The Written Podcast: When the Doctor Became the Doctor – David Tennent’s Moment: Blink

It might sound a bit of a copout to say my first ever episode of Doctor Who was when David Tennent’s incarnation of the Doctor became the Doctor – even though I knew nothing about the Doctor at the time of watching Blink. That’s the beauty of that episode, though. Despite featuring the Doctor through a series of DVDs and two scenes where he actually appears in person, Blink establishes so much about the Doctor.

Written by Stephen Moffatt before he became head writer, Blink is considered one of the best episodes of New Who. (Side note: It was considered the best episode for many for years until Heaven’s Sent came along which blew Blink out of the water, knocking it down into second place.) At the time, being someone who never watched at episode, I struck lucky with watching one of the best episodes to watch if you’re new to the show. Whilst you could argue on two accounts that the first episode of the series should be the one you watch first if you have not a clue what the show is about, and that this episode features very little of the Doctor himself. I can understand where those arguments are coming from, having had that episode as my first episode, I would disagree with them.

A friend of mine at school told me about the show, intrigued me enough to dedicate time to it on a Saturday evening, and Blink had everything my friend had described about the show in. Blink is scary, full of well-written time travel, and fleshed out characters – everything I hoped the episode would have after listening to my friend.

Whilst Blink is essentially an oxymoron as it’s the episode where the Doctor became the Doctor even though he barely featured, the way David Tennent’s acting shone through the TV screens was amazing. Stephen Moffatt’s writing made me want to watch more and watching David’s portrayal as the Doctor since the Christmas special episode, The Christmas Invasion, Blink remained as the episode where the Doctor shined the brightest.

I didn’t know anything about the show or the character, but the genius of the episode is that I was given the fact the Doctor had a plan up his sleeve even though he was stuck in the past, 1969, to be precise, with Martha Jones, who still remains my favourite companion – but that’s a series for another time.

The more I saw of David Tennent’s incarnation on screen, the more Doctor moments happened. One of the biggest moments was during the two-part finale in series 4, when the Doctor was trapped by Davros, and was shown his true self. Davros’ monologue about how the Doctor takes innocent people and turn them into weapons and forcing him to remember those who sacrificed their lives to help the Doctor win, broke his hearts. That two-part finale was rich with continuity from not just in David Tennent’s era, but within Christopher Eccleston’s era as well. Series 4 was Russell’s final full series before bowing out from being head writer and from Doctor Who altogether. He wanted to go out with a bang, and he wrote one heck of a finale, bringing together companions from his entire tenue, and making the Daleks more menacing than ever.

Russell made sure we knew who the Doctor was prior to this two-part finale, but we were introduced to his darker side during this finale. Out of options, desperate, Dona Noble shocked that the hero she knew was defeated, the Doctor was down.

Of course, he doesn’t stay down for long and he does eventually win against Davros and destroys the entire Dalek fleet in the process. David Tennent’s performance during that epic conclusion of four years was brilliant. Another fantastic moment showcasing David’s virtually unmatched performance was during The Waters of Mars, when he took things too far. He wasn’t going to let time catch up with him and did everything he could to stop the impending regeneration, only for it to all backfire on him. He became the Doctor only when he realised what a terrible mistake he made whilst straying slightly off course from his lighter side. but it wasn’t necessarily my moment when he became the Doctor. I would classify both moments as being one of the moments when the character became the Doctor. David Tennent’s moment when he became the Doctor was, and always will be, Blink, my first ever episode of the show, when even though he appeared so little, flooded the screen with the feeling that he knew exactly what he was doing, he just had to wait for all the pieces to fit together.

Throughout his tenue, he made many references to him being the last of his kind, which was briefly proven false when the Master returned at the end of series 3, and when I saw briefly, I meant that the Master did die, making the Doctor officially the last of his kind. The 50^th anniversary very cleverly changed that fact. He’s forgotten when he did to save his planet due to the timelines being too unstable, but the rages David Tennent’s Doctor performed because he was the last of his kind, became more powerful when we know the truth. This deeply layered character played masterfully by a brilliant actor, part of a TV show that constantly changes; I probably wouldn’t have become a fan so easily if it weren’t for Blink.

Next article I would be discussing Matt Smith’s moment.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

TV Show of the Week: Pennyworth – Series 1, Episode 1

 I will admit, I had an opinion about this before I even watched it. Was it necessary to make a TV show about Alfred Pennyworth’s life? But I realised that question was just as unnecessary, if not more so, because if there is a comic book character, there’s either going to be a movie or a TV show about them at some point. And, strictly speaking, we only know Alfred as Bruce’s butler. Gotham did explore what his life was like with the young Bruce Wayne, and every iteration of Batman in comic, TV, and film, have explored life with the adult Bruce Wayne whilst he patrols the city as Batman. This TV gives Alfred’s character a change to be more fuller than he usually is, and so I gave the first episode a watch, and was pleasantly surprised.

The production value being decent was immediately apparent, and the acting bounced off the screen the moment the first words were spoken. Being a former SAS soldier, Pennyworth (played brilliantly by Ben Aldridge) in this show is essentially no different to who we see in the comics, which is a smart move on the show runner’s move, because it gives the audience something familiar to cling onto within an unknown TV show. We know who Alfred is, so there need not be any gradual introduction.

