Ben Williams
@wenbbilliams.bsky.social
Something is very wrong with the spiders of Sheffield. The Doctor and friends investigate.
The end of Enlightenment says the Black Guardian will one day try round 3, that's absolutely something current RTD would love to do. The return of the Guardian of No Specific Colour (even though the use of "black" represents a contrast of light not a racial thing oh why do I bother at this point?)
Wouldn't the Black Guardian have made more sense as an RTD2 arc villain than Sutekh?
- He plays weird mind games
- Is extremely petty and revenge driven
- Manipulates the Doctor's companions
- Susan Twist could be like the Shadow/Turlough as an apprentice
- He plays weird mind games
- Is extremely petty and revenge driven
- Manipulates the Doctor's companions
- Susan Twist could be like the Shadow/Turlough as an apprentice
December 4, 2025 at 10:12 PM
The end of Enlightenment says the Black Guardian will one day try round 3, that's absolutely something current RTD would love to do. The return of the Guardian of No Specific Colour (even though the use of "black" represents a contrast of light not a racial thing oh why do I bother at this point?)
Wouldn't the Black Guardian have made more sense as an RTD2 arc villain than Sutekh?
- He plays weird mind games
- Is extremely petty and revenge driven
- Manipulates the Doctor's companions
- Susan Twist could be like the Shadow/Turlough as an apprentice
- He plays weird mind games
- Is extremely petty and revenge driven
- Manipulates the Doctor's companions
- Susan Twist could be like the Shadow/Turlough as an apprentice
December 4, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Wouldn't the Black Guardian have made more sense as an RTD2 arc villain than Sutekh?
- He plays weird mind games
- Is extremely petty and revenge driven
- Manipulates the Doctor's companions
- Susan Twist could be like the Shadow/Turlough as an apprentice
- He plays weird mind games
- Is extremely petty and revenge driven
- Manipulates the Doctor's companions
- Susan Twist could be like the Shadow/Turlough as an apprentice
Since 2017 more women and POC have worked on Doctor Who on and off screen than before. We've had stories centring on ethnic minorities, non-British cultures, disabled and LGBT characters... so forgive me if I don't think there's an ulterior motive for the "ignore everything post Capaldi" mantra.
December 4, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Since 2017 more women and POC have worked on Doctor Who on and off screen than before. We've had stories centring on ethnic minorities, non-British cultures, disabled and LGBT characters... so forgive me if I don't think there's an ulterior motive for the "ignore everything post Capaldi" mantra.
The core thing about Season 21 is that the tone and darkness sits uncomfortably with a kind Doctor who tries and avoids violence but is driven to do so time and time again during the season. That's why the contrast works vs the excesses of '85 Who. It feels like a production team lashing out.
Davison’s whole era is peak comfort Who for me, its good and its bad, but I really go to bat for this season. It’s ugly and cruel and falls apart in your hands, but I genuinely think there’s so much more nuance (and certainly genuine political anger) in what it’s doing than often given credit.
December 4, 2025 at 5:56 PM
The core thing about Season 21 is that the tone and darkness sits uncomfortably with a kind Doctor who tries and avoids violence but is driven to do so time and time again during the season. That's why the contrast works vs the excesses of '85 Who. It feels like a production team lashing out.
Mark Strickson has played Turlough on-screen again, meaning Anneke Wills is now the only living Classic Who companion who has not made an on-screen return in some capacity and the entire 80s regular cast are accounted for (admittedly only if you count Adric's return as Time-Flight).
December 4, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Mark Strickson has played Turlough on-screen again, meaning Anneke Wills is now the only living Classic Who companion who has not made an on-screen return in some capacity and the entire 80s regular cast are accounted for (admittedly only if you count Adric's return as Time-Flight).
Curious if the summer omnibus edit of The Awakening will be on the Blu-Ray, I don’t think it’s on the DVD? The story’s main problem is it’s a Part One and Four without the middle, maybe playing it in one go fixes the issue.
December 4, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Curious if the summer omnibus edit of The Awakening will be on the Blu-Ray, I don’t think it’s on the DVD? The story’s main problem is it’s a Part One and Four without the middle, maybe playing it in one go fixes the issue.
Swear to god like clockwork one mini-sode that probably cost more money than a Season 21 Doctor Who episode gets the “aha REAL Doctor Who is cheap” NPC response. Except the cast of the season have always said they would’ve preferred working with a revival budget.
Whomp whomp.
Whomp whomp.
December 4, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Swear to god like clockwork one mini-sode that probably cost more money than a Season 21 Doctor Who episode gets the “aha REAL Doctor Who is cheap” NPC response. Except the cast of the season have always said they would’ve preferred working with a revival budget.
Whomp whomp.
Whomp whomp.
In March, every Doctor Who story from Robot to The Reality War will be available in Blu-Ray except for Key to Time. Every. Single. One.
