Book review-Doctor Who: The Day of The Doctor

The Target Novelisations are a cherished medium in the world of Doctor Who fandom that have endured the test of time. In an era before VHS, DVDs or streaming, these novels offered fans a chance to experience missed episodes or relive their favorite moments. Although they may have been particularly popular among older fans, this is the first time newer enthusiasts are getting to enjoy these unique works of storytelling.

They offer an in-depth look into the Doctor Who universe with extended scenes, character development, and insights into the Doctor’s thought processes that might not have been possible to convey on screen. Moreover, they provide a nostalgic view into the show’s past and present a distinctive opportunity for fans to experience classic episodes in a fresh way.

Steven Moffat’s novelisation of The Day of the Doctor is a remarkable expansion of the source material. Created for the show’s fiftieth anniversary, Moffat takes advantage of the opportunity to add new scenes and a structural gimmick, which enhances the story and makes it even more enjoyable.

The narration in the novelisation smoothly switches between using “I and me” to “him and he,” emphasizing the Doctor as an idea, a significant theme throughout Moffat’s tenure as showrunner. However, Moffat’s inclination to show off his cleverness can be distracting.

The numbered chapters in a non-sequential order feel unnecessary, but the framing device between each chapter is a highlight. The narration shifts again, gradually revealing that the person whose voice we are reading is also the Doctor. The final reveal that it is the Curator, played by Tom Baker, is a satisfying conclusion to the novelisation.

Overall, Moffat’s novelisation of The Day of the Doctor is a valuable addition to the Doctor Who universe, expanding on the original episode in creative and innovative ways. the novelisation delves deeper into the Time War and the impact it had on the Doctor’s psyche, which was only briefly touched upon in the original episode.

Moffat also explores the relationship between the Doctor and his companions, particularly Clara, and how it evolves over the course of the story. These additional insights offer a more nuanced and complex view of the Doctor Who universe, making the novelisation a valuable addition to the canon.

Book review-Rose Target novelisation

Recently published are five new Target novels that include four adaptations of Doctor Who stories from the post-2005 era. These stories comprise Rose by Russell T Davies, Day of the Doctor by Steven Moffat, The Christmas Invasion by Jenny Colgan, and Twice Upon a Time by Paul Cornell. Additionally, a Target version of City of Death by James Goss is also available.

Doctor Who: Rose is a novel adaptation of the iconic first episode of the show’s revival in 2005. This book marks the first time that Russell T Davies has adapted his own work into a novel, making it a highly anticipated release for fans of the show. As an avid fan of the show myself, I can say that this novel did not disappoint.

Russell T Davies brings his trademark playfulness and wit to the novel, adding new colour and several new laughs to the story. The novel captures the excitement and energy of the original episode, transporting the reader back to the first time the Ninth Doctor takes hold of Rose’s hand and utters the immortal phrase – ‘Run!’

One of the highlights is the expanded backstory of Wilson, a character who was briefly mentioned in the original episode but never seen. The prologue of the novel provides insight into Wilson’s life and his involvement with the lottery pool, adding a new layer of depth to the plot. Davies expertly weaves in these new details, creating a more fully realised world that adds to the overall richness of the story. By expanding on the peripheral characters, Davies has created a novel that feels even more fleshed out than the original episode. Fans of Doctor Who are sure to appreciate these new details and the way they enhance the story as a whole.

The novel also includes several cameos that nod to the future of the show, post-Rose and even up to the present day. Davies also addresses Steven Moffat’s Pandorica and Crack in Time story arc, which explains the frequent Earth invasions in RTD’s era and why no one remembers them.

While there are a couple of areas where the added details don’t quite ring true, the novel is still a thrilling read that delivers on all fronts. The climax builds to an epic battle that could not have been achieved on a BBC TV budget, and the humour is firing on all cylinders.

Overall, Doctor Who: Rose is a delightful novel that will transport fans of the show back to the excitement of the first episode of the revival. Russell T Davies has once again proven himself to be a master storyteller, and fans of Doctor Who are sure to enjoy this adaptation. Highly recommended.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review-Torchwood: The Death of Captain Jack

Torchwood: The Death of Captain Jack is difficult to review, without spoiling. So, I won’t be discussing the storyline.

This is a very ambitious audio, from David Llewellyn who once again proves himself to be one of the greatest writers Torchwood has ever had. He perfectly manages to encapsulate the history of Jack and John and give the Torchwood franchise a fresh new spin, all within an hour-long adventure. It’s an absolute joy. James Marsters absolutely shines as Captain John Hart and, instantly reminds us why he was so popular amongst Torchwood fans. He’s the perfect foil to John Barrowman’s Captain Jack.

There’s also a slight dig at Torchwood: Miracle Day.

Director Scott Handcock and producer James Goss have their awesomely unique style all over this release. Torchwood on Big Finish is the best Torchwood has ever been. They just get it, it’s ambitious, it’s loud, it’s sexy and over the top. Which is just how it should be.

10/10.

Torchwood contains adult material and may not be suitable for younger listeners.

Christopher Eccleston to appear at LFCC

News-wise, It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Christopher Eccleston. Last week he opened up about his experiences on Doctor Who.

This week Showmasters announced he’ll appear at  London’s Film and Comic Con in July. This will mark Eccleston’s first ever convention appearance.  The actor will be appearing at the convention event on Sunday, July 29.

He won’t be the only Doctor Who actor in attendance either, fans will also get the chance to meet Peter Capaldi, Pearl Mackie, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker, Bonnie Langford and David Bradley.

Full details about all guests, prices and timings can be found on London Film and Comic Con’s website.

