The Celebration continues!

Oh what a fantastic week-end it is! We have started our countdown on Friday by introducing the newest incarnation of our favorite Time Lord. Saturday was dedicated to the classic Doctor Who lives and in the evening we watched  the 50 year celebration episode entitled “The Day of the Doctor”.  Today is Sunday and the party is still going on! Things just couldn’t get better!

The Darkest Day is now behind us…

We have many things to celebrate! More than 10,5 million of Brits have watched the anniversary episode (that’s 1/5 of all British population!) making “The Day of the Doctor” the most watched episode of the series in history. It is also the fifth highest ranking drama episode ever broadcasted on BBC One.  That’s not all! Doctor Who has been officially certified  by breaking Guinness World Record  for the the largest ever simulcast of a television drama. The episode was shown on TV in 94 countries and in 1,500 cinemas worldwide including in the UK, US, Canada, Latin America, Germany, Russia and Scandinavia and Australia.

The world record was presented by Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday to  Steven Moffat, the head writer and c0-producer. Steve was incredibly touched and said: “For years the Doctor has been stopping everyone else from conquering the world. Now, just to show off, he’s gone and done it himself!”

If you’d like to read previous entries about the birthday bash, please click on the links below:
https://cocamidemea.wordpress.com/2013/11/22/countdown-to-the-day-of-the-doctor/
https://cocamidemea.wordpress.com/2013/11/23/count-to-the-day-of-the-doctor-part-2/

Do not worry, we haven’t forgotten! We still haven’t told you about four other incarnation of the Doctor. Please say hello to four the most important lives of the eternal traveler!

Third Doctor – Earth Exhile
Portrayed by Jon Pertwee
First appearance: Spearhead from Space
Companions: Liz Shaw, Jo Grant and Sarah Jane Smith

Jon Pertwee’s Doctor is probably the weirdest of all Doctors combined together.  He has a very unique personality, does things that no other Doctor has ever done and has a peculiar sense of fashion that has been criticized by all his future and past incarnations. We have to be fair and square here: the Third Doctor is a victim of circumstances and his attitude might just be his way of dealing with everything that fate has thrown at him.

This incarnation is not an easy ride for the poor old Doc. He has been exiled by his own people to Earth and his beloved TARDIS is now grounded. He is unable to travel the universe and this seems to be the only reason for his existence. The Doctor is also forced to serve the Council of Time Lords that sends him on missions to distant planets. During the difficult talks with other alien races (who are mostly at odds with the Time Lords), the Doctor works as an ambassador and must protect the interests of The Councils against his will and his sense of justice.

The situation on Earth looks a bit better. The Doctor is not able to use the TARDIS but at least his experience and knowledge of alien affairs and technology can be put to good use. Number Three becomes involved with UNIT and is able to set up a laboratory working on numerous useful inventions. He also has the opportunity to test and upgrade human machines like cars, motorcycles, hoover crafts and other vehicles (including his favorite car named Bessie). Working alongside humans allows the Doctor to truly appreciate them and discover their potential. In this life time, his connection with Earth becomes incredibly strong and he starts to prefer our planet to any other. However, The Doctor is still an alien and his behavior can sometimes be classified as out of this world. Third Doctor is an action man using Venetian martial arts to disarm his enemies, an authority freak with wild tendencies and a harsh critic to all who are not as brilliant as he is.

Despite his faults, Doctor number 3 is universally liked and remembered as the first Doctor the Earth has seen in color.

Favorite quotes:

Pletrac: The function of this tribunal is to keep this planet clean. This Tellurian creature comes from outside our solar system and is a possible carrier of contagion. Furthermore the creature may be hostile.
Doctor: Would you kindly stop referring to me as “the creature”, sir.  Or I may well become exceedingly hostile! – from “Carnival of Monsters”

Doctor – Allow me to congratulate you, sir. You have the most totally closed mind that I’ve ever encountered – from “Frontier in Space”

Second Doctor – Cunning clown
Portrayed by Patrick Troughton
First appearance: The Tenth Planet
Companions: Polly Wright, Ben Jackson, Jamie McCrimmon, Victoria Waterfield and Zoe Heriot

Patrick Troughton as The Second Doctor

Whovians, now your full attention is required. We have reached two first incarnations of The Doctor and both are considered the most important for the plot, series and character development. Before we meet the original Doctor, we want you to take a look at Doctor Number 2 that was named the most influential Doctor in series history and inspiration for  Peter Davison, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy and Matt Smith.

The Second Doctor is much younger than the first and has completely different approach to problems and people. He can play a fool, run around in panic if things go wrong and look like a coward while trying to hide – but make no mistake. Number Two is cynical, calculating gamemaster, always having three or four back-up plans up his sleeve. Presenting himself as a weak and foolish young man, he can stay  few steps ahead of his enemies and crush them mercilessly when the right time comes. He doesn’t like brute force and you will never see him using martial arts like Number 3 did, but that doesn’t mean that this Doctor cannot fight. He is a great fighter but prefers a non-violent approach usually in the form of cold manipulation (especially using his allies and companions) or old fashioned threats. Sometimes he can deliver his final warnings as a joke, but believe us, only a real fool can laugh at it. Fans of the newest series might remember a very funny scene when 11th Doctor gives a little speech to Atraxi at the rooftop right after his regeneration. This kind of monologue is exactly what Second Doctor would come up with: witty, sarcastic and deadly. If the Doctor tells you to run, you run.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arAjbSkKF-Q

Despite his dark side, Second Doctor is a great friend and truly cares about his companions. He might be able to use them as pawns in his schemes but he would never truly abandon them. He also has a strong moral code believing that each life (human or alien) is worth saving, no matter the cost.

