Doctor Who Updates

Written by: Michael Hickerson (SoSF Assistant Editor)

“Doctor Who” launches fourth season‏

With the fourth series of “Doctor Who” premiering this weekend, the BBC held its annual launch of the series to promote and celebrate the upcoming season earlier this week. In attendance were series stars David Tennant, Catherine Tate and producer/head writer Russell T. Davies.

Attendees to the celebration were treated to a preview of the first two episodes of the season. The first one airs Saturday and reunites the Doctor with Donna Noble, last seen in series three’s “The Runaway Bride.” The second episode features the Doctor and Donna heading back in time to the lost city of Pompeii during it’s final days. An extended preview of other series four stories was shown, given a glimpse of villains and monsters to come, including the much-anticipated return of the Sontarans and a glimpse of the Daleks.

However, when asked if the return of the Daleks meant that rumors their creator would feature in this season’s storyline, Tennant and Davies remained silent, refusing to confirm or deny reports.

Tennant did say that this season is “the biggest, boldest, maddest, saddest, most exciting story we’ve ever done”.

Tate spoke to reporters about her return to the series and the dynamic between the Doctor and Donna. Tate said that unlike previous companions Rose and Martha, there is no on-screen romantic tension between the time-traveling duo. “Donna knows he’s an alien,” joked the comedian and actress. “She knows he’s got two hearts and she doesn’t want to see what else he’s doubled up on.

“There was so much sexual tension off-screen, it would have been boring to have to watch it as well,” she added.”

“We’ve had a love story, we’ve had an unrequited love story – let’s have a non-love story,” said Tennant. “The Doctor’s very different with Donna than he was with Martha or Rose. I think it sets the series off on a whole new dynamic.”

During the launch, Tennant had to (once again) address the persistent rumors about his potential departure from the series. Tennant told those gathered that he was “committed as long as I’m committed” and refused to offer any specific timeline for the 10th Doctor’s regeneration.

Producer Davies went on to add that he’d like Tennant to stay in the part “forever” is that was possible.

Tennant went on to say that right now, the focus is on the premiere of the new season. The series will debut in an earlier timeslot than normal. It will air at 6:20 in the UK instead of the traditional (for the last few years anyway) 7 p.m. time-slot.

“Never mind what happens behind the scenes, it’s what happens on Saturday night that’s important,” Tennant said.

When asked about Russell T. Davies’ future with the show, Tennant responded, “I don’t think Russell is about to leave. I think he’s about to start writing the specials.”

“Doctor Who” debuts in the UK Saturday evening on BBC1 and will air on SCI FI in the States beginning April 18 at 8:30/7:30C.

The Who spinoff series, “Sarah Jane Adventures” premieres on SCI FI April 11 at 8/7C.

[Image of Pompeii set – courtesy of BBC – click on pic to enlarge view]

Davies talks about casting “Doctor Who”‏

One of the bigger criticisms of the 80’s run of “Doctor Who” with John Nathan-Turner at the helm was the series penchant for “stunt casting.” In the 80s a variety of “big-name” stars appeared on the long-running sci-fi program, many of whom seemed ill-cast or forced into a role. Two of the biggest offenders, according to fandom, were the casting of comedian Richard Briers in “Paradise Towers” and Melanie Langford as traveling companion Mel.

As a fan of the series, producer Russell T. Davies was aware of these criticisms when he began running the revival four years ago. And while Davies’ run has come under a bit of scrutiny for who is cast and why, it hasn’t had nearly the fervor or debate that Nathan-Turner’s run on the show did.

In a recent column in “Doctor Who Magazine,” Davies discussed how guest actors are chosen for the new series.

“You can’t really write with a guest star in mind – well, only in very exceptional cases. Kylie Minogue was one, and Catherine Tate’s first appearance another, where we booked them up well in advance.” Davies said. “But normally, it’s not possible because you only really start production on an episode six weeks before you film it, so you never know whether someone’s going to be free. There’s a great danger in writing for someone and then they get offered a film, or they just don’t fancy it. So it’s dangerous territory to enter.”

“The great thing about writing the script first is that it means you have a script you need to protect, and you’re not just going to throw in any big star.” Davies went on. “We have fun with our little celebrity cameos, but they’re not proper parts”

“You’ve just got to cast well. When you have David Tennant in the lead role, you can’t surround him with rubbish. You owe it to him to give him a cast that will excite him.”

Davies went on to say that casting is very important to the success of the show and finding actors with the right temperament and style is crucial.

“Doctor Who’s a tricky one because it’s not the most naturalistic form of acting in the world – you’re not in a Ken Loach film,” he said. “There is a size to it and there is a precision to it.”

Davies went on to say that a lot of the guest actors appear on the show to win favor with their children, or young children in their family. Being on the show gives them a celebrity among the younger generation they can’t get on other shows.