No frills, no scarf, no messing, just 100 per cent Rebel Time Lord.
January 27, 2014 11:38 AM Subscribe
The BBC releases the first image of the Twelfth Doctor’s costume. Peter Capaldi elaborates on the dark blue Crombie coat and black Dr. Marten ensemble: "He's woven the future from the cloth of the past. Simple, stark, and back to basics." Of course, finding the right look for the iconic character (and fashion icon) has never been easy, as the First Doctor's costume designer, Maureen Heneghan Tripp, describes. Capaldi picked out the character's latest wardrobe with the help of Howard Burden, who joined the programme with Series 7 and gave Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor a new outfit. The question is now, will the fashion police be kinder on this newest one than they were on his predecessor's?
"Spike met the Doctor back in the 90s. Must’ve made quite the impression."
posted by kmz at 11:42 AM on January 27, 2014 [5 favorites]
posted by kmz at 11:42 AM on January 27, 2014 [5 favorites]
He's no Colin Baker, but I think it looks good! The Crombie coat also makes me think Idris Elba in Luther.
Love the red lining. I should get my coats lined in red.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:42 AM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
Love the red lining. I should get my coats lined in red.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:42 AM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
MC Hammer would like his pants back.
posted by Catblack at 11:43 AM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Catblack at 11:43 AM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Don't judge it 'till you've seen him run in it.
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 11:45 AM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 11:45 AM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
Finally, a Time Lord whose outfit I MUST wear.
posted by Kitteh at 11:46 AM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Kitteh at 11:46 AM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
I hope he spends all of every episode dancing.
posted by dng at 11:46 AM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by dng at 11:46 AM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
I never understand why a character like Dr. Who has to wear the same damned thing all the time. People change clothes daily. Shouldn't he?
posted by Thorzdad at 11:48 AM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by Thorzdad at 11:48 AM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
I like this. Bowties and cowboy hats are cool, but this is a costume that was made for reversing the polarity of the neutron flow.
posted by RonButNotStupid at 11:48 AM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by RonButNotStupid at 11:48 AM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
Except for the knees not being 'brought in tight' he does appear to be (appropriately enough) to be doing the Time Warp.
posted by BigHeartedGuy at 11:49 AM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by BigHeartedGuy at 11:49 AM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
I never understand why a character like Dr. Who has to wear the same damned thing all the time. People change clothes daily. Shouldn't he?
They're his work clothes. We just never get to see him on his days off, when he wears the stylish stuff.
posted by dng at 11:50 AM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
They're his work clothes. We just never get to see him on his days off, when he wears the stylish stuff.
posted by dng at 11:50 AM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
Doc Martens are like the inverse Tardis: small on the inside, but fucking massive on the outside.
posted by Think_Long at 11:51 AM on January 27, 2014 [31 favorites]
posted by Think_Long at 11:51 AM on January 27, 2014 [31 favorites]
I know it is a family program, but I hope there is a wee bit of cursing. Watching Calpadi play a role without uttering a few swear words here and there will do bad things to my brain.
posted by longdaysjourney at 11:52 AM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by longdaysjourney at 11:52 AM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
Are those Dr. Martens he's wearing?
The Doctor hasn't worn shoes that aren't exactly like something already in my closet since the show came back in 2005 and I see no reason why he should start now.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 11:52 AM on January 27, 2014 [13 favorites]
The Doctor hasn't worn shoes that aren't exactly like something already in my closet since the show came back in 2005 and I see no reason why he should start now.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 11:52 AM on January 27, 2014 [13 favorites]
MC Hammer would like his pants back.
Yeah...the overall look of this outfit is fine, but the cut of the pants is...weird. Why do they have pleats AND tight cuffs?
I still like Christopher Eccleston's outfit the best of the NuWho doctors, though.
posted by DiscourseMarker at 11:52 AM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
Yeah...the overall look of this outfit is fine, but the cut of the pants is...weird. Why do they have pleats AND tight cuffs?
I still like Christopher Eccleston's outfit the best of the NuWho doctors, though.
posted by DiscourseMarker at 11:52 AM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
I thought this was the first picture of Capaldi in costume. Maybe that's just how he dresses?
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 11:53 AM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 11:53 AM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
Give him the right hat and he can lead Revolutionary France to massive military victory (and ultimate defeat).
posted by Joey Michaels at 11:54 AM on January 27, 2014 [5 favorites]
posted by Joey Michaels at 11:54 AM on January 27, 2014 [5 favorites]
I thought this was the first picture of Capaldi in costume.
That's how he was dressed immediately following regeneration, when he was still in Eleven's clothes. This is what he's chosen for what to wear after he dresses himself for reals.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:56 AM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
That's how he was dressed immediately following regeneration, when he was still in Eleven's clothes. This is what he's chosen for what to wear after he dresses himself for reals.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:56 AM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
We never get to see him on his days off.
Yes, we did.
Doctor: "You find it, I'm taking the day off"
Romana: "The day off?"
Doctor: "Yes! After a journey of 400 years and twelve parsecs I'm allowed a rest of fifty years"
Romana: "Where does it say that?"
Doctor: "Section 93 Paragraph 2 Laws Governing Time Lords--you look it up"
Romana: "You just made that up!"
posted by RonButNotStupid at 11:59 AM on January 27, 2014 [9 favorites]
Yes, we did.
Doctor: "You find it, I'm taking the day off"
Romana: "The day off?"
Doctor: "Yes! After a journey of 400 years and twelve parsecs I'm allowed a rest of fifty years"
Romana: "Where does it say that?"
Doctor: "Section 93 Paragraph 2 Laws Governing Time Lords--you look it up"
Romana: "You just made that up!"
posted by RonButNotStupid at 11:59 AM on January 27, 2014 [9 favorites]
Sweet, I have some Crombie in my closet thanks to a generous uncle who had to move out of the country, so now I can feel a little more Doctorish.
Although I have to say my first thought when seeing the photo was "It's not a trick Micheal IT'S AN ILLUSION."
posted by The Whelk at 12:00 PM on January 27, 2014 [13 favorites]
Although I have to say my first thought when seeing the photo was "It's not a trick Micheal IT'S AN ILLUSION."
posted by The Whelk at 12:00 PM on January 27, 2014 [13 favorites]
I know I'm a broken record about how weird it is for a long time American fan to realize the current popularity of the show, but seriously, when the release of the new Doctor's costume is something that I learn about via Entertainment Weekly, it's weird.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 12:00 PM on January 27, 2014 [8 favorites]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 12:00 PM on January 27, 2014 [8 favorites]
I like the simplicity and the callback to the Third Doctor.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:01 PM on January 27, 2014 [16 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 12:01 PM on January 27, 2014 [16 favorites]
Love the red lining. I should get my coats lined in red.
I used to work with a man who's custom suits were lined in hot pink. I cannot explain to you the confidence that conveyed and how sexy that was.
Red would be my second choice, followed by deep purple.
posted by DarlingBri at 12:01 PM on January 27, 2014 [7 favorites]
I used to work with a man who's custom suits were lined in hot pink. I cannot explain to you the confidence that conveyed and how sexy that was.
Red would be my second choice, followed by deep purple.
posted by DarlingBri at 12:01 PM on January 27, 2014 [7 favorites]
Oops. That link is borked. Hang about.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:01 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by Rock Steady at 12:01 PM on January 27, 2014
My entire thought process upon viewing this picture: pleated pants tho
posted by Lemmy Caution at 12:03 PM on January 27, 2014 [8 favorites]
posted by Lemmy Caution at 12:03 PM on January 27, 2014 [8 favorites]
OK I fixed it. Pertwee/Capaldi comparison.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:04 PM on January 27, 2014 [10 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 12:04 PM on January 27, 2014 [10 favorites]
Works for me, Rock Steady.
(Pertwee throwing the horns at the camera...like I needed another reason to love the Third Doctor.)
