Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
05-31-10, 03:12 AM
#376
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I didn't find this two-parter all that great, but I think I liked the second part a little better than the first. The ending was surprising
.
Spoiler:
05-31-10, 08:27 AM
#377
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I thought the first part was better. I'm not really a fan of when the show goes into overt moralizing mode ("You have to be the BEST OF HUMANITY!"), and that whole part of the plot was a bit contrived.
I do prefer the show as a whole under Moffat--the Doctor is more of a man of mystery, and the overall tone is less campy and closer to what I like in my TV. But I think that the episodes themselves have been underwhelming, and I'm not really dying to rewatch any of them. I'm sure things will get better, though.
I do prefer the show as a whole under Moffat--the Doctor is more of a man of mystery, and the overall tone is less campy and closer to what I like in my TV. But I think that the episodes themselves have been underwhelming, and I'm not really dying to rewatch any of them. I'm sure things will get better, though.
05-31-10, 10:00 AM
#378
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I do prefer the show as a whole under Moffat--the Doctor is more of a man of mystery, and the overall tone is less campy and closer to what I like in my TV. But I think that the episodes themselves have been underwhelming, and I'm not really dying to rewatch any of them. I'm sure things will get better, though.
05-31-10, 10:32 AM
#379
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I like that Moffat has largely ditched the soapy dramatics that Davies imbued Who with. There is less overt cheap comic relief supporting characters and no more weepy unrequited romance angles between Doc and companion.
But, the show is still faltering on basic production level. For a modern scifi show, sometimes the look is still too bland and the action is too predictable. I actually attribute these things to the landscape Moffat is forced to work in, both in terms of budget limitation and what the higher-ups deem the audience expects.
As a show overseer, I think Moffat seems to be working within a box carried over from the Davies era: the story beats have to maintain a certain pattern. I say its forced on him because his previous Doc eps as a writer were memorable for how they worked without the usual set of Davies-Doc rules. I mean, for instance, Blink didn't even have the freaking Doc as its star.
I think the problem is, the show was an initial hit, so the head production crew quickly patted themselves on the back rather than admit there were some kinks with the storytelling and design. Its like they said, "Well, this worked and this worked, and this worked, and this worked... so lets keep doing it."
But, the show is still faltering on basic production level. For a modern scifi show, sometimes the look is still too bland and the action is too predictable. I actually attribute these things to the landscape Moffat is forced to work in, both in terms of budget limitation and what the higher-ups deem the audience expects.
As a show overseer, I think Moffat seems to be working within a box carried over from the Davies era: the story beats have to maintain a certain pattern. I say its forced on him because his previous Doc eps as a writer were memorable for how they worked without the usual set of Davies-Doc rules. I mean, for instance, Blink didn't even have the freaking Doc as its star.
I think the problem is, the show was an initial hit, so the head production crew quickly patted themselves on the back rather than admit there were some kinks with the storytelling and design. Its like they said, "Well, this worked and this worked, and this worked, and this worked... so lets keep doing it."
Last edited by Slumbering Fist; 05-31-10 at 10:44 AM.
06-04-10, 07:54 PM
#380
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I think the problem is, the show was an initial hit, so the head production crew quickly patted themselves on the back rather than admit there were some kinks with the storytelling and design. Its like they said, "Well, this worked and this worked, and this worked, and this worked... so lets keep doing it."
Unfortunately, I'm getting a bit sick of the whole crack in time story arc. To me, the whole run of stories this season has been partially damaged by the lead up to the finale. Like all the stand-alone stories are unimportant and really shouldn't be paid attention to because something BIGGER is coming. I actually prefer everything tied together in the way "Torchwood" was handled in Series 2. Very brief mentions here and there slipped into dialogue or in the background. Even "Bad Wolf" and "Mr. Saxon" were handled with less impact to the surrounding stories until we got closer to the end of each series. This crack in time is like a hammer to the head.
