Doctor Who

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Dr Ooooh! How the Time Lord's saucy, short-skirted new companion sent viewers into orbit


By Simon Cable
Last updated at 10:10 AM on 05th April 2010


He's spent hundreds of years travelling the universe with rather tomboyish companions by his side.

But when Doctor Who returned to our TV screens on Saturday night, the Time Lord was joined by a new sidekick - a kissogram with an almost non-existent mini-skirt.

The revealing outfit prompted a flood of comments on online message boards, with a section of fans accusing producers of 'shamelessly sexing up' the long-running family show and labelling it 'slutty'.

Raising eyebrows: Karen Gillan in character as Amy Pond, left, and, right, pictured at a photocall in Manchester to launch the new series of the show

The reaction threatened to overshadow Matt Smith's well-received debut as the Doctor after taking over from David Tennant. Some 8.3million viewers tuned in.


New companion Amy Pond, played by 22-year- old former model Karen Gillan, first appeared on screen in a policewoman's outfit with a tiny skirt. In one scene her character tells the Doctor that her kissogram repertoire also includes nuns and nurses' outfits.

And in another, she watches as the Doctor completely undresses in front of her while getting changed.

As he strips off, Amy's fiance Rory asks: 'Aren't you going to turn your back?' to which she replies, 'No', while running her eyes over the naked Doctor (though viewers saw him only from the waist up).

Model looks: The 22-year-old is already a hit with influential fashion magazines including Grazia

It was even more surprising given the rather conservative attire worn by actresses who have played the Doctor's companion in the past, including Bonnie Langford and Elisabeth Sladen.
Even her more recent predecessor, former pop star Billie Piper, covered up for the part, preferring hoodies and jeans - although fans with longer memories will recall leggy Leela, played by Louise Jameson in a skimpy animal skin costume, or Peri (Nicola Bryant), who made her debut in a pink bikini.

Writing about Amy, one viewer in an online forum asked: 'Why did she dress up as a tarty policewoman? Surely that's not fitting for a family show.'

Another said: 'They've completely demeaned Doctor Who by replacing good episode stories with slutty girls.'

But Miss Gillan defended the decision to dress in a mini skirt, saying: 'I tried on different things and when it came to the short skirts, I just thought it was right. I mean, look down most high streets and girls Amy's age wear that. It's not that weird.
More...Matt Smith's Doctor Who debut equals David Tennant's 8million viewers as critics praise first show

'Short skirts show that Amy is confident and comfortable about her look. You have to have confidence to wear something like that.'
Doctor Who's executive producer Piers Wenger said that Steven Moffat, the series' new boss and chief writer, had wanted a sexier companion for the Doctor.

He said: 'The whole kissogram thing played into Steven's desire for the companion to be feisty and outspoken and a bit of a number.
New Doctor Who Matt Smith and his sidekick proved a successful lure, with 8.3million viewers tuning in

'Amy is probably the wildest companion that the Doctor has travelled with, but she isn't promiscuous.

'Sci-fi has a long and happy history of sexy female characters and long may that continue.'

As the 11th Doctor, 27-year-old-Smith impressed fans in the special 65-minute episode, The Eleventh Hour, in which the Time Lord had 20 minutes to save Earth from aliens.

One fan wrote on the BBC's Points Of View message board: 'Matt Smith has made an excellent start - very impressive.'

Another said Smith is fast on his way to filling Tennant's shoes.
 
Loved loved loved it, i thought he stepped into David's shoes perfectly even though i did have doubts he could pull it off.
 
*Note to self - MUST remember to watch Dr who sunday 18th, MUST remember to watch Dr Who sunday 18th, MUST remember to watch Dr Who sunday 18th, MUST remember to watch Dr Who sunday 18th*
 
Doctor Who to face his old nemesis as the Daleks return... but things are not quite as they seem
By Georgina Littlejohn
Last updated at 1:38 AM on 11th April 2010


He's battled and defeated the metallic and dangerous extra-terrestrials for almost 50 years.
But if Doctor Who thought he'd seen the last of those pesky Daleks, then he clearly thought wrong - and much too soon.
The mutant beings are set to return to our screens - and our world - next Saturday to face the 11th Time Lord in an episode set in the Second World War.
Scroll down for the trailer...


