Doctor Who - Time Zone (Season 1)

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First Doctor (David Bradley) and Ace (Sophie Aldred)

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Exploring a familiar Universe...

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I have always been interested in possible spin-offs to the popular BBC television show Doctor Who and it got me thinking: what if, instead of one spin-off scenario, there was a series of multiple adventures to further explore the Who universe, all different and from various perspectives? It would certainly allow for free artistic development featuring an assortment of characters and monsters from the show. Imagine a single story featuring a lone Dalek encountering a colony of Humans, it needs their help to repair its spacecraft - but the creature inside the casing is injured and doesn't remember that it is supposed to hate.  So here goes my idea of Time Zone, Season 1...

Series 1.1. Doctor Who - Legion of Fire

(Features the First Doctor as played by David Bradley. The Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Susan land on a planet whose Humanoid inhabitants are sacrificed to fire beings. Mistaken for an escaped prisoner, Susan will be the next to be handed over for an offering)

I will admit, I wasn't a fan of Bradley in Twice Upon A Time, the 2017 Christmas special. However, that was more to do with the writing than anything else. I do believe the First Doctor as portrayed by Bradley does deserve a second bite at the apple on the small screen. The actor has already reprised the role for audio company Big Finish, whose catalogue of excellent full cast adventures continue to grow, so it wouldn't be an impossibility for Bradley to take the reigns of the TARDIS for a new televised story.

Maybe it could be filmed in black and white to give it that nostalgic feel?

Series 1.2. At Childhood's End - Ace of Hearts

(Starring Sophie Aldred. Ace last saw the 13th Doctor 5 months ago. Time to move on. That is, until a darkness engulfs a part of the city and residents begin seeing ghosts)

I've been a huge fan of the character of Ace ever since her first televised appearance in 7th Doctor story Dragonfire. She is most definitely a fan favourite. In a new fiction book published in 2020, Ace finally got to meet the 13th Doctor. But just imagine if Dorothy McShane (Ace) was given a television episode all to herself, no Doctor, just her charity and a chance to fight the monsters on her own terms... This could be the second episode in a possible spin-off series.

Maybe she'd get a chance to use a baseball bat.

Series 1.3. Jack Harkness - The Killing Tomb

(Archaeologists unearth something sinister in Scotland. As the dead rise, a mysterious man arrives to investigate. No Torchwood, just a Jack of all trades)

Okay, I'll admit now, I'm not a huge fan of Captain Jack or John Barrowman. But that doesn't mean I don't see the potential of involving both in an adventure. He's (Barrowman) very much loved in the Torchwood and Doctor Who community, and the prospect of someone directing a very dark story in keeping with Torchwood would be a missed opportunity. Like Ace, this episode would help to bring a balance to the overall feel of The Time Zone.

Davros (Julian Bleach)

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Series 1.4. Davros - The Thal Conspiracy

(The creator of the Daleks must be smuggled out of Thal space by a bounty hunter whose own motives aren't at all clear. No Daleks, just a singular story focusing on the Kaled scientist)

With this one I have 'The Davros Mission' and 'I, Davros' in mind, both produced by Big Finish. Doctor Who is generally obsessed with the Daleks, and it wasn't until 1975's Genesis of the Daleks that their creator was introduced. Even though he returned in four more times during the classic era, he's been pretty much neglected in New Who. Yes, he's made appearances but they've not been anything equal to the success of Genesis. It would be nice to finally understand the man, a story that delves into his psyche in a way only heard in 'I, Davros'. 

Series 1.5. Time Lords - Diary of a Gallifreyan

(From the perspective of an ordinary Gallifreyan and his family during unrest on the planet)

Doctor Who has rarely touched on the people of Gallifrey beyond Time Lord society, though The Invasion of Time (1978) comes to mind. I've also been inspired by Big Finish's Gallifrey audio series. I believe it would be interesting to see that world from the viewpoint of a Gallifreyan family whose lives are limited compared to a Time Lord. How do they live, is poverty and hunger commonplace on Gallifrey if you're not one of the elite? What happens to this family if there is civil unrest or a Time War? They can't just get into a TARDIS and be whisked away from it all. And they only have one life, no regeneration.

Series 1.6. Doctor Who - Arabella

(Featuring the Eighth Doctor as played by Paul McGann. The Doctor has been travelling alone for quite some time. He doesn't plan on having a new companion any time soon. However, the TARDIS makes a force landing on a world of ice where Humans are at war with venomous giant snake-like creatures)

It doesn't look as if Paul McGann will ever be given his own television series so what better way to celebrate his past appointment as the Doctor than by involving him in a complete episode? Not a short like The Night of the Doctor (2013) but a full 45 minute adventure perhaps not even linked to the Time War but set way before. This can be a Doctor who is yet to be affected by the stresses of the Daleks and Time Lords, a traveler in a blue box who just wants to explore, alone.

McGann has reprised the role for many Big Finish tales so it wouldn't be an impossibility to get the actor back on board. A one-off if need be, or a number of episodes over a few series, mixed in with other stories and various characters.

All the above is just an example of what could be achieved if the BBC decided to go down this route. It would be various, thought-provoking, and a glorious celebration of life beyond the current Doctor, whoever that may be. I also don't believe it would be confusing for fans, new or old, as many audiences these days are quite used to a multi Universe themed ride via both the small and big screen. Because each series is varied it'd give a chance for writers to explore different incarnations of the Who world without the need to blow budgets on lots of spin-offs - Time Zone would be the ultimate spin-off.

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Doctor Who: The Sirens of Time (1999) - AudioReview

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Release date: July 1999
Writer: Nicholas Briggs. Director: Nicholas Briggs

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The Doctor's back, and it's about time...

In 1989, the longest running science fiction show came to an abrupt end. No farewell story to thank the fans for their loyalty, no handshake for the cast and crew who had worked so passionately. Instead, actor Sylvester McCoy was required to add closing dialogue to the final serial, "Survival" - "There are worlds out there where the sky is burning, and the sea's asleep, and the rivers dream; people made of smoke and cities made of song. Somewhere there's danger, somewhere there's injustice, and somewhere else the tea's getting cold. Come on, Ace. We've got work to do." 

Of course, those weren't the last ever lines spoken for the series... in 1996 a television movie was produced, starring Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor and featuring a guest appearance by McCoy. But, seeing as no further production followed writer Matthew Jacobs's attempt, the "Classic" era was over.

Big Finish will always have a special place in my heart, for they did something quite remarkable: resurrected the Doctor, and persuaded actors Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy to reprise their most famous of roles. I can still remember how it felt to own "The Sirens of Time" on CD. It was a magnificent feeling, knowing that I was about to embark on a new adventure with a Time Lord. 1999 was 1989 all over again, with the past ten years seeming as if they had never happened at all...

The plot: Gallifrey, and time itself, is being threatened by the presence of an alien race, whose technologically-advanced warships have surrounded the Time Lords' home planet. And it seems that the Doctor is somehow involved... Written and directed by the legendary Nicholas Briggs (should I mention that he was also responsible for the music and sound design?), this first step for Big Finish into official Doctor Who territory simply cannot be faulted. As with the majority of the early audios produced, "Sirens" is a four-part story, with the first three focusing on each Doctor - Seventh, Fifth and Sixth - and the final part bringing them all together to face the villains of the piece. And it is a welcome decision not to include Daleks in this debut outing...


No Ace up the Doctor's sleeve

Part One reintroduces us to the Seventh Doctor (portrayed by McCoy) as he is drawn to a planet where spacecraft are crashing; a mysterious old woman called Ruthley looks after an equally mysterious gentleman, Sancroft; and a young girl named Elenya (Sarah Mowat) needs rescuing. Out of the three, Ruthley is a very unpleasant creature indeed, with her prime focus being on her own survival above all else - those familiar with this audio range might be interested to know that Ruthley is played by Maggie Stables, who later goes on to portray the role of Evelyn Smythe, companion to the Sixth Doctor in the first "original" pairing for Big Finish. There is much to dislike about Ruthley, and her own feelings mirror similar dislike towards those who are unfortunate enough to be within her company.

Companionless in this one, McCoy easily fits back into the role he had briefly revisited during the 1996 TV movie. We are also introduced to The Knights of Velyshaa.


"The Time Lords really do want me dead!"

Part Two focuses on the Fifth Doctor, and his encounter with the crew of a German U-boat. He is also joined by Helen (Mowat), the only other survivor of a British freighter torpedoed moments earlier. Though rescued by the German crew, it is clear that the danger is far from over. Determined to recover his TARDIS, the Doctor finds himself at the hands of his own people when they use a crewmember, Schmidt, to try and kill him following time distortion. This is the work of Coordinator Vansell (Anthony Keetch), a member of the Celestial Intervention Agency. The situation is a desperate one as Vansell believes the Doctor is somehow responsible for history to be altered - preventing him from reaching his TARDIS is a priority in saving the Time Lords and restoring the course of history!


"Would you please keep the noise down, old chap?"

Part Three brings us a Sixth Doctor who finds himself at some conference on a spacecraft, the Edifice, in the Kurgon system. They are present to investigate the Kurgon Wonder, a spatial anomaly. Things turn bad when more time distortion affects the ship, killing everyone except for the Doctor, a waitress named Ellie (Mowat), and an android. One of the threads through all parts of the story is the young woman that the Doctor encounters in his three incarnations. Just who is she? Mowat certainly delivers a strong performance with each character. She would later go on to play Susan Mendes in Big Finish's Dalek Empire series.


