Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
OMFG!!!!!!!! Stolen Earth ROCKED!!!!!!!!
OMG Rusty knows how to go out with a bang!!!! Rose toting a BFG, Project Indigo, The shadow Proclamation, Torchwood, Unit, and Sarah Jane coming together to help find the Doctor, Harriet Jones regal til the very bitter end, and then omg and then............
REGENERATION!!!!!!!!! {i know it will be absorbed by the freaky Doctor hand but ..............................WOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!
Russell T Davies on The Stolen Earth - Radio Times, June 2008
Benjamin Cook talks to Russell T Davies about bringing back Davros and building up to the fourth season's big finale, a two-parter starting with The Stolen Earth.
"The most important thing about the show is the Doctor himself, and the Daleks raise the stakes for him," says Russell T Davies, Doctor Who's showrunner. "He witnessed the Daleks' creation, fought them in ten different bodies. He saw them murder the Time Lords. He lost Rose to a parallel universe because of them. So when the Daleks appear, it gets personal."
This year's two-part series finale boasts a menagerie of different Daleks. "We called it the Dalek Freak Show! We've got the Supreme Dalek, a mighty red metal beast, and he's truly impressive...although everything's in danger of being upstaged by Dalek Caan. Our voice man, Nicholas Briggs, gives an amazing performance. It's the creepiest Dalek yet!"
Also returning - for the first time in 20 years - is Davros, creator of the Dalek race. "I hope older viewers get a shiver of recognition," says Davies, "but I really want kids to love this bizarre half-man, half-Dalek." How come he's waited until series four to resurrect such an iconic adversary? "It's given a chance for the myth to grow. The legend becomes a bit of a game, between us and the viewers, between parents and kids. I'd like to think that mums and dads have been stoking the rumours! The longer you leave it, the more currency it gains. But we've waited long enough. Besides, he's my favourite monster. So I waited to give myself a treat!"
Julian Bleach is the fourth actor to don Davros's latex mask. "Julian has it all - the voice, presence, intelligence, even the physicality. Davros might only have one arm, but Julian makes it incredibly expressive and muscular. And wait till you see him tip Davros into insanity - it's terrifying!"
Is Bleach the best Davros yet, then? "Now, don't be cheeky. I love all those Davroses! But Julian is a rightful successor to the throne, bringing elegance to the part, even a cruel playfulness. Davros is contrary to everything the series stands for: life, survival, optimism, hope and fun. But Davros's world is so twisted and dark, it's like staring into the pit. Yes, he's clever, he's a genius, but all his brilliance has gone into creating the darkest force in the universe."
And as well as Davros, look out for various plot strands drawing together. "There have been fleeting mentions of missing planets," says Davies, "and you're about to discover their fate. Donna keeps mentioning the fact that, back on Earth, the bees are disappearing - that's going to become important. And way back, in our very first episode in 2005, the Ninth Doctor invoked the might of the Shadow Proclamation - well, here it comes!"
And there have been "mysterious hints" about Donna's future, which "will reach a terrible climax. That said, this episode is still a rip-roaring adventure that you can follow without having noticed any of this stuff."
Last month, the BBC announced that this series of Doctor Who (and next year's specials) will be the last in charge for Davies, who was awarded an OBE earlier this month. A tough decision? "Do you know what? It was easy," he says. "I decided way back in 2006, so it was more like keeping a promise - with the satisfaction of a job well done. I'm proud of every single episode we've made, and that's a good time to leave. I know my own mind, and I know for a fact I won't regret it.
"When you choose to be a writer, you choose to be freelance. I've never stayed in a job this long, and I've only stayed because I've enjoyed it so much. I don't even know where I'm going. That's so exciting." He breaks off. "Oh God, I sound like the Doctor!"
"The most important thing about the show is the Doctor himself, and the Daleks raise the stakes for him," says Russell T Davies, Doctor Who's showrunner. "He witnessed the Daleks' creation, fought them in ten different bodies. He saw them murder the Time Lords. He lost Rose to a parallel universe because of them. So when the Daleks appear, it gets personal."
