Opinions on Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor

Posted by Ewan Cassidy

(Bear in mind, this is opinions, you may not like it, but I stand by it!)

Well world, the episode has finally aired. The Day Of The Doctor was aired at the same time in 74 countries around the world! But what are the opinions of the Whovians? Here's my opinions on the episode the world has been waiting for.

First of all, I'm gonna start with the flaws. I'm not gonna lie, I was expecting just a little more with the episode characters. Billie Piper, who used to play Rose Tyler, came back instead as the machine the Doctor used to blow up Gallifrey.

Also, I'd like to point out that only three Doctors played a massive role in the episode (Matt Smith, David Tennent and John Hurt), with Clara and Rose beside them (but only John can see Rose).

Near the end, the three Doctors fly their TARDIS's into Gallifrey (won't spoil it for those who havint seen it yet) but it isn't just the three. All TWELVE (yes, twelve, including Mr Capaldi) fly their TARDISes into Gallifrey and save the day. 

Also, major flaw number two, aliens in the episode. The Daleks did make an apperence, just ... not as big as you think. 
Right at the start, you see the Daleks on Gallifrey, destroying the planet, and that's pretty much all they do. The most seen alien was the Zygons, shapeshifting aliens who take over the present day and Elizabeth I's time. Why should they play a bigger role the Daleks? The Daleks are the most feared beings in the universe!

Flaws aside, there were so many references in the episode, the first obvious one being the opening sequence, where they played the William Hartnell opening sequence. Straight after being a sign saying 76 Totters Lane, the place where Susan and the Doctor lived while Susan attended school. Cybermen heads were to be seen in the UNIT base in the Tower of London and so much more (I may need to watch again to see any more).

So in conclusion, would I say this is worth watching? My answer, yes, every Whovian must see this episode. This episode has its flaws, but this is the episode where it's starts to make sense of the doctors past, it will leave you surprised, but you will learn to love the show more, and the doctor himself.

On behalf of TARDIS Magazine, I would like to say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOCTOR WHO! And here's to another 50 years.

And now, Whovians, lets raise out glasses of wine, dine on fish fingers and custard, and throw our fezzes (or Who hat?) in the air!

Allonz-Y!

My Hopes for the 50th Anniversary

Posted by Ewan Cassidy

With the announcement of Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor, it leaves one less thing to worry about.... Now, what would be on most Whovians minds? THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!  From what I know, David Tennent and Billie Piper will be the past Doctor and companion in the special, I haven't heard any word on anyone else, but who would I like back for the 50th anniversary?

  First of all, who wouldn't like to see John Simm return as The Master? In my opinion he was one of those Doctor Who villains who I would love to see come back. Although he was last seen dying in the Doctors arms, not regenerating, I would love it if the Time Lords of Gallifrey forced him to regenerate to spend the rest of his days in jail (space jail).

  Another actress I would love to see is the talented Catherine Tate, who played Donna Noble for one series in the David Tennant years, plus two Xmas specials ,and a New Years special. Donna was definately the funniest companion in recent years, and I know she is a comedian, but she was hilarious.  I'm actually a little surprised that she and David Tennant didn't do anything else funny together after they left.

  But what about actors who actually played the Doctor? The last time there was a Doctor Who combination was 'The Five Doctors" with the first five Doctors. That included: Richard Hundall as Will Hartnell, (sadly he passed away before this event,) Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee, Tom Baker, (although did not appear in much of it,) and Peter Davison. My gran got me the DVD of this episode and I watched it going back to Doctor Who past for the first time, and I loved seeing the Cybermen walk 80's style. Seeing an old Master played by Anthony Ainley, old Daleks.... But most importantly, old Doctors. It was great seeing these actors come together, and the storyline fitted very well. I hope to see Anthony Ainley and John Simm come together. That would be amazing.

  In my opinion, there is one companion who stood above all: Sarah-Jane Smith, played by the legendary Elisabeth Sladen. Sladen unfortunately passed away a couple of years ago. I remember hearing the news that she'd passed away and just couldn't help but feel sad. She had been in the middle of filming the hit Doctor Who spin-off, The Sarah-Jane Adventures when she died.  It's a shame she never got to finish what she'd started.

  But, that aside, I hope that the 50th Anniversary Special goes well. I can't wait for when it airs November 24th!

(Ewan Cassidy Reporting. Upload time 12:49 PM (UK))


Images courtesy of Wikipedia

*Who* Do I Want To Be Next Doctor?

Posted by Ewan Cassidy, UK Correspondent for TARDIS Magazine

  Tomorrow America will know who the next Doctor will be. (I say America because I'm from Scotland, so I will be finding out technically today, as it is early morning here.)  Some people say it will be John Hurt, and they could be right.  Rumors also have it that for the first time ever, a female will play the part. But let's come to the conclusion that John will be the next Doctor.

  Now I've never heard of this guy, but when he showed his face my mum said, and I quote, "He's a good actor."  Now he may be, but Doctor Who has never been about good acting; it's about being right for the part.

  Take David Tennent, for example.  I bet that when you first saw his face, you didn''t think he was a good enough actor to play the Doctor, but look what happend, he became (in my opinion) THE best actor to play the role!  Why? Although he was definately the funniest, he was also the best suited for the role. From the ten second glimpse we got of John Hurt's face at the end of Season Seven's finale, "The Name of the Doctor," I didn't really think he would suit the role of playing the Doctor.  Heck, he could be the first person to play it who's over his 40's since Will Hartnell (joking)!

  Now lets look on the female Doctor side. Whenever the subject of "who will be the next Doctor?" comes up, often I hear "a girl will play it" or "it's about time a woman played a man's part," which may be a good idea.  But let'ss assume a woman will be playing the part. Who would be right for it?

 Rumor also has it that Billie Piper will play the next Doctor...  If Billie Pipier were to take up the role, it would leave me confused, since she has already been in Doctor Who as the lovely Rose Tyler.  But wouldn't it be kind of confusing to see a companion who (spoiler alert) got sucked into a parallel universe become a time lord?  How would the writers put it in? Would it make sense in the end? Who (pun intended) knows?
 
  Also, another woman supposedly up for the part is Herminoe Granger (I've never read or seen Harry potter ok.) Ok, now the actress has already been in 7/8 major films, (all of them Harry Potter that I know of,) but would she be suited for the role of a time lord? Wizard to time traveller. Again, wouldn't make much sense for Potter fans.

  In conclusion, I don't know who I want to be the next doctor, but just be glad, it won't be Zack Efron. Cause if it is, Doctor Who would be ruined forever!

Editor's note: the views presented in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of every staff member.