Is this an unprecedented kind of story? What does the ending say, & what does it avoid saying? How well does the Doctor-lite majority of the episode work? What meanings does the aesthetic & music suggest?

Neo
Ingiga
Agatha
Dilb

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 General impressions
00:01:59 Premise disguising the real point
00:09:28 Misdirection & hints
00:15:30 Ricky the surrogate Doctor
00:18:50 Who is “the audience”?
00:23:31 End of history setting & antagonist
00:27:51 Tech industry AI paranoia
00:30:35 Nostalgic Fallout-y aesthetics
00:32:47 Disturbing moments & Ricky’s fate
00:37:24 Slug design & backstory
00:40:44 Slugs representing narrative’s breakdown
00:43:27 Doctor-lite episodes
00:46:26 The ending & what it avoids
01:01:20 Ncuti’s performance & characterisation at the end
01:05:54 The Doctor’s decision to leave
01:11:23 Questions about the Homeworld
01:13:53 Music of the episode

SOURCES

1.
00:02:02
Original titles IRL
Davies, Russell T. “Episode Preview: Dot and Bubble.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 604, 23 May 2024, p. 15.

2.
00:02:16
RTD DWM, original visible Twitter idea in 2009
Davies, Russell T. “Episode Preview: Dot and Bubble.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 604, 23 May 2024, p. 15.

3.
00:03:50
RTD’s sketch of what the bubble heads look like
“Doctor Who Unleashed: Dot and Bubble” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 1 June 2024, ~21m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zxwn

4.
00:07:11
RTD/Gatiss don’t know how to write interview
Russell T Davies and Mark Gatiss: How to save TV.” The Sunday Times, 29 Jan. 2023, https://archive.vn/LwSvT

5.
00:14:38
RTD wonders how long it would take white viewers to notice the cast
“Doctor Who Unleashed: Dot and Bubble” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 1 June 2024, ~3m10s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zxwn

6.
00:19:00 RTD says bubble shows where we’re heading
“Doctor Who Unleashed: Dot and Bubble” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 1 June 2024, ~9m40s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zxwn

7.
01:01:29
End was first thing Ncuti filmed
“Doctor Who Unleashed: Dot and Bubble” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 1 June 2024, ~1m19s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zxwn

8.
01:04:10
Moff teases Ncuti going full Capaldi later
Davies, Russell T, Steven Moffat, and Joel Collins. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, Boom with commentary, 18 May 2024, ~17m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zpmb/doctor-who-video-commentaries-boom-with-commentary

9.
~1h17m4s
Preview clip
“DOT AND BUBBLE Preview | The Official Doctor Who Podcast | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 31 May 2024, https://youtu.be/v6zPkK1SPCQ

10.
~1h19m6s
Blade Runner inspiration
“Behind the Scenes | Dot and Bubble | Doctor Who” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 1 June 2024, ~3m55s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uXz0XHdsQI

11.
~1h19m17s
Weather producer idea
“Behind the Scenes | Dot and Bubble | Doctor Who” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 1 June 2024, ~4m8s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uXz0XHdsQI

Who Cares? - Dr. Who Fans Talk TV is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://whocaresdw.wordpress.com/

Does 73 Yards present a new RTD approach, uncluttered from the old? Does nightmare logic suit the show? What do we project onto the episode’s mysteries? Is the episode, as RTD says, one of the best things he’s ever written?

Neo
Ingiga
Mirrors
Dilb

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 Nightmare Who
00:09:28 Audience projection
00:11:14 Mad Jack
00:13:23 Wales & politics
00:18:39 Spinoffs & UNIT
00:21:52 Carla & season pacing
00:25:01 Resolutions
00:33:28 Old Ruby after the climax
00:41:30 Absence of the Doctor
00:44:13 Journey of a life
00:50:32 Best of RTD
00:58:40 Power & what ifs
01:06:30 Complicity & ambiguity
01:13:29 Music of the episode
01:54:44 Reflections & interview clarity

SOURCES

1.
~7m1s
RTD on the supernatural
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 27:02-28:18, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

2.
~32m15s
Nuclear fantasy
Akehurst, Luke [@lukeakehurst]. “@TinaTeapot27 Trident could be used anything from 1 warhead in an uninhabited area as a warning shot, to 40 aimed at cities.” Twitter, 1 Oct. 2015, https://archive.vn/TumjA

3.
~40m22s
Why RTD picked the distance
“Doctor Who Unleashed: 73 Yards” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 25 May 2024, ~12m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zq03

4.
~48m37s
Actor miming meaning
“Doctor Who Unleashed: 73 Yards” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 25 May 2024, ~26m30s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zq03

5.
~50m47s
Ncuti Gatwa schedule (Sex Ed)
“Doctor Who Unleashed: 73 Yards” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 25 May 2024, ~5m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zq03

6.
~50m58s
Ncuti Gatwa on the end of S1E5
Gatwa, Ncuti. “Ncuti Gatwa Rising.” Interview with Douglas Greenwood. GQ, 8 Nov. 2023, https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/ncuti-gatwa-interview-2023

7.
~51m12s
RTD (radio) on S1E4
“New Doctor Who “one of the greatest things” showrunner has ever made.” Radio Times, 14 March 2023, https://web.archive.org/web/20230331063159/https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-greatest-things-showrunner-russell-t-davies-newsupdate/

8.
~54m35s
~58m55s
RTD, profane, sacred
Davies, Russell T. “Behind the Scenes | 73 Yards | Doctor Who” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 25 May 2024, ~3m31s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EftAeJcCBo

9.
~56m32s
RTD refusing to describe Yonder
Davies, Russell T. “Episode 2: Wild Blue Yonder | The Official Doctor Who Podcast | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 2 Dec. 2023, 01:20-02:10, https://youtu.be/0xeeHn5P1rE

10.
~1h23m5s
RTD genre feint
Davies, Russell T. “Behind the Scenes | 73 Yards | Doctor Who” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 25 May 2024, ~4m10s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EftAeJcCBo

11.
~1h26m19s
Unleashed, train sequence
“Doctor Who Unleashed: 73 Yards” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 25 May 2024, ~7m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zq03

12.
~1h32m12s
RTD likes Murray loud
Davies, Russell T. “Doctor Who @60 – A Musical Celebration.” BBC, 1 Nov. 2023 , ~1h22m13s. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001s697/doctor-who-at-60-a-musical-celebration

13.
~1h46m56s
‘Fifteenth’ theme
“BBC Radio 2 announces Doctor Who @60: A Musical Celebration.” BBC Media Centre, 29 Sep. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2023/doctor-who-at-60-musical-celebration

14.
~1h53m21s
Segun Akinola excitement over orchestra
Akinola, Segun. “Creating the Music of Series 12 | Doctor Who: Series 12.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 5 March 2020, ~18s, https://youtu.be/BjgF3pIq-hQ

15.
~1h55m
DWM 605 excerpts on 73 Yards
Davies, Russell T. “73 Yards: Up Close.” Article by Paul Kirkley. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 605, 20 June 2024, pp. 36-38.

Who Cares? - Dr. Who Fans Talk TV is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://whocaresdw.wordpress.com/

How does Boom measure up to past Moffat episodes? What’s confronted, and what’s evaded, in the story? What does the episode say about faith, AI, fatherhood, Doctor mystery, companion casting, and war profiteering? Do the aesthetics work with, or against, the story? What does it mean for an episode to be a ‘sinister farce’?

