Reviews

Radio Times - Doctor Who Collectors' Edition

2010-02-14T21:11:00.015Z

Radio Times and Doctor Who. Two inseparable phenomena held together by the power of a magnificent television series and the best TV Guide at this moment in time. I could write more about how great both of these are, but I’m only, for my own sanity, reviewing a particular souvenir book marking the end of David Tennant’s era as the Doctor.

In fact, Radio Times is one of the main reasons why I first watched the new series way back in 2005 (only that long?!). Yes, more than I’d thought. If I hadn’t had that particular Radio Times on the first weekend of the first series, I may never have watched it on that spring evening. It could have been one of the biggest mistakes I’d never have known about. I can’t particularly remember that first cover of the Tardis, but I can’t say I didn’t notice it at all. I assume it’s what first showed me that bright, spectacular, ‘coral’ interior of the famous time machine. I remember most definitely the 16-page guide to the series. I loved that, and was most upset that it wasn’t a pull-out guide again the next year. I’ll never forget highlighting/colouring the episode titles and guides on the back page. I didn’t know much about the series, so I doubt that there was even a simple key to the colours. But certainly, if it weren’t for that Radio Times it would have been very different.

Of course, I don’t want to necessarily give my whole life story here, so I should take a look at the book itself. Just from the cover, you just know that you have something special in front of you, sporting an exclusive image of the Tenth Doctor taken before ‘The End of Time’. But that is NOT the only exclusive image presented before you once you venture inside. Oh No! Nothing is more eye-catching than the first page with every cover of Doctor Who Radio Times for the past five years. I’m sure you’d look at each one and see if you remember it or wonder if you still have it, at the top of your dusty cupboard. I can’t say that the creators of this book haven’t worked hard at all, it’s just so perfect, attractive to look at and exclusive filled. There is even a foreword from ex-executive producer and head writer Russell T. Davies, with a very old picture of him from 2005. I remember that! I hadn’t a clue who he was then, nor the fact that in a few years I’d meet him in person! There are occasional inputs from the cast and producers for more relevance to the show, rather than it just being written by Radio Times.

I literally could talk for days about all the features in book, but I’d rather not, so straight on. The main layout is episode guides in order for each series, from ‘Rose’ to ‘The End Of Time’, so we’re all up-to-date (for now, at least). Although, I don’t think I could really call them episode guides. They wouldn’t fare well for any reader who is not really a fan. I can confidently say that this is predominantly a ‘fan’s’ souvenir, because any ‘fan’ should be ashamed if they don’t look through it and jump for joy at least once. Any Doctor Who ‘muggles’ would look at the pictures and think they’re pretty, probably. There is a short guide for each episode, which is just enough to be satisfying and so to not make the layout too complex. Next to most of the pictures are extended captions to provide us with great facts for each topic of picture. It does also include transmission dates, writers and directors for each episode. But then there’s also a rating. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to have a rating and I was pleasantly surprised to see them, but I can’t help but notice that a lot of them are very subjective. I don’t know who’s rated the episodes, or if it was a joint effort, but I hope to god that nobody takes these as official ratings, which you should bide by or die. They could have gone in the direction of having readers vote, I suppose, but this is pretty minor. I’ve probably gone and made a fool of myself though, as they probably have done this or something of the sort. I can’t help but pull a face at the ‘Love & Monsters’ rating of 5/5! I thought it was somewhat unpopular. Anyway…

I’ve always had Radio Times while Doctor Who’s been on the telly, and on a lot of weeks I’ve gone to the Doctor Who section and seen outstanding and stunning pictures to go with theweek’s episode, and been hugely impressed that Radio Times have done all these exclusive photo shoots and have things that the internet doesn’t. I honestly thought a couple of years ago, ‘wouldn’t it be so fantastic having all these together, a memory and something to enjoy looking at?’. Radio Times, you answered my prayers. Thank You! They’re all here, in this book of wonders, in their rightful place. Also included are many behind the scenes pictures as well as episode photos showing how they did filming, creating sets like the Tardis, prosthetics like Dalek Sec Hybrid and more. It’s full of these marvellous images and they’re more special than ever. I’ve looked through it and thought ‘I remember that!’ or ‘Wow, that’s new!’. So don’t think you can get by just having the Radio Times magazines. I’ve even had some of these pictures up on my bedroom wall thanks to the exclusive posters and that’s special in itself, but this is the ultimate collection!

