Captain Europe
Member
It's just called season 1, there's season 1 from 1963 and season 1 from 2005, make sure it's the latter one. They just restarted the count with the modern reboot, that's all.
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Doctor Who |OT| Pre-Series 8 Discussion - He's A-Coming
- Thread starter Deadly Cyclone
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It's just called season 1, there's season 1 from 1963 and season 1 from 2005, make sure it's the latter one. They just restarted the count with the modern reboot, that's all.
actually, it's called Series 1. Start with the premiere episode, Rose.
Ehhhh....if you're going to go this route, please be forewarned that series 1 is front loaded with some pretty awful episodes, Rose included. Long story, but behind the scenes stuff with tonal issues-it fixes itself, but I know so many people that watched Rose and stopped right there because it's so goofy and hasn't aged well. Just be forewarned that until you get to the episode called "Dalek" it's not indicative of the Status Quo.
I wouldn't even call Dalek that. It was a fun episode at the time, but mostly because of the anticipation surrounding the return of the Daleks. It hasn't aged at all well either, the side characters in that episode are really grating.
To the guy that asked the question: keep in mind that you can start watching at the first episode of pretty much any Doctor. The actor playing him changes every few years, and every era has it's own 'feel'. What works with some people won't for others. If series 1 is too rough for you, you can consider starting at season 2, where David Tennant starts playing the Doctor. A lot of people around here love him, and see him as the best Doctor, although I don't share that opinion.
I would suggest starting with season 5, with Matt Smith. Even from just a production standpoint the show feels a lot more modern and polished, and I prefer most of the stories as well. I particularly prefer the acting of Matt Smith over the previous 2 Doctors.
Besides that there are 8 other (classic) Doctors you might want to look at, but you should probably see if you can enjoy the modern version before attempting that.
Edit: also keep in mind that, depending on your region maybe, Netflix doesn't have all the episodes of the modern seasons. It has all the regular episodes, but the christmas specials and other standalone specials are missing. Sometimes you won't miss much, but some of them do contain some fairly important developments concerning certain main characters.
No for sure, Dalek isn't a classic episode either, but it's where things finally start to get interesting. But even that episode has horribly cheesy acting. The main "human" Villian is eye rollingly bad.
I also suggest starting with Matt Smith, but watching Blink/Silence in the Library/Forrest of the Dead beforehand and once he's also caught up-THEN watch series 1 and onward.
I also suggest starting with Matt Smith, but watching Blink/Silence in the Library/Forrest of the Dead beforehand and once he's also caught up-THEN watch series 1 and onward.
No offense, but that's a terrible idea. Just start at Rose (which gets way too much grief on here) and progress chronologically.
No offense, but my idea is actually genius.
There's nothing terrible about that idea at all, it's the way a lot of people have been very happily introduced to the show. And Rose is far more likely to scare people away than Blink. Far far far more likely.
Even then I wouldn't call starting with Rose a terrible idea either, though. Some people that'll be the right way to go too.
You're not thinking about it. The goal is to get them into season 5. Blink sets up Weeping Angels and Silence sets up River Song (for better or worse).
Believe me I've tried to get loads of people into Doctor Who. Rose turns most people off, Blink gets them really interested in the show.
Captain Europe
Member
You know what, on second thought, I agree with this. Season 1 definitely has some of that cheesy 90s/early 2000 vibe to it. The show gets better and better as it goes on, but you might get turned off by the cheesyness in the earlier episodes. Starting with Matt Smith(season 5/series 5) and then watching the earlier seasons later sounds like a good idea.
peanutbutterlatte
Member
"Dalek" was good if only for Eccleston starting to show off that PTSD post-War Doctor.
"I watched it happen. I made it happen!"
"I watched it happen. I made it happen!"
Actually, aside from the weeping angels introduction mentioned above, the Doctor Light formula is absolutely *perfect* for introducing people to the show. It's like dipping your toe into the world, and Sally Sparrow acts as a great audience-surrogate for someone new to the concept, even more-so than a fresh companion like Rose or Amy. Everything weird about the show is weird to our protagonist.
And, while expanded on later, it's just a great standalone story that you can get into and out of in 40 minutes and decide if you want to watch more.