Neo
Ingiga
Oliver

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 Return to the Moffat era
00:03:27 Echoes of previous Moff characters
00:06:07 15’s Moon and the President’s Wife rhyme
00:11:46 Smithesque season arc teases
00:14:20 Moffat arcs vs RTD2’s arc
00:18:17 Messy third act
00:24:31 Splice and the ensemble
00:30:18 Inside Man and frustrated catharsis
00:36:11 Dissipating tension
00:41:59 Cleverly structured cold open
00:47:07 Expensive visuals & cool costumes
00:54:12 Moffat’s role as exec producer
00:56:40 Varada Sethu paratext
01:00:47 Cheating your audience
01:06:53 Proof and faith
01:10:51 Hedging criticism and overlapping concepts
01:19:52 ‘Thoughts and prayers’, ‘we come in peace’
01:23:27 Evasive approach to algorithms and politics
01:30:59 Direction notes and challenges
01:34:56 Tinelime confusion continues
01:35:27 Stray thoughts & Skye Boat scene
01:38:50 Music of the episode

SOURCES

1.
00:11:52
In-vision commentary; Moffat’s idea to do the next of kin thing
Davies, Russell T, Steven Moffat, and Joel Collins. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, Boom with commentary, 18 May 2024, ~28m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zpmb/doctor-who-video-commentaries-boom-with-commentary

2.
00:23:40
In-vision: Moff reusing cut snow line from Christmas Carol
Davies, Russell T, Steven Moffat, and Joel Collins. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, Boom with commentary, 18 May 2024, ~42m30s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zpmb/doctor-who-video-commentaries-boom-with-commentary

3.
00:40:51
In-vision: Moff says ‘sinister farce’
Davies, Russell T, Steven Moffat, and Joel Collins. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, Boom with commentary, 18 May 2024, ~12m30s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zpmb/doctor-who-video-commentaries-boom-with-commentary

4.
00:42:01
In-vision: Moff originally took ages to get 15 to the mine
Davies, Russell T, Steven Moffat, and Joel Collins. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, Boom with commentary, 18 May 2024, ~12m30s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zpmb/doctor-who-video-commentaries-boom-with-commentary

5.
00:49:14
LED walls
Baker-Whitelaw, Gavia. “The problem with Disney’s new ‘Star Wars’ VFX technology, ‘The Volume’.” Daily Dot, 29 June 2022, https://archive.vn/sTKbe

“Artists who have worked with plates filmed on a Volume/Stagecraft/LED screen set, what’s been your experience with it?” Reddit, thread originating 20 June 2022, https://archive.vn/N4P95

“The problem with Disney’s new ‘Star Wars’ VFX technology, ‘The Volume’.” Reddit, thread originating 1 July 2022, https://archive.vn/L7ZWk

“unpopular opinion – “Virtual Production” shots look bad….?….. “ Reddit, thread originating 6 Dec. 2022, https://archive.vn/OEwPH

“Had no idea some of these Batman scenes were StageCraft, still feels like there is a lot of untapped potential in the technology.” Reddit, thread originating 21 May 2022, https://archive.vn/KtSMV

6.
00:49:20
Matt didn’t like the volume on HOTD
Smith, Matt. “The House of the Dragon Cast Gets Candid About What It’s Like to Ride a (Fake) Dragon.” Consequence, 23 Aug. 2022, https://consequence.net/2022/08/house-of-the-dragon-riding-details-interview/

[@Variety]. “Matt Smith shares what it’s like behind-the-scenes filming dragon-riding scenes for #HouseOfTheDragon. https://bit.ly/3JeKc7Y.” Twitter, 28 July 2022, https://archive.vn/ek1PM

7.
00:50:17
In-vision: gushing about the ugly ending shots being beautiful
Davies, Russell T, Steven Moffat, and Joel Collins. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, Boom with commentary, 18 May 2024, ~41m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zpmb/doctor-who-video-commentaries-boom-with-commentary

8.
00:54:22
Moff anecdote about asking to pull money from other eps
Spilsbury, Tom. “The BIG Interview: Doctor Who’s Steven Moffat.” TV Choice, 15 May 2024, https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/tv/doctor-who/the-big-interview-doctor-whos-steven-moffat/

9.
00:59:13
Varada interview in Unleashed
Sethu, Varada, and Steffan Powell. “Doctor Who Unleashed: Boom.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 18 May 2024, ~4m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zh0v

10.
01:00:59
RTD jokes about Susan Twist actor shortage
Davies, Russell T, Steven Moffat, and Joel Collins. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, Boom with commentary, 18 May 2024, ~24m45s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zpmb/doctor-who-video-commentaries-boom-with-commentary

11.
01:01:11
Moff interviewer asks why not just lie?
Spilsbury, Tom. “The BIG Interview: Doctor Who’s Steven Moffat.” TV Choice, 15 May 2024, https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/tv/doctor-who/the-big-interview-doctor-whos-steven-moffat/

12.
01:02:29
Pertwee’s Burgers proof
Davies, Russell T, Steven Moffat, and Joel Collins. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, Boom with commentary, 18 May 2024, ~24m30s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zpmb/doctor-who-video-commentaries-boom-with-commentary

Randall, Walter. “The Bearded Aztec.” Interview with Philip Newman. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 220, 24 Nov. 1994, p. 44.

13.
01:09:39
Moff pitched an idea that was just God Complex again
Davies, Russell T, Steven Moffat, and Joel Collins. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, Boom with commentary, 18 May 2024, ~6m25s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zpmb/doctor-who-video-commentaries-boom-with-commentary

Spilsbury, Tom. “The BIG Interview: Doctor Who’s Steven Moffat.” TV Choice, 15 May 2024, https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/tv/doctor-who/the-big-interview-doctor-whos-steven-moffat/

Taylor, Drew. “‘Doctor Who’ Writer Steven Moffat Details His Glorious Return: ‘I Threw Myself Enthusiastically Into Reverse’.” The Wrap, 22 May 2024, https://www.thewrap.com/doctor-who-steven-moffat-returns-disney-plus-interview/

14.
01:10:59
The Nerdist interview Moff
Gooden, Tai. “Steven Moffat on the Doctor’s Hypocrisy and Building Tension in DOCTOR WHO’s “Boom”.” The Nerdist, 17 May 2024, https://nerdist.com/article/steven-moffat-doctor-who-boom-episode-interview/

15.
01:12:14
Moffat saying the episode could be interpreted as pro capitalism
McEwan, Cameron K. “‘Doctor Who’: Steven Moffat Talks Algorithms, Easter Eggs and That Explosive Casting Reveal.” The Hollywood Reporter, 17 May 2024, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/doctor-who-steven-moffat-boom-easter-eggs-casting-reveal-1235903042/

16.
01:20:02
Angry Moff quote about thoughts and prayers
McEwan, Cameron K. “‘Doctor Who’: Steven Moffat Talks Algorithms, Easter Eggs and That Explosive Casting Reveal.” The Hollywood Reporter, 17 May 2024, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/doctor-who-steven-moffat-boom-easter-eggs-casting-reveal-1235903042/

17.
01:31:46
Why one location can actually mean more work, not less
Davies, Russell T, Steven Moffat, and Joel Collins. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, Boom with commentary, 18 May 2024, ~21m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001zpmb/doctor-who-video-commentaries-boom-with-commentary

18.
01:35:14
Moffat being needled about dates
McEwan, Cameron K. “‘Doctor Who’: Steven Moffat Talks Algorithms, Easter Eggs and That Explosive Casting Reveal.” The Hollywood Reporter, 17 May 2024, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/doctor-who-steven-moffat-boom-easter-eggs-casting-reveal-1235903042/

19.
01:37:20
Moffat on Ruby being a regular style companion
Spilsbury, Tom. “The BIG Interview: Doctor Who’s Steven Moffat.” TV Choice, 15 May 2024, https://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/tv/doctor-who/the-big-interview-doctor-whos-steven-moffat/

Who Cares? - Dr. Who Fans Talk TV is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://whocaresdw.wordpress.com/

What’s new and different about the RTD2 approach? What does a post-Giggle Doctor Who look like? When is a chord not a chord? What does a ‘twist at the end’ really mean? How is 15’s first run taking shape as a season?

Neo
Ingiga
Missy

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 Cartoon episode + Maestro + opening theme
00:05:03 Direction + sustained sequences
00:09:14 The lost chord
00:12:34 Wonky premise + music battle
00:22:14 Maestro villainy + 15 characterisation
00:26:40 Susan (Foreman) + Time Lord genocide ellision
00:31:24 Six month gap
00:36:17 ‘Saxon theme’ + subtitles
00:39:47 There’s Always A Twist At The End
00:53:43 The ending
00:55:21 Carol of the Bells + secret song + Pantheon
00:59:55 Tone of the episode + 1960s
01:02:15 Maestro’s music
01:04:37 RTD comments on The Devil’s Chord
01:11:11 ‘Media literacy’
01:22:58 RTD2 season 1 arcs

SOURCES

1.
~4m6s
Murray Gold suggesting new versions of the theme tune
Gold, Murray, and Russell T Davies. “Gold Faithful.” Interview with Benjamin Cook. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 590, 27 April 2023, pp. 24-25.

