Warning: contains spoilers for Doctor Who.
It’s Valentine’s Day, or thereabouts, so there’s romance flipping everywhere. We’re going to look at romance in Doctor Who as interpreted by me, a man whose wife paused tactfully for a few seconds when I told her I was writing this.
Doctor Who very rarely indulges in romance – most of the wooing happens in the theme music – but its lead is cut from similar cloth to one of literature’s most famous Romantic characters. Colin Baker reportedly hoped his Sixth Doctor would be a Mr Darcy figure, initially appearing unlikeable but softening as time went on.
This is the kind of romantic figure the Doctor most often embodies: someone who attempts to rectify mistakes (often their own) to come good at the end of the story. Mostly though this is in terms of saving planets rather than marrying Lizzy Bennet.
It’s Valentine’s Day, or thereabouts, so there’s romance flipping everywhere. We’re going to look at romance in Doctor Who as interpreted by me, a man whose wife paused tactfully for a few seconds when I told her I was writing this.
Doctor Who very rarely indulges in romance – most of the wooing happens in the theme music – but its lead is cut from similar cloth to one of literature’s most famous Romantic characters. Colin Baker reportedly hoped his Sixth Doctor would be a Mr Darcy figure, initially appearing unlikeable but softening as time went on.
This is the kind of romantic figure the Doctor most often embodies: someone who attempts to rectify mistakes (often their own) to come good at the end of the story. Mostly though this is in terms of saving planets rather than marrying Lizzy Bennet.
- 2/14/2023
- by Louisa Mellor
- Den of Geek
Written by Nick Abadzis | Art by Giorgia Sposito | Published by Titan Comics
Very rare to get more than a one or two-parter in the Who books, so hats off to Nick Abadzis for this fine four-parter. Vortex Butterflies has been a very entertaining arc, with a little bit of everything. Old faces returning, if you are allowed to call Sarah Jane Smith old, companions bickering, safe houses in other times, and a focus on The Doctor’s humanity, or rather his lack of it. That last one took centre stage last issue, when we found out that the Vortex Butterfly was none other than old Doctor Who foe… Ok, not foe. Companion Gabby.
That was a little surprise was it not. Seems that in every possible future timeline The Tenth Doctor abandons Gabby, and future Gabby is forced to try and build a new place to live from scraps of space and time.
Very rare to get more than a one or two-parter in the Who books, so hats off to Nick Abadzis for this fine four-parter. Vortex Butterflies has been a very entertaining arc, with a little bit of everything. Old faces returning, if you are allowed to call Sarah Jane Smith old, companions bickering, safe houses in other times, and a focus on The Doctor’s humanity, or rather his lack of it. That last one took centre stage last issue, when we found out that the Vortex Butterfly was none other than old Doctor Who foe… Ok, not foe. Companion Gabby.
That was a little surprise was it not. Seems that in every possible future timeline The Tenth Doctor abandons Gabby, and future Gabby is forced to try and build a new place to live from scraps of space and time.
- 10/27/2017
- by Dean Fuller
- Nerdly
Written by Nick Abadzis | Art by Giorgia Sposito | Published by Titan Comics
So here we are, Part 3 of the Vortex Butterflies arc, which I like for two reasons. One, the title. Vortex Butterflies sounds like a pretty cool band name anyway, but a great story title. Secondly, the fact this is a four part arc. Most of the Who titles tend to focus on 1 or 2 part stories, keeping the jumping on points for each book as flexible as possible for new readers. To have a four issue arc is like a little reward for long time readers. Thumbs up editorial and Nick Abadzis. Now, where were we?
Last issue saw a rather fab cameo by Sarah Jane Smith, as Cindy and Gabby cooled their heels in 2009 London while The Doctor went off on his own to find some tech and solve a mystery. He gained a new companion of a sort,...
So here we are, Part 3 of the Vortex Butterflies arc, which I like for two reasons. One, the title. Vortex Butterflies sounds like a pretty cool band name anyway, but a great story title. Secondly, the fact this is a four part arc. Most of the Who titles tend to focus on 1 or 2 part stories, keeping the jumping on points for each book as flexible as possible for new readers. To have a four issue arc is like a little reward for long time readers. Thumbs up editorial and Nick Abadzis. Now, where were we?
Last issue saw a rather fab cameo by Sarah Jane Smith, as Cindy and Gabby cooled their heels in 2009 London while The Doctor went off on his own to find some tech and solve a mystery. He gained a new companion of a sort,...
