Verdict: Doctor Who Series 8

Doctor Who Series 8 saw the show break new ground - with a new, grumpier Doctor at the helm, the BBC's flagship sci-fi show plunged into darker, and grimier territory across 12 stellar episodes. From a spider-infested Moon base to Robin Hood and his band of merry men, here is my verdict on Doctor Who Series 8. 

Top 5: Doctor Who Villains

The BBC's flagship show, Doctor Who, returns this weekend to much fanfare and fuss. And whilst the show is essentially about a man in a blue box that travels through time and space, it has arguably endured time (it's now in its 51st year) thanks to its iconic, terrifying and sometimes silly enemies.

From the Slitheen to the Silurians and the Sontarans, all sorts of weird and wonderful baddies have terrorised the Doctor and his friends over the years. To celebrate the return of Doctor Who, I wanted to run through my favourite foes from the show. (Note: mainly New Who, my knowledge of the classic series is poor at best).

Verdict: Sherlock Series 3

This post contains mild spoilers for Series 3 of Sherlock. You have been warned.

After two long years of waiting, BBC's Sherlock returned to our screens a few weeks back. With the sew-totally-hot-right-now Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular world's greatest detective and Bilbo Baggins (a.k.a Martin Freeman) as Dr. John Watson, the three-part third series continues to exemplify the true meaning of the phrase 'quality over quantity'.

Following on from THAT cliffhanger in 'The Reichenbach Fall', Series 3 doesn't dare pause for breath across the three 90-minute episodes. Each episode is a hectic, witty and intelligent mystery punctuated with some of the best character drama on television.

Verdict: The Time of the Doctor (Doctor Who)

Doctor Who bids farewell to Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor in this year's 2013 Christmas Special, 'The Time of the Doctor'. Featuring all manner of classic Who foes, the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Weeping Angels and the Silence, 'The Time of the Doctor' is a fairly uneven farewell to Smith's Doctor that could have achieved more given the scope.

Whovember: Top 5 Eleventh Doctor Episodes

All this month on feeling fuzzier - a film blog is Doctor Who Month. We're running a series of features that list the Top 5 episodes of each Nu-Who Doctor (Nine, Ten and Eleven) as part of the 50th Anniversary festivities. 

Today's Doctor is Matt Smith's eccentric, excitable and yet sometimes quick-tempered Eleventh Doctor. Typically found sporting a tweed jacket, a bowtie ("bowties are cool") and braces, the Eleventh Doctor rushed onto our screens in 2010's The Eleventh Hour; his last outing in the show will be this years Christmas Special, The Time of the Doctor.

During his time in the TARDIS, Smith's Doctor faced off against all manner of iconic Who foes; the Weeping Angels, the Cybermen, the Daleks, the Silurians and the Ice Warriors and the Silence alongside companions Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill), River Song (Alex Kingston) and Clara Oswald (Jenna-Louise Coleman).

So, without further ado, these are my Top 5 Eleventh Doctor episodes. Geronimo!

Whovember: The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot

Sick of hearing about 'The Day of the Doctor'? Fancy something a little more whimsical? Then look no further than 'The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot', another Who-themed TV special to commerate the shows special birthday. 

Except this time, there's no Time War, Zygons or Moments. Instead, Doctors Davison, C. Baker, McCoy and McGann have all banded together to create a fantastic little spoof which pays homage to (and pokes fun at) the classic series. 

Whovember: 'The Day of the Doctor' Review

Matt Smith, David Tennant and John Hurt as the 11th, 10th and War Doctor

"Great men are forged in fire. It is the privilege of lesser men to light the flame"

Poor Steven Moffat. The guy must have gotten about 20 minutes sleep in the last week. The sheer pressure of delivering the goods for the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, one of the globes most iconic and cherised television shows can't be an easy weight to bear.

Fortunately however, it was alright on the night. Not just alright; it was supreme. Breathe a sigh of relief Whovians, 'The Day of the Doctor' is the perfect homage to the shows history whilst also setting the stage for the future. Geronimo!