Favorite quotes:

Doctor: Zaroff, I think you ought to know the sea has broken through and is about to overwhelm us here.
Zaroff: Don’t listen to him. The man lies.
Doctor: Then perhaps the distant roaring that we can hear is just the goddess Amdo with indigestion?  – from “The Underwater Manace”

Doctor: An unintelligent enemy is far less dangerous than an intelligent one, Jamie. Just act stupid. Do you think you can manage that? – from “The Dominators”

Doctor: Oh, yes, it could be 20th century. England in summertime, I should say. See the rain clouds? – from “The Invasion”

First  Doctor – TARDIS thief
Portrayed by William Hartnell
First appearance: An Unearthly Child
Companions: Susan Foreman (his granddaughter), Barbara Wright, Ian Chesterton, Vicki, Steven Taylor, Katarina, Sara Kingdom, Dodo Chaplet, Polly Wright and Ben Jackson

William Hartnell as The Doctor

Not much is known about the Original Doctor. When we meet him for the first time, he is an enigmatic elderly gentleman travelling with a teenage granddaughter named Susan in a strange time machine that resembles British Police phone booth from 1950’s. The series started as a children show and it wasn’t until Terry Nation introduced The Daleks in second season that it became a true cultural phenomenon.

The first Doctor is an alien from planet Gallifrey in the constellation of Kasterborous and a member of an ancient and culturally advanced race known as The Time Lords. He is extremely bright, a genius with genuine interest in mechanics, science and art. As the rest of his people, he is proud and authoritative, often grumpy and displeased with skills of lesser beings. He doesn’t suffer fools easily, has little patience with the young and is prone to lose his temper. Despite being raised to feel supreme towards any other forms of life, The Doctor has a very strong moral code and respect for every living creature. He is not afraid to reject false believes of the Time Lords and follow his own path – even if it means breaking the law. For his involvement in helping other races, the Time Lords exile him into space and the Doctor must flee his home world to avoid being arrested. He steals a faulty TARDIS machine on encouragement from a young Time Lady, who tells him it will be much fun to pilot a ship with damaged clacking device and navigation system. In reality, the girl is Clara Oswin, his future companion and guarding angel from Doctor’s 11th incarnation.

After escaping, the Doctor starts his endless journey through space and time, saving those in need and fighting evil. During his travels, he encounters his greatest enemies, makes friends, changes the reality and history, falls in love, fails and triumphs. He learns that the universe is much more complex and greater than he thought it would ever be and describes it as “beautiful”. He takes on a new identity of the Doctor (his real one is now a secret known only by his granddaughter and professor River Song) and swears to heal the universe from pain and injustice. Will he ever succeeds? Only time will tell….

Favorite quotes:

Doctor:  Have you ever thought what it’s like to be wanderers in the Fourth Dimension? Have you? To be exiles? Susan and I are cut off from our own planet – without friends or protection. But one day we shall get back. Yes, one day…. – from “An unearthly child”

Doctor:  We’re always in trouble! Isn’t this extraordinary – it follows us everywhere! – from “Marco Polo”

Doctor:  My dear Steven, history sometimes gives us a terrible shock, and that is because we don’t quite fully understand. Why should we? After all, we’re too small to realize its final pattern. Therefore don’t try and judge it from where you stand. I was right to do as I did. Yes, that I firmly believe…Steven… Even after all this time, he cannot understand. I dare not change the course of history. Well, at least I taught him to take some precautions; he did remember to look at the scanner before he opened the doors. And now, they’re all gone. All gone. None of them could understand. Not even my little Susan. Or Vicki. And as for Barbara and Chatterton — Chesterton — they were all too impatient to get back to their own time. And now, Steven. Perhaps I should go home. Back to my own planet. But I can’t… I can’t…

War Doctor – Front-line fighter
Portrayed by John Hurt
First appearance: The Name of the Doctor
Companions: The Moment (RoseTyler), Clara Oswin-Oswald, Eleventh and Tenth Doctor

John Hurt as The War Doctor

Great men are forged in fire….

Somewhere deep inside the Doctor’s timeline (and his memory) lies a dark secret, a life once lived that is too painful to be remembered. We are not sure how to classify this incarnation, born between the Eight and the Ninth Doctor out of heartbreak, pain and desperation.  Perhaps the most suitable term would be an “in-between persona”, momentary projection that allows the Doctor to fully regenerate. Please note that it wouldn’t be the first time that Doctor used a temporary alter-ego in his course of existence. When Fourth Doctor falls from Pharos Project radio telescope in Logopolis, he is aided by a mysterious being called “The Watcher”. Those present at the regeneration process comment that The Watcher was actually Doctor himself all along. Collin Baker (Sixth Doctor) created a persona “The Stranger” for BBC video series and travelled with a certain assistant Miss Brown (played by Nicola Bryant, actress who portrayed Peri Brown – the companion of Six Doctor) in a spin off series that fans often treat as an alter-ego of The Doctor. Tenth Doctor created a human clone of himself that could remain with Rose Tyler. So, War Doctor is not at all out of line with the series history. What makes him unique is that he has a crucial part to play in the story line of the saga.