2.
~13m32s
Marketed as a Beatles episode
“Doctor Who meets The Beatles.” BBC [Doctor Who], 7 May 2024, https://www.bbc.com/articles/c04lmggndeno

“Doctor Who – Golda Rosheuvel jumps aboard the TARDIS as episode titles are revealed.” BBC Media Centre, 31 March 2024, https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2024/doctor-who-golda-rosheuvel-episode-titles

3.
~30m22s
Patrick Ness on Weeping Angels in Class series 2
Ness, Patrick. Liner notes. Class – Original Television Soundtrack. Silva Screen Records, 7 Dec. 2018. CD.

4.
~31m32s
Unleashed showing the episode being labelled as 2/8 (episode two)
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Devil’s Chord.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 11 May 2024, ~4m21s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z8db

5.
~47m38s
Murray Gold talking about composing the song
Gold, Murray. “Behind the Scenes | The Devil’s Chord | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 12 May 2024, ~13m30s, https://youtu.be/XbxvewrxaqQ

6.
~52m23s
The Eleventh Hour not being the first episode Matt Smith filmed
Doctor Who: The Complete History #65. Stories 203-205: The Eleventh Hour, The Beast Below and Victory of the Daleks. Panini UK, 9 Aug. 2017, pp. 33-34.

7.
~1h4m44s
RTD comments on The Devil’s Chord
Davies, Russell T. “Preview: The Devil’s Chord.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 603, 25 April 2024, pp. 16-17.

8.
~1h10m25s
Maestro not being written for performer
Davies, Russell T. “Devil in Her Heart.”” Jinkx Monsoon interview with Benjamin Cook. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 603, 25 April 2024, p. 26.

9.
~1h25m7s
Official socials
[@bbcdoctorwho]. “A Twist at the end…? #DoctorWho” Twitter, 20 May 2024, https://archive.vn/JM7rj

10.
~1h36m38s
Series 11 episode order shift
“The Making of Series 11” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 539 (deluxe edition), 30 May 2019, p. 16, 18, 20.

Who Cares? - Dr. Who Fans Talk TV is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://whocaresdw.wordpress.com/

How is this era being differentiated from those prior? How is music telling the story? What’s new about this Doctor’s characterisation? What’s familiar, and what’s novel, about this new Disney Who?

Neo
Ingiga
Missy

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 General impressions
00:03:45 Self-conscious overexplaining
00:08:13 Clever rejigging of the Timeless Child
00:10:49 Lack of breathing room
00:15:39 Doctor not needing a purpose
00:18:06 Empty exposition
00:20:46 The bizarre ending & Moff callbacks
00:24:10 Snow attack
00:26:07 Time to talk about the babies
00:27:36 Baby lips vs. Rose’s carnivorous bin
00:31:02 NSA-quality idea
00:34:55 Flashbacks within the same episode
00:42:41 Secretly Kill The Moon?
00:45:26 The “Disney scene” at the start
00:50:28 The Ruby Road ending recap
00:51:50 Millie elevating the material
00:56:32 Ncuti’s handling of bad lines
01:03:11 Jocelyn/NAN-E and her filter
01:06:38 RTD comments on season airing & structure
01:17:09 RTD Space Babies + adoption comments
01:22:56 Music from Space Babies (chromatic descent)
01:25:31 Entering TARDIS (opening music, drums)
01:28:14 Wondrous music + chromatic descent
01:31:51 This is Gallifrey + Fifteen’s theme
01:35:18 Silly TARDIS music + Ruby’s theme
01:38:41 Fifteen’s theme variation (TARDIS vworping)
01:39:51 Baby unveiling music + other composers
01:43:57 They Took The Baby
01:47:37 Action music (monster dying)
01:50:51 A Good Man (saving monster)

SOURCES

1.
00:17:35
RTD on Doctor characterisation
Davies, Russell T. “Russell T Davies on returning to Doctor Who, queer representation and ‘maddest’ episodes yet.” Interview with Adrian Lobb. Big Issue, 22 Nov. 2023, https://www.bigissue.com/culture/tv/russell-t-davies-doctor-who-david-tennant-interview/

2.
00:26:37
Unleashed (section with the baby lip syncer shows it’s kids delivering the lines)
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Church on Ruby Road.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 11 May 2024, ~4m-9m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z8cy

3.
00:26:53
Unleashed Lenny Rush segment
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Church on Ruby Road.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 11 May 2024, ~16m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001z8cy

4.
00:35:28
David Simon, The Wire, flashback in pilot
Simon, David. “Exclusive David Simon Q&A.” Borderline Productions, 16 Aug. 2006, https://web.archive.org/web/20100123215116/http://www.borderline-productions.com/TheWireHBO/exclusive-8.html

5.
00:38:04
Safdie Curse Q&A
Safdie, Benny. “Benny Safdie on The Curse | Episode 10.” YouTube, uploaded by Film at Lincoln Center, 23 Jan. 2024, ~3m, https://youtu.be/gp4L-A2dGtk

6.
00:46:21
Disney note for a more exciting opening
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, Julie Gardner, and Jane Tranter. “From Cardiff With Love.” Interview with Benjamin Cook. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 586, 19 Aug. 2021, p. 32.

“Behind the Scenes | Space Babies | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 12 May 2024, ~36s, https://youtu.be/ar6AHrAlRzc

7.
01:06:38
Davies, Russell T. “Letter From the Showrunner.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 600, 1 Feb. 2024, p. 8.

8.
01:08:52
01:14:10
Davies, Russell T. “[Letter From the Showrunner].” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 603, 25 April 2024, pp. 4-5.

9.
01:15:03
Noakes, Keith. “Doctor Who (1×04) 73 Yards Review.” Keith Loves Movies, 21 May 2024, https://web.archive.org/web/20240522043849/https://keithlovesmovies.com/2024/05/21/doctor-who-1×04-73-yards-review/

10.
01:17:09
01:19:19
01:21:17
“Preview: Space Babies.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 603, 25 April 2024, pp. 14-15.

11.
01:50:25
Davies, Russell T. “[Letter From The Showrunner].” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 602, 28 March 2024, p. 4.

Who Cares? - Dr. Who Fans Talk TV is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://whocaresdw.wordpress.com/

How has RTD relaunched Doctor Who? How has he remixed and rejigged the previous eras of the show? How to sell the magic of Who? How do the aesthetics of this era compare to what’s come before? What’s present, and what’s missing? And what do the extras and the novelisation add?

Neo
Ingiga
Missy

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 Thoughts vs. Specials 1-3
00:06:48 Awkward ‘Special 4’ positioning
00:10:59 Doctor dancing in club scene
00:15:59 Remixing the foundling lore
00:23:03 Attitudes to adoption & Ruby’s family
00:30:23 Dark Carla scene and its implications
00:40:24 Goblin controversy
00:44:45 The direction, editing and composition
00:56:00 Visual storytelling issues in climactic scenes
01:12:11 The Flood reveal & her identity
01:19:06 Liminal checkpoints vs. jumping-on points
01:29:15 Experiencing media the ‘right way’
01:32:51 How to sell the magic of Who
01:38:16 Ruby’s motive for entering the TARDIS
01:41:58 Showrunners’ interest in the TARDIS
01:46:59 The “Disney scene”
01:51:19 “I finally saw him as the Doctor”
01:53:17 Music in the show’s DNA
01:58:35 The Goblin Song
02:04:29 Cringe, insecurity & sincerity
02:11:11 Goblin Song stylistic choices
02:13:43 Darkness, diegesis, magical church & fake snow
02:19:27 The missing Goblin King attack sequence
02:24:54 Overcompensating CGI over practical effects
02:31:31 Photos on the fridge
02:33:40 Praise for Millie and Ncuti’s performances
02:41:21 Costume design & companion comparisons
02:49:46 The mysterious musical motif
03:01:41 More musical highlights and parallels
03:13:42 Interview quotes about the new TARDIS
03:18:53 The new sonic’s design and usage
03:30:17 Most and least exciting future episodes
03:38:00 Millie Gibson interviews
03:43:41 Millie rumours & the online outrage industry
03:52:00 Influencer ideology
03:57:43 Janis Goblin
03:59:32 Novelisation: author backstory
04:06:30 Novel: Opening
04:10:25 Novel: Chapters 2-3, writing style
04:13:42 Novel: Dance scene, chapters 5-6
04:17:29 Novel: Action scenes & Ruby internal monologue
04:21:48 Novel: The ship escape & room for authorial liberties
04:27:29 Novel: Cut psychic paper and jargon
04:31:47 Novel: “I’ve got no-one”; Drastic Transgression
04:34:56 Novel: Ruby’s family & 15’s emotions
04:40:24 Novel: Crack in time
04:43:14 Novel: Spiking the ship & Doctor’s motivations
04:52:44 Novel: Ruby entering the TARDIS
04:58:08 Novel: Overall thoughts

SOURCES

1.
00:06:51
Davies, Russell T. “Get Ready For Ncuti Gatwa’s First Season!” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 599, 4 Jan. 2024, p. 4.

