Written by: Michael Hickerson (SoSF Staff Journalist)
The good Doctor was back on TV screens in the U.K. earlier this week for the 3rd annual “Doctor Who” Christmas special. This year’s offering was “Voyage of the Damned” written by series producer and show-runner Russell T. Davies and set on-board a starship named Titanic.
The special proved to be a huge success in the U.K., gaining the largest audience number in the new series’ history. The 13.8 million viewers who tuned in for the 71-minute special eclipses the audience for the new series’ return with “Rose” a few years ago. Viewing figures of this magnitude haven’t been seen since the Tom Baker hey-dey in the 70’s for the popular British science fiction series. It’s estimated that 55 percent of all British television sets were tuned in for the Christmas special.
However, the special wasn’t without some controversy. The story took place on board a starship modeled after the Titanic and some of the families of real-Titanic survivors were not pleased about it.
“The Titanic was a tragedy which tore so many families apart,” said Millvina Dean, who at 95 is the last living survivor of the Titanic sinking. “I lost my father and he lies on that wreck. I think it is disrespectful to make entertainment of such a tragedy.”
SyFy Portal reports that the BBC was quick to respond assuring Dean and other fans that “no offense was intended.” In fact, the episode isn’t even on the real Titanic, as the special actually takes place on a space ship with the same name.
With the show garnering such huge ratings and continued popularity, many fans are still wondering if David Tennant will be the Doctor beyond this season. Last month, co-star Catherine Tate stirred up the fandom by reporting that there was a good possibility that Tennant could re-generate at season’s end.
The BBC reported that Tennant is refuting the reports of his departure.
“Catherine Tate stitched me up good and proper,” Tennant said. “She goes on Jonathan Ross and makes up a load of old nonsense. Unbeknownst to me, she thinks I’ve made a decision. She’d clearly had too much coffee that morning. She said I was leaving, which was a decision I haven’t made yet. Maybe she’s made it for me, but I’m going to keep people guessing for as long as possible.”
Tennant said he started to get phone calls after Tate’s radio interview. He said he talked to Tate the following Monday and told he she caused a “minor diplomatic incident.”
“She was completely oblivious that the phone had been ringing off the hook,” Tennant said.
The new series of “Doctor Who” begins later this year on the BBC. A short preview of what’s to come in series four was offered at the end of “Voyage of the Damned.” In the preview, fans saw the return of the Ood, a quick peek at a Sontaran and scenes with Martha and Donna as well as lots and lots of shots of the Doctor running.
“a quick peek at a Sontarin”
Is that supposed to read “Sontaran”? If so, I’m excited to ehar about the return of one of my favourite villains from the classic series. I think the Sontarans have the best chance of translating well to a modern format.
There’s a review of the episode on my blog if anyone’s interested (click my name).
I was waiting for a Who fix like everyone else. Unfortunately Russell T. Davies wrote the episode.
I fell asleep half way through.
do you have any idea when dr who series 4 will start in Aus