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 12:04 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
(Pertwee throwing the horns at the camera...like I needed another reason to love the Third Doctor.)
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 12:04 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
Doctor: "You find it, I'm taking the day off"
And then there was that day on the beach. Poor K-9.
posted by Artw at 12:04 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
And then there was that day on the beach. Poor K-9.
posted by Artw at 12:04 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
And then there was that day on the beach. Poor K-9.
Yes! And didn't he go fishing once with Peri?
posted by RonButNotStupid at 12:05 PM on January 27, 2014
Yes! And didn't he go fishing once with Peri?
posted by RonButNotStupid at 12:05 PM on January 27, 2014
Wonder if this will be yet another set of clothes picked up at a hospital? (Though I would love just once for the Doctor to wander around in a coat and set of scrubs. "Would you like a jelly baby? I think that's what it was, didn't do so well in the autoclave.")
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 12:07 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 12:07 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
I don't get it, the new doctor is a vampire?
posted by sockpuppetdirect at 12:09 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by sockpuppetdirect at 12:09 PM on January 27, 2014
Also the fingers are giving me a serious case of Doctor Strange.
posted by The Whelk at 12:10 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by The Whelk at 12:10 PM on January 27, 2014
I hopez the doctor channels some of this (NSFW) or this when he's dealing with the daleks
posted by lalochezia at 12:11 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by lalochezia at 12:11 PM on January 27, 2014
(Pertwee throwing the horns at the camera...like I needed another reason to love the Third Doctor.)
(barely) Related: Roger Delgado's Master -- never forget
posted by MCMikeNamara at 12:11 PM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
(barely) Related: Roger Delgado's Master -- never forget
posted by MCMikeNamara at 12:11 PM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
Navy blue with that black? No, the fashion police will not look on this kindly.
posted by maryr at 12:14 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by maryr at 12:14 PM on January 27, 2014
I never understand why a character like Dr. Who has to wear the same damned thing all the time. People change clothes daily. Shouldn't he?
But how do you measure a day when you're traveling through time!
posted by cazoo at 12:15 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
But how do you measure a day when you're traveling through time!
posted by cazoo at 12:15 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Took a second and third look since the pants are described as being navy blue...but nope, they still make me cringe. They are terrible. (I'll take the coat though)
posted by maryr at 12:16 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by maryr at 12:16 PM on January 27, 2014
crombie.co.uk is down. Coincidence or crushed by eager cosplayers?
posted by Rock Steady at 12:17 PM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 12:17 PM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
In addition to translating your speech, does the TARDIS make your clothes appear fashionable to the inhabitants of the time you're visiting? Because nobody ever seems to bat an eye at him and his companion, in e.g., Elizabethan England. (Though much later one of Queen Vic's retainers had a word for Rose's outfit.)
posted by George_Spiggott at 12:18 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by George_Spiggott at 12:18 PM on January 27, 2014
Are those Dr. Martens he's wearing?
"I'm gonna kick that fackin' Dalek right in the plunger!'
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 12:21 PM on January 27, 2014 [9 favorites]
"I'm gonna kick that fackin' Dalek right in the plunger!'
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 12:21 PM on January 27, 2014 [9 favorites]
I'd like to take this point to mention to any future cosplayer that if you want a Crombie coat and not just something cut in that style, then do not for the love of god buy it retail or new.
posted by The Whelk at 12:22 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 12:22 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
I used to work with a man who's custom suits were lined in hot pink. I cannot explain to you the confidence that conveyed and how sexy that was.
Red would be my second choice, followed by deep purple.
If I were the type to have custom-tailored suits, I would definitely go with a deep purple.
As it is, the fact that I wear a purple hoodie and have a purple wallet seems to add an unexpected +2 to my charisma for reasons I cannot explain.
posted by Foosnark at 12:22 PM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
Red would be my second choice, followed by deep purple.
If I were the type to have custom-tailored suits, I would definitely go with a deep purple.
As it is, the fact that I wear a purple hoodie and have a purple wallet seems to add an unexpected +2 to my charisma for reasons I cannot explain.
posted by Foosnark at 12:22 PM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
For a while the image refused to load for me, and from the description I was hoping the trousers would balloon a bit more, as in the Charlie Chaplin era.
posted by George_Spiggott at 12:26 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by George_Spiggott at 12:26 PM on January 27, 2014
Actually, the more I look at this costume, the more I like it. Baggy pants presumably make the constant running all Doctors must endure a little easier and the rest of the outfit screams "man of action." Despite his rather lackluster debut, I have high hopes for Capaldi as #12.
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:26 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:26 PM on January 27, 2014
The Whelk: I'd like to take this point to mention to any future cosplayer that if you want a Crombie coat and not just something cut in that style, then do not for the love of god buy it retail or new.
Yeaaaah. Their site is back up, and they are a smidge out of my price range.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:27 PM on January 27, 2014
Yeaaaah. Their site is back up, and they are a smidge out of my price range.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:27 PM on January 27, 2014
Almost 50 comments in, and no comparison of Capaldi's look and pose to that of Dr. Orpheus?
posted by filthy light thief at 12:29 PM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by filthy light thief at 12:29 PM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
I know it is a family program, but I hope there is a wee bit of cursing.
Sorry, sorry, I know you disapprove of swearing so I'll sort that out. Daleks are a boring F, star, star, CUNT!
posted by Bunny Ultramod at 12:30 PM on January 27, 2014 [7 favorites]
Sorry, sorry, I know you disapprove of swearing so I'll sort that out. Daleks are a boring F, star, star, CUNT!
posted by Bunny Ultramod at 12:30 PM on January 27, 2014 [7 favorites]
Can I just say thank you to the last few years of NuWho for inspiring conventions where a good chunk of the audience re dressed in natty little English cut suits and vests?
(Although I was at a professional event at SDCC a few years back and said aloud "Oh god, we're all dressed like david tennant")
posted by The Whelk at 12:31 PM on January 27, 2014 [5 favorites]
(Although I was at a professional event at SDCC a few years back and said aloud "Oh god, we're all dressed like david tennant")
posted by The Whelk at 12:31 PM on January 27, 2014 [5 favorites]
I am reminded of how people really wanted Benedict Cumberbatch's coat from Sherlock, only to find that it was: 1) not made any more 2) cut so that only super-weird tall people looked good in it 3) really, really freaking expensive.
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 12:31 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by fifteen schnitzengruben is my limit at 12:31 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
I think that costume and the eyebrows are the stand-in for the gouts of beautiful vulgarity that will not be coming out of Peter Capaldi's mouth.
posted by angrycat at 12:31 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by angrycat at 12:31 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
I was at a professional event at SDCC a few years back and said aloud "Oh god, we're all dressed like david tennant"
You say that like it's a bad thing.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:33 PM on January 27, 2014 [8 favorites]
You say that like it's a bad thing.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:33 PM on January 27, 2014 [8 favorites]
You say that like it's a bad thing.
Well, its embarrassing to arrive at a party and discovered you're all dressed as the same doctor.
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:34 PM on January 27, 2014 [10 favorites]
Well, its embarrassing to arrive at a party and discovered you're all dressed as the same doctor.
posted by Joey Michaels at 12:34 PM on January 27, 2014 [10 favorites]
Ugh, the pants. Maybe they look better when he's standing up straight or something, but the pleats are awful in the photo I've seen.
Love the jacket and Docs though.
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 12:37 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Love the jacket and Docs though.
