Doctor Who: glimpse of the future....

[fajrdrako]

Aack! I just watched this news clip, showing a glimpse of something that happens on Doctor Who tomorrow. Which... okay, okay, it made me gasp. Loudly. More than that: it terrified me. If I did not have iron self-control I would be whimpering. How can I wait... as long as I must wait... to find out what happens?

But there's more that's so cool. Doctor Who and its ability to keep a plot point secret has made the news. Okay, it's a little incestuous, it's all BBC publicity, but... it really is amazing.

I almost wish I hadn't watched that clip. The suspense was already overwhelming. And now? Infinitely worse. I don't want to say why: that would be a spoiler. Unless you want to watch it. Then you can see why I gasped in horror. But it bodes well, too.

Comments

[nuptse.livejournal.com]

I watched it. With one question: are clothes invulnerable, too?

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

are clothes invulnerable, too?

We might be about to find out.

[boji.livejournal.com]

We are all asking that same question. (http://boji.livejournal.com/247779.html) It the Great-coat's magic-phoo, that's what it is.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Ah: I should have known. There is more to the Coat than meets the eye. No wonder it's Jack's most prized possession, along with his vortex manipulator and his TARDIS key, now that he has given the Hand back to its original owner.

[gypsylady.livejournal.com]

Boy, those RAF tailors know their stuff, don't they?

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Captain Jack bats his eyelashes and they'd do anything for him - even make a coat without parallel.

The greatcoat lives on...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I have concluded that the Daleks are frugal folk, and though they like to exterminate people, they keep their clothing for recycling. So the incinerator they threw Jack into was programmed to evaporate the man, and keep the clothes. Since Jack wouldn't evaporate, his clothes stayed on him.

It's much more fun with a defabricator.

[layla-aaron.livejournal.com]

I saw you on a friend's friends page and had to watch the clip. I don't know if you gasped at the same place as me, but I am more intrigued than I was before. I'm still a bit behind in my viewing so I'm getting spoiled something rotten. ;)

Comment with spoilers...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I'm not behind on viewing, but - it's all jaw-dropping stuff. I gasped when I saw Jack being taken - kidnapped? - by the Dalek. Daleks don't take prisoners, but what does a Dalek do when a human just won't die?

Eeeeeeeeeee.

I too am more intrigued than ever.

Wasn't it cagy, how the trailer didn't show the Doctor?

Re: Comment with spoilers...

[layla-aaron.livejournal.com]

*shivers* The thoughts of what might happen at the hands of Daleks...*shivers again*

It was very cagey, and even if I see more spoilers, I won't care. Because it will be how they present it that makes the show.

Re: Comment with spoilers...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

The thoughts of what might happen at the hands of Daleks...*shivers again*

Well - we'll see, won't we? They'll probably want to find out what makes him immortal.

it will be how they present it that makes the show.

So very true. This is one reason I don't like spoilers - they set me up to expect things that often don't happen, or are nothing like the impression I had.

[gillo]

Don't trust them. They are perfectly capable of making faux spoilers.

Anybody interrupts me tomorrow evening? I exterminate them. Slowly.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

They are perfectly capable of making faux spoilers.

I wouldn't trust them an inch. These people would stop at nothing. Nothing! Compared to the BBC, Daleks are pussycats.

Anybody interrupts me tomorrow evening? I exterminate them. Slowly.

I will be careful not to interrupt you.

I live in fear that I may not get the episode. The thought fills me with horror.

[nina-ds.livejournal.com]

My biggest fear is that the two spoilers I heard that most made me want to roast RTD slowly on a spit are now looking more, rather than less, likely. If we just get away without those happening, I will be relieved. I'm not worried about Jack, because they've already put him through so much, any more is just too much and OTT.

What I really, really want is an honest-to-god regeneration. Anything else is going to feel like a cheat - and of course, it's going to be a cheat.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I'm not worried about Jack, because they've already put him through so much, any more is just too much and OTT.

I'm not so worried about Jack because he has to be okay to be in Torchwood series 3. But I'm worried about all sorts of things!

