Doctor Who 2009 Specials #1 "Planet of the Dead"

[TMLS]

Non-spoiler discussion here, as it airs THIS SATURDAY at 6:45pm on BBC1 AND BBCHD!

Synopsis:


When a London bus takes a detour to an alien world, the Doctor has to join forces with the extraordinary Lady Christina de Souza. But the mysterious planet holds terrifying secrets hidden in the sand - and time is running out as the deadly Swarm gets closer. David Tennant stars in the first of four special episodes leading up to his departure from the role at Christmas. With Michelle Ryan and Lee Evans SUB AD HDTrailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-BFYu16PG8

Michelle Ryan is famous as Jaime Summers in the ill-fated Bionic Woman reboot, Lee Evans is a British comedian who also starred in the Hollywood films Funny Bones, Mousehunt and in the British movie Freeze Frame.

Remember, no spoilers in this thread until after the broadcast.

[jsith99]

Looks good. sucks most of the U.S veiwers still have not seen the last chrismas sppecial

[TheANIMAL (marcus)]

I've seen a special effects shot in a radio times advert and the scene looked HUGE.

[Pesk]

I'm not going to be able to get on board with michelle ryan, just as I couldn't get on board with kylie. If I know that a (main) character is only going to be in this one episode and won't be back, then I really couldn't give a crap about them. Why invest yourself in someone who won't be back?

You could argue that it ups the tension because they could be killed... but if she's killed, who cares? She won't be back anyway. You could argue that its the impact she has on the doctor that matters... but he's had so many companions already, another one isn't going to teach him anything new, and besides I don't want some one-episode companion to have an impact on him.

Why can't the show have main characters that stick around, like, well, every other show on earth does?

[TMLS]

Well that was better than expected. Hoepfully Pesk you've now seen why they're not sticking around now, The Doctor is damaged goods and regardless of the prodcution reasons for one companion per special story, it's been well worked in.

Anyway, thoughts. Ryan was far less annoying than expected, and at least she used her proper accent for once. Could have done with more character development than she was given, going better into her reasons for stealing but in an hour special you're not going to have that happen. Still, there's scope there for a future return.

Watching on BBCHD, the effects were OK. Nothing special, but you could at least see they'd worked on it having that extra level of detail. The interior of the TARDIS being glossed over was an obvious point, they've admitted in the past it's not got sufficient detail for HD so I guess we're only going to get little glimpses like that.

Tennant was in fine form. For all my criticisms of his Doctor-by-popular-numbers performances, he certainly knows what's needed for the role and makes it believable. The other actors were all fine, and whislt Lee Evans did annoy a couple of times he was far better than some other higher-profile guests we've had.

All in all, far more satisfying than "The Next Doctor" and had it been a regular in-series episode it would have been seen as one of the decent, thought not amazing, ones in my book.

I can see some of the more "Nu-Who is the bestest thing EVA!" brigade absolutely loving that - and fair play, that's who it's for now. More like this please.

PS, "The Waters of Mars" - had heard that a few days ago as being the title and thought it sounded silly. Certainly doesn't look like we'll get the Ice Warriors sadly, unless it sets them up (after all, what happens to water?).

[quinny06]

I liked it, it was a fun and exciting story, which is what a seasonal special should be. Tennant was great as always, as was Lee Evans.

But I preferred 'The Next Doctor'. Let me explain why.

I like RTD. I like his episodes, and I like his story-telling. I love the Doctor's dialogue in his episodes. But I don't understand why he has to insert romantic tension between the Doctor and his companion in nearly every single story he does. Yes, I know this was co-written, but still. The Doctor/Christina interaction just felt so forced for me, because I knew that was what they were going for.

'The Next Doctor' was an emotional episode, that didn't involve the Doctor sucking face with a girl he met about half an hour ago. Why couldn't this episode be like that?

I also think the prediction bit at the end went a little over the top. Repeating the Ood's "you're song must end soon" line was creepy enough, no need for "he will knock four times".

