We’ve all got different ‘triggers’ for when ‘Christmas’ officially begins. For many, it’s probably when the Supermarkets start displaying their Christmas lines! But that’s obscenely early isn’t it these days? So how about…

…that first Christmas meal? (this year, my first one was about three weeks ago! )

…or when the John Lewis Christmas TV Ad first appears? (a ‘return to form’ this year for JL? Maybe!)

…or receiving your first Christmas Card? .

Anyway, back to Christmas TV. The real big event for me (and this ritual goes back years!) is when the Christmas double-issues of TV Times and Radio Times first go on sale. Normally, that’s around the first or second week in December, and I always try and pick them up as soon as they’re out! This year, I was quick off the mark, and down to the local Tesco to pick up this year’s editions just after 9.30. For the first time, they were difficult to find! I can recall when they used to have them on pallet-boards because of their popularity… Hhhmmmm!

I think my fascination (read that as ‘obsession’) with these two publications is a throwback to my childhood in the 60s and 70s, when Dad used to bring them home after finishing work for Christmas. As a family, we loved Christmas (of course!) but more especially, we all loved Christmas TV and therefore Christmas Day (especially) did revolve around what was on the telly!

Picking what to watch was easy! Back then, there was no remote control, so Dad’s choice normally ‘won’, but that didn’t cause any issues, as TV was more family-friendly back then, wasn’t it — The Generation Game at Christmas anyone? That suited us, but the ‘Queen’s Speech’, not so much (c’mon, we were teenagers!) . To add to the fun in those days, there was no Sky TV, and so there was frequent positioning and re-positioning of the TV aerial to ensure the best possible pic!

With these oversized publications taking pride of place in the lounge, our first job bin December was to painstakingly search through the schedules, taking it in turns to circle our favourite programmes. Fast-forward to 2025, and it’s much the same now — except we can also download the digital versions to our various devices. Progress ehh!? …then again, maybe not!

The Christmas Double Issues (2025)

These days, both publications have a massive page count, mainly because they both list more-or-less the same information. Why’s that? Well, for my younger readers here, back in the ‘Stone Age’ (up until 1990) RT listed only the BBC stuff (including the radio) whilst TVT covered just the commercial channels. These days, in the now ‘gazillion-channels/satellites/streaming TV era’, you have both publications running into hundreds of pages. . Prices are slightly up on last year where the Radio Times fills 292 pages, whilst the TV Times comes in at 228!

So, just like back-in-the-day all that’s left to do now is to plough through them both, highlighter pen at the ready, and our Christmas TV preparations are sorted!

Ghosts of Christmas (Covers) Past – 2010-2024…

Merry Christmas everyone!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Christmas TV Listings (2025) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Yes, it’s that time of year again! The John Lewis Christmas Advert launched at 8am this morning! As many of you know, I normally post about their annual offering.

This year’s has no words and is a real tear-jerker. It was launched 10 days earlier than 2024’s (I nearly missed it!) and created once again this year by Saatchi & Saatchi. Featuring a father and son, there are no spoken words, and the soundtrack is pure 90’s disco! – the track ‘Where Love Lives’ by Alison Limerick then mixes into a much slower new version by the British singer and producer, Labrinth. It ends with the onscreen strapline: “If you can’t find the words, find the gift”.

Aww!

John Lewis will be selling a limited edition vinyl record featuring both versions of the track via the Rough Trade record shop sections already in stores and via its shopping app. Profits from the £14.99 record will go to the John Lewis Partnership’s Building Happier Futures programme, which helps people who have grown up in care.

This one is JL’s 16th (!!) since they began the trend of the big retailers spending mega-amounts on cinema-quality productions.

Click below to watch this year’s offering…

What did you think?

Here’s a reminder of JL’s previous festive ads, together with links…

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2024
– The Gifting Hour

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2023
– Snapper, the Perfect Tree

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2022
– The Beginner

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2021
– An Unexpected Guest

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2020
– A Little Love

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2019
– Excitable Edgar

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2018
– The Boy and the Piano

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2017
– Moz the Monster

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2016
– Buster the Boxer

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2015
– Man on the Moon

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2014
– Monty the Penguin

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2013
– The Bear and the Hare

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2012
– The Journey

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2011
– The Long Wait

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2010
– She’s Always a Woman

Even though it was earlier this year, JL’s wasn’t the first BIG Christmas Ad this year – Sainsbury’s launched theirs yesterday

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post John Lewis Christmas Advert (2025) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Who needs the TARDIS to travel in time? All I need is an episode of Thunderbirds to instantly transport me back to the 60s!

In fact, it was just after my 9th birthday that I first got acquainted with the Tracy Family and all their high-tech kit (ahh, so that’s where I get my obsession from!).

Fast-forward 60 years (yes, 60!) and this year, in 2025, something very special happened. Well, two special events actually!

Special Event 1 – Thunderbirds in Blu-Ray

First, a new DVD collection to celebrate 60 years. This was made possible through a Kickstarter campaign and the co-operation of ITV Studios

To celebrate the anniversary, all 32 episodes have been digitally restored, and for the first time, available on Blu-Ray DVD. At almost £90, it’s probably going to be on a lot of Christmas Lists!

And it’s all packaged with lots (and lots) of extras to give this iconic series a really premium and exclusive feel.

But wait! a Thunderbirds DVD in Blu-Ray? Blu-Ray? That’s so last century! Everyone knows that if you want the ultimate in picture and sound quality, then UHD/4K is the best there is. And although you can’t BUY these newly restored Thunderbirds episodes in UHD/4K, selected cinemas are showing two episodes in this ultimate format. So, with four times the pixels, that means an even better picture, plus they’ve also dabbled with the audio mix too – apparently, it’s now in 5.1 Surround Sound! Nice!! . Cue ‘Special Event 2’.

Special Event 2 – Thunderbirds in 4K

For fans of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s most ambitious series, today, things get even better for fans! Around the UK in selected cinemas, they’re showing two episodes back-to-back on the big screen – and that’s a first! OK, there have been Thunderbird FILMS in the past – Thunderbirds Are Go (1966) and Thunderbird 6 (1968), but this is the very first time – anywhere in the world – that two selected TV episodes are being shown in cinemas. But the biggest news of all is that they are being shown in UHD/4K! It literally doesn’t get any better than that.

Not EVERY cinema chain was showing this very special presentation – certainly not our nearest and newest Cineworld (which was a bit of a surprise). However, our current fave – The Savoy in nearby(ish) Corby (together with 200 others around the UK) – was! Tickets were duly booked on Thursday, 28 August, before they all sold out.

So, what’s being shown? Well, it HAS to be the very first episode from 1965, doesn’t it? – Trapped in the Sky.

Synopsis – Trapped In the Sky (50mins)
Master criminal, the Hood, plants a bomb on board the new atomic-powered airliner, Fireflash, before it departs on its maiden flight. Unable to land for fear of setting off the bomb, the crew and passengers’ only hope of survival lies with International Rescue.

…and the second? Largely regarded as the most exciting Thunderbirds episode ever made – Terror in New York City.

Synopsis – Terror In New York City (50mins)
After Thunderbird 2 is heavily damaged in a mistaken attack, it leaves the team seemingly without a swift means to transport any rescue gear to New York City to save a news crew trapped underneath the collapsed Empire State Building.

Off we went for the 3pm-only performance. We were fully expecting (hoping?) that some attendees will dress for the occasion. Sadly, our pink Rolls-Royce wasn’t available!

We’re going in! See you on the other side.

Official Trailer

Sadly, no-one dressed up, but it was good to see ‘children’ of all ages there. We took our seats in the luxury recliners and waited for the start. Sadly, it all went wrong from there! Most serious of all, they showed it all in the wrong screen ratio, so the top, bottom, and sides were chopped off. Initially, we thought it was a temporary blip, but the issue continued for the whole two-hour performance

A few of us briefly left our seats and had a chat with the staff, but it turned out that the cinema had been sent the wrong print – and the more we watched and listened, the more shortcomings we noticed. The sound was only coming out of the FRONT speaker (so no ‘5.1 Surround Sound’ then!) and on a closer look at the image, it certainly wasn’t UHD/4K – in fact, it didn’t even look Blu-Ray to me! Later, the Cinema concluded that they must have sent the wrong version. How embarrassing for them!!

So, overall, it was an enjoyable event, but out of all of us (especially given the hype) I was VERY disappointed with the technical shortfalls. That aside, it was worth reminding ourselves that these episodes were from 60 years ago, and although the script creaked a bit in places, it had held up remarkably well! Surely that’s a reminder of how much more sophisticated this series was, compared with most other kids’ programmes of the day.

As we left, still feeling somewhat disappointed (where I was all set to have a moan at ‘management’ ) we witnessed a superb piece of pro-active customer service! . The Duty Manager diverted everyone who’d been there to another part of the cinema and immediately issued full refunds – we didn’t need to ask! We haven’t seen that sort of responsiveness in many years, and it rescued the very negative experience towards something more positive.

OK, I’m still a bit miffed that I didn’t get to see it in all its 4K gloriousness, but that’s now in the past. The cinema did remind us that they hoped to acquire the correct print in time for the second and final showing next Thursday (6pm) but by then, we’ll be in Margate for my Birthday.

FAB? Well, not quite!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Thunderbirds are… 4K! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 8: The Reality War

Here we are, about to watch the final episode of Series 2. For some, this one might be the last episode EVER! . More details later in this Post.

