Doctor Who stories to watch during isolation – Picked by the Cast and Crew

It’s safe to say that what the world needs right now is the Doctor. If you’re like us, and stuck in isolation with not much to do, you’re probably itching to watch some Doctor Who.

We sought advice from those closest to the show – the show-runners, writers, cast and crew – to bring you a list of their favourite and most comforting Doctor Who episodes to watch during this unprecedented time.

The Pirate Planet | Russell T Davies

‘Given the length of this isolation, I’d say all of them!’ jokes former show-runner Russell T Davies. ‘But… The Pirate Planet. Enormous fun. Curiously underestimated, it rarely makes the list of favourite episodes – when it outstrips most of TV!’

Heaven Sent | Joy Wilkinson

The Witchfinders writer, Joy Wilkinson, chooses Heaven Sent as her isolation episode. ‘I’m a big fan of Heaven Sent‘ she says. ‘It seems apt as a tale of bravery, tenacity and resilience against all odds, over a long time, alone. And I especially love how it’s embedded in the form that restrictions force creativity – in storytelling, as in life.’

Vincent and the Doctor | Matt Strevens

‘I think now is the perfect time to revisit Vincent and the Doctor.” says current executive producer, Matt Strevens. ‘I love the historicals and this one is one of the best’ he explains. ‘It’s funny and witty and action packed, as always, but the metaphor of fighting your own monsters and the way it deals with mental health is perfection. I also defy anyone to keep a dry eye as the Doctor and Amy take Vincent (one of the great guest performances from Tony Curran) to the Musee d’Orsay to see his legacy. Despite the subject matter it’s totally uplifting and life affirming. A comfort watch must!’

The Green Death | Terror of the Autons | Dalek

Katy Manning

70’s companion actress Katy Manning has not one, but three suggestions for us. ‘My first suggestion is Dalek by Robert Shearman’ she tells us. ‘This is one of my favourites of the new Who series from the brilliant Russell T Davies. This features daleks just the way I find them most disturbing – void of any human look or connection! With Christopher Eccleston & Billie Piper, such a perfect team!’ She then goes on to tell us her favourites from her run of the show. ‘From my era with Jon Pertwee I’d pick The Terror of the Autons with the introduction of the Master. I also love the character growth of Jo Grant and the wonderful relationship that blossomed between her Doctor (Jon Pertwee) that pays off so touchingly in The Green Death – both earth bound episodes which show awareness on the problem of plastics & pollution.’

The Lodger | Emily Cook

‘Wouldn’t it be brilliant fun to be stuck in quarantine with the Doctor and Craig?’ Says Doctor Who Magazine’s Emily Cook. ‘If only for the fact that the Doctor makes amazing omelettes, which are my all-time favourite food!’ perfect lockdown dinner anyone?

‘I think Matt Smith and James Corden have amazing chemistry in this episode. Also, seeing the Doctor attempting to live a normal life never fails to cheer me up. I love domestic Doctor Who!’ Anyone for an indoor game of football or hallway cat chat?

Androids of Tara | City of Death | The Ribos Operation

Paul Cornell

Fathers Day and Human Nature writer, Paul Cornell, couldn’t just pick one story! ‘I’d opt for anything with Tom Baker and Romana under Graham Williams, especially Androids of Tara, The Ribos Operation or City of Death. The most civilised and comfortable Who, all nonchalant clowning, expert detail and gorgeous world-building.’

The Girl in the Fireplace | Vinay Patel

‘It was the episode someone tried to introduce me to New series Doctor Who through – try saying that when you’re drunk!’ 13th Doctor writer Vinay Patel tells us. ‘I hadn’t paid attention – “he’s on a horse now?!” – but during my own journey through the series I was struck by how *full* it was. Creepy and funny and moving all at once – Doctor Who at its best.’

Robots of Death | Louise Jameson

When we asked Leela actress Louise Jameson what her chosen lockdown story would be she picked a Leela classic, Robots of Death. ‘Especially the scene where Tom (The fourth Doctor) tries to explain why the TARDIS is bigger on the inside. All these years on and I still chuckle. What a glorious piece of writing!’ Leela and the fourth Doctor in a space murder mystery? Perfect comfort viewing!

Beverly Sandford | The Eleventh Hour

Doctor Who author Beverly Sanford chooses The Eleventh Hour. ‘It’s a perfect episode, with the exact right amount of wonderfully silly japes and makes you fall in love with the eleventh Doctor instantly – even though you’re still pining for the tenth Doctor.’ Fish Custard always cheers us up.

