Latest Podcast Episodes

In Episode 13, the Racks present their Top 10 Kick-Ass Female Characters from the comic books, TV, and film :D A pretty diverse range of choices have emerged, with only one character being chosen by both ladies :P As is now customary with Comic Racks - this episode *will* contain VERY strong language - you have been warned :) Reviews and rants a -plenty can also be found in this episode, along with only one selection of Rack Music being chosen this time by the Stace de la Bob. Iz resists the urge to review Baby Boomers *again*, but (at Stacey's request) reads out the majority of Ubu Bubu. So, join the Racks and listen in on their sage musings on Iron Man, Wesley "what tax bill?" Snipes, almost forming the Neil Googe appreciation society, a coupla stonking Peeves, and a shared Tail of the Racks (dun dun dunnnnnn). *Spoilers for Ubu Bubu and SiP* Reviews: Special Education #1 - Dave 'the awesome' Dwonch Welcome to Tranquility #9 - #11 Surreal Adventures of Edgar Allan Poo El Zombo Fantasma

In Episode 13, the Racks present their Top 10 Kick-Ass Female Characters from the comic books, TV, and film :D A pretty diverse range of choices have emerged, with only one character being chosen by both ladies :P As is now customary with Comic Racks - this episode *will* contain VERY strong language - you have been warned :) Reviews and rants a -plenty can also be found in this episode, along with only one selection of Rack Music being chosen this time by the Stace de la Bob. Iz resists the urge to review Baby Boomers *again*, but (at Stacey's request) reads out the majority of Ubu Bubu. So, join the Racks and listen in on their sage musings on Iron Man, Wesley "what tax bill?" Snipes, almost forming the Neil Googe appreciation society, a coupla stonking Peeves, and a shared Tail of the Racks (dun dun dunnnnnn). *Spoilers for Ubu Bubu and SiP* Reviews: Special Education #1 - Dave 'the awesome' Dwonch Welcome to Tranquility #9 - #11 Surreal Adventures of Edgar Allan Poo El Zombo Fantasma

Once again we are joined by James Moran of Torchwood and now Doctor Who fame. James talks us through some of the finer points of the Doctor who episode he wrote entitled 'The Fires of Pompeii' (episode 2 of season 4).

James reveals what it was like finally working on the TV show he had loved from childhood as well how he dealt with fan reactions to the episode.

We also find out some of the upcoming projects James is working on.

Enjoy!!!

Once again we are joined by James Moran of Torchwood and now Doctor Who fame. James talks us through some of the finer points of the Doctor who episode he wrote entitled 'The Fires of Pompeii' (episode 2 of season 4).

James reveals what it was like finally working on the TV show he had loved from childhood as well how he dealt with fan reactions to the episode.

We also find out some of the upcoming projects James is working on.

Enjoy!!!

Part two of the return of the Sontarans to the new series hits the critical eye of Steven, Warren, and Chris, and was found not quite up to snuff, though by no means a complete failure Through much banter and balderdash, your illustrious hosts addressed not only the Sontaran shenanigans in question but the upcoming episode featuring the Doctor's daughter (!) as well as some pretty sparse offerings in the way of news.

Part two of the return of the Sontarans to the new series hits the critical eye of Steven, Warren, and Chris, and was found not quite up to snuff, though by no means a complete failure Through much banter and balderdash, your illustrious hosts addressed not only the Sontaran shenanigans in question but the upcoming episode featuring the Doctor's daughter (!) as well as some pretty sparse offerings in the way of news.

Part two of the return of the Sontarans to the new series hits the critical eye of Steven, Warren, and Chris, and was found not quite up to snuff, though by no means a complete failure Through much banter and balderdash, your illustrious hosts addressed not only the Sontaran shenanigans in question but the upcoming episode featuring the Doctor's daughter (!) as well as some pretty sparse offerings in the way of news.

Aus einer langeren Besprechung der beiden Big Finish Horspiele "The Mind's Eye" und "The Girl who never was" ist, dank technischer Probleme mit unseren Mischpult, leider nur ein kurzes Review geworden, mit dem wir Euch die beiden Folgen ein wenig naher bringen wollen. Fur News war auch noch Zeit, bevor uns das Mistding unter unseren Handenerstmal den Geist aufgab...

Aus einer langeren Besprechung der beiden Big Finish Horspiele "The Mind's Eye" und "The Girl who never was" ist, dank technischer Probleme mit unseren Mischpult, leider nur ein kurzes Review geworden, mit dem wir Euch die beiden Folgen ein wenig naher bringen wollen. Fur News war auch noch Zeit, bevor uns das Mistding unter unseren Handenerstmal den Geist aufgab...

The Syndicate is reformed this week as Dave rejoins the show with a small rant on Lost. Barry Also discusses the pros and cons of working without a co-host for an episode. We also look forward to the Bristol Comic Expo with it's organiser Mike Allwood.

Enjoy!

News

Mortal Kombat vs DC universe. Is it madness or genius?

Primeval season three news. It's a biggie people!

The upcoming Blake's 7 remake.Will it be UK's answer to BSG ?

Week that Was

Lost - is it actually going anywhere?