December 4, 2025 at 12:31 PM
In March, every Doctor Who story from Robot to The Reality War will be available in Blu-Ray except for Key to Time. Every. Single. One.
In the least surprising news ever, Season 21 is the next Doctor Who Collection set.
The restoration team have finished the 80s before Stranger Things have!
The restoration team have finished the 80s before Stranger Things have!
December 4, 2025 at 12:18 PM
In the least surprising news ever, Season 21 is the next Doctor Who Collection set.
The restoration team have finished the 80s before Stranger Things have!
The restoration team have finished the 80s before Stranger Things have!
Honestly, it’s probably Jojo Rabbit because if you don’t like it you’ve probably intentionally missed the point.
And Princess Mononoke. Who the fuck doesn’t like thst?
And Princess Mononoke. Who the fuck doesn’t like thst?
Ok, I have to ask. What's a movie that if someone doesn't like you'll hate them?
December 4, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Honestly, it’s probably Jojo Rabbit because if you don’t like it you’ve probably intentionally missed the point.
And Princess Mononoke. Who the fuck doesn’t like thst?
And Princess Mononoke. Who the fuck doesn’t like thst?
I'm definitely not the first to point this out but the first regeneration coinciding with the debut of a villain that has to evolve and change to survive, whilst unintentional, is brilliant. The show has to change and the Cybermen force it through the subtext.
December 3, 2025 at 10:33 PM
I'm definitely not the first to point this out but the first regeneration coinciding with the debut of a villain that has to evolve and change to survive, whilst unintentional, is brilliant. The show has to change and the Cybermen force it through the subtext.
Me reading every single reply and quote tweet to this (geddit? GEDDIT???)
December 3, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Me reading every single reply and quote tweet to this (geddit? GEDDIT???)
When a scene is actually allowed to play out without being edited to pieces, this episode actually looks very good. I think the pre and post productions are what went wrong, scene by scene the episode looks nice and I wish the director got another chance.
Exceptional use of Lighting in Legend of the Sea Devils
December 3, 2025 at 7:31 PM
When a scene is actually allowed to play out without being edited to pieces, this episode actually looks very good. I think the pre and post productions are what went wrong, scene by scene the episode looks nice and I wish the director got another chance.
Billie Piper doing Big Finish is kinda proof to me that at most she will be doing one episode next Christmas as not really the Doctor cause I know there is leeway like Bonnie who was turning up in releases during RTD2 but I don't think the BBC would want the incumbent Doctor doing another thing
December 3, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Billie Piper doing Big Finish is kinda proof to me that at most she will be doing one episode next Christmas as not really the Doctor cause I know there is leeway like Bonnie who was turning up in releases during RTD2 but I don't think the BBC would want the incumbent Doctor doing another thing
Both Stranger Things and The Boys need to wrap it up and I’m glad they both are but the difference is as bloated as ST 4 was it was important and I remember what happened vs Boys 4 and… what happened in that season?
December 3, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Both Stranger Things and The Boys need to wrap it up and I’m glad they both are but the difference is as bloated as ST 4 was it was important and I remember what happened vs Boys 4 and… what happened in that season?
Absolutely hairbrained theory - they have found Tenth Planet 4 to broadcast Christmas Eve.
That is also an Innes Lloyd story with a snow setting, why not broadcast Episode 1 of that? Because that would give the game away. Ice Warriors is famous enough to act as a smokescreen.
That is also an Innes Lloyd story with a snow setting, why not broadcast Episode 1 of that? Because that would give the game away. Ice Warriors is famous enough to act as a smokescreen.
December 3, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Absolutely hairbrained theory - they have found Tenth Planet 4 to broadcast Christmas Eve.
That is also an Innes Lloyd story with a snow setting, why not broadcast Episode 1 of that? Because that would give the game away. Ice Warriors is famous enough to act as a smokescreen.
That is also an Innes Lloyd story with a snow setting, why not broadcast Episode 1 of that? Because that would give the game away. Ice Warriors is famous enough to act as a smokescreen.
This feels like a naughty post-watershed Jon Pertwee Doctor Who story, and he (along with every other actor in Britain) were considered for all the main parts. The IMDB trivia page is hilariously excessive on the potential cast list.
Time to share another Miss Machete Favorite:
Lifeforce (1985)
A space mission stumbles on a strange ship, and the figures on board get brought to Earth. Vampire-like aliens are unleashed on the world.
Energy zombies, naked ladies murdering, Sir Patrick Stewart is there.
Who else loves this movie?
Lifeforce (1985)
A space mission stumbles on a strange ship, and the figures on board get brought to Earth. Vampire-like aliens are unleashed on the world.
Energy zombies, naked ladies murdering, Sir Patrick Stewart is there.
