Television Doctor Who

I'm upset that I'm working tonight! Have to delay my enthusiasm for tomorrow at the earliest. My life is so tragic,

Glad to hear you enjoyed it though!

 

Riiiiiiight, well I am putting my thoughts into a spoiler but seriously, don't spoil yourselves as it'll ruin it.

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First off "What chapter are you on?" "Chapter 10" "Oooh, chapter eleven is the best." GAHHHHHHHHH! It made me squeal with happiness and everyone else in the room just looked at me like I was some sort of freak xD

Anyway, I thought it was brilliant, I had been wondering about the "Bells of Saint John" and the only connection I could think of (before watching the episode) was the St. John's ambulance sticker on the side which I thought was quite cool. The title makes it sound so old fashioned when the episode is predominantly urban London which I just think sounds cool as a phone call is what started it all of and the ringing was the "bells".

I liked the concept as well since it hasn't really been done before, wifi is quite a scary thing as it connects loads of people and is also just cyberspace- the average person doesn't really know that much about it. However, I thought it was a brilliantly creepy thought and this episode successfully creeped me out a bit- no other episode has managed that.

The Spoonheads were freaky! I hope we see their return at some point, they were like the snow in "The Snowmen" as they just mirror your words and, funnily enough, I recon that is what they were supposed to be (see the twist at the end). I kind of wanted to know a bit more about their production but I'm sure that will become apparent at some point... hopefully?

I wonder whether the change of clothes for the Doctor is symbolic of him moving on- in Victorian London, he didn't wear his bow tie as he was feeling depressed as if he was thrown out of whack by the Ponds departure but Clara lobbed him back into it causing him to put it on without thinking. It kind of shows how he needs to save people as it makes him feel better about himself as he's doing something positive and maybe distracts him from his own self loathing thoughts. I think the discarding of the Tweed jacket is symbolic of him moving on from the Ponds and facing up to helping the universe once again.

I'm also thinking that the first Clara we see in Asylum of the Daleks is after the one we see in modern day London as it explains where she got her computer skills from. I think the souffle thing is her own but the computer skills came directly from the events in this episode. This is just speculation though. It kind of begs the question how many more "Clara's" are out there? One other thing, VICTORIAN!Clara and DALEK!Clara are both called "Clara Oswin Oswald" while present day Clara is just "Clara Oswald" until she names herself "Oswin" after abbreviating "Oswald for the win!" and I don't know what to make of that.

Also, I think the theory that Clara is the child of Rose and TenToo but in the prequel of this episode you see her with her mother, now this could be adoptive mother but it kind of kinks the concept.

I need to do a bit of research into the Great Intelligence as they were Classic Who and I want to know what they did back in the 60's with Yeti's and the Underground (if I'm not mistaken since in The Snowmen, the Doctor gives GI the idea that the underground is a "key stategic weakness") but I am curious as to why it's Doctor Simeon's face. I suppose we only saw the snow dissolve in the sphere and Simeon dying but that's it really. I'm sure the GI lives on through the ages and I'm guessing it'll be this series main enemy. It kind of reminded me of the MCP from Tron. If it feeds off human minds then this could come back is various ways and I look forward to seeing how Moffat uses it. It controls them like a puppet master and doesn't care- obvious trait for a villain but done brilliantly nonetheless.

I found the end incredibly chilling and creepy when UNIT walk in on the evil woman and she has regressed to childhood and yet is an older woman. Brilliant.

The one thing I wanted to see more of was Clara's display of intelligence, she knew a lot about books and stuff but computers she was lost on until the download. I hope we see some more of that in the rest of the series. I also think the Doctor should have had a bit more faith in Clara with the computer whilst in the cafe as he knew she managed to hack the Daleks' hive mind when he couldn't, perhaps he forgot or just thought this incarnation of Clara doesn't have those skills. It's interesting to see how the Doctor see's Clara- is she the same, does she just look the same, what is she etc.

One thing I look forward to is whether or not the Doctor actually explains to Clara what he has previously seen of her or not.

Next episode looks good- on an alien planet so that should be interesting as we haven't been to a proper alien planet in a while (and by that I mean completely inhabited by aliens).

Also, on the 50th cast. WOOOOOOOOO! Have the BBC actually confirmed it on their site though because a part of my mind was telling me it could be a hack or still just a rumour. I know there were tweets about it but they seemed vague and non-legit but that's just my suspicious mind since we all know Tennant has to return otherwise so many fans would be so disappointed plus every anniversary done so far has been a multi-doctor episode.

 

I agree with most of your thoughts, Enzy, but I think you might have missed something.

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Did you notice the author of the book? Amelia Williams. So many references in this ep, the self destruct buttons too!!! (aka Jammy Dodgers)

Also, I thought that was her friend's mum we saw, not her own mum. I have a feeling that she said that her mum had recently died but I'm not sure if I'm just making that up or not.

 

Spoiler

Well, the stories I'm hearing have all eleven Doctors brought together by River. Then again there's nothing to back that up so I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Oh dear, I'll have to wait for Monday afternoon to see Bells of St. John. Guess I'll go hide for a bit. ;____;

 

Ooh my, I forgot about that! It could indeed work out that way as well! Either way, I can't wait to see what the future holds for it!