Actually, watching this week’s finalé episode was a tad convoluted. First, there was NO early iPlayer release, so there was no opportunity for me to watch this from 8am, as usual. Second, in addition to tonight’s TV transmission, it was being shown at most UK Cinemas together with last week’s episode, Wish World (part 1 of this two-parter). In short, we’d be watching tonight’s final episode at the same time as everyone else, at 6.50pm – albeit on a bigger screen! . It’s longer than usual too, with a runtime of an hour and 10 minutes.

A quick word about LAST week’s story before I immerse myself in tonight’s conclusion. Much to my surprise, I REALLY enjoyed ‘Wish World‘. For me, it had all the ingredients of a good DW yarn – a genuine mystery, a clear sign of who was good and bad, lots of tension – and best of all, no crying by our hero!! . In short, the best of this series! Interestingly (or not), asking around my fellow Whovians, they didn’t all share my view – thus is the divisiveness of Doctor Who these days!

Season Series 2 so far…

Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 7: Wish World – Saturday, 24th May, 2025 @ 6:36 pm
Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 6: The Interstellar Song Contest – Saturday, 17th May, 2025 @ 7:01 pm
Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 5: The Story and the Engine – Saturday, 10th May, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 4: Lucky Day – Saturday, 3rd May, 2025 @ 6:58 pm
Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 3: The Well – Saturday, 26th April, 2025 @ 7:06 pm
Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 2: Lux – Saturday, 19th April, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 1: The Robot Revolution – Saturday, 12th April, 2025 @ 6:40 pm
Doctor Who Returns (almost!) – Saturday, 5th April, 2025 @ 8:00 am

5.15pm: OK, I’m going in!

I picked up Jo & Janet and we headed for The Savoy Cinema in Corby (Ann sat this one out – she’s not a fan, not even close! ). There was just one performance – 5.45pm – beginning with a repeat of last week’s Wish World (great!) and then followed by the real reason we were all here – tonight’s final episode ‘The Reality War’.

Don’t read any further if you’ve not watched this one yet. It’s impossible to review it without giving away a lot of the reveals (and there’s plenty of them). A quick check online (12 hours after I saw it last night) shows that the internet is still awash with comment and opinion – and I reckon that’ll continue for some time! Now, read on (or not).

The Screen was already about 40% full when we arrived, but closer to 80% by ‘curtain up’. In fact, it was the busiest I’ve seen this cinema in ages! A wide range of age groups too (which was surprising!). From the ‘other side of 60’ to bright young things that clearly couldn’t tell the time, switch off their phones nor go for longer than an hour without needing another obligatory drink/popcorn/trough of chilli!

Trailer

Synopsis

“Battle rages across the skies as the Unholy Trinity unleash their deadly ambition.
The Doctor, Belinda and Ruby have to risk everything in the quest to save one innocent life. Battle rages across the skies as the Unholy Trinity unleash their deadly ambition”.

Any Good?

Crikey! Where to start with this one!!! . There’s so much to unpack on so many levels. As a few of you pointed out, I’m late posting this, but I needed a night’s sleep to try and make sense of it all – and I’m not sure I have!!!

OK, at its most simplistic level, this was a really entertaining episode – never a dull moment, plenty of action and the cinematography is a visual treat. There are a lot of characters to absorb, but where the plot comes to a satisfying conclusion, and where most characters live happily ever after! So, that’s a good start. I’d add that seeing it at the cinema with my fellow fans added to the experience. These days, there’s something about Who on the big screen that just adds to the spectacle of it all. Whereas some TV programmes don’t translate well to a larger format, this one was made for it! On with the show…

Looking more forensically, there was so much to wrap your head around, this wasn’t the one to cut your teeth on as a Who noobie. A knowledge of DW lore as well as knowing who wears the white hats (and the black ones too) is a must. The SFX were lavish, and it’s easy to see where a lot of the (Disney?) investment in this series has gone – that, together with the enormous cast! Unusually, there’s more than ONE foe to jeer at – The Rani, the Rani (yes, that’s right – two of them), Conrad Clark (from an earlier episode) and of course, the biggest of ‘big bads’, Omega (the first Time Lord) – more on him later!

The narrative flows well, and the longer runtime helps enormously. I think it would have been impossible to tell this story within the constraints of the usual 50-minute slot. There’s even time for a spot of humour (‘So much for the Two Ranis’ – it’s a goodnight from me’ . The music, by Murray Gold, was as good as ever too

I liked this story a lot, but there were a few disappointments for me. Personally, given the importance Omega in the DW backstory, his defeat was over far too quickly, as was the fate The Rani (well, one of them!). NG has brought a new sensitivity to the role of the Doctor, and whilst that’s a good thing overall, parts of tonight’s yarn were all a bit too sentimental. Case in point: the reunion at UNIT HQ: can we stop all the hugging and get on with saving the world please!!! . Those who know me, know that there’s not a single maternal bone in my body, and the screentime for the sprog – ‘Poppy’ – in tonight’s episode, was bordering on excessive (even though I recognise her importance in the ‘bigger picture’).

There’s usually a jaw-dropping moment in Who finalés, but tonight’s featured a biggy, followed by an even bigger, err, biggy, and then THAT really big one! (the biggest of biggies ever in DW?) With audiences so much more savvy these days with plot direction, it must be hard for writers to create that ‘moment’.

This evening was a rare exception, and none of us saw what was to come. The noise we all heard at The Savoy was the collective thud of jaws hitting the floor – not once, not twice, but THREE times. 13 returning, NG’s regeneration and the big reveal of the next Doctor, number 16 – or was she? – all contributed to a collective series of heads exploding around Northamptonshire and further afield!

When Billie Piper appeared briefly as the face of the new Doctor, there was a brief pause whilst we all initially didn’t quite join the dots. Then, when we did, there were cheers from the audience (yes, we’re all turning into Americans), a bit of applause (but very British and no ‘whooping’) though a few fans were already up out of their seats in appreciation – steady chaps!

Overall, it’s a dark story (especially in the final act, where the character of Ruby Sunday reveals a much bleaker future for the Earth) just as all of us thought the story had reached its conclusion.

By 8pm, it was all over – where after retrieving our jaws, we recognised that we Whovians might have to wait longer than usual before it’s on our screens again! No doubt, the internet and newspapers will be awash with reviews, opinions and thoughts about the future of the UK’s longest-running sci-fi series.

The End for Who(m)?

So, that’s it for another series of Who – how was it for you? I know where I stand, but powers greater than us – those with the money – might be about to shape its future! Read on…

I said to myself that if this latest series didn’t woo me back, then it would be my last. Well, having seen Nkuti Gatwa act his socks off in this latest round of escapades, for me, taking all the episodes in this series into account, there’s been enough good stuff to keep me ‘on the books’.

It’s somewhat ironic, therefore, that just as I ‘regained the faith’, rumours began some weeks ago about 1. Disney is pulling out, 2. Nkuti Gatwa has been sacked and 3. Ratings have been so poor, the series is being put on hold. Only time will tell whether any (or all of these) are true! Disney has invested a $100m in the series, but apparently no-one is watching it, outside the UK on Disney+!! – so that’s not a good sign, is it?!?!

Officially, the BBC’s line is: “No decision has been made about series 3 until after the transmission of series 2”. Hmmmm, I’m not sure what to make of that?

Why? Here in the UK, the actual viewing figures are nothing to crow about, according to some. The numbers make it all look like a very niche programme that’s ripe for cancellation! (‘+7’ = Seven days after transmission/‘TV+4-Screen’ = TV + Tablet & Mobile viewing). 3.36m at best?

The BBC has confirmed that the ‘show will go on’ with or without Disney, but Showrunner, Russell T Davies, interviewed on BBC’s Newsround is quoted as saying:

“Sometimes there might be a pause, and during that pause, the viewers of Newsround now will grow up a few years
and start writing stories and they’ll bring it back. So I have absolute faith that that will survive
because I am living proof of it and that’s what happens to good ideas. No good idea ever dies”.

A Radical Theory…

I’ll end this review with a theory: Nkuti Gatwa’s exit was unexpected, and they haven’t cast the NEXT Doctor yet (it’s quite unusual for an actor to only do TWO series – most do THREE at least!). As a quick fix, they’ve introduced Billie Piper, but she ISN’T the new Doctor (note how the end credits say ‘introducing’ Billie Piper, rather than listing her as ‘The Doctor’) – ooo err Missus, that’s ripe for some conspiracy theories, for sure!

See you for series 3… (or not)

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 8: The Reality War appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 7: Wish World

This week’s outing is the first of the two-part finale. I watched it on iPlayer at just before 1pm (I’d been in Rothwell all morning with Sue, dressing a window! Yes, you read that right… a hidden talent!). As usual, I chose not to post this until after tonight’s episode on BBC1 aired at 6.50pm (ending at 7.35pm) for fear of spoiling it for others who prefer to watch it in its traditional slot.

Trailer

Synopsis

Traps are sprung and old enemies unite as the Doctor and Belinda finally arrive home to find a very different world.
Can the Doctor see the truth before midnight arrives?

Any Good?

Lucky me! From the off, this one feels very dark and mysterious (just how I like them!). The story had a touch of The Truman Show about it – and in my book, that’s no bad thing! . The ‘Big Bad‘ is front and centre in this episode – and what a GREAT reinterpretation of that role that I first saw 40 years ago! I’ve got to say, this was another episode that, even though it was unclear where it was all heading, it was very, very watchable, even for casual viewers or those new to the Whoniverse. I even caught Ann watching for about 7 seconds (praise indeed!)

Wow! This has been the BEST episode of this series so far – in fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s the best for a long, long (long) time! At last, an episode that’s up there with many during the David Tennant era – and that’s not something I thought I’d be writing, possibly, EVER! I’m definitely going to watch this one again!