The first episode also established his connection with Thomas Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s father. Being a fundamentally important character within Batman’s lore, Pennyworth appearing out of nowhere on Thomas’ doorstep hoping to secure a job as a butler doesn’t sound comic-book-like to me, so deepening their routes before becoming the beloved butler also makes sense.

What I certainly wasn’t expecting however, was the violence and swearing throughout. It did take me aback slightly. It was then I realised I had become too accustom to the Arrowverse TV shows, where they’re more family-friendly orientated. DC has always been – for lack of a better phrase – nitty gritty, and so I just had to adjust to this show’s tone or fail to enjoy it to its full affect. The violence and swearing is essential to the story and character within the show, so it’s not there purely to be different, there is context.

What also surprised me was who was playing the main villainess, Bet Sykes. I’ve only known Paloma Faith as a singer, not an actress, so seeing her do an absolutely stunning performance was an eye-opener, but certainly a welcome surprise and I would love to see her more in the series.

Pennyworth appeared out of nowhere and I’m glad I gave it a go. I do definitely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the Batman comics, because the first episode certainly does the character of Bruce Wayne’s Butler, Alfred Pennyworth, justice. I, for one, will be fascinated how the show runners will work the story to eventually becoming said butler, but I do hope is story before that is a long one because I don’t want this show going away any time soon.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Murder Games by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

This book has an interesting start to it, that is if you find information on personal and impersonal ways to murder someone and how to do the laundry afterwards interesting. I also like the initial teaching method as well.

What the late comer, non-student, delivered, before she left, the message was certainly not what you would want to hear. This book is fast paced; in other words, it hits the floor running. I like how the students reacted, well some of them. Sadly, inevitably some people will only think of themselves and their grades, even when a life could be at stake. The best advice was ‘Go after her’.

Dylan and Tracy’s life is busy. It is sad to read about prejudice. I am already intrigued how this is all going to play out.

It is sad to say that it is actually a genius idea of where the next victim was injected, the reasoning is well worked out but I hope this isn’t the norm and the puncture mark is found. The playing cards, or one of them is written about to mean something so far but the other although there is a reason we are yet to find out about it. I don’t want to put this book down.

Although I can see why another home visit from the adoption agency cannot take place for another six months, it is still unjust and not right as to the reason this is now the case. I mean an unbiased opinion has to be obtained in the long run. I am angry along with Dylan and Tracy.

I would also like to know where the shooter went, but this story has moved on, I hope we/me as the reader finds out. It is certainly a riddle/enigma, mystery. The intrigue continues, also what does the card ‘Nine of Diamonds’ represent? I hope it isn’t nine victims next time. It could be how many rounds that someone who could be the ‘Dealer’ shot in the hotel lobby. This story makes you think to try and solve the case however, right or totally wrong I may be. Now why the Mayor’s Chief of Staff Beau Livingston did what he did is anyone’s guess at the moment.

This book has taken an even more of a dark turn, I hope Dylan’s father will be alright and so much for banned items, it is a surprise as to what can be hidden in a ‘Just in case’ scenario.

After what could be called a ‘Red herring’ the true ‘Nine of Diamonds’ is revealed. However, tragic this story has been really well worked out, well written and also well researched.

I don’t again want to put this book down, to the point of just as I am about to I find myself reading two more chapters. This book keeps you guessing. We also find out the next card but with somethings having double meanings nowadays, it isn’t as easy as ‘Black and White’.

The idea of how to question a young witness is very clever, and I agree with how they, the mother and son were protected. Sadly, not was all that it seemed.

Now sadly the ‘Dealer’ has changed the way he carries out a murder. Also it is clever however, tragic how the ‘Dealer’ referenced his next card, you could say it was creative yet gruesome.

The hacker part is really interesting and part of that is the fact of how the word ‘Not’ or not using the word ‘Not’ can have significant consequences.

At the end of chapter seventy-four, the part reminded me of the book, film and stage show of Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There Were None’. I have already thought about that and how Agatha linked some of her crimes in her stories into/with Nursery Rhymes and as this story is linked into a deck of playing cards with some of the cards ‘Hearts, Clubs, Spades and Diamonds’ being used.

This story has already had an air of being like an Agatha Christie novel, this isn’t neither a bad thing or takes anything away from this story or stops it being a unique standalone story.

Just when I thought the ‘Tit for Tat’ explanation and the rest was all written out was interesting enough, something else afterwards is, I think, slightly more interesting to read, in that Dylan was part of the CIA. How this will be relevant to this story is intriguing.

The intrigue continues, the Judge is either ‘Dead or the Dealer’ how Dylan figured that out with no card, me as the reader is as yet to find out. This story only gives you half the information and I still don’t want to put this book down. This story certainly makes you think.

I am glad the card game and Dylan and Tracy’s ultimate goal all played out as it did, that is after some worrying moments and also some action packed, lifesaving parts, but at the very end it was heart-warming to read.

The Written Podcast: When the Doctor Became the Doctor – Christopher Eccleston’s Moment: Dalek

I started watching the first series of Doctor Who after the third series had wrapped up on BBC 1. BBC 3, before it made the transition from TV to being fully accessible online only, aired repeats of Doctor Who starting from Rose – series 1 episode 1 – to Last of the Time Lords – series 3 episode 13.

