Comments on: Moffat to take control of the TARDIS http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/ I am an astronomer, writer, and skeptic. I likes reality the way it is, and I aims to keep it that way. My real name is Phil Plait, and I run the Bad Astronomy blog. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:23:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Matt http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90531 Matt Sun, 25 May 2008 22:29:12 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90531 Ah yes, I asked about this during your Live Chat and didn't realise you'd already blogged about it. Should have been paying more attention! Ah yes, I asked about this during your Live Chat and didn’t realise you’d already blogged about it. Should have been paying more attention!

]]> By: dermot http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90530 dermot Thu, 22 May 2008 18:26:01 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90530 You can see Moffat's Who parody "Curse of the fatal death" on youtube. The final part shows multiple doctors; I don't want to give more away, but some pretty great choices: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXRmpm0MEMY&feature=related Who am I kidding? Richard E. Grant would be great! You can see Moffat’s Who parody “Curse of the fatal death” on youtube. The final part shows multiple doctors; I don’t want to give more away, but some pretty great choices:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXRmpm0MEMY&feature=related

Who am I kidding? Richard E. Grant would be great!

]]> By: Jeff Murdock http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90529 Jeff Murdock Thu, 22 May 2008 05:25:05 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90529 BREASTS! Gussets. Theigh. bra. Bicycle saddle. (For those who don't know, Jeff Murdock was a character in Coupling known for his perverted mind and his lack of luck with the ladies.) BREASTS!

Gussets.

Theigh.

bra.

Bicycle saddle.

(For those who don’t know, Jeff Murdock was a character in Coupling known for his perverted mind and his lack of luck with the ladies.)

]]> By: RL http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90528 RL Thu, 22 May 2008 00:25:44 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90528 Jesse: Thanks for the answer! Jesse: Thanks for the answer!

]]> By: Calli Arcale http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90527 Calli Arcale Wed, 21 May 2008 13:27:58 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90527 Don't forget -- Stephen Moffat's first work with Doctor Who was not "The Empty Child". It was "The Curse of Fatal Death", the most brilliant Dr Who spoof ever made, hands down, and probably instrumental in persuading the BBC to go ahead and revive the series. It was produced for the annual charity telethon "Comic Relief", with cast and crew donating their work for charity purposes, and was so staggeringly successful, bringing in donations from abroad thanks to its online availability, that the BBC eventually released it on video (with sales again going to charity). If you haven't seen it, it's out on VHS, and it's *well* worth watching. And watching again and again, to make sure you catch all the funny bits. Rowan Atkinson plays the Ninth Doctor, Julia Sawalha plays his companion, Emma, and Jonathan Pryce plays the Master. They're all fantastic, delivering very silly lines with absolute straight-faced aplomb. It's . . . it's perfect. And born out of the same mind as "Blink". "The Curse of Fatal Death" was probably Moffat's idea, start to finish; his wife was producing that year's Comic Relief, so he would've been in the right place to suggest it. ;-) (He joked that he got to write it by sleeping with the producer.) Don’t forget — Stephen Moffat’s first work with Doctor Who was not “The Empty Child”. It was “The Curse of Fatal Death”, the most brilliant Dr Who spoof ever made, hands down, and probably instrumental in persuading the BBC to go ahead and revive the series. It was produced for the annual charity telethon “Comic Relief”, with cast and crew donating their work for charity purposes, and was so staggeringly successful, bringing in donations from abroad thanks to its online availability, that the BBC eventually released it on video (with sales again going to charity). If you haven’t seen it, it’s out on VHS, and it’s *well* worth watching. And watching again and again, to make sure you catch all the funny bits. Rowan Atkinson plays the Ninth Doctor, Julia Sawalha plays his companion, Emma, and Jonathan Pryce plays the Master. They’re all fantastic, delivering very silly lines with absolute straight-faced aplomb. It’s . . . it’s perfect. And born out of the same mind as “Blink”.