Time Ladies Pick

Kezia | The Shakespeare Code

I’m a sucker for a period drama, so the Doctor and Martha bumping into William Shakespeare is right up my street. And paired with witchcraft?! What larks! I love how quick witted and fun this story is – it knows exactly what it’s doing and doesn’t take itself too seriously, not even for a second. The joy of watching this Shakespeare flirt outrageously with both Martha and the Doctor and the fair maiden in ultimate hag-mode (not unlike me WFH at the mo) never fail to make me chuckle. This is a story that fits you like a cosy jumper; warming and comforting down to a T.

Beth | Arachnids in the UK

Arachnids in the UK has all the elements of my favourite comfort Who. It’s set on Earth in the 21st century, we get a sneak peak into the companion’s family lives and there’s an invasion to investigate. At the heart of the story is an important message on environmentalism and capitalism – one of the things that Doctor Who does best. On top of that, there are terrifying giant spiders and and a mystery to figure out. It fills me with joy and nostalgia for a world where the TARDIS lands on an ordinary estate – where anything magnificent can happen!

There we have it – a perfect playlist of Doctor Who episodes picked by the wonderful people behind our favourite show. You can find all of the classic episodes mentioned on Britbox, and the new series ones on BBC iPlayer.

What is your favourite comfort episode of Doctor Who? Let us know @thetimeladies_ or email us at thetimeladies@yahoo.com

Time Ladies Debate: Orphan 55

The third episode of Doctor Who series 12, Orphan 55, has turned out to be a divisive one among fandom. Some of us love it, some of us loathe it – like marmite, but with added space adventures. The only thing we can all agree on is how iconic the line ‘BENNI!’ is. In order to cover all sides of the story, we present to you; Time Ladies Debate: Orphan 55!

ORPHAN 55? NOT FOR ME… says Kez

In some ways, Orphan 55 is the very essence of Doctor Who – a base siege, a chase, a threatening monster… but it never truly landed for me. The first scenes of the fam landing at the plush spacey spa were brilliant – the pace from Spyfall was still there, as was sustaining the brilliant wit from the leading characters. I was overjoyed at the mental imagery being conjured of Graham lounging with a cocktail, and them all taking a damn break after wrestling with a deep-space squid, well deserved.

As in the series opener, the fam were expertly split off from each other, primed for different versions of the adventure. But alas, were (literally) crammed together again for large parts of the story, a massively missed opportunity. Talk about three being a crowd – when you have a main cast of four, adding another seven (!) onto that means that frankly, we’re not going to have time to become emotionally invested in these guest characters. You could barely keep track of who was there, who had died and who was left behind. Something that really highlighted this for me was the use of sacrifice in this story – something that should hold such impact – a total stranger giving their life for the Doctor and their friends. But this was done four times in one story. When we don’t have time to become invested in these characters, we probably care little when they die, let alone when it becomes a ‘thing’ that happens.

This need for sacrifice feels like it’s there to create peaks in a story that fundamentally is a constant chase. A chase that, instead of thrilling, completely flatlines when they leave the building. After the pacey beginning, where was the push and pull from each side? When the Doctor looked into the mind of the Dregs, she could see the terrifying reality of who they were. But why did we not have the opportunity to learn about this further, to hear about what happened, and how to help them now? Leaving the planet with no resolution apart from ‘hoping it’s just one possible future’ felt like they were running away from the problem rather than facing what had been done. Climate change is a real terror, it’s not something we can run away from. It felt callous and abrupt to simply leave it there.

I admit that as someone who was completely transfixed by the end of Spyfall, I may have been a little disappointed by the drop in focus. But a story centred around such an important message? It could have been better.

ORPHAN 55? THE BEST OF SERIES 12 SO FAR… says Beth

Orphan 55 captures many aspects of my favourite parts of Doctor Who; Action. Adventure. Love. Danger. An important message. There are many layers and characters woven throughout the Tranquillity Spa – something I believe works well to establish the world we’re immersed in. Thanks to Ed Hime’s brilliant characterisation, everybody has a personality and a reason to root for them. Then there are the dregs, some of the scariest and well-designed Doctor Who creatures for a while. Not only do they look incredible, but the truth behind their existence is even more gruesome and hammers home the message of the tale. It’s great to see the Doctor teaching her friends too – even though she’s suffering. It’s particularly interesting to see the fam’s relationship changing out of mistrust and the Doctor’s sorrow, which ties in brilliantly to the storyline.

