Is there anything that fans of Doctor Who can say to people who haven't watched it yet, that will get them to watch it? Maybe that's it's the most exciting, imaginative, adventurous, philosophical, humane and riveting entertainment that you're going to find anywhere on your television? And that's no exaggeration.
Season 6 (which is what they call it even though The Doctor has been a part of British TV since the early 1960s, but it's dated now from the revamp a few years ago) starring the superb Matt Smith in his second year as the 11th incarnation of Doctor Who premieres tonight over here on BBC America, and it's guaranteed to be a doozy! If you don't believe us, take a look at the BBC's promo for the season:
Fans of America's dwindling space program will be particularly tickled by tonight's kick-off episode entitled "The Impossible Astronaut". Here are couple of short previews of the eerie excitement coming up -- one a trailer, one a short scene, from the BBC.
This season promises extra-special thrills and a plotline that brings The Doctor and his companions Amy (Karen Gillan) and Rory (Arthur Darvill) to the U.S.A. for the first time. As you saw in the preview, President Nixon figures in the story as well as creepy extraterrestrials who are guaranteed to freak you out in typical smart and scary Doctor Who fashion.
As DW co-star Alex Kingston (above, who starred over here in ER for several seasons) pointed out in a recent interview on Entertainment Weekly.com, Doctor Who is a beloved children's favorite in Great Britain, while over here it's science fiction fans who flock to the series. Over there, The Doctor is the kind of kid's hero we just don't have over here, someone wise and witty who genuinely has the power to inspire young people to be better human beings. Here children's TV only aspires to what the advertisers want: to have the kids buy more junky products. As we've said here before, Doctor Who is the perfect example of family programming, meaning a series that could be watched by viewers of various ages and all would be grandly entertained and feel that the show had been made expressly for them.
Here is the BBC America promo for the new season starting tonight:
If you are new to Doctor Who, plan to start watching BBC America at 8pm tonight for Doctor Who Rewind which will take you through what you might want to know before diving in tonight, but even if you don't have time to catch up, I'd still sit down and just go in cold turkey. If the infectious spirit of Doctor Who doesn't capture your imagination, maybe it's just not for you. But if it does, you will have made a discovery that will stick with you the rest of your life.
Be sure to visit BBC America's Doctor Who site for more information, and there are countless other DW fansites out there that you'll want to explore once you're hooked. The only complaint I have is that BBC America doesn't always run encores of Doctor Who uncut -- beware the shortened version of this year's Christmas episode which runs following "The Impossible Astronaut" tonight, and when they replay the first episode from last season which introduced Matt Smith as the new Doctor they always cut it and lose many of the most charming moments. I advise watching the series on DVD if you're catching up, that way you'll get everything as it was intended to be seen.
Be sure to visit BBC America's Doctor Who site for more information, and there are countless other DW fansites out there that you'll want to explore once you're hooked. The only complaint I have is that BBC America doesn't always run encores of Doctor Who uncut -- beware the shortened version of this year's Christmas episode which runs following "The Impossible Astronaut" tonight, and when they replay the first episode from last season which introduced Matt Smith as the new Doctor they always cut it and lose many of the most charming moments. I advise watching the series on DVD if you're catching up, that way you'll get everything as it was intended to be seen.
Doctor Who, Season 6, premieres on BBC America tonight at 9pm!
Astronauts? Space program? OK, you have my attention now. I'm one of those folks who has yet to watch or feel the love for Dr. Who. Sounds like it's time to get on board. I'll have to watch it online though. Haven't won Lotto yet, so I can't afford the Comcast tier that would allow me to have such cable delicacies as BBC America and Nat Geo. I wonder if I can find it On Demand? Gotta hunt it down somewhere, as the Online Buzz along with this great post is making me feel like I'm really missing something!
ReplyDeleteCheck out Sidereel here: http://www.sidereel.com/Doctor_Who_(2005)/season-6/episode-1/search
ReplyDeleteand try some links. I recommend MegaVideo!
I always hold out hope that this show is good. And... I don’t know... in parts the dialogue was still a bit cringey, and it wasn't as dark as it was marketed to be, and when Rivers said she was a 'screamer' it was just unbearable. however, the silence were I thought pretty damn smart as an idea, and the knowledge hanging over everything that the doctor will die was unsettling and a master stroke. I will definitely tune in next week, even though I still have no idea what's going on!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, AR...I think it's mostly the verve of the show that I really admire, and the idea of a decent hero that all ages can get behind.
ReplyDeleteI did think the "screamer" line sounded like it belonged in one of the animated movies these days that try to desperately appeal to the parents of the target audience -- in other words, unbearable -- but I guess we've got to forgive a few bad jokes.
You've just sort of got to ride "Doctor Who" along, and also watch with the closed captions on...that really helps! :-)
Thanks for your comment!!