Doctor Who: additional CiN thoughts

[butterfly]

So, that 'cyberman' looks like a head on a stick to me. Seriously. It's a head on a stick. Painted. It's a painted head on a stick.

(ETA: No, wait, it's even better -- it's totally a mask! Check out this trailer, at about 0:28 seconds. So, putting both clips together -- might the woman in the red dress be the 'bad guy'? There's also a great wibble reaction shot from Morrissey at 0:32 -- realizing that the stories are real, maybe? And from this trailer, it does look like they are the Pete's World Cybermen -- check out the logo at 0:30)

Morrissey's 'Doctor' has a 'sonic' screwdriver that is, in fact, an actual flat-head screwdriver.

When he comes in, he says the same lines that the Doctor does when he first runs into Rosita and he utters the very Ten "Allons-y" at the same time as the Doctor.

Some of the best of all of this is, of course, the Doctor's reaction. He's so baffled at first and then, at the end, we have that considering look.

After the very emotional roller-coaster ride of TSE/JE, I am wondering if RTD is actually going to give us something less serious this time around. Oh, not that there won't be tons of genuine emotion, suspense and drama in it, but the beginning looks almost to be the start of a farce.

The 'cyberman' looks fake and Morrissey's Doctor seems rather fake, too. He reminds me a bit of Jack and I think that the casting of Morrissey really helps in sending the 'con artist' vibe. He's larger than life in that 'I can give you a great deal on a barely-used car' sort of way. As someone else said, he comes across as a cartoonish or parody version of Ten (so, where John Simm's Master was Dark!Ten, MDoc might be considered more of a ComicBook!Ten).

So, I'm thinking maybe a bit of a Galaxy Quest or a Brothers Grimm situation (actually, I'm really liking the BG comparison at the moment. I enjoyed that movie a lot) -- fake Doctor and a fake cyberman, but then! Oh, a real Doctor and real Cybermen come along and we get to experience MDoc's character growth and whatnot, as he learns what the Doctor (and what a Time Lord) really is and, possibly (hopefully) the Doctor gets to learn stuff, too. That's my current theory.

As an aside, I really do buy that the Doctor considers himself fairly at peace at the moment -- Rose is happy, Donna is not dead, Jack, Martha, Sarah Jane, and even Mickey all have their 'places to go to' and he's not wrecking anyone's life. And the Doctor has always had the great gift of being able to find joy in life even when he's carrying around deep sadness, so it's not terribly surprising. And it's very nice to see him smiling. I love his 'looks like there could be trouble' smile.

I really adore the big flourish of music after Rosita calls, "Doctor!" the first time. Awesome.

So, dialogue from the 'two Doctors' (*laughs*) scene.

The Doctor: "Don't worry, don't worry. Stand back! What've we got here then? Oo. I've got it and, whatever it is behind that door, I think you should get out of here."
Rosita: "Doctor!" (she is, of course, yelling right past him)
The Doctor: "I'm standing right here." (so cute!)
Rosita: "Don't be stupid. Who are you?" (she's so annoyed! Ha! I like her already.)
The Doctor: "I'm the Doctor." (he sounds so baffled, poor thing)
Rosita: "Doctor who?" (I see what you did there! You aren't fooling me!)
The Doctor: "Just the Doctor." (which is his favorite way of describing it. For all his arrogance in certain matters, he's so casual and non-pompous about himself. *hearts*)
Rosita: "Well, there can't be two of you." (have I already mentioned liking her? I like her.)
(they turn to see MDoc running up)
Rosita: "Where the hell have you been?" (ah... "Tooth and Claw" flashbacks. She gets annoyed at the 'Doctor' being later than she'd like.)
MDoc: "Right then, don't worry. Stand back. What've we got here then?"
The Doctor: "Hold on, who are you?"
MDoc: (straightens up and totally strikes a freaking pose, I kid you not) "I'm the Doctor. Simply 'the Doctor'. The one, the only, and the best. Rosita, give me the sonic screwdriver."
The Doctor: "What?"
MDoc: "Now, quickly, get back to the TARDIS."
The Doctor: "Back to the what?"
MDoc: "If you could stand back, sir. This is a job for a Time Lord."
The Doctor: "Job for a what Lord?"
The Doctor and MDoc: (as door opens) "Woah. That's new."
(cyber head on a stick rushes out)
The Doctor and MDoc: "Allons-y!"
(the Doctor gives MDoc an adorable sidelong look)

I think this episode may end up being more in the vein of "Tooth and Claw" or "Love and Monsters" (only instead of poking gentle and loving fun at fandom, as L&M did, "The Next Doctor" will be lightly mocking the Tenth Doctor's tics and mannerisms (did you catch the wink?), which has the potential for great amounts of awesome).

Which, naturally, brings up the question of 'how'? How can MDoc be playing 'the Doctor' and not have a clue when the real Doctor makes an appearance? I think it might be delving more into the 'fairy tale' aspect of the Doctor. The big question for me is whether MDoc is from 1851 or if he might actually be a Time Traveler (he's got an actual flat-head screwdriver rather than anything technologically advanced, which would argue for the first theory).

