Happy 44th birthday, Doctor Who!
On this day in 1963 on BBC television at 5:15 pm, viewers saw a notice about the assasination of John F. Kennedy, and then saw something not unlike this:
…and with that, Doctor Who began its 44 year hold on England’s psyche, racking up the title of longest running science fiction television series, and after a brief respite it shows no signs of slowing down. No longer a victim of creative low budget special effects, the show’s addictive formula, excellent casting and impressive cameos have made it a household favorite across the pond, and a closet favorite at home.
Happy birthday, old man.
Alas, both Verity Lambert (the show's first producer) died the day before this anniversary, and Peter Haning (who wrote a few Who reference books) passed away a couple days before that. I hope at least Lambert will be given her due at the UK Space Centre's Dr. Who exhibition (which is running through 6 January).
Am I to understand that the current run is ending, too? When I checked the next bunch of listings I saw 'series finale' at the last episode.
Rick, they're planning more seasons and, from what i read, in a move that i think you'll approve, Joan Collins will be appearing as a villainess called the Rani.In fact, I may have read it here!I have a deep and abiding love of Doctor Who. It actually had an influence on GRIMJACK. I wanted GJ to have the same capability for telling different TYPES of stories as they've done on Doctor Who.Had some quibbles with the last season but I'll take any Who I can get!– John
Thanks John.I'd hoped they'd keep going because overall I'm liking the new stuff. Being an old Chicago guy one of the greatest things was Dr. Who on PBS. Although it's slicker than the old stuff. The 'cheese' factor of the old productions always pushed my 'clunk button'.Joan Collins on Dr. Who! LOL. I often thought that Servalan (sp?) on Blakes 7 was 1 part Joan Collins and 1 part Annie Lennox. Now Who fans get the real thing!I can only hope they make a 12 inch figure to go with my Doctor, Martha, Cyberman and Dalek!
If you haven't been to the official Doctor Who website (www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho), what is happening is that between the Doctor's series, as well as overseeing the spinoffs Torchwood and Sarah Jane Investigates, executive producer Russell T. Davies is worried about stress, overwork, and maintaining quality.So what they are basiclly doing is after creating Season 4 for airing in Spring 2008 and that year's annual Christmas movie, they're taking 2009 off from producing a regular season, although they are committed to three "bank holiday" specials during the year as well as the annual Christmas movie, and will be back in 2010 for Season 5!But since 2008 is the 45th anniversary of the series, hopefully they will do something special along the way to celebrate.
Thanks for clarifying. The information I got was real sketchy.This makes perfect sense.Rick
You're welcome Rick.But one thing that does not help the issue is that for whatever reason, the BBC refers to each season as a series!Thus a season finale here is called a series finale there with a totally different meaning than it has here.Confusing, isn't it?