The Spirit/ Sin City 2 teaser trailer
The Hancock trailer. Is going to be the wild wild west of Comic book Movies?

Main Feature

An Interview with Mike Allwood who is one of the driving forces behind May's Bristol Comic Expo.

The Syndicate is reformed this week as Dave rejoins the show with a small rant on Lost. Barry Also discusses the pros and cons of working without a co-host for an episode. We also look forward to the Bristol Comic Expo with it's organiser Mike Allwood.

Enjoy!

News

Mortal Kombat vs DC universe. Is it madness or genius?

Primeval season three news. It's a biggie people!

The upcoming Blake's 7 remake.Will it be UK's answer to BSG ?

Week that Was

Lost - is it actually going anywhere?

The Spirit/ Sin City 2 teaser trailer
The Hancock trailer. Is going to be the wild wild west of Comic book Movies?

Main Feature

An Interview with Mike Allwood who is one of the driving forces behind May's Bristol Comic Expo.

The Three Who Rule spent a mind-shattering 40-odd minutes conversing about the "Sontaran Stratagem," a fine return to form for the Doctor's beloved potato-headed enemies (unless you ask Chris, he thought the episode was a bit crap.) And good thing too, since there was very little in the news for your intrepid hosts to ponder, though that didn't stop the usual digressions, tangents and nonsense.

The Three Who Rule spent a mind-shattering 40-odd minutes conversing about the "Sontaran Stratagem," a fine return to form for the Doctor's beloved potato-headed enemies (unless you ask Chris, he thought the episode was a bit crap.) And good thing too, since there was very little in the news for your intrepid hosts to ponder, though that didn't stop the usual digressions, tangents and nonsense.

The Three Who Rule spent a mind-shattering 40-odd minutes conversing about the "Sontaran Stratagem," a fine return to form for the Doctor's beloved potato-headed enemies (unless you ask Chris, he thought the episode was a bit crap.) And good thing too, since there was very little in the news for your intrepid hosts to ponder, though that didn't stop the usual digressions, tangents and nonsense.

Show summary: Andy Simpkins, Adam J Purcell, Fake Keith and Tony Gallichan talk about the first three episodes of Doctor Who Season 4, namely Partners in Crime, The Fires of Pompeii and Planet of the Ood, and a variety of other stuff, specifically:

• 00.00 – Intro and theme tune.
• 00.48 — Greetings, yes?
• 01.43 – News.
• 02.19 — Tony now also hosting the DWO Whocast!
• 04.48 — Mario Kart Wii.
• 07.45 — World of Warcraft: Fury of Sunwell.
• 09.42 — The Schrodinger Effect launches.
• 12.43 – Doctor Who
• 13.35 — The New Theme Tune.
• 15.15 — Partners in Crime.
• 33.00 — Fires of Pompeii.
• 44.39 — Planet of the Ood.
• 55.21 – Letters and listener feedback.* Hit us yourself at show@StaggeringStories.net
• 76.30 – Goodbyeeeeeeeee!!
• 64.31 — End theme, disclaimer, copyright, etc.

Vital Links:

• Staggering Stories.
• Staggering Stories: Podcast Drinking Game.
• DWO WhoCast.
• Fantragic Podcast: The Good Twin?.
• Mario Kart Wii!
• World of Warcraft.
• Email Chris Hoyle for more details on The Schrodinger Effect.
• Doctor Who.
• Doctor Who: Partners in Crime.
• Doctor Who: Fires of Pompeii.
• Doctor Who: Planet of the Ood.
• Doctor Who: Tin Dog Podcast

Heute besprechen Kolja und Raphael die Folge "Planet of the Ood", die eindrucksvoll zeigt, dass ein grosses Gehirn noch keine gute Folge macht. Ausserdem gibt es viel Post und einen neuen Eintrag zum Thema "Der Whocast sucht das Supertheme" - oder kurz DWSDS.

Heute besprechen Kolja und Raphael die Folge "Planet of the Ood", die eindrucksvoll zeigt, dass ein grosses Gehirn noch keine gute Folge macht. Ausserdem gibt es viel Post und einen neuen Eintrag zum Thema "Der Whocast sucht das Supertheme" - oder kurz DWSDS.

That's right people, the episode you didn't request or want is here! Barry Nugent aka The Nuge stands alone, no David, no wires, no cgi and no hope. It's just the Nuge against the world. Ask yourself can the world and your eardrums survive the experience?So sit back as The Nuge, reviews Doctor Who, Smallville, Cloverfield, Wii Kart and Army of Two. The Nuge also invents a new word for the geek world.Apologies, in advance to co-host Dave who knows nothing about this episode!Enjoy!!!

That's right people, the episode you didn't request or want is here! Barry Nugent aka The Nuge stands alone, no David, no wires, no cgi and no hope. It's just the Nuge against the world. Ask yourself can the world and your eardrums survive the experience?So sit back as The Nuge, reviews Doctor Who, Smallville, Cloverfield, Wii Kart and Army of Two. The Nuge also invents a new word for the geek world.Apologies, in advance to co-host Dave who knows nothing about this episode!Enjoy!!!