David Tennent defined what the character of the Doctor was during my very first batch of 4 episodes starting with Blink. I knew nothing of Christopher Eccleston’s performance until I watched Rose, and it was a decent episode. Told from the perspective of the companion, Rose (played by Billie Piper), she’s the personification of the audience as she’s thrown into a hair-raising adventure with the Doctor. Being a reintroduction to the show and character after being off the air for 16 years, Russell T. Davies had to be careful. He couldn’t throw tonnes of lore at the audience and expect everyone to understand, and he couldn’t leave too much information out it isn’t Doctor Who at all but had to make it a fresh start.

He did this by subtly mentioning a war the Doctor was involved in. This later was explained to be the great time war between the Time Lords and the Daleks. Everyone knows what a Dalek is. From their very first episode they became an instant hit and has seeped into the public consciousness. They’re now one of the most recognisable fictional creatures in TV. Bringing them back had to be a process, however, and what better way to bring the Doctor’s most powerful enemy back by having a single Dalek show its true power. This is where the Time War was covered more, and where the Doctor showed more of his self.

Christopher Eccleston’s performance when trapped in the room with the Dalek, angry and terrified at the same time, showing so much pain throughout the scene. That was the episode when the Christopher Eccleston’s incarnation of the Doctor, became the Doctor. I was a member of the new audience from a generation later than the one who grew up with the show from when it started way back in 1969. Russell T. Davies did a phenomenal job refreshing the show and introducing an element that allows the Doctor to go down a different path, allowing for so much development of his character, and therefore allowing Christopher Eccleston’s incarnation to flourish throughout the episode, Dalek.

The first 5 episodes before Dalek showed the Doctor as a hero. He was a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey, and he was a confident hero who always has a plan up his sleeve. Dalek showed that even the Doctor can feel vulnerable, scared, and can be forced to take drastic actions when he feels is necessary. When he was shouting at the Dalek, telling it that he was the one to wipe out both it’s and his races, it was a powerful moment, and a truly character defining moment. The Time War was still a new idea at the time, but I truly felt that I’ve seen the Doctor as the Doctor: A hero who still gets scared.

The following 5 episodes returned to what the previous 5 were about, the Doctor travelling through space and time, having fun, and saving people. The two-part story at the end of the series, however, brought back the Doctor’s emotions. This time he wasn’t facing 1 Dalek, but an entire army, and he had run out of ideas, there was nothing he could do, the only plan he had, he’d given up on because it would endanger too many people. Dalek had helped me, and the rest of the audience understand the character so much more than we would have done if Dalek wasn’t in amongst the other episodes. I was going to use the phrase, “happy-go-lucky,” but then I remembered the other phrase, “are you my mummy?” and shivered uncontrollably, but then returned to be happy again when I remembered it was in series 1 that Captain Jack Harkness was introduced for the first time and what a wild ride we got out of his character.

Christopher Eccleston’s tenue as the Doctor only lasted for one series, but for that short period of time, he was the Doctor, there was no doubt about that. As the years went by and Russell T. Davis’ idea of the Time War between the Time Lords and the Daleks was mentioned more until featuring properly in the 50^th anniversary episode. Christopher Eccleston refused to return as the Doctor, which is a shame, but prompted Steven Moffatt – the head writer who took over from Russell from series 5 to 10 – to rewrite the episode. In that episode, we discovered that the Doctor never destroyed Gallifrey, but instead saved it. However, due to the jumbled nature of the timelines, once he had regenerated from the War Doctor to the 9^th, he would firmly believe to have destroyed his home world. As the War Doctor said, “I don’t suppose we’ll ever know if we actually succeeded. But at worst, we failed doing the right thing as opposed to succeeding in doing the wrong.”

Of course, we later found out that the Doctor had successfully saved his home world. Watching series 1 back, a whole new perspective had been put on his rage against the Dalek in that episode, because I knew he doesn’t remember anything that happened in the past. This added another layer to the Doctor’s character. In that moment, he became even more like the Doctor than he was the first time I saw the episode, which goes to show the powerful development the Doctor has been through over the years.

Next article will focus on the moment when David Tennant became the Doctor. His tenue started at the end of series 1 and ran for 4 years until 2010, on New Years day, he regenerated into Matt Smith.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Film of the Week: Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

As vague as this may sound, this film is full of counterarguments. Things that can be easily criticised yet can be explained as intentional within the film’s style and narrative. Harley Quinn is just as crazy as the Joker is – her head is all over the place even on a good day. The two main examples I noticed are:

Criticism:

The first half is narrated by Harley herself, and right at the beginning of the film she states she doesn’t want to be like other storytellers and start wherever she wants to. Setting up the second act, the first half is all over the place. It’s barely linear.

Counterargument:

But that’s because Harley Quinn is telling us what happened and she’s doing whatever she wants. She’s crazy, so we’re going to get a crazy, all-over-the-place story.

Criticism:

This film can be seen as an origin story, not for Harley, but for the team, Birds of Prey. Imagine that, Harley Quinn gets her own solo movie but it’s not technically about her, but instead about three characters founding a team to fight crime. Harley can be viewed as a side character in her own movie. Those team members are The Huntress – who is stereotypically awkward (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead); Dinah Lance, the Black Canary – a metahuman with the ability to create sound waves by screaming (played by Jurnee Smollett-Bell); and Renee Montoya – a former cop who took the streets to fight crime when the Police force she was once a part of for years slowly failed the city (played by Rosie Perez).