Blink is absolutely an excellent way to introduce people to Doctor Who. It was recommended to me by a friend and it was my first episode, loved it, proceeded to consume the series through Netflix in a couple of months. You might want to point out it's not the typical kind of Doctor Who, but that the high points in the series are that good if not even better, so it's worth it to slog through some of the worse stuff.
And the good thing is, Blink doesn't really spoil anything.
And the good thing is, Blink doesn't really spoil anything.
And also for seeing Eccelston lose his shit and panic when he sees what's chained up in there. He had been as calm and collected as could be until this point, so seeing him unnerved really made an impact.
I Also hate the really dumb game show stuff in the S1 Finale, but it's worth it for The Doctor's "fuck you" speech to the Daleks.
Dalek: But she will be destroyed!
The Doctor: No! 'Cause this is what I'm gonna do: I'm gonna rescue her! I'm gonna save Rose Tyler from the middle of the Dalek fleet, and then I'm gonna save the Earth, and then, just to finish off, I'm gonna wipe every last stinking Dalek out of the sky!
Dalek: But you have no weapons! No defenses! No plan!
The Doctor: Yeah! And doesn't that scare you to death? [speaking to Rose] Rose?
Rose: Yes, Doctor?
The Doctor: I'm coming to get you.
Fuck yeah. What an awesome moment.
Discotheque
Banned
Series 5 felt like the best starting point for the series for sure. It just felt...new. Also say what you will about the highs and lows but i still think it's the tightest season of the entire reboot run. It just has a cohesive tone and plotline.
Also it actually looked recent. I swear prior to Luther and Matt Smith Who it looked like all british shows were filmed in the 70s lol.
Also it actually looked recent. I swear prior to Luther and Matt Smith Who it looked like all british shows were filmed in the 70s lol.
especially Life On Mars!!
SpacePirate Ridley
Member
I will always say that episodes of Tennant and Matt Smith are better if you have been through the whole new series, becuase you have fondness of some characters and you know by then how the whole show works and how crazy it can get, even is some episodes in series 1, 2 and 3 are awful.
Also even in Eccleston is a jerk, his doctor is amazing and would be a pity not start with him.
When you finish you can return and watch the best of old doctor who to enjoy the rest of the doctors.
Also even in Eccleston is a jerk, his doctor is amazing and would be a pity not start with him.
When you finish you can return and watch the best of old doctor who to enjoy the rest of the doctors.
ClivePwned
Member
I cannot understand why you would say to someone "watch Blink first" if they wanted to introduce someone to the show
It's so utterly unrepresentative of the rest of the show (Since it barely has the Doctor in it for starters), a complex storyline that is far easier to follow if you know about the series and what's possible. It's great but seeing that first is a bait and switch. "Where are all the statues and who's this twat who keeps talking fast?"
Without any context about what Doctor Who is, Blink is just an episode of The Twilight Zone.
For all its faults, start the new series with Rose. Skip any episodes after that, but that's the only one that has no baggage, explains exactly what you need to know (and just what you need to know). It was written as a way to introduce the series to people who had never seen an episode before. It's some way too cheap looking CG and a lot of the first season is variable filler. The other benefit is that you get to a regeneration quickly, which gets a new viewer used to the concept of regeneration and different actors playing the lead role.
Option 2 is Season 5, since its the first full season in HD.
That said, I am one of those people who has to see things from the beginning.
It's so utterly unrepresentative of the rest of the show (Since it barely has the Doctor in it for starters), a complex storyline that is far easier to follow if you know about the series and what's possible. It's great but seeing that first is a bait and switch. "Where are all the statues and who's this twat who keeps talking fast?"
Without any context about what Doctor Who is, Blink is just an episode of The Twilight Zone.
For all its faults, start the new series with Rose. Skip any episodes after that, but that's the only one that has no baggage, explains exactly what you need to know (and just what you need to know). It was written as a way to introduce the series to people who had never seen an episode before. It's some way too cheap looking CG and a lot of the first season is variable filler. The other benefit is that you get to a regeneration quickly, which gets a new viewer used to the concept of regeneration and different actors playing the lead role.
Option 2 is Season 5, since its the first full season in HD.
That said, I am one of those people who has to see things from the beginning.
I don't think that's ever really happened...
The point in starting with Blink is not to give someone a crash course in Doctor Who 101, it's just to hook them with a really good sci-fi story and ease them gradually into the show.