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Steven Moffat publishes day of the Doctor script, that featured Christopher Eccleston

The former Doctor Who showrunner has made the first draft of the day of the Doctor script, available for the charity project A Second Target for Tommy. There are a couple of changes.

Moffat says:

“While novelising Day of the Doctor, I went back through all the many drafts of the script, and I found this version of the barn scene.

The Moment is clearly not Rose Tyler in this draft, and the barn itself has a different, erm, origin. If barns can be said to have origins.

But the other big difference is the one that people might get a kick out of. Hope you enjoy, but please do keep in mind this is the roughest of early drafts…”

THE NINTH DOCTOR

Don’t sit on that.

RAGGEDY GIRL

Why not?

He strides over to her, grabs her arm.

THE NINTH DOCTOR

Because it’s not a chair, love – it’s the most dangerous weapon in the universe.

THE NINTH DOCTOR

Listen. A very bad thing is gonna happen here and I’m not sure how it’s gonna work. But I don’t think you want to be here when it does, okay?

RAGGEDY GIRL

…you’ve got a funny face.

THE NINTH DOCTOR

You should see the other fellas.

RAGGEDY GIRL

I like it though.

THE NINTH DOCTOR

Thanks, it’s new. Not sure about the ears yet, they just sort of kept going. Now, you need to get away from here. You need to pick a direction and just run –

RAGGEDY GIRL

You sound clever

THE NINTH DOCTOR

Not clever enough to figure out how this thing works, so could you give us some hush?

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Christopher Eccleston opens up a little more about Doctor Who

It’s no secret that Christopher Eccleston has a turbulent relationship with Doctor Who, he’s previously hinted at reasons as to why he left. But in a recent interview with the radio times, he opened up a bit more about the tensions behind the scenes.

He said:

“My relationship with my three immediate superiors – the showrunner, the producer and co-producer – broke down irreparably during the first block of filming and it never recovered. They lost trust in me, and I lost faith and trust and belief in them”

He then spoke about the stress involved with making the series:

“Some of my anger about the situation came from my own insecurity. They employed somebody, who was not a natural light comedian”

Speaking about Billie Piper he said:

“Billie, who we know was and is brilliant, was very, very nervous and very, very inexperienced. So, you had that, and then you had me. Very, very experienced, possibly the most experienced on it, but out of my comfort zone.”

You can read the full interview, in the latest edition of The Radio Times.

David Tennant talks about the moment he found out Jodie Whittaker was The Doctor

David Tennant is currently doing the press rounds for his new film, You, Me and Him. With series 11 of Doctor Who currently in production, inevitably questions about Jodie Whittaker have been asked. Here’s what he had to say:

“I suppose I was wondering, because Chris Chibnall used to write Broadchurch and Jodie Whittaker was on Broadchurch, so I was beginning to put two and two together a little bit before I found out the news.

Chris [Chibnall] called me and said: ‘The new Doctor would like to chat, is that okay? I’ve given her your number.’ I said, ‘all right,’ and the next phone call I get, Jodie’s name comes up.

It was wonderful because she’s so right for it and she’s so ready for it.

I think what the world will discover is just how funny and anarchic and crazy Jodie can be and that I’m sure she will channel into this part with great aplomb – it’s going to be fantastic.”

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Episode 189: The Justice Leauge of River Song

Back like a regrettable Tinder date, that won’t stop calling you.

It’s the first Bad Wilf Podcast of 2018, after 8 years of podcasting are we any better?

No, but here’s our spoiler-free review of The Diaries Of River Song and, our spoiler-filled review of Justice League.

The Diary of River Song is an audio play series from Big Finish Productions. Alex Kingston reprises her character River Song from the television series Doctor Who.

Justice League is a 2017 superhero film based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is the follow-up to 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and the fifth instalment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

The film is directed by Zack Snyder, written by Chris Terrio and Joss Whedon, and features an ensemble cast that includes Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, and Ray Fisher as the title team, with Amy Adams, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen, and J. K. Simmons in supporting roles.

In the film, Batman and Wonder Woman recruit The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg after Superman‘s death to save the world from the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons.

The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as but not limited to Amazon Music, Podchaser, Player FM, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

Check out our Youtube.

If you’d like to support the show, then please shop via our Amazon link. A small percentage goes our way, at no extra cost to you.

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Matt Smith would like to return to Doctor Who

Matt Smith is currently doing the press tour for the second series of The Crown, obviously the question about Doctor Who was raised.

Speaking to MTV Smith said:

“I’d come back. Yeah, if the timing was right. I think we’ve got to give a few years to Miss Whittaker to get the TARDIS under her belt, as it were, and then yeah – one day.”

When asked if he has any advice for Jodie Whittaker, he added:

“I will tell Jodie what I told Peter [Capaldi] – listen to no-one.”

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Episode 188: Daniel Lawrence Taylor

Martyn chats to actor/writer Daniel Lawrence Taylor.

Daniel Lawrence Taylor is a British actor who has appeared in several sitcoms including Uncle, How Not to Live Your Life and Hunderby. He starred in ITV2‘s 2015 comedy Cockroaches and had a small role in The Inbetweeners. He is one half of the comedy duo Ginger & Black (with Eri Jackson).

Martyn and Daniel talk about writing to deadlines, the pressure of social media and Daniel’s ITV2 show, Time Wasters.

The podcast is available from all good podcast services, such as but not limited to Spotify, Amazon Music, Podchaser, Player FM, Stitcher, and Apple Podcasts.

We also have a Smartlink.

You can follow Daniel on Twitter-@DanielTaylor247

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