The truth of Orphan 55 is hidden inside a wrapper of capitalism and human fault – the planet is Earth’s future and the dregs are the human race, evolved and terrifying. This is the type of plot that Doctor Who was made for. In a similar vein to The Green Death, it educates and opens the mind to the climate crisis as well as providing fun and escapism on a Sunday night. There is a positive to come out of such an on the nose message. Because even though Doctor Who is an escape, a place to disappear away from the terrors of our world, it is also a reminder that we can be better and that we should be better – and that’s the most positive thing of all – that we still have hope. As the Doctor tells us at the end of the adventure; ‘Be the best of humanity.’ Hopefully, we won’t let her down.

 

After we discussed the story, we decided to put our differences aside and have a custard cream and a cup of tea. After all, Doctor Who is vast and complicated and beautiful – we won’t always love it or hate it!

Follow us on Twitter for more Series 12 content, news and reviews!

Reliving Series 11 of Doctor Who

Doctor Who series 11 may be over, but the fun doesn’t have to end! To celebrate the release of the soundtrack and box-set of series 11, we’ve compiled the perfect guide on how to relive and enjoy Jodie Whittaker’s first run of adventures.

It doesn’t have to end with an occasional re-watch – you can listen to music from episodes, enjoy fan blogs, vlogs and podcasts to really immerse yourself. Read on to become a fully-fledged team TARDIS/Fam member!

Episode 1 – The Woman Who Fell to Earth

Jodie Whittaker wowed audiences in her debut story ‘The Woman Who Fell To Earth’

Watch the episode – Take yourself back to the 13^th Doctor’s debut via the Series 11 Boxset or BBC iPlayer

Soundtrack pick –The Woman Who Fell to Earth (Track 7) – Close your eyes and relive the 13^th Doctor’s magical beginnings with ‘The Doctor’. This song covers every aspect of our favourite Time Lord – from its rapid pace changes to its ambient backdrop, it is a wonderful reminder of what the character is all about. Hollie Buhagiar’s stunning vocals will drop you right back in to The Woman Who Fell to Earth instantly. Listen Here

Twitter reacts to Jodie Whittaker’s debut

Directing Episode One

Fan creations –

We adore this cosplay by Georgia Grace Ranwell! This is some real costume and photo editing TALENT.

Cosplay and image by Georgia Grace Ranwell

Episode 2 – The Ghost Monument

Team TARDIS on their first outer space adventure.

Watch the episode – Crash back into our first space adventure with the Series 11 Boxset or BBC iPlayer

Soundtrack pick – My Beautiful Ghost Monument (Track 11) – One of the most iconic scenes from series 11, the Doctor being reunited with her TARDIS in ‘The Ghost Monument’ has been etched on our memories ever since. You can enter the TARDIS and feel its wonder through this single track, the song will leave you awestruck and ready to pull that lever into adventures in time and space! Listen Here

Remnants Case File

Fan creations

We love this drawing of 13 finally getting back to her TARDIS by Sophie Isles!

Sophie Isles recreates the amazing moment the Doctor is reunited with her TARDIS.

Episode 3 – Rosa

The Doctor and ‘fam’ take a trip back in time…

Watch the episode – Visit America’s deep south with the TARDIS fam via the Series 11 boxset or by BBC iPlayer

Soundtrack pick – Parks, Rosa Parks (Side 2 Track 3) – This episode brings emotional music like no other, so we love the track Parks Rosa Parks. With hints of her theme strewn throughout, there is an underlying sense of danger and tension as portrayed in the story’s battle with racism. The wonderful strength and sense of unity in Rosa’s theme intertwined with the darker moments create an image of hope – one we can all stand by. Listen Here

Access All Areas

Fan creations – We love this review from YouTuber SesskaSays. Well, we pretty much love every review from her but this one in particular, as she goes on the same emotional journey we did during her watch.

 

Episode 4 – Arachnids in the UK

Who ya gonna call? TEAM TARDIS.