"Beware the Sirens of Time..."

And so to Gallifrey, and the Doctors are brought together in the final fourth part. In television history we've only ever seen multiple Doctor adventures three times: The Three Doctors (1973), The Five Doctors (1983) and The Two Doctors (1985). We could include Dimensions in Time (1993) though it is not official canon as it was a charity event crossover with a British soap, Eastenders.

It is rather lovely hearing Peter, Colin and Sylvester meet up, it's definitely a reunion with old friends. As the plot evolves we learn that beyond the Doctor, the Time Lords, and even the Knights of Velyshaa, there is a menacing threat that feeds on the energies of chaos, and that it is these creatures who have been pulling the strings and manipulating since the start.

It is difficult to think of a better beginning than The Sirens of Time, it sets a nice standard that Big Finish absolutely builds on and improves over the following years. It seems unbelievable that, at time of writing this article, Sirens of Time is 20 years old! Just where has that time gone? I'm sure the Doctor knows...


Beyond the Sirens...

Co-ordinator Vansell will return in several audios including The Apocalypse Element, Neverland, and the spin-off Gallifrey range.

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Doctor Who: The Curse of Davros (2012) - AudioReview

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Release date: January 2012
Writer: Jonathan Morris. Director: Nicholas Briggs

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Escaping The Daleks...

The return of the Daleks is always a welcome one. And if that story happens to include a certain Kaled scientist, then much the better. In The Curse of Davros we are reunited with Philippa "Flip" Jackson (Lisa Greenwood) and her boyfriend Jared Ramon, who we last encountered in The Crimes of Thomas Brewster (2011). This time, however, the Doctor is alone and in danger. He is wanted by the Daleks. As the plot progresses we learn that his enemy can swap minds with Humans, literally taking over their physical bodies, using mind swapping technology created by Davros. The use of this weapon is obvious enough, allowing Daleks to move freely on Earth.

When Flip and Jared witness a spacecraft crashing in London, they go to investigate. The incident hasn't gone unnoticed and so it isn't long before the area is swarming with military and police officers. What DOES go unnoticed is the escape capsule that ejected from the main ship and landed nearby. From within, the Sixth Doctor emerges...

It has to be said that the casting is first rate in this one, and Big Finish delivers more often than not with their catalogue of audio adventures featuring EVERY Doctor they are fortunate to direct. It has also been an opportunity for BF to create an extension to what came before, building not just on the original television series that Colin Baker contributed to from 1984-86 but to add extra mythology surrounding the character. In the world of audio, the Sixth Doctor has met new companions such as Evelyn Smythe and Charlotte Pollard. They have been positive role models, feisty and curious, determined and loyal. These qualities can also be found in Flip. From the start she is unstoppable, a modern girl with a no nonsense approach, although she certainly has a heart.

One of the things that we do get to see in The Curse of Davros is that the Doctor - our Doctor - isn't quite himself. This gives Baker a nice juicy opportunity to step into someone else's shoes for a while, and it delivers nicely. When Jared is mind-swapped with a Dalek, the Time Lord and Flip go on the run. As usual, we see just how ruthless his deadly foes are when they threaten to exterminate a group of innocent people unless the Doctor surrenders. They clearly keep their word, as they did in Destiny of the Daleks (1979) when similarly they began systematically killing slaves until the Fourth Doctor gave in. This is what they know, and the price of a life means nothing except its usefulness as a weapon.


Meddling in history...

One moment we are on modern day Earth, the next we're witnessing the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. This is such a fantastic contrast, bringing new dynamics to the development of the play. Davros plans on using his mind-swapping tech to change Human history and aid Napoleon Bonaparte in defeating the British and Prussian armies. It would be catastrophic! Just think how the lyrics in a certain pop song from 1974 would differ, no more "At Waterloo Napoleon did surrender". But far more than that, such meddling would change the course of Human history.

Those familiar with BBC Books will recall a previous Doctor Who adventure set at the Battle of Waterloo. World Game, written by Terrance Dicks and published in 2005, featured the Second Doctor in a plot involving the Celestial Intervention Agency, Lady Serena, and Players (immortal beings who liked to tamper with history).


Holmes Vs Moriarty

Ever since he first appeared on our screens in 1975, Davros has become Moriarty to the Doctor's Holmes. With only a single televised story between them, Revelation of the Daleks (1985), it was always welcome when Big Finish decided to bring the two together again in audio. 2003's "Davros" is a particular favourite of mine. Out of all the Doctor's, Baker's incarnation feels the best fit to Terry Molloy's mad scientist. It is also fitting that this particular Doctor finally understands and shows empathy for his enemy, though that in itself doesn't stop the Gallifreyan from defeating him. We've always known that Davros' life is one of pain and suffering, though it is these that have kept him focused and hateful. Has he always been evil, or just ruthlessly efficient and practical? For that answer we have to look no further than "I, Davros", the four-part story also from Big Finish.


The adventure continues...

Given the opportunity to return home with boyfriend Jared, Flip instead decides to travel with the Doctor. This is very reminiscent of Rose Tyler's own reaction to embracing the chance of adventure through time and space. It also helps that Flip is very likeable, thanks to both the writing of the character and Greenwood's solid performance.


"Shall I compare thee to a summers day?"

How does this story compare to previous Dalek adventures? Well, it's an interesting mix, that's for sure. Over the years we've been treated to so many Dalek plots that it could easily become monotonous. The Curse of Davros, however, manages to keep a few surprises and delivers in the right areas. This is actually less about Daleks and more to do with rivalry between two old enemies: imagine if Davros could live again, without pain and mental torment... Imagine if the Doctor could spend the rest of his days trapped in a different kind of prison... It is a frightening concept indeed.

Looking on the Big Finish website I notice that they had the working title Waterloo of the Daleks, I'm so glad they changed it. Mention must also go to cover artist Simon Holub, who's work also includes favourites of mine such as "Doctor Who - The Companion Chronicles: Here There Be Monsters" and "Doctor Who - Robophobia". The use of blues in his The Curse of Davros looks stunning. I've just found some up and coming titles featuring his cover art and "Doctor Who: Interstitial / Feast of Fear" is particularly amazing!

I absolutely recommend The Curse of Davros, it is certainly an enjoyable ride through history. And you get to spend more time with Flip Jackson.

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Doctor Who: Series 11.1 - The Woman Who Fell to Earth

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Alwyn Ash reviews the debut of new Doctor Jodie Whittaker. Was it all hype and no substance, or has the Doctor Who team managed to produce a gem?


Though early days, Jodie's take on this new Doctor was a perfect blend of past Doctors

On Sunday 7th October 2018 a mysterious woman fell to Earth in spectacular fashion, crashing through the roof of a train and facing a sinister alien probe. Just another day at the office, then.

From the moment Peter Capaldi left the TARDIS in the 2017 Christmas special "Twice Upon a Time", it was inevitable his replacement would have big shoes to fill - the Scottish actor delivered award-winning performances during his stay from 2013-2017. The appointment of Jodie was a surprise to many, some fans even refusing to accept the casting. Thankfully the majority didn't feel this way, embracing the news and looking forward to a full season with this Thirteenth Doctor. So how did the first episode play out? I'm glad to say it was a success, in my opinion at least. A debut story isn't always the easiest to write for, especially as for the most part the newly-regenerated Doctor spends time adapting to a physical transformation. There was no shortage of humour throughout, thanks to writer and showrunner Chris Chibnall, and superb direction from Jamie Childs. The gender swap had no real significance beyond an acknowledgement that the Doctor had previously been a "white-haired Scotsman". Instead, the plot threw everyone straight into the action, well, following a short period of exposition, as two separate incidents occur in the South Yorkshire city of Sheffield. The Doctor quickly makes herself at home, making friends with total strangers and leading them on an investigation.

Though early days, Jodie's take on this new Doctor was a perfect blend of past Doctors: Number Three's love of gadgetry; Number Two, Eight and Ten's excitable childlike quality, and Seven's scheming. It is a wonderful mix of excitement, curiosity and the desire to do good, just as any previous incarnation would have done. There is no doubt, Jodie Whittaker is the Doctor!

The Stenza makes for an intriguing new enemy and it will be interesting to see if they return in future stories. Tzim-Sha's arrival was a simple one: to locate and collect a trophy, in this case a Human male. Success in this act would result in claiming leadership of the Stenza. The Doctor's intentional calling of him as "Tim Shaw" was brilliant, I'd likely mispronounce an alien's name by accident. Many have called him a Predator, referring to the creature in John McTiernan's 1987 movie. I can certainly see the resemblance until Tzim-Sha removes his faceplate to reveal a look that is all teeth-and-no-curls (see what I did there?)


Dyspraxia

I applaud the production team for highlighting Dyspraxia, fully known as Developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD). We see this through the eyes of character Ryan (played by Tosin Cole). During the launch of this new series in Sheffield, Chibnall had said, "We did a lot of research into that, we worked with the Dyspraxia Foundation… it was important, because people live with these things. It’s a relatively common thing among kids, so I think it’s important to see that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. That’s the most important thing about Doctor Who and you will see that happen a lot across this year".