Whovember: Top 5 Tenth Doctor Episodes

All this month on feeling fuzzier - a film blog is Doctor Who Month. With just a few weeks until the show celebrates 50 years, we're running a series of features that list the Top 5 episodes of each Nu-Who Doctor (Nine, Ten and Eleven). 

Today's Doctor is David Tennant's emotional, striking and fan-favourite Tenth Doctor. Typically kitted out in a blue pin-striped suit and Converse trainers, the Tenth Doctor also had a penchant for...well...romanticism. From 2006 to 2009, the Tenth Doctor dazzled us all with adventures to new and unexplored worlds with feisty companions like Rose (Billie Piper), Martha (Freema Aygeman) and Donna (Catherine Tate). 

Facing off against iconic villains such as Davros and the Daleks, the Cybermen, the Weeping Angels and the Sontarans, the Tenth Doctor very quickly sauntered his way into fans hearts. Allonsy!

So, what are the best Tenth Doctor episodes? Here is my pick...

Whovember: 'The Night of the Doctor' Minisode

The countdown to the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special, 'The Day of the Doctor', has really kicked in now with the BBC unveiling an exclusive minisode; 'The Night of the Doctor'. 

Whovember: 'The Day of the Doctor' Promo Round-up

Doctor Who fans rejoice! This weekend, only 11 days away from the 50th Anniversary Special being aired, we've been treated to not one, but two trailers for 'The Day of the Doctor', starring Matt Smith, David Tennant, John Hurt, Jenna-Louise Coleman and Billie Piper. 

So, I've put together a round-up of all the promotional material you can get your hands on for Day of the Doctor. Take a look at the two trailers below. I've also embedded the 50th Anniversary Trailer that surfaced a few weeks back and some stills the BBC have released. Not long to go now! Enjoy!

'The Day of the Doctor' airs on November the 23rd. 

Whovember: Top 5 Ninth Doctor Episodes

Image credit: reignoffire86 (deviantart.com)

All this month on feeling fuzzier - a film blog is Doctor Who Month. With just a few weeks until the show celebrates 50 years, we're running a series of features that list the Top 5 episodes of each Nu-Who Doctor (Nine, Ten and Eleven). 

Today we're going to kick things off with my first Doctor, Nine. Played by the 'fantastic' Christopher Ecclestone, Nine was the kick-start the show needed; dark, haunted and angry, Ecclestone's Doctor may have only hung around for one season but he made a lasting impression on the show.

So, what are the Top 5 episodes of the Ninth Doctor? Here's my pick...

Introducing Whovember (Doctor Who Month)

This month sees one of British TV's hallmark television shows reach a special landmark; on November 23rd, Doctor Who has been on our screens for 50 years. For 50 years, Doctor Who has entertained and enthralled audiences across the world, becoming a cult phenomenon in dozens of countries from native Britain to the United States and here in Australia.

In order to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, I'll be writing a series of features and opinion pieces on different aspects of the show. I'll be writing a 'Top Five Episodes' feature for each of the nu-Who Doctors (that is, Ecclestone, Tennant and Smith) as well as feature on what I'd like to see for Peter Capaldi's 12th Doctor.

That's not everything though so be sure to subscribe and keep up to date with all the goings on. Expect to see a full review of the 50th Anniversary Special right here following on from the episode airing on November 23rd.

Film fans, don't worry, I'll still be delivering my usual regular film reviews and features; Voice of Reason, 60 Second Film Reviews and Rank the Films.

Verdict: Doctor Who Series 7 Part 2

Clara and The Doctor in action

Matt Smith and newbie Jenna-Louise Coleman swung into action aboard the TARDIS as The Doctor and Clara Oswald in the eight episodes concluding Series 7. With the series split into two unequal halves, this is my write-up on each episode from Part 2 of Series 7. 

Check out my write-up of Part 1 here: Verdict: Doctor Who Series 7 Part 1.
Also, for a preview of Series 7 Part 2, click here: TV Preview #3: Doctor Who Series 7 Part 2

TV Preview: Doctor Series 7 Part 2

Some things in life fill me with complete joy. Long walks on the beach, the scent of freshly cut grass and sunflowers on a summer's day. Oh, and being able to type the next sentence: Doctor Who is back bitches!