As expected, it ends on a cliffhanger, and there was no ‘sneak peak’ of next week’s finalé either – The Reality War. I’ve also read that the BBC are NOT releasing that one early on iPlayer, so it looks like I WILL be going to the cinema to see it next week! . Happy days!!!

All-in-all, a great story that based on this one alone, has completely renewed my faith in the Who franchise. Let’s hope NEXT week’s finalé is more of the same! . Don’t f*** it up RTD!!!

Next Episode?

So, next week’s is, at the time of writing, shrouded in mystery and there’s therefore nothing much to give away here!

See you next Saturday at the flicks!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 7: Wish World appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 6: The Interstellar Song Contest

As per normal these days, I plan to watch this ahead of tonight’s transmission, courtesy of iPlayer. I won’t post my comments until AFTER tonight’s prime-time showing.

Written by Juno Dawson, directed by Ben A. Williams, and with only two more episodes to go in this series, so far, the stories have been pretty good! Having said that, this one ‘stars’ Rylan Clark who, for reasons I don’t understand, I completely detest! I’m sorry, I’m sure his mother loves him, but he really does nothing for me, apart from being a shining beacon for ‘Turkey Teeth’. Yuk! I’m therefore going into this yarn thinking: “This is going to be an embarrassing luvvy-fest where I’m only going to hide behind the sofa for fear of RC’s teeth searing my retinas!”

But wait! There’s a blurring of fact with fiction with this one – how so? This episode was shown just before tonight’s REAL Eurovision Song Contest. And what follows was either the biggest coincidence going or very careful planning by the BBC. I think the latter! Also, the BBC announced that Nkuti Gatwa was to be the UK scoring spokesperson for the real event!

(Drum roll!) Then he dropped out!

Now, being a somewhat cynical viewer these days (and having NOT watched this week’s Who episode just yet). I can’t help thinking the two events are connected in some sort of BBC marketing stunt. Showrunner Russell T Davies has already gone on record to imply that if the Who episode is viewed earlier on iPlayer, there’s a massive spoiler that’s going to set the Internet on fire! . I wonder if it’s related to this???

Anyway, back to the ‘here and now’! Unusually, I was out for most of the day today and got home around 1.30pm, where this was first on my list of ‘must watch’. It’s now 1.45 and I’m off to iPlayer then – and ready with the extinguisher for that so called ‘Internet fire’.

(As a slight aside, I also squeezed in watching Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Final. I’m not really a footy fan, but when CP gets this far in a tournament, it’s a rare treat!),

Trailer

Synopsis

The Doctor’s quest to get Belinda back home to Earth leads to a space station hosting the famous song contest.
But a harmless night of fun soon becomes a battle to survive.

Any Good?

Minor Spoilers ahead!
Well, there are only
TWO episodes to go!

Lots going on with this one – best go to the loo before it starts! .

The whole episode has a cinematic feel about it in terms of the story and the soundtrack. There are quite a few genuine surprises in store, on many levels – including an appearance of a past Companion (20 minutes in and also later) plus a past MAJOR adversary (and it’s NOT Daleks or Cybermen). Mrs Flood makes her appearance (as she has in every episode so far) as does a previous Eurovision Winner.

The quest continues in attempting to get Belinda home, and we get a few more clues as to why it hasn’t been that easy so far. Being Eurovision-themed, we have a couple of regulars playing themselves. Yes, one is Ryland and the other is… guess who? This week’s story isn’t particularly dark, but it’s still quite watchable. At worst, it’s a bit ‘silly’ but it does have its (very) serious moments. It’s another one of those where you could watch it with a non-fan, and they’d (mostly) follow the story without knowing much about the Whoniverse.

The CGI and SFX are well up to scratch, so that’s a good thing but for ‘Who in-jokes’ there’s three references to ‘mavity’ and that may confuse newcomers who will be frantically searching for its meaning/significance. Luckily, there’s (now) plenty of explanation from Mr Google!

There’s been quite a few negative comments about how ‘woke’ the programme is becoming. This episode won’t change that feeling, with ED&I front and centre when it comes to the casting. To me, sometimes it all looks/feels a little forced, but if you can get past that, this is a coherent story with a big message and one that sees a rare aggressive side of our hero’s personality. In fact, it’s worth watching just for that scene (around the 30 minutes in).

“If he’s angry, this whole world is going to shake!” – Belinda Chandra

For me, it all got a bit over-sentimental towards the end and – oh dear! – then the crying began (and it wasn’t just one person either!!! ).

Hang around for the mid-credit scene where there’s a major reveal – and I do mean MAJOR. If you’re a fan (and especially a longtime fan) you won’t want to miss this. Think Doctor Who, February 1985!.

So, all-in-all, a good watch, but a bit mushy in the final act – and what’s with all the crying? A mix of frivolity and seriousness probably prevented me from scoring it higher, but I liked it (in spite of the tears and RC’s teeth!). Looks like there was NO connection between NG dropping out of being the UK Spokesperson for Eurovision tonight and this story, but then again, what do I know!

Next Episode?

Next week’s episode is entitled: Wish World, written by Showrunner, Russell T Davies – it’s the first of the two-part finalé to this series.

See you then!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 6: The Interstellar Song Contest appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 5: The Story and the Engine

Over halfway through the series now, and things are looking good! Viewer numbers might be down, but the general consensus about this series is that pretty much all aspects are infinitely better than the previous series! As usual, I’m watching this on iPlayer ahead of tonight’s transmission, but I won’t post this until after 8pm, tonight.

Trailer

Synopsis

“In Lagos, Nigeria, the mysterious Barber reigns supreme. The Doctor discovers a world where stories have power,
but can he stop the Spider and its deadly web of revenge?”

Any Good?

This was a very imaginative story from Nigerian poet and playwright Inua Ellams. It wasn’t the darkest story of the series, but it headed in the right direction. I’d award it a ‘5’ of my DSoD Monitor (that’s the ‘Dulux Scale of Darkness’ Monitor where ‘1’ is lightweight and frivolous and ‘9’ is a deep and meaningful, super-serious episode). It’s also one of those episodes where there’s more talking than action – nothing wrong with that, of course, but there was a lot of it! Also, this week saw the Doctor (temporarily) at his weakest, but thankfully, no shedding of tears by our hero (a much-hated characteristic of series 1!).

CGI is a staple of Who, and this week’s tale was no different. Good to see some innovative use of visuals, but it did vary a bit from ‘really?’ to ‘now that’s impressive!’. In some respects, it’s quite a claustrophobic setting, with 99% of the episode taking place in a single small room. Or does it???

Just when you think you know the direction of the story, the twist comes in at around the 30-minute mark, where we’ve been introduced to this week’s ‘big bad’ just 10 minutes before – I didn’t see that coming! Other points to note – there are two references to Marvel in this one – did you spot them? And a nice short montage of previous faces of the Doctor was woven into the storyline without it looking like they’d shoehorned it in.

So, in summary: it wasn’t my favourite episode of this series, but it was well acted with plenty of tense moments that made it feel very ‘Who-like’. Would I watch it again? Probably not, but that’s not because it’s a bad story, it’s just that it didn’t grab me in the same way as others have, so far this series.

Next Episode?

Next week’s is entitled: The Interstellar Song Contest. The history of Who episodes where there’s singing involved have always rated low by me. Cripes! A WHOLE episode that pivots around a Song Contest. It’s also got Rylan Clark in it (he of the super white teeth). So far, that’s TWO different reasons to be very worried about this episode!

See you then!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 5: The Story and the Engine appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 4: Lucky Day

Slightly unusually, we’re away from home, so I’m watching this in our room at the Premier Inn, Wirral on day 3 of our ten-day getaway. The Internet has been a nightmare, but thankfully, I did manage to coax the iPlayer into action! I now know what ‘extreme buffering’ feels like!

So, we’ve reached Episode 4 – halfway through series 2 – and I’ve got to say, it’s all been better than I expected! It has (almost) renewed my faith in the series and I never thought I’d be writing that! It’s evident that the script-writers have ‘adjusted’ the Doctor’s personality – he now appears to be more self-assured and assertive (resulting in him crying significantly less – a characteristic that seemed quite unusual for our time-travelling hero in series 1). Additionally, story-wise, they have all been a lot stronger and more ‘Who-like’ – more ‘Blink‘, less ‘Space Babies, you could say.
Definitely ‘onwards and upwards’, then!

Spoiler Alert (Mild)

Oh, as per usual, I won’t post this until 7.55pm, after tonight’s episode has aired. I’m not giving much away if you decide to read on…

Trailer

Synopsis

“Ruby Sunday faces life back on Earth without the Doctor. But when a dangerous new threat emerges,
can Ruby and UNIT save her new boyfriend, Conrad, from the terrifying Shreek?”

Any Good?

Well, after last week’s (re-appraised) top-notch episode, it’ll be difficult to beat Episode 2, but on the strength of these most recent much-improved storylines, it might do! (I didn’t think I’d be writing that either!).

Tonight’s story begins in 2007 and after a brief appearance by the Doctor, it settles down into a rather predictable boy-meets-girl episode. It then became one of those occasional ‘Doctor-lite’ episodes where the Who character ‘tops and tails’ the story. Tonally, it turned out to be another tense episode (again!) this week and really should have been titled: ‘Let’s Do The Twist’ as it featured so many twists and turns in the plot, even I was kept guessing right up until the final seconds of this episode.

Elsewhere, it was good to see UNIT back in the story too, although you’d be forgiven for wondering in the early scenes how they play their part as this tale looks like a simple a love story. Nothing could be further from the truth, where the unfolding plot certainly tapped into current social trends, including the prominence of podcasts; social unrest; the Government at its worst; and an over-reliance on social media for the ‘truth’. How contemporary!