But other than that, I did enjoy it. When he sat down down at the very beginning, and offered her a piece of Easter Egg, and the music started, I suddenly realised how much I'd missed the show since Christmas.


For all my criticisms of his Doctor-by-popular-numbers performances

Mate, I keep reading this line, but can't for the life of me figure out what you mean. A little help?

[TMLS]

The Doctor is now written and performed for the mass audience appeal. Things like the "Allonsy", "Oh yes!" catchphrases and occaisonal babbling. They know what's iconic and make sure they're in there.

[quinny06]

Ah, thanks for explaining.


The Doctor is now written and performed for the mass audience appeal. Things like the "Allonsy", "Oh yes!" catchphrases and occaisonal babbling. They know what's iconic and make sure they're in there.

I'll admit 'Allons-y' is over used, but I wouldn't say it's that bad. I think they're just parts of his character.

But, to each his own.

[blue_jjb]

WARNING CONTAINS MAJOR SPOILERS

(i read that theres no sopilers till after the show aired and seeing as it has i figure theyre ok right?)

O.k From the off we're "treated" to scene where someone is pulling off a major museum heist, by pulling off a rapel manoevor similar to that of the Mission Impossible movie. Ofcourse in this there are security guards in the room who have all been told to not watch the thing they're guarding ¬_¬

Next we see a high speed pursuit... oh no wait the bus is barely pushing 30 and three cop cars can't stop it, so we assume the Bus driver can't see or hear the police cars, which altho explains his later ignoring of the Doctor's yelling, i'm pretty sure you need those 2 particular senses in good working order to be a bus driver.

Next when they go from being in a dark dark tunnel to a planet with three suns, you'd expect some sort of reaction to the sudden change in light and temperature.... nope infact one passenger actually looks up at these said suns without blinking or shielding her eyes and says "three suns?" and theres also a lack of "OMFG WHERE IN GODS NAME ARE WE?!". Infact Docor whos very own lara croft cooly puts on a pair of shades saying shes prepared for anything. Go her. OO and get this, along with the sonic screwdrivers many other amazingly growing abilities, it can now turn glasses into sun glasses.

Theres also the looming threat of a swarm of metal plated bugs which along with their metal plates can apparantly fly fast enough to tear a whole in space. WHERE THE F**K DID RTD LEARN SCIENCE!?! oh and the bugs seem to have an amazing power of looking like they're right behind you but then they're conveniantly gone away enough for the doctoir to rig a bus up to fly >.> of which the controls make no sense, but thats ok b'cos the doctor gets to first base.

oh and what seems like a swarm following the doctor back to london turned out to be 3 of them. Believe it or not the doctor doesnt actually save the universe this time, he lets the world devouring swarm of metal flies/bird things live to eat many more planets.

And after all that RTD decided to piss off parents aswell by teaching kids that the london police force are *******s and that stealing is fine as long as you flrt with and snog the guy with the means to get you out of trouble.

[justice league]

it was a good episode i missed the first 5 minutes

[TMLS]

Hi blue, welcome to this part of the forum - yes, we discuss episodes in full once they air so don't worry about spoilers in the thread for an episode. I'd cut down on the swearing though, censored or not (though I guess the board may have done that).

Anyway. The theft - agreed, and I also turned to my partner and said "they put all this security on it, and then leave it under part of the roof that can be removed, and have it encased in a laser grid only around the sides." Ridiculous, but artistic licence I feel.

Agreed on the bus driver not stopping, thought that too.

As to leaving them to eat many more planets, there was a line in the dialogue that he'd go back and ensure they only went to uninhabited planets in future. Which was a cop-out in fairness, but all you're going to get in a TV show. Thing is though, Who's never been the most scientifically accurate show in either incarnation, but it's entertainment at the end of the day so not worth worrying over.