Planet of the Ood" is the third episode of the fourth series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was broadcast on BBC One on 19 April 2008. The episode features the return of the Ood, last seen in "The Impossible Planet" and "The Satan Pit". In the narrative, the Doctor (David Tennant) and his companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) investigate why the Ood are happy to serve. They become horrified at the alterations humans perform on the Ood, and resolve to free them. The episode received several positive reviews for its central theme of slavery. //<![CDATA[ if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); } //]]> Plot Synopsis The Doctor uses the TARDIS to land at a random point in time and space. On leaving the TARDIS, he and Donna find a dying Ood, a species the Doctor previously encountered in "The Impossible Planet" and "The Satan Pit".Before dying, the Ood's eyes turn red and it attacks the Doctor. The Doctor muses that the last time he met them, they were being influenced by the Devil, so their docility is being influenced by a different and closer being. The Doctor and Donna find an industrial complex controlled by Ood Operations, who are selling the Ood as a servant race. The Doctor locates their position: the Ood-Sphere in the 42nd century. The "Red Eye" phenomenon is affecting other Ood on the planet: several people have been killed in the weeks prior to the narrative. During the outbreak, the Ood state that "the circle must be broken". Ood Operations noted an increase in the phenomenon, and considered it to be similar to foot-and-mouth disease; CEO Klineman Halpen (Tim McInnerny) tells the Doctor the method of killing is identical. Throughout the episode, Donna becomes sympathetic to the Ood and is horrified by their status as slaves. The Doctor also takes an interest in the Ood noting that no species could naturally evolve to serve. He also feels he had overlooked them on their previous encounter. He and Donna travel through the complex and finds a batch of uncultivated Ood. Instead of a translation sphere, they hold a "hind brain" that gives them individuality; the Doctor derides Halpen for lobotomising them. The Doctor and Donna are captured by Ood Operations' security force. Shortly after, the Ood begin a mass revolution, and the complex is evacuated. The Doctor follows Halpen to a locked warehouse. The warehouse contains a large brain, which completes the Ood's collective conciousness. The brain's control of the Ood is limited by a circle of pylons emitting a forcefield. Halpen plans to kill the brain, and by extension, all of the Ood, but is stopped by a joint effort between the Doctor, Donna, Dr Ryder (Adrian Rawlins), and Halpen's personal Ood, Ood Sigma(Paul Kasey); Ryder lowered the telepathic field gradually over ten years, while Ood Sigma used Halpen's hair-loss medication to slowly convert Halpen into an Ood. The Doctor shuts down the circle, freeing the Ood and allowing them to all rejoin in a telepathic collective. Before leaving, Ood Sigma promises to include the Doctor and Donna in the Ood's song and honour their names forever, but comments that the Doctor's song may soon end. Continuity The "red eye" phenomenon is present in all three "Ood" episodes, as an effect of being possessed; in the former, they were under the Beast's control. In "Planet of the Ood", the Doctor gives a time frame for all three episodes: the 42nd century, during the Second Great and Bountiful Human Empire; the fourth incarnation was mentioned in "The Long Game" and "Bad Wolf". The Ood-Sphere is in the same solar system as the Sense-Sphere, the location for the 1964 serial The Sensorites;[ the Sensorites and Ood are visually similar.  Production We wanted to know more about [the Ood's] background. This time around, they're centre stage. The story is about them. Why they are the way they are. What makes them tick. --Keith Temple The episode was written by Keith Temple and directed by Graeme Harper. Executive producer Russell T Davies had envisioned the Ood's return because their previous appearance, the 2006 two-part story "The Impossible Planet" and "The Satan Pit", had been overshadowed by the appearance of the Devil. Davies subsequently provided Temple with a brief for the episode which included the terms "ice planet" and the storyline of a business selling the Ood as a commodity] Temple's drafts of the episode were described as "too dark" and "too old Doctor Who"; Temple stated on the episode's commentary that he "wrote a six-part [serial] in 45 minutes". Temple and Davies thought that the episode was not a "fun reappearance" of an old monster; instead, they felt that there was "an actual story to tell". Temple emphasised in his script that the Doctor overlooked the Ood in lieu of the Devil, and the character had to see his shortcomings. Temple's script also emphasised the Ood's slavery; both Temple and lead actor David Tennant commented that the existence of a species born to serve was complicated, the latter stating complications with Richard Dawkins' "selfish gene" theory.[3][10] Donna's role in the episode was to further humanise the Doctor, and her opinion changing from visual disgust to empathy was deliberately important.[10] Susie Liggat cited the writing as part of Doctor Who's importance--she thought the story about "liberating oppressed people" could be applied domestically or globally. The episode's antagonist, Klineman Halpen, is portrayed by Tim McInnerny. Davies considered his character--"a middle manager who's out of his depth"--a perfect villain. Temple described him as "narcissistic", "preening" and "ruthless ... without sentiment". McInnerny said "It's always nice to play a bastard... I'm glad Halpen's a three-dimensional bastard! That makes him interesting!" Temple epitomised Halpen in a scene where he kills an operative for the activist group "Friends of the Ood"; Davies and Tennant felt that his "disgusting" and "gothic" Edgar Allen Poe-esque fate would not be deserved otherwise. Filming for the episode took place in August 2007. The opening and closing outdoor scenes were filmed in Trefil Quarry in the Brecon Beacons, the external scenes of the complex in a caramel factory, and the scenes in the "battery farm" were filmed in a hangar at RAF Saint Athan.[10][9] Very little CGI was used in the episode; the snow was paper snow adhered by water, and the Ood heads contained complex animatronics.[10][9] McInnerny wore a prosthetic head with removable flaps for the shot where Halpen transforms into an Ood. Instead of McInnerny, the production team's best boy provided motion capture for the computer-generated profile of the appendages coming out of his mouth. Reception Overnight figures estimated Planet of the Ood was the most watched programme in its timeslot, with 6.9 million viewers (33.4% of the total audience). The episode was the second most-watched programme of the day, beaten by Britain's Got Talent, and was the fifteenth most watched programme of the week. The episode's Appreciation Index was 87 (considered Excellent). Scott Matthewman, writing for The Stage, gaved a mixed review of the episode. He thought that "pretty much the only surprise in the way the humans who made up the Ood Corporation were presented came as PR girl Solana (Ayesha Dharker) escaped with the Doctor and Donna, only to betray their position by calling for the guards," and "the revelation that Ryder (Adrian Rawlins) has been working to infiltrate the Corporation is thrown away... as quickly as it is revealed." However, he thought Donna was becoming "fast ... one of the strongest and most well-rounded companions in the series' history", and "there were some nice interpretations of the Ood's natural development". Caitlin Moran of The Times thought the episode was "really really good ... - one that will have you staring at your screen and asking, once again, 'How can something so good be happening so early on a Saturday night, in my own front room?'". She enjoyed the scene where the Doctor and Donna talk about slaves in contemporary culture, saying that Tate "really, really isn't that bad when she says ["We don't have slaves"]". Ben Rawson-Jones of Digital Spy gave the episode five stars out of five. Rawson-Jones opened his review by saying "Doctor Who can occasionally transcend the properties of a mere family television show to reach out and give viewers a poignant, beautiful epiphany and greater sense of the world they inhabit.", citing Donna's reaction on seeing the uncultivated Ood as the moving part of the episode. He thought the episode as a whole "exemplifies just how powerful and emotive Doctor Who can be when writing, direction and performance are all harmonious and complete their own Ood-like circle", and was appreciative of the acting. The episode's only flaw was when Donna said "Why do you say 'Miss'? Do I look single?", but was otherwise "an extremely impressive, contemplative examination of the abhorrent nature of humanity". 4.03 - "Planet of the Ood" Doctor Who episode An unprocessed Ood shows his "hind" brain to the Doctor. Cast Doctor David Tennant (Tenth Doctor) Companion Catherine Tate (Donna Noble) Guest stars Tim McInnerny - Klineman HalpenAyesha Dharker - Solana MercurioAdrian Rawlins - Dr RyderRoger Griffiths - Commander KessPaul Clayton - Mr BartlePaul Kasey - Ood SigmaTariq Jorden - RepSilas Carson - Voice of the Ood Production Writer Keith Temple Director Graeme Harper Script editor Lindsey Alford Producer Susie Liggat Executive producer(s) Russell T. Davies Julie Gardner Phil Collinson Production code 4.3 Series Series 4 Length 45 mins Originally broadcast 19 April 2008 Chronology ? Preceded by Followed by - "The Fires of Pompeii" "The Sontaran Stratagem"