That's right Whovians, your favourite 1200 year old, double-hearted, kind of schizophrenic alien that zooms around time and space in a blue box is back on Australian television screens this weekend. So what can we expect from the second half of Series 7? Well dear fellows, read on...

Verdict: Sherlock - The Reichenbach Fall

"I may be on the side of angels, but don't for one second think I am one of them"

This review contains spoilers

Completing a trilogy of ninety-minute episodes, The Reichenbach Fall began with a ominous flash-forward to an emotional Watson (Martin Freeman) recovering with the fallout of past events. Before rewinding to three months previous, he manages to choke out the words "My friend, Sherlock Holmes, is dead".

This scene pretty much sets the scene for what is to come; a gripping and emotional-laden mystery punctuated with some genuinely shocking twists and tear-jerking moments. Based upon Conan Doyle's book "The Final Problem", this season finale sees Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch), squaring up against his nemesis Jim Moriarty (Andrew Scott) for the second time.

Initially introduced in the final episode of last season, the intense rivalry between the two has now already been establised and this allows for writers Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat to launch straight into proceedings. In the opening half an hour, Moriarty launches a series of high-profile robberies the include the Tower of London and the Bank of England. I felt this first part took a while to get going, but once Moriarty's 'final problem' begins to unfold, it really kicks up a gear or six. 

The way in which those around Sherlock (such as Inspector LeStrade) are turned against him and made to doubt him is done brilliantly, in such a way that even the audience begins to question the Detective. Is he solving these crimes or orchestrating them? As always, there are enough red-herrings to keep the audience guessing and participate in, but never enough to give it away or ruin the surprise.Whilst those familar with Conan Doyle folklore will be more astute to the cliffhanger than other's, the ending is still genuinely gripping stuff. Both brutal and touching, the episode's final ten minutes are brilliantly acted by both Cumberbatch and Freeman. It's a genuinely tear-jerking moment and in my experience that's a rare thing for television shows to achieve.

Andrew Scott also is seriously affecting as Moriarty, as he seemingly channels Heath Ledger's Joker and becomes the man "who just wants to watch the world burn". The way in which Moriarty brings about Sherlock's fall from grace through the tabloids is not just cleverly executed but also appropriate given the current spotlight on the British newspapers and media in the Leveson inquiry. In addition to this, the final third of the episode where Sherlock and Moriarty try to out manoeuvre one another through lies and deceit is brilliantly written. And then just when you think Sherlock has the upper-hand on his nemesis comes that cliffhanger...

Overall, this second season of Sherlock certainty didn't disappoint and has really set the bar even higher. It's now up to the duo of Gatiss and Moffat to better it for the already confirmed third series (most likely to arrive next year, with the Cumberbatch and Freeman off appearing in major Hollywood films such as The Hobbit and Star Trek affecting shoot schedules). The wait and withdrawal symptoms won't bother me however. I'm sure it'll be worth it!

Verdict: Sherlock - The Hounds Of Baskerville

Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock

This review contains spoilers

Building upon last week's excellent series opener, The Hounds Of Baskerville shows that Mark Gatiss' and Steven Moffat's take on the super sleuth is going from strength to strength. Whilst the first episode played with the idea of Sherlock falling for the seductive charm of femme fatale Irene Adler, this week we were introduced to something bigger; that Holmes could feel fear. 

Set, just as the original Conan Doyle novel was, on the spooky and desolate Dartmoor in Devon, the change in locale was a interesting new backdrop for the series. Usually confined to the bustling and noisy streets of London, the open plains, dark forests and misted hollows of the sparse moor all added to creating a genuinely frightening entry into the series and a more than worthy adaptation of the original novel (with the smallest of tweaks). Here, Baskerville is no longer a Gothic manor house but a shady animal experimentation lab. And the so called hound? Well, I wouldn't want to ruin to much now would I?