Counterargument:

But read the title again. The team that forms is Birds of Prey. Harley gets caught up in all the mess when the people she wronged all wants to get revenge, and through trying to clear her name as best she could finds company with a teenage girl, Cassandra Cain - someone who just wants to get on with their life much the same as Harley (played by Ella Jay Basco). During the climatic battle at the end, whilst it was her idea to work together, it’s obvious that the only way they were ever going to get out of there is by working together, but once that moment’s over, she’s back to doing her own thing. She’s a side character in her own movie because she wants to be a side character in general, so she can go about just enjoying her crazy life.

Criticism:

The Joker was only mentioned but didn’t make a single appearance. This came from someone who saw the film before me. The Joker being Harley’s partner in the comics, and barely explored in Suicide Squad, it might have been nice to see them on screen together.

Counterargument:

I didn’t want the Joker to appear in the film. His appearance would have been unnecessary, especially within the story we’ve been given. Sure, he’s mentioned a few times, but that’s going to happen and was done naturally. Whilst we were all disappointed that we didn’t see their relationship properly explored in Suicide Squad, it was nonetheless enough to gain some understanding. In the comics, their relationship is probably the rockiest to ever hit a frame, beating that of any soap opera wedding. I’m glad he wasn’t featured in this film, because this was Harley Quinn’s movie, not their movie.

It was obvious Margot Robbie had an absolute blast making this film. I didn’t know until the end credits that she was also the executive producer of the film, which meant that she had a say in what happened throughout, adding to her enjoyment of playing a character that does whatever she wants, however she wants, and doesn’t look back. If you are a fan of Margot Robbie, you’ll have a blast watching this, too, but you do have to pay attention. Due to the nature of the way the story is told, it can be easy to get lost, so you can’t stick it on in the background.

For a comic book movie, it’s decent. For the DC Extended Universe, it’s much better than Suicide Squad.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: The Pearly Queen by Mary Jane Staples

This book starts off in chapter one, where you could say it is almost a list of what is happening or has happened to the family, including the extended relation of Aunt Edie. It is heart-warming that after her tragic loss, Jack Andrews looked after her and got her through a very hard time.

The fact that Maud Andrews has found religion is very apparent the story line lays it on thick, this is a strong solid set up to what is to come. Sadly, marriages don’t fail for anything less than serious, most of the time, so the story can introduce Aunt Edie, the Pearly Queen, after which the book title is named after.

Chapter three isn’t very nice to read, Maud has had a few home truths told to her and she hasn’t listened and has still gone off, upsetting some of her family a lot. It is heart-warming for Aunt Edie to step in. there is a bit of intrigue, it seems Aunt Edie may have an agenda.

The old fashioned language in this book is sometimes not so easy to read but it does add depth to the story that is set just after the first world war and before the second world war. This book is not an easy book to read, I have read easier flowing books, but with this book you have to concentrate more whilst reading it.

In the situation the family find themselves it, it is good to see mentioned a bit of balance, in that although the girls need a mum, Aunt Edie is not actually replacing the mother just the motherly role in what seems like a light-hearted way, firm but fair, from what I can make out from what is written in this story, or just being what the girls need as well as the whole family at a difficult time in their lives.

Whilst reading chapter five it makes me sad and angry. The reason I think this type of religious group can be written about because it isn’t linked with any actual proper religion, that I know of. It also makes me wonder ‘How far it will be pushed’ especially at the end of this chapter where forgery is mentioned.

It is lovely to read that the Andrew’s family are having some fun. Sadly, it is in the absence of the mother.

It is a bit of a cheek that mother said that the children’s Dad wasn’t there when he was needed, seeing as she herself walked out on them all and has her priorities all wrong. I am also glad the food from the cupboard was restored and not taken to be given to the poor. This book is well written it really pushes home the point that the mother and the ‘Repenters’ she has joined can be seen as very much misguided.

A part that made me laugh out loud at the beginning of chapter twelve, was the fact of the way Jack Andrew’s has improved and the benefits of that when he is eating his dinner, as pointed out by Jimmy.

This book is becoming a fun book to read, especially reading about all the antics the Andrew family with Aunt Edie getup to, coupled with Sophy and Jimmy’s misadventures whilst Jimmy is working, it all makes for now a light-hearted read.

In chapter fourteen mother Mary has really gone too far, way too far, when visiting back at the family home, what she takes is extremely unorthodox, misguided and it came as a shock to me and now what on earth is going to happen next? Get the things back, I should’ve seen that coming of course, and this part was well written.

I do hope it works out for Jack and Jimmy but at the point of where I am reading, just after chapter seventeen, I don’t know as yet in which direction both their lives will go in, romantically, whatever/despite the neighbours may or may not think/say.

In chapter twenty it is a shock to read of what happened to mother, no one deserves that. It is good to read of the women getting away from the ‘League of Repenters’. Sadly, some people do get away with not being a good person and of committing a possible crime. It is good to show; you could say ‘Cults’ are not always a place as they seem.

I am glad it all worked out for Celia, Jack and Jimmy and I can’t think of a more appropriate ending to this book.

The Written Podcast: When the Doctor Became the Doctor

Everyone who is a fan of Doctor Who has “their Doctor”. That phase has two meanings, the first means who was the actor playing the Doctor at the time they started watching the show, and the second meaning is who their favourite Doctor is, whether that be from the classic or new era.

My Doctor is David Tennant, who played the 10^th incarnation of the Doctor. I started watching the show during series 3, specifically the episode Blink. That’s right, my first ever episode of Doctor Who was the scariest episode of series 3, and one of the strongest episodes of the entire show, and ironically was the only episode in the series didn’t have the Doctor himself for most of the episode.

