Doctor Who

[Vee]

Capaldi talks to Newsweek about the show's future, Moffat's exit, etc. He reiterates he doesn't know whether he'll stay or go, but pointedly critiques the BBC's scheduling and taking the show for granted last year.

I think he's right - a lot of the longtime fans who remember the trauma of the '80s and '90s with DW always struggling to survive in some way don't always realize that this show is now an established, popular cash cow again for ten years running. That's why it was taken for granted last year by the programmer. I'm glad it is taking the year to regroup and presumably be feted properly in '17.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Vee

[Vee]

The Radio Times reports on one of the (cute) additions to upcoming spinoff Class.

[Vee]

More on Class.

[DRW50]

I thought I recognized Katharine Kelly. It will be great to see her again on a show I actually watch.

 

The comments section rage that this is a ripoff of SJA amuses me. 

 

Those kids look old.

[Vee]

Torchwood has a comic book now, because why not. Written by the family Barrowman, so there's that.

[Vee]

[Vee]

With one day left, a cryptic teaser:

 

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Current rumors on tomorrow's companion reveal include EE star and Carl favorite Rakhee Thakrar, Pearl Mackie and Georgina Campbell.

 

Also allegedly bandied about: Coronation Street star Michelle Keegan.

Edited April 22, 2016 by Vee

[DRW50]

Please not Michelle Keegan. She's ruined her face and her only real acting is silly aggression.

[Vee]

Here she is, world: Pearl Mackie as "Bill".

 

 

[DRW50]

She looks like a younger version of the woman who played Martha's mother. She also looks a bit like Sharon, the first DWM companion.

 

I'll certainly give her a chance. I'm glad they didn't go for a glambot type, as it's become rote in recent years. It's hard to judge on that clip as they're giving her a lot of Donna-type lines that Catherine Tate made work because she was Catherine Tate. I kind of wish they'd given her a more dramatic clip for her debut. 

 

I think Rakhee would have been the best choice, but I hope Pearl works out and I do see potential.

[Vee]

I do like that she's more overtly screwball comic than Clara or even Amy. Reminds me a bit of a '60s companion. I think big drama would've been the wrong way to go after Jenna.

 

This does remind me of how casually Freema Agyeman was treated by the show with its Billie Piper hangover when she could've run for years like Lis Sladen. I'm glad they've finally added a new companion of color to right that wrong.

[DRW50]

So is this from a story or just a short clip filmed on its own? I'm still confused about when they're taking the year break.

[Vee]

I'm not sure - I have heard it's from an actual episode. I think they start filming in May, as I think Pearl Mackie is currently doing theater.

 

I think a big part of the year break is that Moffat is unavoidably committed to Sherlock.

Edited April 23, 2016 by Vee

[Vee]

The TARDIS (and presumably Peter Capaldi) are on location filming for the new spinoff Class. Also spotted:

 

 

 

[DRW50]

That's wonderful.