The fandom talking meme returns!
Mar. 12th, 2014 10:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ladyofleithianWhere do you see the Doctor in the new series?
Well, even though I was a little miffed at the way that Moffat basically retconned the Time War, I am definitely glad that Gallifrey is back, and the matter of the Twelfth Doctor looks to be very interesting. I really fell in love with Peter Capaldi when I first saw him in Torchwood: Children of Earth; I just loved his portrayal of John Frobisher, taking a character that one would ordinarily despise (and in fact, a few people did, at first!) and making you feel for him in the end. I think it's definitely a combination of phenomenal writing from Russell T. Davies and company and Peter Capaldi's writing that really made me love this character. He wasn't just a one-dimensional villain; he was an antagonist who did terrible things, but was also quite pitiable thanks to his circumstances, especially towards the end (hell, I think that along with Ianto and Steven's deaths, Frobisher's fate is one of the cruelest moments in that miniseries), and really felt like more of a fleshed out character, with a family that he was trying to protect, a sense of duty, and a sort of meekness and vulnerability all while not diminishing his sense of threat (for example, capturing Jack's family). So yeah -- if anyone wants a good jumpstart as to why Capaldi's going to rock the role, just watch Children of Earth. And the Doctor Who episode "The Fires of Pompeii" where he first appeared.
I think one other thing about Peter Capaldi is that in both the roles I mentioned, he has a sort of dignity and a commanding presence where whenever he was onscreen, goddamn did you pay attention. Which I think is the most important quality (at least one of them) in terms of portraying the Doctor, because the Doctor is a commanding presence by himself. Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith filled that role beautifully, and Peter Capaldi is definitely more than qualified to catch up to them. He can do funny (from what I heard from his work on The Thick of It, though I think he'd definitely be less foul-mouthed), he can do sad (such as with "The Fires of Pompeii" and Children of Earth) -- he's a very layered actor, and I genuinely think that Moffat made the right choice. I would have liked to see a POC actor for the Doctor (I was thinking Chiwetel Ejiofor) or a woman (I was thinking Danielle Harris, because she is a BAMF. Or Summer Glau), but I am definitely very excited for Peter Capaldi and what he has in store for us with the Doctor.
As for Gallifrey -- I think the return of Gallifrey is going to lead to very interesting developments. The Doctor adjusting to being back, for example, considering that he thought he destroyed Gallifrey, as well as Clara probably adjusting to seeing it. That and the matter of Rassilon -- I mean, Moffat...really, we need to have a talk. I think you missed out on a golden opportunity in terms of being able to sort of show the Doctor trying to save the Time Lords from themselves. You missed out on some golden opportunities with Rassilon. Yeah, I guess the Master technically killed him when he was thrown back to the Time War, but even so, I think there was a lot you could have done with Rassilon -- what with exploring what caused him to go mad (and maybe even clear things up a bit with some fans who were a bit miffed with how Rassilon was portrayed in "The End of Time", explaining how the Rassilon in the Classic Series lost his shit, what happened to Romana, etc.), etc. Although then again, well, the episode did say that the Council was in the other room, so the events of "Day of the Doctor" were happening parallel to those in "The End of Time".