But the superb story telling from Stephan Moffatt got me hooked right from the start and brought me back next week when the gigantic 3-part finale began. With most finales, it wraps up an ongoing storyline interwoven throughout each episode, and it brought back a few characters who, to those who’ve been watching since series 1 way back in 2005, would know immediately who they were, but to me I didn’t have a clue. That didn’t stop my mind from being blown with how awesome the finale really was.

The over the top, joyous, child-like personality of the 10^th Doctor with occasional seriousness when needed really showed me just who the character of the Doctor was. I had not a single clue as to anything about the show before Blink. I was recommended to watch it as it was the type of show that would appeal to the nerd in me. I have been a fan ever since, never missed an episode.

During the gap between series 3 and 4, BBC Three – when it was still a channel before making the move to BBC iPlayer – was showing every episode of New Who, from series 1 right up to series 3 finale. Every day, without fail, at 7 O’clock, Doctor Who came on and I made sure to be there. Series 1, episode 1, Rose – what an opener. That episode was my first-time seeing Christopher Eccleston playing the Doctor. Essentially, I was experiencing regeneration backwards until I caught up with all the episodes I had missed before Blink. Rose was my first experience with how the Doctor’s personality changes with each regeneration. Skipping ahead to writing this article, after David Tennent left, 3 actors had taken the role: Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and the current Doctor, Jodie Whittaker. Each actor has brought something different to the character, but also kept some fundamentals as well, such as the childish, crazy aspects, with the occasional dark elements when necessary to get the job done.

The brilliance of changing actors, changing the Doctor’s personality multiple times, yet still in keeping with the fundamental character of the Doctor the same is extraordinary. With each regeneration, there is that period where people have to adjust to the new actor playing the role. This is where the writers can utilise their full power to make the new actor become the Doctor. Whilst the first episode of the new actor’s run playing the character is crucial in making sure they become the Doctor, I’ve noticed it’s not always the case. The actor doesn’t always immediately become the Doctor until a couple of episodes in the series. Only when you can say for sure that, “yes, they are the Doctor,” can that transition between actors finally be complete.

This article is an introduction to a short series where I discuss when I feel the actor becomes the Doctor. Or, after regeneration, the Doctor becomes the Doctor. Next week’s article will be me talking about when Christopher Eccleston’s incarnation becomes the Doctor (in my opinion (but my example may fall in line with many others as well as the episode in general showcased that moment when the actor truly becomes the Doctor)).

What inspired me to write this article was, during series 12, Jodie Whittaker’s moment of becoming the Doctor happened. Series 11 wasn’t the greatest start to her tenure. Chris Chibnall had a lot resting on his shoulders, and unfortunately that weight seemed to have pressed down too much. However, series 12 has been much better. He’s learnt from the mistakes made from series 11 and knocked it out of the park, especially in episode 5, Fugitive of the Judoon, when a completely unknown incarnation appeared out of literally nowhere, sending everyone who has a tight grip on Doctor Who’s lore into meltdown as they try and figure out where in the Doctor’s timeline Ruth’s Doctor, played by Jo Martin, fits. Whilst that revelation didn’t directly inspire this short series of articles, it did help form most of the words within this introduction. Strong writing helps the actor become the Doctor. Sometimes it takes more than one episode; other times, it takes less than an episode for that moment appears on screen. I have two examples of that during this series.

Eventually, Jodie Whittaker will bow out of playing the role and another actor will take her place, whether that be another women or back to being a man. Whatever they chose, they, too, will have their moment, and I’ll probably talk about that and why it was the perfect moment to call the Doctor. But, I’m getting a little ahead of myself here. Christopher Eccleston’s moment, in my opinion, didn’t happen during the first episode and I’ll explain why in the next article. His moment comes a few episodes in, when a familiar foe returned for the first time in New Who. You may have already figured out what episode I’m going to talk about, and you may have already made up your mind whether you agree or disagree with me, but at least give my opinion a chance, because it may just persuade you change your mind.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

TV Show of the Week: Top Gear – Series 28 Episode 1

When Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May left Top Gear after series 22, the show has been on a rather rocky ride. Those three presenters made Top Gear a global phenomenon. Their friendship elevated whatever was happening on screen to another level.

From the very first episode the Grand Tour, it was made apparent that the three were getting bored of the BBC. Constantly cutting the show’s budget, constantly interfering with their ideas; the Grand Tour is the reboot of Top Gear we needed. That didn’t stop the BBC from continuing Top Gear, and what a rollercoaster of a ride it has been since series 23.

Chris Evans, the former BBC Radio 2 presenter joined and promptly left due to overwhelmingly negative feedback from critics and the public alike. I had to give the new format a chance, and immediately disliked it. When Chris left the show and a new presenter came on, Rory Reid, it did make the format a little more enjoyable. They had somewhat tolerable chemistry between the three, and understandably, people automatically compared them three to the former presenters, disallowing Matt Leblanc, Chris Harris, and Rory Reid to flourish as much as they could have done. Matt Leblanc only lasted a couple more series before leaving due to the show putting too much strain on his family life, what with travelling so much, which meant we’re getting yet another new set of three presenters. Rory Reid soon left, which mean for series 28, we’re getting yet another new set of three presenters. Chris Harris is the only person from the original trio since the reformatting in series 23.