2.
00:25:51
Ruby’s family give her strength
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 36:52-37:14, 50:-13-50:30, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

3.
00:35:16
RTD praises Carla subtlety
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 37:30-38:06, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

4.
00:38:34
Ruby yelling ‘don’t move!’
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 37:30-38:06, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

5.
00:39:23
Christmas Carol/Wonderful Life comparison
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 39:44-40:37, 50:13-50:30, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

6.
00:40:54
“Kelly Osbourne Breaks Silence on the ‘If You Kick Every Latino Out’ Video Going Viral.” Rolling Stone, 18 Jan. 2024, https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/kelly-osbourne-regrets-if-you-kick-every-latino-out-video-1234948054/

7.
Tonderai, Mark. Web comment. “The Church on Ruby Road Review.” Eruditorum Pres, 26 Dec. 2023, https://web.archive.org/web/20231227000251/https://www.eruditorumpress.com/blog/the-church-on-ruby-road-review

8.
00:52:57
RTD rehired Chibnall colourist
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 22:32-22:52, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

9.
00:59:55
RTD wanted more of London behind the ending TARDIS scene
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 51:59-52:09, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

10.
01:00:15
RTD explains why eps are banked so early
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 28:50-29:15, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

11.
01:02:55
Gatwa, Ncuti. “Need to know more about the PSYCHIC GLOVE! ” YouTube, uploaded by BBC, 15 Dec. 2023, https://youtu.be/zrk7WO1beSU

12.
01:13:11
RTD compares Flood teaser to Marvel
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 53:59-54:33, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

13.
01:15:06
RTD prevaricating about Flood 4th wall break
Davies, Russell T. “Episode 4: The Church on Ruby Road | The Official Doctor Who Podcast | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 25 Dec. 2023, 20:48-21:05, https://youtu.be/6TrjP8zpSes

14.
01:34:24
RTD forgets Clara looped around the TARDIS too
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 52:22-52:43, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

15.
01:44:19
Jukebox songs
“Music of the Sphere.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 599, 4 Jan. 2024, p. 35.

16.
01:47:11
Disney’s note about seeing the Doctor sooner
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 06:13-06:57, 08:37-09:10, 09:10-09:27, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

17.
01:51:09 17
RTD says he liked taking a long time to introduce the Doctor
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 10:55-11:12, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

18.
02:10:43
Ncuti/Millie in extras explaining their awkwardness doing the music scene
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Church on Ruby Road.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 25 Dec. 2023, 22:58-23:30, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001tv5z/doctor-who-unleashed-the-church-on-ruby-road

19.
02:11:12
Tonderai wanted stamping gang rhythm
“The Church on Ruby Road: Behind the Scenes | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 25 Dec. 2023, 06:40-07:18, https://youtu.be/MIKeuC3IE9c

20.
02:13:48
Millie outraged at goblin king’s death
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 29:26-30:02, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

21.
02:17:58
Fake snow
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 46:41-47:12, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Church on Ruby Road.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 25 Dec. 2023, 15:45-16:49, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001tv5z/doctor-who-unleashed-the-church-on-ruby-road

22.
02:19:45
Cut goblin king in home sequence
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 31:48-32:53, 33:21-33:59, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

23.
02:31:36
Photos on fridge were art department’s idea
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 32:53-33:21, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

24.
02:33:48
RTD talks up Millie’s youth
“The Church on Ruby Road: Behind the Scenes | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 25 Dec. 2023, 01:58-02:26, https://youtu.be/MIKeuC3IE9c

25.
02:35:50
Ncuti was off shooting Sex Education for much of filming
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 10:55-11:30, 42:47-43:22, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

26.
02:35:56
First block was Eps 4/5
“Doctor Who Series 14: production and crew updates.” Cultbox, 9 Nov. 2022, https://web.archive.org/web/20240324055023/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/doctor-who-series-14-production-and-crew-updates

“Doctor Who Series 14: latest production news.” Cultbox, 2 Jan. 2023, https://web.archive.org/web/20231225194027/https://cultbox.co.uk/news/headlines/doctor-who-series-14-latest-production-news

27.
02:43:15
Millie costume
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 10:36-10:55, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

28.
03:13:47
Collins, Joel, Phil Sims, Crissy Howes, and David Tennant. “Even Bigger on the Inside.” Interview with Paul Kirkley. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 599, 4 Jan. 2024, pp. 32-35.

29.
03:20:03
“Sonic Disruptors.” Interview with Paul Kirkley. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 599, 4 Jan. 2024, pp. 36-37.

30.
03:27:28 Why they didn’t make the gloves Star Wars metallic style
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 20:17-20:56, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

31.
03:32:13
RTD mentioning a script starts in Roswell
Davies, Russell T. “Letter From The Showrunner.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 584, 10 Nov. 2022, p. 11.

32.
03:34:05
“New Doctor Who “one of the greatest things” showrunner has ever made.” Radio Times, 14 March 2023, https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-greatest-things-showrunner-russell-t-davies-newsupdate/

33.
03:36:27
RTD spoiling Rogue’s ending
Davies, Russell T, Millie Gibson, and Chris May. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 2023 Christmas special: The Church on Ruby Road, 25 Dec. 2023, 42:32-42:50, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvx/doctor-who-video-commentaries-christmas-special-the-church-on-ruby-road-with-commentary

34.
03:39:59
Methven, Nicola. “BBC Doctor Who’s new companion Varada Sethu spotted filming with Ncuti Gatwa after Millie Gibson exit.” The Mirror, 23 Jan. 2024, https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/bbc-doctor-whos-varada-sethu-31943517

35.
03:40:05
“Doctor Who star Millie Gibson seen on set for first time since Coronation Street exit.” The Daily Express, 12 Jan. 2023, https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1719896/doctor-who-millie-gibson-filming-pictures

36.
03:40:44
Gibson, Millie. “Sunday Girl.” Interview with Lisa Gledhill. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 600, 1 Feb. 2024, pp. 24-25.

37.
03:44:48
Yaqoob, Janine, Nicola Fahey, and Laura Armstrong. “Dr Who star Millie Gibson branded a ‘diva’ after being ‘annoyed’ about night shoots.” The Mirror, 17 June 2023, https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/dr-who-star-millie-gibson-30258693

38.
03:57:43
Rotondo, Christina. “The Goblin With the Golden Voice.” Interview with Jason Quinn. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 600, 1 Feb. 2024, p. 43.

39.
04:00:16
Novelisation
Jikiemi-Pearson, Esmie. “Doctor Who: The CHurch on Ruby Road.” BBC Books, 25 Jan. 2024.