Final Thoughts

The threat was very minimal - one life in jeopardy instead of a whole planet - but the pace kept things interesting. Jodie clearly has comedy chops and presents a mad woman in a blue box very well; the lack of a TARDIS doesn't mean it won't appear: we have all seen those images of the new TARDIS interior - if you haven't, then you're in for a real treat, I think. There were solid performances from Bradley Walsh and Sharon D. Clarke as Graham and Grace O’Brien, it had that Ian-and-Barbara edge that could have really developed through the series. However, the way things ended, we clearly get a sense that the message is: there are always consequences...

...unless something timey wimey happens to change all of that?

Tosin (Ryan Sinclair) and Mandip Gill (Yasmin Khan) are well cast in their roles, and I look forward to seeing how they develop over the course of their stay with the show. And with Bradley making up the third, it feels just right, as it did back in the old days of the Doctor, granddaughter Susan, Ian and and Barbara. A time traveller and three companions.

Doctor Who is well and truly back!

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Oh My Word! Raising A Glass To Peter Capaldi

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Alwyn Ash was going to write a lengthy article celebrating the work of Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi. Instead, some lovely fellow Doctor Who fans shared their thoughts on the man, his time on the show, and what it meant for them to watch this fantastic Doctor in action...


"With Capaldi as an actor, we have arguably the best, most diverse actor to have played the role"

Steve Beaufoy: Peter is a fine character actor, and completely sold me on his take on the Doctor. It was my brother who first suggested I watch 'In The Thick Of It', and since then, after having watched the first series of 'The Musketeers', then his three series of Doctor Who - I am a fan. I didn't believe that anyone else could endear me to the Doctor since Tom Baker, but Peter did, 100%, and it was obvious that he loved the show. Yes, some scripts were poor, but isn't that the way with every other actor who has taken on the role? Would be honoured to meet the Gent.


Adrian Sherlock: He had the X factor which you cannot always find in every actor to play the Doctor, that old man of the Universe thing which cannot be bought or faked. He could be off the wall and funny, he could be vulnerable and sympathetic, he could speak with great passion and conviction. The scripts in his era sometimes felt like they were missing the mark, but when he had the chance to shine, he always impressed. I feel a smile come to my face when I see him and you can't fake that or buy it with money either.


Brendan Lynch: As The Doctor, for me Capaldi comes 2nd only to Troughton. Throughout his 3 seasons in the role we saw different facets of his character, from the moody, somewhat distant, traveller akin to Hartnell, to the softer, more funny uncle in Series 10. Capaldi played each aspect with vigour and love for the character and the show. As others mention, when his Doctor walked into a room, like Pertwee, he owned that room and the attention was on him. He was unpredictable in his actions, making the character harder to guess their response to new situations that that incarnation experienced. When the rage of 12 set in, we saw the ferociousness that Capaldi plays so well.

With Capaldi as an actor, we have arguably the best, most diverse actor to have played the role. His most famous role being a role in comedy series The Thick of It, he showed not only his skill with the humorous moments, but also the dramatic moments. The rage mentioned before, such as in Face The Raven, to the hopelessness in Heaven Sent and The Doctor Falls when he pleads for the Master's help. We had an actor who put his all into every scene, and made an era marred by a mixed bag of scripts, so memorable for me.

With Capaldi as a person, I cannot fault him. The way he has been with fans from the off has been sensational. From comforting a young fan upset that Matt Smith had left by showing him a photo of himself and Matt together, and explaining to the child that he asked Matt's permission to become The Doctor and he said it was ok. And followed by saying I hope that it'll be ok with this fan to take over.

Then there's the in-character message to the autistic boy who was struggling after the loss of a grandparent, surprising young fans at The Doctor Who Experience, and writing a letter to 2 young fans (again in character) upset about him leaving the show.

I was lucky enough to meet him at LFCC this year, and he chucked himself into the photoshoots, giving everyone a memorable photo with him, and when it came to the signing, he gave every fan the time to chat with him. Me personally, I spent 5 minutes chatting to him about The Thick of It and Capaldi's new project with Armando Iannucci.

Overall, Capaldi has shown both on and off screen just how much he loves and cares about the show, the fans and the legacy he and the show leaves. If there is any actor I can completely see geeking out at the sign of another Doctor Who actor, it's Peter Capaldi. We were so lucky to have him be a part of our show.


Andy Price: Capaldi was a fantastic Doctor. Like Pertwee before he brought a sense of gravitas as well as humour after the more clown like performance of Matt Smith (aka Pertwee and Troughton). He was let down by poor scripts and Moffat's clinging on to the character of Clara long after her story was done. To the point that at times is was more about Clara and her companion the Doctor.


Barbara Schafetz Viohl Orapello: He is a brilliant actor and was wonderful as The Doctor. Loved the fact that he is also a big fan of the show and I believe that showed through.


Final Thoughts

Alwyn Ash: On 24th Sept 2018 BBC's Entertainment and Arts Reporter Ian Youngs commented on his post 'How will the first female Doctor shake things up?' that Jodie Whittaker's first episode "will be a significant moment in British telly". A nice feel to the article. The writer, however, then added, "And what a great way to refresh a franchise, especially after four years of Peter Capaldi, who certainly wasn’t universally loved". Well, you can imagine the uproar from Doctor Who fans as responses became evident on social networking and online media. In short: 'The Universe Loves Peter Capaldi'. Mr Youngs' piece was regarded as "rubbish" and "disrespectful" to the actor who had portrayed the role of the Doctor with such passion.

Though short-changed regarding some scripts, there is no doubting the strength of Peter's Doctor. I recently watched 'The Witch's Familiar' (and 'The Magician's Apprentice' that preceded it) and loved the Doctor's performance as he stole Davros' chair only to confront a room full of Daleks. It's that sole determination, confidence and spirit that Peter brought to each scene, a power that only a great actor can achieve. Perhaps he wasn't "universally loved", but then, who is? No actor is universally loved, no rock star or artist either. Everyone has their fans and doubters, critics and haters. It's simply how things are.

I cannot fault Peter at all, he gave us the best of everything. I can fault the production team, writers and showrunner, on occasions. But never the actor. He is the Doctor. He is fantastic. We owe him such a great debt for enriching our lives with a wonderful performance. How best to bring this article to a close? Simple. Prior to the Twelfth Doctor's regeneration in 2017's 'Twice Upon a Time'...

"Oh, there it is, silly old universe. The more I save it, the more it needs saving. It's a treadmill. Yes, yes, I know, they'll get it all wrong without me. Well, I suppose one more lifetime won't kill anyone. Well, except me. You wait a moment, Doctor! Let's get it right. I've got a few things to say to you. Basic stuff first: never be cruel, never be cowardly, and never, ever eat pears! Remember, hate is always foolish, and love is always wise. Always try to be nice, but never fail to be kind. Oh, and you mustn't tell anyone your name. No one would understand it anyway… except… except children. Children can hear it, sometimes, if their hearts are in the right place, and the stars are too, children can hear your name. But nobody else. Nobody else, ever. Laugh hard. Run fast. Be kind. Doctor... I let you go."

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Oh My Word! Jodie Whittaker, the Doctor; Genesis Who; Sydney Newman, and Regeneration

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Oh my word!

I'll admit, my first reaction to the announcement of a female Doctor was simply "good grief!" It felt like a joke, one big silly prank designed to shake the fanbase until the name of the true Doctor was revealed.

The news, which I first heard through a friend on a social networking app, was broken on Sunday 16th July 2017 following the Men’s Wimbledon Final in the UK. Immediately perusing the Web, I noticed mixed responses from fans. Many were jubilant, others appalled by the decision to cast Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. Some comments were downright nasty. And then there was a press release in which the actor herself said, "I’m beyond excited to begin this epic journey with Chris [Chibnall] and with every Whovian on this planet. It’s more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope. I can’t wait".

The hashtag #NotMyDoctor had begun circulating on Twitter and Instagram; the BBC even received complaints from viewers. Eventually the British television corporation issued a statement saying, "The Doctor is an alien from the planet Gallifrey, and it has been established in the show that Time Lords can switch gender". Amusingly #NotMyDoctor is still in use today, and it seems those people against Jodie's appointment wish nothing good for the show - actually hoping it fails so they can feel smug about it all.

Though much positivity and praise for the actor was being generated, I still wasn't convinced, and blamed previous showrunner Steven Moffat for Hell Bent (2015) and the on-screen regeneration of the General: the Time Lord had been shot by the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and, as a consequence, regenerated from male to female. Having been played by English actor Ken Bones for the tenth incarnation of the character, the General (also called Kenossium) was replaced by T'Nia Miller and the life of the eleventh persona began.

And, of course, who can forget Missy, a female incarnation of the Master portrayed by Michelle Gomez? I had persuaded myself that Moffat had ruined the show by introducing such a dreadful concept!

Then I had time to think about it and digest what the change would mean for both myself and the show that I have loved since a young age. Yes, I'm one of those middle-aged men from the classic era - Peter Davison was my Doctor. These past many years - since 2010 - I have had the privilege of chatting with various blog authors of Doctor Who fansites, I adopted an existing blog myself in those early years: Nebula One News. There was no shortage of female fans, and interest in the show had grown enormously as each new Doctor arrived.

Sadly, my own enthusiasm for Doctor Who waned a little and the blog closed. A new site launched in 2012, Regent Times, though its success was short-lived. It seemed that my love of blogging was over.


"I feel like I’ve been handed this amazing world..."

