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New Look, “Old” Doctor, New Images

Feb 212010

It isn't often we dispense with the byplay and put the important stuff up front, but here it is… The Tour has emerged from a rocky hosting period with a new look, and a new update, this time what almost certainly will be the last all-Tennant update for quite a long time. This update, although small by regular Tour standards, still marks something of a pivot point going forward. As always check out The Master List to see what's new. In terms of sheer image count, the Tennant section of the site accounts for over 44% of overall site content.

Now that it seems relatively clear that Matt Smith's reign will begin on April 3rd, the road map ahead is clear, at least for the Tour. In March we'll have a site-wide anyone-but-Tennant update before turning exclusively for the duration of Season 5.

The Scrolls of Doom

Off the Reservation, Tour Updates No Responses »

Feb 072010

Through the months of 2009, the Tour led a life of peace and ordered calm, protected against all threats from the WWW by our great power. But all this was to change. Suddenly and terribly, the Tour faced the greatest threat in it's long history.

Well that was certainly un-fun wasn't it. About 10 days ago the web host which housed the main hub of the site decided to do some server maintenance which, to put it mildly, went a little ka-ka. After exhausting the patience of the THT Brain Trust, we've relocated and are hopeful much of the functionality of the site came along for the ride. We appreciate the notes wondering what was going on and ask for more patience as the kinks are still being ironed out.

As for the near future, in the run-up to Season 5, there are two site updates a-comin. The first shapes up to be the last all-Tennant update to the site, and the second will be an anyone-but Tennant update before Season 5 roll at the end of March/early April.

Once again a big thank you to everyone for their patience during this transitional phase.

The Quick, Quick, Slow Death

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Jan 032010

I don't know about you, but I thought my reaction to the back half of The End of Time was somewhat curious. Upon initial viewing my emotions while moved certainly, were somewhat reserved. Then I watched Confidential, and the tears started to flow, not so much because of the material presented there, although there were moving moments there as well, but more from whatever background processing I had been doing regarding this regeneration story. I've watched the episode two times since, and cried more each time. Whereas I thought the valedictory lap taken in the final twenty minutes was initially wildly indulgent, repeated viewing of this (still indulgent) series of codas leaves me emotionally spent, and I suspect there's still more that can wrung out of me should I try again. All of the investment of time and emotion I as a fan have put into the series was being in some way repaid.

Despite the obvious flaws in this (paper thin) story, that's great television.

Tennant was absolutely superb throughout. Of course the scenes with Wilf shone again, but there were other moments too that sang, such as his conversation with Simm near the beginning of the episode. Of course there was the requisite RTD dollop of spectacle (Wilf as Skywalker, the Doctor as skydiver) that ultimately went nowhere in hindsight. But mostly this was Tennant's hour (or rather 73 minutes) to shine, and he was riveting. For a Doctor which might superficially be more known for his exuberance, it's his melancholy which resonates more.

No David, I don't want you to go either.

Did Davies subconsciously know he was channeling previous regeneration stories? I strongly suspect he was… as they were most certainly there. Pertwee dying from radiation and traveling for a while before finally succumbing. Tennant acting almost as the Logopolis Watcher looking out for Mickey and Martha. And of course–most strongly since they're linked both in story and heritage, Tennant offering himself to save just one other soul, just as Davison did in The Caves of Androzani. Well done sir.

Even capping the episode was emotional. Anyone looking for restraint this time around will be sadly disappointed. Images and caps for The End of Time Part Two are now online. More thoughts will follow.

Let the Simm-shine In

New Who for You, Tour Updates No Responses »

Dec 272009

So…. here we are, on the precipice of a regeneration. Hopefully you, like the THT Brain Trust, are staying as ignorant as possible regarding possible spoilers for the second half of The End of Time. But here's the thing…. RTD has built a reputation for big, splashy, and often incoherent season finales, with the first half of the story always being the most interesting of the two. The End of Time however may buck that trend. It has to be said the story so far is a bit of a mess, with too many "and what was the point of that?" (such as the Master's overwrought resurrection of the electric confrontation between the Doctor and Master) moments. Still what shines are the work of the three principals so far in the story, Tennant, Cribbins, and Simm. Tennant has so far has had the least to do (but the furthest to run it must be said). Cribbins is the emotional fulcrum so far, using his oh-so-expressive face to great effect, and allowing himself (and us as well) to tear up when the moment call for it. As for Simm, well the man has certainly suffered for his art so far hasn't he with more costume changes than in a Las Vegas revue. But it's his intensity which most captivates us, and doubtless will next week also.

And now the TimeLords are back as well. sounding thunderously like they were in the BF Romana/Leela stories. Nevertheless here at the Tour, we suspect that the logical assumptions that either the TimeLords or the Master will bring about Ten's Regen are something of a feint. Could Wilf be the Doctor's (unwitting) executioner? You don't introduce the gun without it being used at some point.

Images and caps for The End of Time are now online. It should also be noted that we've done our best to separate images for parts one and two of this story based on what we've seen thus far. Don't be surprised if images are moved around or are introduced based on the remainder of the story. Hang on for the ride!

The Tardis whirled on it’s way again…

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Dec 222009

The TARDIS whirled on it's way again. The Doctor listened to Sara and Steven as they recovered from their recent exertions. Sara asked, "Whatever was that place?"
"I've no idea," Steven replied, "Let's hope we never land there again." He heard a tinkling sound and looked up to see the Doctor carrying a silver tray with three crystal wine glasses, brimful. "we so rarely get a chance to celebrate," remarked the Doctor at their unspoken questions.
"Celebrate?" the mystified Steven asked.
"Don't you remember? In the Police Station – it was Christmas."
"So it was," smiled Steven, taking the proffered glass.
"Here's a toast. A Happy Christmas to all of us," said the Doctor, bending a benign smile on his young companions. Then he raised his glass high, saluting a host of Absent Friends and turned away.
"And incidentally – a happy Christmas, to all of you at home."

That Master Guy…. Now He’s Major League!

New Who for You No Responses »

Dec 152009

Even the most spoiler-phobic fan must know by now that John Simm is coming back for The End of Time. While it remains to be seen what role he will have in the 10th Doctor's impending regeneration, it's worth noting how important the Master has been in the history of Doctor Who. Despite not even appearing until the 8th Season, thereby missing out on the Hartnell and Troughton eras, by our accounting the Master has played a role, either direct or indirect in 3 of the Doctor's regenerations, those being the 4th, 5th, and now 10th. Now we admit the case for his involvement in Davison's is more than a bit tenuous, but the Master is the last face he sees, and we'll make up for this by asserting that had Roger Delgado lived, he would have undoubtedly been a part in Pertwee's send-off.

Looking at it this way he'll by 3 for 8 in regenerations, a batting average of .375. Now that's Major League level villainy. Even putting Hartnell and Troughton back into the picture only lowers this percentage to .300. So here's a salute to a Big League effort.

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