Forgive the spoilers, but War Doctor is fully responsible for the destruction of his own race and the race of his biggest enemies – The Daleks. He came to life on planet Karn after consuming an elixir prepared by the Sisterhood of Karn only to take a part in the Great Time War fought between The Time Lords and The Daleks. It is a direct consequence of dying while trying to save a young pilot – Cass, who upon discovering that Doctor was a Time Lord treated him with hate and repulsion and declined his help. Doctor understands that he cannot avoid the war anymore and chooses to become a warrior but denounces the name of The Doctor. This is also referred by his Eleventh incarnation who despises War Doctor as much as Cass saying that all atrocities of the war were done not in the name of the Doctor. War Doctor has his chance to change the turn of events in the 50th anniversary episode “Day of The Doctor”, where aided by his Tenth and Eleventh incarnation, he saves Gallifrey from annihilation.

This incarnation of the Time Lord is much older, shabbier in appearance and less humorous. He wears a beard, black leather trench coat, ragged boots and looks weary from his fighting. He never smiles and abandons his usual long and eloquent speeches. He has a strong bond with Rose in her Bad Wolf form (which can be easily explained since Rose and Ninth Doctor traveled together) and seems to have much higher telepathic skills than usual. Not all fans were pleased with Christopher Eccleston as Ninth Doctor but we think his take on the Time Lord is a phenomenal one. And thanks to the War Doctor, all pieces of the puzzle fit beautifully together: the straight leather jacket, the fits of anger, the sarcasm and at times sheer ruthlessness and lack of control of the Ninth Doctor can be seen as a direct result of what his previous reincarnation went through.  We can only hope that at some point in time The War Doctor and his Ninth reincarnation will have the opportunity to face each other and will both appear in the saga again.

Favorite quotes:

Eleventh Doctor: Geronimo!
Tenth Doctor: Allons-y!
War Doctor: For God’s sake!

Doctor: I’ve had many faces, many lives…There’s one life I have tried very hard to forget…

Rose: The moment’s coming…
Doctor: I’m ready….

Rose: You know the sound the TARDIS makes? That wheezing, groaning? That sound brings hope wherever it goes.
Doctor: Yes… Yes , I’d like to think it does…
Rose: To anyone who hearts it, Doctor. Anyone, however lost. Even you.

Twelfth Doctor
Portrayed by Peter Capaldi
First appearance: The Day of the Doctor
Companions: Clara Oswin-Oswald

The end is coming soon for the Eleventh Doctor…

…And the new beginning dawns for the Twelfth…

The Twelfth Doctor has made his official debut in The Day of The doctor.  However, Peter Capaldi will become the new Doctor on 25th of December 2013 in the Christmas episode entitled “The Time of the Doctor”. What can we expect? Well as the poster says, that the TARDIS has a new master and the adventure has a new face. This time our Time Lord has a reason to live: Gallifrey, his beloved home world has not been destroyed, it is lost in time and the Doctor is embarking on a mission to find it. It will not be easy but at least he has something now, that he hasn’t had for many, many years…hope. And the hope gives him a purpose to live.

Adventure has a new face and The Doctor has a new reason to live!

We are again counting down the days …only 31 days until the Christmas episode! BBC was kind enough to ease our suffering and they released four (!!)  promotional posters to help us survive the last month of this year. They also revealed a quick “teaser” trailer – we have to share it with you!

You can find the trailer here: http://www.bbcamerica.com/doctor-who/videos/2013-christmas-special-teaser/

Poster 1: The Celebration

Doctor and Clara ready to celebrate…on Trenzalore

Poster 2: Cometh the hour

The time is running out….

Poster 3: All things end (part1)

All things end…on Christmas Day

Poster 4: All things end (part2)

All things end…part two

Thank you so much for celebrating with us, Who-vians!
It has been a pleasure!

Till Christmas now!
xxx
Rita and Malicia

The day has come!!

Welcome back Who-vians! The 23rd of November 2013 is here and tonight we shall save the Universe. Yes, once again. We have done that for the past 900 years and it never gets boring. The excitement and adventure just gets better and better and tonight the greatest tale is about to be told. The Doctor has become the worlds greatest hero. Earth is his favorite place in the universe and he has been protecting it ever since landing on it for the first time. Nothing, absolutely nothing is going to threaten us as long as the Doctor lives.

Poster promoting 50 years celebration episode “The Day of The Doctor” broadcasted on 23rd of November 2013

He has led many lives. He has had many faces and many memories.  There is one life he would like to forget about and tonight it shall be revealed. Before we will learn more about the War Doctor, let us show you the past incarnations of the Time Lord. Yesterday we have told you about his the newest forms. Please click on the database link below to read it again in case you have missed it:
https://cocamidemea.wordpress.com/2013/11/22/countdown-to-the-day-of-the-doctor/

Today, we want to tell you about his classic lives and reincarnations. And we shall start with the life number 7.

