I have to admit, I wasn’t on board with Eleven. I still wasn’t over Ten – David Tennant’s version of The Doctor was an extremely tough act to follow – and when I attempted to watch any of the Matt Smith episodes, I’d just end up disappointed and frustrated. I was torn, because I really liked Matt Smith and Karen Gillan in all of the interviews I saw with them, but their characters annoyed me to no end!

Fast forward to present day and the DVD release of Doctor Who: Series 6, Part 1. I watched the episodes, and have to admit I enjoyed them. My main issue with the start of Smith’s run as The Doctor was the stories were a bit too childish for me. I preferred the darker, intense episodes with both Nine and Ten, so the 2-part Series 6 opener was right up my alley with its elements of mystery and suspense, and I was pleased to see the characters have become more endearing rather than annoying. The Silence, the alien threat that The Doctor was up against in “The Impossible Astronaut” and “Day of the Moon” were Ood-level creepy. I’d even be as bold to say they’re almost as creepy as The Gentlemen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Incorporating Area 51, the Nixon administration and the US space program were really neat touches to the story as well.

There are two “Monster Files”, one on each disc, which feature The Silence and The Gangers. You get a really good behind the scenes look on what went into creating each creature, and learn more about what they are, and the threat that they pose. The Silence are basically parasites that have always been around that can use humans to their will, planting thoughts in people’s minds. It’s an interesting take on the idea of deja vu because when you see them, they immediately wipe your mind so you don’t remember them. I don’t want to give too much away, but you get to see what work of art inspired The Silence, and what went into creating the prosthetics and SFX makeup to bring these aliens to life. The Gangers, short for Doppelgangers, appear in “The Rebel Flesh”, and are they ever a unique looking creature. Several sets of prosthetics had to be created for each actor playing one of The Gangers, and this Monster File gives you a real appreciation of the level of work that’s required for the effects makeup intensive episodes.

I may go back to Series 5 at some point, but for now, these DVDs have actually convinced me to watch the second half of this series, which starts at the end of August. I’d say if you weren’t impressed with Series 5, at least give the Series 6 opener a chance. You might be surprised. This DVD set is a good refresher for those who have already seen the episodes, or the perfect way to catch up in time for the new episodes.

Photo Courtesy of BBC

Here’s a little video of Matt Smith and Karen Gillan – aka The Doctor and Amy Pond – getting down at San Diego Comic-Con last weekend:

New episodes of Doctor Who begin August 27th at 9/8c on BBC America.

Video Courtesy of BBC America

We’ll have a full review of the discs for you soon, but in case you haven’t checked it out yet, here’s a look at the two-disc set that includes the first seven episodes.

In case you didn’t catch these episodes when they originally aired, or need a refresher, here’s the lowdown:

In Part 1, the Doctor, Amy and Rory find themselves in Sixties America, battling the invasion the world forgot, then journey on the high seas of 1696 aboard a pirate ship, to solve the mystery of the Siren. In a bubble universe at the very edge of reality, the Doctor meets an old friend with a new face, and in a monastery on a remote island in the near future, an industrial accident takes on a terrible human shape. And waiting for them, at the end of all this, is the battle of Demon’s Run, and the Doctor’s darkest hour. Can even the truth about River Song save the Time Lord’s soul? Only two things are certain. Silence will fall. And a good man is going to die…

Take a glimpse at some of the adventures that The Doctor, Amy and Rory embark on in this fantastic photo gallery:

To get your hands on your very own copy, visit the official site! And remember to check back soon for our review!

Images Courtesy of BBC

In this video clip, you’ll not only catch a glimpse of Eccleston & Mori in Lennon Naked, you’ll also get a peek at Season 2 of Being Human, and it ends with Matt Smith in the upcoming season of Doctor Who!

As a huge John Lennon and Doctor Who/Torchwood fan, I was very excited to hear about the casting choices for Lennon Naked, and based on the bit I’ve seen so far, they’re spot on! I’m also stoked for the new season of Being Human, and curious to check out the newest Doctor.

What BBC offerings have you excited this year?

I thought I’d share some of my favourite Christmas TV clips from over the years with you today.

The always hysterical Mr Bean and the Nativity Set:

A Merry Christmas from BBC America and Doctor Who:

The Muppets and John Denver Sing The Twelve Days of Christmas:

And finally, the clip that warms my heart every Christmas:

If you’re looking for some quality Christmas podcasting, check out my guest appearance on The Geek Cast Radio Network’s ToonCast, chatting about some of the finest Christmas cartoons over the years.

I’d love all of you to share your favourite Christmas TV memories by adding your thoughts and links to clips in the comments below.

Thanks to all of you for reading, listening and commenting!

Don’t forget to catch Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars this Saturday night!

In another Doctor Who Inside Look, David Tennant and Russell T. Davies talk about the magic of the TARDIS:

I have to say, as much as I’m looking forward to these last exciting Doctor Who specials, I am really going to miss Tennant.

Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars airs on December 19th at 9 pm, immediately following Inside the Tardis, a one-hour special recapping the series through the eyes of The Doctor’s companions.

This Tuesday, I’ll have an inside look at Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars for your viewing pleasure!

There will be a new companion in the second of four Doctor Who specials this year.

BBC announced today that acclaimed stage and screen actress Lindsay Duncan has been cast as Adelaide, companion to David Tennant’s Doctor in the yet to be titled second special of 2009.

Exec producer/writer Russell T. Davies commented:

“Lindsay is an incredibly talented actress and I’ve been an admirer of her work for some time. We are delighted to announce that she will be joining the team and playing the Doctor’s most strong-minded companion yet.”

This second Doctor Who special will go into production this spring. There’s no word yet whether Duncan is being considered for the role of companion to our next Doctor, Matt Smith, although it would make for quite an interesting age contrast – Duncan is 58, and Smith is 26.

Duncan TV resume includes HBO’s Rome and the upcoming BBC2 drama Margaret in which she portrays The Iron Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher.

So, what are your thoughts on this casting choice?