Mystery, pathos, and some seriously freaky looking spaghetti mouthed Oods...not a bad episode this week, according to the RFS crew. The Third Guy's (momentary) visit to Edmonton meant a clear signal not muddled by Transatlantic cables or time zone hijinks, but near the end of the podcast Chris managed to slip into a space-time wormhole and only just survived by hanging onto his wireless connection by the skin of his fingernails. Still, japes all round and a fine time was had by all. And next week, the Sontarans return!

Mystery, pathos, and some seriously freaky looking spaghetti mouthed Oods...not a bad episode this week, according to the RFS crew. The Third Guy's (momentary) visit to Edmonton meant a clear signal not muddled by Transatlantic cables or time zone hijinks, but near the end of the podcast Chris managed to slip into a space-time wormhole and only just survived by hanging onto his wireless connection by the skin of his fingernails. Still, japes all round and a fine time was had by all. And next week, the Sontarans return!

Mystery, pathos, and some seriously freaky looking spaghetti mouthed Oods...not a bad episode this week, according to the RFS crew. The Third Guy's (momentary) visit to Edmonton meant a clear signal not muddled by Transatlantic cables or time zone hijinks, but near the end of the podcast Chris managed to slip into a space-time wormhole and only just survived by hanging onto his wireless connection by the skin of his fingernails. Still, japes all round and a fine time was had by all. And next week, the Sontarans return!

Welcome to Episode 12 where Stace takes over the editing reigns for the first time (and shows Iz up by getting it done bang on time).

Apologies for the sound issues in this episode which we wil have sorted out for next time :)

Before they get stuck into the main topic of a Bristol Con preview, the girls talk about Rock Star, Dr Who doing Shakespeare, Baby Boomers at BristolCon and online, the Gotham Knights trailer and the Golden Champagne Glass Awards 2008 (vote Geek Syndicate!!).

