It should come as no surprise to those who pay attention to my blog that I really enjoy British television shows. The number of British shows I watch is constantly growing, yet I have never really been into one of the most popular: Doctor Who. Prior to this weekend I had only ever seen one episode (one of the David Tennant ones) and I found it just meh. As I have gotten more involved in the online world and fandoms I keep hearing more and more people talk about this show and how much they love it, people that watch the same things I love and who’s opinions I respect. I had been thinking for a while that I needed to give the show a real chance, but I couldn’t ever muster up the motivation.
Well, then my best bud Coty started watching and became completely obsessed. He has flown through all the Christopher Eccleston episodes, started the David Tennant ones, and also started Torchwood which I have since learned is connected. He has been begging me for some time to start watching with him and this weekend we finally came to a deal – I start watching Doctor Who with him and he starts watching Merlin with me. Every night this weekend we have had what has now been dubbed a “Merwho Marathon Night.” We alternate between the two shows and guess what…we have both fallen in love.
I have never been a huge sci-fi person – I much prefer fantasy – but I am so glad that I finally sucked it up and gave Doctor Who a real chance. I’ve only seen the first few episodes of the reboot with Christopher Eccleston, but I already love it. I think that this is a show where it is important to start from the beginning in order to understand the concept and who the characters are, which is why I didn’t like it before.
The history lover in me had a squee-fest the first time they traveled back in time and met Charles Dickens. I had no idea that they traveled in the past like that and met cool people from history and am now giddy with expectation to see who else they meet. I also really enjoyed it when they went to the future and we got to see all the different alien races and the last “human.”
The thing that I love so much about this show (and pretty much every British show I watch) is that it can be hilariously funny one minute and then really pull at your heartstrings the next. This is especially true with Eccleston. He pretty much makes me laugh every time he is on screen with his facial expressions and quirkiness, but he also very nearly brought me to tears in his scenes with the tree lady in the second episode. I have really grown to care about these characters and I haven’t even been watching for very long yet. That is the mark of a good show.
I may be late to the party, but hey! Better late than never, right? I am now officially on the Doctor Who train and can’t wait to see where it goes next.
What about you? Are you a fan of the Doctor? Let me know in the comments.
Welcome Jess!
Haha, thanks Simone!
Welcome!
Starting with the Eccleston episodes is a great way to get into the show because there was such a gap between seasons the writers had to get all the history in for the next generation. Eccleston remains my favorite Doctor
I love Merlin too.
I am really enjoying Eccleston as the Doctor. I got really bummed when I realized he only lasted one season. Oh well, I’m sure I will enjoy David Tennant as well.
So glad you love Merlin! It’s the best!
I really liked the early episodes with William Hartnell, Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee (my favorite of all of them), and Tom Baker. We saw episodes of their shows on WTTW in Chicago during the Eighties. The later episodes were all right, but I didn’t like Peter Davison, Colin Baker or Sylvester McCoy in the role. Part of the charm of the show was the cheesy effects and the low-tech feeling. I’ve seen the episodes since they restarted the series, and they’re good, but it’s not the same show. Some of the episodes are quite enjoyable, like “Voyage of the Damned”, which featured Geoffrey Palmer (from “As Time Goes By”) and Clive Swift (from “Keeping Up Appearances”), but I guess I miss the old ones. Do try and see some of them; they’re bound to be available on Netflix, iTunes or one of the other services.
Hmmm…Netflix only has the newer episodes, at least from what I can tell. But I’ll look to see if I can find some of the older episodes somewhere else. Thanks for the tip on which Doctors to check out!
such a wonderful show! i actually started watching dr who when i was very young – tom baker was my first doctor – you never forget your first! as for the new series, david tennant remains my fave, allons-y! although the new guy is growing on me, because bowties ARE cool.
I have heard nothing but good things about Tennant, so I am hopeful that I won’t be too upset when it changes from Eccleston to Tennant. I am over halfway through the first season, so it won’t be too much longer until I have to endure my first change in Doctor. Even though I am hopeful I’m still a little nervous, lol.
I’m so glad you like the series, Jess!! It only gets better from here!
Yay!! I’m excited!
And just when one would think that your dad couldn’t be more proud of you, you become a Doctor Who fan!
Hahaha, so true, Debi.
Eccleston is ok but Tennant is my favorite. I haven’t warmed up to Matt Smith yet. Don’t forget about the travelling companions! Rose Tyler (Billie Piper), Donna Noble (Catherine Tate), Amy Pond (Karen Gillan) come to mind. I am proud of you! Maybe when we work our way through the rest of Buffy we can start on Doctor Who. BTW it’s always Doctor never Dr.
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