Doctor Who Watch-A-Thon Season 1 Episode 5

As an effort to justify our somewhat obsessive T.V watching Meghan (Of Coffee and Wizards and @MegTao on Twitter) and myself have decided to undertake a Doctor Who Watch-a-long. We'll be starting with the beginning of the 2005 relaunch and will be posting about one episode each Friday, on our respective blogs. We hope you'll join in – whether as a re-watch or to discover the Doctor for the first time!

*just a heads up each post may contain spoilers for that episode and then ones before it*

Written by: Russell T Davies

Directed by: Keith Boak

Episode Summary
Now locked in the reinforced Cabinet Room, the Doctor and Rose finally learn of the Slitheen's intentions. Having locked themselves in however, how they will manage to stop them becomes a major issue. While trying to keep the aliens at bay, the Doctor works against the clock to destroy them the only way he knows how - to blow up 10 Downing Street. To so however, Rose's boyfriend Mickey will have to hack into a submarine's computer and launch a missile.

Thoughts on the episode

 Picking up right after the previous episode, Aliens of London, World War Three ensures that viewers are going to be in for a crazy action packed ride. This couldn;t make me happier. I loved the action heavy episodes.

Now that the aliens have revealed themselves to the Doctor and he has escaped from their electrocution plan, the pressure is really on for them to catch him before he ruins everything. Simultaneously, they're trying to tie up loose ends by destroying Rose, Harriet, Mickey and Jackie. Needless to say there is a lot of running around. My roommate pointed out to me that when it's just the Slitheen in a scene they run amazingly fast but when there is ascene with other actors they slow down. He may think this is because of special effects/computer generation but I think it's because they don't want to reveal how truly fast they are just yet ;) I also want to mention that this is one creepy episode - almost entirely because of the alien voices. They give me the shivers. Even my puppy stopped what he was doing and stared at the TV screen.

We get to see a lot more Harriet Jones (MP Flydale North) in this episode and I've got to say she is one fab lady. The way she was going to sacrifice herself so that Rose had a chance to get away and how she was even willing to let people have a drink before her. If I was facing a similar crisis I would not turn down a drink if it was offered to me. But she keeps her wits about her and because of that we're told she is to become the architect of Britain's Golden Age. Can anyone say Girl Power?

Science: A Lifesaving Tool Against Crazy Aliens

As a final note, this episode is an excellent argument for why you should pay attention in high school science. When the Doctor realizes the aliens aren't just any aliens, but in fact Slitheen, he informs us that they are calcium based creatures. This means they can be destroyed by acidic things and since Mickey and Jackie just happen to be in his kitchen, this means anything vinegary. Pickled eggs, pickled beets, pickled anything! Jackie dumps it all into a large measuring cup and throws it at the Slitheen causing it to explode and save the two from immediate danger.

Favourite Moment

When the Slitheen are waiting for the call from the UN to release the nuclear weapons codes, the acting prime minister stands up and exclaims:

"Victory! Must be naked!"

Of course you must. Everyone wants to be naked at their victorious moments.

Do you have any alien fighting tips and tricks? And what did you think of "World War Three"?

The Hunger Games Movie

This past weekend I (and many many others) made my way to the movie theatre to check out the long awaited film adaptation of the Hunger Games.

STOP! Before you read any further be warned this post WILL contain SPOILERS for The Hunger Games. So if you haven't read the books or seen the movie, go do so before you read on.

I was unbelievably excited for this movie before it came out. I teared up whenever I saw the trailer. I had a compulsive urge to run into a room whenever I heard the Hunger Games mentioned and bellow - yes bellow - HUUNNGGEERR GAAAMMES. It was terribly annoying for all those that had to put up with me. But I couldn't help it. I. Was. Excited.

Now having seen the movie it feels like a huge weight of expectation has been lifted off my shoulders and I can, honestly 100% say that I really liked the movie. I didn't love it. But I really enjoyed it.

The first thing I want to say, before I get into the nitty gritty details of my opinions, is that I loved all the actors. Everyone was incredibly talented and even people I had my doubts about (*cough* Woody Harrelson) were fantastic. Also the settings - both the Capitol and the Arena were gorgeous. So much to look at and take in.

The majority of issues I have with the movie, are simply things that weren't included. The rationale part of me knows that they can't include everything and that it can still be enjoyable and entertaining without them but the crazy fangirl in me gets a little stompy when she see's they're not there. For instance the way they changed how Katniss acquired the Mockingjay pin and the fact that Peeta's father doesn't bring her cookies after the reaping. I think these moments send an important message about the people throwing their hope/faith behind her.