Reviews include Maintenance Vol 2, Ms Marvel #25, Dr Who Season 4 Eps 1 & 2, CJ7, and Everybody's Dead #2. This section witnesses Iz inadvertantly insulting Steve Coogan (she didn't mean to) while going mad over Son of Rambow, Stace losing her mind over not having Fillerbunny, and the Racks being divided over the new Who companion.

Iz very rudely dominates the Top of the Racks section with a 12 minute hysteria fit over the best-birthday-present-in-the-whole-world, but makes up for it by also choosing Pushing Daisies which the girls bond over. Stace drops two (TWO!) titles in her Tail and Iz warns of the perils of watching Superhero Movie.

For the main topic, the Racks chat about which creators/ writers / artists they are most looking forward to seeing in Bristol, and for the first time ever, both Racks like each others choice for Rack Music.

Welcome to Episode 12 where Stace takes over the editing reigns for the first time (and shows Iz up by getting it done bang on time).

Apologies for the sound issues in this episode which we wil have sorted out for next time :)

Before they get stuck into the main topic of a Bristol Con preview, the girls talk about Rock Star, Dr Who doing Shakespeare, Baby Boomers at BristolCon and online, the Gotham Knights trailer and the Golden Champagne Glass Awards 2008 (vote Geek Syndicate!!).

Reviews include Maintenance Vol 2, Ms Marvel #25, Dr Who Season 4 Eps 1 & 2, CJ7, and Everybody's Dead #2. This section witnesses Iz inadvertantly insulting Steve Coogan (she didn't mean to) while going mad over Son of Rambow, Stace losing her mind over not having Fillerbunny, and the Racks being divided over the new Who companion.

Iz very rudely dominates the Top of the Racks section with a 12 minute hysteria fit over the best-birthday-present-in-the-whole-world, but makes up for it by also choosing Pushing Daisies which the girls bond over. Stace drops two (TWO!) titles in her Tail and Iz warns of the perils of watching Superhero Movie.

For the main topic, the Racks chat about which creators/ writers / artists they are most looking forward to seeing in Bristol, and for the first time ever, both Racks like each others choice for Rack Music.

Er ist wieder da - Kolja. Und zusammen besprechen wir heute "The "Fires of Pompeii" - ob sich Koljas Unmut wohl diesmal im Zaum halten wird? Ausserdem gibt es Alternativtipps in Form von "Fires of Vulcan" und "Black Orchid". Post ist auch mit dabei und ganz nebenbei spoilen wir den Storyark fur diese Season und sagen euch, was Donna denn auf dem Rucken hat.

Er ist wieder da - Kolja. Und zusammen besprechen wir heute "The "Fires of Pompeii" - ob sich Koljas Unmut wohl diesmal im Zaum halten wird? Ausserdem gibt es Alternativtipps in Form von "Fires of Vulcan" und "Black Orchid". Post ist auch mit dabei und ganz nebenbei spoilen wir den Storyark fur diese Season und sagen euch, was Donna denn auf dem Rucken hat.

This week we got a Star Wars gangsta rap(all 5 seconds), the Geek Syndicate method for dealing with Terminators. There's also talk from Dave on how he deals with false Doctor Who fans and a trip back in time to the games, tv and movies that we're big in the year we left school 1985!

Questions from the Senate

What's the worst adaptation to movie?

Have we watched Big Bang Theory and what did we think?

What's your favourite all time non DC or Marvel comic?

Week That Was

Pushing Daises (TV)

Smallville. (TV)

Remote Control K9 (Gadgets)

"Moths ate my Doctor Who Scarf" (Comedy show)

Main Feature

Travel with Geek Syndicate back to 1985 to look at such classics as the A-Team,The Last Dragon,Goonies, Moonlighting and Rambo 2

Notes from Nuge

Doctor Who Season 3

Leave a comment or question for the boys on our new voicemail number.

+442081335704

Enjoy!!!

*No Ewoks were harmed in the making of this episode.

This week we got a Star Wars gangsta rap(all 5 seconds), the Geek Syndicate method for dealing with Terminators. There's also talk from Dave on how he deals with false Doctor Who fans and a trip back in time to the games, tv and movies that we're big in the year we left school 1985!

Questions from the Senate

What's the worst adaptation to movie?

Have we watched Big Bang Theory and what did we think?

What's your favourite all time non DC or Marvel comic?

Week That Was

Pushing Daises (TV)

Smallville. (TV)

Remote Control K9 (Gadgets)

"Moths ate my Doctor Who Scarf" (Comedy show)

Main Feature

Travel with Geek Syndicate back to 1985 to look at such classics as the A-Team,The Last Dragon,Goonies, Moonlighting and Rambo 2

Notes from Nuge

Doctor Who Season 3

Leave a comment or question for the boys on our new voicemail number.

+442081335704

Enjoy!!!

*No Ewoks were harmed in the making of this episode.