Boy, it’s a creepy one too, and very dark, especially once the mushy stuff is explained away – I’d give it an 8! In some ways, it felt more like a Torchwood episode than Who – but in my eyes, that’s no bad thing! Have patience, and don’t base your judgement just on the Act I – stick with it! Why? At around the 25-minute mark, there’s a massive swerve in the storyline that I guarantee you won’t see coming!

And from that point, those swerves kept on arriving! For a Whovian like me, who’s become pretty good at working out where a Who story is heading, tonight I was wrong-footed on about five separate occasions – excellent stuff! . For once the ‘alien of the week’ seems less important than the conflict between the two lead characters, but if you’re counting – the called The Shreek.

For those of you wondering how the Doctor coped with TWO Companions – all is revealed tonight in the simplest of plot devices.

I’m sure this will be another of those yarns that sets the Internet on fire after tonight’s episode is aired. Sure, the ‘overall message’ is delivered with all the subtly of a sledgehammer, but I feel it worked. In summary then, one of the better Who episodes and a far cry from the c*** dealt out during the Chris Chibnall (Showrunner) era when Jodie Whittaker had to cope with such dire storylines!

One final point, and a key question these days for all Whovians: ‘Would I watch this one again?’ Answer: Yes, without a doubt (I think that’s three episodes in a row!) . Could I ask a non-fan to watch this one without fear of confusion accompanied by a gazillion questions? Answer: Yes, I could!

Next Episode?

Next week’s is entitled: The Story & the Engine. I wonder if these episode improvements will continue? .

See you then!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 4: Lucky Day appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 3: The Well

Morning! I’m continuing to take advantage of watching DW on iPLayer (from 8am, UK). I was a little later to the screen today, mainly due to picking some sort of ‘cold-but-not-Covid’ earlier this week (from goodness knows where). I’m only really now coming out the other side, although I’m still feeling a tad lethargic – and coughing like I smoke 50-a-day!

As usual, I won’t post this until after tonight’s episode at 8.05pm, to avoid any spoilers.

Trailer

I’ve really enjoyed both episodes so far in this series, especially last week’s – “Lux” and wonder if this week’s (the third of eight) will maintain the quality?

• 
  Two for Who!Saturday, 18th October, 2025 @ 12:05 pm
• 
  Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 8: The Reality WarSaturday, 31st May, 2025 @ 9:00 pm
• 
  Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 7: Wish WorldSaturday, 24th May, 2025 @ 7:36 pm

Here we go, it’s 10.30 on Saturday morning, and I’m going in!

Synopsis

“5000 years into the future, on a tough, brutal planet, a devastated mining colony has only one survivor.
To discover the truth, the Doctor and Belinda must face absolute terror”.

Any Good?

This was a creepy one with the ‘tensometer’ registering 11.5 (and in this house, it only goes up to 10!). A few faces will immediately look familiar – Rose Ayling-Ellis (EastEnders & Strictly) and Christopher Chung (Slow Horses) play key roles in tonight’s tale.

There’s no doubt that the pairing of the Doctor and his new companion, Belinda shows chemistry. Both are intelligent, both confident, but occasionally plagued by self-doubt, and it’ll be interesting to see how they integrate the previous companion, Ruby Sunday, back into the narrative in next week’s episode.

The story hangs together well, there’s a genuine sense of dread where no-one is really sure who (and where) this week’s foe is located (literally). Elsewhere, our hero surely gets this year’s award for the ‘longest stare’ in one scene – and very emotional it is too!

Within 30 minutes, the majority of the assembled supporting cast are ‘no more’, rapidly turning this one into something akin to a John Wick homage! . Perhaps the ‘big bad’ could have found a more imaginative way to dispatch the cast other than throwing them around the room? . The climax comes quickly, maybe too quickly, whilst the ending is somewhat predictable.

Overall, the storytelling keeps you guessing helped along with some very powerful scenes, with just about the right amount of talking and running about! The acting remains top-notch with a special mention for Rose Ayling-Ellis as Aliss, who was clearly wasted in EastEnders and has proved herself here to be a VERY expressive performer.

How Dark?

Those who know me know that I like my DW stories on the darker side. This one heads in the right direction.

And so…

With all these positives, I expected to come out the other end feeling that this one HAD continued the quality of this latest series. However, it wasn’t to be! The more I thought about what I’d just seen, the more I felt that it was a bit formulaic. In fact, I’m pretty sure if you’d changed the two lead characters, it could have been any creepy sci-fi short story. In short, despite the excellent performances, scripting, sfx and soundtrack, it all felt a bit, well, ‘ho-hum’. Would I watch this episode again? Nope, unlikely!

So, imagine my surprise that some are quoting this one as ‘one of the best episodes’. Did I miss something? Probably! . This story is being strongly linked to an episode called ‘Midnight‘ (from the David Tennant era – Episode 10, series 4. I don’t recall that one, but maybe I would have been more generous with my stars, if I had. I think I ought to rewatch that episode Luckily, these days, it’s on iPlayer, and then this one again.

PS. last week’s episode – “Lux” – has apparently hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Although I gave it four stars, there is clearly not enough of us around! The episode saw overnight ratings of a rather pathetic 1.58m. I think it’s the lowest figure Doctor Who has ever had. Slightly more positively, it was BBC One’s fourth most-watched programme of the day and the seventh most-watched title of the day across all channels. OK ‘overnight ratings’ aren’t the major measure these days as a lot of fans (he said, optimistically) watch on catch-up or repeat, but I do get a sense that there are hushed whispers at BBC Towers

EDIT: Sunday, 27th April – Well, that’s a first! I took some of my own advice! Having seen more and more online comments today about the connection of this episode with the older episode Series 4, Episode 10 ‘Midnight’, I fired up iPlayer and watched David Tennant playing our hero from Saturday, 14 June 2008. Then I watched yesterday’s again.

What a difference NOW in my perception of last night’s Who tale! I can see now why many are saying ‘it’s the best episode yet’ and it’s the new ‘Blink’ (generally considered by most fans as being the best Who episode of all time!).

So, what does that all mean?

For a start, they should have made ‘Midnight’ essential pre-watching as it would have put this one in context. Next, I missed the direct reference to Midnight in yesterday’s story first time around (in my defence, it was only a second or two long!) – and that would have piqued my interest. ON reflection, I re-rate ‘The Well’ as

For me then, not quite as captivating as ‘Blink’ (watch the whole episode HERE), but it was close. Like many, that’s still my fave!

Next Episode?

Next week’s episode is entitled: Lucky Day where we see the return of previous companion Ruby Sunday.

See you then!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 3: The Well appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 2: Lux

Overnight viewing figures for last week’s debut episode came in at 2 million (actually, the second most watched show on BBC 1 behind Gladiators at 2.9 million). The number will increase once streaming/catchup viewers are added in, but 2 million isn’t that good! . The full numbers will be released w/c 21 April, and a lot of fans (and haters!) will no doubt be interested, as it’s an open secret that more recently DW is sharply dividing opinion as to its popularity.

Official Trailer

Synopsis

The Doctor’s quest to get Belinda home takes the TARDIS to Miami in 1952, where an abandoned cinema is hiding a terrifying secret. Can the Doctor uncover Lux’s power?

Any Good?

Well, that’s first for Who! A cartoon character named ‘Ring-a-Ding’ as the ‘big bad’. Given my preference for darker, more serious storylines, this didn’t bode well! In fact, I think I was convinced I wasn’t going to enjoy this one – even before the programme began!!!

OK, it’s Saturday morning, 8.05am, and I’m taking advantage of this series’ episodes being available on iPlayer from 8am. As usual, I’ve delayed posting this until the traditional showing (at 7.15pm tonight).

Here we go then…

Set in 1952 in Miami, Florida, it certainly began darkly with a newsreel of an atomic bomb test! You can’t get much darker than that! As the story unfolded, I found it all very watchable, and that was before the opening credits rolled! So far, so good. Yes, this WAS feeling like a very serious storyline. Maybe it was our TV, but this episode’s colour balance had been turned up a few notches too – positively vibrant in nature and a real treat for the eyeballs

The story moved along at pace, where contrary to my initial feeling that a cartoon character would only ruin this one, the yarn was turning out just how I like my Doctor Who! A heroic lead, a ‘not-quite-sure-what’s-going-on’ plot and plenty of action. It was almost (judged by this single episode) as if the show had found its mojo! This was all very ‘Who’.

Steady, Steve!

Then around 30 minutes in, as the story was getting into its stride, it threw in a curveball that surely NO-ONE saw coming. It all went a bit ‘wtf’ (but in a GOOD way). So much so, that I needed to briefly replay it. What happened here was a first for Doctor Who (and maybe ANY TV programme). I won’t reveal exactly what transpired in detail, suffice to say, its lead characters suddenly became ”very self-aware”, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Suddenly, this week’s episode took on, briefly, a whole new dimension (no pun intended), and the scene will probably set the internet on fire once it’s viewed on mainstream TV later tonight.

I’ll end the tease here and simply ask (in the spirit of this newly found – albeit brief self-awareness): “What’s your favourite Who episode?”. Blink and you’ll miss this short, but innovative, piece! . A real treat for loyal Whovians, but casual viewers might not ‘get it’. Intrigued? Watch this DW episode on iPlayer.

Back to the story… There’s some impressive VFX in this one – no expense spared again, thanks to Disney’s budget! Elsewhere, the sets and the costumes looked fantastic. If you remember the 50s then you’ll feel right at home. Visuals aside, there has been plenty of criticism of past DW episodes where the underlying message has been delivered in a preachy and heavy-handed kind of way. No sign of that in this one, but did I detect a religious parallel in the final act? Well, it is Easter!