This year's two-part series finale boasts a menagerie of different Daleks. "We called it the Dalek Freak Show! We've got the Supreme Dalek, a mighty red metal beast, and he's truly impressive...although everything's in danger of being upstaged by Dalek Caan. Our voice man, Nicholas Briggs, gives an amazing performance. It's the creepiest Dalek yet!"
Also returning - for the first time in 20 years - is Davros, creator of the Dalek race. "I hope older viewers get a shiver of recognition," says Davies, "but I really want kids to love this bizarre half-man, half-Dalek." How come he's waited until series four to resurrect such an iconic adversary? "It's given a chance for the myth to grow. The legend becomes a bit of a game, between us and the viewers, between parents and kids. I'd like to think that mums and dads have been stoking the rumours! The longer you leave it, the more currency it gains. But we've waited long enough. Besides, he's my favourite monster. So I waited to give myself a treat!"
Julian Bleach is the fourth actor to don Davros's latex mask. "Julian has it all - the voice, presence, intelligence, even the physicality. Davros might only have one arm, but Julian makes it incredibly expressive and muscular. And wait till you see him tip Davros into insanity - it's terrifying!"
Is Bleach the best Davros yet, then? "Now, don't be cheeky. I love all those Davroses! But Julian is a rightful successor to the throne, bringing elegance to the part, even a cruel playfulness. Davros is contrary to everything the series stands for: life, survival, optimism, hope and fun. But Davros's world is so twisted and dark, it's like staring into the pit. Yes, he's clever, he's a genius, but all his brilliance has gone into creating the darkest force in the universe."
And as well as Davros, look out for various plot strands drawing together. "There have been fleeting mentions of missing planets," says Davies, "and you're about to discover their fate. Donna keeps mentioning the fact that, back on Earth, the bees are disappearing - that's going to become important. And way back, in our very first episode in 2005, the Ninth Doctor invoked the might of the Shadow Proclamation - well, here it comes!"
And there have been "mysterious hints" about Donna's future, which "will reach a terrible climax. That said, this episode is still a rip-roaring adventure that you can follow without having noticed any of this stuff."
Last month, the BBC announced that this series of Doctor Who (and next year's specials) will be the last in charge for Davies, who was awarded an OBE earlier this month. A tough decision? "Do you know what? It was easy," he says. "I decided way back in 2006, so it was more like keeping a promise - with the satisfaction of a job well done. I'm proud of every single episode we've made, and that's a good time to leave. I know my own mind, and I know for a fact I won't regret it.
"When you choose to be a writer, you choose to be freelance. I've never stayed in a job this long, and I've only stayed because I've enjoyed it so much. I don't even know where I'm going. That's so exciting." He breaks off. "Oh God, I sound like the Doctor!"
Friday, June 27, 2008
Nicholas Briggs interview
The darkness is here. In the first part of the Doctor Who finale, the Earth is literally plucked right from under the Doctor's feet and transported to a destination unknown. While the Doctor scratches his head, the mother of all reunions ensues on Earth, as his allies (Captain Jack, Sarah Jane Smith, Martha Jones) come together to help deal with the crisis. Behind the dastardly act are the seemingly-indestructible Daleks, now under the charge of one of the Doctor's old foes. Nicholas Briggs, voice of the metal menaces, previews the final episodes.
What has happened with the Daleks since we last saw them?
"The last survivor of the Cult of Skaro, Dalek Caan, has had a very rough time. Something very odd has happened to him! That's linked up to a load of stuff that I couldn't possibly reveal because unfortunately the Daleks have used a mind probe to erase my brain."
When did you find out that you would be returning for the final two episodes?
"I think those who I know that knew about it, including David Tennant, might have given me hints pretty early on. I think David said to me, 'I'm not cagey but if things go as planned, you'll probably be here in March for the final block.' I'd kind of known it was on the cards for quite some time."
How did you react when you read the script for this week's episode, 'The Stolen Earth'?
"Well first of all, it didn't have a title, so I didn't know what was [going to happen]. It's a great, exciting title, but it does rather give stuff away, doesn't it? The whole build-up was very exciting, bringing together the new mythos of Doctor Who with Torchwood and Sarah Jane. I was quite taken aback about how epic it is - and it really pays off in the final episode, which of course I can't tell you anything about. D'oh! How annoying."