I also didn't think it was very clear why the people of District 11 were revolting. In the film version it looks like they're simply revolting because Rue dies. And not that her death isn't significant, but if the death of one of their children was enough to provoke a rebellion why hadn't there been one in the 73 years preceding this Hunger Games or why wasn't there any revolts in other districts? I think it was a mistake not to include Rue telling Katniss about how poor they were and how, even though they grew a lot of the food, they didn't have much of it themselves.

And am I crazy but did the time in the arena fly by? It was like BAMN you're in the arena. Run Run Run. Major plot points and then next thing you know - berry scene. I blame it on the sheer amount of background they had to give at the beginning. I think Catching Fire is going to be a lot better because so much of the background will be out of the way.

And as a final thought I am EXTREMELY disappointed with all the people who were upset that Rue, Thresh and Cinna were black. You people don't deserve the Hunger Games.

So what did you think of the Hunger Games? Was it everything you had hoped for? Was there anything you would've liked to see but was left out?

Doctor Who Watch A Thon Season 1 Episode 4 "Aliens of London"

As an effort to justify our somewhat obsessive T.V watching Meghan (Of Coffee and Wizards and @MegTao on Twitter) and myself have decided to undertake a Doctor Who Watch-a-long. We'll be starting with the beginning of the 2005 relaunch and will be posting about one episode each Friday, on our respective blogs. We hope you'll join in – whether as a re-watch or to discover the Doctor for the first time!

*just a heads up each post will contain spoilers for that episode and then ones before it*

Written by: Russel T Davis

Directed by: Keith Boak

Episode Summary


The Doctor and Rose return to present day London where he finds that she hasn't been away for the 12 hours she thought had gone by, but 12 months. Her mother had been searching for her frantically, having filed a report with the police and putting posters with her photo on every lamp post. To their amazement, an alien spacecraft crashes in the Thames and Earth has it's first contact with extra-terrestrial beings. The Prime Minister has vanished however and those in charge are not what they seem to be. Working with the only Member of Parliament who seems to be in London, Rose and the Doctor battle a race of alien beings, the Slitheen, who want to destroy the Earth and sell if off, piece by piece.

Thoughts on the Episode

I love this episode - I can't really put my finger on why exactly. But I know that I love it.

My best guess is because it takes so many elements common in science fiction and makes them absolutely laugh out loud funny. Don't get me wrong I love my serious science fiction but I also love my Hitchhiker's Guide (as you can probably tell from the name of this blog) and similar works. It was refreshing to have the aliens and all the madness but be able to laugh at them as well.


But enough about that...

One thing that was really fun about this episode was the sheer number of ridiculous questions it made me ask. For instance, does the British government actually have emergency protocols for alien landings? And if so does the Canadian government? (I actually called my mom to discuss this possibility with her). Second of all, how are these aliens so familiar with British jargon/slang. Whatever language program they used I want some of that! (But for Spanish). I was totally convinced they were British people and not semi-recently arrived aliens.

Finally I just wanted to shake Doctor Toshiko Sato. The woman examining the "alien" that crashed into Big Ben. An unfamiliar life form is found, and persumed dead. They close it away in a morgue drawer. Why then later, when you hear banging from inside said drawer would you open it? Why wouldn't you go grab one of the many people walking around with guns in the hallway and THEN unlock the door. Jeez this is like when the guy leaned over the pod in Alien all over again. Use your common sense and good judgment people!

All in all this is a silly but wonderful episode. My partner definitely thought I was crazy as I contiually burst out into hearty laughter from the other room. It's one of those episodes that showcases all the things there are to love about Doctor Who - the ridiculous scenarios, the humour, the banter etc etc. And before I wrap this up I just want to give a huge shout out to Penelope Wilton a.k.a "Harriet Jones, MP Flydale North" - I loved when she would whip out that card!

Favourite Moment
A brief exchange after Rose arrives home and has to explain to her mom, Jackie, where she's been for the last 12 months. Jackie, of course, is obviously angry with the Doctor for taking her away...

"Did you say you're a doctor?" - Jackie
"I am a doctor!" - The Doctor
"Well stitch this then" And she slaps him.

What did you think of Aliens of London? Excited for part 2?