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 12:37 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
If I am unfortunate enough to never have indulged, and I wanted a decent place to start watching, which season should I begin with? Do I need to start at the very beginning? (Oh good gravy now I have Julie Andrews singing in my head...)
posted by eggkeeper at 12:39 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by eggkeeper at 12:39 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Joey Michaels:
posted by charred husk at 12:39 PM on January 27, 2014 [11 favorites]
Well, its embarrassing to arrive at a party and discovered you're all dressed as the same doctor.That's why I always dress like Peter Cushing.
posted by charred husk at 12:39 PM on January 27, 2014 [11 favorites]
In addition to translating your speech, does the TARDIS make your clothes appear fashionable to the inhabitants of the time you're visiting? Because nobody ever seems to bat an eye at him and his companion, in e.g., Elizabethan England. (Though much later one of Queen Vic's retainers had a word for Rose's outfit.)
The Doctor generally seems to think a sufficient amount of confidence, don't-give-a-fuck, and we're-not-from-around-here will ensure that no one will care about his and his companions' period-inappropriate clothing. Rose and Donna have certainly made attempts at period-appropriate clothing though, I can't recall if/when Martha and Amy have.
posted by yasaman at 12:40 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
The Doctor generally seems to think a sufficient amount of confidence, don't-give-a-fuck, and we're-not-from-around-here will ensure that no one will care about his and his companions' period-inappropriate clothing. Rose and Donna have certainly made attempts at period-appropriate clothing though, I can't recall if/when Martha and Amy have.
posted by yasaman at 12:40 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Is THIS the card you picked?
posted by dr_dank at 12:40 PM on January 27, 2014 [6 favorites]
posted by dr_dank at 12:40 PM on January 27, 2014 [6 favorites]
I really really hope Moffat is done with intelligence-insulting overgrandiose plot resolutions now that Smith is gone. The Christmas episode was frustrating to watch for that reason - like if the Time Lords can hand out new regenerations like candy, why is there a 12-regeneration limit at all? And if regeneration gives The Doctor the power to blast Dalek starships out of the sky, why not just regenerate every episode and blow the bad guys to kingdom come, then ask the Time Lords for more regenerations?
The classic series has dorky special effects, but I never felt like I was being asked to check my brain at the door.
Here's hoping the Capaldi era is better.
posted by eustacescrubb at 12:41 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
The classic series has dorky special effects, but I never felt like I was being asked to check my brain at the door.
Here's hoping the Capaldi era is better.
posted by eustacescrubb at 12:41 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
He's like magician from the waist up, working man from the waist down.
posted by jason_steakums at 12:41 PM on January 27, 2014 [5 favorites]
posted by jason_steakums at 12:41 PM on January 27, 2014 [5 favorites]
Rose and Donna have certainly made attempts at period-appropriate clothing though, I can't recall if/when Martha and Amy have.
Martha in her housemaid's outfit figures prominently in my, um... cerebral musings about abstract intellectual things.
posted by George_Spiggott at 12:42 PM on January 27, 2014 [13 favorites]
Martha in her housemaid's outfit figures prominently in my, um... cerebral musings about abstract intellectual things.
posted by George_Spiggott at 12:42 PM on January 27, 2014 [13 favorites]
If I am unfortunate enough to never have indulged, and I wanted a decent place to start watching, which season should I begin with? Do I need to start at the very beginning?
You could probably start with the first of the "new" episodes with Christopher Eccleston; it's a good introduction to the show as a whole, and was comparatively recent (in 2006). Then you can do some skipping around over the years since then. A few "must-see episodes" lists have been compiled, some in here.
The beauty of this show having been relaunched is that the show runners are aware of the fact that the show was off the air for 10 years, and so they do a decent job of catching up newcomers to the weird stuff that dates back to its earlier incarnation.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:44 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
You could probably start with the first of the "new" episodes with Christopher Eccleston; it's a good introduction to the show as a whole, and was comparatively recent (in 2006). Then you can do some skipping around over the years since then. A few "must-see episodes" lists have been compiled, some in here.
The beauty of this show having been relaunched is that the show runners are aware of the fact that the show was off the air for 10 years, and so they do a decent job of catching up newcomers to the weird stuff that dates back to its earlier incarnation.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 12:44 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
If I am unfortunate enough to never have indulged, and I wanted a decent place to start watching, which season should I begin with? Do I need to start at the very beginning?
eggkeeper, I would not go for any particular full season, because they are all uneven. I would suggest you watch these episodes, in this order:
The Eleventh Hour (first episode of the 11th Doctor)
Spearhead from Space (first episode of 3rd Doctor)
The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances (fantastic two-parter with the 9th Doctor)
I think these episodes give you a pretty good idea of the variety of the show over the years, and at the end of these, you will have a feeling as to whether this show is for you.
posted by jbickers at 12:44 PM on January 27, 2014
eggkeeper, I would not go for any particular full season, because they are all uneven. I would suggest you watch these episodes, in this order:
The Eleventh Hour (first episode of the 11th Doctor)
Spearhead from Space (first episode of 3rd Doctor)
The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances (fantastic two-parter with the 9th Doctor)
I think these episodes give you a pretty good idea of the variety of the show over the years, and at the end of these, you will have a feeling as to whether this show is for you.
posted by jbickers at 12:44 PM on January 27, 2014
yasaman:
posted by charred husk at 12:45 PM on January 27, 2014
Rose and Donna have certainly made attempts at period-appropriate clothing though, I can't recall if/when Martha and Amy have.Even Leela switched from leather bikini to Elizabethan/Victorian dress for some of the more Gothic episodes.
posted by charred husk at 12:45 PM on January 27, 2014
If I am unfortunate enough to never have indulged, and I wanted a decent place to start watching, which season should I begin with? Do I need to start at the very beginning? (Oh good gravy now I have Julie Andrews singing in my head...)
Do not start at the very beginning. 50-year old production values are a hard sell for most modern audiences, and Classic Who's pacing can be alienating to modern audiences so used to the 40-odd minute serialized drama. I know I floundered on the shores of Classic Who's pacing when I gave the Fourth Doctor episodes a go.
Start with either the 9th Doctor first season, or the 11th Doctor's first episode "The Eleventh Hour." I'm very fond of the first season premiere "Rose," but will admit that it's a bit cheesy and low-rent compared to the more recent seasons.
posted by yasaman at 12:47 PM on January 27, 2014 [6 favorites]
Do not start at the very beginning. 50-year old production values are a hard sell for most modern audiences, and Classic Who's pacing can be alienating to modern audiences so used to the 40-odd minute serialized drama. I know I floundered on the shores of Classic Who's pacing when I gave the Fourth Doctor episodes a go.
Start with either the 9th Doctor first season, or the 11th Doctor's first episode "The Eleventh Hour." I'm very fond of the first season premiere "Rose," but will admit that it's a bit cheesy and low-rent compared to the more recent seasons.
posted by yasaman at 12:47 PM on January 27, 2014 [6 favorites]
The pants go with the shoes, and without the pants and shoes the costume has no bite. I might have to start watching this show again. I liked Matt Smith as the Doctor but after a season his performance reached a point of diminishing returns.
posted by quosimosaur at 12:48 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by quosimosaur at 12:48 PM on January 27, 2014
jbickers: I think these episodes give you a pretty good idea of the variety of the show over the years, and at the end of these, you will have a feeling as to whether this show is for you.
I'll add that it's perfectly fine to give the entire "Classic" run of the show a pass. I loved watching Tom Baker growing up on PBS, but for a modern viewer, it's pretty hard to get through most of the old episodes. You may miss out on a few inside jokes and obscure references, but if you just chalk them up to "The Doctor has a strange and mysterious past" you will do fine.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:49 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
I'll add that it's perfectly fine to give the entire "Classic" run of the show a pass. I loved watching Tom Baker growing up on PBS, but for a modern viewer, it's pretty hard to get through most of the old episodes. You may miss out on a few inside jokes and obscure references, but if you just chalk them up to "The Doctor has a strange and mysterious past" you will do fine.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:49 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
if the Time Lords can hand out new regenerations like candy, why is there a 12-regeneration limit at all?
