New Doctor Who TV Series

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The Time Lord is Back on TV and DVD

Doctor Who - the longest running science fiction TV series - is back. Over 26 years we have seen the Time Lord regenerate multiple times, and after a long vacation in the outer reaches of time and space, he's returned for more adventures...

The fourth series of new Doctor Who has just finished broadcasting in the UK, and the DVD Boxed Sets of the previous series are now available to buy on DVD.

Series 4 of Doctor Who is released on DVD on November 17th
- pre-order it now and get it in time for Christmas.

The Time Lord Returns 

Review by James Shenton

Doctor Who

There was always something a little risky in attempting to continue that venerable British sci-fi franchise, Doctor Who. Reviving a show that has run since the early sixties and gathered millions upon millions of loyal followers can be a dangerous business. Done correctly, though, it can be very profitable.

So, when BBC Wales announced in 2003 that they intended to revive Doctor Who, fans met the news with concern and excitement in equal measures. The Doctor had enjoyed only one full-length screen outing since the show was cancelled in 1989 - the Fox Network's TV movie starring Paul McGann as the eighth Doctor - and poor ratings left little doubt that the franchise was truly dead and buried.

Doctor Who Series 1 


Doctor Who
The Complete
First Series


So, it was with a sense of trepidation that the BBC aired the premiere of the first new TV series in 16 years. Salford-born actor Christopher Eccleston (Gone in Sixty Seconds, 28 Days Later) was the unlikely choice for the part of the ninth Doctor, along with the even more unlikely choice of 90s songstress Billie Piper to play his spunky sidekick, Rose Tyler.

While reviews of the new show were generally positive, some hardcore Doctor Who followers were opposed to several changes. A new logo and a few minor changes to the TARDIS were enough to generate hate mail and death threats to members of the production team - but, then, cult sci-fi shows have always acted as lightning rods for those slightly less balanced elements of society.

In general, however, fans approved of the new show. Ratings for the first episode, titled "Rose", hit over ten million in the UK - the per capita equivalent of almost 50 million in the US. These ratings were high enough to spur the BBC to announce that a second season would be produced - season 27 overall.

Unfortunately, just hours after this announcement came news that Eccleston would not return for a second spell as Doctor Who for fear of becoming typecast. His departure had apparently been planned before filming ended on the first season, but was not meant to be made public until after the shows had aired. Following much speculation it was announced in April 2005 that Scottish stage actor David Tennant would fill Eccleston's shoes for the second season.

A year after its transmission in the UK, the Sci-Fi channel began airing season one - with the second season beginning at the end of September 2006.

Doctor Who Series 1 Trailer 

 

Doctor Who Series 2 


Doctor Who
The Complete Second Series


So what developments can we expect with the second season? The first episode, a 60-minute special titled "The Christmas Invasion", was originally aired in the UK as a Christmas special in 2005. Though not technically part of the official second season it will air on the Sci-Fi Channel as the first episode. "The Christmas Invasion" will contain a sub-plot focussed on introducing us to the new Doctor.

The main story will focus on an invasion of the Earth by a violent alien race, the Sycorax. But will the Doctor, weakened by his regeneration, be strong enough to save the world?

The new season will show us a different side to Doctor Who. While Eccleston's Doctor was dark and melancholic - often displaying disdain for the human race - Tennant's incarnation has a much more upbeat personality. Speaking with distinctive Estuary English, the tenth Doctor is a cheeky scoundrel of the highest degree. Usually light-hearted and witty, Tennants' character will become much closer to the human characters in the show - especially his companion Rose.

We can, however, expect fireworks during the second season of Doctor Who. Emotions run high as The Doctor becomes ever closer to his companion Rose, and he must face up to the fact that the near immortality of a Time Lord can be a curse as well as a blessing. Can he bring himself to love a mere mortal?