Jump to 2018 and, oh wow, what on Earth is happening? I'm full of ideas and enthusiasm again! I'm actually writing, designing web pages and feeling good about this. I could say that I've reached a moment in my life when everything is coming together. I wish. What has awoken, however, is all thanks to Jodie Whittaker, the Thirteenth Doctor. Though there has been a slow trickle of promotional pictures and trailers for Series 11, I've been awestruck by Whittaker's public appearances and passion: this is someone who wants nothing but the best for both the show and its devoted legion of fans!

I've read Jodie's various online interviews where she's said, "I feel like I’ve been handed this amazing world and they’ve let me be like a kid in a toy shop and go off with it..." and "I’m playing a Time Lord who’s essentially an alien and inhabits different bodies and this one is female (Marie Claire).

I've learned to embrace changes in Doctor Who since the 1980s, as it is the one constant along our journey with the show. The Doctor has been a role model for many, whatever the incarnation, and will continue to play that most important of parts.

As Jodie also shared in the interview, "I hope that as I could be your next-door neighbour – I’m not physically someone who could do extraordinary things – I won’t seem like an unattainable hero to kids. This is someone who loves science, who’s hopeful and who doesn’t look a particular way".


Didn't originally make the grade...

In a letter dated 6th October 1986 and addressed to then BBC Controller Michael Grade, Doctor Who co-creator Sydney Newman had made several suggestions as to how the series could proceed following its then turbulent period facing a possible axe and falling viewing figures. Actor Colin Baker had currently been associated with the role. The Canadian film and television producer was adamant that "The copyright in any ideas expressed will be mine. Should you accept these ideas the fee I would accept would be in the form of my being taken on and paid to be its Executive Producer or similar, to make sure the concept is properly executed".

It was his opinion regarding "The Characters" which is interesting, "(4) At a later stage, Dr Who would be metamorphosed into a woman. This requires some considerable thought - mainly because I want to avoid a flashy Hollywood 'Wonder Woman' because this kind of hero(ine) has no flaws - and a character with no flaws is a bore. Given more time than I have now, I can create such a character".

It has also been reported that actor Tom Baker, who played the role of the Time Lord from 1974-81, had said at a press conference in 1980, "I certainly wish my successor luck, whoever he or she might be". From what I can tell both Baker and then showrunner John Nathan-Turner had devised the comment as a piece of mischief, to keep the actual identity of Baker's replacement a compete surprise.

It didn't seem like an impossibility then, and it doesn't now. I've just looked up Regeneration and read, "the process by which Time Lords and others renewed themselves, causing a complete physical and often psychological change". And then there is, "Regeneration released massive amounts of a hormone called lindos in moments of extreme trauma, and it was this hormone which triggered regeneration... During regeneration, a Time Lord experiences a surge of pure regenerative energy, as their entire system was rewritten and their universe moulded into a new shape, with their very biodata being rewritten in the fabric of space-time".

It certainly isn't unfathomable to consider that during this violent and unstable process a being's entire gender could be altered.


Final thoughts

As we approach Sunday 7th October 2018, and the debut of The Woman Who Fell to Earth, I am fully embracing what is to come from Jodie Whittaker. As current showrunner Chris Chibnall says, "New Doctor, new home! Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor is about to burst into Sunday nights - and make the end of the weekend so much more exciting. Get everybody’s homework done, sort out your Monday clothes, then grab some special Sunday night popcorn, and settle down with all of the family for Sunday night adventures across space and time. (Also, move the sofa away from the wall so parents can hide behind it during the scary bits). The Thirteenth Doctor is falling from the sky and it’s going to be a blast."

My childhood used to be homework done and school uniform being ironed as I sat on the sofa to watch Battlestar Galactica, my last weekend treat before school. Now it's the Doctor - who could ask for a better treat than that?

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Celebrating Doctor Who - Like The Phoenix, With Renewed Spirit

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Christopher and Billie

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"The assembled hordes of Genghis Khan couldn't get through that door, and, believe me, they've tried"

"Do you want to come with me?" Every time I think about those first brand new trailers advertising the absolutely amazing truth that the Doctor - the time and space traveller whose adventures originally spanned three decades, from 1963 to 1989 - was set to return, I get that warm fuzzy feeling. If the 1996 TV movie starring Paul McGann had the tagline "He's back... and it's about time", then surely, 2005 was the moment for all of us to shout, "Yes it is!" and celebrate by re-watching our DVDs; reading the Target Books, Past Doctor Adventures, Eighth Doctor Adventures, comics; and listening to our collection of Big Finish audio dramas...

There was to be a new Doctor in town, and his name? None other than respected English actor Christopher Eccleston (whose film work had, up to that point, included Shallow Grave and the highly emotional drama Jude). It was to be both an exciting yet risky move, with everyone involved knowing that there was no room for failure or low viewing figures - the BBC's faith in Doctor Who had diminished during the mid-to-late eighties, and a comeback had to equal success or risk further cancellation.

Feelings for director Geoffrey Sax's "movie" had clearly been mixed, resulting in a possible television outing for the Eighth Doctor being rejected. One critic had even criticised, "If the series is to return it will need stronger scripts than this simplistic offering..." [The Handbook: The Unofficial and Unauthorized Guide to the Production of Doctor Who]

On 26th March 2005 viewers sat to watch the big event. The moment had been prepared for (see what I did there? No? Watch Logopolis). From the moment it began we were introduced to Rose, an ordinary working-class girl; it was through her eyes that we meet the Doctor. Though this was a different man altogether, there was something deeply comforting about his presence. He knew things. And he owned a blue telephone police box, a strange thing to have in the early 21st century!

In the past, the Time Lord's companions had been mostly singular figures separated from family to travel in the TARDIS, either reluctantly or by choice. But this new show would be a far more solid experience, exploring family life and the consequences of entanglements with the Doctor from this point of view.

Any doubts regarding singer-turned-actor Billie Piper's casting were laid to rest once she was given the opportunity to show just what a good actress she really was - if anyone thought there to be pressure on the lead, then just imagine the weight of expectation on the choice for companion. But, as it turned out, the opening episode "Rose" received positive reviews, and the first series looked to be pretty safe in the hands of its current team. Doctor Who had cleverly opened with a popular enemy to those familiar with the show - the Autons had originally appeared in Spearhead from Space (in 1970) and Terror of the Autons (1971) - while still being accessible to a new audience without pre-knowledge of the programme's history.

It was also pure genius that the incidental music was composed by Murray Gold, whose scores gave the new series both a perfect flavour and identifiable edge.

For the first time in years, Doctor Who was being written and handled by people who understood it, and who had been lobbying passionately for its return. The Mill’s Television and Film studio had handled the visual effects, their involvement promising nothing less than beautiful imagery. And every angle had been considered, designed, and executed. "Rose" wasn't just your average sci-fi episode: it was a phoenix, regenerated from all that had come before it, with renewed spirit to take on a new Universe, a place that had missed and needed... the Doctor...

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Who Is.. Peter Capaldi?

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Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman
Image: © BBC

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"Stay calm! Just one question. Do you happen to know how to fly this thing?"

Saturday 23rd August 2014 marks the debut of actor Peter Capaldi's first full story as the Twelfth Doctor, with co-star Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald alongside for further adventures through time and space. This is a man whose physical presence once more reflects much older times, when the Doctor was young though mature in appearance. Regeneration is the power of a Time Lord, able to survive death and severe injury. This is most definitely a Twelfth Doctor for both a new and "Classic" generation, a seasoned actor cast to promote age in all its years...

Expect new friends and old enemies, the regular mix of light and dark, inner conflicts and acts of war. It is no secret that Capaldi’s Doctor will be far darker than previous incarnations, likely far more alien than ever. “She cares so I don’t have to”, the Time Lord says in a teaser courtesy of British magazine television show This Morning, whose presenters interviewed the lovely Coleman on Friday (22nd August). What I admire about the power of DOCTOR WHO is its constant ability to transform, regenerate and bring in new fans - on both sides of the screen, and all around the globe! It is a show that is not limited by its cast, production crew or narrow viewpoint. We have a Universe(s), time travel, and enough imagination and possibilities to fill a whole armada of TARDISes.

Looking back at THE FIRES OF POMPEII (2008 feels like a lifetime already), I do find it fascinating that that particular episode didn’t just hand us a future TARDIS companion (Karen Gillan) but ultimately presented a future Doctor, too: Peter Capaldi played the role of Caecilius in the episode, which featured David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor… As many of you will know, this has only happened once before, when actor Colin Baker was cast as the Sixth Doctor after having appeared in a previous story as a different character (see ARC OF INFINITY, 1983). A little bit of trivia for you: THE FIRES OF POMPEII hasn’t been the Doctor’s only visit to the 79 AD tragedy - in Big Finish audio adventure THE FIRES OF VULCAN, Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy gets to tangle with local politics while separated from companion Mel (played by Bonnie Langford).


Who is the Doctor?