“The Curse of Fatal Death” was probably Moffat’s idea, start to finish; his wife was producing that year’s Comic Relief, so he would’ve been in the right place to suggest it. ;-) (He joked that he got to write it by sleeping with the producer.)

]]> By: gia http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90526 gia Wed, 21 May 2008 07:59:17 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90526 Indeed, this is absolutely BRILLIANT news!! Moffat's episodes are GENIUS. I'm still scared of 'Blink' and 'The Empty Child' even though I've seen them several times each... Brilliant. Chris H - Brian's doing a Horizon on Time. ;) And, BA, I can't believe you didn't mention that <a href="http://www.giagia.co.uk/?p=385" rel="nofollow">I met 'Indiana Jones/Han Solo/Deckard'</a> the other day!!!! (*still swooning*) Indeed, this is absolutely BRILLIANT news!! Moffat’s episodes are GENIUS. I’m still scared of ‘Blink’ and ‘The Empty Child’ even though I’ve seen them several times each… Brilliant.

Chris H – Brian’s doing a Horizon on Time. ;)

And, BA, I can’t believe you didn’t mention that I met ‘Indiana Jones/Han Solo/Deckard’ the other day!!!! (*still swooning*)

]]> By: Henry Holland http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90525 Henry Holland Wed, 21 May 2008 04:03:46 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90525 Mmmm.....Jack Davenport in "Coupling"...mmmmmm...... I think series 4 has been pretty dire, so good news. I'm bored of them going back in human history --Pompeii, Agatha Christie-- or the contemporary UK and throwing some aliens in the mix, I want the Doctor and companion(s) to visit other worlds that aren't Earth, not just riff on historical incidents. I think this week is postponed until the 31st due to the Eurovision Song Contest (!!!). Mmmm…..Jack Davenport in “Coupling”…mmmmmm……

I think series 4 has been pretty dire, so good news. I’m bored of them going back in human history –Pompeii, Agatha Christie– or the contemporary UK and throwing some aliens in the mix, I want the Doctor and companion(s) to visit other worlds that aren’t Earth, not just riff on historical incidents.

I think this week is postponed until the 31st due to the Eurovision Song Contest (!!!).

]]> By: MandyDax http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90524 MandyDax Tue, 20 May 2008 23:21:48 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90524 I love Coupling. It didn't take off here when they tried to remake it for the US (but then again, it wasn't as good as the UK version). I'm glad to see that they'll be making Christmas specials for this year and next. Gotta say my first thought was, "...but then who's gonna save us from the aliens on Christmas?! D: " I do love Davies for getting the show back on the air, and doing so well at keeping it there. I'm also glad he's stepping aside for a brilliant writer/director like Moffat. I love Coupling. It didn’t take off here when they tried to remake it for the US (but then again, it wasn’t as good as the UK version).

I’m glad to see that they’ll be making Christmas specials for this year and next. Gotta say my first thought was, “…but then who’s gonna save us from the aliens on Christmas?! D: ”

I do love Davies for getting the show back on the air, and doing so well at keeping it there. I’m also glad he’s stepping aside for a brilliant writer/director like Moffat.

]]> By: Spacehamster http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90523 Spacehamster Tue, 20 May 2008 22:54:15 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90523 YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My favourite writer on one of my favourite shows! Which reminds me, I've got to get my hands on Coupling (and Jekyll, of course). I saw five brief minutes of Jekyll when it was televised here in Australia, but I never got the chance to watch the full run. YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My favourite writer on one of my favourite shows! Which reminds me, I’ve got to get my hands on Coupling (and Jekyll, of course). I saw five brief minutes of Jekyll when it was televised here in Australia, but I never got the chance to watch the full run.

]]> By: BMcP http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90522 BMcP Tue, 20 May 2008 22:41:38 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90522 They won't be taking 2009 off per se, simply releasing three special episodes of greater length (sort of like the last Christmas episode, which was longer then normal). They won’t be taking 2009 off per se, simply releasing three special episodes of greater length (sort of like the last Christmas episode, which was longer then normal).

