The Who News

[neadods]

Or more accurately, reactions to the three bits of news making the rounds today.

1) It's not actually news that they're going to do a DVD of the original-cast Tennant Hamlet. That was announced sometime back in January, right after the run. (Mind you, I'm thrilled, because that's about the only thing that's going to make up for the sting of his having come back to the role *the day I left the country!*)


2) It's very smart of the BBC to say they're going to broadcast it as well. Not only a service to the British fans, but a good marketing move - why just get DVD revenue when you can cash in even more by selling it to overseas markets for broadcast too? It worked for the Ian McKellan/Sylvester McCoy King Lear.

And, once again selfishly, if it's shown on PBS, that also means that I can get a Region 1 DVD. Even more selfishly, I hope that someday I'm going to get to see Great British Actors Doing Shakespeare in a play I actually like.


3) I have nothing to say about the new companion; like new Doctors, my default position is "like until given reason otherwise" and until I see her in the role, I have no data upon which to speculate. That said, I hope in future at least a few of the "white, modern, female, Londoner" companion default traits get changed.

Comments

[persiflage-1.livejournal.com]

There's nothing to say the new companion IS a Londoner. Moffat was reportedly looking to have someone Scottish or Irish, and I presumed that since the actor IS Scottish, she'll be keeping her accent.

Besides Martha wasn't a white modern female Londoner.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

Martha wasn't a white modern female Londoner.

No, and neither are Micky or Jack, point taken. It's just I see her dressed in modern dress and knowing that David didn't use his accent and made an assumption.

I have no axe to grind with the new companion - I'm probably going to adore her; I usually love women written by Moffat - but I'd like to see more companions like Martha - or Leela, Jamie, Jack, and Zoe, for that matter. If nothing else, it shakes up the storytelling possibilities.

[persiflage-1.livejournal.com]

Yeah but neither Mickey nor Jack were full time companions. All the full time companions have been modern females from London.

It was also reported that Moffat wanted a non-contemporary companion - so maybe she will be? Until anyone bothers to tell us a single thing about her character, it's all unknown.

(Companions like Martha, Jack, Zoe, Liz, Sarah Jane and Romana appeal to me - I like the smart ones!)

[neadods.livejournal.com]

I like the smart ones too, and that is something I'm quite confident in Moffat writing.

Thing is - if she's going to be a non-contemporary companion, why photograph her in contemporary clothing? (Or, admittedly, "near-contemporary," as that outfit is fairly generic.)

[persiflage-1.livejournal.com]

*shrugs* I know not the ways of the BBC...

Yup, smart women (and men) are hot!

[fourzoas.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping the photo is just representative of the actress as actress, not as companion, but I'll cope with whatever, I suppose.

As for the Hamlet biz--I'm enthusiastic about it all and can't wait to see it as soon as I can get my grubby little paws on it. Wise move for the RSC & the BBC.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

Over the run of the show I can count the companions I've really loathed on one hand, so I'm assuming I'll like her. But it would be nice if the rumors that she won't be a modern character are true.

OTOH, I'm trying to think of a time when modern Who has released a publicity shot that wasn't at least vaguely based on the end character's mode of dress.

I'm thrilled about Hamlet - moreso that an actual day to start filming has been announced (well, vaguely day-ish, but more targeted than "they're gonna do this someday.") A very wise move for the RSC & BBC, particularly the RSC. If David's going to mint money for them, they should milk every possible opportunity, esp. in this economy!

[tempestsarekind.livejournal.com]

OTOH, I'm trying to think of a time when modern Who has released a publicity shot that wasn't at least vaguely based on the end character's mode of dress.

Aw man, does that mean I'm going to have to put up with an Eleven with skinny jeans and emo hair? :)

I'm very happy about the official statement re: Hamlet, though; I remember a rumor going around that it might have fallen through, and while I didn't quite believe it, I *was* worried that they might have had trouble getting the cast back together. So yay for firm announcements.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

Considering Ten's "cockateil hair," (I forget who said that, but it's brilliant) I think we're almost guaranteed emo hair.

Maybe not the skinny jeans, though. As long as it isn't Six's jacket, I think I'll be happy.

[tempestsarekind.livejournal.com]

*giggle* That is perfect! And you're probably right--the hair has become a big deal. I guess I should start getting used to it now...