 

The Fires of Pompeii" is the second episode of the fourth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was broadcast on BBC One on 12 April 2008. The episode takes place during the 79AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. In the episode, the Doctor is faced with a moral dilemma: whether to recuse from the situation or to save the population of Pompeii. The Doctor's activities in Pompeii are impeded by the rock-like Pyrovile, and their allies, the Sybilline Sisterhood, who are using the volcano to convert the humans to Pyroviles. The episode was filmed in Rome's Cinecitta studios, and was the first time the Doctor Who production team took cast abroad for filming since its revival.[1] The production of the episode was impeded by a fire near the sets several weeks before filming and problems crossing into Europe. Critics' opinion regarding the episode were mixed. The premise of the episode--the moral dilemma the Doctor faces--and Donna's insistence that he save the population of Pompeii were universally praised. However, the episode's writing was criticised, in particular, the characterisation of the supporting cast: the dialogue was described as "one-dimensional"[2] and Peter Capaldi's and Phil Davis's dialogue as "whimpering and scowling".[3] //<![CDATA[ if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); } //]]> Plot Synopsis The Doctor (David Tennant) and Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) arrive in what the Doctor believes to be first century Rome. After an earthquake, he realises he has materialised in Pompeii on 23 August 79, one day before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. When he returns to the TARDIS' location, he is told it was sold to a Lucius Caecilius Iucundus (Peter Capaldi), a marble sculptor. The episode's antagonists are the Pyrovile, giant rock-like creatures resembling golems whose home planet was destroyed. They operate secretly; the Sybilline Sisterhood act as their proxies. They use the Sisterhood, which is comprised of a high priestess (Victoria Wicks), Spurrina (Sasha Behar), and Thalina (Lorraine Burroughs) to make prophecies while converting them to stone. The Sisterhood is inducting Caecilius' daughter Evelina (Francesca Fowler) and is allied to the local augur Lucius (Phil Davis). The Doctor is disturbed by their knowledge of his and Donna's personal lives, and by Lucius' latest commission, a marble circuit board. The Doctor breaks into Lucius' home and discovers that he is creating an energy converter. He is accosted by Lucius, who sends a Pyrovile to kill the Doctor. The confusion allows the Sisterhood to kidnap Donna briefly; the Doctor follows them and frees Donna. They escape into the Sisterhood's hypocaust system and travel into the centre of Mount Vesuvius. Mount Vesuvius is being used by the Pyrovile to convert the human race to Pyroviles. The Doctor realises the volcano will not erupt if the energy converter is running, and subsequently switches it off, triggering the eruption of Vesuvius. Despite Donna's efforts, she and the Doctor are only able to save Caecilius' family, who watch Pompeii's destruction from a vantage point. The last scene takes place six months later in Rome. Caecilius' family are shown to be successful: Caecilius is running a profiting business, Evelina has a social life in comparison to her seclusion in Pompeii, and his son Quintus (Francois Pandolfo) is training to become a doctor. Before Quintus leaves, he pays tribute to the family's household gods, the Doctor and Donna. Continuity The Doctor refers to the eruption as "volcano day", a phrase used to refer to the eruption by Jack Harkness and the Ninth Doctor in "The Empty Child" and "The Doctor Dances".[4][5] The Shadow Proclamation, an intergalactic code invoked in "Rose", "The Christmas Invasion", and "Partners in Crime" is used by the Doctor when speaking to the Pyrovile.[6][7][8] The Medusa Cascade, first mentioned by the Master in "Last of the Time Lords", is referenced;[9] executive producer Russell T Davies stated that the Cascade would "come back to haunt us".[10] The Doctor also alludes to the events of the 1965 serial The Romans, admitting "a little" responsibility for the Great Fire of Rome, which was depicted at the end of that story.[11] Writer James Moran deliberately included the reference. The sale of the TARDIS as "modern art" was also included as a reference to Moran's favourite serial, City of Death.[12] The location and historical significance are also shared by "The Fires of Vulcan", a Big Finish audio play from 2000 starring Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor. Production Writing How does [the Doctor] decide who lives, who dies, when to intervene, and when not to? If you do save them, where do you stop? Do you remake the universe according to what you think is right and wrong? --James Moran[13] Executive producer Russell T Davies originally planned to include a serial set in Pompeii in the first new series of Doctor Who, after seeing the documentary Pompeii: The Last Day.[14] That episode's position was given to Boom Town[14] and the idea was shelved for three years. The episode was written by James Moran, who previously wrote the film Severance and the Torchwood episode "Sleeper". Moran had difficulty writing the episode, and had to rewrite the Doctor's opening line over twenty times.[1] The Pyrovile were also edited during writing: they were previously called Pyrovillaxians and Pyrovellians.[12] Moran worked closely with Davies because of the constraints imposed by filming.[13] Davies encouraged Moran to insert linguistic jokes similar to those in the comic book series Asterix, such as Lucius Petrus Dextrus ("Lucius Stone Right Arm"), TK Maxximus, and Spartacus; the use of the phrase "I'm Spartacus!" refers to the 1960 film.