Time Lords have a long and complicated history. They learned long ago that absolute immortality only serves to corrupt them in the worst ways possible. So they imposed a limit on the number of regenerations granted a Time Lord upon graduation from the academy. Rassilon himself set up a trap for anyone who wanted to seek out immortality who would find themselves living stone forever locked away in tower high as their reward.
And if regeneration gives The Doctor the power to blast Dalek starships out of the sky, why not just regenerate every episode and blow the bad guys to kingdom come, then ask the Time Lords for more regenerations?
It is a MIND BOGGLINGLY MASSIVE amount of energy that gets released during even a single regeneration. Within the New Series, Smiths is the first regeneration to occur outside of the TARDIS. Inside the TARDIS, which are neigh-industructable, the energy slash damage can be contained. Outside one, you get some pretty dramatic results. Like, harnessing the power of a black hole amounts of energy. I have to imagine that sending a whole new compliment of regenerations to The Doctor through The Crack probably all but drained their resources to the extent that we won't hear from them for a long, long time. Also, the immortality thing, only corrupted Time Lords have any desire to live longer than their law prescribes.
posted by mediocre at 12:50 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
Time Lords have a long and complicated history. They learned long ago that absolute immortality only serves to corrupt them in the worst ways possible. So they imposed a limit on the number of regenerations granted a Time Lord upon graduation from the academy. Rassilon himself set up a trap for anyone who wanted to seek out immortality who would find themselves living stone forever locked away in tower high as their reward.
And if regeneration gives The Doctor the power to blast Dalek starships out of the sky, why not just regenerate every episode and blow the bad guys to kingdom come, then ask the Time Lords for more regenerations?
It is a MIND BOGGLINGLY MASSIVE amount of energy that gets released during even a single regeneration. Within the New Series, Smiths is the first regeneration to occur outside of the TARDIS. Inside the TARDIS, which are neigh-industructable, the energy slash damage can be contained. Outside one, you get some pretty dramatic results. Like, harnessing the power of a black hole amounts of energy. I have to imagine that sending a whole new compliment of regenerations to The Doctor through The Crack probably all but drained their resources to the extent that we won't hear from them for a long, long time. Also, the immortality thing, only corrupted Time Lords have any desire to live longer than their law prescribes.
posted by mediocre at 12:50 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
It is a MIND BOGGLINGLY MASSIVE amount of energy that gets released during even a single regeneration.
But if another Time Lord takes your head, he steals your power, except for the part that goes toward causing nearby objects made of brick and glass and mud to arc and explode.
posted by George_Spiggott at 12:53 PM on January 27, 2014 [7 favorites]
But if another Time Lord takes your head, he steals your power, except for the part that goes toward causing nearby objects made of brick and glass and mud to arc and explode.
posted by George_Spiggott at 12:53 PM on January 27, 2014 [7 favorites]
Forget the costume, what are his catchphrases going to be?
posted by Legomancer at 12:56 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by Legomancer at 12:56 PM on January 27, 2014
Am I the only one who isn't seeing a picture on that first link? Is it like iPlayer, for Uk people only?
posted by Horace Rumpole at 12:59 PM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by Horace Rumpole at 12:59 PM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
Forget the costume, what are his catchphrases going to be?
"Flippity gumballs that's cracky!"
posted by The Whelk at 1:00 PM on January 27, 2014 [15 favorites]
But if another Time Lord takes your head, he steals your power, except for the part that goes toward causing nearby objects made of brick and glass and mud to arc and explode.
Has someone written this crossover fic? Someone should write this fic. Highlander-style immortals as an offshoot of the Time Lords! I am not ashamed to say I would watch and/or read so much of this.
posted by yasaman at 1:02 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Has someone written this crossover fic? Someone should write this fic. Highlander-style immortals as an offshoot of the Time Lords! I am not ashamed to say I would watch and/or read so much of this.
posted by yasaman at 1:02 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Forget the costume, what are his catchphrases going to be?
Allons-y | Geronimo | Sod this for a game of soldiers I'm off to the pub
posted by George_Spiggott at 1:03 PM on January 27, 2014 [11 favorites]
Allons-y | Geronimo | Sod this for a game of soldiers I'm off to the pub
posted by George_Spiggott at 1:03 PM on January 27, 2014 [11 favorites]
If I am unfortunate enough to never have indulged, and I wanted a decent place to start watching, which season should I begin with?
I suggest Matt Smith's first episode, The Eleventh Hour (1st episode, 5th new season). It requires no prior knowledge, gets the essentials of the character across and is no end of fun.
Old Who is extremely inconsistent, speaking as a fan of it. Don't run through whole seasons the way you would with a modern show. Glance at this ranked list of episodes, try samples of the best of the best and see if you find a Doctor you like.
I'd recommend The Curse of Fenric as a good example of Old Who at its best. (it's on Netflix) Maybe try that first.
Forget the costume, what are his catchphrases going to be?
"Come the fuck on or fuck the fuck off!"
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 1:04 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
I suggest Matt Smith's first episode, The Eleventh Hour (1st episode, 5th new season). It requires no prior knowledge, gets the essentials of the character across and is no end of fun.
Old Who is extremely inconsistent, speaking as a fan of it. Don't run through whole seasons the way you would with a modern show. Glance at this ranked list of episodes, try samples of the best of the best and see if you find a Doctor you like.
I'd recommend The Curse of Fenric as a good example of Old Who at its best. (it's on Netflix) Maybe try that first.
Forget the costume, what are his catchphrases going to be?
"Come the fuck on or fuck the fuck off!"
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 1:04 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
Costume is ok.
Here's hoping the Capaldi era is better.
I've lost all hope and won't be watching the show anymore, until I hear Moffat is gone. It's like being in a bad relationship until you come to your senses and just leave.
if the Time Lords can hand out new regenerations like candy, why is there a 12-regeneration limit at all?
In the Five Doctors (if memory serves), the Time Lords broker a deal with the Master where he gets some more regenerations. I'm not sure they hand it out like candy but in the god awful Christmas episode little made any sense.
posted by juiceCake at 1:04 PM on January 27, 2014
Here's hoping the Capaldi era is better.
I've lost all hope and won't be watching the show anymore, until I hear Moffat is gone. It's like being in a bad relationship until you come to your senses and just leave.
if the Time Lords can hand out new regenerations like candy, why is there a 12-regeneration limit at all?
In the Five Doctors (if memory serves), the Time Lords broker a deal with the Master where he gets some more regenerations. I'm not sure they hand it out like candy but in the god awful Christmas episode little made any sense.
posted by juiceCake at 1:04 PM on January 27, 2014
A slight aside... I've only seen the first ep so far (probably catch up later tonight) but Capaldi is amazing in the BBC's new Musketeers series.
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 1:06 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 1:06 PM on January 27, 2014
If I am unfortunate enough to never have indulged, and I wanted a decent place to start watching, which season should I begin with?
If you want old skool you can't do worse than pick anything from the first three seasons of Tom Baker. Try to ignore any iffy 'special' effects and only watch one ep at a time to avoid the problems with too much corridor running / general padding.
And the new... as others have said start with Matt Smith
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 1:12 PM on January 27, 2014
If you want old skool you can't do worse than pick anything from the first three seasons of Tom Baker. Try to ignore any iffy 'special' effects and only watch one ep at a time to avoid the problems with too much corridor running / general padding.
And the new... as others have said start with Matt Smith
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 1:12 PM on January 27, 2014
Is no one going to mention that fantastic cardigan underneath the coat? It makes me think we'll get a mean Doctor in the coat and a benevolent doctor in the cardigan. Reminds me of Mr. Rogers and ooohhh noooo now I'm having feeeeeelinnngggs
posted by sarahnade at 1:13 PM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by sarahnade at 1:13 PM on January 27, 2014 [3 favorites]
I've never been fond of the pyrotechnic regeneration, which started with the Paul McGann film, and came across as pretty blatantly Highlander derived. The current "look at me I'm a fire fountain" effect started with 9:10, but the 7:8 regeneration was very Connor McLeod lightningy, and as I watched I went "oh crap no, please don't do that." In classic DrWho the regeneration varied but was pretty low key. 4:5 involved a kind of new blank body ominously lurking until it was needed, then it kind of merged with him to become Tristan Farnham.
posted by George_Spiggott at 1:16 PM on January 27, 2014 [5 favorites]
posted by George_Spiggott at 1:16 PM on January 27, 2014 [5 favorites]
Am I the only one who isn't seeing a picture on that first link?