- 8/24/2017
- by Dean Fuller
- Nerdly
Written by Nick Abadzis | Art by Giorgia Sposito, Iolanda Zanfardino | Published by Titan Comics
Last issue had that nice, all over the place kind of feel, which suits The Doctor perfectly. We had all sorts of little things going on, such as a cameo from a certain future incarnation of The Doctor with a warning to deliver, time anomalies with the Tardis (cosmic engine trouble essentially), and two disgruntled companions in Cindy and Gabby being dropped off in 2009 London and told to relax. Yeah, right. Gabby had a lot going on last issue, what with her increasing disillusionment with The Doctor and , oh yes, the small matter of her starting to leak time energy. These two things do not a happy Gabby make.
We kick off this issue with The Doctor on the hunt for some tech to help him try and pinpoint the energy leak and perhaps the cause.
Last issue had that nice, all over the place kind of feel, which suits The Doctor perfectly. We had all sorts of little things going on, such as a cameo from a certain future incarnation of The Doctor with a warning to deliver, time anomalies with the Tardis (cosmic engine trouble essentially), and two disgruntled companions in Cindy and Gabby being dropped off in 2009 London and told to relax. Yeah, right. Gabby had a lot going on last issue, what with her increasing disillusionment with The Doctor and , oh yes, the small matter of her starting to leak time energy. These two things do not a happy Gabby make.
We kick off this issue with The Doctor on the hunt for some tech to help him try and pinpoint the energy leak and perhaps the cause.
- 8/3/2017
- by Dean Fuller
- Nerdly
Pete Dillon-Trenchard May 13, 2017
So many spoilers, as we go looking for references in Doctor Who series 10, Oxygen...
This article contains spoilers for Doctor Who series 10, up to and including Oxygen.
See related Vib-Ribbon to return?
Space zombies, near-death experiences and what we can only hope is a temporary change for the Doctor… In Oxygen, writer Jamie Mathieson has quite literally played a blinder. And for the more observant among us, there were a handful of pop culture references and callbacks to earlier stories. Here’s our weekly round-up of the ones we noticed, along with the odd bit of wild speculation and things we just found interesting.
Oh, and look out for an extra article on Monday which takes a closer look at a few bits of graphic design this series - including the answer to a question which has been plaguing some of us for a couple of weeks now.
So many spoilers, as we go looking for references in Doctor Who series 10, Oxygen...
This article contains spoilers for Doctor Who series 10, up to and including Oxygen.
See related Vib-Ribbon to return?
Space zombies, near-death experiences and what we can only hope is a temporary change for the Doctor… In Oxygen, writer Jamie Mathieson has quite literally played a blinder. And for the more observant among us, there were a handful of pop culture references and callbacks to earlier stories. Here’s our weekly round-up of the ones we noticed, along with the odd bit of wild speculation and things we just found interesting.
Oh, and look out for an extra article on Monday which takes a closer look at a few bits of graphic design this series - including the answer to a question which has been plaguing some of us for a couple of weeks now.
- 5/13/2017
- Den of Geek
Pete Dillon-Trenchard May 6, 2017
Doctor Who series 10 strikes gold with Knock Knock - and there were some interesting references in it, too...
This article contains lots of spoilers for Doctor Who.
See related Power Rangers, boob armour, and impractical costumes
Knock, Knock is a real treat - a spooky, atmospheric tale with an emotional core and some brilliant guest performances. And in a sense it’s a real treat for this writer too, as it’s one of those Doctor Who episodes that’s so fresh and unlike anything the series has done before in its 54-year history (intentionally or otherwise) that this article is significantly shorter than usual; we hope that’s okay. But as ever, if you think you’ve spotted something we’ve missed, please do leave it in the comments below...
Poirot’s Last Case
We’ll start with a reference that wasn’t - in...
Doctor Who series 10 strikes gold with Knock Knock - and there were some interesting references in it, too...
This article contains lots of spoilers for Doctor Who.
See related Power Rangers, boob armour, and impractical costumes
Knock, Knock is a real treat - a spooky, atmospheric tale with an emotional core and some brilliant guest performances. And in a sense it’s a real treat for this writer too, as it’s one of those Doctor Who episodes that’s so fresh and unlike anything the series has done before in its 54-year history (intentionally or otherwise) that this article is significantly shorter than usual; we hope that’s okay. But as ever, if you think you’ve spotted something we’ve missed, please do leave it in the comments below...
Poirot’s Last Case
We’ll start with a reference that wasn’t - in...
