Originally posted by Ushgarak
The original guy set it up as a fansite whilst the show was off-air and it kinda got adopted by the fans. At first he liked that; when the show returned, it became the go-to place and he was delighted, and then the fans came in earnest, and he was... 'less delighted'. He posted up a big message that basically read "Too much for me, good luck, bye" and entrusted the assets to others.It's nothing but emotion- it;s always been sheer hate and contempt. It comes form the old fanzine days before the net- people were fanatical even back then and some of them are still putting up battle lines now. The meme used to be that RTD was a moron, now it;s Moffat, but the people arguing the other way get just as bad.
I agree with you- I think they always miss the point. There's a lot I didn't like about RTD, but also a lot I did- the man is a genius. He did a fantastic on-screen commentary for his last story. You may remember that one ends with the Doctor deciding the fate of Gallifrey by shooting a crystal. Some have argued this was a rather story-poor way to resolve such a big plot point- and broadly speaking, I agree.
But on the commentary- which was recorded before the episode went out, so it was not a reaction to what was said after- RTD notes that some people will think that, and spectacularly stated, mockingly 'Watch me care."
That was amazing. People throw all of these accusations at RTD, like he is incompetent or stupid or can't see basic things, but that's absurd thinking. His was the vision that brought it all back, and 'Watch me care' proves that the accusation that he doesn't know what we was doing is eminently false- he knew exactly what he was doing when he wrote that. I might have preferred a plot-sophisticated means (RTD uses the 'magic win' button a lot), but for RTD, it was the emotion and drama that counted for more, and that's what he wrote for, and he got the ratings and the reviews to back himself. Fair play to the guy. Like you say, this is, in the end, a family show. It doesn't need to be The Wire.
But no-one talks about that on GB. It's just personal rage and the moderate voice gets drowned out.
I like Capaldi but I think, much as I love Moffat, he's maybe been doing it too long. There's a lot of recycled ideas here, and he can only write for one sort of woman (Amy and Clara are pretty much the same... and they share the same traits as iver as well)
So a quick google search shows that RTD was show runner for roughly five years, overseeing DW and Torchwood and Sarah Jane Adventures. During this time he had the advantage of novelty and cultural momentum, and a spate of hugely talented actors (Tennant and Tate, whatever their other flaws, are undeniably gifted). It's worth noting that most of RTD's paying work came from Who-related franchises during this time.
Moffat has been show runner for roughly five years as well, without the advantage of cultural novelty. Rather, he had to oversee a transition from the popular and attractive Tennant to the less-known and slightly-less attractive Matt Smith. (I don't think it's fair to say that appearance is the deciding factor in a doctor's popularity, but DT's appearance didn't hurt the fledgling show.) Moffat also was involved in Sherlock, among other properties; it's not difficult to believe his focus might be split by juggling two hugely popular franchises.
Even without the advantages RTD enjoyed, Moffat has put together enjoyable programs for five years. I'd say that's as much as we can demand of him. I don't think Moffat deserves to be condemned, but a new perspective might be a breath of fresh air for Capaldi's remaining years. That is, I think that we can ask that he step down once he's told all his stories.
For me the most important goal [edit:for a show-runner] is that each Doctor be memorable and distinguishable from one another: I'm not sure Moffat can write an entirely new Doctor that is undeniably distinct from Matt Smith.
I was a huge Moffat fan before he got involved with Doctor Who and he wrote probably the best episodes of RTD's era. He has an almost endless knack for cool ideas that he just keeps throwing in over and over, like the handmines at the start of this season. He is also, clearly, a genius (and Sherlock is fantastic, especially the first episode, which is one of the best openings to a series I have ever seen)
I just think broadly, he doesn't have much more to say than he already has, and very often I am left feeling that his work is very clever but still doesn't quite satisfy; there's often some niggling thing.
As it is, though, it seems he already has at least the next season planned. Well, I'll still give his work a shot, of course.
Originally posted by Ushgarak
I was a huge Moffat fan before he got involved with Doctor Who and he wrote probably the best episodes of RTD's era. He has an almost endless knack for cool ideas that he just keeps throwing in over and over, like the handmines at the start of this season. He is also, clearly, a genius (and Sherlock is fantastic, especially the first episode, which is one of the best openings to a series I have ever seen)I just think broadly, he doesn't have much more to say than he already has, and very often I am left feeling that his work is very clever but still doesn't quite satisfy; there's often some niggling thing.
As it is, though, it seems he already has at least the next season planned. Well, I'll still give his work a shot, of course.
Honestly this series is one of the best I've seen in a long time. I loved Matt Smith, adored Tennant, and gave Ecklestone more credit than most of my compatriots... but damn. There is something in this season that I haven't got from Who in a long time.
It's impossible to judge the entire series from such a small amount of episodes, but the ones we've had have not disappointed in any way, shape, or form. Moffat's turned things around, IMO, but I'd gladly watch someone new take the reigns if that's what the people want.
I'm just hyped for River's return at Christmas 💃
Thoughts on Bill Russell's defensive dominance?
Originally posted by Ushgarak
Actually, indeed, the first four episodes were pretty good. Well, I don't know if the Dalek story was GOOD good- that'll take time and perspective- but it was certainly interesting. The ghost story had a great first part and the second part wasn't bad.Less sure about the latest story through.
I'll admit I'm insanely biased with this most recent story, 'cuz Maise Williams. I admit it was less compelling than the others, but it's purpose seemed to be to set up a new recurring character along the lines of River Song.
I really did enjoy the Dalek two parter though, and who doesn't love a good bit of Michelle Gomez's Missy. 😮