Author experiences with Doctor Who when younger
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson | Doctor Who Author Interview.” YouTube, uploaded by WHO Corner to Corner, 28 Jan. 2024, https://youtu.be/Q8j-nUhv6Xc, ~5m20s

“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson LIVE Interview | The Principle of Moments & More.” YouTube, uploaded by FanFiAddict, 8 Feb. 2024, https://youtu.be/JybN0sVCEho, ~58m51s

40.
04:01:03
Proto-Time Lord Victorious project
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson | Doctor Who Author Interview.” YouTube, uploaded by WHO Corner to Corner, 28 Jan. 2024, https://youtu.be/Q8j-nUhv6Xc, ~7m50s

Quick pace of getting the script and writing the novelisation
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson | Doctor Who Author Interview.” YouTube, uploaded by WHO Corner to Corner, 28 Jan. 2024, https://youtu.be/Q8j-nUhv6Xc, ~11m, ~18m47s, ~56m

The Principle of Moments inspiration from Doctor Who and Ncuti Gatwa + lack of black women SFF writers
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson | Doctor Who Author Interview.” YouTube, uploaded by WHO Corner to Corner, 28 Jan. 2024, https://youtu.be/Q8j-nUhv6Xc, ~14m11s

Lack of leeway with additions
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson | Doctor Who Author Interview.” YouTube, uploaded by WHO Corner to Corner, 28 Jan. 2024, https://youtu.be/Q8j-nUhv6Xc, ~22m54s

Visiting the 13 TARDIS during the proto-TLV era
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson | Doctor Who Author Interview.” YouTube, uploaded by WHO Corner to Corner, 28 Jan. 2024, https://youtu.be/Q8j-nUhv6Xc, ~41m

What it’s like to write for someone else’s characters + script being obvious with character motivations
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson | Doctor Who Author Interview.” YouTube, uploaded by WHO Corner to Corner, 28 Jan. 2024, https://youtu.be/Q8j-nUhv6Xc, ~54m18s

Interest in writing more Doctor Who novels
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson | Doctor Who Author Interview.” YouTube, uploaded by WHO Corner to Corner, 28 Jan. 2024, https://youtu.be/Q8j-nUhv6Xc, ~1h6m

Avoiding reading novelsiations
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson | Doctor Who Author Interview.” YouTube, uploaded by WHO Corner to Corner, 28 Jan. 2024, https://youtu.be/Q8j-nUhv6Xc, ~1h11m

Imposter syndrome, dialogue formatting
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson LIVE Interview | The Principle of Moments & More.” YouTube, uploaded by FanFiAddict, 8 Feb. 2024, https://youtu.be/JybN0sVCEho, ~1h2m53s

Doctor Who fans loving added scenes in novelisations
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson LIVE Interview | The Principle of Moments & More.” YouTube, uploaded by FanFiAddict, 8 Feb. 2024, https://youtu.be/JybN0sVCEho, ~1h11m47s

41.
04:34:56
Author family connections
“Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson | Doctor Who Author Interview.” YouTube, uploaded by WHO Corner to Corner, 28 Jan. 2024, https://youtu.be/Q8j-nUhv6Xc, ~22m54s

Who Cares? - Dr. Who Fans Talk TV is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://whocaresdw.wordpress.com/

Was the regeneration satisfying? What’s a Doctorverse? How is the show reorienting to fantasy? Why do people feel so differently about the bigeneration? How is the Toymaker’s legacy handled? What’s different in the novelisation? What does this finale say about the show’s past and future? We discuss The Giggle in depth, while also covering the novelisation and the bevy of extras.

Neo
Ingiga
Oliver
Missy

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 Journey to France
00:06:34 ‘There’s no such thing’
00:08:03 Impressions & attitudes
00:16:29 Goals of the episode
00:27:51 UNIT, lasers, journalists
00:32:28 Unleashed racism
00:49:08 Music + Toymaker origins
00:58:23 Giggle thematics + giving fans tools
01:14:12 Music, Moffat, montage
01:35:54 Social commentary
01:44:42 Mel
01:52:20 The Ruminant
02:02:07 Ball game
02:09:21 We can be celestial
02:13:49 Bigeneration: qualifiers & The End of Time
02:25:00 Bigeneration: time loop & Tales of the TARDIS
02:33:09 Bigeneration: opinions & Oliver
02:45:51 Bigeneration: inquiries & Ingiga
02:55:28 Bigeneration: Doctors as different people
03:03:52 Bigeneration: guilt, continuity, baggage
03:11:14 Bigeneration: emotions, finality, family
03:21:40 Bigeneration: retirement, cheating, two TARDISes
03:36:54 Bigeneration: I stay there, he flies off
03:46:09 Bigeneration: affording a house in France
03:52:07 Bigeneration: spectacle, toys
04:00:07 Bigeneration: costume handover across regenerations
04:07:41 Doctorverse
04:42:52 Novelisation: appeal, politicians, UNIT
04:48:58 Novelisation: Toymaker perspective, hashtag Donna reasons
04:57:15 Novelisation: choose your own adventure + Flux
05:03:22 Novelisation: musical sequence
05:11:03 Novelisation: bigeneration + defeat
05:15:10 Novelisation: third act expansion
05:26:57 Novelisation: ending
05:51:20 Books, brands, the future, pop
05:57:51 Addendum: bigeneration — behind the scenes
06:06:56 Ncuti’s casting + TARDIS talk
06:10:09 14’s house, parallels with Mel, actor expectations
06:17:03 Script details + regeneration handovers
06:23:26 Outro

SOURCES

1.
~17m23s
~1h4m24s
Davies, Russell T. “Episode 3: The Giggle | The Official Doctor Who Podcast | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 9 Dec. 2023, 21:40-22:16, https://youtu.be/ZJps9O9Wi8Q

Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 27:02-28:18, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

2.
~19m39s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 40:45-41:42, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

Davies, Russell T. “Russell T Davies And The Heritage Of Doctor Who.” Interview with Nick Setchfield. SFX, 12 Dec. 2009, https://web.archive.org/web/20230105054200/https://www.gamesradar.com/russell_t_davies_and_the_heritage_of_doctor_who/

3.
~21m51s
Davies, Russell T. “Spilling the T.” SFX, vol. 372, 1 Nov. 2023, p. 29.

Davies, Russell T. “Letter From the Showrunner.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 598, 7 Dec. 2023, p. 10.

4.
~22m17s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 08:59-09:52, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

5.
~26m11s
[@set_dw]. “#dwsr Ncuti Gatwa and Bonnie Langford on set today. It’s out in the open now, so here’s the outfit. Leather jacket, white top, necklace, jeans and boots.” Twitter, 10 June 2023, https://web.archive.org/web/20230610194854/https://twitter.com/set_dw/status/1667233259971903489

6.
~33m46s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 23:06-24:20, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

7.
~35m5s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Giggle.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 9 Dec. 2023, 10:09-12:18, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001tc3n/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-3-the-giggle

8.
~37m27s
“TVONtario cancels rest of Dr. Who.” The Canadian Press, 7 Nov. 1980. Extract at https://cuttingsarchive.org/index.php/TVOntario_cancels_rest_of_Dr._Who

9.
~53m10s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Giggle.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 9 Dec. 2023, 8:58-9:58, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001tc3n/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-3-the-giggle

“The Giggle: Behind the Scenes | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 9 Dec. 2023, 01:02-01:52, https://youtu.be/X9WI4kZ7Ubk

Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 01:55-03:33, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

10.
~57m35s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 15:00-15:49, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

11.
~1h7m1s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 30:27-31:34, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

12.
~1h8m21s
Moffat, Steven, and Christel Dee “The Steven Moffat Interview: Part 3 | Doctor Who: The Fan Show | Doctor Who.” Interview by Christel Dee. YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 3 Aug. 2018, 16:04-17:16, https://youtu.be/styqnGNTffM

13.
~1m10m30s
Davies, Russell T. “Letter From the Showrunner.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 595, 14 Sep. 2023, p. 11.

14.
~1h32m13s
Chibnall, Chris. “Exclusive: Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall on advice from Steven Moffat and writing Jodie Whittaker’s first moments.” Interview by Justin Cook. Flickering Myth, 12 Nov. 2018, https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/11/exclusive-doctor-who-showrunner-chris-chibnall-on-advice-from-steven-moffat-and-writing-jodie-whittakers-first-moments/

15.
~1h40m30s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Star Beast.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 25 Nov. 2023, 10:30-11:30, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001sx3m/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-1-the-star-beast

16.
~1h53m20s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 05:40-06:00, 06:00-06:59, 07:50-08:16, 25:40-26:20, 48:16-48:56, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

17.
~1h54m8s
“The Giggle: Behind the Scenes | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 9 Dec. 2023, 09:30-09:44 , https://youtu.be/X9WI4kZ7Ubk

18.
~2h3m55s
“The Giggle: Behind the Scenes | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 9 Dec. 2023, 10:51-11:12, https://youtu.be/X9WI4kZ7Ubk

19.
~2h9m25s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 37:43-38:26, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

20.
~2h12m36s
Davies, Russell T. “From Cardiff With Love.” Interview with Benjamin Cook. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 586, 19 Aug. 2021, p. 33.