[15][12] Moran based the ancillary characters of Metalla (Tracey Childs) and Quintus from Caecilius' family in the Cambridge Latin Course; the character of Evelina was the only member of the family created by Moran.[15][12] The line "Don't worry, she's from Barcelona" was a reference to an apologetic catchphrase from Fawlty Towers, attributed by the production team to Sybil Fawlty.[12] The episode was heavily based on a moral question posed to the Doctor by Donna: whether to warn the population of Pompeii, or to recuse from the situation.[13][15] Moran also had to deal with the intensity and sensitivity required when writing about the eruption.[15] Davies and Moran both appreciated Catherine Tate's performance, and cited Donna's ability to humanise the Doctor and help him deal with "lose-lose situations" as the reason the Doctor travels with companions.[13] Filming "The Fires of Pompeii" was filmed at the Cinecitta studios in Rome. The episode was filmed at the Cinecitta studios in Rome in September 2007.[15] Other locations suggested were in Malta and Wales, but the size of the project, the biggest since the show's revival, resulted in production taking place in Italy.[15] This was the first time the majority of the episode was filmed abroad, and the first time the cast had filmed abroad;[15] pick-up shots were made in New York City for "Daleks in Manhattan".[15] Cinecitta had accepted the BBC's request despite the show's small budget to promote the studios.[13] Filming an episode abroad had been suggested in 2004,[13] but the episode was the first such occasion.[15] Planning began in April 2007, before Moran had written the script, and continued until the production team travelled to Italy.[15] Several weeks before filming started, a fire disrupted the production team.[16][17] Moving to Rome caused problems for the production team: the equipment truck was delayed for several hours at the Swiss border; the special effects team were delayed for twenty-four hours at Customs in Calais.[15] The production team only had 48 hours to film on location. The aftermath of the eruption was filmed on the same night as the location shots. To create the falling ash, the special effects team used a large mass of cork, with a "constant supply of debris raining down".[1] Broadcast and reception Tate perfectly portrayed Donna's anguish as she forlornly appealed for people not to run to the beaches and certain death. For me, that short scene was the emotional highpoint of a series of heart-rending scenes, each with Donna at their heart. --Scott Matthewman, The Stage[2] Overnight figures estimated the episode was watched by 8.1 million viewers, with a peak of 8.5 million viewers. The episode was the second most watched programme on 12 April; Britain's Got Talent was viewed by 8.8 million people. The episode was the eleventh most-watched programme of the week.[18][19] The episode received several mixed and positive reviews. Ian Hyland, writing for News of the World, said that Tate "was almost bearable this week". He also complimented the "TK Maxximus" joke. He was ambivalent to Donna's reaction to the Doctor leaving Caecilius' family to die: he criticised her acting, comparing her to The Catherine Tate Show character Joannie "Nan" Taylor, but said "top again if that was intentional". He closed saying "this week was a hundred times better than that lame opening episode. Scarier aliens, stronger guest stars and a proper adult-friendly storyline involving sisterhoods and soothsayers."[20] Scott Matthewman of The Stage said that Donna's insistence to change the past "formed the emotional backbone of this episode, producing some truly heartbreaking performances". He liked the joke about the TARDIS' translating the Doctor's and Donna's Latin phrases to Celtic, saying it was "subtly played throughout the episode [...] in a way that builds the joke without trampling it into the ground". His favourite part was Donna's attempts to divert the population of Pompeii away from the beach; the scene was "the emotional highpoint of a series of heart rendering scenes". However, he criticised Moran's writing, specifically, Quintus' and Metalla's dialogue, saying the former "remained pretty much one-dimensional throughout".[2] Alan Stanley Blair of SyFy Portal gave a positive review. He was highly appreciative of Tate, saying "[she] moved even further away from her "Runaway" character that initially joined the show." The phrase "TK Maxximus" and the Doctor's use of a water pistol to subdue the Pyrovile was complimented, as was the special effects used to animate the Pyrovile. However, he disapproved of the use of Cockney colloquialisms in the episode, most notably the Stallholder (Phil Cornwell) saying "lovely jubbly".[21] Ben Rawson-Jones of Digital Spy gave the episode three stars out of five. His opening said "Fantastic effects and a well developed moral dilemma bolster 'The Fires Of Pompeii', although the episode fails to erupt." Rawson-Jones felt that Moran's script took "too long to actively engage the viewer and tap into the compelling premise of the time travellers arriving in the doomed city shortly before 'volcano day'." and that "the subplots are unsatisfyingly muddled for the majority of the narrative." He also complained about the characterisation of the supporting cast, saying that "Peter Capaldi and Phil Davis [deserved] better". However, he said the moral dilemma the Doctor faced was "compelling" and the Doctor's use of the water pistol "adds a pleasing sense of fun to counterbalance the impending stench of death and harks nicely back to the Tom Baker era of the show." Overall, he appreciated the premise of the episode, but thought the episode "deserved better writing".[3]