Overall impression? I liked it. I liked it a lot (and I didn’t think I would). This one felt more like New-Who stories used to be, and it was certainly good NOT to see our hero crying! Overall, it all felt like one of those episodes that you could show to someone else who was new to Who or had lost interest some years ago without feeling too embarrassed/too confused and/or too disappointed. It had all the right ingredients of: action, suspense, an obvious ‘big bad’ and a dark story – one that kept you guessing. Story-telling at its best, and one of the very few recent episodes that I’d happily rewatch!

Finally, let me say that it’s worth sticking around to watch the credits, where there’s a very short mid-credits piece that will add an extra layer of satisfaction for many viewers.

Next Episode?

Next week’s is entitled: The Well. See you then!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 2: Lux appeared first on Steve's Blog.

It’s back! The first episode of eight begins tonight.

Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 1: The Robot Revolution

Transmitted at 6:50pm on BBC1, I watched it on iPlayer earlier in the day. How so? Beginning with this series, here in the UK, it’s available to stream from 8am, so you can guess where I was at 8.01!!!! . In order not to spoil the story for those who have yet to watch it, this will post after tonight’s airing ends at 7.35pm.

Synopsis

When robots from outer space kidnap nurse Belinda Chandra, the Doctor embarks on
an epic intergalactic quest to return his new friend back home to Earth.

Talking of returns, the show also saw Millie Gibson’s character, Ruby Sunday, back on board, while Jemma Redgrave (as Kate Lethbridge Stewart), Anita Dobson (playing the mysterious Mrs Flood) and Bonnie Langford (Melanie Bush) are backto reprise their regular roles in this series – but you’ll only have seen one of them tonight – and not for long either. There’s a new companion lined up too – Varada Sethu taking on the role of The Doctor’s new ‘companion’: Belinda Chandra.

Was it any Good?

It’s an interesting story, where both Nkuti Gatwa and newcomer Varada Sethu perform flawlessly and convincingly in their respective roles. They both look like they’ve been doing this forever, and Belinda Chandra is particularly feisty when first interacting with our hero.

Ultimately, it was a very watchable episode, but, for me, let down by a corny, somewhat obvious ‘big reveal’ in the final act. Still, if I were ‘new to Who’, would I stick around for the rest of this series based on this one? I think ‘yes’, as it’s a pacey, noisy yarn with plenty going on (just perfect for ‘de yoof’). Even for this grizzled old fan, who’s fighting hard to ‘keep the faith’, I even surprised myself by how much I enjoyed it.

There’s one early shock where you might want to avert your eyes though! This incarnation of The Doctor is known for his flamboyant dress sense, but even though I do like the occasional 70s party wear, what I saw the iconic Doctor wearing looked just completely OTT! I won’t give away the details, just prepare yourself for a VERY serious fashion statement! Thankfully, he only wears it in the first few scenes.

The interplay between the two lead characters – The Doctor and Belinda Chandra – is an interesting one. Initially, they don’t quite hit it off, and the relationship is quite ‘spiky’. In fact, it felt a lot like the Third Doctor (David Tennant) and Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) in The Runaway Bride shown way back on Christmas Day, 2006.

In my world, Who is best when it’s a serious and darker storyline (see my monochrome scale below) and the light-comedic opening scenes of this one didn’t bode well. Luckily, after the opening credits, we were in more serious territory. With the opening Theme tune over (did I hear a slight remix?) the story immediately felt familiar (ish)…. The Doctor visiting a hospital… a stressed-out Nurse… invading aliens... again treading familiar territory. That territory was from Series 3, Episode 1: Smith & Jones when The Third Doctor first met companion Martha Jones (31 March, 2007). So far, not very original.

Back to some positives: Production values on this one were very high – cinematic standard – where the Disney+ presence is all over this, resulting in no expense spared on SFX and scenery. In 2025, wobbly sets are a thing of the past with Doctor Who!

More good news! In this episode, thankfully, the ‘Mr Humphries Campometer’ has been dialled down (to virtually zero) for The Doctor – and I hope it continues. He appears much more heroic and wordly-wise in this one, just as a 1000-year-old Time Lord should be!!

Am I ‘in’?

Forty-three minutes later, and based on this episode, am I still ‘in’? Here’s my thinking: I like my Who storylines to be a lot darker, but this was a ‘3’ at best, where the ‘big reveal’ was more of a ‘fairytale’ in style – and I’m more of 6/7 kinda fan. On the plus-side, the two leads are well paired; there’s a longer story arc rolling out revealed in the final minutes (that looks like an 8/9), and finally, The Doctor has lost his campness. Yes, I’m in – so far, so good!

Next Episode?

Next week’s story is simply entitled: Lux, and goes out slightly later at 7.15pm. Early teasers suggest it features a cartoon character called ‘Mr Ring-a-Ding’. At this stage, I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry!!!

See you then!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 2, Episode 1: The Robot Revolution appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Season Series 2 (under the new global marketing numbering scheme) returns NEXT Saturday. It’s season series 15 in ‘old money’ or season series 41 if you’ve been following it since the beginning in November, 1963. I have!!

This long-running series is set to return to Disney+ and BBC/BBC iPlayer on April 12, picking up after 2024’s Christmas Special “Joy to the World”. 

Based on Nkuti Gatwa’s debut first series, I’ll be interested to see how this series turns out. The might of the BBC marketing department first went into overdrive on Sunday, 1 March and actually got Gary Lineker* (right in the middle of Match of the Day!) to dabble – rather awkwardly – with a sonic screwdriver and introduce the BBC’s official trailer for the new series.

How bizarre/desperate/clever!* Delete as applicable!

And so here we go again! Those who regularly follow my scribbles here will know that, as a lifelong dedicated fan, for me, the whole ‘Who thang’ has been on a downward spiral since Jodie Whittaker was announced as the 13th Doctor back in July, 2017. In my book, there was nothing wrong with her acting as such, it was just the storylines!

Fast-forward to now, and although the recent stories are thankfully, much better, the character of the current Doctor is not gelling with me at all (more about that later!). Never satisfied… that’s me!

Talking of returns, the show will also see Millie Gibson’s character, Ruby Sunday, back on board, while Jemma Redgrave (as Kate Lethbridge Stewart), Anita Dobson (playing the mysterious Mrs Flood) and Bonnie Langford (Melanie Bush) all return to reprise their regular roles. There’s a new companion lined up too – Varada Sethu (who fans might remember from series 1′, the Steven Moffat-penned episode ‘Boom’, but back then, playing character Mundy Flynn). This time, she takes on the role of new ‘companion’: Belinda Chandra.

Nkuti Gatwa’s initial outing in Series 1 was, on the whole, a bit ‘up and down’. After a woeful first and second episode (Space Babies, anyone? ), things picked up from the storyline perspective. However, I’m not relating to the character of the Doctor as a sometimes uncertain, sometimes crying hero – it just doesn’t sit well with me. In short: too much of a snowflake!

My Ratings from Series 1

Space Babies: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Julie Anne Robinson – 1.5/5

The Devil’s Chord: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Ben Chessell – 2.5/5

Boom: Written by Steven Moffat, directed by Julie Anne Robinson – 4/5

73 Yards: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Dylan Holmes Williams – 4.5/5

Dot and Bubble: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Dylan Holmes Williams – 3.5/5

Rogue: Written by Kate Herron and Briony Redman, directed by Ben Chessell – 4.5/5

The Legend of Ruby Sunday: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Jamie Donoughue – 4.5/5

Empire of Death: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Jamie Donoughue – 4.5/5

OK, the stories improved as the series progressed, but can we have our hero as someone who is much more mentally resilient?

I’m not entirely sure of the timings, but I think that this new series was wrapped before some negative publicity came in about NG’s first series. “Too woke” and “He’s 1000 year old hero, why all the crying?” were oft-quoted comments. It seems that I wasn’t alone in not relating to the new Who (although many others DID!). Each to their own, ehh!?

Or, maybe finally, I’ve just outgrown Who, as I hover closer to my 70th year??

But this time, it’s a pivotal moment for me. I think this will be the last time I give the series a chance to get itself together – 2025 could be the year that I finally say goodbye to Who! Well, until the next regeneration!

Guest Stars

A sure sign that I’m no longer the target audience is the list of guest stars, most of whom I’d never heard of!

Alan Cummings*, Rose Ayling-Ellis*, Anita Dobson*, Bonnie Langford*, Jemma Redgrave*, Ruth Madeley, Susan Twist, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Christopher Chung, Evelyn Miller, Ariyon Bakare, Julie Dray, Michelle Greenidge, Angela Wynter, Alexander Devrient, Rylan, Freddie Fox, Jonah Hauer-King, Kadiff Kirwan and no doubt a load of other stars aimed at ‘the yoof’!

* Huzzah! I’d heard of these!!

Titles for Series 2

On Saturday, 22 March 2025, the titles for this latest series were announced…

Episode 1: The Robot Revolution: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Peter Hoar
Episode 2: Lux: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Amanda Brotchie
Episode 3: The Well: Written by Russell T Davies & Sharma Angel Walfall, directed by Amanda Brotchie
Episode 4: Lucky Day: Written by Pete McTighe, directed by Peter Hoar
Episode 5: The Story & the Engine: Written by Inua Ellams, directed by Makalla McPherson
Episode 6: The Interstellar Song Contest: Written by Juno Dawson, directed by Ben A. Williams
Episode 7: Wish World: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai
Episode 8: The Reality War: Written by Russell T Davies, directed by Alex Sanjiv Pillai

But let’s finish on a positive! I’ve been wrong before, so possibly, this latest series will woo me back!!