21.
~2h12m45s
Davies, Russell T, and Benjamin Cook. The Writer’s Tale – The Final Chapter. BBC Books, 2010, p. 163.

22.
~2h17m1s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 42:09-42:24, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

23.
~2h23m56s
~4h2m4s
Davies, Russell T. “Letter from the Showrunner.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 585, 8 Dec. 2022, p. 7.

Davies, Russell T. “Letter from the Showrunner.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 586, 5 Jan. 2023, p. 7.

Tennant, David. “Doctor Who’s David Tennant explains original plan for flashback special.” Radio Times, 20 Nov. 2023, https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-david-tennant-flashback-newsupdate/

24. & 25.
~2h28m28s
Davies, Russell T. “Spilling the T.” SFX, vol. 372, 1 Nov. 2023, p. 44.

26.
~2h33m20s
“The Giggle: Behind the Scenes | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 9 Dec. 2023, 11:57-12:07, https://youtu.be/X9WI4kZ7Ubk

27.
~2h34m6s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Giggle.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 9 Dec. 2023, 27:34-27:38, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001tc3n/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-3-the-giggle

28.
~2h44m10s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Star Beast.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 25 Nov. 2023, 05:05-05:50, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001sx3m/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-1-the-star-beast

29.
~2h57m37s
Moffat, Steven. “Doctor Who Writer Steven Moffat Spills Secrets.” Interview with Adam Rogers. Wired, 20 June 2011, https://web.archive.org/web/20210918121333/https://www.wired.com/2011/06/pl-player-doctorwho/

30.
~3h19m23s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 11:34-12:28, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

31.
~3h20m48s
~3h33m47s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Giggle.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 9 Dec. 2023, 27m30s-28m19s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001tc3n/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-3-the-giggle

32.
~3h44m12s
Davies, Russell T. “Deleted Scenes: Episodes 9-13”, 02:48-03:19. BBC, 17 Nov. 2008. DVD [Doctor Who: The Complete Fourth Series].

33.
~4h3m16s
Davies, Russell T. “Reach Up For the Sunrise.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 584, 10 Nov. 2022, pp. 25-26.

34.
~4h4m8s
Gatwa, Ncuti. “The Graham Norton Show: Episode #517: Imelda Staunton, Jamie Dornan, Jack Lowden, Ncuti Gatwa, and Gregory Porter.” The Graham Norton Show, series 31, episode 11, 15 Dec. 2023. BBC.

35.
~4h6m5s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 20:34-21:45, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

36.
~4h9m10s
Magrs, Paul. “Ten Years of Nest Cottage.” Life on Magrs, 20 April, 2019, https://web.archive.org/web/20211216184154/https://lifeonmagrs.blogspot.com/2019/04/ten-years-of-nest-cottage.html

37.
~4h11m19s
Davies, Russell T. “Episode 3: The Giggle | The Official Doctor Who Podcast | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 9 Dec. 2023, 03:55-04:30, https://youtu.be/ZJps9O9Wi8Q

38.
~4h11m58s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 12:32-14:50, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

39.
~4h15m35s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 44:16-45:36, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

40.
~4h25m1s
“Peter Capaldi won’t return to Doctor Who: “I’ve done my time”.” Radio Times, 27 Oct. 2022, https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/doctor-who-peter-capaldi-return-exclusive-newsupdate/
“Peter Capaldi is open to returning to Doctor Who: “I could pop up again”.” Digital Spy, 21 Aug. 2017, https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/cult/a836136/peter-capaldi-doctor-who-return/
41.
~4h42m52s
Goss, James. “Doctor Who: The Giggle.” BBC Books, 14 Dec. 2023.

42.
~5h10m5s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 17:21-17:44, 42:30-42:50, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

43.
~5h31m59s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: Wild Blue Yonder.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 2 Dec. 2023, 12:42-13:34, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001t43c/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-2-wild-blue-yonder

44.
~5h32m26s
Davies, Russell T, Phil Collinson, and David Tennant. In-vision commentary. Doctor Who, 60th anniversary, special 3: The Giggle, 9 Dec. 2023, 56:51-57:57, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0gsdjvn/doctor-who-video-commentaries-the-giggle-with-commentary

45.
~5h40m46s
Conlan, Tara. “Russell T Davies writing TV drama about Aids in the 1980s.” The Guardian, 16 Jan. 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/jan/15/russell-t-davies-writing-tv-drama-about-aids-in-the-1980s

Denham, Jess. “Russell T Davies to follow Cucumber with dramas about Aids and ‘sextortion’ gangs.” The Independent, 27 Jan. 2015, https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/russell-t-davies-follow-cucumber-dramas-about-aids-and-sextortion-gangs-10005378.html

46.
~5h40m55s
Davies, Russell T. “Spilling the T.” SFX, vol. 372, 1 Nov. 2023, p. 26.

47.
~5h54m32s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: The Giggle.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 9 Dec. 2023, 25:05-25:26, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001tc3n/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-3-the-giggle

48.
~6h1m18s
Davies, Russell T. “Letter from the Showrunner.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 599, 4 Jan. 2024, p. 6.

49.
~6h2m57s
Davies, Russell T. Introduction to ‘Doctor Who and the Time War’, 26 March 2020, https://www.doctorwho.tv/news-and-features/read-doctor-who-and-the-time-war-by-russell-t-davies

50.
~6h3m21s
Tennant, David, Russell T Davies, Bonnie Langford, Chanya Button, Ncuti Gatwa, and Catherine Tate. “Talking Bout Bi-Generation.” Interview with Benjamin Cook. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 599, 4 Jan. 2024, pp. 13-20.

51.
~6h19m30s
Tennant, David, and Ncuti Gatwa. “Doctor, Doctor.” Interview with Benjamin Cook. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 599, 4 Jan. 2024, pp. 13-20.

Who Cares? - Dr. Who Fans Talk TV is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://whocaresdw.wordpress.com/

Doctor-Donna genesis, lyrical lovesickness, character regressions, vindictive villainy, musical escalation, Racnoss drowning, Christmas imagery & more are discussed in this review of The Runaway Bride, Doctor Who’s 2006 Christmas special.

Neo
Ingiga
Mirrors

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 Comparing RTD Christmas specials
00:04:27 Stakes + establishing Doctor/Donna bond
00:08:30 Lance representing insecurity
00:14:54 Actors across time
00:16:37 Empress of the Racnoss
00:20:02 Handling of Rose’s absence
00:28:23 Love Don’t Roam scene & lyrics
00:34:00 RTD & Christmas imagery
00:36:36 Orchestral & cinematic scale
00:42:28 The real core of the Earth
00:46:05 Spider web attack on London
00:48:47 10 drowning the Racnoss
00:55:57 Introducing Gallifrey & wider universe
01:00:05 Vindictive villainy
01:03:31 ‘You can stop now’
01:05:17 Donna imitating Rose’s swing moment
01:09:55 Bookending Doctor/Donna relationship
01:12:16 Episode archaeology
01:15:37 How Lance became a companion
01:17:13 The Snake in the grass
01:23:36 The 1:50 AM Incident
01:25:09 Fan judgement & children’s acceptance
01:30:16 Donna’s wedding ‘regeneration’
01:33:22 Sympathy for the Racnoss
01:40:35 Donna not joining the TARDIS
01:43:39 Staging of the ending scene
01:45:25 Cruelty & warmth in Donna’s life
01:49:44 Retrospective thoughts & looking forward

SOURCES:

1.
~16m
Doctor Who: The Complete History #54. Stories 178-180: The Runaway Bride, Smith and Jones and The Shakespeare Code. Panini UK, 15 Nov. 2017, p. 19, 23.

2.
~17m17s
Tennant, David, and Julie Gardner. Audio commentary. Doctor Who: series 3, episode 0/Christmas special: The Runaway Bride, 37:06-38:31. BBC, 5 Nov. 2007. DVD [Doctor Who: The Complete Third Series].