I see your point about it making the other stories seem a bit less important, but I don't find that to be the case at all. I know we're in for a big adventure at the end, but that doesn't ruin these current adventures for me at all. It's the way Angel or Buffy would be constantly building to the season finales, while still giving the characters things to deal with week to week.
I dig it. But then I'm really enjoying this season. It's weird to me that it's almost over.
06-05-10, 08:18 PM
#381
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I really enjoyed this week's episode. Tony Curran stole the show. Bill Nighy summing up his feelings on Van Gogh while he was there was just a great scene.
06-05-10, 08:58 PM
#382
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
Vincent and the Doctor was an excellent ep, and the second week in a row that I was almost in tears at the end of the program.
06-05-10, 10:08 PM
#383
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
)And I thought the Doctor was very funny in this episode. I really liked the scene when he was so focused on identifying the creature with the mirror contraption that he almost forgot that this dangerous creature was standing right behind him and he should be running!
06-06-10, 11:51 AM
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
Liked the episode as well. Turned out much better than the previews indicated. The Doc's "I know evil when I see it," remark and the beastie's intentions and end didn't quite jibe, but the rest of it was good.
That's how you save some scifi cash, the ol' invisible monster
My argument is that the writing and the production design could be better, that I thought the two would improve more than they have beyond the first and second season. Many shows have been gradual or instant hits and used that momentum to improve themselves in those areas rather than just settle.
That's how you save some scifi cash, the ol' invisible monster
My argument is that the writing and the production design could be better, that I thought the two would improve more than they have beyond the first and second season. Many shows have been gradual or instant hits and used that momentum to improve themselves in those areas rather than just settle.
Last edited by Slumbering Fist; 06-06-10 at 11:59 AM.
06-07-10, 11:03 AM
#387
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I think this would've been a much better episode, and huge departure from typical Who, if the entire story was nothing but Van Gogh, Amy, and the Doctor....no monster at all.
06-07-10, 11:06 AM
#388
Moderator
Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I agree. As a side note, I would love to see a return of the "Historical" stories, even if it's only one a year.
06-07-10, 01:20 PM
#390
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
No.
No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No.
No, Stephen Moffat. Just say no.
No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No No.
No, Stephen Moffat. Just say no.
06-07-10, 02:18 PM
#391
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I'm kind of mixed on the Van Gogh episode. I agree he Vincent stuff was good, in a way, and the monster stuff was unnecessary. I think in a way this was sort of an impressionistic love letter to Van Gogh. They kind of white washed the character and completely fudged some facts. For instance, Van Gogh's sunflower painting was among his earlier works, years before some of the painting seen in his studio (Dr Gachet, the Prisoners), which were among his final works.
Last edited by wmansir; 06-07-10 at 02:21 PM.
06-07-10, 03:30 PM
#392
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
This episode had a lot of nice nuggets of goodness in it. The bit where they're all holding hands was really sweet and the Doctor jumping back in the room to startle Vincent and Amy jump to mind.
06-07-10, 05:31 PM
#393
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
Well I didn't like 'Cold Blood' much at all, kind of a shame after the comparatively better 'Hungry Earth'. It's also surprising since it was such a good idea for an episode too. But the ideological crap is getting to the point it dominates the plot, which sucks. While the UK ideological stuff was always a part of the episodes, this is getting to the outright preachy and kind of sickening level.
"You are so much LESS than the best of humanity" and all that silly drivel. Amy at the end just didn't pull it off, it smacked of artifice and I didn't buy it.
I'm losing my interest in the show the longer this season goes on.
Makes me realize how good the last creative team and Doctor were by comparison.
"You are so much LESS than the best of humanity" and all that silly drivel. Amy at the end just didn't pull it off, it smacked of artifice and I didn't buy it.
I'm losing my interest in the show the longer this season goes on.
Makes me realize how good the last creative team and Doctor were by comparison.
06-07-10, 06:47 PM
#394
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Torchwood International
Doctor Who-related....
Torchwood International!
The BBC have announced that a new series of Torchwood will be produced by the BBC Wales, BBC Worldwide, and US network Starz Entertainment.
