# ...the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Thread. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 16, 2013, 8:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485 "2013-02-16T08:55:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![WotNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e19b73/32.png) [@WotNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WotNot)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2013, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/41 "2013-03-19T23:47:29Z")
> [@Pushkin](#): > > I thought they did from the classic Who DVDs that are still being released. It’s a bit complicated. The BBC own _Doctor Who_, but the commercial rights for the show are controlled by its wholly-owned subsidiary, BBC Worldwide, which owns 50% of BBC America. So, while BBCA don’t actually _own_ the rights to broadcast the older serials, they could certainly buy them – if they thought they would draw an audience, and BBC Worldwide were happy that it wouldn’t harm their DVD sales (and that they couldn’t sell the rights for more money elsewhere). I think it’s worth noting that BBC Worldwide withdrew the broadcast rights to the older serials around the time of the launch of the new series in 2005 – they were trying to sell the new series, and I suppose they wanted to offer a potential broadcaster exclusive rights to the _Doctor Who_ brand. I dare say they also wanted to prevent the possibility of viewers hearing about a new show called _Doctor Who_ and tuning in to the wrong channel by mistake, only to find Jon Pertwee being terrorised by a badly-CSOd glove puppet. I wonder if BBCA are using the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to test the waters with some of the old stuff – in which case, whether they broadcast any more will depend on the ratings. But then that’s true of everything in commercial TV, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2013, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/42 "2013-03-20T17:14:36Z")
I’m not seeing a Doctors Revisited for this month. Where’s the Pertwee love? ---
**Author:** ![Nuveena](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a587f6/32.png) [@Nuveena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nuveena)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2013, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/43 "2013-03-20T19:27:34Z")
> [@Mollie\_Magill](#): > > I’m not seeing a Doctors Revisited for this month. > > Where’s the Pertwee love? It’s airing on March 31st. [Doctor Who News - The Third Doctor Revisited On BBC America](http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2013/03/third-doctor-revisited-bbc-america-110313203817.html) Spearhead from Space. Another one I’ve already seen on Netflix streaming. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2013, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/44 "2013-03-20T23:18:46Z")
Nuts. I was hoping to see the Real Master. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Hamster\_King](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8edcca/32.png) [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2013, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/45 "2013-03-21T00:13:47Z")
> [@Nuveena](#): > > Spearhead from Space. It’s a curious choice. Not one that I would rank as one of the best Pertwee serials. However I suppose it ties in directly with “Rose”, the first Nu Who episode. ---
**Author:** ![Mollie\_Magill](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mollie_magill/32/20882_2.png) [@Mollie\_Magill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mollie_Magill)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2013, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/46 "2013-03-21T14:30:02Z")
There are a couple of cool things about Spearhead. It’s the first time we see The Doctor pick out his new outfit. We also learn that he has a tattoo. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [March 21, 2013, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/47 "2013-03-21T21:51:46Z")
PJ says he would direct an episode for a Dalek. > **[EW: Peter Jackson says he is still interested in directing an episode of...](http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2013/03/21/70084-ew-peter-jackson-says-he-is-still-interested-in-directing-an-episode-of-doctor-who-and-names-his-fee/)** > > EW.com: Peter Jackson has exclusively confirmed that he is still interested in directing an episode ofDoctor Who. The Lord of the Rings filmmaker has also named his fee: a Dalek. The offer came in the course of Jackson’s appreciation of the British... I predict lots of sweeping aerial shots and a 2.5 hour (instead of 50 min) running time. Brian ---
**Author:** ![well\_he\_s\_back](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/3ab097/32.png) [@well\_he\_s\_back](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/well_he_s_back)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2013, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/48 "2013-03-22T19:38:06Z")
I’m not a shill for the Entertainment Weekly magazine, but this week their cover story is on Dr. Who’s 50th Anniversary. The best part (for me) is an interview with Peter Jackson, who it turns out is a big DrWho fan. He met his partner Fran Walsh because of Dr.Who! LOTR & Who trivia collide. (Also Jackson’s daughter, one of his adorable kiddies who had cameos in the LOTR films is now 16. Time moves way too quickly). ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2013, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/49 "2013-03-23T12:14:05Z")
The BBC have released a short prequel to the next episode _The Bells of Saint John_. It’s worth watching to the end 😉 [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/2IROtC6cAT4/maxresdefault.jpg "The Bells of Saint John: A Prequel - Doctor Who Series 7 Part 2 (2013) - BBC One") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IROtC6cAT4) (Hope it works outside the UK) ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2013, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/50 "2013-03-23T15:06:02Z")
> [@well\_he\_s\_back](#): > > (Also Jackson’s daughter, one of his adorable kiddies who had cameos in the LOTR films is now 16. Time moves way too quickly). But that was just a few— oh holy shit you’re right. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2013, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/51 "2013-03-23T16:49:32Z")