3.
~21m34s
Davies, Russell T. “Music and Monsters [full version]”. Doctor Who Confidential, series 3, episode 0/Christmas special, BBC, 25 Dec. 2006, 47:24:48:08.

4.
~22m59s
Tennant, David, and Julie Gardner. Audio commentary. Doctor Who: series 3, episode 0/Christmas special: The Runaway Bride, 22:42-24:05. BBC, 5 Nov. 2007. DVD [Doctor Who: The Complete Third Series].

5.
~37m33s
Tennant, David, and Julie Gardner. Audio commentary. Doctor Who: series 3, episode 0/Christmas special: The Runaway Bride, 07:50-08:10. BBC, 5 Nov. 2007. DVD [Doctor Who: The Complete Third Series].

6.
~39m43s
Moffat, Steven, and Jo Wiley. “Doctor Who @60 – A Musical Celebration.” BBC, 1 Nov. 2023 , 00:30:53-00:31:05. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001s697/doctor-who-at-60-a-musical-celebration

7.
~40m53s
Davies, Russell T. “Music and Monsters [full version]”. Doctor Who Confidential, series 3, episode 0/Christmas special, BBC, 25 Dec. 2006, 56:25-56:40.

8.
~49m54s
Tennant, David, and Julie Gardner. Audio commentary. Doctor Who: series 3, episode 0/Christmas special: The Runaway Bride, 51:06-53:21. BBC, 5 Nov. 2007. DVD [Doctor Who: The Complete Third Series].

9.
~55m43s
[@capybaroness]. “it’s really funny how doctor who is mostly a quirky kid’s show about a wacky hero but like twice a season there’s a scene where he’ll be like “i’m the doctor. i have 9 billion confirmed kills. i have wiped out galaxies. no one has done more murder than me.”” Twitter, 1 Dec. 2023, https://archive.vn/RYP8r

10.
~1h6m9s
Tennant, David, and Julie Gardner. Audio commentary. Doctor Who: series 3, episode 0/Christmas special: The Runaway Bride, 57:19-58:33. BBC, 5 Nov. 2007. DVD [Doctor Who: The Complete Third Series].

11.
~1h7m39s
Davies, Russell T. “Music and Monsters [full version]”. Doctor Who Confidential, series 3, episode 0/Christmas special, BBC, 25 Dec. 2006, 49:18-49:56.

12.
~1h12m20s
Doctor Who: The Complete History #54. Stories 178-180: The Runaway Bride, Smith and Jones and The Shakespeare Code. Panini UK, 15 Nov. 2017, p. 21.

13.
~1h13m12s
Doctor Who: The Complete History #54. Stories 178-180: The Runaway Bride, Smith and Jones and The Shakespeare Code. Panini UK, 15 Nov. 2017, p. 13.

14.
~1h14m56s
Doctor Who: The Complete History #54. Stories 178-180: The Runaway Bride, Smith and Jones and The Shakespeare Code. Panini UK, 15 Nov. 2017, pp. 30-31.

15.
~1h17m23s
Davies, Russell T, and Benjamin Cook. The Writer’s Tale – The Final Chapter. BBC Books, 2010, p. 257.

16.
~1h18m33s
Doctor Who: The Complete History #54. Stories 178-180: The Runaway Bride, Smith and Jones and The Shakespeare Code. Panini UK, 15 Nov. 2017, p. 32.

17.
~1h21m18s
Doctor Who: The Complete History #54. Stories 178-180: The Runaway Bride, Smith and Jones and The Shakespeare Code. Panini UK, 15 Nov. 2017, p. 35.

18.
~1h23m49s
Complete History; 1:50am repeat with Saddam Hussein
Doctor Who: The Complete History #54. Stories 178-180: The Runaway Bride, Smith and Jones and The Shakespeare Code. Panini UK, 15 Nov. 2017, p. 37.

19.
~1h28m27s
Doctor Who: The Complete History #54. Stories 178-180: The Runaway Bride, Smith and Jones and The Shakespeare Code. Panini UK, 15 Nov. 2017, p. 14.

20.
~1h40m6s
Methven, Nicola. “Exclusive: BBC Doctor Who fans could see entire back catalogue given modern overhaul.” The Mirror, 17 Nov. 2023, https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/bbc-doctor-who-fans-could-31466573

21.
~1h44m36s
Davies, Russell T. “When Caitlin Moran met Russell T Davies, the king of Doctor Who.” Interview with Caitlin Moran. The Times, 21 Dec. 2023, https://archive.is/bJsZ4

Who Cares? - Dr. Who Fans Talk TV is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://whocaresdw.wordpress.com/

Anniversary expectations, aesthetic foundations, timeless parallels, equine verisimilitude, character servicing & more are explored in a discussion about the episode, as well as the interquel comic, novelisation, and multiple extras.

Neo
Ingiga
Tyler

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 Expectations & disappointment
00:10:01 Celebrating the cast + anniversaries
00:16:45 Newton, mavity, reactions
00:24:33 Bi Doctor
00:27:13 Visual effects
00:39:05 Music
00:42:44 Flux & the Timeless Child
01:04:24 Physicality & warmth
01:08:06 Characters underserved
01:25:40 Space plot, Moffat, cut pages, time meddling
01:35:10 Alien gender + countdown pacing
01:42:21 Music & motivations
01:47:50 Wilf
01:52:36 Unleashed banter + verisimilitude
01:57:50 Timeless TARDIS parallel + food
02:06:38 Wild Blue Yonder song + Mrs. Bean
02:14:57 Anniversary expectations + camp
02:29:47 TARDIS usage
02:32:55 Interquel comic
02:41:02 Magazine comments
02:44:19 Novelisation: novel types + Newton prologue
02:48:59 Novelisation: internal additions + TARDIS personification
02:52:05 Novelisation: cut lines + chase sequence
02:57:22 Novelisation: Flux + Doctor breakdown
03:02:22 Novelisation: Exorcist moment + 14’s face + Donna’s yoga
03:06:16 Novelisation: sonic kiss + doppelganger deaths
03:11:05 Novelisation: ending + 60th novel differences

SOURCES

1.
~2m55s
~13m25s
~1h31m55s
Davies, Russell T. “Wild Blue Yonder: Behind the Scenes | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 2 Dec. 2023, 04:14-04:56, https://youtu.be/-bVYsOGsJww

2.
~6m14s
Davies, Russell T. “Episode 2: Wild Blue Yonder | The Official Doctor Who Podcast | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 2 Dec. 2023, 01:20-02:10, https://youtu.be/0xeeHn5P1rE

3.
~8m4s
“Preview: Wild Blue Yonder.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 597, 9 Nov. 2023, p. 20.

4.
~9m38s
“Doctor Who 2023 – Titles Revealed! | 60th Anniversary Specials Trailer | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 13 May 2023, https://youtu.be/CpHEh5ZnQMo

5.
~20m49s
Russell T Davies and Mark Gatiss: How to save TV.” The Sunday Times, 29 Jan. 2023, https://archive.vn/LwSvT

6.
~21m52s
Moffat, Steven. “The DWM Interview.” Interview with Benjamin Cook. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 500, 26 May 2016, p. 61.

7.
~27m58s
Davies, Russell T. “Episode 2: Wild Blue Yonder | The Official Doctor Who Podcast | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 2 Dec. 2023, 09:18-09:51, https://youtu.be/0xeeHn5P1rE

8.
~31m23s
“Wild Blue Yonder: Behind the Scenes | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 2 Dec. 2023, ~6m30s, https://youtu.be/-bVYsOGsJww

9.
~33m10s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: Wild Blue Yonder.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 2 Dec. 2023, ~1m36s, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001t43c/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-2-wild-blue-yonder

“Wild Blue Yonder: Behind the Scenes | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 2 Dec. 2023, ~7m18s, ~1m40s, https://youtu.be/-bVYsOGsJww

10.
~34m40s
“Will Sharpe & Tom Kingsley: Chris Langham was our first choice | The Independent.” The Independent, 2 Oct. 2011, https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/will-sharpe-amp-tom-kingsley-chris-langham-was-our-first-choice-2364269.html

11.
~37m57s
Kingsley, Tom [@kingsley_tom]. “If you watched last night’s #DoctorWho episode, #WildBlueYonder, A) thank you and B) here’s some facts about how we made it. >>Spoilers!<< 1/18” Twitter, 4 Dec. 2023, https://archive.vn/GskOO

12.
~43m30s
Davies, Russell T. “Spilling the T.” SFX, vol. 372, 1 Nov. 2023, p. 28.