Like I mentioned earlier, there are some truly gripping and scary scenes in this episode, as the "hound" stalks and terrorises Holmes and Watson. In one instance, Gatiss and Moffat seemingly go all Paranormal Activity on us, trapping poor Watson in the dark and deserted lab with said demonic, snarling hound. Never allowed a proper glimpse at the possessed pooch, the audience is treated to an interesting Conan Doyle/Blair Witch mash-up. One chilling sequence where Watson is alone in the darkened wood with only a torch for company was a particularly spine-tingling, paranoia-laden moment. It's not all "things that go bump in the night" however. The dialogue crackles with sharp wit and one-liners that we've come to expect from the series.

Much like the first episode, The Hounds of Baskerville did much to play with the ideal of Sherlock being human. Benedict Cumberbatch was on brilliant form in this episode as a man torn between relying on fact and believing in myth and the occult. The supporting cast also were impressive, most notably Russell Tovey as tortured soul Henry Knight.

The overall 'mystery' was not as multi-layered and intricate as the preceding episode and for anyone paying close-attention such as myself, the resolution will come as little surprise. Not that this takes anything away from my overall enjoyment of the episode. In fact, that the plot was a lot more straight-forward, enabled me to take in and enjoy the story as a whole, instead of trying to keep track of the fast-paced twists and turns that usually are injected by Gatiss and Moffat.

One other downside I can think of is simply the fact that there is only the last episode next week to go before series 2 wraps up and the long wait for another series begins again. Despite this, better to have quality over quantity right? 

Verdict: Sherlock - A Scandal In Belgravia

Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes and Lara Pulver as Irene Adler
-  Courtesy of BBC

This review contains spoilers

Picking up directly where the first series had left off, the first 90-minute episode of series two of the BBC's Sherlock hit the ground running and didn't let up for the entire duration.

With Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Watson (Martin Freeman) facing off against Moriarty (Andrew Scott) in a tense and gripping finale, the first series decided to end there and then, leaving viewers with over a year's wait to find out the resolution. It may not have ended as explosively as hinted at, instead ending somewhat anti-climatically. This however in no way means that it was a let-down in any sense of the word. The resolution of the cliffhanger, left by creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, instead has served a greater purpose in creating a wider story arc for the series and in introducing Lara Pulver as dominatrix Irene Adler.

Tasked with retrieving incriminating and scandalous photographs of the seductive Ms. Adler with a undisclosed member of the royal family by his brother Mycroft (also Mark Gatiss), Sherlock is in full belief that he will have succeeded by that night. Instead however, he is faced with the fact that Adler is every bit as clever and deceptive as he is. I won't give too much away here for those of you having not seen it because it's a cracker.

Whilst the plot demands the audiences full-attention with numerous interwoven and interlocking strands, at no point does it feel overly complicated or confusing. Like any well-written mystery, there are twists and turns aplenty and nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Also, any questions left unanswered are sure to be a part of a wider scheme that will play out throughout the series.

Much like the highly complex storytelling he has crafted on Doctor Who, there is a sense that Steven Moffat is in his element here as he weaves the multi-layered story together strand by strand throughout the episode and no doubt, the series. The ending may seem a little far-fetched for some, myself included, but I didn't let that affect my overall impression of the episode too much.

The electrically-charged interaction between the two characters of  Sherlock and Adler in the opening act of the episode sizzles is fast-pased with brilliant and burning one-liners. It's highly entertaining stuff as the two cross, double-cross and attempt to outwit the other. As the episode trots along, the story jumps several weeks and months, allowing for the relationship between Sherlock and Adler to develop.

This is done really well and it adds another layer to the Detective's character, something that we saw little of in season one, which understandably focused primarily on laying the framework of the show. Like any good sequel, the second series has dispensed with the introductory phase of the show and allows for characters to grow and expand more.

The writers have cleverly found that sweet-spot between the dark and twisting intrigue of murder mysteries and light-hearted and playful banter of the best sitcoms; there are plenty of giggles and chuckles to be found alongside the enthralling brainteasers.

In addition to this, it would seem the writers have also begun to really invest in the relationship between Sherlock and Watson. The two have really begun to understand each other more and this makes for interesting scenes where Watson struggles to hold down a girlfriend thanks to his loyalty to Sherlock. The two also are hugely funny, with one scene including bedsheets, near-nudity and Buckingham Palace springing to mind.