- 5/6/2017
- Den of Geek
Mark Harrison May 10, 2017
Over Doctor Who's long history, what prompted the decision to leave for those in the lead role?
All sorts of things have killed off the Doctor. In the last half century, Doctor Who's unique approach to recasting the lead character has seen him fettled by old age, as punishment, by radiation poisoning, falls big and small, dodgy operations and time itself. There are plenty of in-universe reasons for why the Doctor regenerates, and the outgoing Time Lord Peter Capaldi promises that his upcoming demise will be suitably timey-wimey, but what of the behind-the-scenes reasons that the Doctor has to go?
See related DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar Batman V Superman: where does it leave the Justice League? Why cinema needs Batman: the world’s greatest detective Zack Snyder interview: Batman V Superman Deborah Snyder & Charles Roven interview: Man Of Steel
“While you're enjoying it,...
Over Doctor Who's long history, what prompted the decision to leave for those in the lead role?
All sorts of things have killed off the Doctor. In the last half century, Doctor Who's unique approach to recasting the lead character has seen him fettled by old age, as punishment, by radiation poisoning, falls big and small, dodgy operations and time itself. There are plenty of in-universe reasons for why the Doctor regenerates, and the outgoing Time Lord Peter Capaldi promises that his upcoming demise will be suitably timey-wimey, but what of the behind-the-scenes reasons that the Doctor has to go?
See related DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar Batman V Superman: where does it leave the Justice League? Why cinema needs Batman: the world’s greatest detective Zack Snyder interview: Batman V Superman Deborah Snyder & Charles Roven interview: Man Of Steel
“While you're enjoying it,...
- 5/3/2017
- Den of Geek
Pete Dillon-Trenchard Apr 29, 2017
Spoilers! We dig into Doctor Who series 10's Thin Ice, to see what else we can find...
This article contains spoilers. Lots of them.
See related Justice League: the brand new poster Future DC films will be "hopeful and optimistic" DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar The Crow reboot to finally shoot in January
The Doctor and Bill have saved the day again and something’s knocking in the vault - but it’s only knocking three times, so it doesn’t constitute a reference. Instead, here’s our weekly list of references, callbacks, tenuous spots and generally interesting waffle from this week’s episode. You’ll have to forgive me if I’ve missed anything - I’m at my sister’s wedding as this episode goes out, and they’ve refused to turn the music off for an hour so we can watch it.
Spoilers! We dig into Doctor Who series 10's Thin Ice, to see what else we can find...
This article contains spoilers. Lots of them.
See related Justice League: the brand new poster Future DC films will be "hopeful and optimistic" DC Comics movies: upcoming UK release dates calendar The Crow reboot to finally shoot in January
The Doctor and Bill have saved the day again and something’s knocking in the vault - but it’s only knocking three times, so it doesn’t constitute a reference. Instead, here’s our weekly list of references, callbacks, tenuous spots and generally interesting waffle from this week’s episode. You’ll have to forgive me if I’ve missed anything - I’m at my sister’s wedding as this episode goes out, and they’ve refused to turn the music off for an hour so we can watch it.
- 4/28/2017
- Den of Geek
Pete Dillon-Trenchard Apr 22, 2017
Doctor Who series 10 remains in fine form with Smile - and we've been hunting for nerdy Easter eggs and spots in the episode. Spoilers!
This article contains lots of spoilers.
See related Better Call Saul season 3 episode 2 review: Witness Better Call Saul season 3 episode 1 review: Mabel The subtle rise of good prequels
Smile, folks - it’s that time of the week again where we take tonight’s episode of Doctor Who and shake it repeatedly until all of its hidden secrets fall out of its pockets - as well as callbacks and generally interesting observations. And if you think we’ve missed something, let us know in the comments below!
Happiness Will Prevail
If you’re reading this, you’re likely to fit into one of two categories – those of you who love and understand emojis and those of you (myself included) who have resigned...
Doctor Who series 10 remains in fine form with Smile - and we've been hunting for nerdy Easter eggs and spots in the episode. Spoilers!
This article contains lots of spoilers.
See related Better Call Saul season 3 episode 2 review: Witness Better Call Saul season 3 episode 1 review: Mabel The subtle rise of good prequels
Smile, folks - it’s that time of the week again where we take tonight’s episode of Doctor Who and shake it repeatedly until all of its hidden secrets fall out of its pockets - as well as callbacks and generally interesting observations. And if you think we’ve missed something, let us know in the comments below!