Meanwhile, The Doctor must face his eternal foes the Daleks - along with another ancient enemies, the Cybermen. During these battles he'll also find help in the form of a face from the past - as well as his trusty robot dog, K-9.

The second season of Doctor Who promises all the excitement of the first and more. Travelling through time - and even between dimensions - The Doctor will continue to fight the good fight against the enemies of the universe. Whether he'll be up to the challenge we'll have to wait and see.

Doctor Who Series 2 Trailer 

 

Doctor Who Series 2 Long Advert/highlights

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Doctor Who Series 3 

by Simon Brew (Amazon.co.uk)


Doctor Who
The Complete
Third Series


There were a few moments in the third season of the revived Doctor Who when you begin to wonder if the bubble has burst. A couple of tepid Dalek episodes, and a handful of forgettable stories, make you begin--perhaps for the first time since the show's revival--whether it's already hits its peak.

But never underestimate the new Doctor Who. For the back run of series three is as good as anything that's gone before it, with ingenious plotting, the clever layering of elements it casually--nah, crucially--refers to later on, and some quite superb individual episodes. It not only restores any hint of lost faith, it sets the bar even higher.

Examples? The stunning single story Blink is extremely clever, genuinely scary and has immense rewatch value. While the equally strong double-header of Human Nature and The Family Of Blood is a two-parter in the traditional Doctor Who way, building up its story in a measured and really effectively creepy way.

Then there's the finale. Presenting the Doctor with one of his finest, most ingenious villains makes for quite brilliant television (albeit with a slightly underwhelming concluding episode), as exciting to long-time fans of Doctor Who as it is for the newcomers.

And that, ultimately, is the brilliance of Doctor Who. It staggers so many levels of viewer enthusiasm, appeals to an extremely broad age demographic, and woos over fans new and old in a manner that no show currently on television can manage. And while the cliché of hiding behind the sofa may not be as accurate as it once was, Doctor Who season three will undoubtedly leave you gripped to the TV.

The 3rd series of Doctor Who will be released in the UK as a DVD Box Set on November 5th, 2007. Available to pre-order now.

Doctor Who Series 3 Trailer 

 

Doctor Who Series 3 Trailer

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Doctor Who Series 4 

Starts Spring 2008


Doctor Who:
The Complete Fourth Series



Available from
November 17th

Pre-order now!

Hot on the heels of the critically-acclaimed season three finale of Doctor Who, the BBC has announced that Catherine Tate is set to return to the Tardis for the complete 13-week run of the new BBC One series. Award-winning comedian Catherine Tate has been confirmed as the Doctor's new companion, returning to her role as Donna who featured in last year's Christmas special The Runaway Bride.

Donna mysteriously vanished as she prepared to marry her boyfriend in a glittering ceremony on Christmas Eve. She reappeared, much to her astonishment, in the Tardis with the Doctor. As the Tardis raced to the church, it soon became apparent that Donna was the key to an ancient alien plan to destroy the Earth. The episode ended with The Doctor inviting Donna to travel with him - an invitation which, at the time, was declined.

Catherine Tate was asked if she would like to become the Doctor's new companion at the press screening of The Runaway Bride. She replied: "I would love to, but no-one has asked!"

Freema Agyeman who has played Martha Jones, the Doctor's companion, throughout the critically-acclaimed third series will return to the show to join the Doctor and Donna mid-series.

Doctor Who's Executive Producer and Head Writer Russell T Davies said: "Catherine was an absolute star in The Runaway Bride and we are delighted that one of Britain's greatest talents has agreed to join us for the fourth series. "Viewers can expect more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008."

Catherine Tate said: "I am delighted to be returning to Doctor Who. I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey."

The fourth series of Doctor Who is released on DVD on the 17th of November.

Doctor Who Series 4 Trailer 

 

Doctor Who Season 4 Trailer

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New Doctor Who on US TV 

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The Doctor and His New Companion

Doctor Who DVDs on eBay 

PDoctor Who DVDs on eBayAs a consumer, you will find many great deals on Doctor Who DVDs through eBay auctions, often for much less that they retail for on the high street or else where on the Internet. The buying process is safe, and all major credit cards are supported.