The Seventh Doctor – Darker Doctor
Portrayed by Sylvester McCoy
First appearance: Time and The Rani
Companions: Melanie Bush, Ace (Dorothy Gale McShane)

Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor

The Seventh Doctor is usually compared to his 2nd and 11th incarnations as they seem to share few distinctive personality traits: they are manipulative, secretive and cruel at times. However, the Doctor number 7 is still completely different from the Doctor portrayed recently by Matt Smith. The 11th Doctor is much madder, darker and unstable, while Doctor number 7 could be called a gambler. Right after his regeneration, The Seventh Doctor was a comedian and a showman, playing with spoons, creating nonsense rhymes and relying mostly on his luck when dealing with hie enemies. This behavior quickly changed and the Doctor showed a different, more serious side of him. His colorful clothes, eccentric umbrella with a question mark shaped handle and an imperial style Panama hat gave him a look of an foolish older man that pose no danger. To enhance this  perception, the Doctor would willingly act like a coward in dangerous moments or make silly mistakes. In reality,  everything he did, was part of a coldly-calculated game that lead Doctor’s foes to their designed and ofter tragic ends.

Being around the game-master was not easy for his companions. Often they were excluded from his plans, misinformed or lied to and unintentionally took part in his schemes. Feeling manipulated and betrayed, both Malanie and Ace had to forgive and learn to trust the Doctor again and again during their travels. Please note that the Seventh Doctor has never been evil and always had best intentions at heart, but his secretive and plotting nature made it difficult for others to appreciate it.  Ace was known to call the Seventh Doctor “well devious” at several occasions. The Doctor himself was not very pleased with this incarnation either. His  future selves would  refuse to speak about Number 7 at all or mention him with a strong sense of displeasure or shame.

Favorite quotes:

The Doctor: Not interrupting anything, am I?
Belazs: What are you doing here?!
The Doctor: That’s a very difficult question. Why is everyone around here so preoccupied with metaphysics?
Glitz: I think she’s going to kill us, Doctor.
The Doctor: Ah! An existentialist! – from “Dragonfire”

Ace: These dayleks…
Doctor: Daleks.
Ace: Oh, Daleks, where are they from?
Doctor: From Skaro, at least originally. They’re the mutated remains of a species called the Kaleds. Left here.
Ace: Why were they left here?
Doctor: No, turn left here!
Ace: Oh, right.
Doctor: No left, you missed the turning!
Ace: What turn? Where?
Doctor: Why don’t you concentrate on where you’re going?!
Ace: Look, I’m doing the best I can! If you don’t like it, you drive!  – from “Remembrance of the Daleks”

Doctor: Hallo, hallo, hallo. Dalek mothership, come in please…come in please… Ah, there you are. This is The Doctor: President Elect of the High Council of Time Lords, Keeper of the legacy of Rassilon, Defender of the laws of Time, Protector of Gallifrey. I call upon you to surrender the Hand of Omega and return to your customary time and place.
Davros: Oh, Doctor, you have changed again? Your appearance is as inconstant as your intelligence. You have confounded me for the last time!
Doctor: Davros, I should have known. I see you have discarded the last vestige of your human form. Still no improvement.
Davros: Save your insults for the weak-minded, Doctor!
Doctor: Will you return the Hand of Omega or not?
Davros: Are you threatening me? If so, it is most unwise.
Doctor: Every time our paths have crossed, I have defeated you.
Davros: Ha ha ha!
Doctor: Davros, the Hand of Omega is not to be trifled with!
Davros: I think I am quite capable of handling the thick knowledge yet.
Doctor: I sincerely doubt that.
Davros:  Does it worry you Doctor, that with it I will transform Skaro’s sun into a source of unimaginable power and with that power at my disposal the Daleks shall sweep away Gallifrey and its infinite quorum of Time Lords. The Daleks shall become lords of time. We shall become all…
Doctor: Powerful! Crush the lesser races! Conquer the galaxy! Unimaginable power! Unlimited rice pudding! Et cetera, et cetera!
Davros: Do not anger me Doctor! I can destroy you and this miserable, insignificant planet!
Doctor: Oh wonderful! What power, what brilliance! You can wipe out the odd civilization, enslave the occasional culture, but it still won’t detract from the basic, fundamental truth of your own impotence! –  from “Remembrance of the Daleks”

The Sixth Doctor – Colorful character
Portrayed by Colin Baker
First appearance: The Caves of Androzani
Companions: Peri Brown, Melanie Bush

Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor

All right, if you thought the Seventh Doctor was the least likable one, then think again.  Rita is assured that Doctor Who had some kind of mid-life crisis and his Sixth and Seventh incarnations are, to put it mildly, very, very strange. Now, the fans of Colin Baker will hunt us to the ends of the Universe, but you have to admit – the Doctor number Six tried to strangle his companion Peri, seconds after regenerating and that was just the beginning!

The Sixth Doctor is the most brilliant of all incarnations and is very well aware of his power and knowledge. He is proud, flamboyant, almost an egoist. He doesn’t like taking advice from anyone (even his friends and companions) and insists on doing everything his way. Of course, having a brilliant mind and being an all-round genius, he is usually right, but his constant remarks  about how good he is, are equally putting off humans and aliens. His  mismatch clothes are perfect fit for his very colorful personality – The Sixth Doctor is a larger-than-life actor with dramatic tendencies, melancholy and great dose of self-loving.  The Doctor always had a sense of justice and it is strongly represented in his Sixth life. He is unable to walk away from a wounded foe, he displays a great deal of compassion and pity for dying creatures (even if seconds ago they tried to devour him for lunch) and never rejects a call for help. His behavior might be less than perfect but his hearts are in the right place. It is also worth mentioning that the Sixth Doctor was the only one to fix TARDIS camouflage system and it worked as long as he lived. Oh, and he also like cats – he is seen wearing a cat brooch in several episodes which is described as  a very fashionable accessory from a distant planet.