How difficult was it to perfect the voice of the deranged Dalek Caan?
"Well, it was a great challenge, a bit like when we did the Dalek Emperor in the first series. When Russell [T Davies] introduces a character like that, there is a whole chunk of stuff in the script that describes the voice. He did the same for Dalek Caan, which gave me a real key into what I could do. Then I evolved all these different theories about Dalek Caan's neurons firing in the wrong direction in his brain. He can't tell when he's happy or sad, his emphasis is very strange and he finds things funny when things aren't funny. He's a kind of soothsayer really. His mind is almost pure."
Do you ever get to improvise any Dalek dialogue?
"No, although there's some bits in this one where they kind of go a bit crazy, and things go wrong at one point, so they do a few strange noises. I suppose that required improvisation in a scene. Also I remember in 'Parting of the Ways' when they flew into the void, I had hours of fun in the studio [doing Dalek screams]. When I heard it back, it was hilarious, because they'd multitracked it. It sounded like the cat in that old public information film!"
We know Davros is returning for the finale, but are there any other foes from the classic series you'd like to see come back?
"I do the Doctor Who audio adventures for Big Finish, and we've had the Ice Warriors back in a couple of times. I've rather enjoyed doing those. I can't immediately think of anything else that should come back. I'd be happy for it all to be Daleks, frankly."
What was it like on set with so many former companions returning?
"It was like a really good party, in that people would all be standing around in different groups chatting, and everybody was getting on really well. There was a slight 'end-of-term' feeling, in the best possible way. I suppose you would wonder if there might be some tension, but there wasn't at all. It was lovely to see people back you haven't seen for a while."
How do you feel about Steven Moffat taking over as executive producer?
"Steve's take on Doctor Who is fascinating. His stories have won awards. I'm really excited about it. It'll be interesting to see because he's got such an interesting mind. I don't know what's coming up at all, but I suppose he's going to change a few things."
Finally we know the Cybermen are back for this year's Christmas Special. Are you back doing their voices?
"Well, were the Cybermen to be involved in something, I guess they would get me to do the voices! If that is in fact true. I believe there may have been some pictures of the Cybermen on the internet..."
Doctor Who airs Saturday at 7.10pm on BBC One.
What has happened with the Daleks since we last saw them?
"The last survivor of the Cult of Skaro, Dalek Caan, has had a very rough time. Something very odd has happened to him! That's linked up to a load of stuff that I couldn't possibly reveal because unfortunately the Daleks have used a mind probe to erase my brain."
When did you find out that you would be returning for the final two episodes?
"I think those who I know that knew about it, including David Tennant, might have given me hints pretty early on. I think David said to me, 'I'm not cagey but if things go as planned, you'll probably be here in March for the final block.' I'd kind of known it was on the cards for quite some time."
How did you react when you read the script for this week's episode, 'The Stolen Earth'?
"Well first of all, it didn't have a title, so I didn't know what was [going to happen]. It's a great, exciting title, but it does rather give stuff away, doesn't it? The whole build-up was very exciting, bringing together the new mythos of Doctor Who with Torchwood and Sarah Jane. I was quite taken aback about how epic it is - and it really pays off in the final episode, which of course I can't tell you anything about. D'oh! How annoying."
How difficult was it to perfect the voice of the deranged Dalek Caan?
"Well, it was a great challenge, a bit like when we did the Dalek Emperor in the first series. When Russell [T Davies] introduces a character like that, there is a whole chunk of stuff in the script that describes the voice. He did the same for Dalek Caan, which gave me a real key into what I could do. Then I evolved all these different theories about Dalek Caan's neurons firing in the wrong direction in his brain. He can't tell when he's happy or sad, his emphasis is very strange and he finds things funny when things aren't funny. He's a kind of soothsayer really. His mind is almost pure."
Do you ever get to improvise any Dalek dialogue?
"No, although there's some bits in this one where they kind of go a bit crazy, and things go wrong at one point, so they do a few strange noises. I suppose that required improvisation in a scene. Also I remember in 'Parting of the Ways' when they flew into the void, I had hours of fun in the studio [doing Dalek screams]. When I heard it back, it was hilarious, because they'd multitracked it. It sounded like the cat in that old public information film!"