Who else loves this movie?
December 3, 2025 at 7:56 AM
This feels like a naughty post-watershed Jon Pertwee Doctor Who story, and he (along with every other actor in Britain) were considered for all the main parts. The IMDB trivia page is hilariously excessive on the potential cast list.
I saw both live action Seuss films as a kid and was absolutely terrified and I knew they sucked ass. Keep in mind I would watch Sharkboy and Lavagirl at least 10 times a year at sleepovers so it's not like I was particularly intelligent but those films SUUUCKK.
life is long and i've seen a lot of things come and go but i will not stand for the rehabilitation of the ron howard grinch. motherfucker i was THERE in the theater. i was there
December 2, 2025 at 10:37 PM
I saw both live action Seuss films as a kid and was absolutely terrified and I knew they sucked ass. Keep in mind I would watch Sharkboy and Lavagirl at least 10 times a year at sleepovers so it's not like I was particularly intelligent but those films SUUUCKK.
I dunno why but I adore it whenever a big legacy villain like Daleks or Cybermen are in a historical setting.
It's 50% of the reason I enjoy Daleks in Manhattan and Next Doctor, I acknowledge they're not great scripts but the novelty is nice and I wanna see it more.
It's 50% of the reason I enjoy Daleks in Manhattan and Next Doctor, I acknowledge they're not great scripts but the novelty is nice and I wanna see it more.
December 2, 2025 at 10:19 PM
I dunno why but I adore it whenever a big legacy villain like Daleks or Cybermen are in a historical setting.
It's 50% of the reason I enjoy Daleks in Manhattan and Next Doctor, I acknowledge they're not great scripts but the novelty is nice and I wanna see it more.
It's 50% of the reason I enjoy Daleks in Manhattan and Next Doctor, I acknowledge they're not great scripts but the novelty is nice and I wanna see it more.
Regarding streaming vs cinema, personally I don't care too much about a movie in cinemas as long as there's physical media. I'm more upset about not owning the complete Benoit Blanc than I am about the cinema runs. Going to the movies is a *privilege* and yes, Netflix is more convenient for many.
December 2, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Regarding streaming vs cinema, personally I don't care too much about a movie in cinemas as long as there's physical media. I'm more upset about not owning the complete Benoit Blanc than I am about the cinema runs. Going to the movies is a *privilege* and yes, Netflix is more convenient for many.
OG Doccy Who laying the smack out of young John Hammond, definitely a quality film.
Talking Pictures are showing the original film of Graham Greene's great novel Brighton Rock on Dec 3rd at 2100. Lots of reasons to see this. Great script by Greene and Terence Rattigan. Great perfs too, including William Hartnell!
December 2, 2025 at 8:50 PM
OG Doccy Who laying the smack out of young John Hammond, definitely a quality film.
Oh thank fuck, an actual supporting performance, not a fake lead, yeah let's take this to the Oscars, LET'S FUCKING GO!!!!
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Amy Madigan, Weapons
December 2, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Oh thank fuck, an actual supporting performance, not a fake lead, yeah let's take this to the Oscars, LET'S FUCKING GO!!!!
"Doctor Who doesn't work without the Doctor, spin-offs are bad" guys when they spend half their salary on UNIT, Torchwood, River Song, Benny, Missy, War Master, Time War, Jago and Litefoot box sets...
December 2, 2025 at 7:20 PM
"Doctor Who doesn't work without the Doctor, spin-offs are bad" guys when they spend half their salary on UNIT, Torchwood, River Song, Benny, Missy, War Master, Time War, Jago and Litefoot box sets...
So early War and Sea reviews are positive, keep in mind the papers have no loyalty to Doctor Who or RTD and have been negative about the last era, this is a pretty good sign.
Almost like giving it a go and waiting for it to drop was better than endless snark?
Almost like giving it a go and waiting for it to drop was better than endless snark?
December 2, 2025 at 6:43 PM
So early War and Sea reviews are positive, keep in mind the papers have no loyalty to Doctor Who or RTD and have been negative about the last era, this is a pretty good sign.
Almost like giving it a go and waiting for it to drop was better than endless snark?
Almost like giving it a go and waiting for it to drop was better than endless snark?
The other studios' downfalls are very quick and noticeable but Sony has nothing to fall from cause they've always been the lawful stupid studio, although Lionsgate is giving them a run for their money recently. This is the most comprehensible Sony business decision.
I still can't believe Sony sold K-Pop Demon Hunters to Netflix thinking it would be a flop, but are betting that basketball movie with a goat is going to be a huge hit in cinemas.
December 2, 2025 at 6:26 PM
The other studios' downfalls are very quick and noticeable but Sony has nothing to fall from cause they've always been the lawful stupid studio, although Lionsgate is giving them a run for their money recently. This is the most comprehensible Sony business decision.