Favorite quotes:

Russell: You murder a police officer you’ll get thirty years!
Doctor: Handful of heartbeats to a Time Lord! – from “Attack of the Cybermen”

Peri: Do you mean the TARDIS is malfunctioning again?
Doctor: Malfunctioning? Malfunctioning? MALFUNCTIONING!? After all the work I’ve done on it!?
Peri: Well, I only asked a simple question!
Doctor: Indeed you did, and it was the wrong question! – from “The Mark of The Rani”

The Fifth Doctor – Peace-seeking pacifist
Portrayed by Peter Davison
First appearance: Logopolis (Part 4)
Companions: Adric, Nyssa, Tegan Jovanka, Vislor Turlough, Kamelion and Peri Brown

Peter Davison as The Fifth Doctor

In direct opposition to two Doctors mentioned above, The Fifth Doctor is one of the most beloved Doctors in the whole series. His regeneration from his fourth life goes very bad and at the beginning, he suffers from hallucinations and displays personality traits of all four previous incarnations. This however is short-lived and soon, the true, peaceful and nature-loving, personality takes over.
The Fifth Doctor is rather timid and do not take leadership, preferring to stay behind. He is often happy to have a friend or companion take charge and prefers dialogue and negotiations to conflict  and aggression. He dislikes arms and any kinds of weapons, thinking they bring only suffering and no real solution. It is hard for him to make a decision and  this sometimes leads to tragic consequences that Doctor accepts as his punishment and personal failure.

The Fifth Doctor is very fond of cricket, allergic to rosemary and empathic to the extreme. He can read the mind of others and even if they were sent to kill him, pretends that he doesn’t know it and tries to convince them to change their minds  by displaying fair and sensitive character.  He succeeds to turn two of his would-be assassins into permanent companions: Vislor Turlough and android Kamelion.

Favorite quotes:

Tegan: What year are we in?
Doctor: Around two thousand and eighty-four.
Tegan: Little seems to have changed since my time.
Doctor: Absolutely nothing, Tegan. There are still two power blocs, fingers poised to annihilate each other  – from “Warriors of the Deep”

Doctor: Androzani Major was becoming quite developed last time I passed this way.
Peri: When was that?
Doctor: …I don’t remember. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the future – from Caves of Androzani

The Fourth Doctor – Eager explorer
Portrayed by Tom Baker
First appearance: Planet of the spiders
Companions:  Sarah Jane Smith, Harry Sullivan, Leela. K-9, Romana, Adric, Nyssa and Tegan Jovanka

Tom Baker playing the Fourth Doctor

The Fourth Doctor played by Tom Baker is the longest serving Doctor in the series. He starred in 7 seasons and in 172 episodes. Tom Baker’s Doctor is the best known to American viewers and many consider him to be the best incarnation of the Time Lord.
This version of the Doctor is again drastically different from the previous and future Doctors. He is very unpredictable, having frequent (and sudden) mood changes, melancholic episodes and moments of withdrawal from action and time-travelling.  He is a deep thinker interested in learning more about the universe and its rules.

The Fourth Doctor has been called a dualist and this name seems to suit him perfectly: he knows how to use force and he is an admirable fighter able to attack and to defend himself. At the same time,  he detest  fighting and looks for other ways out, mostly through scientific experiment or negotiations.  He can be charming and funny, entertaining his companions with a manic grin and jokes and yet he is sombre and often aloof. He can be loving and warm (calling his companions as best friends) but while taking charge, he is controlling and egoistic to the point of  disregarding and hurting his comrades. He is peace-loving and just man, but he is able to torture others just for the same pleasure of feeling their pain.

During this life, Doctor has formed one of the strongest friendships with Sarah Jane Smiths. She was his longest serving companion and a true partner. The deep bond the two share has survived until 11th incarnation and the Doctor admitted to still being affected by her loss.

Favorite quotes:

Doctor: Homo sapiens. What an inventive, invincible species. It’s only a few million years since they crawled up out of the mud and learned to walk. Puny, defenseless bipeds. They’ve survived flood, famine and plague. They’ve survived cosmic wars and holocausts. And now, here they are, out among the stars, waiting to begin a new life. Ready to outfit eternity. They’re indomitable. Indomitable – from “The Ark in Space”

Sarah Jane: What’s gone wrong this time?
Doctor: Nothing. Nothing at all. What makes you think something’s gone wrong?
Sarah Jane: Because you always get rude when you’re trying to cover up a mistake.
Doctor: Nothing of consequence. Slight overshoot, easily rectified.
Sarah Jane: Come on, where are we?
Doctor: We’ve come out of the time vortex at the wrong point, that’s all. A few years too late.
Sarah Jane: How many?
Doctor: …30,000… – from “Planet of Evil”

Wow… only four incarnations are left on our countdown and the time for 50 years anniversary episode is nearly here!
With only 10 minutes left, we have to show you something!

BBC have just released a new mini episode entitled “The Last Day”.  Please take a look at the last minutes of Arcadia during the Time War:  http://www.doctorwho.tv/whats-new/video/mini-episode-the-last-day/
And if that’s not enough to prepare you, then please see the two last trailers before the biggest adventure unfolds:

http://www.doctorwho.tv/whats-new/video/the-day-of-the-doctor-trailer-1
http://www.doctorwho.tv/whats-new/video/the-day-of-the-doctor-trailer-2

HERE WE GO!
LET’S SAVE A DAY!!!!!