LOL at the stealing comment ;)

[blue_jjb]

XD sorry for the rant, I'm just more of a Moffat fan Empty
Child was my favourite epsiode (off topic i know so back to topic) The highlight of this episode IMO was the hint at the masters return at episodes end. My guess is he'll be the major feature in the last special and will be the thing that kills this doctor. This still is a gud episode and if you can ignore the select few glitches in it, its quite fun to watch. Not the best but nowhere near the worst (Daleks in Manhatten)

[Pesk]

I totally agree with the comments regarding the fact that you can get away with stealing so long as you're a hot girl, that allonsy is over used and that the doctor should not be kissing every female companion he meets. I didn't mind breaking the long tradition of non-kissing when it was with rose, because that relationship grew, but I really don't like how its become a running joke.

Still most of the episodes problems were overlookable, it was a fun adventure up until the end... up until the ridiculously vague prediction. I really hate this kind of lazy 'cliffhanger' writing the show uses to get you to keep watching. If I was the doctor, listening to that woman's prediction I would have said 'What song? Who would knock four times?', not just leave it at that. No, actually I would have said 'Someone's gonna knock four times... who cares? Is that supposed to be scary?' And I guess the song comment was a refernce to river song, I mean it was the last time there was a 'your song is ending' prediction. I guess they're gonna have her return and kill her off again.

[blue_jjb]

Either that or the song is his current generation? that's what i took from it.. I mean agreed it was pretty vague it could have meant the theme music will be over soon for all we bloody know

[quinny06]

I don't mean any offence blue, but I kind of get the feeling you watched tonight looking for stuff that you could complain about. And if I'm wrong, I'm sorry. But you didn't make one positive point about the episode, and there surely must have been something you liked?

But I thought the exact same thing about the end, with the amount of kids that watch Doctor Who, its not good to be saying its okay to steal if you only do it for the thrill.

...and I liked 'Daleks In Manhattan'.

[TMLS]

river song, I mean it was the last time there was a 'your song is ending' prediction. I guess they're gonna have her return and kill her off again.

I, and most people I've read on other forums, took that to be that the "DoctorDonna" song would be ending soon, as that is what the Ood were talking about at the time, with the "DoctorDonna" being the enhanced Donna from the season finale who was part Doctor and part Donna - which did indeed end.

Still, it's all up to the individual's point of view, and it's clear that whoever's song it was it still hasn't ended. Doubt we'll see River Song though, Alex Kingston hasn't been spotted filming and they're on the finale now.

[Pesk]

I, and most people I've read on other forums, took that to be that the "DoctorDonna" song would be ending soon, as that is what the Ood were talking about at the time, with the "DoctorDonna" being the enhanced Donna from the season finale who was part Doctor and part Donna - which did indeed end.

Still, it's all up to the individual's point of view, and it's clear that whoever's song it was it still hasn't ended. Doubt we'll see River Song though, Alex Kingston hasn't been spotted filming and they're on the finale now.

Well I thought it would be a pretty big coincidence that someone named 'song' died (in a way) soon after the ood said that the doctor's song would end.

Anyway the doctordonna song, if you take 'song' to mean 'adventures', didn't end soon, it ended at the end of the season, whereas the river song story ended much sooner.

[blue_jjb]

Admittedly i did go in expecting it to be poor, the trailer looked awful imo, and their "guest stars" don't exactly have a history of great acting. Don't get me wrong Lee Evans is a great comedian, but i've never liked him as an actor. Michelle Ryan However surprised me by playing her role really well. theres a positive point. And in my second post i did apologise for the "hating" reading thru it was completely one sided. i did in my second post say how i actually liked the teaser russel gave at episodes end, be it a highly cryptic one lol.

[TheANIMAL (marcus)]

But, but... but you CAN get away with anything if you're an atractive woman, right?


Besides the doctor has killed billions of lifeforms anyway.

[traceylb]

I give it a 4/5! :D

I was a little wary of watching Planet of the Dead as the comments did not seem favorable but this was an enjoyable adventure...not too heavy or dark!