One of the best and most memorable things about the book it the sheer simplicity and colours used throughout. The layout, the colours. It all works, all looks spacious and appealing to any person with a crafted mind. In whatever mood you’re in, it’s so easy to look at, and this honestly cannot be said of a lot of things. The black background on every picture and page is a real advantage for this. It’s a very unique thing in the Doctor Who universe because I think it’s the first real thing like this I’ve ever seen. The pictures released in places such as the Doctor Who site would never work in this form.
I never thought I’d write this much already, but I’m nearing the end, so I have to say this. You have to get this if you like Doctor Who even in the slightest, as there’s a lot to enjoy. Is it worth £6.99? Yes! In fact, for the effort and content of 164 pages, it’s absolutely amazing value, so don’t miss out as there’s nothing like it! In fact, I bet, apart from tiny words, ‘exclusive’ has been one of my most used words, so that may just tell you something…

This is such a good book for keeping around (as long as no one spoils it) to just pick up and look at, by yourself or with others. There’s enough in it to keep you satisfied for at least a couple of months. It’s an absolute treasure and if you purchase it I’m sure it will be something you’ll keep very safe for at least the rest of your life. You may never think that, but it’s just one of those things!

I must admit, there really isn’t much bad about it, that the only truly major downfall is that it doesn’t include anything exclusive on Series 5! Or am I pushing my luck?

Price: RRP £6.99 (Free P&P)

Where From: Call 0844 543 9822 (Limited!)

Pages: 164

Featured Review: Cardiff Exhibition 2008

2008-11-15T22:20:00.002Z

Info

Where: Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff

Open Since: 2005

Last Revamp: 25th October 2008

Review

How Big?

The exhibition is not actually much larger than before, but it definitely feels bigger, because there seems to be a lot more there. You go into the exhibition at an opening at the end of a very large banner, curved round the side. This is how it was done before. So, the outside is no bigger, but, because the space inside seems to be used a lot more efficiently, it does seem larger than it did before.

Layout

The whole exhibition is laid out very well, and everything is clearly labeled, and easy to see and find, making all the displays a joy to look at. You start the route to the left, where you see costumes worn by the latest Doctors and their companions. Then the whole exhibition mostly goes round in a circle, apart from when you come back on the right, there is a large area, with many different displays, which takes up more room than it did on the other side. Every area is used very well, with no spaces, by the looks of it, not filled with something, at least. There is one place where you can skip a bit out, or just more on a bit, which is very good if there is a large queue, and then you can come back later. The exhibition finishes at the shop, and there is no way you can leave without entering! Just a way of making money, I suppose.

New Features and Props

Not much in the exhibition now has actually been used before, and mostly everything is new! So, even if you've been before, it will seem very new! Most of it is from the fourth series, with a few older things from Series Two and Three, but there isn't really anything from Series One. There is so much to see that you'll miss if you only go round once! Things I am talking about are props in glass cabinets. You may have a look at one or two, but then don't see others. This happened to me, when I was having a look at River Song's sonic screwdriver, and then I didn't see her diary underneath! So, if you're wanting to have a proper look round, have lunch or something and then come back, because it's worth it! Great new features include the new Supreme Dalek, with Dalek Sec and a Crucible Dalek. All these are made to move, with a press of a button, with light and speech effects. There's also General Staal, the Genetic Manipulation Device and a moving Cyberman! There is definitely enough to keep you occupied for a while, at least! Another thing is the computer screens located all round, with fantastic information you can learn. Most of these are for people new Doctor Who fans, with synopsises for Series One to Three and such, but it's great!

Variety

There is everything from the real Tardis to Adipose tablets, so there is a lot of variety! A great thing is this Tardis, because behind it is a green screen and a camera is at the front, so you can go and stand by the Tardis, when it is on lots of different planets, and have your picture taken! Although, it is a bit faulty, because some of the Tardis blends into this background. If you're thinking that most exhibits are going to be similar, think again, because everything has it's unique place in the exhibition.

Clear?

Something that is really great is that every feature is labeled very well, making everything easy to understand, so you know what you're looking at! Not only that, but it all looks great to look at! With pictures, and Doctor Who logos, fonts and textures everywhere, it's amazing! There is so much to read as well, about each exhibit and the characters and everything, so it's all brilliant! There are a couple of things though, without labels, which is a shame, as one thing from The Sarah Jane Adventures just looks like a rubbish dump!

Security

It is clearly marked that the owners do not want to you to touch the exhibits displayed, or stand on any platforms where things are. This is good, as they don't want anything to get damaged or broken. It's amazing in fact, that everything is open for you to touch. If you go into normal museums, everything is put behind glass, to stop you. This is the great thing about these exhibitions though, so you can get up close to your favourite friends and foes. One of the qualities the the exhibitions provide is this.

Shop

The shop used to be a whole lot bigger, and is now in fact quite small. It is on the right hand side as you walk in, and displayed across one wall and a corner. This is disappointing for such a good exhibition! One of the points that is is so small might be that there actually isn't enough space, so this might be why.

Other

At the counter you can buy a Doctor Who locations guide, for where they filmed various different scenes, so this is very useful! It doesn't have every location on, but there is quote a lot! I would suggest going to the Gower Peninsula though, as it would take ages to get there! And the staff are very friendly!

