wonder what her sonic screwdriver will be like?

 

[Drakkith]

That doesn't mean he has no identity at all.

His identity as a character is not heavily tied to his current personality in my opinion.

 

[Algr]

The Doctor's personality has been quite consistent over 50 years. He is dismissive of authority, yet able to project his own easily. He is curious, restless. Occasionally prone to dark moods, depression, and self doubt. He respects science, rationality and learning. (I miss this in the new series, BTW.) He is contemptuous of those who use physical force to solve problems. Wants to get involved and help people. Feels lonely. Wants companionship, but gets overwhelmed with knowing too many people.

Peter Davison's casting was controversial because he was so young. He played the role as a "old man in a young man's body" . This has become the tradition when younger actors are cast, hence the Doctor's squeamishness with things like sexual relations.

Will Jodie Whittaker continue with the "Old man in a..." bit? The consequences of this will require better writing then we have seen lately.

 

[Drakkith]

The Doctor's personality has been quite consistent over 50 years. He is dismissive of authority, yet able to project his own easily. He is curious, restless. Occasionally prone to dark moods, depression, and self doubt. He respects science, rationality and learning. (I miss this in the new series, BTW.) Wants to get involved and help people. Feels lonely. Wants companionship, but gets overwhelmed with knowing too many people.

It's a bit difficult for me to get into the subtleties of personality traits since we're dealing with a fictional character whose behavior changes with each iteration. I would call these "overarching" character traits that define the broadest aspects of the Doctor as a character/person, and indeed the Doctor wouldn't be the Doctor otherwise. But these are only broad traits that I don't feel adequately describe the way his behavior changes with each change in actor. Looking at the above personality traits, you would undoubtedly find thousands of fictional characters (and even more non-fictional people) of both genders that fit that profile.

Each actor brings with them a suite of more specific traits that makes their version of the Doctor unique. These are the things that make people like one version of the Doctor more than the others. They are essentially the things that make specific people different from each other. I guess you could call them the little details that make each person unique. These are the things that change with each iteration and are what I mean't by "personality" in my previous post. I hope that makes sense.

Peter Davison's casting was controversial because he was so young. He played the role as a "old man in a young man's body" . This has become the tradition when younger actors are cast, hence the Doctor's squeamishness with things like sexual relations.

Will Jodie Whittaker continue with the "Old man in a..." bit? The consequences of this will require better writing then we have seen lately.

I don't see why it would be that difficult. Almost all of the traits that apply to the "Old man in a young man's body" would seem to apply to "Old woman in young woman's body" or "Old person in young person's body". At least in my opinion.