From series 23 onwards, the BBC tried their best, but it just didn’t work as well as it could have done. There were problems, and many people brought them up and milked them as much as they could to make the point that Jeremy, Richard, and James were the best and the show should have ended when they left. “They are Top Gear.”

Series 27 came along, the first with the new set of presenters: Chris Harris, Freddie Flintoff, and Paddy McGuiness, and I didn’t bother watching the show. I lost interest because of the rocky road the show was riding along. And now we’re at series 28, and my dad mentioned that he heard on the radio that these three presenters were the best of what we had. Apparently, the BBC had finally stumbled upon a formula that works, and that’s what it was like when Jeremy, Richard, and James were leading the way.

Now, I’m not saying these three are perfect replacements, because you cannot replace them, but you can at least emulate what they were – three friends having a good time, working together to make the best show they can. I decided to give the show another chance, and I was pleasantly surprised. It made me genuinely laugh a couple of times, the challenge of buying three convertibles for £600 or less was decent, and the review was informative and structured. Even the daring stunt at the end of the episode where they literally bungee jump a car off a 500-foot dam was gripping.

After a rocky ride of trying to change the format, the BBC had opened their eyes and saw it wasn’t working. This series, they decided to do a different format – practically the same as the one everyone liked. With three new people at the helm, you’re going to get some differences, but ultimately nothing else has changed, and that’s a good thing. Three new people, three new friendships, a whole bucket of new banter, within the same episode format that everyone enjoys, and bob’s your uncle, the BBC has an episode of Top Gear that’s decent to watch and enjoy.

I have strong hopes that, after a couple more series, if everyone remains on the show and doesn't leave, these three presenters will make the show, and soon they'll be classed as the new Top Gear.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Men in Black International

With an organisation that relies on secrecy and mind/event deleting technology, known as a ‘Neutraliser’. It is now obvious, unlike in the previous three ‘Men in Blacks’ that someone is going to slip through the net. In this case, Molly (Mandeiya Flory).

It is amusing to see older Molly (Tessa Thompson) apply for a job where no one knows about. But now let the recruiting begin and Molly becomes Agent M. I love the transport from New York to London, and why is it that new recruits always cause chaos. This part could have been longer to make more of an amusing impact.

It is nice to see that persistence gets you a working partnership. Now on entering the, what could be described as a ‘Nightclub’. I felt was borderline a scene from ‘Thunderbirds’, a children’s sci-fi puppet T.V. show and films.

It is good to see that sometimes ‘Instincts’ are better than ‘Qualifications’, and how many weapons can one car hold? Answer ‘A lot’. This equals a very bad day at the office, until that is Agent M is needed to ultimately ‘Save the world’

I knew it, they had met before, this is heart-warming to watch.

An amusing part, on the way to now save ‘Men in Black’, when Agent M says that she is going to drive but actually gets into the passenger side of the car. Different countries, different by driving on the opposite side of the roads, and the steering wheel on different side of the car.

I am glad we find out why Agent H (Chris Hemsworth) is different too and it is a good ending to this film.

The Written Podcast: Surely, It Can't Be My Fault

The butterfly effect was minimal. My flight got delayed due to a faulty part, I arrived into England (Heathrow, London) 3 hours later than I should have done, resulting in me missing my scheduled coach to take me back to Ipswich. If there were further ramifications stemming from my plane being late, I either haven’t noticed them yet, or they haven’t happened yet, but let’s just hope nothing further will happen. After all, it generally didn’t affect anything important at all. Strictly speaking, I was just pleased to be on familiar territory at this point after spending hours on end getting steadily and continuously uncomfortable.

Emphasising that my plane being late is of no importance to me once back in England is important to what happened when I went to the National Express booking desk where you’re required to show your ticket so they can then let you through the gates and board your scheduled coach.

There was a bit of a line, but the staff were quick with processing the people as most had valid tickets so didn’t need much attention. When it was my turn, I explained exactly what happened regarding my delayed flight and that unfortunately, my ticket has expired.

From my perspective, the plane being delayed due to a faulty part wasn’t my fault. There was nothing I could have done to prevent that part from becoming unreliable. Everyone on that plane were in the hands of the airline who - credit where credit’s due - acted quickly to get the problem sorted. It might have felt like an extremely long time, but that’s only because I was so tired. Looking back, if I included the flight itself, walking through the terminal at Heathrow, I concluded that I’ve never been as tired as I was then. Also, from my perspective, I missed the coach because of something that wasn’t my fault.

National Express, working in tandem with an airport must experience frequent delays every day, especially considering just how many planes go through Heathrow every day. They must understand that sometimes people missing their coaches does happen and therefore should sympathise with those affected because not everyone is only heading for home, but instead could be rushing towards something important. Unfortunately, National Express didn’t sympathise with me, didn’t understand that my plane was delayed through no fault of my own, and requested I pay the full price for another ticket to get home. It was £20. I had that in my wallet. I did pay that, but not after attempting to stand my ground. I asked them why I have to pay for something that wasn’t my fault. If I were messing around and got caught by the security, then I’d understand that it was my fault, but since I missed my coach through an innocent act on my part, it felt unjustified to pay for another ticket. National Express must make a killing each day from delayed flights.