Overall

This is definitely one of the best exhibitions I've ever been to, compared to other Doctor Who ones. With its wide variety of new features, friendly atmosphere and clear displays, the whole thing proves to be outstanding!

Exhibition Standard:

>>See the pictures<<

Adipose Plush

2008-11-15T13:54:00.001Z

RRP Price: £9.99

Detail

Well, it is an Adipose, so there cannot be that much detail! But there are little things like the single fang that was included in the episode, so that is nice to see. Also, the parts around the eyes are also put on as joins in the material to make the toy just that bit more realistic and loveable!

Likeness

I think the main factor that it is like that isn't in the show is that it is not actually made of fat! But who would really want a cute teddy bear made out of fat? Exactly. The Adipose as it is makes a perfect toy, with a great soft feel, so that you can hug it without getting too much slime on you! I don't think it looks exactly like the original which is a shame, but it is good enough. The material is a lot lighter than you would see in the programme, but I don't suppose that you would want it if it was darker. For one thing, it might look terribly dirty, so put you off buying it. All the fingers and toes are neatly put on also, so all in all it does do justice to what it is supposed to be. It's not saying that you wouldn't recognise it!

Feel

The material of the Adipose Plush is so soft and lovely to feel, which is great because all you'd have to do is go into a shop, pick it up, and immediately fall in love with it, even if you were blindfolded! I'm so glad they decided not to make it out of fat, otherwise it would have been a disaster! The eyes are shiny and black therefore looking cute making you want it more. The eyes are not made out of fabric though.

Movement

Really, it's just the arms and legs (or hands and feet because they are so short) that can move. Nothing else really needs to, but because it is made from materials, it means that you can just squeeze the figure. That is sort of movement, because if it wasn't, it would just be the hands and feet moving, nothing else.

Packaging

When you go and buy your very own Adipose, you will probably just find them all in a little container, so you can pick your choice. So none of them are personally packaged, just like normal soft toys. This thankfully gives you the freedom to have a little feel of it and fall in love with it as soon as you pick it up.

Overall

You must be crazy if you didn't want this. As soon as you have your Adipose, you feel so much like it's Mum or Dad, and you can care for it, and maybe even make it to bed! But, be warned, these are already fast-selling, so I would be quick if you want one for Christmas, or Christmas presents.

Rating:

5" Radio-Controlled Davros

2008-11-14T17:50:00.002Z

RRP Price: £19.99

Detail

The five inch radio controlled Davros figure has been made with a lot of hard work put into the detail. Everything on it is just like it was originally on TV, just a bit, well, a lot smaller. Apart from half-way down Davros' body, where he sits in his Dalek-shaped portable throne. Here, it just ends, and there is just a strip of grey plastic across, but just looking at it normally, it is pretty much unnoticeable, and the makers would not be able to make it any better really. Davros' control panel is suprisingly detailed, with every button and lever in the right place. Unfortunately, the blue light on the panel does not light up at all. His face includes all the wrinkles and nooks and crannies shown on the programme, and the eye slots are darkened for more effect, just like they were orginally. All the sense-spheres are put in the right places as well, plus his black jacket also has all the creases so the detail is a main highlight to the product.

Remote/Control

The figure comes with a brilliant small remote, which is smaller than the ones that come with the twelve inch Daleks. It is grey and hastwo knobs in the shape of Dalek eye-stalks, which move up and down to determine the direction you want the figure to go. The instructions tell you the full information about directions. At the top, the Doctor Who logo is shown, but as the same colour as the remote. A single button in the middle lets you enjoy various different phrases spoken by Davros at the end of the Series 4 finale. When you use the remote to let the figure move, it has more power than you would first think! It zooms across the room very quickly, but this can also be a disadvantage as when you try and turn it a little bit, it turns round a lot than you want. Say if you are going slightly at an angle and you wanted it get it straightened up. When you turn it, it goes in completely the wrong direction, but fortunately, this is only a minor worry. I believe it has as much power as larger radio controlled figures, and goes at the same speed, so it's quite amazing something that small could produce that much power.

Likeness

The figure is actually very much like the real thing. Apart from it is small, it's got all the correct colours and all the tiny little bits of detail that you could see on the show. A lot of care ha gone into it, to make it every bit as perfect as possible, so that children would be delighted to play with it and a Doctor figure, so they can relive the episodes and mae up new stories, having a very accurate, but small Davros of their own.

Articulation/Movement

There are only a few points of articulation on this five inch figure. As most of it is just the Dalek casing, not much really moves. But this isn't bad, because there could be nothing else added to it for more movement. Davros' arm and metal claw move, so you can either have Davros waving or you could just lay the hand down on his control panel. The head also spins round, but only about ninety degrees. No levers or buttons move on the control panel. So there is enough to get you by, at least.