Happiness Will Prevail
If you’re reading this, you’re likely to fit into one of two categories – those of you who love and understand emojis and those of you (myself included) who have resigned...
- 4/22/2017
- Den of Geek
The Doctor: “Time is a structure relative to ourselves. Time is the space made by our lives, where we stand together forever. Time and relative dimension in space. It means life… This is the gateway to everything that ever was and ever can be.
Bill: …Can I use the toilet?
“The Pilot,” Doctor Who, Second Series 10, Episode 1
My daughter Alixandra has wanted to watch Doctor Who but she’s been intimidated by the idea of catching up with 50 years of the show’s history. Hey, who wouldn’t be? I told her to start with “new Who,” with Christopher Eccleston’s as the 9th Doctor, which was “only” 12 years ago (is it really over a decade already?) and that “Rose,” the first episode, would do a great job of hooking her into the basics – although she already sorta knows them, as she remembers me watching the Tom Baker years...
Bill: …Can I use the toilet?
“The Pilot,” Doctor Who, Second Series 10, Episode 1
My daughter Alixandra has wanted to watch Doctor Who but she’s been intimidated by the idea of catching up with 50 years of the show’s history. Hey, who wouldn’t be? I told her to start with “new Who,” with Christopher Eccleston’s as the 9th Doctor, which was “only” 12 years ago (is it really over a decade already?) and that “Rose,” the first episode, would do a great job of hooking her into the basics – although she already sorta knows them, as she remembers me watching the Tom Baker years...
- 4/17/2017
- by Mindy Newell
- Comicmix.com
The Doctor: “Time is a structure relative to ourselves. Time is the space made by our lives, where we stand together forever. Time and relative dimension in space. It means life… This is the gateway to everything that ever was and ever can be.
Bill: …Can I use the toilet?
“The Pilot,” Doctor Who, Second Series 10, Episode 1
My daughter Alixandra has wanted to watch Doctor Who but she’s been intimidated by the idea of catching up with 50 years of the show’s history. Hey, who wouldn’t be? I told her to start with “new Who,” with Christopher Eccleston’s as the 9th Doctor, which was “only” 12 years ago (is it really over a decade already?) and that “Rose,” the first episode, would do a great job of hooking her into the basics – although she already sorta knows them, as she remembers me watching the Tom Baker years...
Bill: …Can I use the toilet?
“The Pilot,” Doctor Who, Second Series 10, Episode 1
My daughter Alixandra has wanted to watch Doctor Who but she’s been intimidated by the idea of catching up with 50 years of the show’s history. Hey, who wouldn’t be? I told her to start with “new Who,” with Christopher Eccleston’s as the 9th Doctor, which was “only” 12 years ago (is it really over a decade already?) and that “Rose,” the first episode, would do a great job of hooking her into the basics – although she already sorta knows them, as she remembers me watching the Tom Baker years...
- 4/17/2017
- by Mindy Newell
- Comicmix.com
Pete Dillon-Trenchard Apr 15, 2017
Huge spoilers, as we unpack the Doctor Who series 10 opener - The Pilot - in search of references and treats.
This article contains spoilers for Doctor Who.
See related Exclusive: Bryan Fuller on American Gods casting Star Trek: what can we expect from Bryan Fuller's new show? Bryan Fuller interview: Hannibal season 3, Red Dragon, American Gods Bryan Fuller interview: Hannibal season 3, American Gods
Doctor Who is back for its 36th series, and with it are our viewing notes - a weekly guide to the references, similarities (intentional or otherwise!) and generally interesting things about each episode. Whilst we’ve crammed in as much as we can find, this is by no means a definitive list - so if you’re sat there thinking ‘You fools! You missed this!’, feel free to plop it down in the comments below. But remember: Don’t phone, it’s just for fun.
Huge spoilers, as we unpack the Doctor Who series 10 opener - The Pilot - in search of references and treats.
This article contains spoilers for Doctor Who.
See related Exclusive: Bryan Fuller on American Gods casting Star Trek: what can we expect from Bryan Fuller's new show? Bryan Fuller interview: Hannibal season 3, Red Dragon, American Gods Bryan Fuller interview: Hannibal season 3, American Gods
Doctor Who is back for its 36th series, and with it are our viewing notes - a weekly guide to the references, similarities (intentional or otherwise!) and generally interesting things about each episode. Whilst we’ve crammed in as much as we can find, this is by no means a definitive list - so if you’re sat there thinking ‘You fools! You missed this!’, feel free to plop it down in the comments below. But remember: Don’t phone, it’s just for fun.