As I mentioned, I did pay for it because all I wanted to do was go home, and I knew that if I continued to stand my ground they’d take things further. It’s easy for them to call security, and airport security is definitely the type of security you do not want to mess with, because they can cause complete and utter chaos to your life. Search through your belongings, ask umpteenth questions, contact relevant people to prove who you are… I’ve never been through nor do I know anyone who has been through it, but from what information I’ve picked up here and there, it’s a lengthy and thorough process which could take hours, and if you’re uncooperative, it can escalate even further from there. The looming possibility of being stuck at Heathrow for hours forced my hand. I paid. But I wasn’t happy.

I did complain to National Express but haven’t heard anything back. For the sake of getting home, £20 is payable. But it’s the cheek of it to eradicate any and all sympathy. What would National Express do if someone couldn’t pay for the ticket - prevent them from boarding entirely until they acquired the money? In hindsight, I should have played that game to see if they’d send me away with directions on how to get to an exchange counter to change my dollars into pound sterling; without an ounce of emotion in their eyes.

Once I was on the coach, I was on the home stretch. The trip to the airport to three hours. The trip back to Ipswich took 4 hours, purely because of the dense traffic on the M25. The coach seats were comfortable, but by this time, I had reached the point of being over tired, where you’re so tired, your adrenaline has kicked in and that’s all what is keeping you awake, subsequently making you feel wide awake. Have you ever tried to get to sleep when you’re wide awake? Sure, some people can do it instantly, but for most, it’s difficult. Your mind doesn’t understand why you’re trying to get some sleep when you don’t need any, and due to the amount of adrenaline soaring through my system, it has tricked my mind into believing it’s wide awake, hence the expression, “over-tired”, because you’ve reached the point where you feel you have gotten over the tiredness. Gone full circle back to being wide awake again. Once the adrenaline runs out, I knew I would crash immediately. I was just hoping that would be in my own bed at the time so I can get a decent night’s sleep.

When the coach pulled into Ipswich and my mum and dad and my dog, Jerry, was waiting for me to take me home, I was so relieved to finally be on the last few miles before stepping in through that front door and collapsing in a heap on the sofa, something I’ve been wanting to do ever since they announced my plane was delayed. My holiday was over. Once I wake up tomorrow, that’s it; it’s just another day. I will never forget that holiday, especially now that I’ve written it down.

It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and I’m so glad I grasped it with both hands. Going to New York, especially on my own, was a momentous achievement for me, someone who, at college, would never, ever, dream of going to New York on my own. I even surprised a few people when I stated I’d be going on my own, because they never saw me as the type of person to do so… I’m glad I proved them wrong, unintentionally speaking of course since I didn’t go to New York to show those who believe I couldn’t do it, but instead as it was an opportunity I knew I needed to experience otherwise I would regret it forever.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Film of the Week: The Hole in the Ground

It’s not the most original concept, a family member gets swapped with an imposter, but what this film lacks in originality, it makes up for in being scary. Whilst there was a huge opportunity to explore the mystery as to whether the mother was delirious with her belief that Christopher wasn’t her son, or if he had genuinely been swapped with a shapeshifting creature; what the film gave us was an interesting exploration of folklore.

The slow-paced storytelling allowed for the scares to shine. If you’re looking for jump scares, this is not the place to find it, but instead your given a psychological horror film, one which gives the audience just enough information without going overboard, and by that I mean enough information to understand what’s going on, and that’s it. It’s no room for your own theories to flourish, but a linear story from beginning to end, with barely a hint of one right at the end.

I did enjoy The Hole in the Ground, but it didn’t stand out from all the others that had done the imposter storyline before. It blended in within the rest, creating that automatic thought of this film not having a lot of originality. It’s a simple and easy watch, but that at least allowed the director to pump up the scare factor.

The constant feeling of a chill running down my back kept me watching, as well as the decent acting, mainly from the mother, Sarah O’Neill, played by Seána Kerslake. Sarah’s performance peaked when her character started suspecting that her son Chris, played by James Quinn Markey, wasn’t really her son. This is where the film could have played heavily on the concept that it actually was her son, but she believed he truly wasn’t, making us the audience question whether we should believe her or not. Adding the supernatural creatures in the mix, whilst kept the scare factor high, unfortunately felt like a missed opportunity to really mess with people’s heads.

The Hole in the Ground’s character development wasn’t ripe throughout. As stated before, it gives you just enough to keep watching without becoming confused, but also felt like it missed a chunk of the story as well.

I could tell a decent amount of passion went into making this film, as, even though it doesn’t stand out from the ocean of standard horror film, and it’s because of the level of passion that went into making this is what kept me watching. I did enjoy it, it is something I would recommend if you’re not a fan of all the jump scares, but you will see the missed opportunities with the story unfold as it diverts to the creature angle.

Thanks for reading

Antony Hudson

(TonyHadNouns)

Mum's Monday: Undercover Billionaire

I was intrigued to watch this. It is fast paced, and Glen explains what he is going to do really well, which is create a million-dollar company in just 90-days starting with just a hundred dollars and a truck. The episode shows the pitfalls, such as when things take longer than the narrow timeline of 90 days to acquire. It is nice to see Glen turn it around and goes off in another direction.

It is lovely to see people help Glen. I know he also wants to help the community. This is set in America; it does make me wonder if the same thing could happen in the United Kingdom or anywhere else that has fallen on hard times.

This is a good example of ‘The American Dream’, it just needs a ‘Leap of Faith’. It is heart-warming to see some scenes Glen really appreciates the help he is getting, yes he knows his ultimate aim but the others don’t.

It is like a ‘Puzzle’. This is still fast paced to the extent of skipping days at a time, this certainly doesn’t take anything away from the program and you couldn’t call this boring.