Official movie poster for the “Day Of The Doctor”

Please return safe and check out the blog tomorrow for the last episode of the  countdown as the celebration is going to last a whole weekend!!

xxxx
Rita and Mal

We are Saving the Day!

He has been called many names: The Bringer of Darkness, The Oncoming Storm, The Predator, The Warrior…
He has chosen only one name for himself…
He is a traveler, a scientist, an avenger, a protector…
He is The Doctor.

50 years of Doctor Who celebration poster

The Day of The Doctor is coming soon.  To celebrate the 50 years of Doctor Who series, Malicia and Rita decided to prepare a short bio notes for every reincarnation of our favorite Time Lord. This blog will be dedicated to four “New Doctors” that have been introduced to the viewers  since 1996. There are only two exception: War Doctor and the Twelfth Doctor have not made their official debuts yet and we will present them at a later time. The Classic reincarnations of The Doctor (Number 1 to 7) will be unveiled tomorrow. Enjoy!

The 12 Doctors that appeared so far:

1. William Hartnell (1963-1966)
2. Patrick Troughton (1966-1969)
3. Jon Pertwee (1970-1974)
4. Tom Baker (1974-1981)
5. Peter Davison (1982-1984)
6. Colin Baker (1984-1986)
7. Sylvester McCoy (1987-1996)
8. Paul McGann (1996)
9. Christopher Eccleston (2005)
10. David Tennant (2005-2010)
11. Matt Smith (2010 – 2013)
12. Peter Capaldi (2013 – present)

Eleventh Doctorb  – Madman with a box
Portrayal: Matt Smiths
First appearance:  The end of time
Companions: Amy Pond, Rory Williams, River Song, Craig Owen and Clara Oswin-Oswald

Matt Smith as The Eleventh Doctor

We start our countdown with Rita’s favorite Doctor – The Number Eleven. The Doctor played by Matt Smith is the youngest reincarnation yet – Matt was barely 26 years old when he was cast in the role. The Eleventh Doctor is a very mysterious and manipulative person – he cares deeply about his friends and companions but does not entrust them any with his secrets. And believe us, this Doctor has many, many dark secrets, so dark that we are not sure if anybody sane would like to know them.  At the beginning, many fans were highly critical of the new Doctor and even demanded the part to be recast. They didn’t like his childish behavior, crazy dance moves and his sarcastic nature. Female audience was especially harsh towards Matt Smith,  claiming that he lacked David Tennant’s  charm, acting skills and good looks. But as the series progressed, critical voices were quickly silenced and now Matt Smith’s portrayal of the Doctor is universally considered to be the best in the whole series.

What we love about The Eleventh Doctor is that behind his boyish bravado and sharp tongue lies  a deeply wounded man that  have  seen and done it all. He is all smiles and jokes in one moment but becomes cruel and cold in the next. He hates himself for ruining many lives and his self-loathing is very visible on the screen. His enemies are genuinely afraid of him and the knowledge of their fear and disgust gives the Doctor some kind of a somber satisfaction. He hates with a passion and does not hesitate to send those who crossed him to their deaths.

Favorite quotes:

Prime Minister: Does it surprise you to know that Daleks have a concept of beauty?
Doctor: I thought you’d run out of ways to make me sick  – from “Asylum of the Daleks”

Voice: “Fear me, I’ve killed hundreds of Time Lords”
Doctor:  “Fear me, I’ve killed all of them!” from “The Doctor’s Wife”

Doctor: Okay, then. That’s what I’ll do. I’ll tell you a story.
Can you hear them? All these people who’ve lived in terror of you and your judgement? All these people whose ancestors devoted themselves, sacrificed themselves, to you. Can you hear them singing? Oh, you like to thing you’re a god. But you’re not a god. You’re just a parasite eaten out with jealousy and envy and longing for the lives of others. You feed on them. On the memory of love and loss and birth and death and joy and sorrow. So, come on, then. Take mine. Take my memories. But I hope you’ve got a big appetite, because I have lived a long life and I have seen a few things.

I walked away from the last Great Time War. I marked the passing of the Time Lords. I saw the birth of the universe and I watched as time ran out, moment by moment, until nothing remained. No time. No space. Just me. I walked in universes where the laws of physics were devised by the mind of a mad man. I’ve watched universes freeze and creations burn. I’ve seen things you wouldn’t believe. I have lost things you will never understand. And I know things. Secrets that must never be told. Knowledge that must never be spoken. Knowledge that will make parasite gods blaze. So come on, then. Take it! Take it all, baby! Have it! You have it all!  – from “Rings of  Akhaten”

Tenth Doctor – Laid-back loner
Portrayal: David Tennant
First appearance:  The Partying of the Ways
Companions: Rose Tyler, Mickey Smith, Donna Noble, Martha Jones, Jack Harkness, Astrid Peth, Sarah Jane Smith, Jackson Lake, Rosita Farisi, Christina de Souza, Adelaide Brooke and Wilfred Mott

David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor

This Doctor is Malicia’s favorite.  Don’t  even ask her why, she will give you hundreds of reasons. The Tenth Doctor is witty, charming, easy going, adventurous, brave, romantic and very, very intelligent. He is also fearless to the point of being careless, incredibly cruel to those who try to hurt him and a bit melancholic. The Tenth Doctor is a very interesting case to study: He is anger prone, rapidly switching between moods, going from desperation to cold fury in less than 10 minutes. On the other hand, Number Ten is extremely faithful and  ready to sacrifice his life to save his friends and strangers. He also shows an incredible kindness to his defeated foes, despite not being able to forgive them. When his nemesis, another Time Lord  named The Master is shot and dies, The Doctor holds him in his arms trying to ease his lasts moments and then openly weeps over his dead body.