Watch the episode – Find the Doctor and her friends chasing giant spiders via the Series 11 Boxset or BBC iPlayer

Soundtrack pick – My Fam (Track 14) – Relive the beautiful moment that Team TARDIS decided to adventure together in this emotional track from Arachnids in the UK. My Fam brings together ambient tones and instrumentals to symbolise the hope and love the characters have for each other. Warning: you may not leave the track with a dry eye. Listen Here

11 of the Scariest Everyday Horrors in Doctor Who

Fan creations – Listen to Kez talk to one of our favourite podcasts Galactic Yoyo as they have a debate over their opinions of Arachnids in the UK

Episode 5 – The Tsuranga Conundrum

When you realise you messed up.

Watch the episode – Join this classic sci-fi story by purchasing the Series 11 Boxset, or find it on BBC iPlayer

Soundtrack pick – Resus One (Track 16) – The futuristic drama of Resus One creates the perfect spacey atmosphere, meaning you can relive The Tsuranga Conundrum musically whenever you like. We love the drums and heavier tones used to emphasise the danger the team are in, with a hint of magic and hope as the song goes on. Segun really knows how to pack his music with emotion. Listen Here

Cute but Deadly Creatures in Doctor Who

Fan creations – Listen to when Beth chatted about her opinions on The Tsuranga Conundrum on the Eruditorum Presscast Podcast

Episode 6 – Demons of the Punjab

Doctor Who explores the partition of India in ‘Demons of the Punjab’

Watch the episode –Take a trip into the history of the partition by purchasing the Series 11 Boxset, or find it on BBC iPlayer

Soundtrack Pick – Yaz and Nani End Credits (Side 2 Track 12) – One of the absolute highlights of the series 11 soundtrack has to be this hauntingly beautiful version of the Doctor Who theme tune, played at the end of Demons of the Punjab. The vocals are stunning and proves that the iconic theme tune works perfectly when sung as opposed to the usual instrumental. It is slow and raw, picking up on the important and saddening topic of the story it concludes. Listen Here

Thijarians Case File

Fan creations –

Read Demonology and The Doctor here

Episode 7 – Kerblam!

Kerblam it!

Watch the episode – Deliver yourself an exciting adventure by purchasing the Series 11 Boxset, or find it on BBC iPlayer

Soundtrack pick – Kerblam (Track 17) – This eight minute song from the series 11 soundtrack will take you through the Kerblam mystery via a musical journey. From beginning to end, the piece builds tension with hints of mystery, while dropping subtle character themes and emotions throughout. The vocals and strings used create the perfect sense of humanity for the piece – just like the heart of the story. Listen Here

10 of the Worst Businesses in Doctor Who

Fan creations – We ❤ Sam Richard Bentley’s brilliant poster for the story.

Poster by Sam Richard Bentley

Episode 8 – The Witchfinders

The Witchfinders

 Watch the episode – Magic yourself into the story by purchasing the Series 11 Boxset, or find it on BBC iPlayer

Soundtrack pick – King James (Side 2 Track 13) – A historical episode gives the composer a chance to create something different and show off exactly what they can do, and this track is a great example of that. The violins give it a medieval royal feel – perfectly fit for a king. This little taste of the 1600s is exactly all you need to relive The Witchfinders! Listen Here

10 Times Doctor Who Entered the Wizarding World

Fan creations –

Cosplay goals! Amy Spencer, 13th Doctor cosplayer has nailed this outfit!

Cosplay by Amy Spencer

 

Episode 9 – It Takes You Away

Team TARDIS take a trip to Norway.

Watch the episode – Take a trip into an unknown universe by purchasing the Series 11 Boxset, or find it on BBC iPlayer

Soundtrack pick – Reverse the Polarity (Side 2 Track 16) – This roller-coaster of a story must be matched with a roller-coaster of a score – and this song doesn’t disappoint. You can almost feel the Doctor’s brain ticking away as the beat taps in the background of the piece. Get a slice of the action and character development all wrapped up in one song whilst falling back into the crazy world of It Takes You Away! The pitter patter sounds and raw strings of the piece create a universe of wonder – a real highlight to the soundtrack. Listen Here

The Antizone Case File

Fan creations – Listen to Beth talk to the Trap One Doctor Who podcast about her reaction to It Takes You Away

Episode 10 – The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos

It’s the final battle…

Watch the episode – Battle the Stenza with the Doctor and friends by purchasing the Series 11 Boxset, or find it on BBC iPlayer

Soundtrack pick – Ranskoor Av Kolos (Track 19) – Send yourself back through the emotional end to the series with this stunning piece filled with ambient atmosphere and built up harmonies. The epic finale brought tension, emotion and drama which is exactly what this track from the story emanates. Listen Here

The Ux Case File

Fan creations – Another exciting cosplay by the amazing Phoebe Britnell!

