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Doctor Who
posted at 12:22 AM  
I watched the US premiere of the new Dr. Who on the Sci-Fi Channel tonight. They showed two episodes.
The first one was kind of boring, and I found myself flipping to G4/Tech TV several times, which was showing a TNG rerun. I guess I don't find mannequins coming to life very compelling...and to be honest, there wasn't much character development in the episode. Rose was established as a gutsy, passionate woman who provided a good counterpoint for the seemingly cold Doctor, but I didn't really care about the things she cared about (especially her boyfriend--though given the episode's ending, maybe that was intentional).
There was one really good part. The Doctor describes an object he's looking for, and Rose spots it over his shoulder. When she nods at it, he looks, then turns back and says, "What?" She nods again, and he looks again, but still--"What?" Finally, after the third "What?", he gets it. The comedic timing is perfect.
Still, the second episode was much better overall. I don't know if I liked the premise better--space and time travel are always good, and there were some excellent themes--or if the characterization was superior--I think it was, we get insight into the Doctor's past and some great introspection on Rose's part. Probably both. The parade of aliens was nothing new, but I enjoyed the humor. The idea of a bunch of rich aliens risking their necks to watch a planet be destroyed by its sun is so perfect, I can't imagine that no one's ever thought of it before. And the "last human"...wow.
I loved seeing the Doctor get pissed, too. (And by that I don't mean "drunk", you zany Brits.)
I enjoyed the performances of both leads; the Doctor is charismatic, and Rose is compelling (and a total babe). Also, Rose's mum rules.
So all in all, I am interested to see the next episode.
I had never seen any Doctor Who before tonight. I wonder what the differences are?
Comments
You should definitely watch the next one, it's good. Actually, stick with the whole show. There are some cheesy moments, but the show knows it. There are things in there just for kids, but that's good too.
Rose's boyfriend Mickey, and her mum, they're there to contrast the ordinariness of her life til then with the life she's leading with the Doctor. You'll see how all that works out in later episodes.
I'd be interested to see your reactions to some of the later episodes; especially with you not having grown up with the original. This show I watched as a kid, and it was scary hide behind the sofa at times.
The old Dr. Who from the late 70s and early 80s is the best. This Dr. Who is pretty good; of course you know this Doctor has already quit and they've replaced him next season. I downloaded all the episodes last year peer-to-peer. They only make like 10 episodes or something per season, so I'm a little less forgiving when and episode isn't fantastic. The pilot was a drag, and even though it's been a year since I saw it, I still find myself strangely haunted by the image of wobbling mannequins gunning down families in the mall.
Have you been watching the new Battlestar Galactica? I don't get Sci-Fi (we don't even have cable), so I've been buying the eps on Itunes for $2 a pop. The season finale was so unexpected. I was blown away. They really pushed the narrative envelope there. If you've not been watching it, you must rent the mini-series. You'll get hooked right quick.
David, I'll see if I can't stick with it :)
Matt, I have not seen any of the new Galactica, except for part of an episode I caught by chance one time. We have cable here at the in-laws', but won't when we move out next week.
I might see if I can Netflix it.
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