David Tennant portrays the Doctor as a very conflicted individual: he is equally silly and extremely intelligent with encyclopaedic knowledge of history and Earth culture; eccentric and practical, immature and serious, lovable and cruel. Filled with guilt by his previous deeds and failures, the Tenth reincarnation is somewhat “broken”, desperately trying to make up for his past mistakes by saving lives and whole planets. His constant quest in restoring the justice and peace condemns him to  an eternal journey through time and space and everlasting loneliness. And the loneliness is what drives the Doctor slowly mad. This madness will be more and more visible in the future (11th Doctor), resulting in increased cruelty, self hatred and misery of the last Time Lord.

Ok, David Tennant’s Doctor is not all doom and gloom. He is funny and cheeky and makes the viewers laugh a lot. David is an extremely talented actor and the revival of the series became very popular, mostly thanks to his impressive acting skills. David could laugh, cry and threaten like a madman in a single episode, taking  the audience on a crazy ride. He has a huuge (with double or even triple “u”) following among the fans, being especially popular with the  ladies. It is worth noting that David Tennant is married to Georgia Elizabeth Moffett, the actress who played Jenny (Doctor’s clone), and a real daughter of actor Peter Davison, the Fifth Doctor.  Everything stays in the family!

Favorite quotes:

Rose: I thought you and me were… Well obviously I got it wrong. I’ve
been to the year 5 billion but this, this is really seeing the future, you just
leave us behind. Is that what you are gonna do to me?
Doctor: NO. Not to you (…)
I don’t age. I regenerate. But humans decay; you wither and you die. Imagine watching that happen to someone that you…
Rose: What, Doctor?
Doctor: You can spend the rest of your life with me, but I can’t spend the rest of mine with you. I have to live on. Alone. That’s the curse of the Time Lords –

Finch: And what of the Time Lords? I always thought of you as such a pompous race. Ancient, dusty senators so frightened of change and… chaos. And of course, they’re all but extinct. Only you, the last.
Doctor: This plan of yours, what is it?
Finch: You don’t know?
Doctor: That’s why I’m asking.
Finch: Well show me how clever you are. Work it out.
The Doctor: If I don’t like it, then it will stop.
Finch: Fascinating. Your people were peaceful to the point of indolence. You seem to be something new. Would you declare war on us, Doctor?
Doctor: I’m so old now. I used to have so much mercy. You get one warning. That was it. – both from “School Reunion”

Son of Mine: He never raised his voice. That was the worst thing— the fury of the Time Lord. And then we discovered why — why this Doctor, who had fought with gods and demons, why he had run away from us and hidden. He was being kind. He wrapped my father in unbreakable chains forged in the heart of a dwarf star. He tricked my mother into the even horizon of a collapsing galaxy to be imprisoned there, forever. He still visits my sister once a year, every year. I wonder if one day he might forgive her, but there she is. Can you see? He trapped her inside a mirror. Every mirror. If ever you look at your reflection and see something move behind you just for a second, that’s her. That’s always her. As for me, I was suspended in time and the Doctor put me to work standing over the fields of England, as their protector. We wanted to live forever. So the Doctor made sure we did  – from “The Family of Blood”

Novice Hame: One story says that just before his death, the Face of Boe will impart his greatest secret. He will speak those words only to one like himself.
Doctor: What does that mean?
Novice Hame: It’s just a story.
Doctor: Tell me the rest.
Novice Hame: It is said he will talk to a wanderer, to the man without a home, a lonely God – from “The New Earth”

The Ninth Doctor – War-weary wanderer
Portrayal: Christopher Eccleston
First appearance: “Rose”
Companions: Rose Tyler, Adam Mitchell and Jack Harkness

Christopher Eccleston as The Ninth Doctor

The Ninth Doctor portrayed by Christopher Eccleston was the first Doctor re-introduced to British viewers nearly 16 years after the cancellation of the original series. The show broadcasted non stop since 1963, was finally axed in 1989 when the public became uninterested and the ratings fell to record lows. Producers knew that the iconic series needed a complete make over but nobody knew how it was supposed to look like. The Doctor lost his appeal to newer generations and BBC didn’t want to risk investing any more money into an outdated formula. Doctor Who was always something more than just a TV show and the public quickly realized that British television without an eccentric time-traveling Alien wasn’t the same anymore. It took only two years before the viewers demanded Doctor’s return and BBC was forced to launch re-runs. However, fans had to wait till 2005 when the series made its full time return to the small screen.