The Real Abed
Perma-Junior
Just start with Rose and take the good with the bad. All the seasons have bad episodes and good episodes. If you can't take them all then why even watch.
Just watch through, make a note of which episodes you love and rewatch them later. You can't know which episodes you're gonna love or hate based on what people say. Everyone has different opinions of "bad".
Just watch through, make a note of which episodes you love and rewatch them later. You can't know which episodes you're gonna love or hate based on what people say. Everyone has different opinions of "bad".
For instance, I love the Star Trek: TNG episode "The Royale". Some people don't however.
You say this though with the assumption they are going into the series fully commited to watching the show. Dipping their toe into the water and watching Rose to see if the show appeals to their sensibilities can backfire and make people ignore the rest of the show.
I have shown Doctor Who to my friends different ways.
Some started with Eleventh Hour. They loved it.
Showed my girlfriend the Blink first. She loved it.
My other friend did his own research, started "properly" at Rose. He hated it.
In retrospect, I heavily disliked Rose as well. Stopped watching the show for a few years, in fact. Now that I know what Doctor Who is and who the Doctor is, Rose is a good episode.
So yeah...would not recommend Rose to anyone, honestly. It is fun if you know RTD's style, but if you go in new, in 2014....ew.
Some started with Eleventh Hour. They loved it.
Showed my girlfriend the Blink first. She loved it.
My other friend did his own research, started "properly" at Rose. He hated it.
In retrospect, I heavily disliked Rose as well. Stopped watching the show for a few years, in fact. Now that I know what Doctor Who is and who the Doctor is, Rose is a good episode.
So yeah...would not recommend Rose to anyone, honestly. It is fun if you know RTD's style, but if you go in new, in 2014....ew.
SigmasonicX
Member
This may sound odd, but I think "The Shakespeare Code" actually works pretty well as a "first episode to show to a friend" that doesn't have the "doesn't actually reflect the show" problem as "Blink". The pre-credits sequence is absurdly cheesy, but the episode actually does explain a lot of aspects of the show, being Martha's first time travel episode and all. Plus, I've never liked the concept of showing someone one of the great episodes of a show to get him or her interested, since it seems like every other episode would fail to live up to it. Granted, I'll probably need a larger sample size, since I'm not even sure if the person I tried this on actually started watching the show (it was a friend of a friend).
I know that, for me, I always loved the concept of Doctor Who. Watched a couple of third, fourth and fifth Doctor stories when I was a kid because my uncle had them on VHS. Wasn't in love with the show, but I was familiar with the concept. Watched the Douglas Adams episodes when I got into Hitchhikers Guide when I was 13 or so. Again, kinda liked the concept, but at the time the show was just too old for me to appreciate.
Fast forward a couple of years when the show was rebooted with Christopher Eccleston. Wanted to give it an honest shot, because I always had this weird fascination with the show. I actually really liked the first series back in the day, because it felt unlike anything else on tv at the moment, but there were a lot of episodes I didn't really like (Big Brother spoof, anything with the Slitheen, etc.). Which was fine, it was just a first series. Then David Tennant came around. I liked him, but not more than that. Really, really wanted to love the show. When it was good, it could be really good. When it was bad, it was embarrassingly bad. The show had so much potential, but never really fullfilled that completely for me. The cheesy melodrama certainly isn't for me, and there's just so much of it in those seasons. Gave up on the show numerous times, tried again and again. The was the occasional episode that I really liked, but it was almost always followed by a couple of stinkers.
Then I heard that the show was getting a new showrunner. I remembered Moffat's name, because he wrote a lot of the really good episodes. Gave it another honest shot. His season, season 5, was nothing short of amazing. Exactly what I wanted the show to be. Funnier, better written, more engaging plots, better acted. Loved the show so much that I started rewatching all(!) the classic series episodes. Season 6, while a bit less cohesive than season 5, is still pretty great in my eyes. Season 7 didn't really work for me, felt more like it became a bit of an imitation of itself. Some good moments though. But for me, season 5 and season 6 still is something very special.