See you next Saturday!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who Returns (almost!) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

It’s Christmas Day and there’s a Doctor Who Special on TV again this year. Written by ex-Showrunner, Steven Moffat, we’re promised a proper festive-themed episode. The Christmas Day Special was revived last year when Russell T Davies took over from Chris Chibnall as Showrunner (who always preferred New Year’s Day to showcase the latest episode).

As usual, here in the UK, it was shown on BBC1 whilst under the new global arrangement for DW distribution, Disney+ handled the rights everywhere else. It went out here at 5.10pm and ran for longer than usual for Who episodes – 60 minutes.

Synopsis

“When Joy opens a secret doorway to the Time Hotel, she discovers danger, dinosaurs
…and the Doctor! But a deadly plan is unfolding across the earth, just in time for Christmas”.

First Trailer

After a short video tease on this year’s Children in Need…

…the official Trailer was released a few weeks later online on Thursday, 5 December.

Official Trailer

Starring…

Ncuti Gatwa – The Doctor
Nicola Coughlan – Joy (above)
Steph de Whalley – Anita
Jonathan Aris – Melnak
Joel Fry – Trev
Peter Benedict – Basil
Julia Watson – Hilda
Niamh Marie Smith – Sylvia

Any Good?

I didn’t get around to watching this until Friday, the 27th, where I’d successfully managed to avoid any Reviews online or in print. With Steven Moffat on script-writing duties, I expected a complex plot and perhaps more talking than action. And that’s just what I got! The premise of a Hotel where the rooms can lead to any point in time was a good one to base this story around, but although it started well for me, it went ‘off the boil’ at around the halfway mark.

There’s no doubt that actor Nkuti Gatwa has fully embraced the role of the Doctor, but a little like Jodie Whittaker in the role, this interpretation of my childhood hero is not gelling for me, and he’s a little too emotional for this longtime super-fan.

The story moved at a frantic pace meaning no time for loo breaks for fear of missing something important. There was a lot going on and it really needed a lot of concentration (or, was that just me?)

So, with far too much talking and not enough ‘oomph’, it soon became a bit of a snorefest. The final scenes were so overly sentimental and cheesy, it all felt a bit too ‘forced’ simply linking it to the ‘Christmas Story’. I’m also not sure the (completely unsubtle) dig – on more than one occasion – at the then Government about Covid restrictions was appropriate either. Since when did this TV show try and score political points through its script?

More positively, the special effects from the off were top-notch, where the extra budget, courtesy of Disney, was clear to see. Every actor was at the top of their game in this outing, although I do feel that Joel Fry (as ‘Trev’) deserved a bit more screen time. Also, the growing relationship between our titular hero and Steph de Whalley (playing ‘Anita’, the Hotel Receptionist) deserved expanding.

Thankfully, there were (almost) no scenes in this one where the Doctor was crying (a behaviour that was often commented on in his first series – and not in a good way!) I ‘get’ that these days it’s important for male characters to show their vulnerability, but c’mon, the Doctor is over 1000 years old and had saved mankind humankind on many, many occasions – now he’s often seen as overly-emotional and indecisive, and I don’t like this ‘direction of travel’.

All-in-all then, it started well, but ended in disappointment for me. So, one for completists and collectors! (Oh, that’s me!) . I really do hope that things pick up in series 2.

What’s next for ‘Who’?

The next series begins in 2025 and the excerpt below (shown post-credits) doesn’t give much away!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who Christmas Special (2024): Joy to the World appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Doctor Who fans get an extra gift from Santa this year!

…and I’m not talking about the forthcoming 2024 Christmas Special starring the current Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa!

If Patrick Troughton was your Doctor (he was mine!) this was to be pure nostalgia combined with TV technology at its best!

In 1969, the BBC showed the 10-episode adventure entitled ‘The War Games’. It starred Patrick Troughton in his final outing as our titular hero with Frazer Hines (as Jamie McCrimmon) and Wendy Padbury (as Zoe Heriot) as our heroic trio. It was the last of the Doctor Who series to be transmitted in black and white.

So far so normal.

So, why so special? Rich Tipple, a colourisation specialist (and not an advert for Bailey’s!) worked with the BBC, leading the project over the past 12-months to rework the original episodes into a single 90-minute movie AND colourise it all AND upscale it all to HD quality. Rich has a successful track record with all of this, having colourised the original Dalek story back in 2023.

Err, wow!

And if that isn’t enough ‘Who newness’, they’ve updated the original special effects, added a new score and are also going to show the regeneration scene – for the very first time – that introduced Jon Pertwee as the new Doctor. It’s all a super-treat (for me anyway!) and I’m really looking forward to watching it – especially to see the brand-new regeneration scene.

A sneak peek of the episode is below!

Pure nostalgia! BBC 4, 9pm, on Monday 23rd December (iPlayer too!!) with a more thorough review by the Blogtor Who site is HERE.

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Something special for Christmas! appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We’ve all got different ‘triggers’ for when ‘Christmas’ officially begins. For many, it’s probably when the Supermarkets start displaying their Christmas lines! But that’s obscenely early isn’t it? So how about…

…that first Christmas meal? (this year, our first one was last Saturday )

…or when the John Lewis Christmas TV Ad first appears? (an almost ‘return to form’ this year for JL after a few misfires!!)

…or receiving your first Christmas Card? .

Anyway, back to Christmas TV. The real big event for me (and this ritual goes back years!) is when the Christmas double-issues of Radio Times and TV Times first go on sale. Normally that’s around the first or second week in December, and I always try and pick them up as soon as they’re out! This year, I was too busy wrapping presents to pick them up on launch day, but we were in Milton Keynes the day after (the 11th) and grabbed our copies from M&S.

I think my (slightly obsessive) fascination with these two publications is a throwback to my childhood, when Dad used to bring them home after finishing work for Christmas. As a family, we loved Christmas (of course!) but more especially, we all loved Christmas TV (first, in black & white, then colour, on just three channels, then four, then five – then hundreds! — and by 2024, probably closer to thousands if you include all the streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Lionsgate+ etc etc). Back then, there was no remote control, so Dad’s choice normally ‘won’, but that didn’t cause any issues, as TV was more family-friendly back then wasn’t it — The Generation Game at Christmas anyone??? To add to the fun in those days, there was also frequent positioning and re-positioning of the aerial to ensure the best possible pic!

With these oversized publications taking pride of place in the lounge, our first job was to painstakingly search through the schedules, taking it in turns to circle our favourite programmes.

Fast-forward to 2024 and it’s much the same now — except we use a highlighter pen or just go online, or download the digital versions to our Tablets (only the second year, we’ve grabbed them online). What progress ehh!?

…then again… maybe not!

The Christmas Double Issues (2024)

These days, both publications have a massive page count, mainly because they both list more-or-less the same information, Why’s that? Well, for my younger readers here, back in the ‘Stone Age’ (up until 1990) RT listed only the BBC stuff (including the radio) whilst TVT covered just the commercial channels. These days, in the now ‘gazillion-channels/satellites/streaming TV era’, you have both publications running into hundreds of pages. . Prices are slightly up on last year, but that’s offset by an increase in page count – The Radio Times is up to 303 pages, whilst the TV Times boasts 228!

So, just like back-in-the-day all that’s left to do now is to plough through them both, highlighter pen (or two, or three) at the ready, and our Christmas TV preparations are sorted!

Ghosts of Christmas (Covers) Past – 2010-2023…

Merry Christmas everyone!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Christmas TV Listings (2024) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Yes, it’s that time of year again! It’s Friday, 14th November and right on cue, John Lewis has launched its Christmas TV advert. In past years, the offering was guaranteed to also boost the sales of Kleenex, but in more recent times, they’ve been a bit ‘lack-lustre’ and haven’t tugged the heartstrings quite so strongly! (Well, that’s MY opinion!) . At the time of this year’s launch, we were in New Zealand, but plenty of my mates reminded me about the launch.

What’s the story? This year’s festive tearjerker features a sister’s emotional quest for the perfect Christmas gift. The two-minute TV advert, created by Saatchi & Saatchi, celebrates the search for the perfect gift through the wisdom of John Lewis’ customers and the breadth of offering in its stores.

This is JL’s 15th (!!) since they started the trend of the big retailers spending mega-amounts on cinema-quality productions. 2024’s is slightly ‘off-piste” as does NOT feature a cover song to support the visuals. Instead, English, singer-songwriter Richard Ashcroft provides the emotive soundtrack with his existing ballad, Sonnet. (listen to it here). Instead, On November 15, a nationwide search for aspiring musicians to cover Ashcroft’s melody will be launched and the winner’s version will be released on TV on Christmas Day. Actually, that sounds like a nice touch!

Click below to watch this year’s offering…

What did you think? As always, it’s a bit of a ‘Marmite’ theme this year, and it certainly didn’t have me reaching for the tissues either, but at least it had a time-travel theme to it, so for that, it got my vote! If you belong to that group who think that “Christmas adverts aren’t as good as they used to be” here’s a reminder of JL’s previous festive promotions below…

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2023
– Snapper, the Perfect Tree

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2022
– The Beginner

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2021
– An Unexpected Guest

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2020
– A Little Love

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2019
– Excitable Edgar

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2018
– The Boy and the Piano

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2017
– Moz the Monster

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2016
– Buster the Boxer

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2015
– Man on the Moon

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2014
– Monty the Penguin

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2013
– The Bear and the Hare

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2012
– The Journey

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2011
– The Long Wait

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2010
– She’s Always a Woman

See you here, same time next year?

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post John Lewis Christmas Advert (2024) appeared first on Steve's Blog.