So, back to the present… As we all know, it takes an actor some time to find his feet and make the role his own, and the reaction of fans plays a huge part in this. Every regeneration brings a different take, albeit with some minor similarities. This is the nature of the beast, in order for it to survive. But Capaldi LOOKS good, and will clearly make an excellent addition to the line of Time Lords who have piloted the TARDIS. After reading some comments on other websites concerning his appointment, it is obvious there are doubts, but just who is Peter Capaldi? Who is the Doctor? Just when you think there is an answer to that very question - he goes and changes again, bringing a new aspect to his persona. Adjusting to a new Doctor is not easy, because every one of us has our own DOCTOR, a single embodiment of the show., and how dare anyone else take his place…

The good news is that, Capaldi is a fan of the show, too, and like us wishes nothing other than the best. He has a passion that will see every one of us safely along for the ride, once more championing him against the evil that preys on the weak, unprotected and innocent. In an interview, the actor said, “...what I do know is that I love the show and it is part of my DNA … I know instinctively what Doctor Who is about”. That statement is a love letter to our beautiful show, and proves that the man with a blue box is firmly in safe hands for all generations to enjoy. The Doctor is a cultural hero, explorer and believer in justice, he is an alien whose footsteps have left serious repercussions, with a past so deep and scarred that history has a way of catching up with him - what can you expect from someone who travels through time and space anyway?

Though darker in tone, there will still be laughs, one-liners and great scripts. I will be there on Saturday, like every one of you, watching my favourite character as he tries to come to terms with who, or what, he is. But, in the end, he is the Doctor. So, deep breath, the time is almost upon us...

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The Secret Of Crickley Hall - TVReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

"During World War II, Crickley Hall is a home for orphans evacuated from London. In their attic bedroom, the eldest boy, Maurice Stafford walks in and says to a small Jewish boy, Stefan Rosenbaum that 'Mr Cribben wants to see you'. Stefan runs out onto the landing and hides in an airing cupboard..."

Based on the best-selling 2006 novel by James Herbert, "The Secret of Crickley Hall" is one of those haunting tales that brings together child abuse and murder, loss and pain. Set during two parallel time periods (1943 and 2012), we witness first hand the cruelty of Augustus Cribben (played by Douglas Henshall) as he subjugates his charges to his warped sense of morality, aided by his sister Magda Cribben (Sarah Smart), and eldest charge Maurice Stafford (Bill Milner). The past of Crickley Hall is perfectly balanced by the dramas of the present day, as parents Eve and Gabe Caleigh (played by Suranne Jones and Tom Ellis respectively in the 2012 sequences) move from their old family London home to the old house of Crickley after the disappearance of their son Cameron (or "Cam"). The former believes their child to still be alive, refusing to accept any other possibility. This, as it turns out, will be the driving force for her interest in the ghostly goings-on at the Hall.

Throughout the drama, we visit both eras as a story unfolds of cruelty and suspicion, as young Nancy Linnet (Olivia Cooke) accepts a position at Crickley (in 1943) as a tutor for the resident children. The young woman also meets Percy Judd (Iain De Caestecker) and a close friendship develops. In 2012, the Caleigh family (completed by daughters Loren and Cally) live life as best they can, with eldest daughter Loren (Maisie Williams) going to a new school. But something is wrong at the Hall, and pretty soon disturbances convince Eve that their new residence is haunted - and that, somehow, Cameron is connected!

A dramatic retelling is only as good as the cast, and there is exceptional talent to be found in "Crickley", including David Warner as the elderly Percy Judd. Scriptwriter and director Joe Ahearne ("Ultraviolet", "Doctor Who") delivers the best possible piece, masterfully delivering a suspenseful and intriguing play. Originally airing on BBC One between Nov-Dec 2012, the three-part serial may have attracted an average of five million per episode but its elegance remains - this is quite definitely BBC drama at its finest!

As the tale progresses we learn that Cribben is both deranged and especially hateful towards a Jewish German orphan boy called Stefan Rosenbaum (Kian Parsiani), taking to his whip far too often and for the most minor of "misdemeanors" - the master of Crickley Hall even keeps a punishment ledger, which we later see reflects the cruelty of his "justice" with crimes such as "Crying", "Refusing to speak" and "Wetting the bed". The pretty Nancy is resolute in exposing Cribben's own immorality, and protect the children in his care from any further harm. They are afraid, and Maurice's subservience acts as a major barrier.

Olivia Cooke fans will, of course, now know her as Emma Decody in the "Bates Motel" television series, and her performance in "Crickley" is a strong one as Nancy, who eventually gains the interest of Parish priest The Reverend Horace (portrayed by Craig Parkinson). But it is undoubtedly Suranne Jones who hits the mark as a grieving mother - a phone call in the last chapter brings Eve the news she had hoped would never come, and her reaction to this is just as haunting as the ghostly drama itself - what else can be expected from an actress whose talents have also touched such roles as Sarah in "Single Father" (2010) and Rachel in "Scott & Bailey"?

There are many surprises, including a visit to an elderly Magda (the part taken by Annie Kelly for these scenes) in the "present day", and the ghostly apparitions of children running up the stairs of Crickley Hall, observed by Eve and her youngest Cally (played by the adorably cute Pixie Davies). And then there is the unseen whipcracking, heard by many including a school bully who takes an immediate dislike to eldest daughter Loren. This adaptation was so good that I just had to go out and visit my local bookstore, purchasing a copy of Herbert's finest example of a ghost story. In the end, it was less Poltergeist-scares and more tragedy-based, with two tales interlinking nicely.

One thing that can be said, the BBC has a way of adapting books for screen, with a sharp eye for period drama especially. You only have to look at its recent track-record: "Little Dorrit" (2008); "Great Expectations" (2011); and this year's success "The Crimson Field" (also starring Suranne Jones), marking the BBC's World War I centenary season of programming. In a 2012 interview, author Herbert had some scepticism regarding the transfer of his novel onto screen, believing its complexity would be impossible to adapt, "For a writer the hardest part is handing your work over to someone else, and letting their vision take over". He seemed genuinely pleased with Ahearne's take on "Crickley Hall".

Thoroughly entertaining, and gripping, with enough emotion to sustain through almost three hours, this is one drama that I recommend to anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned ghost story. Sadly Herbert passed away in 2013, but he leaves behind an intriguing legacy, one that will be studied and celebrated for many years to come...

Purchase The Secret of Crickley Hall from the Store:
DVD - Book - Running time: 175 minutes

Picture: BBC America

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Last Passenger (2013) - FilmReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

Train wreck or The Orient Express?

Alfred Hitchcock fans will likely find a delicious slice of drama in this suspenseful independent British thriller directed by Omid Nooshin - starring Dougray Scott ("The Day of the Triffids", "Doctor Who"), Kara Tointon ("Eastenders"), Iddo Goldberg ("Christopher and His Kind"), David Schofield ("Gladiator", "Pirates of the Caribbean"), Lindsay Duncan ("Rome", "Doctor Who") and Joshua Kaynama. And having discovered this thanks to an interest in Tointon after seeing her in an episode of "Bedlam" (2011), I just have to say that this is one train journey I will not forget in a hurry...

So what is it about? Well, put simply, six passengers are left onboard a London commuter train that has been hijacked by a sociopath, whose own motives are far from clear though his intention is to crash and kill himself and everyone on board. The use of a faceless enemy works well, as it has done in past movies such as "The Car" (1977) and "Joy Ride" (2001). The runaway train theme is not an original concept (I am reminded of Andrei Konchalovsky's 1985 action-thriller and aptly-named, yes, "Runaway Train") but the way in which this movie is executed gives it a rather intriguing and fresh approach whilst maintaining something familiar - the film's focus on characterisation benefits the plot, permitting us to care about the people whose very lives are placed in jeopardy.

And this certainly shows best in the on-screen relationship between eight-year-old Kaynama and Scott, who play young Max and his father Doctor Lewis Shaler. Add to this Tointon's beautiful performance as fellow passenger Sarah Barwell and you have the perfect family unit whose uncertain fate draws ever nearer...

Every actor works well to bring this drama firmly into the realms of enjoyable entertainment. If proof be needed that a small cast can make a satisying movie, then look no further than "Last Passenger", whose direction steers every moment with purpose - no scene is wasted as it becomes clear just who is in charge of the train. Director Nooshin described it as "being trapped in the Belly of the Whale", and there is no doubt that such a claustrophobic experience both brings dramatic actions and tests the humanity and bravery of others. Though there is much tension between Jan Klimowski (Goldberg) and Peter Carmichael (Schofield) at first, their mutual realisation that difference must be overcome if they are to survive does manage to win through! However, just how do you escape an out-of-control transport?

It is very satisfying to see that writers Nooshin and Andrew Love resisted any temptation to rely on blood and gore, instead giving us a much more intelligent and emotional tale: the casting strengthens what is already on paper. This is no slasher film, staying clear of any similarities to horror outings "Terror Train" (1980) or "Train" (2008). To be too critical of the movie or its plot is unwarranted, though some reviewers have criticised the lack of information regarding the "madman". I, however, applaud this direction, for a faceless enemy is a far more terrifying one, whose motives are, at the time of incident, unknown. And so, it is to the last passengers that we, the audience, turn and support, as they attempt to avoid almost certain death.

Nooshin had commented, "LAST PASSENGER began life as a daydream which absorbed me whilst sitting on a London 'slam door' train. The daydream revolved around the simplest premise: what happens if this train doesn't stop?" And with a budget of only £500, a trailer was produced, gaining interest from film studios. In the end, a "shoestring" budget of £1.5m was invested into the project. As the director added in an interview, "...the last movie set on a train was 'Unstoppable' which was $100m (£61m)."