Christopher Eccleston’s Doctor is completely different from previous incarnation. He is not a mad scientist, a romantic stranger or eccentric comedian. Forget strange costumes, hats, colorful scarves and clothes that would suit literature professor at Oxford University. The Ninth Doctor became a weary traveler, a loner with bleeding wounds and burning hate. Dressed entirely in black, in a leather jacket, he is the first Doctor to show his calmer, more dangerous persona. He doesn’t need to make threats, just one look is enough to send his enemies running for their lives. You can hear him laugh and marvel at many things, but there is little joy in his words. The Ninth Doctor lives only in the present, doesn’t think about the past or the future. He appreciates small things, company of his friends and is glad that he is alive. He calls himself a survivor, a scientist, a rationalist and an intellectual. Despite huge changes, the Doctor is still a Doctor – unpredictable, brave and excellent at offending his adversaries. His words are like poison, deadly, quick and very effective.

Rita’s favorite episode featuring the Ninth Doctor is entitled “Dalek”. The Doctor meets a Dalek for the first time after many years of believing that the race have been extinct in the Time War, along with his own kind, The Time Lords. The shock of this discovery uncovers the darkest parts of Doctor’s soul – he tortures the Dalek and in the end tries to kill it in cold blood, but is stopped in the last moment  If you ever plan to toy with a Time Lord, you have been warned!

Favorite quotes:
Dalek: I scanned your satellites and radio telescopes.
Doctor: And…?
Dalek: Nothing. Where shall I get my orders now?!
Doctor:  You’re just a soldier without commands.
Dalek: Then I shall follow the Primary Order: the Dalek instinct to destroy, to conquer!
Doctor: What for? What’s the point?! Don’t you see? It’s all gone. Everything you were, everything you stood for.
Dalek:  Then what should I do?
Doctor: All right, then. If you want orders, follow this one. Kill yourself.
Dalek: The Daleks must survive!
Doctor: The Daleks have failed! Now why don’t you finish the job, and make the Daleks extinct?! Rid the universe of your filth! Why don’t you just die?!
Dalek: You would make a good Dalek – from “Dalek”

Doctor: I saw the Fall of Troy! World War Five! I pushed boxes at the Boston Teaparty ! Now I’m gonna die in a dungeon… in Cardiff! – from “The Unquiet Dead”

Doctor: The nanogenes will clean up the mess and switch themselves off, because I just told them to. Nancy and Jamie will go to Doctor Constantine for help, ditto.  All in all, all things considered, fantastic!
Rose: Look at you, beaming away like you’re Father Christmas.
Doctor: Who says I’m not, red bicycle when you were twelve?
Rose: What?
Doctor: And everybody lives, Rose! Everybody lives! I need more days like this.
Rose: Doctor.
Doctor: Go on, ask me anything. I’m on fire – from “The Doctor Dances”

The Eighth Doctor – Paradoxical psychic
Portrayed by Paul McGann
First appearance: Doctor Who
Companions: Grace Holloway, Charlotte Elspeth Pollard, Lucie Miller, C’rizz, Tamsin Drew and Molly O’Sullivan

Paul McGann portraying The Eighth Doctor

Eighth Doctor in the web episode entitled “The Night of the Doctor “

The Eighth Doctor portrayed by Paul McCann was introduced in 1996  movie created as a possible pilot for a new TV series. The special episode was well received in the UK but was enjoying only a minor success in America.  It was the only appearance of the Eighth Doctor on the TV screen until 2013 when Paul McGann reprised his role in the mini web episode entitled “The Night of The Doctor”.

Eight Doctor changing into the War Doctor

Rita considers him to be the second best Doctor after the 11th incarnation (Matt Smith). Let it be said far and wide: Paul McCann’s talent is enormous – in 6 minutes he can do more than dozen of Hollywood Golden Boys during their entire careers. If you still haven’t seen the prequel, here’s your chance. Do not disappoint the Doctor!

The Night of the Doctor: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U3jrS-uhuo

Every time the Doctor regenerates, he is reborn with a new personality and new face. At the beginning, he leads his eighth life as a curious, somewhat romantic man in his early thirties, enjoying giving advice to people and hinting at things they may encounter in their future. For an untrained eye, he is a young soul fascinated by society, culture and electronic gadgets.  A closer look at the Doctor uncovers his extraordinarily knowledge of mechanics, science and some very interesting, nearly paranormal skills.  As he travels throughout the Universe, his early positive qualities are replaced by mistrust,  caution and withdrawal.  It is caused by traumatic events he suffered: losing his memory, deaths of multiple companions (sometimes as a result of his bad choices), being trapped in a prison for three years,  becoming a witness  of dehumanization of his own people and seeing the effect of Universe-wide war that threatens all existing realities.  At the end of his life, the Eight Doctor is forced to become a warrior and participate in the conflict he has been avoiding for years. His choices are hard and he knows that his future offers little comfort and hope. Even in desperate circumstances, the Doctor manages to retain his sarcastic wit and sense of humor. Less than four minutes can be as long as an eternity, indeed!

Cass: You’re a Time Lord!
Doctor: Yes, I’m a Time Lord, but I’m one of the nice ones.
Cass: Get away from me!
Doctor: Well, look on the bright side, I’m not a Dalek!
Cass: Who can tell the difference anymore? – From “The night of the Doctor”

Doctor: Will it hurt?
Ohila: Yes.
Doctor: Good. Charley, C’rizz, Lucie, Tamsin, Molly: Friends, companions I’ve known, I salute you. Cass, I apologize.
Physician, heal thyself…  – from “The night of the Doctor”

Before we leave you for the night,  have a look at the beautifully crafted chart of the time-travels of our hero:

http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20131119-doctor-who-travels-through-time

Please return tomorrow as our celebrations will continue throughout the weekend!
xxxx
Rita and Mal