- 4/15/2017
- Den of Geek
When it comes to Doctor Who, the character often wins over the audiences because they are kind-hearted and in many ways, are the saviour (or Doctor) we need. While a lot of focus does get given to the ‘new’ breed of Doctors, for fans of the old school we are spoilt for choice with who is the best. One that is high on my list has to be Jon Pertwee, which is why The Doctors: The Jon Pertwee Years was such a joy to watch.
A collection of interviews, The Doctors: The Jon Pertwee Years features Jon Pertwee himself, Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Caroline John (Liz Shaw), Nicholas Courtney (The Brigadier), Richard Franklin (Captain Yates), and John Levene (Sergeant Benton). Interviewed by the voice of the Daleks, Nicholas Briggs. Each interview with the stars of Doctor Who is around one hour in length, so you can imagine how interesting the Jon Pertwee one is.
A collection of interviews, The Doctors: The Jon Pertwee Years features Jon Pertwee himself, Katy Manning (Jo Grant), Caroline John (Liz Shaw), Nicholas Courtney (The Brigadier), Richard Franklin (Captain Yates), and John Levene (Sergeant Benton). Interviewed by the voice of the Daleks, Nicholas Briggs. Each interview with the stars of Doctor Who is around one hour in length, so you can imagine how interesting the Jon Pertwee one is.
- 3/8/2017
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
Author: Reuben Roper
Doctor Who. Love it or hate it, it’s a massive part of British culture. There can’t really a person in England who doesn’t know the terms Tardis, Dalek, or Sonic Screwdriver.
As the Doctor and Ace walked into the sunset in 1989’s Survival, little did anyone know that the series was soon to be cancelled, possibly gone forever.
Luckily, in 2005, much loved writer Russell T Davies revived the show for the 21st century. This separated Who into two categories – Classic Who, and NuWho.
So, to count down to the Christmas special, here is my review of each NuWho Doctor’s best episodes.
Christopher Eccleston (2005)Best Episode: Dalek – By Robert Sherman
This fantastic episode revived The Daleks, not seen on screen for seventeen years. Big Finish writer Robert Sherman wrote this fantastic tale explaining the Time War and how The Time Lords and The Daleks were both destroyed,...
Doctor Who. Love it or hate it, it’s a massive part of British culture. There can’t really a person in England who doesn’t know the terms Tardis, Dalek, or Sonic Screwdriver.
As the Doctor and Ace walked into the sunset in 1989’s Survival, little did anyone know that the series was soon to be cancelled, possibly gone forever.
Luckily, in 2005, much loved writer Russell T Davies revived the show for the 21st century. This separated Who into two categories – Classic Who, and NuWho.
So, to count down to the Christmas special, here is my review of each NuWho Doctor’s best episodes.
Christopher Eccleston (2005)Best Episode: Dalek – By Robert Sherman
This fantastic episode revived The Daleks, not seen on screen for seventeen years. Big Finish writer Robert Sherman wrote this fantastic tale explaining the Time War and how The Time Lords and The Daleks were both destroyed,...
- 12/16/2016
- by Reuben Roper
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Mark Harrison Dec 2, 2016
How each Doctor responds to the Daleks for the first time reveals something about them...
Pearl Mackie was announced as the new companion for Doctor Who Series 10 back in April, with a specially filmed clip broadcast during Match Of The Day's Fa Cup semi-final. Aside from befuddling Gary Lineker, the purpose of a trailer like this, as opposed to a press release or a lavish announcement programme, is to show a character in action, and there was really no better way to define the character of Bill Potts than to show how she acted in the face of the Daleks.
See related The Man In The High Castle season 2: new trailer
The Daleks are almost as old as the show itself and different Doctors respond to them in different ways. In some eras, Dalek stories have been an early fixture of a new Doctor’s run,...
How each Doctor responds to the Daleks for the first time reveals something about them...
Pearl Mackie was announced as the new companion for Doctor Who Series 10 back in April, with a specially filmed clip broadcast during Match Of The Day's Fa Cup semi-final. Aside from befuddling Gary Lineker, the purpose of a trailer like this, as opposed to a press release or a lavish announcement programme, is to show a character in action, and there was really no better way to define the character of Bill Potts than to show how she acted in the face of the Daleks.
See related The Man In The High Castle season 2: new trailer
The Daleks are almost as old as the show itself and different Doctors respond to them in different ways. In some eras, Dalek stories have been an early fixture of a new Doctor’s run,...
- 12/1/2016
- Den of Geek
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