Give thanks that Davies’ Doctor Who finally regenerated
The Gallifreyan dust cleared by now on the final episode of the Russell T. Davies era of Doctor Who. And, after watching and digesting the final episodes of the David Tennant era, Davies couldn’t move on fast enough for me.
The two-part story, “The End of Time,” was watched by 10 million in the UK — flirting with a 50 ratings share. So, it’s an undeniable success. It was also an undeniable mess of a story that proved unworthy of Tennant’s swan song.
Davies forever deserves credit for taking the street credit his successful work on series like Queer as Folk gave him and investing it in one shot from the BBC to bring back the network’s crown jewel, Doctor Who. And he deserves credit for increasing the nerdy guy-friendly show’s popularity with women by introducing “Buffy-ized” romance and humor.
But, the hard truth is Davies isn’t a gifted sci-fi genre writer. And it showed in “The End of Time.”
What irked me so much about Tennant’s final adventure as The Doctor? Davies did everything during his tenure as executive producer to weaken one of TV’s greatest heroes — to corrupt him and make him less of a heroic figure. Maybe he wanted to humanize The Doctor. Or maybe Davies is cursed by too much cynicism to allow for heroes.
But Davies really trashed The Doctor in these final tales. Why he would do that to a show he loved and wanted to bring back is beyond me. Yes, The Doctor fought back another alien invasion of Earth and bested The Master, but Davies sent The Doctor out crying like a petulant child. In what should’ve been Tennant’s chance to finish up with nobility and heroism, he died whimpering under a layer of pretentious opera music.
Suffice to say, I doubt very much the talented writer and new executive producer Steven Moffat will let the new Doctor (Matt Smith) go out with such a lack of fanfare.
Doctor Who – The End of Time, Part 2 – Review
So who cried at the end? I cried my eyes out.
It’s very difficult to write about this episode without using any kind of spoiler. Excellent performances all around with a little more credit going to David Tennant for his final bow. They also broke out the remainder of the special effects budget for this one, probably spending more on this episode alone that an entire season of William Hartnell’s era. There were also surprises galore along with some familiar faces at the end. Anybody that accuses me of spoiling the fact that this is Tennant’s final episode has not been reading this site for the past six months.
Real spoilers follow …
The episode, while not perfect, was definitely a step up from part one, and while very little made sense scientifically (which is trademark of Russell T. Davies and Doctor Who in general), the action and the emotion of the episode more than made up for it. In the vein of “always leave them wanting more”, there were several unanswered questions that will undoubtedly plague fan fiction for generations to come. Who was the mystery woman that was helping Wilf and the Doctor? Was it Romana, the White Guardian, the Doctor’s mother, or none of the above?
When you think about it, it makes sense that the Time Lords would break many laws of time in order to stop from being annihilated by the Daleks. They would reach into their own past and retrieve their greatest hero. They were in desperation mode, which is likely why the Doctor would have no part of it. Historically it is known that Rassilon was a bit of a prick, particularly from his appearance in “The Five Doctors”. Was it the real Rassilon or just a namesake? If it was the real one, it gives a major motivation for time-locking the war.
I slap myself in the head for realizing at this late stage, but Bernard Cribbin’s character is named “Wilfred Mott”, which is an anagram of “Time Lord” with the extra letters “ftw” or “wtf”. Is this a secret message from Davies?
The Star Wars inspired segment with the spaceship and the lasers and the missiles was a bit too video game-ish for my tastes
This had to be the slowest regeneration the Doctor ever had. Before becoming Matt Smith, he had time to visit every single previous companion (including Rose before her meeting of the Eccleston Doctor). Admittedly, Martha marrying Mickey (say that fives times fast) was a bit of a surprise and somewhat contradicts what was established so far. In short, it’s typical Davies.
Tennant rocked my socks off. His last words were very consistent with his character (and quite possibly of David Tennant’s character as well) and his sacrifice for one man who wouldn’t make a difference in history speaks volumes of his Doctor. His speech before stepping into the booth and saving Wilf could be representative of both Wilf’s situation and his own.