I don't think we're going to get a 'real' regeneration. We're going to get something weird.

[nina-ds.livejournal.com]

The only thing I saw in the clip that surprised me was Jack being put in some sort of drawer. But I have a sick feeling it's going to be another noisy finale.

The "weird regeneration" is one of those spoilers I was hoping against hope we wouldn't get. If he de-generates into Eight (possible) and/or Nine (I would love it, but while I think RTD and CE are fine, CE reportedly thinks the BBC wants his hide nailed to the barn door), that would be a great "three-fold man". But I have a feeling it's not going to be that.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I have speculated wildly on the 'three-fold man' thing and have come up with nothing that seems plausible. Past, present and future? Personally I'd love to see Eight, Nine and Ten - I'd love to see Nine under almost any conditions - but che sera sera. I really like it that nothing seems obvious.

I'm less afraid of a noisy finale than of a lame one.

Why do you not want a 'weird regeneration'?

[nina-ds.livejournal.com]

I'm less afraid of a noisy finale than of a lame one.

They've tended to be both in the episodes that have disappointed me the most (LOTTL, 42, Gridlock). I think RTD is a man of really wonderfully wild imagination; it's just that quite often, he's got no discipline on it and it all hares away from him. Although 42 was a Chibnall, wasn't it? :(

The "weird regeneration" theory I've heard (which, alas, seems quite plausible at this stage), plumbs the depths of bad fanfic, and I don't see RTD having the will to resist it. It's desperately similar to what he tried for the end of The Second Coming until Paul Abbott wisely talked him down out of the trees. If, indeed, we do get Nine (obviously, I would love that), or even an Eight or Eleven, then I will breathe a sigh of relief. But between the Wimbledon finals and DW, tomorrow's going to be a busy day!

Anticipating Journey's End...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I agree that Davies' wild imagination sometimes gets away from him, and leads him astray. When it works, it's breathtaking. When it fails, it hurts.

Though I liked 'Gridlock' a lot.

Enjoy your busy day! Mine will be busy too, for other reasons. (Housework, probably getting a new computer, transferring my stuff to that computer....) and I don't know if I'll be able to see DW before Sunday. I hope.

Good thing I enjoy suspense.

Re: Anticipating Journey's End...

[nina-ds.livejournal.com]

Heh - well, I sprained my ankle a couple of days ago, so I'm pretty much confined to the couch and immediate environs. Nothing compared to what you've been through! Or even what I've had in the past, but we had a thunderstorm earlier today, and my ankle is throbbing like crazy. It's so weird that our bodies do that...

New computer? Spiffy!

Re: Anticipating Journey's End...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I sprained my ankle a couple of days ago, so I'm pretty much confined to the couch and immediate environs.

Oh no! My sympathies! You can imagine how I relate to that - ! Even though now I can limp across the room when I want to or need to.

but we had a thunderstorm earlier today, and my ankle is throbbing like crazy. It's so weird that our bodies do that...

Is it because there is so much water in us?

Yeah, I hope the new computer works out. I'm tired of struggling with the insufficiences of this one. It isn't really bad - it's that I'd like better, and I fear one of these days this one will just decide to sit down and die.

Re: Anticipating Journey's End...

[nina-ds.livejournal.com]

Is it because there is so much water in us?

Probably - it seems to be related to air pressure. I can hobble around, but going up and down stairs is a bit tricky just because my foot won't flex properly. I should probably just go get my crutches out of the garage to keep from falling over, but for some reason, I don't want to!

I had a laptop die last year. It wasn't a pretty sight.

Re: Anticipating Journey's End...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

going up and down stairs is a bit tricky just because my foot won't flex properly

Yes, flexing is my big problem now. The ankle is so badly stiffened that I haven't nearly enough movement in it. It's a matter of hard work and practice and time, I know.

Crutches are a nuisance if you can cope without.

I want to get my new computer up and running before this one dies. Really!

[boji.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping it isn't a case of too much of the finale being seen/shot through Rose-tinted glasses but I do think that's a vein hope. I'm also crossing fingers that Jack keeps his immortality past the closing credits.