We already know that Morrissey and Tennant have amazing and fantastic chemistry, so I'm really looking forward to all of their interactions, and Rosita seems like she might be interesting, too -- she doesn't seem star-struck by her 'Doctor', just rather frustrated that he's not there right when he's needed.

Comments

[sunnytyler001.livejournal.com]

God, I can't wait for Christmas!!!
(Maybe Morrissey is Alt!Ten?)

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

It looks like so much fun! Though I'm sure that RTD will sneak in emotions and tension and whatnot.

(my current theory is the 'big faker' one)

[honorh.livejournal.com]

I absolutely loved Morrissey's entrance. He was so incredibly charismatic and watchable in Blackpool--he owned the screen, and it's a credit to Sarah Polley and DT that they weren't totally overpowered by him--and we do know he and DT have terrific chemistry. I'm so looking forward to this special!

And, hello Rosita. I see what you did there!

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

I absolutely loved Morrissey's entrance. He was so incredibly charismatic and watchable in Blackpool--he owned the screen, and it's a credit to Sarah Polley and DT that they weren't totally overpowered by him--and we do know he and DT have terrific chemistry. I'm so looking forward to this special!

Morrissey is such a fantastic actor! And, as you say, he and David worked together so well in Blackpool ("These Boots..." never fails to make me crack up laughing -- they are brilliant and intense and so freaking funny. *hearts*).

And, hello Rosita. I see what you did there!

I'm wondering if we might not get a bit of an examination of the Doctor/companion relationship (again, more of a light-hearted one, where the Master/Lucy relationship was like a dark mirror of Ten/Rose -- I should post about that sometime, because I loved the Rose-Master, Rose-Lucy, Master-Doctor parallels so much). Which I would totally adore.

[honorh.livejournal.com]

Master/Lucy also had some strong tiebacks to Three/Jo. Stronger, in some ways, actually, as Jo's social class was closer to Lucy's. Also, the Master totally was wearing Three's cape when he met the American President. Not to mention Jo was, I believe, the first of the Doctor's companions to meet the Master.

For a New Who-only watcher, though, the Doctor/Rose parallels were undeniable. It's a little scary to think of what the Master might've done to Rose if she'd been there.

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

Master/Lucy also had some strong tiebacks to Three/Jo. Stronger, in some ways, actually, as Jo's social class was closer to Lucy's. Also, the Master totally was wearing Three's cape when he met the American President. Not to mention Jo was, I believe, the first of the Doctor's companions to meet the Master.

Oh, yeah, definitely. The cape thing was... priceless (*hearts* this show and its extreme dorkiness). There are some... echoes of the Three/Jo relationship in Doctor/Rose, as well (though more so, I think, in Nine/Rose than Ten/Rose).

For a New Who-only watcher, though, the Doctor/Rose parallels were undeniable. It's a little scary to think of what the Master might've done to Rose if she'd been there.

Yeah. I'm pretty sure that the Year That Wasn't was the only time when the Doctor was thrilled that Rose was off in another universe. Especially since the Master even seemed a bit impressed with Rose's accomplishment. Not a good sign. Means that he might not have underestimated her the way he did Martha.

[blackcat-1.livejournal.com]

Rosita: "Where the hell have you been?" (ah... "Tooth and Claw" flashbacks. She gets annoyed at the 'Doctor' being later than she'd like.)

That was my immediate thought when I heard that line. Also, it's interesting that the companion's name sounds so siimilar to Rose's.

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

Yeah. It definitely feels intentional. We'll have to see if it goes somewhere (it's Russell, so there's a good chance!).

[arabian.livejournal.com]

He hearts Rose; about as much as we do. (I still love his clapping glee on the commentary when Rose takes back over her body in "New Earth" -- "Rose's back. Yay!" Hee.

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

He really does. He's just as much a Rose-fan as any of us (and as much a Doctor/Rose 'shipper).

[arabian.livejournal.com]

Oh, Rusty. Seriously my favorite showrunner EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sensiblecat.livejournal.com]

The (real) Ten would so get off on finding he was being celebrated in a play, so that should be fun. The name Rosita makes me wonder if they're recreating some aspect of the Doctor's adventures with Rose, and if so how news of them got to 1851. I think it's too early for T&C but there could be a Time Agent involved.

And it would seriously rock if it turned out that their inspiration was Rose travelling, at some point, without the Doctor - or even with the Handy one!

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

The (real) Ten would so get off on finding he was being celebrated in a play, so that should be fun. The name Rosita makes me wonder if they're recreating some aspect of the Doctor's adventures with Rose, and if so how news of them got to 1851. I think it's too early for T&C but there could be a Time Agent involved.

