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Doctor Who

By the early seventies (possibly earlier) I was watching Dr Who on ABCTV (Virtually teh Aussie BBC) and can clearly recall being enthralled by John Pertwee (who was also in Catweazle, a great kids show) and then later Tom Baker. I've liked all the doctors, though some have taken some getting used to. I've not actually seen any of the last few years worth as I stopped watching the idiot box two or three years ago. (It's not the first time I've done that, the first was when I'd been working nightshift in a video duplication facility in the early eighties. When I do watch it, it's only ever Aunty ABC as it's the only commercial free channel available.) The last shows I did bother to tune into were Dr Who, Torchwood and music shows that ABC run/ran. One day soon I'll buy the seasons I've missed. I have quite a few recorded, though it was often difficult to record every show in a story.


As an aside, I noticed earlier in the thread myshkin mentioned the fact that some episodes were lost when the Beeb decided to save money by taping over old episodes. Some of those 'lost' episodes were later found in the ABC's archives!
 
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Spoilers!

Thanks sweetie! :D

Btw, I think Strax deserves an interwebz fan club.... if he hasn't got one already. He cracks me up every time - I thought his threatening of the disobedient carriage horse a couple of weeks ago was funny, but last night saw him achieve new heights! :D

p.s. in case you're lurking Strax, the above was most definitely NOT a reference to your stature. No offence to the Sontaran Empire was intended.
 
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It seems there's a lot more focus on season story arcs now. In the newer seasons, the story arcs and individual episodes feel like they are trying a lot harder (sometimes too hard) to be more elaborate/epic. Most of the time I would agree that they end being weaker as a result.

The production is way better since Moffat took over as show runner. I think the show has lost some of its charm because of it, though. It doesn't feel as "British" now.

Doctor Who is still my favorite show, but I prefer the Tennant years over the newer episodes.
 
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Actually I felt that the most recent series suffered from the lack of season arc, and the decision to make all stories single episode, largely stand-alone. It was even reflected in the 2013 episodes by the format of Clara staying at home and going on day trips with the Doctor, rather than fully getting on board the Tardis. A series arc was less important with the classic series as the stories spanned several weeks, but with the current format I prefer a bit more continuity.

So structurally I'd myself like to see the return of the two-part story next year (even three part, if Moff is feeling brave, though my daughter would hate that), and a stronger arc. And since there is no longer a mystery about Clara can we develop the character a bit more.

I'm curious though: it's clear (to me) that the events of this year's finale provide a motivation for the previous series (kill the Doctor to prevent something worse - as spoiler-free as I can do). But are they connected to the events of Matt Smith's first series (ie who tried to blow up the Tardis)?
 
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This seems like a good place to ask. Never watched Dr Who. Where should I start? I have Netflix and BBC America on demand.
As Brotherswing suggested, the first season is probably the best place to start. Be aware that the first few episodes are kinda slow. Episode 6 is the first really good one. If you want a single episode to try, I'd watch season 3 episode 10 "Blink." It's a stand alone episode, and my favorite DW episode (fan favorite really).
 
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As Brotherswing suggested, the first season is probably the best place to start. Be aware that the first few episodes are kinda slow. Episode 6 is the first really good one. If you want a single episode to try, I'd watch season 3 episode 10 "Blink." It's a stand alone episode, and my favorite DW episode (fan favorite really).

I started on series 1 today. I disagree. The first few episodes were great for catching on to whats happening. Eccelston is hilarious. Are all the doctors written with that kind of wit?
 
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