But yeah, Moffat? You did a great job at tying up some of the loose ends in Eleven's era, like the matter of the Silence, etc. Can you at least find a way to address the matter of Rassilon still being out there considering Gallifrey was un-destroyed, and was planning to destroy creation? Because the episode did a phenomenal job at going into the War Doctor's mind, in a way, about what he was doing, but I think it really simplified the situation a bit. For example, leaving out the matter of Rassilon and the others. I think it's important because while the Daleks are terrifying enough, there's something about the concept of the Time Lords becoming as bad as those they fight, to the point of them attempting to basically nuke all of creation so they can be immortal, that is just terrifying, and something that, IMHO, isn't addressed enough in science fiction and fantasy. The genre likes to go on about the invader and the evil overlord and things like that, but they don't always go into the matter of people who become as bad as the monsters they fight, the people who become tyrants and monsters while fighting terrible battles, people who become so drunk on their own power they believe themselves to be gods, who silence those who disagree with them, etc. You get some of that in the Star Wars prequels, at least, but it's definitely different considering that Palpatine was already sort of playing the invader role, as a Sith Lord, worming his way into the Senate. You don't really get the matter of people who are supposed to be the heroes, the people doing the right thing, but go batshit instead (see also "The Waters of Mars"). I think that was why Rassilon stuck with me, because he was a concept I hadn't seen that often, and added a sort of tragedy to the Master's character that one wouldn't expect, as well as to the Doctor's character. That and what we saw of the Council in "The End of Time" was very chilling and well-done (and it's all the more remarkable considering that according to RTD -- I believe it was in The Writer's Tale? -- he really dreaded writing for the Time Lords. I think all things considered, he did a phenomenal job); for example, the scene of the Time Lady who tries to speak up against continuing the Time War and gets disintegrated by Rassilon for her troubles. Just because she tried to do the right thing. And just because Rassilon was arrogant, and did not wish to die. Not to mention the reveal of him placing the drums in the Master's head, the matter of the people who dissented having to hide their faces like the Weeping Angels as punishment, his grand speech to the Council (it helps that Timothy Dalton is a phenomenal actor) and a lot more. But really, even if I wasn't a fan of "The End of Time", I still would have been wondering what happened to Rassilon. So yeah, Moffat? Can you at least address that? Maybe the good Time Lords from "Day of the Doctor" threw him in prison for trying to pull that stunt. Hell, if you can't get Timothy Dalton back, you can introduce him as a different regeneration, or say that the Time Lords sealed him away. And if you want to bring him back...well, it could be him trying to assassinate the new President of Gallifrey, and the Doctor and Clara have to stop him before he basically restarts his reign of terror. Or anything like that. Honestly, as long as you tie that up somehow instead of just leaving it dangling, I'll be happy.
Same me with the matter of the abominations of the Time War that Ten mentioned. It's very likely that, considering that Gallifrey was sent to a pocket universe, the Time War abominations are still out there. Like with Rassilon, I wouldn't be bringing this up if it wasn't a pretty huge thing to leave hanging -- it just kind of leaves a bit of Esoteric Happy Ending to an otherwise fantastic anniversary special. So yeah, I'd love to see that tied up as well. Moffat did a great job explaining The Moment (hell, she was one of my favorites in the special!), so I'd genuinely love to see how he handles everything else. Also, I'd love to see some of Davies' original ideas in there; for example, he actually considered bringing Davros and Dalek Caan back, as well as Lady Christina DeSouza. I would also love to see Jenny back. Mostly saying all this as wishful thinking, of course, because I'd personally love to see them back.
Also, I hear that the Master is returning. I think it'll be interesting to see what he'll be like without the drums in his head; I think there's even a fan poster of the Master, though I can't say I can find it at the moment. (Note to self: look for it!) Honestly, in the event that the Master returns...well, I would love to see John Simm come back, as he was fantastic as the Master, IMHO. And if not him...well, from what I saw of him on Deep Space Nine, I think Marc Alaimo would make a great Master. I'd love to see the Master back, because I think it would be interesting for the Doctor to meet up with him, and how he would react, and how the Master would react in turn. It would definitely make for a lot of interesting conflict and character dynamics. I think it helps that I really loved the relationship between the Doctor and the Master in the RTD era, from meeting him as Professor Yana to trying to save him later to the events of "The End of Time", etc. I don't know if the Master will come back, but I think it'll be interesting to see.
