Latest Podcast Episodes
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Warriors of the Deep Part 1
Tachyon TV Podcasts'When Apiarists Attack!'. Topics up for discussion include: Silurian cafeterias, Aqua Karina, Kamelion's dolly tub, Duran Duran, Leslie Ash, and Ian Levine's gravy stained corrections..
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TDP 57: Doctor Who 4.06 The Doctor's Daughter & The Invasion of Time DVD
Tin Dog Podcast* "The Doctor's Daughter" The Doctor, Donna, Jenny and Martha find the "Source", a terraforming device, being both the source of life, and the war between humans and the Hath on Messaline. Cast Doctor David Tennant (Tenth Doctor) Companions Catherine Tate (Donna Noble) Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones)[1] Guest stars Georgia Moffett - JennyNigel Terry - CobbJoe Dempsie - ClinePaul Kasey - Hath PeckRuari Mears - Hath GableAkin Gazi - CarterOlalekan Lawal Jr. - Soldier Production Writer Stephen Greenhorn Director Alice Troughton Script editor Lindsey Alford Producer Phil Collinson Executive producer(s) Russell T. Davies Julie Gardner Production code 4.6 Series Series 4 Length 45 mins Originally broadcast 10 May 2008 Chronology - Preceded by Followed by - "The Poison Sky" "The Unicorn and the Wasp" IMDb profile "The Doctor's Daughter"[2] is the sixth episode of the fourth series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was broadcast on BBC One on 10 May 2008.[3] /<![CDATA[ if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); } //]]> Synopsis Following on from the end of "The Poison Sky", the TARDIS takes the Doctor (David Tennant) and his companions Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) and Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) to the planet Messaline in the midst of a generations-long war between humans and the Hath, fish-like humanoids. Upon leaving the TARDIS, armed men working for General Cobb (Nigel Terry) force the Doctor's hand in a progenation machine, which uses his DNA to create an adult soldier within moments -- Jenny (Georgia Moffett), the episode's titular character. Martha is subsequently captured by the Hath, whereas the Doctor, Donna, and Jenny are imprisoned by the humans because of the Doctor's pacifist attitude. Each of the primary characters learns about the war from its belligerents; the Hath and humans were initially meant to live on a peaceful colony, but were divided over a dispute about "the Source", believed by each side to be the breath of their creator. When the Doctor unwittingly reveals the location of the Source, the two sides race to claim it first. The Doctor is initially dismissive of Jenny, his biological daughter, but becomes enamoured as the episode progresses. Donna is also distracted from the war by a series of numbered plaques on their journey. When they reach the location of the Source, a colonising spaceship, Donna and the Doctor discover that the plaques represent the date building was completed, which was a mere seven days previous; the humans and Hath have bred so many generations through the progenation machines that their own history degraded into myth. The original casus belli was a power vacuum caused by the death of the mission commander. Both the human and Hath forces converge at the Source concurrently. The Doctor declares the war to be over, and releases the terraforming agent; everyone present releases their weapons, with the exception of Cobb, who tries to shoot the Doctor but Jenny steps in the way. Dying in the Doctor' arms, he finally tells her she is his daughter and that they have only got started. He tells her that they can go anywhere, if she holds on. She dies in his arms. Enraged, the Doctor holds Cobb at gunpoint, but refuses to shoot, asking the colonists to create a pacifist society. At the end of the episode, the Doctor takes Martha home. Martha warns Donna that life with the Doctor can be dangerous, but Donna nevertheless resolves to stay with the Doctor indefinitely. Concurrently, on Messaline, Jenny revives in front of Cline and a Hath. She escapes Messaline, resolving to follow in her father's footsteps by resolving disputes and fighting villains. Continuity In "Fear Her" the Doctor mentioned to Rose he "was a dad once".[4] The only other member of the Doctor's family seen in the series has been Susan Foreman, the Doctor's granddaughter, whose last appearance in the television series was in The Five Doctors. Just prior to Jenny's reanimation she exhales a golden-green mist reminiscent of similar expirations the Doctor displayed shortly after his regeneration in the 2005 Children in Need scene and "The Christmas Invasion"; this mist also resembles the terraforming gas seen earlier in the episode. Production Writing Russell T. Davies has stated that this episode "does exactly as it says on the tin",[2] although at least one reviewer has stated that Moffett's character is not a daughter in the usual sense.[5] Having Jenny come back to life at the end of the episode was Steven Moffat's idea.[6] [edit] Casting Jenny shortly after emerging from the Progenation Machine. Georgia Moffett, who plays Jenny, is the real-life daughter of Fifth Doctor actor Peter Davison and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy star Sandra Dickinson.[2] David Tennant described the episode by saying "We get to see the Doctor's daughter, played by the Doctor's daughter."[7] Moffett had previously auditioned for the role of Rose Tyler in 2004 and a role in "The Unicorn and the Wasp" in 2007. Her role as Jenny was not chosen because of her father; it was entirely coincidental but nevertheless a "great PR coup" for the series[6]. Moffett previously appeared alongside her father in the Big Finish audio story Red Dawn and drama series Fear, Stress & Anger. In Doctor Who Confidential, Peter Davison stated that after he finished filming "Time Crash", he said to Georgia "[now] it's your turn". Broadcast and reception Unofficial figures show that "The Doctor's Daughter" was watched by 6.6 million viewers, giving it a 38.4% share of the total television audience. While most programmes received lower figures than the previous week, Doctor Who had increased its audience to bring it back over the 6 million mark. The top rated programme was still ITV1's Britain's Got Talent although its audience was down by a million at 7.5 million. Doctor Who was the highest rated programme on BBC1 for the day and had the biggest share of any programme on Saturday. The episode receieved an Appreciation Index score of 88 (considered "Excellent").