It is sad to see RJ ‘Lost’ or described as ‘Lost’, after all RJ has a job to do. Luckily Glen picked a great leader, hopefully Matt can make things happen and give RJ the push he needs.

Sometimes you cannot get anywhere in life without taking risks, the house is a risk, hopefully it will pay off. Fifteen days is short and a lot to do, it is also good to see the risk taken with RJ pays off in more ways than one. Having watched ‘Homes Under the Hammer’ a BBC program with Martin Roberts, house renovations rarely go to plan.

Day 33 of the 90-day challenge, sadly, a set back with the house is going to cost a bit, no, a lot, it is nice to see Glen’s positive attitude, yet, every day counts. The business experience/knowledge mentioned in this program is excellent, Glen really knows his stuff, well he is a billionaire business man, willing to take on this challenge. It is fantastic to see RJ now doing an excellent job and the progress is ‘Leaping forward’.

This shows you can take the man out of a billionaire life style but you cannot take the billionaire out of the man. So stream lining the beer pitch is a great idea to start, scale back work upwards.

Day 44, the new ‘Pit master’ is a great choice, she really embraced the ideas of improvement to be made that Glen and company wanted.

Rarely does someone get a second chance, so it is nice to see one given. Things are moving forward; Glen just needs to sell the house. Oh dear, now half way through.

Day 46, the house is far from done and it just takes patience but sadly, if you don’t know/are kept in the dark it can take its toll on both sides.

Day 50, how many jobs can one person do? Answer ‘Super powers’ two, at least Dawn is excited about the restaurant. She is learning stuff about herself as well, self-building is a positive, I think.

Day 53, there is a good reality life lesson, if you don’t know something ‘Ask’. Another huge huge set back, the only way is up surely from now. The reality of ‘It is people’s lives’ Glen is risking, to such a caring person is hard.

Day 57, things are looking up with an impressive smoker, it is nice to see something going right after all the setbacks along the way. The house is also impressive, now!

Day 61, and one word ‘Pink’. Day 62, deal done and a profit, things can move forward now. I hope there are no more setbacks, but it proves you have to focus on the ultimate goal and take the risks.

Day 72, I am glad Glen is sitting down and understanding how all of it is affecting his interior designer, Dawn. It is all too much at this point.

Day 73, with 17 days left, the stress amongst the workers is showing. Building ‘The American Dream’ it seems is not easy. Perseverance is the answer. The food is perfect so far. It all comes down to trust.

Day 75, it is sad but lovely to see the ones building the ‘Smoker’ is going the ‘Extra mile’ but ‘Above and beyond’ all. To have a ‘Pool table’ or not to have a ‘Pool table’ will the budget allow? Answer ‘No’.

Day 77, Glen has made a huge mistake. Day 78, hopefully he can salvage it. Pre- ‘Rib fest’ it is good to rehearse and knowledge helps in a big way. Unfortunately, ‘Knowledge’ is almost all they have, but you know what they say ‘It will be alright on the night’. We will wait and see.

Day 80, RJ has failed again, he needs a tent. Keep calm, I am not sure whose fault it was. Cash flow is ‘Critical’ let’s hope ‘Rib fest’ goes well. Yes, a tent it is brilliant to see.

The ribs are ‘Frozen’ would you believe it? No, the answer is a welcome kind trade with another stall. Someone is happy to see the ‘Smoker’. It does look amazing. Come on RJ you can do it.

Day 81, 9 days left, four days of ‘Rib fest’ to make some money. Things are still uncertain but there is some good news, just be patient. RJ can step up.

The health inspectors turn up and things need to be put in place sadly, they were just about to when the inspectors turned up, talk about ‘Bad timing’ now happily ‘All good’.

Day 82, after some danger, just as things are rolling disaster strikes again, they are running out of meat. Every penny counts.

Day 83, and third day of ‘Rib fest’ after working all night to get the food ready, they are still running out of meat. The pressure, if they haven’t got enough already, is building. 5.30pm is when the meat has to be in for judging, an award would be great for reputation.

She’s gone, it is all so tense, it all just needs some proper communication, stress is high.

Day 84, last day of ‘Rib fest’. Things are looking up, then a storm hits. It is sad to see, in fact it is horrible, you just want them to succeed and ‘Catch a break’. Some great advice, it must work they are still going to the wire, against the odds. Well done ‘Underdog’ seriously against the odds. 6 days left of the challenge.

Last episode, day 86, ‘Critical’ also an interesting valuable lesson learnt ‘Effort doesn’t mean results’. Day eighty-seven, good choice in who is ultimately hired. Day eighty-eight, phone lines, there is so much more to opening a business than just the obvious in what you see front of house.

Day 89, reveal day, it is heart-warming to watch. Day 90, valuation day, before all that, some nice surprises for Glen along the way. The program has slowed down now; this is a good thing as it captures the essence of all that the team has been working towards. I am glad Dawn now knows Glen felt guilty for pushing her and it is a lovely reward.

It is lovely to see everyone that helped Glen get rewarded, we knew it was going to happen but it still makes nice viewing. It is sad to see that although Christine was rewarded the follow up meeting wasn’t shown.

It is brilliant to see RJ really has come to be a ‘Rock’ amazing, he has grown and the rewards are recognised. Now the moment of truth, is the brand/business ‘Underdog’ worth a million dollars? Oh, amazing effort!