The Doctor and Lady Christina's flirting was not over done; I just took it as two people thoroughly enjoying the adventure they were having while bouncing ideas off each other in a fun way. I did not see 'romantic' vibes; the kiss just seems to be norm for this Doctor.

I enjoyed Planet of the Dead a little more then the Xmas special. For some reason it reminded me in a good way of classic Doctor Who with simple sets and containing a lot of the episode in what felt like a single room or bus. Michelle Ryan suited the character of Lady Christina well enough I thought...actually preferred her a lot more then Kylie Minogue in the Titanic Xmas special! :) And it was a good selection of supporting actors...it was also great to see classic UNIT in action.

I liked the end where Lady Christina wanted to continue on said adventures but as someone already said, the Doctor is damaged goods right now. I loved Donna as companion and with the sad way she left I am not ready to invest myself in a new companion until the series officially starts again. I have a feeling we may see the Doctor 'repaired' more with the events and companions of the future Specials. It feels more realistic the Doctor does not just easily pick up a new long term companion. I do agree that The Doctor releasing Lady Christina at the end was as though he was approving it's okay to steal...as long as it is in the spirit of adventure and not for money...but I no longer expect moral lessons from Doctor Who. :\

My understanding is that the Specials this year are to lead to an agreed point for Russel T Davies to 'hand over' to Stephen Moffat...as well as David Tennant handing over to the 'new' Doctor. So the return of the prophetic warning was not a surprise.

So there are only 2 more 'Specials' for 2009 and I think I read that the next one is in November? I'm seriously going to miss not having a full season of Doctor Who this year! :(

[Pesk]

For some reason it reminded me in a good way of classic Doctor Who with simple sets and containing a lot of the episode in what felt like a single room or bus.

That was one of the good points for me as well. It reminded me of the episode 'midnight', only different enough that it didn't feel like they reused the same plot.



I do agree that The Doctor releasing Lady Christina at the end was as though he was approving it's okay to steal...as long as it is in the spirit of adventure and not for money...but I no longer expect moral lessons from Doctor Who. :\


I had some hope when she asked him to to let her join him in the tardis, and he said no. That was a good, moral doctor. But that was ruined later when he let her escape the law in a flying bus. You just know she's gonna keep on stealing, and he knows it too.

[traceylb]

That was one of the good points for me as well. It reminded me of the episode 'midnight', only different enough that it didn't feel like they reused the same plot.

By the looks of the preview for the next Special it may be setup in a similar with a small number of sets. As long as it works effectively it does not worry me if they use one room or many.

Midnight worked well as it gave the cramped closed in feel that was needed to carry off the mood for the episode. And if I remember rightly even the actors were starting to feel claustrophobic while filming! :)


I had some hope when she asked him to to let her join him in the tardis, and he said no. That was a good, moral doctor. But that was ruined later when he let her escape the law in a flying bus. You just know she's gonna keep on stealing, and he knows it too.As I said I've given up on a moral Doctor. I may have understood him releasing her if she had been robbing for the poor or some other 'good deed' but it was all for a lark. As long as its all good entertainment for the masses anything goes it seems! :\

[Super001Dude]

I really liked it and most people saying the thing about wrong message to kids about stealing i agree but well everyone knows you shouldn't and people who are going to steal are not people who would really watch this.
Also just wanted to point out to blue the thing about the bus remember she gave him diamonds, i think he noticed the police but he didn't care.

The Doctor releasing her was because he knows she didn't deserve prison just needs to helped a little bit which she learnt by the end of the episode

[WellingFan]

I thought that was great! I will miss the full series this year but i'll survive, there is more than Doctor Who to keep me amused - Smallville, Supernatural etc.:D

[jimmyolsenblues]

i enjoyed it...
4/5

i was surprised how good michelle ryan and david tennant worked together...
i did not like bionic woman...so i was pleasantly surprised.

[petex]

The waters of mars looks cool.
lindsy duncan is in it so its gonna be good!