Whenever I try to get a friend into Doctor Who and they want to start with either Eccleston or Tennant because they heard so much about him they give up very quickly, and just can't understand why I would want to waste my time with a show like that. I'm a bit more fond of those episodes these days because I can forgive their faults more easily, but I just don't think they hold up to other modern tv series. Nowadays I just start by showing people Sherlock, which is a bit more approachable to most people, and offer them season 5 afterwards. I don't even start with Blink, as I don't think anything in that story is really needed to understand the later stories. The Silence in the Library two-parter is the only one that's really important from a plot perspective. Not the easiest episode to start with though, so I just show that after season 5, to give a bit of backstory to River Song. The Eleventh Hour is just the perfect introduction episode, in my eyes. The world opens up very nicely during those first couple of episodes of season 5, and does it a lot more gracefully than season 1 did.
Tastes differ and all that. I honestly really like every actor who ever played the Doctor. I just don't like every era, in terms of production values, style and plot.
Fast forward a couple of years when the show was rebooted with Christopher Eccleston. Wanted to give it an honest shot, because I always had this weird fascination with the show. I actually really liked the first series back in the day, because it felt unlike anything else on tv at the moment, but there were a lot of episodes I didn't really like (Big Brother spoof, anything with the Slitheen, etc.). Which was fine, it was just a first series. Then David Tennant came around. I liked him, but not more than that. Really, really wanted to love the show. When it was good, it could be really good. When it was bad, it was embarrassingly bad. The show had so much potential, but never really fullfilled that completely for me. The cheesy melodrama certainly isn't for me, and there's just so much of it in those seasons. Gave up on the show numerous times, tried again and again. The was the occasional episode that I really liked, but it was almost always followed by a couple of stinkers.
Then I heard that the show was getting a new showrunner. I remembered Moffat's name, because he wrote a lot of the really good episodes. Gave it another honest shot. His season, season 5, was nothing short of amazing. Exactly what I wanted the show to be. Funnier, better written, more engaging plots, better acted. Loved the show so much that I started rewatching all(!) the classic series episodes. Season 6, while a bit less cohesive than season 5, is still pretty great in my eyes. Season 7 didn't really work for me, felt more like it became a bit of an imitation of itself. Some good moments though. But for me, season 5 and season 6 still is something very special.
Whenever I try to get a friend into Doctor Who and they want to start with either Eccleston or Tennant because they heard so much about him they give up very quickly, and just can't understand why I would want to waste my time with a show like that. I'm a bit more fond of those episodes these days because I can forgive their faults more easily, but I just don't think they hold up to other modern tv series. Nowadays I just start by showing people Sherlock, which is a bit more approachable to most people, and offer them season 5 afterwards. I don't even start with Blink, as I don't think anything in that story is really needed to understand the later stories. The Silence in the Library two-parter is the only one that's really important from a plot perspective. Not the easiest episode to start with though, so I just show that after season 5, to give a bit of backstory to River Song. The Eleventh Hour is just the perfect introduction episode, in my eyes. The world opens up very nicely during those first couple of episodes of season 5, and does it a lot more gracefully than season 1 did.
Tastes differ and all that. I honestly really like every actor who ever played the Doctor. I just don't like every era, in terms of production values, style and plot.
SigmasonicX
Member
Personally, I'm not really comfortable with introducing people with season 5, because then that naturally leads into season 6, and my rewatching has confirmed that I overall really do not like season 6.
You simply have to start with Eccleston. I really don't see why you would even start to get into the show if you don't. It's also very good.
I'm going through Troughton right now... Almost done with the lost episodes. I'm half way trough Evil of the Daleks. Smooth sailing soon enough.
I'm going through Troughton right now... Almost done with the lost episodes. I'm half way trough Evil of the Daleks. Smooth sailing soon enough.
Just have them commit to watching two episodes... if they hate "Rose", skip ahead to "The Eleventh Hour".
This, while Blink is one of the best episodes I don't tell people to start with it.
twilitesparklemotion
Member
The Eleventh Hour is objectively the best staring episode. Smith nails it, the plot is light and fun, the climax is bad-ass, and it's not bogged down with the Time War plot. Then, once they care about the Doctor, they can slog through season 1 (which doesn't hit its stride, unfortunately, until 2/3 of the way in.)
Anecdotal evidence and all but I got three different people into the show with the Eleventh Hour. I love Series 1 but not everyone will "get it" at first and you may lose a potential fan in the process (if you ultimately care about getting them hooked). I know at least one person for which Blink would be the perfect episode, but haven't tried it yet. In the end it's a matter of knowing your audience, I think.