Speech

There are many different phrases that you can trigger Davros to say by pressing a single button on the remote. There are phrases such as 'Welcome to my new empire, Doctor!', 'You will suffer for this!' and 'This is my ultimate victory... The destruction of reality itself!'. It is also quite loud, louder than you would expect for a figure of this size. This is an advantage if you want to scare your friends and family, and the sound is not too poor either!

Toughness

All things are breakable, but this figure is actually very sturdy. It may not help it if you knock it on something, but the lower half is very strong. The top is a little more flexible. You can bend the metal claw and the head part, and the back support is also quite flexible. The claw needs to be, but I don't really think the back does. But at least this makes the figure reliable not to break, as it would just bend and fall back into place.

Batteries

This Davros figure requires three AAA batteries and the controller is the same. Unfortunately they are not included, but AA or AAA ones rarely are included.

Packaging

It comes in blister packaging, which I must say is actually quite a challenge to open. It would be stupid trying to open it with just your fingers, so you will need something sharp, like a pair of scissors. It is very colourful and when you see it, Davros faces to the side. The controller is hidden under the title of the product, as well as the instructions. Be careful, though, if you want to keep any part of the packaging, as you might ruin it very easily.

Overall

For all your Davros needs, this is a perfect figure, that you can spend hours of your time playing with!

Rating:

First Reaction - Journey's End

2008-11-13T16:27:00.000Z

Wow, wasn't that AN ENDING!

So, the thirteenth, and final episode of Series 4, Journey’s End, has now aired on BBC One!

My Rating:

5/5, and I think the percentage tells you the rest!

Percentage: 99%

My Brief Overview:

My mind is literally still going round in circles!!! I’m not completely sure what to say about this! Um, well, it was… Oh, I can’t find a word that does it justice! Just read on!

I’ll probably not be able to write about it well, as I’ll need to watch it again, as I’m actually still a little unsure about the episode, apart from I did pick up on the fact that the episode was fantastic! And I won’t be able to see it again for a while because early tomorrow morning I’m off on holiday for two whole weeks, so yes, I also won’t be able to update things! But without further ado…

Regeneration

I had a feeling that this would happen! It was just so likely!!! Ever since I’d seen the hand by the console, just waiting to be used! And I’m very glad the Doctor didn’t regenerate into anyone else, otherwise, it wouldn’t be the same! Does this mean that he’s now in his 11^th incarnation, or just that he didn’t finish regenerating at all?

Davros

I feel that Davros wasn’t used as much as he should have been in this episode! Most of the time, it just looked as if he was just sitting in his chair, talking and shouting, but not actually doing much, and then he died just like all the other Daleks! I think he could have done a lot more! I think it was all the build up about him returning, and then it was kind of a letdown, but he was still really good. He seemed to play more of a part in The Stolen Earth, which hardly had any of him in anyway! And he refused the offer for the Doctor to save him, which was kind of sad, but I know that he wouldn’t except!

The Two Doctors

Well, this was a surprise for me! Who’d have thought that we’d have Two Doctors running about over the place! You could just tell that something was going to happen when Donna was hearing the heart beats, that then led to the hand in the jar, and brought a new Doctor to life, with only one heart and part human! Just like Donna as we found out a bit later!

Children of Time

It was great to see different plans that could have been used to defeat the Daleks and Davros! Martha using the Osterhagen Key, and Jack, Sarah-Jane, Mickey and Jackie using the Warp thingy! Oh, I’ve forgotten what it was called! Oh well! The Doctor didn’t want them to use any method, as it would either blow up the Earth, with everyone on, or the Crucible with the Doctor, Rose and other companions on!

Hilarious/Silly?

When Donna came out of the Tardis and started to be Time Lordish, wasn’t it really funny? Trust her to be part Time Lord! She acted just like the Doctor, even saying the things he says! Although when the Daleks started playing up, it did seem quite silly, even though it was funny, and didn’t support the dark theme of the episodes! It was very different from how I expected they’d defeat the Daleks, and not just Donna playing around!

Tardis Team

I have been waiting for this scene my whole life! This was brilliant!!!! All the Tardis Crew together, towing the Earth back to its original position in the universe! And they’re little party at the end with them all clapping at they’re achievement, and it was just such a great moment, and that’s all I can say on that!

Goodbyes

The Goodbyes were emotional!!! First Sarah-Jane, stating that he shouldn’t be lonely with the big family he’s got! Then running off to see Luke! It looks like Martha and Mickey will be joining Torchwood! Which is absolutely fantastic as they’re such amazing characters, so expect more from them! Rose’s farewell brought a tear to my eye, and didn’t think this was going to happen! I thought that she was going to choose not to stay with the Doctor, and not for the Doctor to sort of push her out! And why back to the parallel universe? She could have lived happily in ours! But it was great to see Rose go off with the ‘other’ Doctor, which was mostly human! We found out what he was going to say to her, on that fateful day, way back in Doomsday on Bad Wolf Bay! Even though we already knew, it was still good. The real Doctor couldn’t say it, but then the ‘blue suited’ Doctor did, and then they broke into a kiss, and they go happily into the sunset… Well, this didn’t really happen, but use your imagination!