[8] "The Doctor's Daughter" has received mixed reviews. Martin Anderson of Den of Geek! stated that it was "rather good - though badly plot-holed". He noted that it was yet another episode of Doctor Who "undermined by Murray Gold's incessant music". He also described the episode as "quite redolent of Tom Baker-era Who, with plenty of dark and cheap corridors to run down and two under-manned warring factions for the Doctor to bring peace to".[9] For SFX's Ian Berriman, the running up and down corridors was reminiscent of Lenny Henry's 1985 Doctor Who spoof featured on The Lenny Henry Show. Berriman described the episode as "underwhelming", citing that because one "always suspect[s] she's a redshirt" it is difficult to care for Jenny. Although "reasonably diverting", Berriman argues that budgetary constraints make "the story feel so enclosed" and that the episode's plot, likened to "old-school Trek", seems too similar to that of the Sontaran two-parter immediately prior to this adventure because both involve militarism and cloning.[10] Newsround's Lizo Mzimba also notes the similarities with "The Sontaran Stratagem" and "The Poison Sky". Mzimba asserts that the episode's "biggest problem" is that it tries "to cram an enormous amount into 45 minutes" with most of the "interesting" and new ideas not getting "the attention they deserve" resulting in the audience not caring about either the human fighters or the Hath and thereby limiting a "sense of danger or menace".[11] Mzimba observes that since her return in "The Sontaran Stratagem", Martha shares little onscreen time with the Doctor therefore reducing the emotional impact of her departure in this episode. He describes Moffett as "superb",[11] with Berriman calling her "cute as a button".[10] Berriman praises Tennant's performance,[10] but Anderson suggests that Tennant shouts too much. Anderson asserts that "Donna's role as the Doctor's conscience is beginning to take shape" describing this as "refreshing" in a companion and noting that "Tate has toned down the grating voice a tad".[9] The Invasion of Time The Invasion of Time DVD The Sontarans invade the Citadel of the Time Lords Cast Doctor Tom Baker (Fourth Doctor) Companions Louise Jameson (Leela) John Leeson (K-9 Mk. I) Production Writer "David Agnew" (Graham Williams and Anthony Read) Director Gerald Blake Script editor Anthony Read Producer Graham Williams Executive producer(s) None Production code 4Z Series Season 15 Length 6 episodes, 25 mins each Originally broadcast February 4-March 11, 1978 Chronology - Preceded by Followed by - Underworld The Ribos Operation The Invasion of Time is a serial in the British science fiction television series Doctor Who, which was first broadcast in six weekly parts from February 4 to March 11, 1978. This serial features the final appearances of Louise Jameson as the //<![CDATA[ if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = "show"; var tocHideText = "hide"; showTocToggle(); } //]]> Synopsis The Doctor returns to Gallifrey, having claimed the Presidency. His behaviour is unusual and has Leela thrown in jail and then expelled from the Capitol Citadel. However, the Doctor is doing this to prevent a Sontaran instigated disaster. Plot The Fourth Doctor returns to Gallifrey after meeting a group of aliens in space, bringing Leela and K9 with him. He is behaving very strangely and when the Chancellory Guard under their Commander, Andred, arrive at the Panopticon Chamber to interrogate him, the Doctor demands to be taken to Chancellor Borusa, who is now in charge of the Time Lords. The Doctor claims the vacant Presidency of Gallifrey having previously been a candidate and, after the demise of Chancellor Goth, is now automatically elected. Under law this request cannot be refused. The Doctor then chooses a Presidential chamber and asks it be decorated with lead lining throughout. Shortly afterward a ceremony is held to swear him in as President of Gallifrey and he is presented with the various trappings of office. However, when the circlet connecting him to the Matrix, repository of all Time Lord knowledge, is placed on his head, the Doctor collapses in pain. The Doctor is taken to the Chancellor to rest and recover. When he regains consciousness he reminds the Time Lords that no aliens are allowed on Gallifrey and instructs that Leela be expelled from the Capitol Citadel, where she will have to fend in the wastelands. She tries to avoid banishment, but the Doctor is serious about this banishment. The Doctor now retreats to the TARDIS where he shares a secret plan with K9, but is obviously very concerned about the situation he has found himself in. He is planning to aid an invasion of Gallifrey itself and to this end sets about destroying the induction barrier that defends the planet from external threat. K9 sets about this task while the Doctor returns to the Panopticon, the great hall of the Time Lords, and laughs cruelly as three alien beings start to materialise. The invading beings are known as Vardans. They appear as shimmering manifestations who made an alliance with the Doctor some time ago, and the Doctor advises the Time Lords, including the stubborn Borusa, to submit to their new and powerful masters. The Doctor then asks Borusa to meet him in his office, and when this happens the Doctor explains he has had the lead walls installed to prevent the Vardans entering the room on thought waves and reading his mind. He sent Leela away to protect her, he explains, and is now able to work with Borusa to defeat the Vardan threat. A new problem has emerged, however, with the ascendancy of the obsequious and compliant Castellan Kelner, who is being far too co-operative with the Vardan occupation. The toadying yet ambitious Castellan soon has Borusa placed under house arrest and starts a process of expelling trouble-making Time Lords from the safety of the Capitol. Leela has meanwhile kept her