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Reader Feedback 

qlcoach wrote...

Well crafted and beautifully present lens. Of course it's worth way more than 5 stars. I found it on Squidom. Hope you will visit mine about emotional healing. Gary Eby, author and therapist.

ReplyPosted June 03, 2009

messel wrote...

Rock on fan of "The Doctor"

ReplyPosted March 04, 2009

C-Joy wrote...

I have loved Doctor Who since I was teenager and I am passing it down to my daughter (she comes to a complete stop whenever she hears the title song!) I am sad that David is leaving, but look forward to "meeting" the new Doctor. Peter Davison was my first and most beloved Doctor:)

ReplyPosted February 21, 2009

ashroc wrote...

Doctor who has been my favourite tv show since i was 7 and Jon Pertwee was the doctor. Tom Baker is my favourite doctor and i liked David Tennant as soon as i saw him as the doctor.

ReplyPosted January 27, 2009

StevenCousley wrote...

Great lens, I'm a long time fan of the Dr, having grown up with the show in the 70's. Tom Baker is still my favourite Dr, but Tennant runs a close second.

ReplyPosted November 06, 2008

aj2008 wrote...

Dr Who is "must watch" TV in this house!

ReplyPosted November 04, 2008

Lensmaster

sue wrote

i realy love dr who i watch it in the late 60's a an 8 year old and in all series since- that have been on in australia. i had the great pleasure to share time at a brisbane convention with katy manning and that was just the greatest time high energy that lady is lol- the ladys crazey and very likeable. i think it come back at the right time and the writing is surpurb, keeps u interested. sue.

Reply Posted September 15, 2008

funwithtrains wrote...

Cool lens!

ReplyPosted September 13, 2008

Lensmaster

Toymaker wrote

Really nice lens, really nice. I was incredibly excited when I heard about the new series and I was lucky enough to be an extra in the first episode (Rose). Now I just blog about Doctor Who toys but I've not lost my love for the series. Keep up the good work, Christmas special coming up remember :)

Reply Posted September 04, 2008

FlashAllen wrote...

This is my favorite TV show the Daleks are the best villains ever.

ReplyPosted August 02, 2008

Lensmaster

Michele wrote

I love the Dr.Who series I've seen every episode since it started here in America and will be seeing the last of series 4 next week and I can't wait but it seems the previews I mean of the last episode is the last of the series period is it true will the 4th season be the last of the Dr.Who series or will there be a 5th season?I hope so I'm addicted LOL even got my daughter and her cousins addicted to the series.I LOVE DR.WHO!

Reply Posted July 26, 2008

debnet wrote...

Series 4 just finished here in the Uk last week. You're in for a treat :) Great lens 5*

ReplyPosted July 12, 2008

squidom wrote...

So, which season was airing early this year on BBC Prime? Anyway, I love the show. And I think Billy Piper was a good choice for the part. And the new doctor as well.
Cheers!

ReplyPosted June 12, 2008

The_Book_Garden wrote...

Great Series, though surely there is some mistake in having them start at Series 1? Surely that was made in the 60's and there has been quite a few series since!
How about a poll for your favorite Doctor? Mine has to be a close run thing between Tom Baker & Paul McGann (only appeared once in a film)

ReplyPosted June 11, 2008

poddys wrote...

Great lens, great series. I loved Dr Who since I saw the very first episode ever (first time around) - The Stone Age back in the early 60's.

ReplyPosted June 11, 2008

 
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About the Author 

Writer of the review of Series 1 and 2

James Shenton is a popular entertainment writer and huge fan of British TV shows. For more on Doctor Who and other paranormal TV shows visit www.EliteTvDownloads.com, the best resource to download television shows on the Internet.