Donna Noble

So Donna in the end became too much like the Doctor, and it unfortunately started to kill her! She was breaking down! It was so emotional when the Doctor had to do what he had to do, and erase all her memory of ever meeting the Doctor! This was so sad that he had to do this! And he took her home, and told Wilf and Sylvia that they can never tell her about him or the Tardis, or she would just ‘burn up’! So Donna was left to her normal self, and the Doctor feels really lonely without her! And sad that they can never be together again! One of the beautiful parts was when Wilf was talking to the Doctor, outside in the pouring rain, just when the Doctor was leaving!

Death of a Companion?

So, there wasn’t really a death of the most faithful companion, was there? Unless, when Donna was dying and the Doctor had to erase all of her memory, so that she ‘died’, so that might have been it, but I’m still not sure!

Music

The music in this was spectacular! I want to mention two pieces! The Song of the Ood came back when the Tardis Team were pulling the Earth back, and it was in a different version, with guitars in the background and other added things, which made it amazing and emotional to hear! And definitely fitted the scene! We heard another piece we’d also heard in other episodes like Turn Left, when the Doctor was erasing Donna’s memory, and it sounded like a new Doomsday, but for the Doctor and Donna, instead of the Doctor and Rose! It had the bass put in to give it some depth, and was amazing!

Hints of the Series 4 Story Arc:

Well, it was the story Arc, so nothing really, but many questions were answered! This is what we had been building up for!

First Reaction - The Stolen Earth

2008-11-13T16:25:00.000Z

Wow, wasn't that PHENOMENAL!

So, the twelfth episode of Series 4, The Stolen Earth, has now aired on BBC One!

My Rating:

I wish the rating could be higher! But anyway, 5/5

Percentage: 98%

My Brief Overview:

For me, this is the best episode of Doctor Who EVER! I thought I’d start of that way, as it was absolutely amazing, stunning and breathtaking! I probably first want to talk about the regeneration (which was completely unexpected!), but I’ll try and work through the episode…

Pre-Credits

So the episode started off as the Doctor and Donna land on Earth, to find everything normal, and nothing happening YET! Until they go back into the TARDIS, and the Earth is stolen! They look out from the TARDIS, but then it’s just space, and the Earth is no more…

Until of course we see former companions and friends to the Doctor, looking up into the sky, and then Rose teleports into our universe, and states that ‘It’s only just beginning’, and we see many planets, like the Earth, stolen, in the sky, which in fact was great CGI!!!

Then we zoom into the credits… Did you see how many were credited: David Tennant, Catherine Tate, Freema Agyeman, John Barrowman, with Elizabeth Sladen, and Billie Piper! They just came on so quickly!

The Shadow Proclamation

Wasn’t it so exciting to see it for real, after it had been mentioned so much in the past? I was! The CGI on the outside was fantastic too! The inside was also great, and I loved how the Doctor spoke Judoon language! If any of you haven’t noticed, the interior was also the set of the Torchwood episode, ‘Dead Man Walking’, when they were in the hospital! I could be wrong, but it did look like it! And weren’t those albino women strange! And we finally found out about the bees disappearing! So, who’s going to die? ‘Donna’s loss…’

‘EXTERMINATE!’

Didn’t that just send shivers down your spine as soon as you heard that from the signal, and it worried Jack, Sarah Jane and Martha a lot too, while Rose started to cry a little! It was great to see the Daleks rounding people up on the streets, while one man threw a brick at one of the Daleks! It seemed a lot like The Age of Steel, when the Cybermen were also rounding people up! That was hilarious with Wilf and the paint-ball gun! ‘My vision is NOT impaired!’ Looks like they have better technology now! And wasn’t it amazing having all the Dalek ships flying overhead, with them destroying everything! That was amazing in New York, with all the buildings blowing up!

Davros

He was so stupendous! I loved how he looked! It would have been a bit better if we had seen more of him in this episode, but I’m sure that there’s a lot more to come in Journey’s End! Wasn’t it disgusting that all the Daleks were made from him, using his cells! Definitely when he opened his top, and saw what we saw inside!

Dalek Caan

Didn’t he look a bit different this time! I’m still not quite sure why he was all chained up and destroyed, but we’ll probably find out soon! I thought he was the one with the low voice! Oh, maybe not, but he had such a high voice in this! He also must have had all his emotions taken out, because at one point he actually laughed!

‘Calling… The Doctor!’