See it here. Oddly, their own Read More link (which is the one in our post) doesn't even work.
And yeah, I'd agree that starting with Matt/Eleven is fine to get "caught up", but mostly you just need to start watching. It's not a show that demands heavy continuity following, but does reward it -- certain reveals are accompanied by a global squee that can show up on the seismic monitor network.
posted by dhartung at 1:26 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
See it here. Oddly, their own Read More link (which is the one in our post) doesn't even work.
And yeah, I'd agree that starting with Matt/Eleven is fine to get "caught up", but mostly you just need to start watching. It's not a show that demands heavy continuity following, but does reward it -- certain reveals are accompanied by a global squee that can show up on the seismic monitor network.
posted by dhartung at 1:26 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
If I understood the Christmas Special (and I'm really not sure that I did), it wasn't the regeneration that blew the Daleks out of the sky, but the act of imbuing the Doctor with a new set of regenerations. The regeneration itself was indeed inside the TARDIS and was spookily instantaneous.
posted by Rock Steady at 1:26 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Rock Steady at 1:26 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
I've lost all hope and won't be watching the show anymore, until I hear Moffat is gone. It's like being in a bad relationship until you come to your senses and just leave.
You haven't seen Peter Moffat's Doctor Who, have you? Tell you what. Pour yourself a stein of cheap scotch and turn on the Sixth Doctor's first episode, The Twin Dilemma. (no-joke disturbing trigger warning for domestic violence)
I shake my question mark cane at you kids today who don't know how good you've got it.
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 1:28 PM on January 27, 2014 [8 favorites]
You haven't seen Peter Moffat's Doctor Who, have you? Tell you what. Pour yourself a stein of cheap scotch and turn on the Sixth Doctor's first episode, The Twin Dilemma. (no-joke disturbing trigger warning for domestic violence)
I shake my question mark cane at you kids today who don't know how good you've got it.
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 1:28 PM on January 27, 2014 [8 favorites]
Not bad. Hopefully the red liner will be more blush than sunburn in its exposure on the show.
posted by Atreides at 1:32 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by Atreides at 1:32 PM on January 27, 2014
If I understood the Christmas Special (and I'm really not sure that I did), it wasn't the regeneration that blew the Daleks out of the sky, but the act of imbuing the Doctor with a new set of regenerations. The regeneration itself was indeed inside the TARDIS and was spookily instantaneous.
That's my understanding, too. I found the 11/12 regeneration a nice counterpoint to 10/11's where, even while in the TARDIS, it was so powerful it broke the TARDIS.
I wasn't too fond of that Christmas Special... it's kinda hard to follow after The Day of the Doctor.
posted by linux at 1:33 PM on January 27, 2014
That's my understanding, too. I found the 11/12 regeneration a nice counterpoint to 10/11's where, even while in the TARDIS, it was so powerful it broke the TARDIS.
I wasn't too fond of that Christmas Special... it's kinda hard to follow after The Day of the Doctor.
posted by linux at 1:33 PM on January 27, 2014
Forget the costume, what are his catchphrases going to be?
"Okay, fuckity-bye."
posted by the christopher hundreds at 1:35 PM on January 27, 2014 [10 favorites]
"Okay, fuckity-bye."
posted by the christopher hundreds at 1:35 PM on January 27, 2014 [10 favorites]
In the spirit of "No frills, no scarf, no messing, just 100 per cent Rebel Time Lord." he should just have a screwdriver, no sonics. Still gets him out of all sorts of jams, because those eyebrows imply he might stab you with it.
posted by jason_steakums at 1:36 PM on January 27, 2014 [8 favorites]
posted by jason_steakums at 1:36 PM on January 27, 2014 [8 favorites]
Forget the costume, what are his catchphrases going to be?
"That'll put marzipan in your pie plate, bingo!"
posted by not that girl at 1:37 PM on January 27, 2014 [10 favorites]
"That'll put marzipan in your pie plate, bingo!"
posted by not that girl at 1:37 PM on January 27, 2014 [10 favorites]
Crombie? Doc Martens? So... he's a suedehead?
posted by snottydick at 1:38 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by snottydick at 1:38 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Am I the only one who isn't seeing a picture on that first link? Is it like iPlayer, for Uk people only?
Didn't show up for me until I hit refresh a couple of times.
posted by madajb at 1:46 PM on January 27, 2014
Didn't show up for me until I hit refresh a couple of times.
posted by madajb at 1:46 PM on January 27, 2014
The red lining does seem to recall the third doctor.
posted by George_Spiggott at 1:58 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by George_Spiggott at 1:58 PM on January 27, 2014
Crombie? Doc Martens? So... he's a suedehead?
Well, if we accept the common description that the First Doctor in 1963 was dressed as an "Edwardian gentleman", it makes a certain amount of sense that the new Doctor played by an actor the same age would dress from a style that is also 40-50-some-odd years before his episodes will air.
What I'm saying is WE ARE GETTING OLDER AND REALIZING IT IN WEIRD WAYS EVERY DAY .
posted by MCMikeNamara at 1:58 PM on January 27, 2014 [13 favorites]
Well, if we accept the common description that the First Doctor in 1963 was dressed as an "Edwardian gentleman", it makes a certain amount of sense that the new Doctor played by an actor the same age would dress from a style that is also 40-50-some-odd years before his episodes will air.
What I'm saying is WE ARE GETTING OLDER AND REALIZING IT IN WEIRD WAYS EVERY DAY .
posted by MCMikeNamara at 1:58 PM on January 27, 2014 [13 favorites]
Forget the costume, what are his catchphrases going to be?
Timey Fucking Whimey
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 2:00 PM on January 27, 2014 [6 favorites]
Timey Fucking Whimey
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 2:00 PM on January 27, 2014 [6 favorites]
I think he needs an Inverness Cape to go on top of that.
posted by George_Spiggott at 2:01 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by George_Spiggott at 2:01 PM on January 27, 2014
Is Peter Capaldi the same age William Hartnell was in 1963?
posted by mediocre at 2:02 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by mediocre at 2:02 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
This is sort of a mild Spoiler, but...
I took "Kidneys... I don't like their color" to be either a joke or a suggestion that he feels like there's something actually wrong with his kidneys. It is my sincere hope that if the latter is the case, #12 will be turning the TARDIS into a dialysis machine.
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:08 PM on January 27, 2014
I took "Kidneys... I don't like their color" to be either a joke or a suggestion that he feels like there's something actually wrong with his kidneys. It is my sincere hope that if the latter is the case, #12 will be turning the TARDIS into a dialysis machine.
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:08 PM on January 27, 2014
Is Peter Capaldi the same age William Hartnell was in 1963?
Yes.
posted by linux at 2:11 PM on January 27, 2014
Yes.
posted by linux at 2:11 PM on January 27, 2014
it would be funny if Clara asked him for a catchphrase and he glared at her, eyebrows practically roaring
posted by angrycat at 2:11 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by angrycat at 2:11 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
You haven't seen Peter Moffat's Doctor Who, have you? Tell you what. Pour yourself a stein of cheap scotch and turn on the Sixth Doctor's first episode, The Twin Dilemma. (no-joke disturbing trigger warning for domestic violence)
Yes, I have seen it. Years ago. Didn't care for most of those stories then either. The show was taking a huge dive at the time. To the BBC, Doctor Who at the time, seemed to be an afterthought whereas now it's a focus.