faith in the Doctor and reasons that if he wishes her to leave the Capitol it is with good reason, so she departs for the wastelands. She is accompanied by Rodan, a Time Lady who previously maintained the transduction barrier. Theyare welcomed warily by a tribe of outsiders who have rejected Time Lord society and live in the wastelands. Their leader, Nesbin, explains some of the background to his tribe. Back in the Capitol, however, things are looking grim for the Doctor when Andred corners him and decides to execute him in the name of liberty. K9 helps the Doctor overpower Andred, and then explains the danger and abilities of the Vardans to Andred, with his TARDIS providing a shield to his thoughts. The Doctor is hoping to persuade the Vardans to reveal their true form so that he can time loop their planet. Leela has also organised her own resistance movement in the wastelands, comprising Nesbin's people and the exiled Time Lords, all of whom are drilled into a fighting force which soon launches an assault on the Capitol. The aliens and Kelner have meanwhile decided the Doctor is behaving in an untrustworthy manner. The Doctor reaffirms his loyalty to them by agreeing to dismantle the final force field protecting Gallifrey from attack. He does not fully disable it, but rather places a large hole in it. The Vardans use the hole to properly invade Gallifrey and appear as humanoid warriors. Their manifestation enables K9 to track down their home planet and supply the Doctor with the correct co-ordinates. He uses this to beam the Vardans back to their home world and then traps it in a time loop. At about the same time Leela and her warriors reach the Panopticon, but celebrations are shortlived when a Sontaran warrior appears in the chamber. Gallifrey has now been invaded by the Sontarans, led by Commander Stor, who finds Kelner ever ready to pledge support, even if the other Time Lords remain resistant. The Doctor and his party escape and the Doctor uses his freedom to try and pressure Borusa into revealing to him the location of the Great Key of Rassilon, a missing item of the Presidential regalia. They then regroup at the TARDIS where Rodan is put to work using the TARDIS' controls to repair the hole in the forcefield. However, Kelner imperils their resistance when he manipulates the stabiliser banks of the Doctor's TARDIS to try and destroy the resistance force within by hurling them to the heart of a Black Star. The Doctor manages to override the threat, so their enemies change tack. The Sontarans, assisted by Castellan Kelner, gain access to the Doctor's TARDIS and try to hunt down the President and his friends, pursuing them through the labyrinthine corridors. Stor is after the Great Key too, knowing the Doctor has now persuaded Borusa to yield it to him. The Doctor uses distractions to buy time while he kills the remaining Sontaran troopers. On the Doctor's instruction, a hypnotised Rodan and K9 construct a special forbidden Time Lord weapon: the Demat Gun. Powered by the Great Key itself, the Demat Gun erases its victims from time itself. The Doctor takes the Gun and confronts Stor in the Panopticon. Stor intends to destroy the Eye of Harmony with a bomb, but the blast is cancelled out by the Doctor with the Demat Gun which obliterates Stor, wipes the Doctor's mind of recent events, and also destroys itself. Kelner is arrested and Borusa begins the process of rebuilding Gallifrey. The Doctor is ready to leave, but Leela decides to stay on Gallifrey because she has fallen in love with Commander Andred, leader of the Chancellory Guards. K-9 decides to stay behind to look after Leela. The TARDIS dematerializes and the Doctor reveals he is not alone: he pulls out a box labeled K-9 Mk II and, breaking the fourth wall, looks directly at the camera and grins mischievously. Cast The Doctor -- Tom BakerLeela -- Louise JamesonVoice of K-9 -- John LeesonChancellor Borusa -- John ArnattCastellan Kelner -- Milton JohnsCommander Andred -- Chris TranchellGold Usher -- Charles MorganRodan -- Hilary RyanLord Gomer -- Dennis EdwardsLord Savar -- Reginald JessupBodyguard -- Michael HarleyCastellan Guard -- Eric DanotGuard -- Christopher ChristouNesbin -- Max FaulknerAblif -- Ray CallaghanJasko -- Michael MundellPresta -- Gai SmithVardans -- Stan McGowan, Tom KellyStor -- Derek DeadmanSontaran -- Stuart Fell Cast notes Gai Smith, now Gai Waterhouse, who played Presta, is now an extremely successful thoroughbred horse trainer based in Sydney, Australia. Continuity Though Leela and K9 Mark I left the Doctor in this story, their characters would return in the Virgin New Adventures novel Lungbarrow by Marc Platt, and encounter the Seventh Doctor. Louise Jameson and John Leeson also returned to play Leela and K9 in the 'Gallifrey' series of audio plays by Big Finish Productions.In addition, in his next on-screen visit to his home planet, the Doctor is heard to ask after her: "Tell me, what of my former companion Leela?" He is informed that she is "well and happy". However, in the revived series, we learn that Gallifrey has been destroyed and the Doctor thereafter makes many references to all his family and friends having being killed.The Vardans also appeared in the Virgin New Adventures novel No Future by Paul Cornell, in which Bernice Summerfield refers to this story by dismissing them as "the only race in history to be outwitted by the intellectual might of the Sontarans".This story is one of the few to contain an extended sequence inside the TARDIS (1964's The Edge of Destruction notwithstanding). The majority of the final episode comprises a chase inside the TARDIS, which appears to have extensive brick-walled areas beyond the more familiar roundells-on-white look, plus the spa/pool area ('bathroom') and art gallery. The Doctor had been seen earlier in the season in an artist's smock, apparently 'redecorating'.In one of the few times in the series that the Doctor directly kills anyone, he uses the de-mat gun to disintegrate the Sontaran warriors. This is unusual given that the Fourth Doctor has a particular and stated aversion to firearms.In the Virgin New Adventures novel, Timewyrm: Genesys, it is revealed that during the events of the episode the Doctor uses the Matrix to send a message to his future self about the Timewyrm, a recurring villain from the novels. Production The script is credited to David Agnew, a pseudonym often used by the BBC for work produced "in house" by contracted production team members. On this occasion it masks the authors Anthony Read (the series' script editor) and Graham Williams (series producer).This story was written as a replacement for another story, The Killers of the Dark by David Weir, which was considered too expensive and complex to shoot. The script was written in just two weeks, with four days for rewrites. Additionally, when asked about the unused script at a convention, Graham Williams, having forgotten the exact title, made up the name "Gin Sengh", as in The Killer Cats of Geng Singh (or Geng Singh -- the spelling being indeterminate), resulting in the fan myth that this was the original title.