Doctor Who

Now I've never really been one to get caught up in a show that often, especially a science fiction show but I have been very into BBC's show, Doctor Who. My brother was the one who got me into it because he would watch it all the time and I got mad because of how bad some of the effects were. Eventually, from just being around too much, I started picking up on the story line and I fell in love with it. The idea that the Doctor is this nerdy, weird guy, who doesn't use weapons doesn't sound like much of a hero but through his genius and quick thinking the Doctor has become known as the most powerful man in the universe. This whole idea of nonviolent heroes is a very interesting idea to me. Envying a hero who is smart and weird compared to a hero who is macho and strong is not something I see a lot. It's a show that preaches unconditional love and understanding because he tries to understand why the antagonist is causing the problems not how to destroy it. The only alien race that he is trying to destroy is the Daelek. An emotionless race that embodies the worst qualities of human beings like war, destruction, and the striving for a superior race. Time after time, or time before time, or whatever time traveling story line the Doctor is on, he brings understanding and peace back to planet Earth.

Now I started with David Tennant and absolutely loved him as the Doctor. He completely embodied the role and could be that quirky, loving, nerdy Doctor but at the same time he could easily let you know that he is in fact, the most powerful man in the Universe. I absolutely loved it. The season finale for season four was one of my favorite endings for a season of all time. I couldn't get over it and talked about it for days. At the same time I had to get ready for the new Doctor, Matt Smith. He had some HUGE shoes to fill and as of right now I'm in the middle of the 6th season. As it should be, he's putting his own spin on it and I'm actually really enjoying what the writers are doing. He's a younger Doctor who's very energetic and has a hard time sitting still (which I totally relate with). Although his deep power moments haven't been as strong as David Tennant's, I believe he still has a lot of potential and time to really make himself the Doctor.

As of partners the Doctor has traveled around with, Karen Gillian's and Arthur Darvill's characters, Amy and Rory are my favorite so far. I like the idea of having a couple on board the Tardis compared to just one companion. Then I'd have to say Billie Piper, as Rose Tyler, is my next favorite because of the complications she and the Doctor had. Sometimes I really think that this show is nothing but a scientific soap opera but really it's just that the characters are all so great. I care about them, want them to succeed, and enjoy watching them develop through out the show. Overall I highly recommend getting back in tune with your inner nerd and start watching some Doctor Who.

It's bigger on the inside.

As I procrastinate doing work for finals I find myself catching up on shows that I am not up to date on. I found myself watching the new episodes of Doctor Who, and I hate to say it, but I am not impressed. After such a great start to the season with Asylum of the Daleks, Dinosaurs on a Spaceship, A Town Called Mercy, The Power of Three, and The Angels Take Manhattan; this half of the season just seems so bland and uneventful.

I understand that they are trying to introduce a new companion and story to go with her, but the episodes just seem so slow and uneventful. They did it just fine with Amy Pond, so why are they messing it up so badly now?  The mid-season opener, The Bells of Saint John, did not compare at all to the start of the fifth season, The Eleventh Hour. I am actually upset because I had high hopes for Jenna-Louise Coleman as a companion, but it seems like this season is set to be the worst yet in my opinion. 

I really hope this season picks up soon, because I would hate to have this show killed for me. I would have to bury it between Heroes and Prison Break.

The Doctor Is In

So this semester I finally got into a TV show that many of my friends have been pestering me to watch for years - Doctor Who. I was hesitant at first to be honest. A show about aliens just didn't seem like it would appeal to me, but I've quickly fallen in love with it.

For those who don't know, Doctor Who is about a 900 year old Time Lord (that's a kind of alien) who travels around time and space with a human companion in a blue police box. If you're someone who hasn't really seen it, this may seem like a super odd concept...which it is. It has been on television ever since 1963, which is pretty cool. My Dad actually saw the very first episode as it was being broadcasted live (he's British, so it makes sense). In the old Doctor Who the special effects were pretty adorable...meaning terrible, but hey, it was the 1960s! Here's the first part of the very first episode.

Thankfully in the new series (which returned in 2005 after a 9 year hiatus) the special effects are better. They're not always superb, but they try.

Sometimes this show is pure brilliance! Great stories, scary monsters, witty dialogue, and superb acting, but when it's bad it's pretty terrible. But Whovians (which is what super fans of the show are called) love to pick apart the episodes and find plot holes and just discuss the show for hours. I do that.

The tenth doctor, David Tennant, is arguably the best doctor thus far. Here's a clip of one of my favorite moments with him.

All in all, this is strangely one of my favorite shows. It took me a few episodes to get into it, but now I can't imagine my life without the doctor and his blue box. It sounds strange that a show that can be as hokey as this one has had such a big impact on my life, but it has. I strongly encourage everyone to watch at least a little!