No surprise then that Nooshin had been nominated for the Douglas Hickox Award (Directorial Debut) in The Moët British Independent Film Awards, though he finally lost out to Paul Wright, whose own drama "For Those in Peril" focused on Aaron, the sole survivor of a mysterious fishing accident. In all honesty, "Last Passenger" is the perfect directorial debut, tense with enough explosive charm to satisfy 97 minutes. Mention must also be given to Irish composer Liam Bates, whose score is truly powerful and gripping, evoking the feel of a golden era while echoing the growing tension in the feature - the perfect choice when you consider his other work on such films as "Ghostwood" (2006).

I am going to admit something now: though it was to be a predictable occurrence, the scene at the level crossing shocked me, I had not expected it to be as so well-realised and was glad that the victims remained faceless. But it did have my heart beating like a runaway train, I can tell you - a true cinematic moment! The last time I felt this way about a single scene was during a viewing of the passenger aircraft disaster in "Die hard 2" (1990), and the department store bombing in "Nighthawks" (1981).

I am not one for being too concerned over the use of clichés in film, for the overall voice is of far more importance in my opinion, what a plot has to say in terms of who the characters are and where they are in their lives at that point in time, and how they react to a given situation. For one hour and forty minutes we share the screen with six interesting characters, three of whom I have taken to my heart: Sarah (Tointon), Lewis (Scott) and Max (Kaynama).

Purchase Last Passenger from the Store:
DVD - Blu-ray - Running time: 100 minutes

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The Night of the Doctor - WebReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

"I'm a Doctor... but probably not the one you were expecting."

Had anyone seen this coming? There has been so much focus on the 50th anniversary that it is impossible to escape the madness of a mad man with a blue box, no matter what incarnation he appears or body he wears. The excitement of a landmark occasion such as this must overwhelm. And if anyone was in doubt as to whether there would be any involvement from classic Doctors, then now is the time to rejoice. To mark the approaching 50th anniversary story entitled "The Day of the Doctor", the BBC launched its prequel mini webcast episode "The Night of the Doctor", a tale that would not only introduce in chronological order the arrival of Hurt's mysterious character but also treat us to a glimpse of the last moments of the Eighth Doctor - a character so under-serviced by the show, having never featured in a season of his own. Yes, actor Paul McGann was back, and it most definitely is about time!

Battered and tired but still a man of hope, this version of the Doctor has witnessed the Time War escalate to a point where existence itself is threatened, as Time Lords and Daleks engage in the bloodiest of battles, a continuing campaign that has lasted since quite possibly "Genesis of the Daleks" (1975), when the Fourth Doctor was asked by the Time Lords to avert the creation of their Skaro-born enemy. Another example of this feud can be seen in "Resurrection of the Daleks" (1984) in which the Daleks attempt to clone the Fifth Doctor and his companions, and use the Doppelgängers to assassinate the High Council of Time Lords on Gallifrey. It is a theme that has run through many Big Finish audio plays also.

Though only about 6-7 minutes in length, "The Night of the Doctor" is a welcome part of Whovian mythology and a final glimpse into the last moments of the Eighth Doctor. It feels kind of ironic that, in 1996 we witnessed his birth after a gang shooting, only to now watch his final sacrifice. The serious tone of the piece is welcome, this is precisely how Doctor Who should be: powerful drama!

So what does the episode tell us about the Doctor, the Universe and the Time War? Much, quite frankly. We see that the Doctor is his usual self, even in the darkness of war he is looking to save lives. Cass a typical example, the solitary figure of a gunship whose fate has already been decided, having transported her crew to safety and with no means of escape for herself. The hero of time wants to rescue her, and together they race to the TARDIS at the back of the ship. However, upon discovering that her saviour is a Time Lord, Cass withdraws, locking herself In the front section of the vessel, separating herself from the Doctor and salvation. Her feelings for the Time Lords are clear: they are as destructive and ruthless as the Daleks in this chaotic war, and she would rather die than trust even one of them. The Doctor refuses to leave her, and the gunship crashes...

The planet Karn, once a Gallifrey colony. The Doctor has been here before, in the Fourth Doctor televised serial "The Brain of Morbius" (1976), and in Big Finish audio adventures "Sisters of the Flame" (2008) and "The Vengeance of Morbius" (2008). The Sisterhood of Karn has a long and interesting history regarding the Time Lords: in the days before Rassilon, old Gallifrey was ruled by the Pythia, matriarchal leaders who possessed psychic and precognition abilities. When the very last Pythia to rule Gallifrey was exposed for spying on Rassilon, she sent her followers to live on Karn and committed suicide. It is her followers who later became known as the Sisterhood of Karn.

And so the Doctor has returned, but he perished in the crash. Resurrecting him for four minutes, the Sisterhood offers him a lifeline - the ability to choose a regeneration, and bring an end to the Time War once and for all! At first the Time Lord refuses, knowing that he is the Doctor, a man of moral goodness. But seeing Cass's body forces him to make one of the darkest decisions of his lives... "I don't suppose there's any need for a doctor any more. Make me a warrior now."

Given a chalice, the Time Lord pays respect to old companions (for the first time in television history the show references characters from the Big Finish range of audiobooks) before saying, "Physician, heal thyself" and drinking from the cup, sparking a forced regeneration. The glow, and the Doctor, our Doctor, is no more. In his place, via a reflection, we see a young John Hurt as "The War Doctor". The very last words, "Doctor no more" do send a slight chill - for this is an enigma of a character, a man whose only purpose is to commit the most desperate of acts to bring an end to bloodshed.

One of the strangest of opinions concerning the Eighth Doctor is that... he is not canon at all, just a displaced character perhaps similar to that of Peter Cushing's Dr Who? Not my opinion, you understand, but the misguided belief from a small pocket of Whovians. This I find totally preposterous, for if this were true and Paul McGann's Doctor is so far from canon, then why did Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy reprise his role to guest star in the 1996 TV movie? And why link the two Doctors with a direct regeneration sequence if not to satisfy a continuation of the legendary show instead of a total reboot? One fan has even had the nerve to suggest that McGann's Doctor never appeared on "television", so how can he be a true Doctor? Well, what is a TV movie if not for television?

For such a long time there has been a strong desire for McGann to resurrect his role as the Eighth Doctor beyond his already popular audio outings for the Big Finish range. And whether or not a spin-off series is likely, the fans' wishes have been granted! He not only returned after a seventeen year television absence, but McGann performed such brilliance that his place in Doctor Who's legacy is unquestionable and assured.

For this review it is also important to highlight the wonderful work of both Clare Higgins (as Ohila, Sisterhood of Karn) and Emma Campbell-Jones (portraying the role of Cass). Higgins, an award-winning English actress, is known for her role as Julia Cotton in the horror feature "Hellraiser" (1987). Doctor Who fans will also remember Campbell-Jones for her performance on "The Wedding of River Song" (2011) in which she played Dr. Kent - you do feel that McGann and Campbell-Jones would have been good together if a spin-off series was to be commissioned; perhaps Big Finish should take note...

It is inspiring that showrunner Steven Moffat had the vision to reunite the Eighth Doctor with his fans, feeling that the "completist" in him needed to see the regeneration scene finally happen on screen. Talking about the idea in an interview, Moffat said, "Well, we had our new ‘hidden mystery’ Doctor and I was thinking, what else can we do for our anniversary year... I thought... Why don't we get Paul McGann in and regenerate him into John Hurt? I’d like to see that! And we had this possibility that we could do it as a surprise, so we got in touch with Paul who was dead keen and I’m delighted to say he was so happy to join in with the idea of keeping it secret. He was childishly excited about it!"

Of course, every fan has been "childishly excited" about it, too, since the surprise was first unveiled. We now have the bookends of a Time Lord, with Big Finish providing the filling as the audio adventures of McGann's Doctor continue. If you have never discovered the magic of these stories, then begin now. If you are a regular listener, perhaps revisit your favourites. For both, it is an absolute magical treat to experience "The Light At The End", a true celebration of Doctor Who's classic years. Be sure to watch an interview with Paul McGann over at Flicks And The City, where the actor talks "Night of the Doctor".

Purchase The Light At The End from the Store:
(Standard Edition)
CD Audio - Feature running time: 120 minutes

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Doctor Who: Dimensions In Time - TVReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

"Mayday, mayday. This is an urgent message for all the Doctors. It's vitally important that you listen to me for once. Our whole existence is being threatened by a renegade Time Lord known only as the Rani..."

I have never understood the dislike for Doctor Who's 1993 two-part charity event "Dimensions In Time", designed as a nod and a celebration of the show's 30th anniversary. According to statements that have been made since, "Dimensions" was to be a rather different affair, with intelligible plot and solid dialogue. However, due to time restraints, cost issues, and other requirements, Doctor Who marked an important occasion with a host of faces old and new, and monsters galore. The Daleks were perhaps absent, due to legal reasons, but this was something quite special - utilizing a 3D method called the "Pulfrich effect" (accompanied by the viewer wearing special spectacles with one darkened lens and one transparent one) to give an extra dimension to the Doctor's adventure. It was not, as some see it, a "final insult" - perhaps proceeds raised going to charity is irrelevant?

I can fully appreciate the fans' longing for something quite special, in line with previous celebrations "The Three Doctors" (1973) and "The Five Doctors" (1983), and I for one wished a grander affair had been approved. But let us not forget that, sadly, the show itself had been cancelled in 1989, and there was not a single sign that Doctor Who would ever return as a drama series every again. Even the originally planned 30th Anniversary feature-length drama "Lost in the Dark Dimension" failed to materialise, which would have starred Tom Baker reprising his role as the Fourth Doctor and joined by companions and fellow Doctors - as various actors and production crew have stated in interviews following the cancellation of "Dark Dimension", the presence of Jon Pertwee, Peter Davison, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy would have been little more than cameos, which was not only a disappoint to the actors but would not have become the true equal gathering of the show's stars that fans would have surely wished for at that time...