[1]An industrial strike, which was eventually resolved before production, forced the studio sets to be constructed within St Anne's Hospital as BBC's Christmas holiday specials were given priority in the regular studios.[1]As a result of the industrial strike, Graham Williams was given the option of not producing the final six episodes of the season and have the money rollover into the next season. Williams rejected this because of the additional problem of inflation that year and didn't want the budgeted money to depreciate even further.[1]Louise Jameson, who had already announced her departure from the show, reportedly wished for her character, Leela, to be killed at the end of the series, and was disappointed that Leela instead opted to stay behind on Gallifrey with Andred, even though nothing in the script suggests a romance between the two characters. The producers decided that killing off her character would be too traumatic for younger viewers.The Sontaran costumes were cumbersome and limited the field of vision of the actors wearing them, so much so that they are often seen tripping through and over props. At one point, a Sontaran (ironically played by the actor Stuart Fell) nearly takes a fall after missing a short jump and landing on a pool chair. As the aliens originate on a planet of notably high gravity, however, their clumsiness is easily explainedIt was Robert Holmes who suggested to Graham Williams that this story be split into two segments, the first four episodes being based around the Vardans and the final two episodes being based around the Sontarans who come into the story at the end of episode 4. In print Doctor Who book Doctor Who and the Invasion of Time Series Target novelisations Release number 35 Writer Terrance Dicks Publisher Target Books Cover artist Andrew Skilleter ISBN 0 426 20093 4 Release date 21 February 1980 Preceded by Doctor Who and the Underworld Followed by Doctor Who and the Stones of Blood A novelisation of this serial, written by Terrance Dicks, was published by Target Books in February 1980. Broadcast, VHS and DVD release This story was released on a two tape VHS set in March of 2000It was released onto DVD on May 5th 2008 with special features; The Rise & Fall of Gallifrey, The Elusive David Agnew, Out of Time; a making of mini documentry, Photo Gallery, Trails and Continuity, new CGI effects and a Coming Soon to DVD Trailer of The K9 boxset featuring The Invisible Enemy and K9 and Company. It has also has been released in a boxset Bred for War (The Sontaran Collection) along with The Time Warrior, The Sontaran Experiment and The Two Doctors.
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Geek Syndicate - Ep 81 Tony Lee and UK Comic Podcasting Panel
Geek SyndicateWell this is it, our first feature from this year's 2008 Bristol Comic Expo. In this special we have for your listening pleasure the two panels we took part in. The first is an interview with the comic legend that is Tony Lee, who has worked on Xmen, The Gloom, Midnight Kiss and the upcoming Doctor Who story 'The Forgotten' from IDW.
Following the interview the roles are reversed faster than you can say...well role reversal as Tony hosts the first ever live UK Comics Podcasting Panel. Listen in as Tony and the audience quiz a panel made up of the UK podcasts Comic Racks, Birds of Geek, Comic Book Outsiders and Geek Syndicate.
Can the world of podcasting survive such a clash of titans? we shall see!
Enjoy...
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Geek Syndicate - Ep 81 Tony Lee and UK Comic Podcasting Panel
Geek SyndicateWell this is it, our first feature from this year's 2008 Bristol Comic Expo. In this special we have for your listening pleasure the two panels we took part in. The first is an interview with the comic legend that is Tony Lee, who has worked on Xmen, The Gloom, Midnight Kiss and the upcoming Doctor Who story 'The Forgotten' from IDW.
Following the interview the roles are reversed faster than you can say...well role reversal as Tony hosts the first ever live UK Comics Podcasting Panel. Listen in as Tony and the audience quiz a panel made up of the UK podcasts Comic Racks, Birds of Geek, Comic Book Outsiders and Geek Syndicate.
Can the world of podcasting survive such a clash of titans? we shall see!
Enjoy...
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Whocast #075 - Shortnews
Whocast.de (Deutsche)Leider gibt es heute nicht wirklich einen neuen Podcast, sondern nur eine kurze Begrundung, warum es keinen neuen Podcast gibt...
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Whocast #075 - Shortnews
Whocast.de (Deutsche)Leider gibt es heute nicht wirklich einen neuen Podcast, sondern nur eine kurze Begrundung, warum es keinen neuen Podcast gibt...
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Radio Free Skaro #82 - The Doctor's Disaster
Radio Free SkaroWe never go into a new RFS wishing to slag the living hell out of the latest episode of what is, after all, our favorite program...but we were left with little choice after "The Doctor's Daughter," which had such potential but fuell far short of the mark. Our anger was tempered by the usual news, diversions, and a shout out to our new friends at Tachyon TV....but ouch, here's hoping for better fare from the BBC next week. Still, our balderdash is as engaging and filled with bon mots as ever.