13.
~55m
Chibnall, Chris. “Exclusive: Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall on advice from Steven Moffat and writing Jodie Whittaker’s first moments.” Interview by Justin Cook. Flickering Myth, 12 Nov. 2018, https://www.flickeringmyth.com/2018/11/exclusive-doctor-who-showrunner-chris-chibnall-on-advice-from-steven-moffat-and-writing-jodie-whittakers-first-moments/

14.
~1h8m
Davies, Russell T. “Wild Blue Yonder: Behind the Scenes | Doctor Who.” YouTube, uploaded by Doctor Who, 2 Dec. 2023, ~2s, https://youtu.be/-bVYsOGsJww

15.
~1h30m
~2h52m12s
Davies, Russell T [@russelltdavies63]. “MISSING LINES. Okay, so I know the Doctor has been to the edge of the universe before, and further. The First Doctor went to Quinnis “in the fourth universe.” The Fourth Doctor went to the Planet of Evil! And the 13th was on board Tecteun’s ship in-between universes. So, this is the scene with the Doctor & Donna looking out at the nothingness, Draft 3, 17.04.22, where I acknowledged that. And then I cut it, because But still, the Doctor was thinking it! True fact! #truefact @bbcdoctorwho.” Instagram, 4 Dec. 2023, https://archive.vn/cEiZI

16.
~1h43m45s
Gold, Murray. “Interview with Murray Gold: Composer of Doctor Who Soundtracks.” YouTube, uploaded by Silva Screen Records, 23 Jan. 2015, 01:57-02:48 , https://youtu.be/pYJTxNQJCY0

17.
~1h48m25s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: Wild Blue Yonder.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 2 Dec. 2023, 12:42-13:34, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001t43c/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-2-wild-blue-yonder

18.
~1h52m21s
“Doctor Who Unleashed: Wild Blue Yonder.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 2 Dec. 2023, ~17m, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001t43c/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-2-wild-blue-yonder

19.
~1h55m44s
Sims, Phil, and Steffan Powell. “Doctor Who Unleashed: Wild Blue Yonder.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 2 Dec. 2023, 06:49-07:00, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001t43c/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-2-wild-blue-yonder

20.
~1h56m21
Sims, Phil, and Steffan Powell. “Doctor Who Unleashed: Wild Blue Yonder.” Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC iPlayer, 2 Dec. 2023, 07:10-07:54, https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001t43c/doctor-who-unleashed-60th-anniversary-specials-2-wild-blue-yonder

21.
~2h33m43s
Barnes, Alan, Lee Sullivan, and James Offredi. “[Untitled Fourteenth Doctor comic].” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 598, 7 Dec. 2023, pp. 20-21, 30-31, 44-45, 58-59.

22.
~2h41m4s
Tate, Catherine, and David Tennant. “Further Than We’ve Ever Gone Before.” Interview with Emily Cook. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 598, 7 Dec. 2023, p. 51.

23.
~2h42m17s
Davies, Russell T. “Further Than We’ve Ever Gone Before.” Interview with Emily Cook. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 598, 7 Dec. 2023, p. 53.

24.
~2h43m1s
Kingsley, Tom. “Further Than We’ve Ever Gone Before.” Interview with Emily Cook. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 598, 7 Dec. 2023, p. 53.

25.
~2h44m19s
Morris, Mark. “Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder.” BBC Books, 7 Dec. 2023.

Who Cares? - Dr. Who Fans Talk TV is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://whocaresdw.wordpress.com/

Maker of Toys. Recasting actors. Character crossovers. Chaotic rewrites. Scuppered returns. Script archaeology. Fandom reassessments. The 1966 Toymaker serial is a bizarre window into a very strange and liminal period of Doctor Who, and a very strange and scattered set of production circumstances.

Neo
Ingiga
Oliver

Audio edited by Ingiga

TIMECODES:

00:00:00 Introduction & first reactions
00:03:42 Why has it persisted?
00:06:38 What the Toymaker actually does
00:08:29 Watching characters do puzzles
00:10:42 Internal logic
00:12:57 Darkness of the story & humanity of the toys
00:16:43 Wasting time & trap of meaninglessness
00:21:34 Steven & Dodo’s roles
00:25:24 Thoughts on the ‘visuals’
00:28:06 Toymaker compared to the Doctor
00:30:01 ‘Cheat’ resolution of the story
00:33:47 Pathos of the toy characters
00:37:53 Toymaker as a villain & a performance
00:41:46 Music & things we wish we could see
00:44:45 Absence of Hartnell & his qualities
00:46:22 History of the serial: script editors
00:48:56 Genesis of the script, George & Margaret
00:54:37 Rewrites addressing tonal issues
00:56:31 Early regeneration of Hartnell?
00:58:51 Transition of the production teams
01:01:54 Replacing George and Margaret & impact of the rewrites
01:06:53 Contemporary & fan responses to the story
01:11:03 Racist elements & interpretations over time
01:14:32 The ‘occidental Mandarin’ & British juxtapositions
01:19:15 Toymaker as an appropriator & depicting Orientalism
01:27:50 Public schoolboys & Empire psychology
01:31:44 Lost potential for meaning
01:34:10 Absence leaving room to project & reimagine
01:38:10 Position in the show’s progression/regression + outro

SOURCES:

Visuals for the first three episodes taken from Loose Cannon reconstruction #08.

1.
~00:03:45
“The Lost Season.” Doctor Who: The Trial of a Time Lord — Terror of the Vervoids, 29 Sep. 2008. DVD.

2.
~00:21:34
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 83.

Purves, Peter. Peter Purves: The Autobiography — Here’s One I Wrote Earlier. Green Umbrella, 2009, pp. 102-103.

3.
~00:21:54
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 86.

4.
~00:24:26
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 95.

Purves, Peter. Peter Purves: The Autobiography — Here’s One I Wrote Earlier. Green Umbrella, 2009, ch. 8.

5.
~00:49:21
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 75.

6.
~00:49:44
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 75.

7.
~00:52:12
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 75.

8.
~00:53:07
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 79.

9.
~00:54:37
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 76.

10.
~00:55:18
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 81.

11.
~00:56:01
Hinz, A. M., Klavžar, S., Milutinović, U., Petr, C., & Stewart, I. (2013). The Tower of Hanoi — Myths and Maths (1st ed.). Basel: Birkhäuser, pp. 6-14.

12.
~00:56:19
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 76.

13.
~00:57:18
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, pp. 77-78.

14.
~00:59:37
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 77.

15.
~01:00:20
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 78.

16.
~01:00:34
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 78.

17.
~01:02:50
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 80.

18.
~01:07:01
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, pp. 93-94.

19.
~01:07:33
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 92.

20.
~01:07:43
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 94.

21.
~01:10:18
Howe, David J, and Stephen James Walker. The Television Companion: The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to Doctor Who. Telos, 2003, pp. 120-124.

22.
~01:12:47
Cooray Smith, James. “Toymaker, Toymaker, how do you know / Where all the pieces in your jigsaw puzzle go?” Psychic Paper [Substack], 26 Sep. 2023, https://cooraysmith.substack.com/p/toymaker-toymaker-how-do-you-know

23.
~01:19:18
Tosh, Donald. “Script Editing Who: Donald Tosh.” Interview with Andrew Evans. Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 192, 28 Oct. 1992, p. 11.

24.
~01:28:08
Doctor Who: The Complete History #7. Stories 22-25: The Massacre of St Bartholomew’s Eve, The Ark, The Celestial Toymaker and The Gunfighters. Panini UK, 13 June 2018, p. 94.

25.
~01:38:44
Barnes, Alan. “The Fact of Fiction: The Celestial Toymaker.” Doctor Who Magazine, vol. 408, 30 April 2009, p. 52.

Who Cares? - Dr. Who Fans Talk TV is made with Jetpack Podcast. Full show notes and every episode at https://whocaresdw.wordpress.com/