Had "Dark Dimension" been both produced and a huge success, perhaps the BBC would have given the green light for a new season, but that is now uncertain. And so, with nothing else on the agenda other than a documentary entitled "Thirty Years in the TARDIS", it was decided to go ahead with "Dimensions In Time". One of the ideas settled upon during the genesis of this "Children In Need" reunion was that Doctor Who must intergrate with another popular BBC drama show at that time, "Eastenders", a soap opera following the residents of Albert Square in London. Not such a strange notion when you take into consideration that this was to be a fundraiser for children, and not a canon-based chapter in a long-running television series...

This is perhaps where I feel slightly amused. It is hard to believe that some members of Doctor Who's fanbase have tried to place or explain "Dimensions In Time" into the canon, as if just accepting that it was nothing more than a charity event is too difficult an idea for them to comprehend. It was a sketch, nothing more. And if it is true that "Dimensions" raised over £101,000 for Children in Need, perhaps just a thank you to everyone who took part is required, instead of criticism? 3-D week, which televised a number of special BBC shows using the Pulfrich 3D technique, included "Dimensions" as part of its one-off programming.

The story. Well, the "plot" focuses on renegade Time Lady the Rani (Kate O'Mara) attempting to trap all of the Doctor's incarnations in a time loop. The First and Second Doctors have already been snared, and the Fourth Doctor (played by Tom Baker) sends out a distress message to his remaining other selves; one can only watch and admire the man who had portrayed the role of the Doctor the longest. Following this scene we meet the Seventh Doctor (McCoy) and companion Ace (Sophie Aldred) who arrive in London, 1973, after the TARDIS is drawn off course - McCoy was, at the time of filming "Dimensions", the current Doctor, having starred in the show's last classic canon serial "Survival" in 1989. Using the method of time jumps, we are introduced to other Doctors and companions as the Time Lord attempts to understand the reason for this phenomenon.

Seeing familiar faces again such as the wonderful Nicola Bryant, Sarah Sutton, and Carole Ann Ford (playing companions Peri Brown, Nyssa and Susan Foreman respectively) is always a delight, and the all-too short scene between Colin Baker and Nicholas Courtney is a reminder of just how good the Sixth Doctor and his old friend Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart would have been together in a televised story had Baker remained for further seasons. Talking of a union between these two fabulous actors, it is always a blessing to hear them perform in Big Finish's audio drama "The Spectre of Lanyon Moor", released in 2000, featuring a Cornish landscape and a haunted moor...

I do find it quite a shame that "Dimensions In Time" may never be available, even as a DVD extra. Due to both cast and crew giving their services free of charge, conditions were laid down unequivocal by Equity, the actors' union, which stipulated that "Dimensions" would be transmitted the once only and should never be "exploited commercially in any way". Though I am sure there are some who would not care if this light-hearted sketch was ever seen again, it does make a nice example of what can be achieved when people are brought together to help those who are less fortunate. Television presenter Noel Edmonds (whose popular UK show "Noel's House party" aired both parts of the Doctor Who charity special) could not have worded it better when, referring to a phone-in to decide the outcome of a moment in the sketch, said, "When you make your call you will be invited to make a pledge for Children In Need. So you'll not just be helping the Doctors, but you'll actually be helping children everywhere..."

Ironically, during the special two-parter, we see Jon Pertwee and Elisabeth Sladen visit Albert Square in 2013 - it seems they are with us in spirit for the 50th Anniversary! And a final word from McCoy, who says at the end, "Certainly I, I mean 'we', are difficult to get rid of." Never a truer word said.

Purchase More Than 30 Years In The TARDIS from the Store:
(Included in The Legacy Collection)
DVD - Feature running time: 200 minutes (Includes "Shada")

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Carmilla (Unabridged) - AudioReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

"You will think me cruel, very selfish, but love is always selfish; the more ardent the more selfish. How jealous I am you cannot know. You must come with me, loving me, to death; or else hate me, and still come with me, and hating me through death and after. There is no such word as indifference in my apathetic nature."

I have always enjoyed a walk through tales of vampires, those ghastly apparitions that must feed on the blood of their prey to survive. My journey has mostly explored cinematic portrayals, though in recent times I have discovered the works of authors such as Charlaine Harris and Rachel Caine. Until recently my only taste of Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu's classic novella, "Carmilla", had been via a screen adaptation by masters of horror Hammer Films. Titled "The Vampire Lovers", the 1970 feature starred actress Ingrid Pitt in the lead role, with Madeline Smith as her lover and victim. However, I am yet to read the tale in print, first published in 1872. Ironically, even though "Carmilla" predates "Dracula" by twenty-five years, it is Irish author Bram Stoker's 1897 novel that is most fondly remembered.

And so it is a heavenly treat to discover Textbook Stuff's unabridged audio adaptation of "Carmilla", narrated by British actress and voice artist Miriam Margolyes ("Blackadder", "Harry Potter"). Clearly much love has been invested into this retelling of Le Fanu's story, with crisp sound design and music by composer Howard Carter (known also for his Big Finish work including titles such as "Treasure Island", "Doctor Who" and "Jago & Litefoot"), which allow the listener to be immersed in the world that is being related. This, and Margolyes' perfectly-delivered narration, achieves something quite remarkable - you can feel yourself in every scene, witnessing every moment, as if you are actually there sharing someone else's life. The richness makes for a captivating audiobook...

The multi-talented Barnaby Edwards produces and directs this stunning telling of a gothic love story focusing on eighteen-year-old Laura, whose life is changed by the arrival of Carmilla to her home in Styria, Austria. The newcomer is equally young and beautiful, and a friendship is formed. However, there is much mystery concerning Carmilla, and before long Laura falls under her spell. Of course, this all follows the mysterious death of another young lady, Bertha Rheinfeldt, whose uncle General Spielsdorf states in a letter to Laura's father, "I thank God my child died without a suspicion of the cause of her sufferings. She is gone without so much as conjecturing the nature of her illness, and the accursed passion of the agent of all this misery. I devote my remaining days to tracking and extinguishing a monster. I am told I may hope to accomplish my righteous and merciful purpose. At present there is scarcely a gleam of light to guide me".

A theme that Le Fanu's text delivers is that of lesbian vampirism, Carmilla's interest in Laura quite clearly more than just an act of friendship. Though the tale is careful in its exploration of this, understandable given Carmilla's publication date, the unsettling attraction and affection that Carmilla displays for her new friend is unmistakable. What emotions play a part in this bond, however? Can a vampire truly love? That is surely the appeal of vampirism, the erotic taste of beauty and yet... the desire for blood is stronger still, an uncontrollable urge to survive, to exist. And then there are the vivid nightmares of a cat-like beast that stalks Laura's room, biting her before taking Human form and vanishing. Following this the young woman's health deteriorates...

You can quite clearly see the comparisons between "Carmilla" and Dracula", for they both share similar patterns: the presence of Professor Abraham Van Helsing in the latter is likely inspired by Le Fanu's character creation of Baron Vordenburg, both vampire hunters. And, just as Bertha in "Carmilla" succumbs to vampirism before Laura, so does Lucy before Mina in "Dracula". Though Stoker's masterpiece had created a universe of its own and helped to establish vampires further within the conscious mind, it is interesting to consider the possibility that, without Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu, there would have been no Count Dracula; "Carmilla" has almost certainly influenced other literature and media. Indeed, the same can be said of "Varney the Vampire", published in book form in 1847 - these early explorations of "vampyre" have set the foundations by which modern writers follow.

How the text from the original novella came to be transferred to audiobook is fascinating in itself. Barnaby Edwards' passion for resurrecting "Carmilla" began in May 2011, when he invited fellow horror fans and Textbook Stuff customers to support the project by pledging via wefund.com. An accompanying video featuring Barnaby and music by Carter explained what would be required to make the audiobook a reality. You will be astonished to learn, for example, that such an ambitious project costs approximately £10,000 to finance - one reason why independent companies such as Spokenworld Audio, Textbook Stuff and Big Finish should be applauded for their hard work and commitment.

Thankfully funding exceeded the £5,000 target (with Textbook Stuff meeting the remaining £5,000) and Laura's encounter with the terrifying and yet alluring Carmilla was recorded at Moat Studios, London, in July of that year. For this reviewer, rediscovering "Carmilla" in audio format is an eye-opener, and I passionately feel that a creature such as this is, in every way, just as enticing and seductive as her male counterpart. She is the perfect predator, a femme fatale whose empowering sexuality and charm is used to entrance and snare her prey. Vampires are the most fascinating of supernatural beings, their immortality and strength incomparable. Whether demon or tortured soul, these "creatures of the night" (and in some cases, "day" too) will continue to defy time, entertain and terrify, and find new ways of reaching out from beyond the grave.

You can purchase the audiobook of "Carmilla" for download at
Spokenworld Audio (MP3 sound files) - £14.99 ex. VAT

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The Witches (1966) - FilmReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

"Throw in a satanic ritual and you almost have just the right ingredients to keep this Hammer film from falling foul of its own black magic."