This was a splendid bit, when the combined forces with Mr. Smith and the rift, to make the phone call, using every phone in the world! And they reached the Doctor, and he followed the signal! I loved the music in this as well, and the beams going up the Cardiff Bay water tower! And then out of the world…

Regeneration

There are so many questions that follow this! But anyway, The Doctor lays eyes on Rose again, and it’s such an emotional moment! They run to each other, and then we see a Dalek, who then cries ‘EXTERMINATE!’ and shoots the Doctor. But if you see, it didn’t completely hit the Doctor, because normally, the beam ends as soon as it hits someone, but in this, it hits about half of the Doctor, and then bounces off him! And surely if he had been shot properly, the Doctor wouldn’t have been awake afterwards, but dead until he regenerated! So then they stumble back to the TARDIS, and Jack tells Rose and Donna to get away from him, and then he bursts into light, and then it says TO BE CONTINUED! How annoying is that! But David Tennant cannot leave, as he’s doing the specials! He’s even seen filming! So what’s going to happen! Some rumours have been saying that he’s going to regenerate into somebody else, and then regenerate back, but I think that it will either be a half regeneration, or it has to be stopped half way for some unknown reason! Well, we’ve only got a week to find out!

The Music

In this episode, the music was marvelous! Including some old classics like Rose’s Theme, The Doctor’s Theme, Rose in Peril, Variations on All the Strange Strange Creatures, and a few others! There were many new ones, for action scenes and stuff! I loved the new Davros Theme! It was very eerie and strange! Play it again to hear it, but it’s heard whenever we see him!

So that’s enough waffling from me, so you in a week, where I’m sure I’ll have a lot to write about!

Hints of the Series 4 Story Arc:

Well, it was the story Arc, so nothing really, but many questions were answered! This is what we had been building up for!

First Reaction - Turn Left

2008-11-13T16:23:00.000Z

Wow, wasn't that SPECTACULAR!

So, the eleventh episode of Series 4, Turn Left, has now aired on BBC One!

My Rating:

A definite 5/5! No doubts there!

Percentage: 96%

My Brief Overview:

This episode was a fantastic and well thought out episode of the best television series in the world! I loved it from start to finish! It had me gripped, all until the end of the Bad Wolf moment! I’ll pick that up further down again.

It was such a good idea, and certainly does make you wonder! What if you turn a different way? Will the whole world be different? It certainly was in Donna’s case! Because she turned right instead, she didn’t ever get a job at HC Clements. Never got dosed with Huon particles. Was never going to get married. Didn’t end up in the TARDIS, never met the Doctor, so he didn’t have someone to stop him on that fateful Christmas, in which he died! Then all events with aliens after that, the Doctor wasn’t there, so couldn’t help out, which caused disaster after disaster! Amazing!

I loved how Rose just kept popping up, at different times in Donna’s life! At the first meeting in Donna’s life, up until Rose said the two words in her ear, after she had died! This also included references to Torchwood, with Gwen, Ianto and Jack, and also Sarah Jane and her team (which also feature in next week’s two parter!). This was referenced at the same time as Rose explaining the Darkness to her (more about this below).

And the time machine, which was the circle of mirrors! Oh, and magnificent acting from Catherine Tate in this episode also! This included her scenes in the mirrors also. Donna thought she had worked out what was going to happen, and Rose’s plain face expressions just showed that something was up, that Donna didn’t know about! And then she only had four minutes to get to her other self and stop herself from turning right, but instead to turn left! (Hence the title of the episode, Turn Left!(If you hadn’t already figured this out!)) And then in the end she did this by killing herself!

Way back in The Fires of Pompeii, Lucius had told Donna that there was something on her back, and then in this episode we finally get to find out what that something is! A giant beetle! Well, a time beetle, to be precise for all ye Who fanatics out there! From the Fires of Pompeii, I had originally thought it would be something lurking at the back of Donna’s mind, or something like that, and not actually something physical stuck on her back! I don’t know which I would have preferred, but still!

So, The Darkness! As all the stars are going out near the middle of the episode, this is then sure to happen now, as the real world has been put back together, as Rose and Donna needed the Doctor to handle it! So it’s still out there! This is most likely to happen in the next two episodes of the finale of Series 4, as all the Daleks come back and blah blah blah…

Ooooooo, what a good cliffhanger! Brilliant in fact! Russell T. Davies sure is a genius! Who would have thought Bad Wolf would have become so important again this Series! Well, I certainly didn’t! As soon as Donna said about a blonde woman, and the expression on the Doctor’s face was great! And then when she said to the Doctor, Bad Wolf…

So then, when they raced outside, Bad Wolf was written everywhere, and even on the TARDIS! ‘Bad Bad Wolf Wolf,’ is what the TARDIS must now be called! And so it’s the end of the universe, as the TARDIS interior has gone red, and the cloister bell sounds, and some strange noise comes out of the speakers, as the Doctor Who Theme starts, the logo goes across the screen, and the trailer for The Stolen Earth plays…

Hints of the Series 4 Story Arc:

Rose! Maybe? BAD WOLF, and possibly billions more!