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Radio Free Skaro #82 - The Doctor's Disaster
Radio Free SkaroWe never go into a new RFS wishing to slag the living hell out of the latest episode of what is, after all, our favorite program...but we were left with little choice after "The Doctor's Daughter," which had such potential but fuell far short of the mark. Our anger was tempered by the usual news, diversions, and a shout out to our new friends at Tachyon TV....but ouch, here's hoping for better fare from the BBC next week. Still, our balderdash is as engaging and filled with bon mots as ever.
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Radio Free Skaro #82 - The Doctor's Disaster
Radio Free SkaroWe never go into a new RFS wishing to slag the living hell out of the latest episode of what is, after all, our favorite program...but we were left with little choice after "The Doctor's Daughter," which had such potential but fuell far short of the mark. Our anger was tempered by the usual news, diversions, and a shout out to our new friends at Tachyon TV....but ouch, here's hoping for better fare from the BBC next week. Still, our balderdash is as engaging and filled with bon mots as ever.
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Staggering Stories Podcast #20: Too Crumbly to Sniff At
Staggering Stories PodcastShow summary: Andy Simpkins, Adam J Purcell, Fake Keith and Tony Gallichan talk about the Doctor Who Season 4 episodes The Sontaran Stratagem and The Poison Sky, Futurama: Bender’s Big Score, and a variety of other stuff, specifically:
- 00.00 – Intro and theme tune.
- 01.08 — Greetings, yes?
- 01.49 — Where Is Keith?
- 02.53 – Doctor Who: The Sontaran Stratagem and The Poison Sky.
- 43.14 – Viva El Presidente.
- 44.28 – Futurama: Bender’s Big Score.
- 59.17 – Letters and listener feedback.* Hit us yourself at show@StaggeringStories.net
- 68.24 – Goodbyeeeeeeeee!!
- 68.57 — End theme, disclaimer, copyright, etc.
Vital Links:
- Staggering Stories.
- Staggering Stories: Podcast Drinking Game.
- Doctor Who.
- Doctor Who: The Sontaran Stratagem.
- Doctor Who: The Poison Sky.
- Futurama: Bender’s Big Score.
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TDP 56: Doctor Who 4.04 & 4.05 Sontaran Stratagem: The Poison Sky
Tin Dog PodcastThe Sontaran Stratagem 196 - "The Sontaran Stratagem" Doctor Who episode A Sontaran introduces himself to the Doctor as General Staal, "the undefeated". Cast Doctor David Tennant (Tenth Doctor) Companions Catherine Tate (Donna Noble) Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones) Guest stars Christopher Ryan - General StaalRupert Holliday Evans - Colonel MaceDan Starkey - Commander SkorrBernard Cribbins - Wilfred MottJacqueline King - Sylvia NobleEleanor Matsuura - Jo NakashimaRyan Sampson - Luke RattiganChristian Cooke - Ross JenkinsClive Standen - Private HarrisWesley Theobald - Private GrayRuari Mears - Clone Production Writer Helen Raynor Director Douglas Mackinnon Producer Susie Liggat Executive producer(s) Russell T. Davies Julie Gardner Phil Collinson Production code 4.4 Series Series 4 Length 45 mins Originally broadcast 26 April 2008 Chronology ? Preceded by Followed by - "Planet of the Ood" "The Poison Sky" IMDb profile "The Sontaran Stratagem" is the fourth episode of the fourth series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was broadcast on BBC One on 26 April 2008. The episode features the return of former companion Martha Jones, as well as the return of the alien Sontarans to the series. It is the first of a two part story, followed by "The Poison Sky". This is the Sontarans' first appearance since the 1985 Colin Baker story The Two Doctors. //&amp;amp;lt;![CDATA[ if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = &amp;amp;quot;show&amp;amp;quot;; var tocHideText = &amp;amp;quot;hide&amp;amp;quot;; showTocToggle(); } //]]&amp;amp;gt; Plot Synopsis Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) calls the Doctor (David Tennant) to ask for assistance during an investigation by UNIT. Minutes after the TARDIS materialises in contemporary Britain, Martha authorises the raid of an ATMOS (Atmospheric Omission System) factory. The Doctor introduces his companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) to Martha and UNIT; Donna instantly befriends Martha, but is concerned about UNIT's ethics and asks the Doctor why he is associated with them; the Doctor ambiguously replies he used to work for them in the late twentieth century. ATMOS is marketing a satellite navigation system developed by child prodigy Luke Rattigan (Ryan Sampson). The system also reduces carbon dioxide emissions to zero; UNIT requested the Doctor's help because the technology is not contemporary and potentially alien. UNIT are also concerned about fifty-two deaths occurring spontaneously and contemporaneously several days before the narrative. The Doctor travels to Rattigan's private school to investigate the system, and discovers that the episode's events are being influenced by the Sontarans. The Sontarans depicted in the episode are part of a battlegroup led by General Staal, "the undefeated" (Christopher Ryan). Instead of an instant invasion, they are tactically approaching an invasion with a combination of human clones, mind control, and ATMOS; Martha is captured by two of the controlled humans and cloned to provide a tactical advantage against UNIT. A subplot depicts Donna returning to her home to warn her mother Sylvia (Jacqueline King) and grandfather Wilfred Mott (Bernard Cribbins) about the Doctor. Concerned about the implications of telling the truth, Donna reneges from warning her mother. At the end of the episode, the Doctor investigates the ATMOS device attached to Donna's car and discovers a secondary function: the device can emit a poisonous gas. Wilfred attempts to take the car off the road, but is trapped when Staal activates all 400 million installed in cars worldwide. The episode's cliffhanger depicts Donna shouting for help while the Doctor stares helplessly at a street full of cars emitting the gas. [edit] Production The episode features the return of the Sontarans, who last appeared in the 1985 serial The Two Doctors, a centric appearance by UNIT, and Martha Jones, who had last appeared in "Last of the Time Lords" and made special guest appearances in the Torchwood episodes "Reset", "Dead Man Walking", and "A Day in the Death"; the brief executive producer Russell T Davies gave to writer Helen Raynor included the terms "Sontarans", "military", and "Martha's back".[1][2] Martha's departure allowed Davies to change the character's personality. In her reappearance, she is more mature and equal to the Doctor in comparison to falling in love in the third series.