I shake my question mark cane at you kids today who don't know how good you've got it.
At 45, I don't think I could be classified as a kid, unless you're 75+ or something.
posted by juiceCake at 2:15 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Yes, I have seen it. Years ago. Didn't care for most of those stories then either. The show was taking a huge dive at the time. To the BBC, Doctor Who at the time, seemed to be an afterthought whereas now it's a focus.
I shake my question mark cane at you kids today who don't know how good you've got it.
At 45, I don't think I could be classified as a kid, unless you're 75+ or something.
posted by juiceCake at 2:15 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
I'm the only person who thinks this outfit needs a tie? Badly? Fair enough.
posted by penduluum at 2:18 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by penduluum at 2:18 PM on January 27, 2014
But if another Time Lord takes your head, he steals your power, except for the part that goes toward causing nearby objects made of brick and glass and mud to arc and explode.
There can be only twelve! Or thirteen! Actually, I'm not really sure.
posted by ActingTheGoat at 2:27 PM on January 27, 2014
There can be only twelve! Or thirteen! Actually, I'm not really sure.
posted by ActingTheGoat at 2:27 PM on January 27, 2014
if the Time Lords can hand out new regenerations like candy, why is there a 12-regeneration limit at all?
Because the writers needed an excuse to make the Master desperate, so they came up with the limit.
Before then, Time Lords could "live forever, barring accidents"
posted by RonButNotStupid at 2:28 PM on January 27, 2014
Because the writers needed an excuse to make the Master desperate, so they came up with the limit.
Before then, Time Lords could "live forever, barring accidents"
posted by RonButNotStupid at 2:28 PM on January 27, 2014
No tie, too formal, too like the other doctors, sleek minimalist vampire cloak is enough
posted by The Whelk at 2:29 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by The Whelk at 2:29 PM on January 27, 2014
"That'll put marzipan in your pie plate, bingo!"
And thanks to the introduction of John Hart, Time Agent over on Torchwood, he too can have a creepy love scene with James Marsters!
posted by kewb at 2:32 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
And thanks to the introduction of John Hart, Time Agent over on Torchwood, he too can have a creepy love scene with James Marsters!
posted by kewb at 2:32 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
> "... then it kind of merged with him to become Tristan Farnham."
Nice to know I'm not the only one who, during that whole period, was sort of vaguely expecting the Doctor to go around treating diseased farm animals in the English countryside.
posted by kyrademon at 2:40 PM on January 27, 2014 [6 favorites]
Nice to know I'm not the only one who, during that whole period, was sort of vaguely expecting the Doctor to go around treating diseased farm animals in the English countryside.
posted by kyrademon at 2:40 PM on January 27, 2014 [6 favorites]
Re catchphrase: I'm gonna go with "Davros' tits, this is a pretty turn of events!"
posted by George_Spiggott at 2:41 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by George_Spiggott at 2:41 PM on January 27, 2014
Pleated pants! Is also going to wear a too-short polyester clip-on tie and a short-sleeved shirt without an undershirt?
posted by Mo Nickels at 2:44 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by Mo Nickels at 2:44 PM on January 27, 2014
why is there a 12-regeneration limit at all?
I always thought it was because each doctor represented a part of a 12 step program.
1. "We admit we're powerless over time and out lives have become unmangeable" like the first doctor does when he steals the TARDIS and escapes Gallifrey.
2. "Come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity" like the second doctor does when he returns to the Time Lords to ask them to help restore people to their correct timelines.
3. "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of the Time Lords," like the third doctor does when they transform him in to the third doctor and give him a specific mission on Earth.
4. "Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves." like the fourth doctor does almost constantly, but which is made manifest in the creation of The Watcher.
5. "Admitted to the Time Lords, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs," like the Fifth Doctor attempts to do when he says 'Aldric' right before expiring.
6. "Were entirely ready to have the Time Lords remove all these defects of character," like the Sixth Doctor does when he drops everything likable about himself almost immediately upon regeneration.
7. "Humbly asked the Time Lords to remove our shortcomings," like the Seventh Doctor does when he regenerates into somebody who isn't a complete prat.
8. "Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all," like the Eighth Doctor does when, right before regenerating into the War Doctor, he lists his companions and makes a choice to become a warrior.
9. "Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others," as long as we don't count Daleks and Time Lords as others, this is what the War Doctor is attempting to do.
10. "Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it," like the Ninth doctor does when he admits he's a coward to the Dalek Emperor.
11. "Sought to improve our conscious contact with the Time Lords as we understood them" as the tenth doctor quite literally does in his final two episodes.
12. "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other beings, and to practice these principles in all our affairs," as the eleventh doctor does for three seasons.
So, basically, its all a metaphor for being an addict.
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:48 PM on January 27, 2014 [13 favorites]
I always thought it was because each doctor represented a part of a 12 step program.
1. "We admit we're powerless over time and out lives have become unmangeable" like the first doctor does when he steals the TARDIS and escapes Gallifrey.
2. "Come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity" like the second doctor does when he returns to the Time Lords to ask them to help restore people to their correct timelines.
3. "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of the Time Lords," like the third doctor does when they transform him in to the third doctor and give him a specific mission on Earth.
4. "Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves." like the fourth doctor does almost constantly, but which is made manifest in the creation of The Watcher.
5. "Admitted to the Time Lords, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs," like the Fifth Doctor attempts to do when he says 'Aldric' right before expiring.
6. "Were entirely ready to have the Time Lords remove all these defects of character," like the Sixth Doctor does when he drops everything likable about himself almost immediately upon regeneration.
7. "Humbly asked the Time Lords to remove our shortcomings," like the Seventh Doctor does when he regenerates into somebody who isn't a complete prat.
8. "Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all," like the Eighth Doctor does when, right before regenerating into the War Doctor, he lists his companions and makes a choice to become a warrior.
9. "Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others," as long as we don't count Daleks and Time Lords as others, this is what the War Doctor is attempting to do.
10. "Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it," like the Ninth doctor does when he admits he's a coward to the Dalek Emperor.
11. "Sought to improve our conscious contact with the Time Lords as we understood them" as the tenth doctor quite literally does in his final two episodes.
12. "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other beings, and to practice these principles in all our affairs," as the eleventh doctor does for three seasons.
So, basically, its all a metaphor for being an addict.
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:48 PM on January 27, 2014 [13 favorites]
Watching Calpadi play a role without uttering a few swear words here and there will do bad things to my brain.
This meme needs to die. It was old and tired on the day Capaldi was announced. He's done plenty of other things than Malcolm Fucking Tucker.
posted by crossoverman at 2:58 PM on January 27, 2014 [7 favorites]
This meme needs to die. It was old and tired on the day Capaldi was announced. He's done plenty of other things than Malcolm Fucking Tucker.
posted by crossoverman at 2:58 PM on January 27, 2014 [7 favorites]
That's why I always dress like Peter Cushing.
Grand Moff Tarkin definitely has that classic skeletal fascist chic thing going on.
posted by Celsius1414 at 3:20 PM on January 27, 2014
Grand Moff Tarkin definitely has that classic skeletal fascist chic thing going on.
posted by Celsius1414 at 3:20 PM on January 27, 2014
He's like magician from the waist up, working man from the waist down.
So it's a Mullet Suit?
posted by InfidelZombie at 3:20 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
So it's a Mullet Suit?
posted by InfidelZombie at 3:20 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
Pleated pants! Is also going to wear a too-short polyester clip-on tie and a short-sleeved shirt without an undershirt?