It's easy to reel people in with The Eleventh Hour when you have Amy Pond to start off, for reasons unexplained.
Yes. The best way.
Bobby Roberts
Banned
Watch "The Eleventh Hour." If intrigued, continue through the entirety of Series 5.
Once done with Series 5, skip back to Series 1, watch all the way through until caught up.
Series 5 really does give you all the context you need to jump back to Series 1 and not be thrown by what happens. Series 5 makes acclimating to the world of Doctor Who a HELL of a lot easier than any other season, and obviously more than just hitting one-off episodes like Blink or Midnight.
Tom Baker may be the most enduring example of The Doctor, but I think at this point Matt Smith in Season 5 is the most potent gateway drug there is to get people hooked on Doctor Who.
Once done with Series 5, skip back to Series 1, watch all the way through until caught up.
Series 5 really does give you all the context you need to jump back to Series 1 and not be thrown by what happens. Series 5 makes acclimating to the world of Doctor Who a HELL of a lot easier than any other season, and obviously more than just hitting one-off episodes like Blink or Midnight.
Tom Baker may be the most enduring example of The Doctor, but I think at this point Matt Smith in Season 5 is the most potent gateway drug there is to get people hooked on Doctor Who.
Ignatz Mouse
Banned
As much as Matt Smith annoys me, 11th Hour probably is the best on ramp. My personal first exposure was Day of the Doctor, but I doubt that's a good way to start for most people.
APZonerunner
Member
My new recommended order is actually something like:
Series 5 up until Vincent & The Doctor.
Then return to 'Rose' and just watch chronologically.
The only thing that's a bit pants about that is Victory being the first Dalek episode you see, but following it fairly soon after with Dalek & Doomsday makes up for it a lot.
The reason I say to stop after Vincent is because I think having watched a lot of Doctor exploits prior to the Pandorica events, especially involving those who show up, gives it all a bit more punch, IMO.
Series 5 up until Vincent & The Doctor.
Then return to 'Rose' and just watch chronologically.
The only thing that's a bit pants about that is Victory being the first Dalek episode you see, but following it fairly soon after with Dalek & Doomsday makes up for it a lot.
The reason I say to stop after Vincent is because I think having watched a lot of Doctor exploits prior to the Pandorica events, especially involving those who show up, gives it all a bit more punch, IMO.
That actually works too. It sets an expectation for the show, with varied settings and tones and stories, which a wide range of quality episodes.
That the first time you see the Angels, River and the Daleks in Series 5 lacks the context they expect you to have, is why I would totally push for Eleventh Hour as the best introduction story a Doctor has ever had, but wouldn't be as keen to jump on the series proper from that point on.
It's really a shame series one looks 'last gen' so to speak, for so many.
It's really a shame series one looks 'last gen' so to speak, for so many.
peanutbutterlatte
Member
[OBVIOUS SPOILERS] Photos from the Finale filming set
Filmed at the National Museum of Cardiff, last seen in The Day of the Doctor. Pictured is what seems to be a war memorial engraved with "REST IN PEACE - WE PROMISE" with something in Galifreyan. So no sight of the Master, but we're definitely getting a little more exposure on Galifrey falling no more!
Scooter155
Member
I have goosebumps. I love that finale. I think Rose's speech in the diner (I think I've even mentioned it in this thread) is the best summation of everything that makes the Doctor great the shows has put forth so far (at least in New Who).
Also, Blink is the episode that got me hooked on the show, I know it's not representative of the usual formula but I was channel surfing and came in right around the police station scene when Sally sees the angels in the rain and then blinks and they're gone, and I was hooked. Started with "Rose" and never looked back.
Scooter155
Member
Is there somewhere with an easy to parse list of all the spoilers, news and updates compiled together? I assumed the OP would be updated with that, but I guess this isn't a spoiler thread. Thanks!
peanutbutterlatte
Member
The thread will probably be more comprehensively updated as we get closer to August. Right now, if in doubt, tag it.
Ventilaator
Banned
I read your post and thought it was a great quote until I realized it applies to any action hero ever.
There's always Gallifrey Base. (Skips away, chucking to self.)
Sir_Crocodile
Member
That's like panhandling for gold up shit creek
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