We only saw a brief glimpse of Matt Smith as the Doctor, but it was a pretty good start. He was bringing down the house.
It was a good run, David. You will be missed.
I plan to watch the episode again to let it sink in some more and catch anything I missed. What are your thoughts?
Download “The End of Time, Part 2″ Episode here
Doctor Who – 2010 Promo
Doctor Who – The End of Time – New Promo
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Doctor Who – The End of Time – Various Snippets
Earlier this evening a couple of hundred lucky people were treated to a special screening of ‘The End Of Time, Part One’, the first half of David Tennant’s final Doctor Who adventure, at BBC HQ in London. This first episode – due to air on Christmas Day on BBC One, and December 26 on BBC America – mainly concerns itself with setting up events for the climactic final half. So what can we tell you? Welllll, saying too much would ruin the surprises and prompt Russell T Davies to come burn down our office so instead, be prepared to be teased in the most gentle of ways with these ten hints:
1. The first line of the episode? “It is said that in the final days of planet Earth, everyone had bad dreams.”
2. Continuing the Children In Need scene, where The Doctor is in the cave with The Ood, he sees visions of The Master, Joshua Naismith… and Wilf.
3. The Master’s resurrection is preposterous. Absolutely preposterous. Lucy Saxon – incarcerated after the events of ‘The Last of the Time Lords’ – plays a key part in the process. And she has such lovely lipstick.
4. We don’t have to wait too long before The Master and The Doctor come face-to-face for their Star Wars-esque battle. Other films getting small nods in ‘Part One’ include Jaws 2 (thump thump) and The Matrix.
5. Joshua Naismith, an idiot and a fool, wants Harold Saxon The Master to do something for him.
6. There’s an awful lot of Wilf in this episode. Not too much Donna to start with, although we find out what she’s been doing with her life while The Doctor’s been absent. And she’s still very special.
7. POTUS!
8. Random words from the script: “cactus” (Wilf), “shimmer” (Doctor), “coincidence” (TV), “so hungry” (Master), “…new man goes sauntering away” (Doctor).
9. New picture alert:
10. An entry posted here on Tube Talk in the last day or so (not necessarily Who-related) is actually pretty significant.
Doctor Who – The End of Time – New Sneak Peek
Also watch any Doctor Who episode that you want here.
Doctor Who – Alexandra Moen Interview
The last we saw of The Doctor’s long-time rival The Master, he’d been reduced to a pile of ashes after being shot and – in a bout of stubbornness befitting of an evil megalomaniac – refusing to regenerate. But as we all know, The Master is to be reborn this Christmas in ‘The End Of Time’, David Tennant’s highly anticipated final Doctor Who adventure. He’s not the only one coming back, though – so too is the woman who shot him: his deranged wife Lucy Saxon! What part does she play in his resurrection? And was she the one who collected his ring from the funeral pyre? We collared actress Alexandra Moen for a quick chat to find out.
When did you find out you would be coming back for David Tennant’s final episodes?
“Quite late on. I’m not sure when they decided but I think I was only told a month or two before filming.”
How did you feel?
“Oh, so thrilled! I was always hoping I would be brought back in some way so it was a brilliant feeling.”
How is it possible? The Master storyline felt like it was all wrapped up.
“I know but then that’s the beauty of Doctor Who, isn’t it? The whole regeneration idea and all these twisty sci-fi rules. Anything can happen in sci-fi!”
The last we saw, The Master’s ring was being collected from his ashes. Can we assume you were picking up his ring?
“It wasn’t me! You’re going to have to keep watching to find out who it was!”
Lucy shot The Master, which led to his apparent death. What’s her relationship with him like this time?
“Not good. She’s been incarcerated since, as a punishment for the shooting, so she has a lot of time to reflect on how bad it all got. She’s a little bit of a reformed character.”
Where was she incarcerated?
“I’m not 100% sure to be honest. She’s been incarcerated in a really epic castle dungeon-style prison which we actually shot in a medieval castle in Wales – it was freezing! I’m not quite sure who incarcerates her but there’s a governor of the prison – a new governor… that’s as much as I can tell you.”