I'm pretty much on board with dated, too-specific-to-one-ugly-era fashion hate but the vehemence of the anti-pleated trousers thing eludes me. They've been in fashion much more than out of it for at least a century and what's good enough for everyone from James Cagney to the Hong Kong Cavaliers ought to be good enough for anyone.
posted by George_Spiggott at 4:32 PM on January 27, 2014 [7 favorites]
I'm pretty much on board with dated, too-specific-to-one-ugly-era fashion hate but the vehemence of the anti-pleated trousers thing eludes me. They've been in fashion much more than out of it for at least a century and what's good enough for everyone from James Cagney to the Hong Kong Cavaliers ought to be good enough for anyone.
posted by George_Spiggott at 4:32 PM on January 27, 2014 [7 favorites]
Watching Calpadi play a role without uttering a few swear words here and there will do bad things to my brain.
This meme needs to die. It was old and tired on the day Capaldi was announced. He's done plenty of other things than Malcolm Fucking Tucker.
Clark Gregg was a working actor for two decades before he became Phil Coulson. It's still fun to see him in any of those old roles and imagine why a SHIELD agent is undercover as, say, Julia Louis-Dreyfus's ex-husband.
See also James Gandolfini in anything where he isn't playing a mobster. It's just... odd to see people outside their heretofore defining roles.
posted by Etrigan at 4:55 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
This meme needs to die. It was old and tired on the day Capaldi was announced. He's done plenty of other things than Malcolm Fucking Tucker.
Clark Gregg was a working actor for two decades before he became Phil Coulson. It's still fun to see him in any of those old roles and imagine why a SHIELD agent is undercover as, say, Julia Louis-Dreyfus's ex-husband.
See also James Gandolfini in anything where he isn't playing a mobster. It's just... odd to see people outside their heretofore defining roles.
posted by Etrigan at 4:55 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Thank you so much for the where to start advice, I'm excited!
posted by eggkeeper at 5:11 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by eggkeeper at 5:11 PM on January 27, 2014
It's just... odd to see people outside their heretofore defining roles.
Neither of those examples are tired memes.
posted by crossoverman at 5:19 PM on January 27, 2014
Neither of those examples are tired memes.
posted by crossoverman at 5:19 PM on January 27, 2014
Yes! And didn't he go fishing once with Peri?
Yes he did. I was watching that episode during my high school years on PBS when my Mom walked through the room. She paused and stared at it on the screen. C. Baker was in those garish clothes with a fishing rod, and Peri was in basically nothing, one of her tiniest bikinis.
Mom: What are you watching?
Me: Doctor Who.
Mom:...when Doctor Who starts resorting to tits and ass I think it's probably just about done for.
It makes me sad, thinking back on that. Those were bad times.
posted by instead of three wishes at 5:35 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
Yes he did. I was watching that episode during my high school years on PBS when my Mom walked through the room. She paused and stared at it on the screen. C. Baker was in those garish clothes with a fishing rod, and Peri was in basically nothing, one of her tiniest bikinis.
Mom: What are you watching?
Me: Doctor Who.
Mom:...when Doctor Who starts resorting to tits and ass I think it's probably just about done for.
It makes me sad, thinking back on that. Those were bad times.
posted by instead of three wishes at 5:35 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
She's not wrong, your mum.
posted by orrnyereg at 5:36 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by orrnyereg at 5:36 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Peter Capaldi rides a horse in his pajamas on the set of Doctor Who
posted by homunculus at 5:42 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by homunculus at 5:42 PM on January 27, 2014
.when Doctor Who starts resorting to tits and ass I think it's probably just about done for.
My counterargument is Leela.
I like the costume all right on first look, love the callbacks to Three, and will be judging it more when I see it in motion. Also seconding the enjoyment of the Musketeer show with Capaldi, which is Sexy Musketeers to go with Showtime's Sexy Tudors.
posted by immlass at 6:02 PM on January 27, 2014
My counterargument is Leela.
I like the costume all right on first look, love the callbacks to Three, and will be judging it more when I see it in motion. Also seconding the enjoyment of the Musketeer show with Capaldi, which is Sexy Musketeers to go with Showtime's Sexy Tudors.
posted by immlass at 6:02 PM on January 27, 2014
Mom:...when Doctor Who starts resorting to tits and ass I think it's probably just about done for.
Amy Pond. Sexy police officer costume.
posted by Joey Michaels at 6:27 PM on January 27, 2014
Amy Pond. Sexy police officer costume.
posted by Joey Michaels at 6:27 PM on January 27, 2014
I am so glad for The Musketeers, it gives me enough Capaldi while I wait for more Capaldi.
As for the costume, it's like the Doctor took a look at a pair of Christian Louboutins and thought, "YES, I SHALL WEAR THESE. BUT NOT ON MY FEET."
which, you have to admit, is pretty sound Doctor-logic.
posted by cendawanita at 7:44 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
As for the costume, it's like the Doctor took a look at a pair of Christian Louboutins and thought, "YES, I SHALL WEAR THESE. BUT NOT ON MY FEET."
which, you have to admit, is pretty sound Doctor-logic.
posted by cendawanita at 7:44 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
I really loved Capaldi's delivery of "We're probably crashing" in the Christmas special. There was no sarcasm in it, just a guy trying to be helpful, like: What's that sound on the roof?" "It's probably raining." He's clearly in distress in more ways than one, but he seems happy to be able to help in this small way.
He could have played it for Tucker-like snark but instead chose to make it sound like he was genuinely explaining to Clara what that loud TARDIS-about-to-crash sound was. The former would have been funny, sure, but I found the latter to be really hilarious.
posted by Ian A.T. at 7:46 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
He could have played it for Tucker-like snark but instead chose to make it sound like he was genuinely explaining to Clara what that loud TARDIS-about-to-crash sound was. The former would have been funny, sure, but I found the latter to be really hilarious.
posted by Ian A.T. at 7:46 PM on January 27, 2014 [2 favorites]
Those shoes are horrible.
posted by sonic meat machine at 7:48 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by sonic meat machine at 7:48 PM on January 27, 2014
I really loved Capaldi's delivery of "We're probably crashing" in the Christmas special.
I just watched that scene again recently, and that jumped out at me, too. The delivery of that line and the physical acting he does in those few seconds as the TARDIS is being tossed around are incredibly Doctor-y. There's a lot of Doctorness in those gestures. I really do think Capaldi's got a handle on the character, and I am excited for this new Doctor in a way that I wasn't for Ten and Eleven.
posted by MrBadExample at 8:03 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
I just watched that scene again recently, and that jumped out at me, too. The delivery of that line and the physical acting he does in those few seconds as the TARDIS is being tossed around are incredibly Doctor-y. There's a lot of Doctorness in those gestures. I really do think Capaldi's got a handle on the character, and I am excited for this new Doctor in a way that I wasn't for Ten and Eleven.
posted by MrBadExample at 8:03 PM on January 27, 2014 [1 favorite]
Those shoes are horrible.
I know all these words, and they're all English, but all strung together like this they don't make any sense.
posted by soundguy99 at 9:01 PM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
I know all these words, and they're all English, but all strung together like this they don't make any sense.
posted by soundguy99 at 9:01 PM on January 27, 2014 [4 favorites]
as someone ho owns literally a closet just for shoes I can you that you are wrong.
Those shoes are the perfect shoes for that outfit.
posted by The Whelk at 9:02 PM on January 27, 2014 [6 favorites]
Those shoes are the perfect shoes for that outfit.
posted by The Whelk at 9:02 PM on January 27, 2014 [6 favorites]
The big clunky boots and rumply pants and long coat make me think of it as like the Pokemon evolution of McGann's Night of the Doctor costume.
posted by jason_steakums at 10:04 PM on January 27, 2014
posted by jason_steakums at 10:04 PM on January 27, 2014
I'm not at all immersed in the "canon" of Doctor Who, but the two explanations for the regeneration limit that I can come up with off the top of my head (and I'm going mostly by nu-Who):
1. There is some sort of biological limit on the Gallifreyans, but since they are a genetically enhanced race essentially built for time travel, technology exists to overcome it. But like all powerful and power-leveling technology, it is kept strictly under control by the High Council, lest the lower classes get all uppity, which leads to...