[1] Several aspects of her character were debated: in particular, her status and reaction to Donna. Raynor elected to emphasise Martha's medical career over her military career, and avoided a "handbags at dawn" scenario because she felt it would rehash Rose Tyler's (Billie Piper) initial opinion of Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) from the second series episode "School Reunion".[2] The episode is the first centric appearance of UNIT since the show's revival. Their name has changed from United Nations Intelligence Taskforce to Unified Intelligence Taskforce at the request of the United Nations, who cited the political climate and potential "brand confusion" as reasons for disassociation. The new acronym was coined by Davies after several meetings among the scriptwriters. The UNIT privates Gray and Wilson were specifically written as "alien fodder".[2][3] The episode refers to inconsistencies in dating UNIT stories when the Doctor is unsure whether he worked for UNIT in the 70s or 80s.[4] This episode continues the pattern of having monsters from the classic series return in the new one. Davies commented that the Sontarans were "always on his list" of villains to resurrect.[5] The time and location of the episode was deliberately chosen because every Sontaran story except for The Invasion of Time was set on Earth.[5] When interviewed on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Catherine Tate stated that she had been filming alongside ten actors playing Sontarans for two weeks before she realised that there were actors inside the Sontaran costumes. She had assumed the Sontarans "ran on electricity". It was not until an actor removed his helmet to reveal his real face that she realised her mistake. She stated she was "freaked out" by this and said she "nearly died".[6] Raynor initally envisioned the poisonous gas would be emitted by factories, but changed it in later drafts to cars for several reasons: the episode would provide social commentary and the idea of an "evil satnav system" was "much more engageable" and "irresistible"; Davies thought the concept was "so very Doctor Who".[5][2][1] Because the series was produced out of order, the "ATMOS" subplot was seeded in the episode "Partners in Crime".[7] In the episode, a system installed in a UNIT jeep undramatically explodes; originally, Raynor wanted it to be a large explosion, but reduced the explosion to several sparks to reduce costs and to lampoon an action movie cliche.[2] The opening scene, which depicts the system driving its occupant into a canal, was filmed at Cardiff's docks. The scene was the first time a car-cannon had been used since 2005, and was required to be completed in one shot. The car fired into the canal was removed immediately afterwards to clear the shipping route.[1] The episode, like "Aliens of London" and "The Lazarus Experiment", properly introduces the lead companion's family. Unlike the Tyler or Jones families, both Sylvia Noble and Wilfred Mott had met the Doctor before (in "The Runaway Bride" and "Voyage of the Damned", respectively), providing Raynor with an additional subplot. Expository dialogue explains Mott's absence from "The Runaway Bride" as the character having Spanish flu. Wilfred's positive opinion of the Doctor is different to Sylvia, who "joined a long line of mothers that don't get the Doctor"; Davies had wanted a family member who trusted the Doctor since the show's revival.[1] Despite the Sontaran's clone culture being asserted in the classic series, "The Sontaran Strategem" is the first episode to depict cloning. Originally, all of the factory workers were to be clones, but Raynor reduced it to only Martha to solve continuity problems with the second part. The template clone was portrayed by Ruari Mears, who wore a prosthetic mask which took longer to apply than any mask he had worn.[2] The scenes involving the cloning tank were filmed in a Welsh shampoo factory and reused a prop from "The Fires of Pompeii" as the tank which contained the clone. Davies and Agyeman enjoyed scenes set in the cloning room; Agyeman enjoyed playing an "evil companion", who she and Davies felt made the real Martha "warmer", and Davies thought Privates Gray and Harris discovering the tank in a darkened room was "classic Doctor Who".[1] "The Poison Sky" is the fifth episode of the fourth series of British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was broadcast on BBC One on 3 May 2008. The episode features both old companion Martha Jones and the alien Sontarans.[3] It is the second of a two part story, following "The Sontaran Stratagem". //&amp;amp;lt;![CDATA[ if (window.showTocToggle) { var tocShowText = &amp;amp;quot;show&amp;amp;quot;; var tocHideText = &amp;amp;quot;hide&amp;amp;quot;; showTocToggle(); } //]]&amp;amp;gt; Plot Synopsis Following from the previous episode, Sylvia Noble (Jacqueline King) manages to free Wilfred Mott (Bernard Cribbins) from the car by smashing the window with an axe. The Doctor (David Tennant) sends Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) back to the TARDIS while he sets off to figure out what the Sontarans are up to. After studying the gas, UNIT determines that it will need to reach 80% density to become lethal. Elsewhere, Martha Jones's clone (Freema Agyeman) helps the Sontarans to seize the TARDIS. Realising that he is trapped, the Doctor attempts to goad General Staal (Christopher Ryan) into revealing their plan: Staal is smart enough not to fall prey to this ploy, but the Doctor does trick him into moving the TARDIS out of the main war room, placing Donna in a position to help. Against the Doctor's advice, UNIT decides to use nuclear weapons against the Sontarans; however, Martha's clone has covertly copied the launch codes, and stops every attempt they make to fire the weapons. This in itself shows a hidden agenda, since a nuclear strike would not have harmed them in the first place. This, combined with the unidentifiable elements in the gas, suggest that the Sontarans have an interest in keeping anything from disrupting the atmospheric conversion. At the same time, the Sontarans mobilize a contingent of troops to protect the factory. With the Sontarans' ability to jam most conventional firearms by expanding the copper-lined bullets, the UNIT troops are quickly slaughtered and the factory is secured. Luke Rattigan (Ryan Sampson) leaves the Sontaran mothership to gather his students, explaining that he plans to have the Sontarans take them to another planet and begin the human race anew. The students merely laugh him off, even when he brandishes a gun. When he returns to report his failure, the Sontarans