First Reaction - Midnight

2008-11-13T16:21:00.000Z

Wow, wasn't that DIFFERENT!

So, the tenth episode of Series 4, Midnight, has now aired on BBC One!

My Rating:

I’m still not sure on this episode. I don’t think it was as good as most episodes this series yet! But in ways, with the whole idea, it was very good! I think I’ll have to put it at 4.5/5! Unfortunately the worst one yet this series! But this series still has been fantastic!

Percentage: 86%

My Brief Overview:

According to Russell T. Davies, this is the story this series in which they tried out something new, to see what it was like and how it worked! It definitely was different! But if it was better or worse, I’m still trying to figure out.

I did like the whole idea, of the whole story being in one place, and things happened in that place! The acting was so amazingly brilliant! The Doctor and Sky talking at exactly the same time was brilliant! That must have been so hard to act! And all of when Sky was talking over people, including repeating what they were saying! That must have been terribly hard as well!

This episode, I think was very ‘loud’! If you know what I mean! Everybody was shouting, and shouting over people to get themselves heard, and Sky also repeating what they were saying!

This episode was also very eerily scary! Those menacing eyes of Sky Silvestry’s! And the knocking on the wall! And her repeating everything! Very strange! And poor Doctor near the end when he got possessed and couldn’t move! He was even crying!

So, to round off, I didn’t hate this episode, and I loved the idea, it just didn’t seem to live up to my expectations! But I did enjoy it!

Hints of the Series 4 Story Arc:

Rose on the Screen! The Medusa Cascade was also mentioned!

First Reaction - Forest of the Dead

2008-11-13T16:19:00.001Z

Wow, wasn't that ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT!

So, the ninth episode of Series 4, Forest of the Dead, has now aired on BBC One!

My Rating:

Well, this is my favourite episode of this Series (at least) yet! Wow, Wow, Wow! Um, maybe 5.1/5. Oh, all right, it can’t go over 5. Then it will have to be 5/5!!!

Percentage: 96%

My Brief Overview:

Wow! Sorry I can’t think of another word! This was such an amazing episode! An absolutely great idea! It was kind of like last year’s story the Family of Blood, in which the Doctor didn’t know who he was, but this time Donna didn’t. It was a lot better than last week’s episode! Many questions from last episode!

I loved how Donna was in an imaginary world, after she had ‘died’, and then Doctor Moon was looking after her, got married and had children. And then she met Miss Evangelista, but with a very spooky face!

The special effects of the library were amazing, and the great scenes inside, with lots of great action! And other great special effects, with great directing and filming!

River Song! Future companion of the Doctor? She knows what the Doctor’s real name is! And we don’t know! (Oh well. If we do, the show won’t be called Doctor Who!) And she died, and the Doctor brought her back in the imaginary world.

The final scenes were, well, brilliant! And that’s all I can really say! Apart from the music was really great, with different variations of the Doctor’s theme and everything else!

Sorry that it’s been a bit short and snappy, but I don’t know what else to say! Just everything together made it brilliant, fantastic, and everything you want to say! So there…

Hints of the Series 4 Story Arc:

Not much, apart from will we see River Song in the future…

First Reaction - Silence in the Library

2008-11-13T16:18:00.001Z

Wow, wasn't that SPOOKY!

So, the eighth episode of Series 4, Silence in the Library, has now aired on BBC One!

My Rating:

Out of 5? I’m sorry, but this gets another 5/5 from me!

Percentage: 94%

My Brief Overview:

This was another fantastic episode! So, who do we think River Song is? It could be one of the Doctor’s Companions for the future, or it could be, having been rumored somewhere else, a Time Lady. And that strange TARDIS shaped book of River’s. And the sonic screwdriver, in which apparently the Doctor gave to her…

I thought it was a great idea from the fabulous Mr. Moffat, King of Scares! The idea of a normal girl on Earth dreaming about this library, and has the Doctor and Donna in is marvelous! It’s interesting what Doctor Moon said to the girl: ‘The real world is a lie, and your nightmares are real!’ That has a few questions to be answered behind it! It could be that where the girl is, it in fact might not be real, and where the Doctor and Donna are is the real world, because I don’t see how the Doctor and Donna would have slipped into an imaginary world!

Oh My God! Donna the Node! We weren’t expecting that, were we? And Proper Dave turning into the scary skeleton; classic! And not forgetting the other skeleton of Miss Evangelista, with the heartbreaking moments with Donna talking to her in her final moments!

RTD did say that this was going to be incredibly scary. But, I didn’t find it as scary as he had said. Yes, it was a bit unnerving, but I don’t think it was any scarier than last year’s Blink! Well, just my thought.

Hints of the Series 4 Story Arc:

Not much, but Donna did ask River Song where she was in the future, but River gave to answer, but just a worried and blank-faced look! This could refer in the finale where the Doctor and Donna might split up, for some unknown reason at this time! And could River come back soon in Doctor Who…Who Knows!