]]> By: Shane Killian http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90521 Shane Killian Tue, 20 May 2008 21:36:34 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90521 Hey, the next two Doctor Who episodes coming up are Moffat episodes! And if you really want to see some Moffat TV goodness, watch the Jekyll miniseries! This is REALLY great news! Hey, the next two Doctor Who episodes coming up are Moffat episodes!

And if you really want to see some Moffat TV goodness, watch the Jekyll miniseries!

This is REALLY great news!

]]> By: Joe Meils http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90520 Joe Meils Tue, 20 May 2008 21:03:05 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90520 2010? Ouch! That means we'll only have two years of his briliant writing before the world comes to an end! (The Mayan calander runs out, and we get hit in the asteroid!) Doctor! Save us! It's got to be a plot by some long dormant adversary who is long overdue for an art direction update... the Rutans maybe? 2010? Ouch! That means we’ll only have two years of his briliant writing before the world comes to an end! (The Mayan calander runs out, and we get hit in the asteroid!)

Doctor! Save us! It’s got to be a plot by some long dormant adversary who is long overdue for an art direction update… the Rutans maybe?

]]> By: Kevin W. Parker http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90519 Kevin W. Parker Tue, 20 May 2008 20:30:53 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90519 <i>Does this mean the next companion won’t have an annoying mother who shows up every third episode?</i> And with any luck we'll be done with evil nuns and angels as well (though Moffatt was responsible for one batch of angels). Does this mean the next companion won’t have an annoying mother who shows up every third episode?

And with any luck we’ll be done with evil nuns and angels as well (though Moffatt was responsible for one batch of angels).

]]> By: Brett http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90518 Brett Tue, 20 May 2008 20:12:26 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90518 2010? Argh, I wish you hadn't told us now. :p Its like waiting for christmas, except they are skipping christmas next year. 2010? Argh, I wish you hadn’t told us now. :p Its like waiting for christmas, except they are skipping christmas next year.

]]> By: Sean O'Hara http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90517 Sean O'Hara Tue, 20 May 2008 20:04:44 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90517 Does this mean the next companion won't have an annoying mother who shows up every third episode? I mean, Jackie Tyler was okay because it was a departure from the classic series to see a companion's family, but Martha's mum, the Tate-beast's mum, and the annoying mother on the Sarah Jane Adventures are starting to make me think Davies needs therapy more than a writing job. Does this mean the next companion won’t have an annoying mother who shows up every third episode?

I mean, Jackie Tyler was okay because it was a departure from the classic series to see a companion’s family, but Martha’s mum, the Tate-beast’s mum, and the annoying mother on the Sarah Jane Adventures are starting to make me think Davies needs therapy more than a writing job.

]]> By: PerryG http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90516 PerryG Tue, 20 May 2008 20:00:17 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90516 @Josh: Now, now. Let's not look to start trouble! ;) @Josh: Now, now. Let’s not look to start trouble! ;)

]]> By: PerryG http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90515 PerryG Tue, 20 May 2008 19:58:34 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90515 Phil, Did you get a chance to see Jekyll? I was one of the best shows ever. As is Coupling. I am THRILLED about Moffat's taking the helm. Phil, Did you get a chance to see Jekyll? I was one of the best shows ever. As is Coupling. I am THRILLED about Moffat’s taking the helm.

]]> By: Josh http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90514 Josh Tue, 20 May 2008 19:27:49 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90514 ... Who's Doctor Who? … Who’s Doctor Who?

]]> By: ARP1234 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90513 ARP1234 Tue, 20 May 2008 19:08:56 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90513 For the record, I am glad you mentioned Coupling, one of the funniest and cleverest comedies I have ever seen on either side of the pond. It was wrongly labeled as a British version of Friends, which it is not, as it remained funny throughout its run and dared to go where no American series will still go except on cable. Yes, they actually do and discuss things that most real couples do. Well, okay, not everything - nobody gets as lucky as some of them did. :^) And some of you may remember when they tried to make an American version of Coupling on NBC a few years ago. Just too painful, especially when one realizes they copied the first episode almost verbatim. But anyway, watch the real Coupling, especially for the occasional SF thrown in, no doubt by Mr. Moffat, especially in the fourth and final season. For the record, I am glad you mentioned Coupling, one of the
funniest and cleverest comedies I have ever seen on either side
of the pond.