 

Saw the episode and despite what my parents may think, I thought it was a great way to continue on from where The Snowmen left off.

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Oh yeah, Moffat almost relied on all those subtle hints to force the masses to enjoy the episode. Also, was I the only one who absolutely adored the return of the fez? <3

In regards to Clara and her past/future/present self, I think we can safely say that the "daughter of Rose & TenToo" theory is out, as the prequel to The Bells of Saint John (which happens to be a page or so back in this thread) confirms that Clara has a mom on this version of Earth.
I do like how everything is tying together -- though certain pieces like the wifi password seemed a bit absurd while bits like "Oswald for the win!" were clever and well done -- and kudos to Moffat for refusing to stick to the whole "no tying factor between episodes" bit, seeing as how the past two episodes have dealt with a manipulative, formless entity using humans (from childhood well into their 50s at least) to exploit the ignorance of the masses. The fact that wifi was the weapon here did freak me out a bit, given that it's more relatable to someone like me than intelligent snow, and I enjoy having a scenario that could possibly happen to us.

Overall, I am not disappointed. Though I do feel like the next episode is a bit reminiscent of The Beast Below.
I don't know, that might just be the impression I got from it.

 

I'm very sad right now. I missed the new episode and won't be able to watch it until tomorrow. Very sad. ;_;

So those who have seen it, is it good?

 

Most unbelievably awesome epic thing ever forever. I'll probably have massive spoilers after this, so don't click on spoiler number one if you haven't seen "The Bells of Saint John"


EDIT: Don't click on either spoilers, because they're spoilers.

Spoiler: Bells

This episode was so spectacular. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Of course, seeing as it was a long awaited arrival for a new episode, my fan girl boy side kicked in.

The Doctor has some underlying tones of darkness appearing throughout the episode. Like when he saves Clara, the second time. He was so aggressive. Absorbing the woman into the "cloud" as they called it, and forcing her to give the order for "download."

On to the newest companion, a long awaited and already known reveal, Clara. I love how they started her out as technologically illiterate, then changed her into more of a "techy" than The Doctor. I can tell, I'm going to love her more than Amy/Rory. Not to mention the fact that this episode alone uses more modern tech than the previous seasons. I mean, a "twitter" reference? Come on!! This is gonna be solid gold for me. If they "tech" this series out, i'll geek. I'll blow a gasket.

I'm loving the new look, by the way. The Doctor got some new duds. He looks very "spiffy." The monk thing made his new wardrobe look all the better. These new duds go along nicely with the TARDIS interior, which i'm loving. Seriously, the show going this "techy" is making me geek. I'm a huge tech nerd, so when my favorite show incorporates technology into itself . . . it's like i'm floating on "clouds." Haha, get it? "Clouds," because of the . . . never mind.

I'm also digging the mysterious new "foil."


EDIT: Might not be so mysterious. Had I re-watched "The Snowmen." Still somewhat mysterious though.

Now for something that's either going to blow your mind, or make me look foolish.

Spoiler: Theory

I'd like for you to recall "The Wedding of River Song." You remember how Mister Blue, forget his name, calls out the phrase "Doctor Who" three times? Now go back and look at how many times Clara says it in "The Bells of Saint John." I haven't had the chance to re-watch it yet, but I vaguely remember both accounts saying the phrase thrice. Connection? Well, that's for you to decide. Just remember, when Moffat is involved, nothing is unrelated.

This has been me geeking, and possibly blowing minds. For those of you who couldn't view my spoilers, as not to ruin the episode, I loved it very much. I think this is going to be a wonderful season. Enjoy the episode ^^

 

Spoiler

His name is Dorium Maldovar, and kudos for catching that. Honestly though, I don't think it's related, as Clara only asked "Doctor who?" so many times because Eleven asked her to. Still, you really never know with Moffat, and if it does play up later on, whether in the season or in the 50th special, at least we have some clue beforehand.

 

Finally watched it

Spoiler: Bells

On Eleven asking her to ask "Doctor who?" several times: I think it's definitely related to Dorium! The events of series 6 means that he ran away from his fate (death) and will have to confront who he really is--I think that concept excites him! The Doctor loves to run, he loves that reminder that he escaped death, and the ominous, dangerous air that question holds I think he certainly enjoys.

But I liked it! It wasn't some epic experience--I read Enzy saying it reminded her of The Beast Below, which is one of my all-time favorites, so I guess that raised some undue expectations. I thought the Doctor almost courting Clara into traveling with him was precious (and good on her for not falling on her knees and saying yes immediately!) and the overall plot was sufficiently eerie and suspenseful. I just didn't really get the emotional impact that previous episodes have offered--which is fine, it's good, not every episode can be an emotional train ride, and I'm sure plenty of that awaits me in the future.

I was glad to see all the little hints though (11th chapter, Amy wrote the book, UNIT, I wasn't aware that the Great Intelligence was a Classic Who villain but that's nifty, etc.). I am glad someone else recognized the face of Doctor Simeon, though. I found that odd... We'll see what happens.