Cosplay by Phoebe Britnell.

There we have it – your complete guide to reliving series 11 of Doctor Who. Let us know your favourite moments, soundtrack picks and fan creations by tweeting us @thetimeladies_ or emailing us at thetimeladies@yahoo.com!

What has Doctor Who given you? 55 stories for 55 years

To celebrate the 55th birthday of Doctor Who we asked our wonderful Twitter followers to share what the show has given them. And what a response. From career inspiration, relationships, a sense of self… it seems there’s no end to what the Doctor has done for us. We chose 55 answers we particularly loved – see if you can spot yourself!

Happy birthday Doctor Who, from us at the Time Ladies and everyone below. We love you.

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1062102760307462145

Doctor Who has given me a reason to be happy everyday and inspired me to be the person I am today it’s such an inspiration show and I love it with all my heart

— Ellie ✧◝(⁰▿⁰)◜✧🛸✨💫🗝️ (@Ellietardisgirl) November 13, 2018

Doctor Who has given me the strength to keep going, to continue to be kind and to help when I can. To connect with great people who are bigger on the inside and are now friends and people around the world. Life is full of wonders and there is more than meets the eye. Be kind. 🙂

— Azurzelle (@Zelle_Eleince) November 13, 2018

Doctor who has given me an escape, watching doctor who has always helped me when im going through a bad time and through good times for those 40 minutes I can escape with the doctor.

— 𝒟𝒶𝒾𝓈𝓎🦥 (@daissloth) November 13, 2018

Dr Who has given me a 'safe place' for my autistic son, alongside an appreciation of brilliant actors. As well as giving my daughter a strong positive role model to look up to, who inspires her to reach for the stars.

— Nicola Farrant (@mummy2nicola) November 13, 2018

Doctor Who has given me hope over the years at times when I thought I had none. I would not be alive today without it.
It's also given me something to escape to when times get rough and given me people (both Doctors and companions) to aspire to.

— Cora ✨ (@Thirteen_Stars_) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me the courage to be as creative as I can, without worrying what anyone thinks.

— Scott Van Denham🇨🇦 (@25or6to4scotty) November 13, 2018

Doctor Who had given me a friend that is always there for me when nobody is, who motivates me and pushes me to become a better human being.
I grew up with that friend and I hope I'll die with them. The Doctor may not exist but they'll always be there, like friends do.

— Héloïse 🌿 (r0setyler) (@HeloiseCapaldwi) November 12, 2018

Doctor who has given me a reason to wake up everyday with a, sense of purpose dispite my crohns diease and its side effects,to go being kind,ti fight injustice, and to never be cruel or cowardly and to NEVER EVER BE LASAGNA! pic.twitter.com/MsSvxT8HqQ

— BeckyR (@freetobanditome) November 12, 2018

Doctor who has given me the opportunity to improve myself and everything about me to bring hope and joy to my life it has helped me through some tough times and many awesome times it is a wonderful show that anyone can enjoy happy 55th birthday Doctor Who

— ✰Brittney Summers lime 🏳️‍⚧️💔 (@TheQueenofSkaro) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me a topic to converse with others, a gateway to new ways of telling stories, a small push to go and meet new people with similar interests... but above all, it's given me a reason to be exited for the future, because if we make it so, the future can be good!

— John Ryan (is taking a tour of the Discworld) (@ClassicDWFan) November 12, 2018

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1062097859342938113

Doctor who has given me freedom and the chance to travel. I was born with multiple illness making it hard sometimes to even get out of bed. Although because of the Doctor I have been able to travel to far away galaxies, experience amazing places, and go on fantastic adventures.

— Ivy Belle Hudson (@HudsonIvy) November 12, 2018

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1062066107018817541

Doctor Who has given me the passion to become a filmmaker: the way how Doctor Who was done inspired me from the age of 5. I will always own my life to the best TV show in the galaxy.

— Owen 🍂 (@TimelessOwen) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me some of the best friends I will ever, ever have.

— sugar plum billie (@billie_gvf) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me a new outlook on the world and on people. It taught me that we can all respect and be a little more kind to each other. That not everything is a competition, or a battle. It taught me that hate is always foolish, and love is always wise.

— Rantingisalwaysfun (@TheRanterisme) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me the understanding that sometimes you have to go it alone, and that it can be a true learning experience.