Doctor Who Watch A Thon Season 1 Episode 3 "The Unquiet Dead"

As an effort to justify our somewhat obsessive T.V watching Meghan (Of Coffee and Wizards and @MegTao on Twitter) and myself have decided to undertake a Doctor Who Watch-a-long. We'll be starting with the beginning of the 2005 relaunch and will be posting about one episode each Friday, on our respective blogs. We hope you'll join in – whether as a re-watch or to discover the Doctor for the first time!

*just a heads up each post will contain spoilers for that episode and then ones before it*

Written by: Mark Gatiss
Directed by: Euros Lyn

Episode Summary

Rose takes her first trip back in time and she and the Doctor travel to 1869 London. They take in a reading from none other than Charles Dickens but in the middle of the performance, a zombie-like creature interrupts the performance and there is a ghostly apparition. Rose is kidnapped and taken to the home of an undertaker where alien creatures are living in the gas lighting system and taken possession of the dead. Rose manages to get information from Gwyneth, the parlor maid, that points to her as the central point of contact for the alien beings. 

Thoughts on the Episode

Although an incredibly creative episode (Charles Dickens fighting ghosts!) this one is admittedly not one of my favourites. There's a lot of really great things in it but also a lot of things that make me do this face: 

So for this post I'm going to talk about what I did like and then what I thought was not so good.

The Good

• Did I mention that Charles Dickens is in this episode? He's such a fabulous character with so much energy and charm (although at the beginning he's such a spoil sport). As a reader it made me giddy to have an episode feature such an important literary figure. Also I LOVED his little exchanges with the Doctor - from the Doctor explaining was a "fan" was to Dickens asking if his books last. Excellent chemistry between the two. 
• The setting. They're back in 19th century England and they've got the outfit and scenery to match. One of my favourite things about Doctor Who is the sheer randomness of location from episode to epsiode. From space to the 19th century, never a dull moment. 
• There is a fairly awesome explosion at the end of this episode. It's a well known fact that every episode gets 62.7% better when there's a good explosion.

The Not So Good

• Everything happens way to easily in this book. Maybe I'm just the suspicious type but I don't think I would go along with everything as easily as everyone else did in this book. Examples?  (not direct quotes!)
  

"Oh you have physic powers? No biggie lets talk about something else." 
"Oh you're an alien race I've never heard of before and I've talked to you for 30 second. You seem trustworthy - we'll do something crazy to help you"
"Oh I've never really used my physic powers for anything major before but I'll totally risk my life so that you can walk around in dead people. No biggie." 

• Seriously people think about your decisions for more than half a second. This whole situation could potentially been avoided if everyone just took a deep breath and counted to 10 before acting.

 Overall this is still a really fun episode and despite my complaints I've watched in a million times now. (Seriously I can't stress my excitement over Charles Dickens enough - he's like a rockstar to me). Not the best Doctor Who effort but not the worst either.

Favourite Quotes

“What fantasmagoria is this?” - Charles Dickens upon seeing the first "ghost"

“Talk about bleak house.” - The Doctor upon entering the morgue.

Doctor Who Watch-A-Thon: Season 1 Episode 2 “The End of the World”

As an effort to justify our somewhat obsessive T.V watching Meghan (Of Coffee and Wizards and @MegTao on Twitter) and myself have decided to undertake a Doctor Who Watch-a-long. We'll be starting with the beginning of the 2005 relaunch and will be posting about one episode each Friday, on our respective blogs. We hope you'll join in – whether as a re-watch or to discover the Doctor for the first time!

*just a heads up each post will contain spoilers for that episode and then ones before it*

Episode Summary

In the episode, The Doctor takes Rose Tyler on her first trip through time and space in the TARDIS to the year five billion where many rich alien delegates have gathered on a space station called Platform One to watch the Sun expand and destroy the Earth, but one of these guests is plotting to profit from the event by killing them all.

Thoughts on the Episode

Right off the bat, I love this episode because of how much it reminds me of the BBC's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. It has a very Douglas Adams feel to it, which I think many people can appreciate.

Beyond that I hardcore love this episode because of how much deep we get into the Doctor's character. At the beginning he's all laughs. Explaining mind-blowing things like they're no big deal (“Oh it's just slightly physic paper.” “Oh the Tardis just let's you understand all languages”). But as the episode progresses we learn about his history and his people. You also get to see a much colder side of the Doctor. He let's Cassandra (The Last Human) die, even though Rose asks him to help her. It's an interesting choice and I always find myself wondering if it's the right one. The whole thing felt very...human of him.