First impressions indicate that Moffat and Gatiss have taken everything that viewers and critics loved about the first series and improved on it two-fold. There's genuine mystery, deduction and intrigue, laugh-out-loud quips and the occasional dark and more sinister, dramatic moments. A Scandal in Belgravia is another top-notch episode of one the BBC's biggest shows. Fairly elementary really (sorry couldn't help myself)

TV Preview: Sherlock Series 2

Cumberbatch and Freeman as Holmes and Watson in Sherlock

There was a time during my days in high school when just the thought of reading (and by extension, studying) one of the classic Sherlock Holmes novels would be enough cause for my eyes to bleed profusely in boredom. Ashamed to admit it now, at the age of 13 and 14, Conan Doyle's Victorian detective simply failed to spark my interest the in same way that iPods and Nickelodeon did. To the uninitiated like myself, Conan Doyle's genius creation was buried deep under a dull, grey exterior of 19th Century London and men traipsing around the deer-stalkers and tweed. "Hardly cool" I must have thought. Oh, 14 year-old me, how wrong you were.

It's only been recently that I've converted to the exploits of the World's Greatest Detective (sorry Batman, I think Holmes just beats you to that title). In my mind, the image associated with Sherlock has undergone a remarkable rework in the last two to three years and has refashioned itself for a more youthful audience. Two largely successful and popular franchises have brought about this turnaround. Starting with the Guy Ritchie recent adaptation of Conan Doyle's detective for the cinema, I'm proud to say I'm something of a emerging Sherlockphile (patent pending).

Replacing my previous misconceptions of the super sleuth with one that is fast-pased, witty and most importantly, entertaining, the trio of Sherlock (played by Robert Downey Jr.), Watson (Jude Law) and director Ritchie, reinvented and reworked the Sherlock image for a younger generation. Working to a Hollywood budget, Ritchie packed the film full of the essential Sherlock character quirks and details that would please the fans of the Conan Doyle books, whilst adding a dash of fast-pased fun and adventure similar to that of the popular Indiana Jones or Bond films. It split purists down the middle but was successful enough to spawn a bigger and ballsier sequel that was released earlier this year, Ritchie's contemporary take on Victorian London did much to spark my own interest in Conan Doyle's original novels and make Sherlock, in my mind, "cool" again.

It is however not the only (or best) adaptation to have come about in recent years. The BBC's Sherlock, ingeniously planted the duo of Holmes and Watson into 21st Century London for three feature length mysteries in 2010. Adapting Sherlock for the modern day seems so obvious it's a wonder it hadn't been done before (although Hugh Laurie's take on the title character in House seems positively Holmes-like) and it has certainly seemed to win over audiences.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman worked brilliantly as the crime-solving duo whilst the modern backdrop offered a genuinely refreshing take on a concept familiar to so many. Sprouted from two of the minds behind Doctor Who (Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss), the BBC's Sherlock is undeniably "cool"; Holmes and Watson solve crimes and catch out villains whilst fiddling about with their Blackberries and updating their blogs. But where it trumps the films, is that there more than enough to please the Conan Doyle fan here.

Basing episodes upon the original novels, Sherlock is more loyal to the character, despite it's contemporary setting. Cumberbatch is hilariously kooky and clever as Holmes whilst Freeman's depiction of Watson is not too far from his portrayal of Tim in The Office; the reliable and dependable "straight-guy" to Cumberbatch's bi-polar and quick-witted Sherlock. A modern Sherlock for a modern generation, the series has found a brilliant balance between incorporating those essential Conan Doyle elements (Baker Street, Le Strade, Moriarty) and giving the show a cool, modern feel that appeals to a broader audience.

With the second season of Sherlock set to air in Australia tomorrow night, my new-found love for all things Sherlock is bound to hit the stratosphere in the very near future. No longer the bored 14 year-old GCSE English student I feel the need to revisit and pick up my own copies of the original Conan Doyle books and banish any past misconceptions I had about men in deer-stalkers. Whether it's at the cinema, the television or in the pages of a book, Sherlock Holmes has been moulded and shaped into an undeniably cool character, winning over myself and many others in the process. Fingers crossed this isn't set to change.