The new Doctor Who

I had a friend that used to write for the audio version years ago, and I've got a dvd of a prototype [is that the right word] for a programme he wrote that was never made [if you watch it you realise why]. But I've never really got into the series in recent years. Going to make the effort to watch the new series, though.

Again: Take a look at some scripts : www.thewriterstale.com/scr.html

Doctor Who didn't go downhill until long after Bill Hartnell's days - I think Sylveste McCoy was poorly served by scripts and production for example. But the restart in 2005 was at a higher level than ever before, and it has grown from there. Each actor has brought something special to the lead part, and some of the writing has been superb.

Torchwood reached its peak with Children of Earth (in which we met a certain Mr Capaldi) but was, I think, sunk by the co-production with the Americans, Miracle Day which followed - although it had its moments and some good performances. It did seem odd to suddenly see Q, Officer Don and Major Kira cropping up!

I love the show - I think Peter Capaldi will be great, though I don't think he will beat David Tennant. My favourite episode was the Girl in the Fireplace - makes me weep every time I see it!

No it didn't go downhill! Tsk Tsk.

it has always been worth watching, and today it is terrific. Yes, i know some of the plots are hard to follow, but you usually get to make sense of it in the last scene. I love the manic action, the characters, the special effects, the acting, and the whole premise of time travel.

It can be such fun, like the Van Gogh one where they take him into the future to see how his paintings are so loved and so valuable, or the hilarious Torchwood/Queen Victoria one, where Rose tries to get the Queen to say 'We are not amused'. Oh, and 'The Fires of Pompei' was a particularly good one; that one had the new Doctor Who in it too, as a Pompeian.

I am with you jO8 it went down hill after William Harnell and I grew up and could come out from behind the sofa when it was broadcast.

Thanks. No wonder I couldn't remember. No "hooks" for the memory.

Torchwood

But j08 isnt it always the same plot?
I liked the grown up spin off that was filmed in Cardiff and had welsh actors plus Barrymore... can't remember what called.

All these actors seem to merge together in my mind. They should have found someone a bit different. He's too same-y. And boring.

It has gone downhill since William Hartnell.

You can't follow the plot these days anyway.

I'm with moomin Doctor Who just has to be a man, and probably has to be British too - or at least, someone who can do a British accent. The idea of Peter Capaldi is growing on me - I think he will be one of the greats, like David Tennant.

Dawn French, or Jennifer, would have been more entertaining casting for the doctor wouldn't they
Or Lennie.

I fell for him at the same time as the Vicar of Dibley did

And, I love John Hannah too

Yes - that's what I remember him best for... makes me cry every time!

I do like John Hannah, ever since he recited Stop all the Clocks in Four Weddings. He has the most fantastic voice.

Saturnine is the word that comes to mind...

John Hannah's another one! What is it about these Scotsmen...?

Denis Lawson infinitely more attractive though tegan PC is a bit scary - would not want to have dinner with him
Loved DL in The Ambassador with Pauline Collins.
The guy who plays Eli in The Good Wife is out of the same mould... Allan Cumming, another scot and another brilliant actor. He'd make a great Dr W.
But for a dinner date it would be Lawson every time.

I hope it doesn't detract him from doing plenty of other TV appearances. I really like Peter Capaldi, but only watch Dr Who with the children at C*******s. He's a great actor.

I think Peter Capaldi will make a great Doctor! I loved him in The Thick of It.

[I do sometimes get him mixed up with Denis Lawson, though ].

He's made some fine documentaries for BBC4 recently as well.

WHERE IS THE DELETE BUTTON, and if not, WHY NOT? Aaaargh...

@Joan Peter Capaldi's character in Torchwood:Children of Earth was, I think, more tragic than 'not nice' - he had to do something so awful, rounding up children for the aliens, that having done it he went home and killed his family before taking his own life. Capaldi played it magnificently. I think he's going to be terrific. In The Fires of Pompeii he was Caecilius, who bought the Tardis from a street vendor! Incidentally another Who actor (actress really) appeared in that, as a soothsayer; the lovely Karen Gillan - and that turned out well - let's hope it does for Mr Capaldi!

@Joan Peter Capaldi's character in Torchwood:Children of Earth was, I think, more tragic than 'not nice' - he had to do something so awful, rounding up children for the aliens, that having done it he went home and killed his family before taking his own life. Capaldi played it magnificently. I think he's going to be terrific. In The Fires of Pompeii he was Caecilius, who bought the Tardis from a street vendor! Incidentally another Who actor (actress really) appeared in that, as a soothsayer; the lovely Karen Gillan - and that turned out well - let's hope it does for Mr Capaldi!