Aaaaaand back to theorizing

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I do agree that the "Clara is the daughter of Rose and TenToo" theory has had definite holes punched into it, but I am sticking by it! The prequel episode, if you look back, has two women standing and talking, one of them a blonde--it's not Bille Piper of course but it's entirely possible that child!Clara thought the Doctor was pointing at the Blonde woman, and the woman Clara later spoke to was just a family friend of some sort. If you notice, she never calls her mom. Even if that's all crazy reasoning to support my hypothesis, though, it is also possible that Clara's scattering through time places her with different families and in different circumstances.

I'd also like to remind y'all that Oswin's chair is totally the same as Jenny's and that is in no way a reflection of the BBC's limited prop department nope not at all

IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN I KNOW IT

 

Spoiler: Supporting the Theory in Misty's Post

Kinda makes sense when you realize that Clara was listed as "Susan Tyler" on various sites (imdb was one) before Series 7 was fully released.

 

On Rose: Yeah, I highly doubt that Moffat wants to deal with any sort of backlash of such a divisive character (no, I'm not just saying this because I hate her with the intensity of a thousand suns). That theory is idiotic fan fiction stuff. You see, there's this little problem of ROSE BEING IN A DIFFERENT UNIVERSE.

 

Haha, glad to know that Enzy and I are the same person (Doctors 12 and 13 maybe; WOO). And actually, I was talking about the next episode: The Rings of Akhaten. Glad you enjoyed it though.

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But she says her mom told her not to talk to strange men, and then the lady says "Clara Oswald, what have I told you about talking to strange men?"

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She's the mother of Clara. Well, that version of her, at least. Though going back and freeze framing the prequel at about 1:32, the blonde looks a bit too much like Camille Coduri, who plays Jackie Tyler (Rose's mom). No idea if this was meant to be intentional, but hey, a fun little easter egg at the very least; maybe she and Rose were childhood/family friends or something and Clara'll have ties to all of Nine/Ten's companions for the 50th, idk just more speculation.

Also good lord, why is the BBC doing this to us SO EARLY ONNNNNNNNNNNNNN?
I HATE YOU BRITAIN I SWEAR JUST WHEN I THINK I'M OKAY "LOL NO, THERE'S STILL MORE ROOM FOR SPECULATIN' KIDDO"

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But if I remember correctly, that was just a fan name for her, no?

 

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She is in a different universe, yes. Where weird **** has happened before (she basically built a TARDIS, don't forget that), with TenToo (she has the brain of a Time Lord as a resource, as well as his DNA), and she stared into the heart of the TARDIS--maybe the Doctor did absorb the energy but

this is Doctor Who

Rose is such a pivotal character for the Doctor, even still I think, I just think there are a lot of hints. She spread "Bad Wolf" across time and space to allow her to find the Doctor wherever he was--I can't help but think Clara is a piece of that. You're free to disagree, though.

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I don't remember where it originated, it's certainly not official though.

Edit: Oop side note, my sister caught this and I didn't!

Spoiler: Bells

In Clara's age book, she skips 23 (it jumps from 22 to 24). Significance? Theories?
Edit: 16 was also skipped.

Edit 2: Reading some speculation on BBC America

Spoiler

"Could the woman who gave Clara the telephone number for IT help have been River?"
"I wonder if Summer Falls and Silence Falls are connected."

Edit 3: I have a problem

Spoiler: Bells and Theory

The last episode to feature the motorbike was The Idiot's Lantern with Ten and Rose... which featured a very similar villain.

Can Jenny regenerate btw? Do we know?

 

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She built a friggin' TARDIS. I son't much like her either, but come on, it's Doctor Who. If she has the mind and DNA of a Timelord at her disposal, she can probably make it to the regular Whoverse.

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Official or not, it's always been speculation. I think someone else on here speculated the same thing. not sure if it was on this thread or the Spam Zone.

 

Kudos to your sister. Yeah, I read about it a bit on tumblr (some amazing fanart/pics have gone up since the premiere).

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She also skips 16 as well. There could be some significance to this, but who knows?

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That is the likeliest (and also only) theory on that matter I've heard yet. I was wondering about the help line, and now that you mention it River seems like the best thing.

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Also, I wonder if the cover of the book has any relevance to this series. Cover.
There is a river, but as of now that's the only real connection to the Doctor I'd be able to make.

You're not alone I'm the Doctor and I'm here to help

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Well, both episodes also took place in a suburban area of town and had the Doctor's companion as a victim of the evil entity's control. The companions in both episodes also helped him to locate the antagonist's base of operations (Rose by wandering out of Magpie's shop, Clara by finding "The Shard").

what is wrong with us for making these connections???

 

According to TV Tropes:

Spoiler

It references the show's run like how her gravestone in The Snowmen said she was born on the day the show first premiered (November 23). If she's 24 in 2013, then she was born in 1989 which was the year the series got cancelled. Then show came back in 2005, 16 years later. And Clara's first appearance was in Asylum of the Daleks, which was in 2012 and 23 years after the cancellation.

16 and 23 are also the years in which the classic series failed to complete episodes (The serial Shada at 16 and the whole Trial of a Time Lord thing which replaced the original season 23).