When she’s let out is she angry or has she found peace?
“She’s actually not necessarily let out! She’s quite an angry person, I would say.”
Does she have a bigger role in the story this time around?
“No, not really. I would say a similar kind of significance to the last one. It’s definitely more The Master’s story.”
John Simm’s changed his hair. Do you prefer him as a blond?
“That smacks of 1992 grunge, so no I don’t!”
There’s some great guest stars in the specials, like June Whitfield and Bernard Cribbins. Did you get to act with them?
“No, I didn’t. Because I’ve been incarcerated, my scenes were more with John and a few of the other actors. There were a lot of actors there I didn’t get to work with.”
Everyone wants to know what happens – what was the security like on set?
“So top secret it was unbelievable! We weren’t even given the last few pages of the episode. Anyone who was in them obviously had them but everyone else wasn’t allowed to know how it culminated. When you auditioned – not that this was an audition – you were only sent your own scenes so it’s very, very secretive.”
Is that frustrating?
“I like it actually. When you read a script it’s totally different to when you see it, especially with some sci-fi stuff. I really love being surprised when I watch it. It is a bit frustrating but it’s probably best for interviews because actors can give things away when they don’t mean to, so it’s probably a really good idea – Russell knows actors too well!”
Before you got the part were you a big fan of the show?
“I was. I missed all the original Doctor Who because I was too young but I was aware of it and I was quite excited when I heard it was being brought back – partly because I was a big Russell T Davies fan actually. I was really excited, yeah.”
What’s your opinion on David leaving and the new regime?
“David is definitely my favourite Doctor but I think that Matt will be brilliant. The whole point of Doctor Who is that lots of different actors play him so it’s totally fitting and appropriate. It was time for a new Doctor, wasn’t it?”
Finally, are you done with the show or might you come back?
“You know what? I have no idea! I would say anything is possible but I don’t know the new team. I don’t know how many characters they’re resurrecting from the new series – probably not that many – so I don’t know.”
‘The End Of Time’ airs Christmas Day and New Year’s Day on BBC One. US viewers can watch the two-part special on December 26 and January 2 on BBC America.
Also watch any Doctor Who Episode that you might have missed.
Doctor Who – End of Time – Promo
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Doctor Who – The End of Time – Promo Pics
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David Tennant’s Final Episodes as The Doctor on BBC America
BBC AMERICA today announced the U.S. premiere of David Tennant’s final special as the Tenth Doctor. Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two, premieres January 2, one week after Part One, on BBC AMERICA. The finale to the era of David Tennant is one of the most eagerly anticipated adventures in the history of Doctor Who. Guest stars include John Simm (Life on Mars) as the Master, Timothy Dalton, Catherine Tate and Bernard Cribbins. New synopses for the final three specials airing on the channel three straight Saturdays over the holiday season are available below.
Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars airs Saturday, December 19, 9:00pm ET/PT
Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One airs Saturday, December 26, 9:00pm ET/PT
Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two airs Saturday, January 2, 9:00pm ET/PT
Regarding the final specials, lead writer and executive producer Russell T Davies told Radio Times, “It’s personal for the Doctor. The Master (John Simm) is his enemy, his opposite, and yet so tantalizingly close to being his soul mate. There’s something epic about their sheer existence – the last two survivors of an ancient race. It’s a clash of the titans. Both of them, heading for death, and yet both determined to survive – at any cost!”
Davies and Tennant are passing the baton to Steven Moffat and actor Matt Smith, who will play the Eleventh Doctor in a new season of the re-imagined series premiering in 2010 on BBC AMERICA.
BBCAmerica.com/DoctorWho has exclusive Doctor Who video clips including Inside Look interviews with David Tennant, Russell T Davies and executive producer Julie Gardner as well as sneak peeks of The Waters of Mars and The End of Time, Part One.
The BBC will release The Waters of Mars and The End of Time, Part One and Part Two on DVD and Blu-ray, Tuesday, February 2,
2010. A 5-disc set, Doctor Who: Specials Collection, which includes The Next Doctor, Planet of the Dead, Waters of Mars, The End of Time, Part One and Part Two and a 16-page booklet with an introduction written by David Tennant, hits stores the same day.