likewise ridicule his efforts, admitting that they never intended to take him or his students anywhere. Rattigan teleports back to his mansion before they can kill him, and the Sontarans lock the teleport pods behind him. Meanwhile, the Doctor instructs Donna on how to reopen the teleport pods. As she makes her way through the ship, UNIT begins a counterattack, loading their weapons with non-copper bullets and using the aircraft carrier Valiant to clear the gas. The counterattack is a success, and the UNIT troops are able to put the Sontarans on the defensive. The distraction allows the Doctor to make his way to the cloning room where Martha is being held. Having figured out long before that the clone wasn't the genuine article, he severs its connection to Martha, leaving it to die. Martha convinces the clone to betray the Sontarans in its last moments, and the clone reveals that the poison gas is actually "food" for Sontaran clones: they are converting the planet into a giant breeding world. With Donna's help, the Doctor is able to reactivate the teleport pods, allowing him to rescue Donna, steal back the TARDIS, and teleport into Rattigan's mansion. With the terraforming equipment Rattigan's students built, the Doctor builds his own atmospheric converter, igniting the atmosphere to clear out the poison gas as shown in the picture. However, he knows the Sontarans won't accept defeat so easily, and teleports to their ship with the converter, planning to give them the choice between retreat or death. Staal chooses the latter, content with the knowledge that the Doctor will die with them. At the last moment, Rattigan teleports himself to the Sontaran ship and brings the Doctor back to Earth, sacrificing himself to destroy the Sontarans. With the day saved, Martha says goodbye to Donna and the Doctor in the TARDIS and prepares to head home. However, before she can leave, the TARDIS suddenly springs to life, locking the doors and piloting itself to an unknown destination as the jar containing the Doctor's severed hand bubbles. Continuity Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart is mentioned as being "stranded in Peru", the first explicit mention of the character in the new series. Colonel Mace refers to him as "Sir Alastair", implying he has received a knighthood since the events of Battlefield.Just as Donna moves towards the TARDIS screen while the Doctor contacts the Sontarans, Rose Tyler can be seen on the screen, silently calling out. This follows a similar silent cameo appearance in "Partners in Crime".The Valiant, the primary setting for the climax of "The Sound of Drums" and much of "Last of the Time Lords", is seen again in this episode when it is used by UNIT to clear the poisonous gas from the atmosphere over the ATMOS factory. It is also equipped with a scaled down version of the Torchwood weapon that destroyed the Sycorax ship in "The Christmas Invasion".[4]As the TARDIS traps Donna, Martha, and the Doctor at the end of the episode, the Doctor's severed hand, last seen at the beginning of "Voyage of the Damned", can be seen in a similar state of agitation it felt when the TARDIS materialised near it in the Torchwood episode "End of Days".In addition to the Sontarans, the Rutans are mentioned for the first time in the revived series.Lachelle Carl reprises her recurring role as the US Newsreader, Mal Loup, seen previously in the episodes "Aliens of London", "World War Three", "The Christmas Invasion" and "The Sound of Drums" and in Doctor Who spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures story Revenge of the Slitheen.The Doctor asks Colonel Mace, "Are you my mummy?", while wearing a gas mask, a line spoken by gas mask-wearing characters in "The Empty Child" / "The Doctor Dances".[5][6] Production This episode and the previous episode were filmed over five weeks, beginning in September 2007. Post-production was completed a week before the first part aired.[7] During production, director Douglas Mackinnon intended to have the episode's climatic scene in the TARDIS show the moveable column in the center console move up and down much more rapidly than normal. However, when attempting to accomplish this, Mackinnon ended up breaking the prop, which took thirty minutes to repair.[8] When interviewed on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Catherine Tate stated that she had been filming alongside ten actors playing Sontarans for two weeks before she realised that there were actors inside the Sontaran costumes. She had assumed the Sontarans "ran on electricity". It was not until an actor removed his helmet to reveal his real face that she realised her mistake. She stated she was "freaked out" by this and said she "nearly died".[9][10] When the Doctor interrupts the Sontarans' transmission, animated footage from CBeebies's part live action, part animation[11] eco adventure show Tommy Zoom is brought up on screen featuring the villanous Polluto disguised as a magician and the heroic Tommy and his dog Daniel as his audience.[12] As in many previous episodes of the revived series, supposed BBC News 24 footage is used featuring reports of unfolding events. However, as with the more recent appearances of such footage in Doctor Who, the channel is simply captioned on screen as 'News 24' devoid of the BBC logo. Since this episode was produced, the BBC News 24 channel was rebranded in real life as BBC News.[13] "The Poison Sky" marks the first time all three of the Tenth Doctor's primary companions -- Donna Noble (Catherine Tate), Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), and Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) -- have appeared in the same episode, though Rose's appearance was extremely brief. Piper received screen credit, although her appearance is less than a second in duration. Broadcast Unofficial figures show that "The Poison Sky" was watched by 5.9 million viewers, giving it a 32.5% share of the total television audience. Although dipping below the 6 million mark, the programme was still the second most watched of the day, being beaten by ITV1's Britain's Got Talent, which got 8.5 million viewers. It was the highest rated programme on BBC1 for the day. The programme is currently the 19th most watched of the week and received an Appreciation Index score of 88 (considered "Excellent").[14]
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Geek Syndicate - Episode 80
Geek SyndicateWelcome to the last GS before Dave and Barry Jet off to the sunny heights of Bristol for the Bristol Expo. As well as some big news from the world of Smallville Dave hears some news which brings about another fabled Dave and Barry Death in Comics rant(it's not pretty people).