Speaking of Cassandra, I think she is one of the most fascinating parts of this whole episode. For one she's had so much plastic surgery she looks like a tarp and for another she's transgendered. Interesting choice Doctor Who writers, interesting choice. But most of all she is just down right racist. She's got this whole Draco Malfoy thing going on, where she can't stand that humans cross-bred with other aliens and it breaks my heart a little to see that racism is still going strong 5 billion years from now.

Despite all the serious things that are found in this episode there are still more than a few hilarious moments. My personal favourite is when they wheel out a Jukebox, call it an iPod and play such “classical” hits as Tainted Love and Toxic. A must-watch for that alone.

Favourite Quotes

“I got a first in jiggery pokery. How 'bout you?” - Doctor while fixing up Rose's phone

“Better to die than live like you. A bitchy trampoline.” - Rose to Cassandra

What's wrong with freckles? And other complaints

Recently the other day while watching T.V. I was startled by the contents of a certain commercial...

Essentially, they're advertising this as a makeup that makes you look Photoshopped. That removes all your "imperfections" - like freckles, in the case of Emma Stone.

Where to I even start with this?

Maybe with the ludicrous idea that you need to be Photoshopped for your day to day life (or at all for that matter)? Or maybe with the fact that Emma Stone with her freckles is drop dead gorgeous? Or that anyone with freckles, should never feel the need to cover them up?

I, personally, don't have freckles all the time. They only appear in the summer. But once that warm weather hits they appear like its nobodies business. Across my face, my arms, my legs. Anywhere I get sun exposure. And I have never felt the need to cover them up. Why would I? They're just freckles. 

I am so frequently annoyed by the constant pressure on women (and men) to change things that don't need to be changed. I'm not a big makeup person myself. A little neutral eye shadow and some mascara and I'm good to go in the morning. And I have nothing against those who do wear makeup. On some people it looks absolutely gorgeous. But it's the expectation of makeup. The way we're made to feel as though it is required of us that drives me mad. 

I once worked a job, where I was told everything I was doing was great but I needed to start wearing more make up. I fail to see how the amount of makeup a wear is a legitimate criticism of my job performance and still wonder whether the sexism of this comment was lost on them. Needless to say I did not stay at that job very long. 

I guess all I'm trying to say is that if you want to wear makeup great, all the power to you. But if you don't that's great too. No one should have to feel like they have to wear makeup and more importantly, they shouldn't feel as though they need to look like a Photoshopped magazine ad to get noticed and be respected. 

Oh and FRECKLES PRIDE! 

Doctor Who Watch-a-long – Season 1 Episode 1 "Rose"

As an effort to justify our somewhat obsessive T.V watching Meghan (Of Coffee and Wizards and @MegTao on Twitter) and myself have decided to undertake a Doctor Who Watch-a-long. We'll be starting with the beginning of the 2005 relaunch and will be posting about one episode each Friday, on our respective blogs. We hope you'll join in – whether as a re-watch or to discover the Doctor for the first time!

*just a heads up each post will contain spoilers for that episode and then one's before it*

Episode Summary

In the episode, Rose Tyler meets a mysterious stranger called The Doctor in the department store where she works, while being attacked by shop window dummies called Autons. She then starts to investigate him and together they uncover an alien plot by the Nestene Consciousness to take over the Earth. Rose and the Doctor manage to beat the invasion together and she accepts his offer to travel through time and space with him in the TARDIS.

Thoughts on the Episode

Like any good first episode “Rose” gives us a basic introduction into the major players and themes of the series. We get to see the debut of Christopher Eccleston as the ninth doctor and Billie Piper as Rose Tyler, his newest companion. Previous to my Doctor Who addiction I knew Billie from her role on Secret Diary of a Call Girl and it was quite the shock to see her in such a down to earth role instead. But this down to earth quality is one of the reasons I love her so much. She's such a real person! She looks a regular girl instead of a super model and it really helps me imagine myself trading places with her.

Albeit the plot of this episode is a little silly. Especially when the living plastic begins replacing real people instead of just mannequins. Although it doesn't help that Rose's boyfriend – Mickey – the first victim of the living plastic, is already a goofball before anything crazy happens. But I don't think the silliness should be seen as a negative. It gives the show that campy feeling it's had throughout the years and gives you a good idea of what you can expect from the rest of the season.

What did you think of “Rose”? Thumbs up or thumbs down?