2. This is a limit imposed by Gallifreyan society (or the High Council) back in the day, because they were afraid of, or recognized the inherent monstrousness of unlimited power in an immortal body. A bit like the Time Lord Triumphant at the end of Water of Mars. Sure, you can go be a god for a long time, but eventually there's a limit to it, we have a way to stop you (in some fashion). Again, this is an artificial limit, so it can be overcome.
I kind of dig the outfit, and I've been a fan of Capaldi for years now (thanks to the Thick of It). I cannot wait, I'd like a little less "fate of the universe in the balance" every episode. Tell some smaller stories.
posted by X-Himy at 5:10 AM on January 28, 2014
1. There is some sort of biological limit on the Gallifreyans, but since they are a genetically enhanced race essentially built for time travel, technology exists to overcome it. But like all powerful and power-leveling technology, it is kept strictly under control by the High Council, lest the lower classes get all uppity, which leads to...
2. This is a limit imposed by Gallifreyan society (or the High Council) back in the day, because they were afraid of, or recognized the inherent monstrousness of unlimited power in an immortal body. A bit like the Time Lord Triumphant at the end of Water of Mars. Sure, you can go be a god for a long time, but eventually there's a limit to it, we have a way to stop you (in some fashion). Again, this is an artificial limit, so it can be overcome.
I kind of dig the outfit, and I've been a fan of Capaldi for years now (thanks to the Thick of It). I cannot wait, I'd like a little less "fate of the universe in the balance" every episode. Tell some smaller stories.
posted by X-Himy at 5:10 AM on January 28, 2014
It's sort of strange, in my Dr. Who experience, I've developed crushes on every other Doctor. Christopher E., no, Tennant, yes, Smith, no, Capaldi, I can already say yes.
posted by angrycat at 8:05 AM on January 28, 2014
posted by angrycat at 8:05 AM on January 28, 2014
Like I would only semi-ironically put up a poster of Capaldi in his red-lined coat.
posted by angrycat at 8:06 AM on January 28, 2014
posted by angrycat at 8:06 AM on January 28, 2014
The BBC may well have had to reveal the Twelfth Doctor's costume officially now that Capaldi's filming more scenes outdoors.... in the cold, wet Welsh weather.
One small detail that will doubtless be picked apart by obsessive fans (such as me, evidently) is his character's prominent ring, something that hasn't been worn since the First.
posted by Doktor Zed at 8:49 AM on January 28, 2014 [3 favorites]
One small detail that will doubtless be picked apart by obsessive fans (such as me, evidently) is his character's prominent ring, something that hasn't been worn since the First.
posted by Doktor Zed at 8:49 AM on January 28, 2014 [3 favorites]
Doktor Zed: The BBC may well have had to reveal the Twelfth Doctor's costume officially now that Capaldi's filming more scenes outdoors
Yeah, you knew you would be getting smartphone pictures of him as soon as they filmed anywhere in public, so they were smart to control the flow of information. Interesting point about the ring. There seem to be a number of references to past outfits -- "woven the future from the cloth of the past" as the press release says. I wonder how much of that was input from confirmed boyhood fan Capaldi himself. If so, I think that's wonderful.
posted by Rock Steady at 9:01 AM on January 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Yeah, you knew you would be getting smartphone pictures of him as soon as they filmed anywhere in public, so they were smart to control the flow of information. Interesting point about the ring. There seem to be a number of references to past outfits -- "woven the future from the cloth of the past" as the press release says. I wonder how much of that was input from confirmed boyhood fan Capaldi himself. If so, I think that's wonderful.
posted by Rock Steady at 9:01 AM on January 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
One small detail that will doubtless be picked apart by obsessive fans (such as me, evidently) is his character's prominent ring, something that hasn't been worn since the First.
I want to think that this is solely a First Doctor call-out but the cynic in me also can't help to note that such a costume decision is also a coup for the folks who are more than willing to sell you every single version of the sonic screwdriver these days.
(There is a much greater than zero chance that I would buy this ring, so please don't consider pointing this out a judgement per se.)
posted by MCMikeNamara at 9:09 AM on January 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
I want to think that this is solely a First Doctor call-out but the cynic in me also can't help to note that such a costume decision is also a coup for the folks who are more than willing to sell you every single version of the sonic screwdriver these days.
(There is a much greater than zero chance that I would buy this ring, so please don't consider pointing this out a judgement per se.)
posted by MCMikeNamara at 9:09 AM on January 28, 2014 [1 favorite]
Also, I wanted to add about the Classic Doctor Who episodes: If you want to experience time travel, there aren't many better ways than watching the very early serials. They don't hold up very well as TV entertainment, but as historical artifacts, it's fascinating to watch what is clearly recognizable as what you know and love as Doctor Who done with the technology and techniques of television in it's infancy.
MCMikeNamara: There is a much greater than zero chance that I would buy this ring
pleasetakemymoney.gif
posted by Rock Steady at 9:12 AM on January 28, 2014
MCMikeNamara: There is a much greater than zero chance that I would buy this ring
pleasetakemymoney.gif
posted by Rock Steady at 9:12 AM on January 28, 2014
I'm surprised he hasn't dressed for parkour all these years. Sure he rides through time, but he gets about physically going across catwalks, up/down stairs and ladders and bridges, and construction sites, through caves and pits, over rooftops, in corridors with all sorts of tech greebles and rails sticking out.
It's a wonder he's not covered himself in duct tape.
posted by Smedleyman at 11:05 AM on January 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
It's a wonder he's not covered himself in duct tape.
posted by Smedleyman at 11:05 AM on January 28, 2014 [2 favorites]
Twelfth Doctor Puppet Looks Adorable in His New Clothes
posted by homunculus at 2:25 PM on February 3, 2014
posted by homunculus at 2:25 PM on February 3, 2014
Doctor Who director says Capaldi brings back the classic dark Doctor
posted by homunculus at 3:16 PM on February 3, 2014
posted by homunculus at 3:16 PM on February 3, 2014
"It seems to me the episodes that we're doing now seem more like classic Who. We're going back to that style. But you'll have to wait and see."
Oooh, Classic Who with it's wobbly sets and rubber monsters! Ooooh!
posted by crossoverman at 4:16 PM on February 3, 2014
Oooh, Classic Who with it's wobbly sets and rubber monsters! Ooooh!
posted by crossoverman at 4:16 PM on February 3, 2014
Ben Wheatley is bloody great though, so we should take him seriously on this.
Probably the first time people are talking much about the director rather than the writer - wonder if he'll do anything to sort out the pacing problems that have dogged NuWho from the start.
posted by Artw at 4:39 PM on February 3, 2014
Probably the first time people are talking much about the director rather than the writer - wonder if he'll do anything to sort out the pacing problems that have dogged NuWho from the start.
posted by Artw at 4:39 PM on February 3, 2014
Also, though i am not really sold on darker always being better, it is certainly a team to make that work.
Now, if we can setthe Nigel Kneale dial to 11...
posted by Artw at 4:47 PM on February 3, 2014
Now, if we can setthe Nigel Kneale dial to 11...
posted by Artw at 4:47 PM on February 3, 2014
They're not Doctor Martens, they're Loakes.
posted by edd at 4:40 AM on February 4, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by edd at 4:40 AM on February 4, 2014 [2 favorites]
Apparently Tom Hiddleston is going to star in Wheatley's adaptation of High Rise.
posted by homunculus at 10:40 AM on February 7, 2014
posted by homunculus at 10:40 AM on February 7, 2014
Karen Gillan Talks the Doctor Who Finale Cameo That Broke All Our Hearts
posted by homunculus at 9:13 PM on February 20, 2014
posted by homunculus at 9:13 PM on February 20, 2014
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posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:41 AM on January 27, 2014