Also, I'm definitely excited about the new companion, Danny Pink, joining the show. And the return of Jenny, Vastra and Strax. Also, the matter of Capaldi's doctor -- according to Moffat, he's apparently going to have a rockier relationship with Clara and be slightly darker than Eleven. And yeah, I think the phrase "darker" is kind of overused, and overrated, but when it's done right, it's wonderful. It's actually a thought I had when I watched the Nostalgia Critic's review of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, as well as a few discussions with other people, especially considering that the darker takes on stories I've seen that are done well, I love (e.g. American McGee's Alice and its sequel, Madness Returns *, Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, Torchwood: Children of Earth, Star Trek Into Darkness, Batman Returns, the Nolan Batman films, etc.). I think to pull it off, you need to have a lot of thought behind it other than just writing it darker because the audience will like it that way or just for the hell of it. You have to think about the story, the characters, and you have to definitely think things through. You have to think about whatever themes you're trying to deliver, you have to really think about the dark things that are happening and make sure they're not gratuitous (for example, American McGee's Alice and Alice: Madness Returns had some fucked up shit in there, but it had a reason for being there considering that it was about a young woman's journey to regain her sanity and later, her memories. And it was a new and creative take on Wonderland with genuinely haunting, frightening imagery, and even some bleak humor amidst how bad it can get, and it does get really bad), provide a new spin on it, examine the characters' psyches, turn familiar stories on their heads, etc. Smarter and deeper is the right word for this stuff done right -- something done with a lot of thought and a lot of care, instead of just making things darker and edgier for the hell of it. A lot of people tend to shy away from this stuff and for good reason, but I think if it's done right, it can be wonderful, and a really good story.
So yeah, I think as long as Moffat and co. handle Twelve's character well, I am on board with this change in his character. And make sure to include some fun and humor in the episodes, because in the end, that's what Doctor Who is about. Even with how dark it could get, it was always fun, always had that air of "come with me". So be sure to keep that, Moffat.
So honestly, as long as the episodes are good, I am definitely looking forward to seeing Twelve in the new series. And Danny. And Clara. And Gallifrey. And whatever enemies they encounter, whatever places they visit...I'm definitely excited to see them again. And quite frankly, September can't come quickly enough!
* Mostly in terms of seeing walkthroughs on YouTube. *Shame* Still, from what I saw, American McGee managed to deliver a darker take on the Alice in Wonderland story without making it seem like he was doing it for the sake of being darker and edgier. Well, maybe he was, but at the very least, he handled it very well.
Well, even though I was a little miffed at the way that Moffat basically retconned the Time War, I am definitely glad that Gallifrey is back, and the matter of the Twelfth Doctor looks to be very interesting. I really fell in love with Peter Capaldi when I first saw him in Torchwood: Children of Earth; I just loved his portrayal of John Frobisher, taking a character that one would ordinarily despise (and in fact, a few people did, at first!) and making you feel for him in the end. I think it's definitely a combination of phenomenal writing from Russell T. Davies and company and Peter Capaldi's writing that really made me love this character. He wasn't just a one-dimensional villain; he was an antagonist who did terrible things, but was also quite pitiable thanks to his circumstances, especially towards the end (hell, I think that along with Ianto and Steven's deaths, Frobisher's fate is one of the cruelest moments in that miniseries), and really felt like more of a fleshed out character, with a family that he was trying to protect, a sense of duty, and a sort of meekness and vulnerability all while not diminishing his sense of threat (for example, capturing Jack's family). So yeah -- if anyone wants a good jumpstart as to why Capaldi's going to rock the role, just watch Children of Earth. And the Doctor Who episode "The Fires of Pompeii" where he first appeared.
I think one other thing about Peter Capaldi is that in both the roles I mentioned, he has a sort of dignity and a commanding presence where whenever he was onscreen, goddamn did you pay attention. Which I think is the most important quality (at least one of them) in terms of portraying the Doctor, because the Doctor is a commanding presence by himself. Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant and Matt Smith filled that role beautifully, and Peter Capaldi is definitely more than qualified to catch up to them. He can do funny (from what I heard from his work on The Thick of It, though I think he'd definitely be less foul-mouthed), he can do sad (such as with "The Fires of Pompeii" and Children of Earth) -- he's a very layered actor, and I genuinely think that Moffat made the right choice. I would have liked to see a POC actor for the Doctor (I was thinking Chiwetel Ejiofor) or a woman (I was thinking Danielle Harris, because she is a BAMF. Or Summer Glau), but I am definitely very excited for Peter Capaldi and what he has in store for us with the Doctor.