This is it! After seven weeks of, shall we say, variable quality, here we are The FINAL episode of season series 1. It’s also the second of the two-parter that began last week with The Legend of Ruby Sunday.

Jo (fellow walker and Whovian) and I had already seen this one last night at a special screening including last week’s episode at Cineworld, Rushden Lakes at the unearthly hour of 11pm (a great experience to see DW on the big screen again!)

Showrunner, Russell T Davies has penned this one and it shows. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s look at the bigger picture. With Disney and Sony now on-board as co-financiers and distributors with the BBC, there was a lot riding on this series. Certainly, the bigger budget has helped, and it’s plain to see – DW is all the better for it! But money can’t solve everything, and in the end it’s the STORY that this long-running series is mostly judged on. Unfortunately, for this super-fan, the writing has been a bit ‘up and down’ (as my ratings below suggest).

For my regular readers here, you’ll know that it’s no secret that I absolutely hated Episodes 1 and 2, the dire ‘Space Babies’ and very disappointing ‘The Devil’s Chord’. Thankfully, things got better, but considering these first two were both written by RTD (who knows DW inside out – and backwards!) I don’t understand how the quality could have varied so much! .

As for the character of the Doctor – for this series, he’s been a bit ‘all over the place’. Ncuti Gatwa has really taken to the role, but one minute he’s confused and indecisive, the next, upset and then, our hero – and don’t get me started on that song-and-dance number in episode 2! I’ve also not warmed the character’s ‘camp’ interpretation of the Doctor, either. Thankfully, that seems to have been dialled down as the series progressed, but at one point, I thought our Doctor rivalled Mr Humphries from the 70’s series: Are You Being Served?

Episode 1 – Space Babies

Episode 2: The Devil’s Chord

Episode 3: Boom

Episode 4: 73 Yards

Episode 5: Dot and Bubble

Episode 6: Rogue

Episode 7: The Legend of Ruby Sunday

What’s the story?

“The Doctor has lost, his ageless enemy reigns supreme, and a shadow is falling over creation. Nothing can stop the devastation… except, perhaps, one woman“.

Worth watching?

MILD SPOILERS AHEAD!

First of all, as a bonus for us fans, this one enjoyed a longer runtime of 55 minutes (compared with the usual 44). It seemed to benefit from the extra runtime as there were a lot of questions to be answered. There are some ‘mild’ spoilers here, so this is your final chance to look away if you’d rather not know anything before watching.

Well, we hit the ground running with this one – just the shortest of short recaps, and we were into the opening credits! And things began badly… After Sutekh unleashes his evil onto mankind, it seems that EVERYONE is now dead – and I do mean everyone! Cue the Doctor (and returning character, Mel, played by Bonnie Langford) doing what they do best – running, but with a grand plan to save the universe! At this point, prepare for some VERY impressive special effects!

There are genuine scenes of terror here, and it reminded me of Who of old where mum and dad’s settee played a pivotal role for me. There’s plenty of action in this one, but I felt the story sagged a bit in the middle. To counter that, everyone’s performances were so powerful, it was worth watching just to experience acting at its most convincing (this is Sc-fi, after all).

Safe to say that the good guys (and gals) win in the end, but not without a serious struggle that involves a whistle and some string!

For me, the final scenes were overly sentimental and a bit drawn out. If DW ever moves to a commercial channel, its first sponsors will surely be Kleenex. Seriously though, I’ve never watched a series where there are so many tears! C’mon, this isn’t Casualty or EastEnders! I’m all for getting in touch with your feminine side (can I say that these days?), but it’s all felt a bit too much – and for me, it’s simply distracting.

Rumours of Millie Gibson as companion, Ruby Sunday‘s, exit have been well documented, and I thought I’d read that for series 2, there would be TWO companions for the Doctor, but tonight’s ending seems to suggest otherwise. At least though, we get to find the answer to the long-standing question of this series: ‘Who is Ruby’s Mum?’ It’s been a regular teaser for the whole series – and in this episode, I guarantee you’ll be as surprised as I was.

In the closing scenes there’s a chilling piece to camera by character Mrs Flood (played by Anita Dobson). She’s been a mystery character ever since she first appeared in last year’s Christmas Special: The Church on Ruby Road and there’s clearly plenty more to be explored.

It all ends well, maybe a bit ‘fairytale’, Or does it? According to Mrs Flood, in the closing scene: “What of the Doctor..?”

“Sorry to say, his story ends in absolute terror..!”

and there’s more!

For super-fans, the BBC have created an EXTRA treat. The origin story of Sutekh is based on ‘Pyramids of Mars‘ a Doctor Who four-parter that ran from 25 October to 15 November 1975. They’ve re-edited it into a 75-minute mini-movie, and it was released on BBC iPlayer yesterday.

Depending on when you are reading this, you can watch it on BBC iPlayer HERE.

Next Time..?

It’s already been confirmed that there WILL be a Christmas Special this year and series 2 will air sometime in 2025.

…and finally

All-in-all, then, a satisfying conclusion to Ncuti Gatwa’s debut as our hero. He is clearly born to play the role and I can see great things ahead. It hasn’t been perfect, and I hope the BBC and the higher powers behind ‘new Who’ will consider the following ‘vital ingredients’ for continued success:-

• Set the campometer to 2 (maximum)
• More of those spectacular SFX, please!
• It’s all about the story, story and story!
• Dial down the back-slapping and hugging

See you for the Christmas Special!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 1, Episode 8: Empire of Death appeared first on Steve's Blog.

10.27pm: Evening all! It’s nearly showtime at 11pm and well past my bedtime – but we think it’s worth it, as Jo and I are here at Cineworld, Rushden Lakes about to watch the season series finalé of one of our favourite programmes – Doctor Who.

Yes, THE CINEMA! In a masterclass of marketing, last week’s episode and ‘tomorrow’s’ – ‘Empire of Death’ – are being shown in a special double-bill. The last time they tried something similar, it was for the 50th Anniversary starring Matt Smith and David Tennant in the title role(s?), and I was there for it at the local Odeon on the 23rd of November – where it was packed!

…and eleven years later, it was a also great turnout at Screen 9 – with a ride range of ages from, I’d say, 20s through to 70s!. See! We’re not the only two fans left!!

11.16pm: We’re off!

What’s all the fuss about? Above is the official trailer! See you in around two hours, where, as a bonus for us fans, the finalé is slightly longer than usual – 55 minutes.

1.16am: That’s a first! Rushden Lakes is almost deserted! It’s just after 1.15am and it seems like it’s not worth going to bed… but I did, eventually!. So, before I hit the ‘land of nod’, just a few words to say that this evening/morning was definitely worth it! This quaint ol’ British Sci-fi series transferred perfectly to the big screen and easily held its own amongst other recent blockbusters from the same genre. Do yourself a favour – even if you’re not a fan – and tune into BBC1 at 6.40pm tonight to watch what we just watched! Story-wise, my detailed review will be up tomorrow night in a separate post after the finalé airs – whilst for impatient sorts, the episode drops on iPlayer from 6am.

1.43am: Nighty-night!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who Series Finalé 2024 – Advanced Screening appeared first on Steve's Blog.

We’ve now arrived at Episode 7 and there are two points to note. First: this is the penultimate episode of this new season series.

Second: it’s the first of a two-parter, with next week’s finalé, entitled ‘Empire of Death’ promising an ‘episode like no other’. And, if that wasn’t enough intrigue, they’re both being shown at cinemas too! Jo (fellow fan) and I, have already booked our tickets – next Friday at 11pm over at Cineworld, Rushden Lakes

Well, that’s a first! Yes, I know, the 50th Anniversary episode starring David Tennant and Matt Smith in 2013 was technically the first DW episode to be shown at the flicks, but that one was just a SINGLE episode.

Successful season series so far?

With the majority of the episodes now aired, viewing figures are beginning to appear. It seems that each outing has attracted about 2 million viewers – that’s hardly stellar numbers, but the BBC are saying it’s because, like me, many are watching it on iPlayer. And that may be true, because once you include catchup viewing via iPlayer, numbers are up to around 5m. Hhhmmmm, they’re still not that impressive, where I’m not convinced that the whole ‘New Who Thing‘ has really caught on. Cue, the BBC marketing machine where there’s been some ‘spin’ put on the figures in the past week by Showrunner, Russell T Davies commenting:

“I mean, no, to be honest – I’m very proud of it! You know, they might not be the ratings we’d love. We always want higher. But they are building over the 28-day period.
Episode one, ‘Space Babies’, is already up to 5.6 million and counting. So it is getting there.”

Overall, I’m enjoying the return of probably my favourite Sci-Fi series – far more than during the Jodie Whittaker era – but it’s still been a bit of a mixed bag for me…

Episode 1 – Space Babies

Episode 2: The Devil’s Chord

Episode 3: Boom

Episode 4: 73 Yards

Episode 5: Dot and Bubble

Episode 6: Rogue

What’s this one all about?

“The Doctor and UNIT investigate Ruby’s past. But as the Time Window reveals horrifying secrets from Christmas Eve, the mysterious Triad Technology unleash the greatest evil of all“.

This dropped on YouTube the day before transmission (Friday) and maybe gives us a bigger clue as to the tone of the episode.

2.05pm: Having downloaded it this morning and after our visit to Lyveden New Bield earlier today, I’m going in! See you in 44 minutes! . As usual, I won’t spoil things by posting this early – it will appear AFTER tonight’s airing.

Should you watch it?

MILD SPOILERS AHEAD!

Wow! I think that was the best episode so far this series! Once I got over the overly sentimental opening scenes, that is! But at least that scene will please our cousins across the pond! – too much hugging and congratulatory back-slapping for this left-brainer – although it did serve to introduce a lot of characters, old and new, in quick succession so that the story could progress.