In a trailer shown at the end of last night's episode - the second in the new series with Matt Smith at the Doctor's new incarnation - the Doctor is summoned to a Blitz-battered London by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, played by Ian McNeice.
But when he leads the Doctor and his new companion Amy Pond, played by newcomer Amy Gillan, he unveils his latest secret weapon that he believes will help him win the war - a Dalek.
An incredulous Doctor looks on as Professor Edwin Bracewell, played by Bill Paterson, introduces the Dalek to him as one of his 'ironsights', to which the Dalek - which has a Union Jack flag underneath his eyestalk, responds: 'I am your soldier.'


In still from the episode released by the BBC yesterday, the Dalek appears to be friendly, with one still from the episode appearing to show it offering a cup of tea.
Churchill believes Professer Bracewell has invented the machine and that it will help him win the war.
But an unconvinced Doctor tries desperately to explain to him: 'He didn't invent them, they're aliens.'
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Medusa said:
Doctor Who to face his old nemesis as the Daleks return... but things are not quite as they seem
By Georgina Littlejohn
Last updated at 1:38 AM on 11th April 2010


He's battled and defeated the metallic and dangerous extra-terrestrials for almost 50 years.
But if Doctor Who thought he'd seen the last of those pesky Daleks, then he clearly thought wrong - and much too soon.
The mutant beings are set to return to our screens - and our world - next Saturday to face the 11th Time Lord in an episode set in the Second World War.
Scroll down for the trailer...


In a trailer shown at the end of last night's episode - the second in the new series with Matt Smith at the Doctor's new incarnation - the Doctor is summoned to a Blitz-battered London by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, played by Ian McNeice.
But when he leads the Doctor and his new companion Amy Pond, played by newcomer Amy Gillan, he unveils his latest secret weapon that he believes will help him win the war - a Dalek.
An incredulous Doctor looks on as Professor Edwin Bracewell, played by Bill Paterson, introduces the Dalek to him as one of his 'ironsights', to which the Dalek - which has a Union Jack flag underneath his eyestalk, responds: 'I am your soldier.'


In still from the episode released by the BBC yesterday, the Dalek appears to be friendly, with one still from the episode appearing to show it offering a cup of tea.
Churchill believes Professer Bracewell has invented the machine and that it will help him win the war.
But an unconvinced Doctor tries desperately to explain to him: 'He didn't invent them, they're aliens.'
article-0-09063296000005DC-210_468x318.jpg


article-0-09138132000005DC-196_468x472.jpg
Click to expand...




LOL at the second picture.......... that's one of the official toys you can buy .

OMG and doesn't Amy Pond look hawt?
 
Who's the clown in the Tardis? How viewers disliked EVERY new Doctor
By Paul Revoir
13th April 2010


New Doctor Who Matt Smith made no secret of his fear at getting a poor reception when he took the role.

Now one reason for his nerves has become apparent - the often vitriolic reaction previous Doctors received when they first appeared on screen.
One viewer described Patrick Troughton as a 'half-witted clown' when he took over 34 years ago.


Successor Jon Pertwee fared little better in 1970, when the BBC's Audience Research Department declared in an internal memo: 'Reaction to this first episode of the new series can hardly be described as enthusiastic.'

Others who have upset loyal fans include Tom Baker - dubbed a 'loony' and 'too stupid for words' in 1974 - and the 'aggressive' Colin Baker ion 1984.

Smith, 27, became the 11th actor to take on the role when he replaced David Tennant.
He has received wide critical approval for his performances and there has been little sign of unrest among fans.

Doctor regenerations were introduced in 1966 to allow programme bosses to write a new face into the show's plot.

However BBC archives, spanning more than 40 years and published online for the first time yesterday, reveal the difficulties of bedding in a new Doctor.

The character first changed physically in 1966 when William Hartnell handed over to Troughton.

'Once a brilliant but eccentric scientist, he now comes over as a half-witted clown,' said one viewer.

The oldies clearly weren't the goodies:

The debut of Tom Baker --who went on to become one of the most popular incarnations - was the subject of much criticism in 1974.

'General opinion was that the new Doctor Who is a loony - he is an eccentric always, but the way it was presented made him stupid,' said one viewer.

The arrival of Colin Baker in 1984 proved to be a turn-off, with the show failing to impress half a viewing panel.

'The new Doctor is too stern and doesn't have enough humour,' thought one fan, while another said: 'I find him too aggressive and just not as pleasant as other Doctors.'
Sylvester McCoy's arrival in 1987 was even worse.

His 'approval rating' was considerably lower than Colin Baker's, although the reception given to his sidekick Mel (played by Bonnie Langford) proved a low-point.

A quarter of viewers said she was the worst thing about the series, which was axed two years later.
Furthermore, internal BBC memos have revealed how the Doctor's regenerations were modelled on bad LSD trips.