As for Gallifrey -- I think the return of Gallifrey is going to lead to very interesting developments. The Doctor adjusting to being back, for example, considering that he thought he destroyed Gallifrey, as well as Clara probably adjusting to seeing it. That and the matter of Rassilon -- I mean, Moffat...really, we need to have a talk. I think you missed out on a golden opportunity in terms of being able to sort of show the Doctor trying to save the Time Lords from themselves. You missed out on some golden opportunities with Rassilon. Yeah, I guess the Master technically killed him when he was thrown back to the Time War, but even so, I think there was a lot you could have done with Rassilon -- what with exploring what caused him to go mad (and maybe even clear things up a bit with some fans who were a bit miffed with how Rassilon was portrayed in "The End of Time", explaining how the Rassilon in the Classic Series lost his shit, what happened to Romana, etc.), etc. Although then again, well, the episode did say that the Council was in the other room, so the events of "Day of the Doctor" were happening parallel to those in "The End of Time".
But yeah, Moffat? You did a great job at tying up some of the loose ends in Eleven's era, like the matter of the Silence, etc. Can you at least find a way to address the matter of Rassilon still being out there considering Gallifrey was un-destroyed, and was planning to destroy creation? Because the episode did a phenomenal job at going into the War Doctor's mind, in a way, about what he was doing, but I think it really simplified the situation a bit. For example, leaving out the matter of Rassilon and the others. I think it's important because while the Daleks are terrifying enough, there's something about the concept of the Time Lords becoming as bad as those they fight, to the point of them attempting to basically nuke all of creation so they can be immortal, that is just terrifying, and something that, IMHO, isn't addressed enough in science fiction and fantasy. The genre likes to go on about the invader and the evil overlord and things like that, but they don't always go into the matter of people who become as bad as the monsters they fight, the people who become tyrants and monsters while fighting terrible battles, people who become so drunk on their own power they believe themselves to be gods, who silence those who disagree with them, etc. You get some of that in the Star Wars prequels, at least, but it's definitely different considering that Palpatine was already sort of playing the invader role, as a Sith Lord, worming his way into the Senate. You don't really get the matter of people who are supposed to be the heroes, the people doing the right thing, but go batshit instead (see also "The Waters of Mars"). I think that was why Rassilon stuck with me, because he was a concept I hadn't seen that often, and added a sort of tragedy to the Master's character that one wouldn't expect, as well as to the Doctor's character. That and what we saw of the Council in "The End of Time" was very chilling and well-done (and it's all the more remarkable considering that according to RTD -- I believe it was in The Writer's Tale? -- he really dreaded writing for the Time Lords. I think all things considered, he did a phenomenal job); for example, the scene of the Time Lady who tries to speak up against continuing the Time War and gets disintegrated by Rassilon for her troubles. Just because she tried to do the right thing. And just because Rassilon was arrogant, and did not wish to die. Not to mention the reveal of him placing the drums in the Master's head, the matter of the people who dissented having to hide their faces like the Weeping Angels as punishment, his grand speech to the Council (it helps that Timothy Dalton is a phenomenal actor) and a lot more. But really, even if I wasn't a fan of "The End of Time", I still would have been wondering what happened to Rassilon. So yeah, Moffat? Can you at least address that? Maybe the good Time Lords from "Day of the Doctor" threw him in prison for trying to pull that stunt. Hell, if you can't get Timothy Dalton back, you can introduce him as a different regeneration, or say that the Time Lords sealed him away. And if you want to bring him back...well, it could be him trying to assassinate the new President of Gallifrey, and the Doctor and Clara have to stop him before he basically restarts his reign of terror. Or anything like that. Honestly, as long as you tie that up somehow instead of just leaving it dangling, I'll be happy.