> [@Baron\_Greenback](#): > > The BBC have released a short prequel to the next episode _The Bells of Saint John_. > > It’s worth watching to the end 😉 > > [https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player\_embedded&v=2IROtC6cAT4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2IROtC6cAT4) > > (Hope it works outside the UK) Wow. Is it just me or is his dialect markedly different? Has being away from the mad Scotswoman changed him that much? ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2013, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/52 "2013-03-24T02:39:38Z")
Interesting article with Steven Moffat. Doesn’t sound like he’ll be around after the 50th special. There’s also rumors Matt is leaving. I hope they don’t ruin this show. It’s always a risk bringing in a new Show Runner/Writer and then even more risk with a new actor. I guess we’ll have to wait and see. I recall rumors last year that Matt wanted out and they managed to get him back this season for the 50th. > **[Steven Moffat talks 'Doctor Who' future](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/cult/a467969/steven-moffat-on-doctor-who-im-nearer-the-end-than-the-beginning/)** > > The showrunner says he takes the job one year at a time. > [@](#): > > Saying that “statistically… [he is] nearer the end than the beginning” of his time as showrunner, Moffat added: “I just take it a year at a time. I think the feeling of it being done for you is quite unambiguous when it suddenly arrives.” > > Moffat’s comments follow suggestions this week - played down by the BCC - that actor Matt Smith will leave the show in this year’s festive episode. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2013, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/53 "2013-03-24T04:11:02Z")
Trailer for Bells of Saint John [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Q2FTWhU5TIw/maxresdefault.jpg "The Bells of Saint John: TV Trailer - Doctor Who Series 7 Part 2 (2013) - BBC One") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2FTWhU5TIw) ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2013, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/54 "2013-03-24T05:47:51Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > Interesting article with Steven Moffat. Doesn’t sound like he’ll be around after the 50th special. There’s also rumors Matt is leaving. As soon as someone new starts they speculate on when they’re leaving. As soon as they confirm leaving they speculate when they’ll return in a special episode. I’ll believe it when it’s official, and not before. ---
**Author:** ![TBG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@TBG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TBG)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2013, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/55 "2013-03-24T20:54:13Z")
> [@Nuveena](#): > > It’s airing on March 31st. [Doctor Who News - The Third Doctor Revisited On BBC America](http://www.doctorwhonews.net/2013/03/third-doctor-revisited-bbc-america-110313203817.html) > > Spearhead from Space. Another one I’ve already seen on Netflix streaming. I haven’t seen it, so it’s new to me!😃 ---
**Author:** ![Bakhesh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3da27b/32.png) [@Bakhesh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bakhesh)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2013, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/56 "2013-03-30T13:46:37Z")
[At least two familiar faces returning for the anniversary…](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21980892) ---
**Author:** ![Baron\_Greenback](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baron_greenback/32/48_2.png) [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2013, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/57 "2013-03-30T14:17:28Z")
> [@Bakhesh](#): > > [At least two familiar faces returning for the anniversary…](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21980892) Now that is interesting. I wonder what Chris Eccleston is doing about now… ---
**Author:** ![Infovore](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/infovore/32/420_2.png) [@Infovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Infovore)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2013, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/58 "2013-03-30T16:35:03Z")
> [@Bakhesh](#): > > [At least two familiar faces returning for the anniversary…](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-21980892) This definitely made my morning (well, the David Tennant part anyway–I would have preferred Donna to Rose if they were going to bring back a companion who we thought was permanently gone). I really hope we get the chance to see Ten and Eleven together. Speaking of Eleven, check out these sweet little videos. They’re extremely well done, IMO. And one of them even features Ten! [The Red X](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWLD_dZUKvk), [The Conjunction of Eleven](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fo6_7cUsr6c), and [How the Doctor Puppet Saved Christmas](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU0kh1GG9Yw). ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2013, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/59 "2013-03-30T18:18:31Z")
I can’t recall where I read it, but aren’t the new episodes supposed to tie in with the 50th Special? We’ll all be guessing what’s going on with Clara Oswald and any new mysteries Steven Moffatt dreams up. Looking forward to seeing tonights episode. I’m curious how the Doctor finds Clara again. ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2013, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485/60 "2013-03-30T18:48:07Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I can’t recall where I read it, but aren’t the new episodes supposed to tie in with the 50th Special? We’ll all be guessing what’s going on with Clara Oswald and any new mysteries Steven Moffatt dreams up. > > Looking forward to seeing tonights episode. I’m curious how the Doctor finds Clara again. I just read today or yesterday that by the end of season 7, we’ll know what the deal with Clara is. I suspect the 50th anniversary will have something “Trial of a Time Lord”-ish to do with the “Fall of the Eleventh.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-thread/650485.md?page=4)