The series will see John Barrowman and Eve Myles reprise their roles of Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen, and will comprise of ten episodes overseen by series creator Russell T Davies. Other former cast members (like Gwen's husband Rhys played by Kai Owen) have yet to be confirmed, but new faces will appear in the team, with adventures taking place around the world.
Says Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning:
We have a long history of working with many U.S. networks but it is incredibly exciting to be working with Starz for the first time, as well as to be reunited with the best of British in Russell, Jane and Julie. Torchwood will burst back onto the screen with a shocking and moving story with global stakes and locations that will make it feel bigger and bolder than ever.
Jane Tranter, EVP, BBC Worldwide Productions:
Torchwood has attracted remarkable attention and loyalty in both the UK and U.S., and in this new partnership with Starz, the next chapter will not only reward our current fans, but also introduce new viewers to the most impressive instalment yet.
Chris Albrecht, LLC, President and CEO of Starz:
We're committed to programming exceptional television that is entertaining, imaginative and provides a premium TV experience, and by any measure the new concept for Torchwood fits that mandate. I've been part of successful partnerships with Jane Tranter and the BBC previously, and I'm very much looking forward to working with them again.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Albrecht added:
It was too good an opportunity to pass up. Each season of the show, the show has evolved and "The Children of Earth" was terrific as evident in it was just named a Television Critics Press Awards nominee. I'm interested in doing sci-fi and what I like a lot about "Torchwood" is it's a very classic sci-fi entry. It's all about the story, it's not about big effects. I thought "Children of Earth" evolved the franchise to a place where it could continue to evolve on pay TV with an American partner that could bring more production resources.
At the end of "Children of Earth" Torchwood was destroyed, so when we pick up in our world the need for Torchwood arises again. A lot of this story takes place in the U.S. as well with several characters that are in the U.S. intelligence forces and end up teaming up with Gwen and Captain Jack to deal with the situation at hand.
The Hollywood Reporter also spoke to Russell T Davies:
It's very much the next step. It's not a new version, it's not a reboot. We're simply moving countries. The show was previously a format show -- monster of the week. The breakthrough was "Children of Earth" and that it became one long story. It's not going to be 'Lost' and take 20 years to find out what's going on. It's going to have a most remarkable conclusion after 10 episodes.
We're simply going to tell a good story. I wrote the pilot 7 months ago irregardless of network. BBC1 is a prime-time channel, but a brave channel. I don't worry about content.
No date for production and eventual broadcast for the series has been announced, though some media sources have suggested it premiering during Summer 2011.
The BBC have announced that a new series of Torchwood will be produced by the BBC Wales, BBC Worldwide, and US network Starz Entertainment.
The series will see John Barrowman and Eve Myles reprise their roles of Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen, and will comprise of ten episodes overseen by series creator Russell T Davies. Other former cast members (like Gwen's husband Rhys played by Kai Owen) have yet to be confirmed, but new faces will appear in the team, with adventures taking place around the world.
Says Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning:
We have a long history of working with many U.S. networks but it is incredibly exciting to be working with Starz for the first time, as well as to be reunited with the best of British in Russell, Jane and Julie. Torchwood will burst back onto the screen with a shocking and moving story with global stakes and locations that will make it feel bigger and bolder than ever.
Jane Tranter, EVP, BBC Worldwide Productions:
Torchwood has attracted remarkable attention and loyalty in both the UK and U.S., and in this new partnership with Starz, the next chapter will not only reward our current fans, but also introduce new viewers to the most impressive instalment yet.
Chris Albrecht, LLC, President and CEO of Starz:
We're committed to programming exceptional television that is entertaining, imaginative and provides a premium TV experience, and by any measure the new concept for Torchwood fits that mandate. I've been part of successful partnerships with Jane Tranter and the BBC previously, and I'm very much looking forward to working with them again.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Albrecht added:
It was too good an opportunity to pass up. Each season of the show, the show has evolved and "The Children of Earth" was terrific as evident in it was just named a Television Critics Press Awards nominee. I'm interested in doing sci-fi and what I like a lot about "Torchwood" is it's a very classic sci-fi entry. It's all about the story, it's not about big effects. I thought "Children of Earth" evolved the franchise to a place where it could continue to evolve on pay TV with an American partner that could bring more production resources.
