Fazzinchi

4×11: “Turn Left”

In much the same way that Martha Jones’ arrival in Torchwood for three episodes heralded the begining of a trilogy of stories based on Owen Harper, we have now seen the hotly anticipated return of Rose in a story focussing heavily on the new companion, Donna.  Many will argue that this is all just and proper given the tour de force that Catherine Tate delivered in this, the 11th episode of Series Four. The same people will be (more…)

4×04: The Sontaran Stratagem

It’s always nice to have a stratagem. According to dictionary.com its a plan, scheme or trick for deceiving an enemy, although what exactly the inhabitants of Earth had done to deserve the wrath of Staal The Undefeated and his Tenth Sontaran battle fleet wasn’t quite clear from episode one of this series’ first two-parter. Essentially, the plot involved the Sontarans surreptitiously distributing a new carbon eliminating device for all the world’s 800 million cars that was coupled (more…)

Where Did It All Go Right?

Much overdue but here, at last, are my considered thoughts on “Last of the Time Lords”, the final instalment of series three of Doctor Who. Even though it was loved and loathed in apparent equal measure within the picky world of fandom, the broadcast secured some very positive viewing figures that we all now seem to take for granted from these finales and fairly widespread acclaim.  Even the BBC invested a little extra in this televisual treat by commissioning an extra 8 minutes (more…)

Cartoon Who

It has probably escaped the attention of many of the 7 million regular viewers that Doctor Who gets every Saturday night that there is another, new, Who series running concurrently on Friday afternoons as part of Totally Doctor Who on Children’s BBC. Delivered in 3 minute chunks each week, The Infinite Quest is brought to us from the same team (although they have a new name) who gave us The Scream Of Shalka and the animated “lost episodes” of the classic (more…)

What’s That Coming Over The Plinth?

The story started off with what was supposed to be the end of Martha’s travels, although I doubt anyone watching would have thought for a moment that the adventures.  A chance sighting of Martha’s sister, Tish, on the telly with the eponymous Dr Lazarus was enough to tempt the Doctor to hang around for a while and, by the time the day was saved, Martha had been promoted to permanent companion status.  The story also gave us an insight into her family: Dad was (more…)

Are We There Yet?

Thousands sat through the Man United v Watford FA Cup semi final waiting to see whether Watford could pull off a shock victory.  Not through any great sporting interest, or even for a love of football but because the BBC had announced that, if the match was to go to extra-time then the third episode of Doctor Who, “Gridlock” would be delayed by a week.  What outrage there would have been.  The season was already a week later than planned after being delayed by the England v (more…)