Same me with the matter of the abominations of the Time War that Ten mentioned. It's very likely that, considering that Gallifrey was sent to a pocket universe, the Time War abominations are still out there. Like with Rassilon, I wouldn't be bringing this up if it wasn't a pretty huge thing to leave hanging -- it just kind of leaves a bit of Esoteric Happy Ending to an otherwise fantastic anniversary special. So yeah, I'd love to see that tied up as well. Moffat did a great job explaining The Moment (hell, she was one of my favorites in the special!), so I'd genuinely love to see how he handles everything else. Also, I'd love to see some of Davies' original ideas in there; for example, he actually considered bringing Davros and Dalek Caan back, as well as Lady Christina DeSouza. I would also love to see Jenny back. Mostly saying all this as wishful thinking, of course, because I'd personally love to see them back.
Also, I hear that the Master is returning. I think it'll be interesting to see what he'll be like without the drums in his head; I think there's even a fan poster of the Master, though I can't say I can find it at the moment. (Note to self: look for it!) Honestly, in the event that the Master returns...well, I would love to see John Simm come back, as he was fantastic as the Master, IMHO. And if not him...well, from what I saw of him on Deep Space Nine, I think Marc Alaimo would make a great Master. I'd love to see the Master back, because I think it would be interesting for the Doctor to meet up with him, and how he would react, and how the Master would react in turn. It would definitely make for a lot of interesting conflict and character dynamics. I think it helps that I really loved the relationship between the Doctor and the Master in the RTD era, from meeting him as Professor Yana to trying to save him later to the events of "The End of Time", etc. I don't know if the Master will come back, but I think it'll be interesting to see.
Also, I'm definitely excited about the new companion, Danny Pink, joining the show. And the return of Jenny, Vastra and Strax. Also, the matter of Capaldi's doctor -- according to Moffat, he's apparently going to have a rockier relationship with Clara and be slightly darker than Eleven. And yeah, I think the phrase "darker" is kind of overused, and overrated, but when it's done right, it's wonderful. It's actually a thought I had when I watched the Nostalgia Critic's review of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, as well as a few discussions with other people, especially considering that the darker takes on stories I've seen that are done well, I love (e.g. American McGee's Alice and its sequel, Madness Returns *, Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, Torchwood: Children of Earth, Star Trek Into Darkness, Batman Returns, the Nolan Batman films, etc.). I think to pull it off, you need to have a lot of thought behind it other than just writing it darker because the audience will like it that way or just for the hell of it. You have to think about the story, the characters, and you have to definitely think things through. You have to think about whatever themes you're trying to deliver, you have to really think about the dark things that are happening and make sure they're not gratuitous (for example, American McGee's Alice and Alice: Madness Returns had some fucked up shit in there, but it had a reason for being there considering that it was about a young woman's journey to regain her sanity and later, her memories. And it was a new and creative take on Wonderland with genuinely haunting, frightening imagery, and even some bleak humor amidst how bad it can get, and it does get really bad), provide a new spin on it, examine the characters' psyches, turn familiar stories on their heads, etc. Smarter and deeper is the right word for this stuff done right -- something done with a lot of thought and a lot of care, instead of just making things darker and edgier for the hell of it. A lot of people tend to shy away from this stuff and for good reason, but I think if it's done right, it can be wonderful, and a really good story.
So yeah, I think as long as Moffat and co. handle Twelve's character well, I am on board with this change in his character. And make sure to include some fun and humor in the episodes, because in the end, that's what Doctor Who is about. Even with how dark it could get, it was always fun, always had that air of "come with me". So be sure to keep that, Moffat.
So honestly, as long as the episodes are good, I am definitely looking forward to seeing Twelve in the new series. And Danny. And Clara. And Gallifrey. And whatever enemies they encounter, whatever places they visit...I'm definitely excited to see them again. And quite frankly, September can't come quickly enough!
* Mostly in terms of seeing walkthroughs on YouTube. *Shame* Still, from what I saw, American McGee managed to deliver a darker take on the Alice in Wonderland story without making it seem like he was doing it for the sake of being darker and edgier. Well, maybe he was, but at the very least, he handled it very well.
sjaes
Date: 2014-04-24 01:53 am (UTC)nkjdy
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Date: 2014-04-24 03:18 am (UTC)jndkt
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Date: 2014-04-24 06:36 am (UTC)