Documents published today for the first time describe how the occasional transformations were supposed to convey the 'hell and dank horror' of the hallucinogenic drug.

Regenerations were introduced in 1966 to allow programme bosses to replace the lead actor and write the new face into the show's plot.

In an internal memo dating from that year, producers outlined how the original Doctor, William Hartnell, would be transformed for his successor Patrick Troughton. It also tackled the 'horrifying experience' of the regeneration.

'The metaphysical change ... is a horrifying experience - an experience in which he relives some of the most unendurable moments of his long life, including the galactic war.

'It is as if he has had the L.S.D. drug and instead of experiencing the kicks, he has the hell and dank horror which can be its effect,' the memo says.

Discussing his appearance, the document says: 'His hair is wild and his clothes look rather worse for wear (this is a legacy from the metaphysical change which took place in the Tardis).'

The memos are part of a batch of documents which have been published online today as part of the BBC Archive.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...ers-dislike-new-Doctor-Who.html#ixzz0kyMEoSEM
 
I watched the first two episodes, and yeah.. you know the new Doctor... didn't miss a beat.. First episode back was especially good. Didn't even seem like a new show or anything which is great! I was worried about the new guy, honestly now, it's the same great character and show!

Top class stuff here! Still good Doctor Who, I was worried they were trying to re-jig the thing, change it up. Thank god they didn't. Both Episodes were Moffit ones aswell, so you know they're good!
 
Yeah I've enjoyed both episodes so far, the new Doctor & companion are great & it's definately the same show, not a "reboot".
 
Well, I think the new companion is sexy - but when is wearing a short skirt "slutty"? That's ludicrous. I also think she is continuing that new companion trend of questioning the Doctor, which I like a lot. I hope there's no sexual tension, though - I don't want any more Rose or Martha -style longing. By my goodness does she look fantastic in that purple dress!

I liked the first two stories - though I was a bit concerned about how short the second ep was - I thought they were 50 minutes, not 40 minutes. I also liked the way Liz 10 was African. That was a great call.

Matt Smith? I think he's excellent - definitely a Doctor in style and demeanour. I have long thought that Doctors often fit into a mode set by the first 4 -
Dry English fop (Pertwee, Davison)
Energetic, toothy, charismatic intellectual (Tom Baker, Tennant)
Grumpy, grouchy, but lovable father figure (Hartnell, Colin Baker - and, to an extent, Eccleston - but he was a bit unusual in a way)
Clown - but one whose intelligence is seriously underestimated (Troughton, McCoy, Smith)

Mind you, Tennant and Colin Baker had touches of Troughton about them as well. I read an interview with Matt Smith about the fact he wasn't a fan and he came to it with fresh eyes - that's a big plus. He did say that his favourite of the old Whos was Troughton - and I could see why. There's many similarities of approach and style. I think he's got the potential to be brilliant as the Doctor. I do hope, though, for his career's sake that he takes Troughton's advice to Davison and leave after three seasons - I think that's the ideal span for a doctor.
 
Oooooooo I can't wait, here's an interesting interview with the new doctor -

The Doctor will see you now
By David Knox on April 16, 2010
Filed Under News, Top Stories
In the season premiere of the new-look Doctor Who, the Time Lord is all but denied his usual bag of tricks. The result is an episode that hones in on establishing the two characters played by Matt Smith and Karen Gillan.

“That’s what makes it so interesting for me,” Smith tells TV Tonight.

“It’s about the meeting of the Doctor and the Companion, which is done in such a magical way. That’s kind of what the episode focuses on, which made it really interesting to play because it’s about relationships, which is really interesting territory for Doctor Who, I think.”

If ever there has been pressure on an actor to live up to the expectations of his predecessor, it is Smith and the Doctor. But he has managed to find a methodology to make the role his own, while still staying faithful to history.

“I read a lot about Albert Einstein. Because I thought of all the human beings in the world, who is closest to the Doctor?” he asks.

“And I remember that picture of him with his tongue out. I spent a lot of time reading quotes and then I wrote some short stories about him and the Doctor travelling around the universe.

“Aside from that like any other process you get the scripts and you try and invest in it as much as you can. You learn the lines, get on the set on the day and be as brave as you can. But with this part particularly it’s a real process of evolution. It took me a month or so to get to know him I think.

“If you look at episodes 12 and 13, it’s a different Doctor to the Doctor you see in episode 1. But that’s the same with all Doctors, actually. If you look at Tom Baker in his first episode to Tom Baker in his ninth episode, he’s a different man. That’s why he’s so rich and so varied, it allows you to keep exploring.”