In our main feature you get not one but two iron man reviews (how's that for value for money?). First up we have a guaranteed spoiler free review then after the credits right at the end of the episode we have a Spoiler packed review for the movie. You get plenty of warning and hey the guys even will throw in a time stamp so that you know when to stop listening. It will be right at the end of episode so that way you won't miss out on the usual hi-jinks! Enjoy
News
Look who's coming to Smallville next season.
The return of the Sword and the Sorcerer.
The resurrection of yet another Comic book hero...too much?
Notes from Nuge
Transformers the movie
Week that was
More fun with Blake's Seven
New Incredible Hulk trailer
New Indiana Jones trailer
New Dark Knight Trailer
Main
Ironman Spoiler Free review
Ironman Spoiler full review - starts at 1:06:02...you have been warned!
See you at Bristol (those that are going!).
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Geek Syndicate - Episode 80
Geek SyndicateWelcome to the last GS before Dave and Barry Jet off to the sunny heights of Bristol for the Bristol Expo. As well as some big news from the world of Smallville Dave hears some news which brings about another fabled Dave and Barry Death in Comics rant(it's not pretty people).
In our main feature you get not one but two iron man reviews (how's that for value for money?). First up we have a guaranteed spoiler free review then after the credits right at the end of the episode we have a Spoiler packed review for the movie. You get plenty of warning and hey the guys even will throw in a time stamp so that you know when to stop listening. It will be right at the end of episode so that way you won't miss out on the usual hi-jinks! Enjoy
News
Look who's coming to Smallville next season.
The return of the Sword and the Sorcerer.
The resurrection of yet another Comic book hero...too much?
Notes from Nuge
Transformers the movie
Week that was
More fun with Blake's Seven
New Incredible Hulk trailer
New Indiana Jones trailer
New Dark Knight Trailer
Main
Ironman Spoiler Free review
Ironman Spoiler full review - starts at 1:06:02...you have been warned!
See you at Bristol (those that are going!).
-
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Comic Racks - Episode 13
Geek SyndicateIn 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
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Comic Racks - Episode 13
Geek SyndicateIn 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
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Geek Syndicate Special - The Return of James Moran
Geek SyndicateOnce 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!!!
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Geek Syndicate Special - The Return of James Moran
Geek SyndicateOnce 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!!!
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Radio Free Skaro #81 - The Poison Podcast
Radio Free SkaroPart 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.
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Radio Free Skaro #81 - The Poison Podcast
Radio Free SkaroPart 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.
-
Radio Free Skaro #81 - The Poison Podcast
Radio Free SkaroPart 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.
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Whocast #074 - Mischpult = Mistpult
Whocast.de (Deutsche)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...
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Whocast #074 - Mischpult = Mistpult
Whocast.de (Deutsche)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...
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Geek Syndicate - Episode 79
Geek SyndicateThe 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.
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Geek Syndicate - Episode 79
Geek SyndicateThe 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.
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Radio Free Skaro #80 - Sontarans and Sarcasm
Radio Free SkaroThe 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.
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Radio Free Skaro #80 - Sontarans and Sarcasm
Radio Free SkaroThe 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.
-
Radio Free Skaro #80 - Sontarans and Sarcasm
Radio Free SkaroThe 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.
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Staggering Stories Podcast #19: More Evil Twinnery
Staggering Stories PodcastShow 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
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Whocast #073 - Big Brain Academy
Whocast.de (Deutsche)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.
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Whocast #073 - Big Brain Academy
Whocast.de (Deutsche)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.
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Geek Syndicate - Episode 78 A Nuge stands alone
Geek SyndicateThat'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!!!
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Geek Syndicate - Episode 78 A Nuge stands alone
Geek SyndicateThat'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!!!
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TDP 55: Doctor Who 4.03 Planet of the Ood
Tin Dog PodcastPlanet 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"
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Radio Free Skaro # 79 - Ooooooooooood!
Radio Free SkaroMystery, 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!
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Radio Free Skaro # 79 - Ooooooooooood!
Radio Free SkaroMystery, 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!
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Radio Free Skaro # 79 - Ooooooooooood!
Radio Free SkaroMystery, 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!
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Comic Racks - Episode 12
Geek SyndicateWelcome 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.
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Comic Racks - Episode 12
Geek SyndicateWelcome 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.
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Whocast #072 - Spoilaway in Pompeii
Whocast.de (Deutsche)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.
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Whocast #072 - Spoilaway in Pompeii
Whocast.de (Deutsche)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.
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Geek Syndicate - Episode 77
Geek SyndicateThis 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.
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Geek Syndicate - Episode 77
Geek SyndicateThis 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.
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TDP 54: Doctor Who 4.02 The Fires of Pompeii
Tin Dog PodcastThe 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]
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Geek Syndicate - Radical Publishing Interview
Geek SyndicateIn 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!!!