It definitely feels like some kind of recreation or possibly a con artist situation. MDoc is much too Ten-ish to be a future Doctor (plus, if he were, he would recognize himself!). Whatever it is, I'm exceedingly curious.

[lasultrix.livejournal.com]

The Doctor: "Just the Doctor." (which is his favorite way of describing it. For all his arrogance in certain matters, he's so casual and non-pompous about himself. *hearts*)

Really? I've always considered it to be arrogance, exactly along the lines of :

MDoc: (straightens up and totally strikes a freaking pose, I kid you not) "I'm the Doctor. Simply 'the Doctor'. The one, the only, and the best.

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

Interesting! Those lines actually struck me as very different in tone and substance and, in fact, felt like the essence of the difference between the real Doctor and the overdone 'Doctor' that Morrissey was playing.

[lasultrix.livejournal.com]

Oh, I didn't see the CiN special. I just meant that I have always read "Just the Doctor" as arrogance. Obviously though the MDoc was an exaggerated parody.

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

If you're interested in checking it out, I've linked to a youtube copy of the snippet in the post just previous to this one.

Though the Doctor is arrogant (and high-handed and self-righteous and... etc), those 'just the Doctor' moments don't feel terribly like that to me. Oh, there's a certain inherent... pretension in the assumption of the title at all, of course ("Is that supposed to sound impressive?" as Rose asks), but he doesn't seek to make himself an idol or anything. "The Doctor" is kinda a short-hand way of saying "someone who can help" (which he does say sometimes instead). And, generally, he can. It's not false advertising. Those moments, to me, feel more like self-assurance and confidence rather than arrogance (however, I am aware that that's very much a YMMV sort of situation).

[principia-coh.livejournal.com]

Sadly, it doesn't sound like David Morrissey was successful in talking the director into letting he and David Tennant do a tango for the episode (although who knows, that might've ended up on a gag reel somewhere).

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

Aw. That would have been priceless.

*hopes for the gag reel*

[arabian.livejournal.com]

I really do buy that the Doctor considers himself fairly at peace at the moment -- Rose is happy, Donna is not dead, Jack, Martha, Sarah Jane, and even Mickey all have their 'places to go to' and he's not wrecking anyone's life. And the Doctor has always had the great gift of being able to find joy in life even when he's carrying around deep sadness, so it's not terribly surprising.

Yes! I wrote this back on July 27 after "Music of the Spheres" showed up: I must say that it IS nice seeing a happy Doctor. I'm just going to take that as proof that despite how selfish he can be, he can also be incredibly selfless and he did mean that knowing Rose is truly happy with another him, he can now be content himself because he gave her an undreamed of happy ending with him. (And, yes, he would believe it fully because he's rather an arrogant one and I don't think he could possibly conceive of Rose NOT being happy with someone who looks like him, talks like him, basically is him.)

I see his joy here as more proof. No, he doesn't have Rose and the adventure he'll never have, but that's it right there: He NEVER thought he'd truly be able to have Rose and that adventure, but now, through the miracle of a metacrisis thingie at the perfect time, a part of him DOES have that, and even more importantly, ROSE has him and a full, complete life with him. If he truly loves her unconditionally (as I believe he does), how can he NOT be happy about that after the initial, understandable, self-pitying grief has worn off?

(Clicked post too soon) As for the rest, I totally agree. This looks like it'll be a fun, fabulous, Rusty charmer. I can't wait!! :D :D

[shinyopals.livejournal.com]

I see his joy here as more proof. No, he doesn't have Rose and the adventure he'll never have, but that's it right there: He NEVER thought he'd truly be able to have Rose and that adventure, but now, through the miracle of a metacrisis thingie at the perfect time, a part of him DOES have that, and even more importantly, ROSE has him and a full, complete life with him. If he truly loves her unconditionally (as I believe he does), how can he NOT be happy about that after the initial, understandable, self-pitying grief has worn off?

That's such a lovely way of saying it and ties in so well with his happy glee. I really am hoping this episode *isn't* going to be completely emotionally draining. It'd be nice to have some fun! And the Doctor loloks like he's up for that.

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

It would be nice to have a Christmas more like "The Christmas Invasion" rather than "The Voyage of the Damned".

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

Yeah. Rose's happiness really does mean more to him than anything else (and yes, too, on the arrogance of believing that because she's with him, she is, of course, going to be happy). And that says incredibly sweet and beautiful things about how he loves her. He loves her for her, not for him.

[cookie2697.livejournal.com]

I love you people :)

You're the second person who's dug in and pointed out a bunch that I didn't notice.

I completely missed that even the lines are mirroring him a bit. And the Tooth and Claw connection. Very good.

I agree completely. I'm VERY excited about this Christmas now. In all of the pictures I thought Rosita looked annoying, but she was great and irreverant about the whole thing - which, as you pointed out, is very Rose-like. And it's going to be great to watch the small little jabs at Ten. Can't wait until Christmas :) :)

[butterfly.livejournal.com]

It looks like it's going to be so much fun!