— Charlie Rengel (@Charles_Rengel) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who Has Then Given Me The Inspiration
To Creating My Dr.Who Artwork & Comic Book. pic.twitter.com/q53nwo9jih

— JASON USHER (@jasonjangel) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me friendships that will last a life time, taught me the importance of kindness, inspired me to keep my head up and keep going when life was difficult.

— Dana Reboe (@abitmeddlesome) November 12, 2018

A fear of giant maggots 😮

— Sarah-Jane Coleby (@S_JColebyArtist) November 14, 2018

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1062846998175461376

Doctor Who has given me my life back. Wouldn't have the friends and experiences I have now without it.

— Steph ✨️ (@pinkwaldd) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me a new lease of life. It gave me my dream job. If gave me confidence to fight for what I really wanted in life. It gave me new friends, which in some cases led me to travel thousands of miles to meet them. All because of this show. Thank you.

— Fio Trethewey ✨🎲🏳️‍⚧️ (@FioTrethewey) November 15, 2018

Doctor Who has given me hope and has taught me kindness. Also, it has given me the most beautiful person in all time and space, we met thanks to the show! 💙 pic.twitter.com/ufCn92Uflc

— meripe (sasuke hate account) 🍂 (@crstalgm) November 13, 2018

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1062005479633838080

Doctor Who has given me language skills. When I was a toddler in the 1970s one of my first words was ‘Who Car’ because I couldn’t pronounce Doctor Who!

— Kate Vogelsang-Baird MCIPR (@Kate_bob) November 12, 2018

doctor who has given me hope. hope in a universe that is purely good, hope that one day things will be alright. hope to carry on. 💙💙

— cleo™ 🌸 🏳️‍🌈 (@DrWhom42) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me incredible friends, I've met some of the fabulous actors and actresses of the show and it got me through a horrible anxiety diagnosis last year X Not sure what I'd have done without it to be honest so thankyou #DoctorWho Xx

— Lily May Sherratt (@IreneWildthyme) November 15, 2018

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1062088222140981250

Doctor Who has given me something to share with my son.

— James Brough (parody) (@thasceles) November 13, 2018

Doctor Who has shown me that you don’t need to try and be anyone you’re not, that you can just be yourself. It has given me an even stronger moral compass, and given me the courage to stand up for what I believe in

— stasia (@gallifreytrash) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me my antidepressant, comic cons, since my very first ever was to meet Matt Smith ❤ pic.twitter.com/a4Om7nPjj3

— Arrowcycle (@Arrowcycle) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me the confidence to be different.

Growing up with a disability was hard and so is being an adult with one. I constantly feel like an outsider, that this world isn’t designed for me.

To have The Doctor, the ultimate outsider, there for me changed my life.

— Complexicated Cookie (@Johnboy_Cook) November 12, 2018

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1061988809796210689 https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1062026212804083712

Doctor Who gave me my dream. I didn't know what I wanted with my life, until one day, I thought, "Hey, it's someone's job to write those stories that mean the world to me. Maybe one day, I can."

Studied film. Started writing. Found a path. All thanks to this show.

— Kevin (@scribblesscript) November 15, 2018

Doctor Who has given me something to share with my younger twin brothers, and make ‘em happy. pic.twitter.com/PmRx2dzqD3

— Harry Draper (@bowtieanimation) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me the opportunity to jump start my writing career by connecting me to my target audience & these other incredible people & places: @DrWhoOnline, @BHCPressBooks, @smith_lynne, @ChrisWalkerT, @WizardWorld, @_Art_By_Steve_, @rachelcaine, @GeneseDavis, etc. pic.twitter.com/2qIAr6qVoF

— Mackenzie Flohr (@MackenzieFlohr) November 14, 2018

Doctor Who has given me the courage and the inspiration to write creatively and join a passionate fandom, two things I feared doing. I didn’t find Doctor Who until my 40’s, which means I wasted many years. My new moto? “Let me be brave.”

— DoctorWho:OnTheCouch (@DWOnTheCouch) November 12, 2018

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1062042628206837761

Doctor Who has given me the inspiration to choose acting as a career. The first time I ever saw Doctor Who I was five and from that point I decided if I couldn't travel through space and time for real, then one I would play the doctor and bring happiness to other little girls

— Emma Rowe (@ERowe98) November 12, 2018

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1061988935864369152

Dr Who has given me
A key to ride the winds of time.
In Totter’s Yard, then, it was then
The alien world became my fact, not fantasy.
And followed hours of fright delights,
And arguing the toss with friends.
And light shone on the best & worst of men.