It was wrongly labeled as a British version of Friends, which it
is not, as it remained funny throughout its run and dared to go
where no American series will still go except on cable. Yes, they
actually do and discuss things that most real couples do. Well,
okay, not everything – nobody gets as lucky as some of them
did. :^)

And some of you may remember when they tried to make an
American version of Coupling on NBC a few years ago. Just
too painful, especially when one realizes they copied the first
episode almost verbatim.

But anyway, watch the real Coupling, especially for the occasional
SF thrown in, no doubt by Mr. Moffat, especially in the fourth and
final season.

]]> By: DCup http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90512 DCup Tue, 20 May 2008 18:13:37 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90512 Fantastic!!!!! Moffatt's episodes are my favorites - hands down. Fantastic!!!!! Moffatt’s episodes are my favorites – hands down.

]]> By: Ginger Yellow http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90511 Ginger Yellow Tue, 20 May 2008 17:43:36 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90511 Um, Chris, that Horizon aired in January. It's very good, especially by Horizon's standards. I wish they took that approach more often, letting scientists' natural enthusiasm keep the readers' interest, rather than using silly subject matter and sensationalist narration. Similarly, Jim Al-Khalili's series Atom was superb. Um, Chris, that Horizon aired in January. It’s very good, especially by Horizon’s standards. I wish they took that approach more often, letting scientists’ natural enthusiasm keep the readers’ interest, rather than using silly subject matter and sensationalist narration. Similarly, Jim Al-Khalili’s series Atom was superb.

]]> By: Jeff G. http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90510 Jeff G. Tue, 20 May 2008 17:35:58 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90510 Actually it's two Christmas specials (one this year, one next) plus the three specials spread out over 2009. Actually it’s two Christmas specials (one this year, one next) plus the three specials spread out over 2009.

]]> By: Chris H http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90509 Chris H Tue, 20 May 2008 16:51:09 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90509 PS: Can't believe you haven't mentioned Brain Cox's next episode for Horizon he's working on! "What on Earth is wrong with gravity?" Just to cover all bases: Can't believe I missed you talking about Brian's next episode of Horizon he's working on ;) ~Chris PS: Can’t believe you haven’t mentioned Brain Cox’s next episode for Horizon he’s working on! “What on Earth is wrong with gravity?”

Just to cover all bases: Can’t believe I missed you talking about Brian’s next episode of Horizon he’s working on ;)

~Chris

]]> By: a.real.girl http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90508 a.real.girl Tue, 20 May 2008 16:50:56 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90508 Outpost Gallifrey has a short post with funny responses from Davies and Moffat: http://www.gallifreyone.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEEkAyuFuDUQWwpTO&tmpl=newsrss&style=feedstyle Outpost Gallifrey has a short post with funny responses from Davies and Moffat:

http://www.gallifreyone.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?id=EkEEkAyuFuDUQWwpTO&tmpl=newsrss&style=feedstyle

]]> By: Chris H http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/comment-page-1/#comment-90507 Chris H Tue, 20 May 2008 16:45:23 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2008/05/20/moffat-to-take-control-of-the-tardis/#comment-90507 There will be three special episodes in 2009, though, but yeah, no main series :) This is awesome news, I was really pleased by it. ~Chris PS: Totally agree with you about this current series. Some good ones, some not so great. Next week's two-parter (at least in the UK) is written by Moffat. The library one, not the, erm, other one that you may not have seen yet... ~Chris There will be three special episodes in 2009, though, but yeah, no main series :) This is awesome news, I was really pleased by it.

~Chris

PS: Totally agree with you about this current series. Some good ones, some not so great. Next week’s two-parter (at least in the UK) is written by Moffat. The library one, not the, erm, other one that you may not have seen yet…

~Chris

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