And honest-to-god regeneration would be brilliant. Boy am I in the minority with that thought.

[nina-ds.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping it isn't a case of too much of the finale being seen/shot through Rose-tinted glasses

Oh, me, too. Desperately. I want Donna to have her time, and she's really pretty much been shunted aside for several episodes this series, which doesn't make me happy. She's my favourite Companion, ever. And Rose… sigh. I loved her with Nine, but she just became someone in S2 I didn't like very much, and I'm afraid it was largely the combination with Ten. Tennant has improved a bit this year (largely because of Tate, I think, the same way I think BP and JB were better with CE), but I'm definitely in the "regeneration, please!" camp. It's not just that I want another Doctor, because the characterization of Ten has never set well with me, but they've done so much resetting and rewinding it's beginning to get a bit tedious. I want some consequences!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I want Donna to have her time, and she's really pretty much been shunted aside for several episodes this series, which doesn't make me happy.

Yes, but when she appears, she's wonderful.

She's my favourite Companion, ever.

My favourite is Jack, as he was back in series 1. Then I love Martha, Donna and Sarah Jane very much indeed. Rose.... I love Rose's story in series 1 and 2, and I loved the Rose/Doctor romance - but Rose is not my favourite of the companions.

Still. Interesting story.

[nina-ds.livejournal.com]

It's funny, I almost forget Jack as a companion because of TW. But I still like him best of all in S1. He's just never been better than that, to me. And it's not even in TEC/TDD - I didn't like him until Boom Town, so it's really in those last three episodes!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I almost forget Jack as a companion because of TW. But I still like him best of all in S1.

Me too, in everything except costuming. He hasn't reached those heights since, though he has had some great moments. I lay this purely at the hands of the writers, as usual. And it really isn't a complaint, just an observation.

As I was just saying, 'Boom Town' is one of my favourite DW episodes, partly for its depiction of Jack, partly for the wonderful interplay in all directions, partly for its over;ay of playfulness on some serious themes of inclusion, exclusion, and retribution.

[nina-ds.livejournal.com]

I'm always surprised when people call Boom Town "filler" - it's very much a change of pace (more so than Love & Monsters or Blink in many ways), but I love it. If it were just Nine and Margaret, or just Team TARDIS being cute and flirty, I'd love it, but with everything that's going on, I think it works better than people think. It's as much a three-part finale as Utopia/Sound of Drums/LOTTL. In fact, I find S1 very hard to divide into "stand-alone" episodes. There's so much symmetry in the episodes (Dalek and Father's Day on either side of the lynchpin The Long Game, for instance; the return of Margaret from AoL/WWIII, EOTW balancing Bad Wolf...). It's definitely the most tightly knit of the series so far, although I think S4 comes close - it's more on a key-word, reminiscence level than a thematic/narrative level, though.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I'm always surprised when people call Boom Town "filler" - it's very much a change of pace (more so than Love & Monsters or Blink in many ways)

It isn't a filler, it's transitional - between one powerful two-part story arc and another. It's the important middle chapter.

f it were just Nine and Margaret, or just Team TARDIS being cute and flirty, I'd love it, but with everything that's going on, I think it works better than people think.

Yes. Conceptually amazing. Every time I see it, I see more there, and a lot of psychological depth in many directions. Yes, I love the structure of those series 1 individual episodes, and then the structure of the series as a whole - very beautifully orchestrated both in the specific and the general.

Series 4 comes close to that kind of structure/design, but until we see 'Journey's End' I won't be able to see the pattern, or know how successful it is.

I like the use of keywords a lot.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping it isn't a case of too much of the finale being seen/shot through Rose-tinted glasses

I don't know; it could go either way. They've set it up for such, but there are any number of ways it could go. I don't mind if it's Rose-centric or even Rose-worshipful, as long as it's not at the expense of Jack, Martha, Donna and Sarah Jane.

I'm also crossing fingers that Jack keeps his immortality past the closing credits.