There is much to thank Hammer Films for. Not only has the studio enriched British cinema but its influence continues to cast a spell to this present day. Growing up in England, I first discovered Hammer while watching one of the Dracula films starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. I was mesmerized by powerful performances, vivid texture and haunting colour. Close to where I lived there had been a history of death, leprosy, plague, civil war and witchcraft, so I was in good company with local ghosts of the past, inspiring a fascination with the supernatural. Movies satisfied my hunger.

Though three decades old (at that time), the production of "Dracula" felt fresh and alive with purpose. I have been a fan ever since. Over the years I have enjoyed various titles, though I must admit I am far from seeing them all. It is hard to believe that this production company was founded in 1934 by William Hinds. Then known as Hammer Productions Ltd., Hammer's first production was "The Public Life Of Henry The Ninth", that very same year. And though many associate Hammer with horror, it is interesting to know that the studio has produced movies for various genres, including comedy. For some years after its final steps into mystery and suspense, there was a hiatus. However, a return with vampire horror "Let Me In" (2010), a remake of 2008 Swedish feature "Let the Right One In", spoke volumes: Hammer Films was back with a vengeance...

In 1966 director Cyril Frankel gave us "The Witches", a horror featuring what was to be actress Joan Fontaine's last big screen role. Restored and beautifully presented, StudioCanal has chosen wisely with its blu-ray and DVD combos, and this is no exception! Telling the story of Miss Gwen Mayfield's arrival in the quiet English village of Walwyk as new head teacher at the local school, "The Witches" for the most part works well as a British thriller, featuring an excellent cast. The sense of paranoia that permeates through the plot feels as stalking as the black cat (owned by the mysterious Granny Rigg) that creepily happens to keep a rather close eye on Gwen.

Fontaine as Gwen Mayfield could not have been better cast, her performance is grounded as a woman encountering a mystery who steadily unearths a devilish plot involving witchcraft. Those familiar with British sitcoms might just recognise the faces of Rudolph Walker ("Love Thy Neighbour", "Eastenders"), Leonard Rossiter ("Rising Damp"), and a young Michele Dotrice ("Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em"). No stranger to Hammer Films, actor Duncan Lamont also plays the role of butcher Bob Curd; I remember Lamont mostly for his performance in the 1974 Doctor Who serial "Death to the Daleks". Kay Walsh, too, is cast as Stephanie Bax, a very rich and influential lady; Walsh can be seen as Nancy in David Lean's 1948 masterpiece telling of "Oliver Twist", adapted from author Charles Dickens' classic tale.

"The Witches" is a feature that feels Hitchcock-esque in style and yet, fails to deliver an ending that compliments the film as a whole. There is less horror than you would expect, although as a thriller it is less needed. The mystery surrounding schoolgirl Linda Rigg (portrayed by Ingrid Brett, also known as Ingrid Boulting) remains the focus of the plot, as locals are determined to keep her away from a young village boy, who unexpectedly falls into a coma. Later, a missing doll is found - headless - and there is a death. Throw in a satanic ritual and you almost have just the right ingredients to keep this Hammer film from falling foul of its own black magic. Sadly, the ritual itself does not work so well, those actors involved in the ceremony looking more like locals from a dancing school with a choreography that is simply far too long and strange to be of any value.

Adapted from a 1960 novel "The Devil's Own" by Norah Lofts (published under the pseudonym Peter Curtis), the climax could have been better handled by Frankel and writer Nigel Kneale, though it has been purported that the latter (known for other hits including "Quatermass and the Pit") was unhappy with the final result, having included more humour in his script than was finally shown. Personally I am glad that "The Witches" remained serious, even if it delivered a far from satisfactory conclusion. On the balance, this is one film that was enjoyable, beautifully shot and, looking back, a reflection of quintessential England in a bygone era. Just one question, why is there a doll of singer/songwriter Paul McCartney in the movie poster pierced by pins? Perhaps the witch's power reaches beyond Walwyk?

In addition to the film, on the Blu-ray you will find a new documentary "Hammer Glamour", which takes a look at the Hammer girls through the years. Mixed in with classic footage, there are interviews with glamour girls Caroline Munro, Madeline Smith, Jenny Hanley, Valerie Leon, and Martine Beswick. It is a delight to hear their opinions of the show, and memories of working with other cast. One complaint, especially from Hanley, was the need for nudity in the Hammer movies - revealing too much flesh is something that actress Smith certainly seems to now regret (she starred in 1970's "The Vampire Lovers", opposite Ingrid Pitt), stating that she was young and naive in those early days of her career. In all, a rather intriguing forty-two minutes spent. And Munro looks as good as ever...

Purchase The Witches from the Store:
Blu-ray + DVD combo - Feature running time: 90 minutes

Or perhaps purchase the paperback - Publisher: Hammer

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Dracula AD 1972 - FilmReview

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Article author: Alwyn Ash

Taking a look at the seventh in the successful Hammer Horror Dracula film series...

It has been described by some as one of the weakest in the Hammer Horror Dracula franchise. However I disagree. "Dracula AD 1972" has always been a favourite of mine since I first discovered it at the same time that I purchased "Satanic Rights of Dracula" on video tape. It is even possible that it was "Dracula AD 1972"'s appeal that led me to sampling and enjoying further Hammer tales. So what is it that excites about this movie? Firstly the casting, with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee reprising their roles as Van Helsing and Dracula respectively; Cushing even gets to play two generations of the Van Helsing family: Lawrence in 1872 and descendant Lorrimer in 1972. Other cast include Christopher Neame as the mysterious Jonnny Alucard, and sex bombs Stephanie Beacham as Jessica Van Helsing and Caroline Munro as Laura Bellows certainly add to the attraction.

Secondly there is a freshness about "Dracula AD 1972" that permeates throughout the film, matched by a funky soundtrack written by fellow Manfred Mann member Mike Vickers. There is even a brief appearance by American band Stoneground.

The contemporary feel of 1970s London, with the upper class being invaded by hippies strikes a workable contrast to the film's opening fight sequence set in 1872 between Lawrence Van Helsing and Dracula - of course, the opening few minutes for the prologue do raise problems in the chronology of the Dracula film series: as the original Hammer Dracula 1958 motion picture was set in 1885, and Van Helsing had not even encountered Dracula until that year, how is it that Lawrence Van Helsing has managed to feature in the 1872 opening scene battling a vampire he was yet to meet? To be fair, I didn't even realise this piece of trivia until researching both Hammer movies - it has been some years since I last watched the 1958 outing directed by Terence Fisher...

Though Hammer had been known for its contemporary productions, "Dracula AD 1972" was a considerable jump from what had gone before compared to period pieces such as "Horror of Dracula", "Dracula: Prince of Darkness" (1966) and "Taste the Blood of Dracula" (1969).

Something that should be acknowledged is that Peter Cushing's original Van Helsing does not even seem to share the same name as his 1897 novel counterpart, Abraham Van Helsing. In "The Horror of Dracula" he is simply referred to as Doctor Van Helsing; its sequel "Brides of Dracula" (1960) suggests his name to be "J. Van Helsing", though perhaps the "J" was a reference to a middle name? Still, the only explanation for "Lawrence" in "AD 1972" is that Cushing's Van Helsing in the 1958 feature had been called "Lawrence" and not "Abraham". Taking this in mind, "Doctor Lawrence J Van Helsing" makes the most sense.

And so back to director Alan Gibson's offering... The prologue gives us a battle between Count Dracula and Van Helsing, and the final death of our vampire slayer. As Lawrence is laid to rest ("Requiescat In Pace Ultima"), one of Dracula's disciples buries some of his master's ashes nearby. Cue title sequence and we are now one hundred years forward, in 1972. How nice that both the disciple and Lawrence's descendants look identical to their ancestors, allowing the same actors to play both parts. Though in a contemporary setting, Peter Cushing's character remains the same elegant and charming gentleman. As previously mentioned, among the young cast is Neame as Johnny Alucard, whose fascination with the occult is more than just a passing phase: he hopes to raise the dark lord, and serve under him.

Dracula's hatred for the Van Helsing family is so strong that he wishes to turn Jessica Van Helsing (Beacham) into a vampire, and his bride! Very surprising that he didn't keep Laura as a bride too - such a waste! Munroe did, however, feature in another Hammer film as Carla, a Gypsy girl in "Captain Kronos – Vampire Hunter", released in 1974.

Perhaps a small part now, but one of the interesting characters in "Dracula AD 1972" is Inspector Murray (played by Michael Coles - who also starred opposite Peter Cushing in the 1965 feature-length "Dr. Who and the Daleks" as a Thal, Ganatus). Though he doesn't have much to do in this production, Murray does return for the follow-up "Satanic Rites of Dracula", in which he plays a more prominent role.

For those who still believe "Dracula AD 1972" to be poor, it was surely more of a shame that the 1974 feature "The Legend of the 7 Golden Vampires" featured Peter Cushing once more as Lawrence Van Helsing, in 1904 - thirty-two years after he was supposed to have perished? Perhaps "Legend of... Vampires" was trying its best to wipe away any trace of the two films that had preceded it, or am I missing something? Whatever the reason, Gibson at least managed to update a tiring film franchise with his direction, even if it divided fans in the process. At heart, this is simply a fun movie.

Purchase Dracula AD 1972 from the Store:
DVD - Running time: 92 minutes

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