At the end of "Children of Earth" Torchwood was destroyed, so when we pick up in our world the need for Torchwood arises again. A lot of this story takes place in the U.S. as well with several characters that are in the U.S. intelligence forces and end up teaming up with Gwen and Captain Jack to deal with the situation at hand.
The Hollywood Reporter also spoke to Russell T Davies:
It's very much the next step. It's not a new version, it's not a reboot. We're simply moving countries. The show was previously a format show -- monster of the week. The breakthrough was "Children of Earth" and that it became one long story. It's not going to be 'Lost' and take 20 years to find out what's going on. It's going to have a most remarkable conclusion after 10 episodes.
We're simply going to tell a good story. I wrote the pilot 7 months ago irregardless of network. BBC1 is a prime-time channel, but a brave channel. I don't worry about content.
No date for production and eventual broadcast for the series has been announced, though some media sources have suggested it premiering during Summer 2011.
06-07-10, 07:52 PM
#395
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Thread Starter
Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
^ as I said in the other thread, good news. Let's hope it's as good as CoE. Given the discussion in here on the non-Davies Who era it will be interesting to see how that is accepted in a years time.
As for the Vincent episode, I thought it was so-so. I enjoyed the bits with the man himself, but I felt the part with the monster was rather boring. Might have been more interesting if we had never seen it at all. More imagination and all.
I would have been interested to see the Tardis through his eyes as well. I will say the starry night was a nice effect. I'm curious, despite having an observation about Amy and what really happened he had nothing to say about the Doctor himself.
As for the Vincent episode, I thought it was so-so. I enjoyed the bits with the man himself, but I felt the part with the monster was rather boring. Might have been more interesting if we had never seen it at all. More imagination and all.
I would have been interested to see the Tardis through his eyes as well. I will say the starry night was a nice effect. I'm curious, despite having an observation about Amy and what really happened he had nothing to say about the Doctor himself.
06-08-10, 05:47 AM
#396
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
It seems like this season is a bit polarizing, but for my money it's really as strong as any of the other seasons have been. This season hasn't had the highs of some of the past seasons, but it also hasn't had the lows either. For my money, this series might be the most consistent of all of the new seasons.
Amy Pond reminds me a lot of Donna, which is why she's so likable.
Amy Pond reminds me a lot of Donna, which is why she's so likable.
06-08-10, 10:02 AM
#397
DVD Talk Legend
Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I wish Amy would treat just one thing seriously at some point. I mean, tied up by lizard people and being threatened with death isn't the time to be cheeky. She seems way too confident for someone who has such a troubled background.
06-08-10, 10:27 AM
#398
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I just look at that as how she deals with things. She's confident, sure, but she's like the companion Spider-man. Cracking wise to stay sane.
06-08-10, 10:59 AM
#399
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
I did find her comment about "Not being the marrying sort." interesting.
06-08-10, 11:30 AM
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Re: Doctor Who Series 5 Discussion (BBC)
The Vincent Van Gogh episode was definitely my favorite of the season so far, and probably in my top 10 of the new series. Tony Curran was great. Who knew that "evil Russian sidekick #2" from earlier this season on 24 could pull that off? The Doctor and Amy were both a lot of fun as well.
I didn't mind the invisible monster that much--it was just there to provide some action, plus it led to some fun moments, which gave the episode a good balance. Also, I liked the way that it worked van Gogh's
depression into the plot.
William Hartnell sure is getting a lot of face time this season.
I didn't mind the invisible monster that much--it was just there to provide some action, plus it led to some fun moments, which gave the episode a good balance. Also, I liked the way that it worked van Gogh's
depression into the plot.
William Hartnell sure is getting a lot of face time this season.