Well... he has to, doesn't he? If he's going to be the Face of Boe? But if that's just a joke - well. I don't know. And I always retain the belief that the future is not set in place, but malleable, and any events at any time can make all the future history we've seen into an alternate timeline.

And honest-to-god regeneration would be brilliant. Boy am I in the minority with that thought.

I would be happy with that, but I don't think it will happen.

[silverwhistle.livejournal.com]

Yes! This is all too, too exciting!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I love suspense. I really do.

[jwaneeta.livejournal.com]

I love clips, I love spoilers. Wheee...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Exciting, hmm?

[louiex.livejournal.com]

*snorts* I can't help it :D The fact that the coat/clothes were alright had me giggling having Exit Wounds flashbacks and to having to mentally debate Jack's 'Tinkerbell' effect which just sends me off into Superman thoughts.

BUT I will give it up, has this or has this not been the TWO longest weeks ever? Between the lead up to last Saturday's episode and then the big TBC until now? Bravo BBC/RTD, you've put the proper fear of God into your employees and kept them quiet~

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I think Jack has treated his clothes with some amazing fifty-first century technology that renders them impervious to harm. He's tired of having to find new greatcoats.

has this or has this not been the TWO longest weeks ever?

Undoubtedly!

Bravo BBC/RTD, you've put the proper fear of God into your employees and kept them quiet~

It's been incredible. That regeneration thing - I didn't know they could keep an on-set secret so well. Amazing, but I've learned to expect miracles of this amazing show.

Love your icon!

[louiex.livejournal.com]

Oh I wish I knew who did the icon, I just found it unmarked but I love it sooooo :D

Maybe Jack's 51st century pheromones are what keep his clothes in such a perfect state?

I can't believe it's almost Saturday! *flails excitedly*

That regeneration thing - I didn't know they could keep an on-set secret so well. Amazing, but I've learned to expect miracles of this amazing show.

Really, really the last three episodes have been mind blowing. If they can take that same arch and finish the season with that sort of strength? I'll take back every mean thing I've said about RTD :D Swear it! I've been at the edge of my seat since Midnight~ (Ianto's sad smile/wibble at the end nearly killed me!)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I just found it unmarked but I love it sooooo :D

When that happens, all you can do is hope its creator will fess up some time.

Maybe Jack's 51st century pheromones are what keep his clothes in such a perfect state?

Oh, good point! They aren't perfect sartorial pheromones or they'd have dealt with that spot Ianto saw on his collar in 'Fragments', but they do a damn fine job, on the whole.

I can't believe it's almost Saturday!

I hope I can get to see it tomorrow. I hope, I hope...!

Really, really the last three episodes have been mind blowing.

Yes. They certainly had me glued to the screen and barely breathing.

If they can take that same arch and finish the season with that sort of strength?

I hope they can. I don't even actually believe they can - but I'd love to see them do it, and my admiration would know no bounds. Whether they can or not almost doesn't matter: even if there's a sense of anticlimax, they've done so well that they've earned their kudos.

And they just might pull it off perfectly.

I'll take back every mean thing I've said about RTD :D Swear it!

I don't think I'll go that far: the man is still a bold-faced diabolical liar. Not that I'm sure (under the circumstances) that this is a bad thing to say. Just true. [g]

(Ianto's sad smile/wibble at the end nearly killed me!)

So sweet, so brave. I loved the way Jack smiled at him when he said he'd be back - both a pledge of faith and love for Ianto (and Gwen) and happy anticipation of seeing the Doctor.

Made me wish Russel T Davies would write more Torchwood stories: I loved the way he wrote Ianto.

[louiex.livejournal.com]

Just spoke to a friend of mine about that scene with Jack and we've got it figured out. The jacket is actually a Timelord coat that phases via a built in chameleon circuit to fit into the eras a time traveller will go to. But like the TARDIS getting stuck as a police box; Jack's coat got stuck as a 40s RAF jacket!!! And since its time tech, it just fixes it self XD Like the TARDIS always does!

I don't think I'll go that far: the man is still a bold-faced diabolical liar. Not that I'm sure (under the circumstances) that this is a bad thing to say. Just true. [g]

Touche~ Good point, I still think he's some sort of magic being though. Some huge, laughing, brilliant being in disguise as a man from Swansea!

