20050310

Doctor Who 27.1 rejected AICN submission

27.1?
Yes. This show's been around since before Trek started.

What's it called?
"Rose"

Who?
Yes. *ahem*. But obvious joke aside, she's The Doctor's new companion,
played by once pop star, now actress (The Canterbury Tales was well
received), Billie Piper. She's pretty good, once you get past the
annoying voice.

Who wrote it?
Russell T Davies

Who's Who?
Christopher Eccleston. You may remember him from such films as 28 Days
Later, The Others, eXistenZ, Jude, but I remember him for playing
Jesus in The Second Coming, a 2003 TV 2 part drama, also written by
one Russell T Davies, which is the main reason I think this show will
be good. He also wrote the original Touching Evil

Wobbly Sets?
Nope. It's your standard highish budget (for UK) BBC show, like Spooks
(MI-5). The Visual Effects have been done by The Mill (Babe 2, Black
Hawk Down, Band of Brothers, Gladiator). Some are good, others
average, hopefully they'll fix some of the mattes before airing.
Seemed that the more complex effects looked better, which may indicate
it's unfinished.

When does it air?
Possibly the 26th March in UK, 5th April on CBC in Canada.

What does TV Guide say?
Very little. Other reviews have been positive though.

Extra geeky stuff: It's the 9th Doctor, the TV movie existed but
doesn't seem to be referenced, I imagine they'll just ignore the weird
parts, it's still a police box, it's a new console room. Daleks? Yes.

What about the rest of the season?
They'll be 13 episodes, each 45mins long (no adverts), stories will be
1 or 2 episodes in length. Other writers include Mark "The League of
Gentlemen" Gatiss, Paul "animated Dr Who internet thingy and Dr Who
novels" Cornell, Steven "Coupling" Moffat. Directors include Joe
"Ultraviolet" Ahearne.

What's good?
It's fun; The Doctor's introduction; ears; using the history of the
show. That it works for long time fans and new viewers.

What's not so good?
OK, it's the first episode, but it seems to be lacking slightly in
plot. And that plot is basically similar to the previous Auton
stories.

Why should I watch?
It's different, it's funny, it's Dr Who damnit. Oh, and Simon Pegg's an episode.

How does it end, spoiler-boy?
And by the way, did I mention?, it also travels in time.

Overall it's pretty good, I'll give it ***1/2

The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
***** better than we deserve
**** better than most motion pictures
*** actually worth your valuable time
** as horrible as most stuff on TV
* makes you quietly pray for bulletins

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