Stay awake at the back!

Talking of ‘story’, there’s an awful lot to unpack in this one, but I’ve attempted not to give too much away for those who’ve yet to watch it. Today’s top tip? Go to the loo BEFORE you settle down, because every scene seemed to have significance – absolutely NO FILLER whatsoever in this one!

Who for everyone?

Serving up Doctor Who in 2024 is an increasingly difficult task. Stories that attract all ages, getting the balance right between ‘laying it on a plate’ and allowing the audience work it out for themselves, whilst expanding on using an already diverse group of actors and all wrapped up in a story that holds everyone’s attention for 45 minutes is a tricky one to pull off. Thankfully, I think this one worked really well and served fans from all camps admirably. Dare I say it: this story would be ideal for anyone who’s never watched DW before. The story ticked all the boxes for keeping the audience hooked, the SFX were some of the best you’ll see this year, whilst the unfolding mystery twisted and turned like a twisty-turny thing. All I’d say is that it’s a good job it’s a two-parter, as there are still lots of loose ends to tie-up).

For noobies: plenty of tension, a tardis-full of genuine surprises, some shocks and great special effects. Absolutely no sign of any wobbly sets and where the acting was delivered with conviction, (although the dialogue was a bit ‘script 101’ on occasions).

For us mature types: all of the above PLUS some great nods to past DW episodes, including ‘Time Windows’ (first mentioned in series 2, episode 4 – The Girl in the Fireplace) and the emergence of an adversary last seen in Who in 1975’s Pyramids of Mars. Whilst I’m naming names, it was good to see a reference to Alistair Gordon Lethbridge Stewart who has been in and out of ‘Who’ since 1968 (and last seen in Survivors of the Flux in November 2021). Other characters making a re-appearance were: ‘Rose’ (Star Beast shown in November, 2023), ‘Mrs Flood‘ (very sinister and still not sure how she fits in to all of this), Lenny Rush as the mysterious Morris Gibbons plus Mel Bush (companion to the 6th, 7th and 14th Doctors). Finally, the name ‘Susan’ as all Whovians know, already carries a lot of significance in the show’s history – tonight, maybe this name adds something extra?

…or not?!

Oh yes, all very fan-pleasing!

Answers and Anagrams

As has become the norm for this season series, each episode has generated more questions than answers – that’s left a few fans feeling frustrated! Sadly, this one won’t help very much to give closure (and some will surely say that tonight’s will have added to the frustration!!). Still, that’s what season finalés are for, ehh?!?!?! .

Tonight’s plot looked pretty straightforward, but be prepared for a curved ball towards the end! Just when you thought you knew who this week’s ‘big bad’ was… they weren’t! DW has got a history of hiding significant clues using anagrams. For most Who fans, the two most memorable examples from past adventures are probably: ‘Torchwood‘, and ‘Mr Saxon‘. Tonight involved another – S Triad – possibly the simplest one ever to solve?! But again, just when you think you know what’s going on, maybe you don’t… Just like buses, you wait for ages for one and then TWO come along at once (ish!) – anagrams, that is! If wordplay isn’t your thing, then just hang on in there – although students of Egyptian mythology will have an advantage.

44 minutes invested well?

So, all-in-all, whether you’re new to Who or have been following it for a while, there’s something for EVERYONE tonight, and it has a certain ‘timey-wimeyness’ about it. This isn’t a bad thing, considering the premise of the series. Everything therefore is positioned perfectly for next week’s final instalment, although in terms of ‘answers’ there’s still a fair bit to deliver – and they had better do that!

Next Week’s Teaser

Unusually, just before the credits rolled, we DIDN’T get a sneak peek at next week’s episode – the season series finale.

So, see you next week, where I will have already sneaked off to the cinema on Friday for the advanced screening!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 1, Episode 7: The Legend of Ruby Sunday appeared first on Steve's Blog.

Episode 6 and with only two more episodes to go, things are hotting-up. With just ‘The Legend of Ruby Sunday’ and ‘Empire of Death’ left, as the remaining titles, I hear that they’re going to show them in cinemas too on the preceding Friday night. I think that’s a first!

Last week’s episode ‘Dot and Bubble’ was a bit ‘pink and fluffy’ for my tastes – and a bit too close in style (initially) to the recent cinematic phenomenon that was’Barbie’. Just as many people don’t ‘get’ Doctor Who, I felt the same about Barbie, and I still can’t work out what all the fuss was about! .

Anyway, back to the Whoniverse! . This week’s outing – an episode set in the style of Bridgerton (visually anyway), sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, and so I wonder where it’ll sit in my ratings of Series 1 so far?

Episode 1 – Space Babies

Episode 2: The Devil’s Chord

Episode 3: Boom

Episode 4: 73 Yards

Episode 5: Dot and Bubble

Ratings-wise, we appear to have quite a spread so far – from the ‘really crappy and embarrassing’ (Ep 1) to ‘now, that’s definnitlet worth a second watch’ (Ep 4).

It’s 6.30am, and I’m getting ahead and downloading it on iPlayer. With friends around for a curry tonight, the iPlayer option has been a real benefit (as it had in previous weeks too!). It’s such a busy life being retired!!! and when tonight’s episode went out live at 6.45pm, we will be tucking into the Indian Starters!

With all the food preparation for this evening in the very capable hands of Mrs P and my duties centred around cleaning and vacuuming – we were now pretty much all sorted by about 1pm, so time for ‘feet up’!

12.50pm: I’m going in! See you in 44 minutes!

What’s it about?

“The Doctor and Ruby land in 1813, where guests at a Duchess’s party are being murdered, and a mysterious bounty hunter called Rogue is about to change the Doctor’s life forever“.

Worth watching?

MILD SPOILERS AHEAD!

It’s 1.25pm. Well, that was much, MUCH better than I thought it was going to be! Although in the opening scenes, it was 100% Bridgerton in style, in less than a minute it turned into something far more sinister and set the tone for this story – oh, so very Doctor Who!

So far, so mysterious! Giving Russell T Davies, Who’s Showrunner a rest from writing duties this week was Kate Herron and Briony Redman – and they did a great job.

Actress Indira Varma was probably the one who I recognised immediately (Game of Thrones, Star Wars and plenty more!), including playing the part of the ill-fated Suzie Costello in the first episode of the Who-spinoff, ‘Torchwood (2006-2011). Less well-known to this part-time party animal, but who played a pivotal part, was actor Jonathon Goff (Frozen and Glee), as bounty hunter and faux-nemesis: ‘Rogue’. As the promotional blurb had promised:… he will change the Doctor’s life forever”. I’m not quite sure about that, but he certainly played a major role in how tonight’s story unfolded.

It was certainly an episode of contrasts. At times, it mimicked Bridgerton in every sense – costumes, dialogue and even the music choices, all wrapped-up in a perfect Regency setting. But just as we, the viewers, got comfortable, there were scenes that had the ingredients of pure sci-fi – gadgets, terror, technobabble and aliens. I liked it! Sci-fi tropes aside, I even enjoyed the brief dance scenes too – choreographed so well, that it looked as if everyone was connected to everyone else! There, I said it! I liked the Bridgerton bits!.

As a bonus, in between the twee of it all, they even managed to squeeze in some light comedy too! For me, the best line tonight (as the Doctor is trapped by ‘Rogue’)

“My name’s Bond, molecular bond!“

OK, it’s a bit cheesy, but it was perfectly timed (as all good cheese should be!) .

No TV production these days, especially one with a global audience, is going to miss the opportunity to demonstrate how diverse it can be – and tonight’s was no different. If the sight of two men kissing (almost) is not your thing, then may I suggest, you take a loo break at around the 22-minute mark. It’s OK, I went earlier! But you may need to relieve yourself again towards the end for the same reason – no problem… twice in an hour can be normal practice for men of our vintage!

Tonight, shock, horror, running (away) and the Doctor being a hero gave us all the ingredients of a good Who yarn with a genuinely climactic ending. Fir this super-fan, tonight’s title was right up there for me in the league of memorable episodes. I’m not sure the ‘monster makeup’ was the most convincing, but that’s always been a hallmark of Who (although co-financiers, Disney, will be disappointed that the budget didn’t stretch to a more convincing use of CGI faces). On the plus-side, Nkuti Gatwa does look good in Regency gear where he delivered, once again, a powerful performance and a wide range of emotions. Thankfully the ‘camp-ometer’ was dialled down tonight too and Mr Humphries can again, rest easy this week!

As usual, I’ve scheduled this Post so that it wasn’t live until after tonight’s episode had aired at 7.30pm.

Next Week

As usual, just before the credits rolled, we got a sneak peek at next week’s penultimate episode. The style for this series is to not give much away in these clips – and this one certainly was true to form!

See you next week!

Steve Palmer

I got into blogging quite late in life, not publishing my first post until 2004 – well into my 40s! My lifelong love of technology and communication (in all its forms), together with a fondness for the art of writing seemed to be the perfect combination to contribute a few words to the online community. But I’m no Samuel Pepys! If you’re looking for deep and meaningful comments on a variety of subjects, then you’ve arrived at the wrong site! I only pen for pleasure! On average, my posts appear about twice per month, covering family & friends, cinema visits, eating out, holiday experiences and techy stuff. Oh, and as this is my hobby, there are no sponsored links nor adverts here – it’s all done with love!

I hope you find it enjoyable, interesting and occasionally, even helpful!

StevePalmerTheBlogger.com

The post Doctor Who – Series 1, Episode 6: Rogue appeared first on Steve's Blog.