BBC AMERICA brings audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring news with a uniquely global perspective, provocative dramas, razor-sharp comedies, life-changing makeovers and a whole new world of nonfiction. BBC AMERICA pushes the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently watchable programming to viewers who demand more. It is available on digital cable and satellite TV in more than 65 million homes.
For more information on BBC AMERICA, go to www.bbcamerica.com and for press inquiries, go to www.press.bbcamerica.com
THE WATERS OF MARS – SYNOPSIS
Lindsay Duncan (Alice and Wonderland (2010), Rome) joins the Doctor as his sharpest and most strong-minded companion yet for the second of four Doctor WhoSpecials. The Waters of Mars is a dark, scary thriller that sees the Doctor land on the planet Mars, at a base in peril. A creeping infection beneath the Martian surface threatens not only the human race, but also the Doctor’s most fundamental beliefs. Together with Adelaide Brooke (Lindsay Duncan), the base’s commander, the Doctor must defeat a seemingly unstoppable menace before it can reach Earth, and wipe out mankind. The Doctor must fight not only the water but destiny itself. Whilst also confronting his own existence, when the prophesy about his future begins to resonate. Is his song about to come to an end?
The Waters of Mars is written by Russell T Davies (Torchwood, Queer as Folk) and Phil Ford and directed by Graeme Harper. The executive producers are Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner (Torchwood, Life on Mars).
DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME, PART ONE – SYNOPSIS
It’s the Tenth Doctor’s final journey – but his psychotic nemesis the Master has been reborn, on Christmas Eve. With both determined to cheat death, the battle ranges from the wastelands of London to the mysterious Immortality Gate. Meanwhile, the alien race Ood warn of an even greater danger approaching, as a terrible shadow falls across the entire Universe.
David Tennant stars as the Tenth Doctor and guest stars include John Simm, Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate, Timothy Dalton, David Harewood and June Whitfield. The End Of Time, Part One is written by Russell T Davies and directed by Euros Lyn. The producer is Tracie Simpson.
DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME, PART TWO – SYNOPSIS
The Doctor faces the end of his life as the Master’s plans hurtle out of control. With the sound of drums growing louder, and an ancient trap closing around the Earth, the Doctor and Wilf must fight alone. But sacrifices must be made, and the deadly prophecy warns: “He will knock four times.”
David Tennant stars as the Tenth Doctor and guest stars include John Simm, Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate, Timothy Dalton, David Harewood and June Whitfield. The End Of Time, Part Two is written by Russell T Davies and directed by Euros Lyn. The producer is Tracie Simpson.
BIOS
DAVID TENNANT – THE DOCTOR
David Tennant is an accomplished theater actor who most recently starred onstage in Hamlet with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Before landing the role of The Doctor in Doctor Who, he played the title role in Russell T Davies’ adaptation of Casanova alongside Peter O’Toole. He also played Briscoe in The Quatermass Experiment, a recreation of the sci-fi cult classic first broadcast live in 1953. Other stage work includes The Pillowman at the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company productions of Romeo & Juliet and As You Like It. His movie roles include Stephen Fry’s Bright Young Things and the role of Barty Crouch Jr. in Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. Tennant is the new host of PBS’ Masterpiece Contemporary and recently signed on to appear in the NBC pilot Rex Is Not Your Lawyer.
RUSSELL T DAVIES – LEAD WRITER AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Russell started at BBC Children’s, writing the fantasy thrillers Dark Season and Century Falls, before winning the BAFTA for Best Children’s Drama in 1996 for Granada’sThe Ward. He then created the landmark series Queer As Folk for Channel 4, and the U.S. version ran on Showtime for five years. Since then, he has written Bob & Rose- for which he won Comedy Writer of the Year 2001 – The Second Coming, Mine All Mine and Casanova, starring David Tennant. He reinvented and reinvigorated Doctor Who for the BBC in 2005, winning both the Dennis Potter Award and the BAFTA for Best Drama. He has created the Doctor Who spin-off series Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, both now entering their third successful season.