We know Davros is returning for the finale, but are there any other foes from the classic series you'd like to see come back?
"I do the Doctor Who audio adventures for Big Finish, and we've had the Ice Warriors back in a couple of times. I've rather enjoyed doing those. I can't immediately think of anything else that should come back. I'd be happy for it all to be Daleks, frankly."
What was it like on set with so many former companions returning?
"It was like a really good party, in that people would all be standing around in different groups chatting, and everybody was getting on really well. There was a slight 'end-of-term' feeling, in the best possible way. I suppose you would wonder if there might be some tension, but there wasn't at all. It was lovely to see people back you haven't seen for a while."
How do you feel about Steven Moffat taking over as executive producer?
"Steve's take on Doctor Who is fascinating. His stories have won awards. I'm really excited about it. It'll be interesting to see because he's got such an interesting mind. I don't know what's coming up at all, but I suppose he's going to change a few things."
Finally we know the Cybermen are back for this year's Christmas Special. Are you back doing their voices?
"Well, were the Cybermen to be involved in something, I guess they would get me to do the voices! If that is in fact true. I believe there may have been some pictures of the Cybermen on the internet..."
Doctor Who airs Saturday at 7.10pm on BBC One.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Nesbitt is fans' choice for new Doctor Who
{I hope DT stays for a few more years dont get me wrong, but id love to see Jimmy take a whirl in the tardis}
James Nesbitt has been voted the actor that Doctor Who fans would most like to see take over from David Tennant.
Out of 3,500 Doctor Who viewers surveyed on behalf of the Doctor Who Exhibition at Earls Court, 714 fans want to see the Cold Feet star as the next incarnation of the Time Lord.
Second favourite was Shaun Of The Dead star Simon Pegg with 18 per cent of the vote.
The poll - conducted via www.eco.co.uk, the official website of the Earls Court Exhibition Centre where an exhibition of Doctor Who memorabilia is currently on display - also asked fans to vote for their favourite Doctor Who, and Doctor Who enemy.
Current Time Lord David Tennant proved the nation's favourite with 62 per cent of the vote but Tom Baker - best known for his eccentricity during the 1960s series - remains a classic Who icon, coming in at second place with 19 per cent.
Tennant is remaining tight-lipped over when he plans to quit as Doctor Who.
The Daleks were of course the most popular enemy, with a whopping 44 per cent and they are due to reappear in Saturday night's episode of the BBC series.
The Doctor Who exhibition features many of the actual props and costumes worn by the stars of the show David Tennant, Billie Piper and Catherine Tate, along with plus creatures from the hit sci-fi show.
Doctor Who star set to get £1.3m to stay
THE BBC is rumoured to be ready to pay David Tennant a massive £1.3 million to carry on as Doctor Who.
The Bathgate-born actor is expected to be offered a new deal worth up to £100,000 per episode.And he could also be offered other drama projects in a bid to keep him on board.BBC bosses are desperate to stop the 37-year-old from quitting the show, which attracts up to eight million viewers.One senior BBC source was quoted saying: "Everyone assumes David is quitting but that's not the case. We're hoping he will be back."The situation as it stands is that no deal has been discussed yet for the next series of Doctor Who. That, however, is about to change."David is brilliant in the role and naturally we hope he will continue. We're not considering anyone else at this time."Tennant said: "I've been asked when I'm quitting since the first day I took the part. I've not quit – I've just not been offered another deal yet."
The Bathgate-born actor is expected to be offered a new deal worth up to £100,000 per episode.And he could also be offered other drama projects in a bid to keep him on board.BBC bosses are desperate to stop the 37-year-old from quitting the show, which attracts up to eight million viewers.One senior BBC source was quoted saying: "Everyone assumes David is quitting but that's not the case. We're hoping he will be back."The situation as it stands is that no deal has been discussed yet for the next series of Doctor Who. That, however, is about to change."David is brilliant in the role and naturally we hope he will continue. We're not considering anyone else at this time."Tennant said: "I've been asked when I'm quitting since the first day I took the part. I've not quit – I've just not been offered another deal yet."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
DWM article with Elisabeth Sladen and why this could be her last who..
Right click and save to blow it up to read.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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