First Reaction - The Unicorn and the Wasp

2008-11-13T16:16:00.000Z

Wow, wasn't that BUZZING!

So, the seventh episode of Series 4, The Unicorn and the Wasp, has now aired on BBC One!

It was a very different kind of story, and I loved how it fitted perfectly to an Agatha Christie story! Parts of it just felt like you were playing Cluedo. I would rate this episode 5/5 again, because Series 4 is proving to be a very good series!

But we have 2 WHOLE WEEKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! before the next episode because of the stupid Eurovision Song Contest!!!!! How ANNOYING! And it looks a great and scary episode as well, but its something to look forward to!

To make up, there's a trailer for the rest of Series 4 at 8pm next Saturday, just before Eurovision!

Hints of the Series 4 Story Arc:

Nothing at all, apart from the mention of Bees from Donna, stating that they are around then!

First Reaction - The Doctor's Daughter

2008-11-13T16:15:00.000Z

Wow, wasn't that TREMENDOUS!

So, the sixth episode of Series 4, The Doctor's Daughter, has now aired on BBC One!

Well, I'm still thinking about my score, but probably 5/5! No, 4.9/5! This episode was probably slightly different from what people were expecting, and the Doctor did not produce a daughter with someone else, but just through him! How the character of the Doctor's Daughter developed was just spectacular, and how in the end, she and the Doctor got on! And how sad was it when she was shot and died! But then came back to life again!

Hints of the Series 4 Story Arc:

Er, well, none really, but there are probably things that we turn a blind eye on at this stage, but could play a part leading up to the finale!

First Reaction - The Poison Sky

2008-11-13T16:12:00.000Z

Well, wasn't that DRAMATIC!

So, the fifth episode of Series 4, The Poison Sky, has now aired on BBC One.

I rate this episode 5/5! Everything was brilliant, like last episode, although I found this one slightly better! I’m not going to go into the whole favourite things about this story. You can find my best bits below (and it was incredibly hard this week!), and a few things the same as last week.

But……ROSE!!!!!!!! Watch it below, but don’t blink (and no, it’s not the weeping angels!) or you’ll miss her! Only a quick glimpse!

So, the TARDIS takes off by itself, Martha gets a little angry about it and the Doctor’s hand is bubbling in the jar. Does that mean another Time Lord. Well, Time Lady. The Doctor meets his daughter!!!

My Top 5 Scenes:

5. The TARDIS takes off by itself, Martha annoyed and hand bubbling!

4. The Scenes with the Sontarans on Earth at war including the Valiant blowing part of the ATMOS factory up, to kill some Sontarans!

3. Luke takes the Doctor’s place and sacrifices his life to blow up the Sontaran ship!

2. Donna’s great TARDIS scenes on her own, including ROSE on the TARDIS screen and calls to her family!

1. The Doctor sets fire to the Earth to get rid of the gas and the Earth is free again, with great ‘The Doctor Forever’ music in the background!

But there are so many other good bits, with many hilarious jokes, like the ‘Are you my mummy?’ bit and Sylvia smashing the car window to let Wilf out and scary scares!

Hints of the Series 4 Story Arc:

Not many but ROSE!!! See above!

First Reaction - The Sontaran Stratagem

2008-11-13T16:10:00.000Z

Wow, wasn't that EXCITING!

So, the fourth episode of Series 4, The Sontaran Stratagem, has now aired on BBC One.

Well, I rate this episode 5/5! It had everything! Scares! Thrills! Shocks! Emotions! and of course the triumphant return of Martha Jones, and the old monsters the Sontarans! Can't forget those little aliens with potato shaped heads! Ha Ha Ha!

So we're left on this episode on a massive cliffhanger, with Martha cloned and the fake Martha on the baddie side, Wilf left choking in the car with no escape, and the whole world being gassed out by the vicious and brutal Sontarans! Doesn't sound good, does it!

My Top 5 Scenes (I'll try and do this every week, if I can, but it's such a hard choice!):

5. Donna flies the TARDIS, while the Doctor gets a call from Martha.

4. The Doctor and Martha meet, with Donna meeting too.

3. Donna walks down the street, with flash-backs, and seeing her grandad again!

2. We see the full face of the scary Sontarans for the first time!

1. The final scene, where we're all left in awe at the sight of the whole world being gassed, and the fantastic music score in the background! (It was hard to watch Wilf being choked to death in the car!)

But there are so many other good bits, with many hilarious jokes, and scary scares!

Right...

Hints of the Series 4 Story Arc:

Not many but we had mentions of the Medusa Cascade and the Time War!

Cardiff Exhibition 2008

2008-11-12T22:39:00.001Z

Info

Where: Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff

Open Since: 2005

Last Revamp: 25th October 2008

Review

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