For this first installment I give you, Doctor Who. What's that? You've never heard of it? That sounds about right, most haven't. In fact, I wouldn't know of this little gem if it hadn't been for that wonderful gossip blog I read religiously, OhNoTheyDidn't (check it out if you're bored). After all the hooplah last year about a new "doctor", I was intrigued. What kind of show could generate this kind of discussion across the board? I learned the basics and sat down to watch the first episode of series (season in America) five.
Here's what you need to know. The Doctor is a Time Lord, an alien from another planet who is all alone. He travels through space and time in the Tardis, which looks like a Police Box on the outside. His tool of choice? A screwdriver. But not just any screwdriver, no, a sonic screwdriver. What exactly this means, I'm still not sure, but I will tell you the screwdriver seems capable of doing just about anything. So there you have it, the basics to Doctor Who.
Now, what makes this show so great isn't the fact that it's the longest running television show in the world (it's been going since the 60's!) but that fact that while it's technically a children's show, it's smart, witty and fun. It's quirky, comical and keeps you on edge, waiting and wanting more. Be prepared, the first episode you watch of this brilliant show will be a bit odd. You'll think, what exactly am I watching? But I guarantee that the end of that episode will do just enough to make you wonder what happens next for the Doctor and his companion and you'll tune into the next episode.
I highly recommend this show. The 6th series is currently showing on BBCAmerica, Saturdays at 9/8central. If you have netflix and the time, I would suggest going back and watching the 13 episodes of series 5. That's when the Doctor "regenerated" (a term they use to allow a new actor to come in and play the same character) and essentially a whole new show was born. If you already watch it, I would love to hear your thoughts/comments on the newest season!
Show: Doctor Who
Where: BBCAmerica
When: Saturdays 9/8central
I would recommend starting from the beginning of the reboot with Chris Eccleston for a complete view of the modern series, but that's coming from a guy who hasn't actually been able to watch the newest series (don't have BBC, I watched the rest on Netflix). I'd also recommend watching the spin-offs (Torchwood and Sarah-Jane Chronicles) in conjunction with it to get the whole picture. Honestly, I've never watched a series (much less the meta-series that the whole thing is) that has more of everything that makes a TV show great: intelligence, comedy, and sheer ability to make me cry like a little girl
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