In this special episode the guys chat with Barry Levine, President of Radical Publishing. Barry explains how we went from being one the top rock photographers in the world,to being a music supervisor then a producer with a first look deal in the comics-to-film entertainment division of Dark Horse Comics and finally to the formation of Radical Publishing. Barry also explains his former involvement in the Judge Dredd and 30 days of Night movies and the upcoming Rex Mundi Movie starring Johnny Depp. We get some insight into the various divisions of the company and the comics about to be released within each. He also reveals Radical's plans for the future and some of it's upcoming comic to movie adaptations, including a collaboration with John Woo. So sit back and enjoy!!!

In this special episode the guys chat with Barry Levine, President of Radical Publishing. Barry explains how we went from being one the top rock photographers in the world,to being a music supervisor then a producer with a first look deal in the comics-to-film entertainment division of Dark Horse Comics and finally to the formation of Radical Publishing. Barry also explains his former involvement in the Judge Dredd and 30 days of Night movies and the upcoming Rex Mundi Movie starring Johnny Depp. We get some insight into the various divisions of the company and the comics about to be released within each. He also reveals Radical's plans for the future and some of it's upcoming comic to movie adaptations, including a collaboration with John Woo. So sit back and enjoy!!!

Show summary: Andy Simpkins, Adam J Purcell, Fake Keith and Tony Gallichan talk about the end of Ashes to Ashes season 1, the end of Torchwood season 2 and a variety of other stuff, specifically:

• 00.00 – Intro and theme tune.
• 00.30 — Greetings, yes?
• 00.56 — News.
• 02.45 — New Competition: Give Tony a new sad-fan ambition.
• 07.43 – Ashes to Ashes:
• 09.19 — Ashes to Ashes: Episode 5.
• 12.10 — Ashes to Ashes: Episode 6.
• 14.35 — Ashes to Ashes: Episode 7.
• 21.25 — Ashes to Ashes: Episode 8.
• 35.14 – Viva El Presidente.
• 36.26 – Torchwood:
• 37.46 — Torchwood: A Day in the Death.
• 42.42 — Torchwood: Something Borrowed.
• 45.29 — Torchwood: From Out of the Rain.
• 48.39 — Torchwood: Adrift.
• 53.48 — Torchwood: Fragments.
• 60.09 — Torchwood: Exit Wounds.
• 71.02 – Letters and listener feedback.* Hit us yourself at show@StaggeringStories.net
• 76.30 – Goodbyeeeeeeeee!!
• 76.44 — End theme, disclaimer, copyright, etc.

Vital Links:

• Staggering Stories.
• Staggering Stories: Podcast Drinking Game.
• Youtube: Coming to Alderaan.
• Youtube: Star Wars according to a 3 year old.
• Ashes to Ashes.
• Torchwood.
• The Railway Arms: Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes Forum.

In this gripping episode of Radio Free Skaro, the Three Who Rule discuss The Fires of Pompeii, the latest adventure for the Doctor and his erstwhile assistant Donna Noble....and not much else, really. It was a rather slow week for news, though much jocular speculation on the contents of the rest of the season did manage to fill some of the dead, dead air. Next week, fear the Ood!

In this gripping episode of Radio Free Skaro, the Three Who Rule discuss The Fires of Pompeii, the latest adventure for the Doctor and his erstwhile assistant Donna Noble....and not much else, really. It was a rather slow week for news, though much jocular speculation on the contents of the rest of the season did manage to fill some of the dead, dead air. Next week, fear the Ood!

Die heutige Folge beschaftigt sich im Hauptteil mit dem Review zu "Partners in Crime", also dem Auftakt der vierten neuen Staffel "Doctor Who". Ausserdem gibt es einen kurzen Uberblick uber die noch kommenden Folgentitel und es wird der Gewinner des Doctor Who Buches bekanntgegeben. Ausserdem gibt es mal wieder Post und auch ein lange abwesender CoHost kommt mal wieder zu Wort.

In this gripping episode of Radio Free Skaro, the Three Who Rule discuss The Fires of Pompeii, the latest adventure for the Doctor and his erstwhile assistant Donna Noble....and not much else, really. It was a rather slow week for news, though much jocular speculation on the contents of the rest of the season did manage to fill some of the dead, dead air. Next week, fear the Ood!

Die heutige Folge beschaftigt sich im Hauptteil mit dem Review zu "Partners in Crime", also dem Auftakt der vierten neuen Staffel "Doctor Who". Ausserdem gibt es einen kurzen Uberblick uber die noch kommenden Folgentitel und es wird der Gewinner des Doctor Who Buches bekanntgegeben. Ausserdem gibt es mal wieder Post und auch ein lange abwesender CoHost kommt mal wieder zu Wort.

Welcome to another fun packed episode of the Geek Syndicate people!

News

New Stargate series on the way(Do we really need another one?)

Santuary on it's way to the UK

Week That Was

Doctor Who season opener. (TV)

Torchwood season finale. (TV)

Caliber (comic)

Hercules (Comic)

Sarah Conner Chronicles (TV)

Notes from Nuge(with help from Marcusq) - Gladiator

Main Feature

There is no main feature this week but instead an extended week that was segment.

Enjoy!!!

Welcome to another fun packed episode of the Geek Syndicate people!

News

New Stargate series on the way(Do we really need another one?)

Santuary on it's way to the UK

Week That Was

Doctor Who season opener. (TV)

Torchwood season finale. (TV)

Caliber (comic)

Hercules (Comic)

Sarah Conner Chronicles (TV)

Notes from Nuge(with help from Marcusq) - Gladiator

Main Feature

There is no main feature this week but instead an extended week that was segment.

Enjoy!!!

Mit einem kleinen Sprung landen wir in diesem Cast bereits beim Torchwood Staffelfinalenzweiteiler "Fragments" und "Exit Wounds". Ausserdem verkunden wir den Sieger unseres Torchwoodphotowettbewerbs.