And then there is the suggestion, prompted by his cameo in the end of the last series, that ‘Geronimo’ will become his catchphrase. But Smith is reluctant to commit.

“‘Geronimo’ is something that this Doctor says, I’ve got to say, but I think if there was more a catchphrase it would more be that bow ties are cool.”

Smith clearly relishes the opportunity Who affords him. It has elevated him from his lead role in Party Animals to bonafide star. With its huge BBC budget, the series lands the best in themes, locations, guest stars and writers.

“We got to go to Croatia to film an episode called ‘Vampires in Venice,’ which was brilliant. And we do an episode with Vincent Van Gogh which is terribly exciting because it’s written by Richard Curtis, who’s a wonderful writer from Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill,” he says.

“The Daleks are always a highlight, and I got to play football in one episode which was just a joy. It was one of my top days filming!”

Having completed all 13 episodes, Smith embarked on a national tour of the UK, which helped him gauge audience reaction. He prefers to rely on first-hand experience than tackling the endless reactions online.

“I have my family and friends, but we’ve been taking it out on this tour around England, and showing it to children and adults. We had overwhelmingly positive results, and there have been some previews, so I’ve got a sense of it. And I have Q & As afterwards so they tell me. There’s always going to be a group of people who won’t like it, but there are people who do like it, and this show will always divide opinion.”

Smith even entertains the idea of a visit to Australia in the near future.

“I’d love to come! I think I might be coming out next year. I might come and hang out in Sydney and Melbourne and do some interviews and stuff and say hello to the people who watch it,” he says.

“I had no idea that they followed it out there, but I’m told there’s a really big following?”

At this point interviewer and subject suddenly switch roles…

“If Chris (Eccleston) or David (Tennant) were in Australia, people would know who they were?”

Absolutely.

“Wow, that’s mad!” he laughs.

I remind him the show has been airing here since the 1960s.

“Of course, so it’s as much your show as it is ours,” he realises. “Have you never thought there might be like an Australian version of the show?”

Ummm, no. We probably love to watch Double-Decker buses, phone booths, cabbies and the London Eye as much as you guys love watching Ramsay Street. It’s escapism, Matt. But it was nice of you to invite Kylie to appear, we’ll settle for that.

“I was talking to the Make-Up Artist and there were pictures of Kylie on the wall and everyone said she was so lovely!” he says. “They couldn’t believe that Kylie was in Doctor Who. It was sort of incredible. Kylie is massive in England. She’s one of our nation’s heroes. People love Kylie Minogue, they really do.”

And I’m guessing by now they probably love Matt Smith too…

Doctor Who airs 7:30pm Sundays on ABC1 and is available on iView from 12am tomorrow.

From TVtonight.com.au
 
Tonight ! 'The Eleventh Hour' - ABC 7.30pm

Meglos said:
Yeah I've enjoyed both episodes so far, the new Doctor & companion are great & it's definately the same show, not a "reboot".
Click to expand...

That's good news Meglos.
I admit to reading spoilers but tonight will be my first viewing of 'The Eleventh Hour' and I'm looking forward to regular Dr Who after last season's sporadic episodes.




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Exterminate the new Dr Who theme tune, say angry fans

By Mail On Sunday Reporter
Last updated at 10:57 PM on 17th April 2010


Its whoops and wails have made it one of the most recognisable tunes in television history. But the Doctor Who theme is at the centre of a row after it was changed for the new series.

Fans are furious about the addition of a new melody played by electronic trumpets and have complained to the BBC about the new version.
Although the theme has been revised several times since the show began in 1963, this is the first time that the tune itself has been changed.

- Dr Who fans are furious after the theme tune changed for the new series
One fan wrote on the BBC messageboard: ‘The nasty, nasty trumpets at the beginning together with the silly disco beat are abysmal.’

The original theme tune, composed by Ron Grainer, is recognised as one of the most famous pieces of early electronic music. The new theme was devised to coincide with the appearance of new Time Lord Matt Smith (seen left with co-star Karen Gillan).
It was composed by Murray Gold, who also wrote the theme to Channel 4’s Shameless.
About 70 people have so far complained to the BBC about the new theme and a Facebook campaign has been launched to have the old version reinstated.

A Doctor Who spokesman said: ‘The arranger has made alterations to the music four times since 2005, so change is nothing new.
‘It is important for the regeneration of the show to keep revisiting the score while always retaining the haunting and ground-breaking essence of the original.’
 
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