So sweet, so brave. I loved the way Jack smiled at him when he said he'd be back - both a pledge of faith and love for Ianto (and Gwen) and happy anticipation of seeing the Doctor.

Made me wish Russel T Davies would write more Torchwood stories: I loved the way he wrote Ianto.

Seriously I was doing alright with all the scary cliffhangers until that point. But then was left with a monster bunny that chewed at me until I posted it actually :D RTD did a great job with Ianto though, you're right~ Helping to push forward the consistently odd and humorous little man that Ianto's become!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

The jacket is actually a Timelord coat that phases via a built in chameleon circuit to fit into the eras a time traveller will go to. But like the TARDIS getting stuck as a police box; Jack's coat got stuck as a 40s RAF jacket!!!

Works for me! So it must have been a present from the Doctor, delivered by some innocuous Pizza Girl who had no idea who sent it.

And since its time tech, it just fixes it self XD Like the TARDIS always does!

That makes sense, given the number of times it's been cut, burned, and otherwise lacerated. It must keep at least one dry cleaning company in business full time.

I still think he's some sort of magic being though. Some huge, laughing, brilliant being in disguise as a man from Swansea!

An alien? Have you ever heard of The Impossible Man? He used to pop up (being from the planet Popup) and cause trouble for the Fantastic Four.

http://www.toonopedia.com/uimages/toons/i/imposman.jpg

then was left with a monster bunny that chewed at me until I posted it actually

Ooh! I must look a.s.a.p.

Helping to push forward the consistently odd and humorous little man that Ianto's become!

Playing up that quirkiness that I (and Jack) love.

[cionaudha.livejournal.com]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


*gasp for air*

It's taking everything I've got not to CLICK. ON. THAT. LINK.

*grinds teeth*

MUST. WAIT. MUST. WAIT.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Your strength is as the strength of ten because your heart is pure. And unspoiled.

Hang in there: you can do it. Only another day to go.

[cionaudha.livejournal.com]

Another TWO days. I am in New Hampshire at my folks'. They have hamster-powered dial-up.

Must. Keep. Busy.

Rusty did a number on my brane last week. I've just been spinning myself dizzy trying to guess how it's all going to work out. I think I've got Gwen and Ianto's bacon saved... I'm not saying how, for jinx reasons, but I'll tell you if I got it right! Which, yeah. Second-guessing Davies is a thankless task.

Must. Not. Click. LINK.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Another TWO days.

Ouch. That's painful.

They have hamster-powered dial-up.

I remember what that was like. The good old days. They greyed me prematurely, I'll swear.

think I've got Gwen and Ianto's bacon saved... I'm not saying how, for jinx reasons, but I'll tell you if I got it right!

I look forward to hearing!

Second-guessing Davies is a thankless task.

But fun. It almost disappoints me when I'm right.

Stay away from that link. You can do it.

[monsieureden.livejournal.com]

Ok, I am totally going to watch this show on sidereel over my vacation in August.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

When you do - I hope you enjoy it!

I think Donna is terrific. And the writing this season is extremely good.

[gypsylady.livejournal.com]

My bestest buddy Billy (I love saying that) sent me an email on Sunday. It was three words. "I hate them."

I have been trying to avoid spoilers but not being religious about it or anything. So I've figured out a few little things. One reason they were able to keep such a lid on the last episode was that it wasn't filmed on the streets of Cardiff to the extent last week's was. But a few things did slip out. Not big enough to actually answer the really important questions, but enough to let me breathe a little this week.

A very little. Do you have any idea how hard it is to live through a day off waiting for Saturday???? This Saturday, at any rate.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

It was three words. "I hate them."

LOL.

One reason they were able to keep such a lid on the last episode was that it wasn't filmed on the streets of Cardiff to the extent last week's was.

Yes. No one could stand around watching when it's on the TARDIS set, or elsewhere in the studios.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to live through a day off waiting for Saturday?

I have some notion! [g]