— Ann (@ann97757123) November 16, 2018

Doctor Who has given me two women who I look up to and get insparation from in my everyday life. Rose Tyler and The Thirteenth Doctor. Two blondes that have made my life better and better yet two incredible actresses to look up to.

— 𝑽𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑰 𝑫𝑨𝒀 (@anemokinniee) November 14, 2018

Doctor Who has given me... My wonderful partner and our two amazing boys, and number 3 arriving in January. If I hadn't gone to meet Paul McGann we would never have met! Also my very different dress sense, you don't need to follow the crowd!

— Guy Ingram (@GalifreyStands) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me the opportunity to escape from everyday life

— Emma Curry (@Emma_Curry_) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me a more complex vision of the universe and a sense of sensibility and love ❤

— Needle. 🌸 (@winterfellsnows) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me a decent English and a good way to escape from reality when I really needed to. It also given me hope and helped me going through a lot!

— Cha 🦋달 ☾ (@beautyfailed) November 12, 2018

Doctor who has given me knowledge. Even though it is believed that the very first and most recent stories are the most educational, I could tell you about anti matter, Marconi scopes, supernovas, the magna Carta and different mythologies long before learning them at school.

— Lotty_phoenix 🔥 (@lottypod93) November 12, 2018

Doctor Who has given me the courage to be my gender fluid self & a hero to look up to.

— Christina Lonsinger (@CPoppinz) November 13, 2018

Doctor Who has really changed my life over the past 13 years, the music getting me into music and to really express my musical side despite my hearing loss. DW has really changed my life, showing me that i can do the things i love to do despite my differences. Thank you DW! ❤️😊

— Tweetlord (@Tweetlord_8) November 13, 2018

https://twitter.com/jetpack/status/1062010512823738368

Doctor Who has given me my imagination. It showed me time and time again, when things looked hopeless, during my darkest moment, that people can be kind. That wonder can enter your life when you most need it. And, maybe most importantly, that you can change your gender.

— Elizabeth Edwards (@twoesonename) November 15, 2018

Doctor Who has given me the courage to be different. To not fit in with the crowd. To be proud of what makes me an individual because if we're all the same then we're no different than Daleks or Cybermen

— Hayden (@TheHorrorQueer) November 14, 2018

Don’t forget, we’ll be shouting out our 5 favourite entries, who will each win a prize.
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Doctor Who Series 11: Our Half-way Verdict

Now that The Tsuranga Conundrum has hit our screens, we’re officially half way through series 11 of Doctor Who. We’ve been from Sheffield 2018 to the 67^th century – with spiders, spaceships and iconic historical moments in-between. Grab a cuppa and a custard cream as we delve into the beginning of the 13^th Doctor’s debut series.

The 13^th Doctor – Beth

The Doctor finds the outfit of her dreams in The Woman Who Fell To Earth.

The 13^th Doctor is everything I’d hoped and dreamed that she would be. There was one thing I wanted from Jodie’s performance, and that was for her to feel like the same character I’ve loved for all this time. I wanted 13 to be Doctor-y, and Jodie absolutely hits the nail on the head. A few scenes at the beginning of the series felt slightly out of place to me, as Jodie didn’t seem to play the complicated language convincingly, but as the episodes go on she grasps it more and more. Her comedy and demeanour as the Doctor really feel spot on, and I miss her when the stories end each week. I can’t wait to find out where she’s going this series and to see Jodie play some more big, emotional moments! I’d love to see more character development and emphasis on what traits her Doctor will be remembered for – as well as more wonderful costume variants!

Companions – Kez

The Thirteenth Doctor and her friends

So, we have 3 companions in the TARDIS, aka a TEAM! Doesn’t this feel like a long time coming? Now there are more opinions, viewpoints and life experiences that add to every story. Having the age contrast between Graham and the others adds so much more depth and breaks the 2005+ rule of what a permanent companion is: aka an attractive young woman. Having lived a very different life to the others including surviving cancer, it’s given him such a unique view on what he wants the rest of his life to look like, especially without his wife Grace. This is mirrored in Ryan too. The thing I love about Tosin Cole’s performance is the very real bravado from a 19 year old, mixed with a beautiful vulnerability. Ryan’s arguably had alot of the focus so far this series, and I’m enjoying how he’s growing as a person, as he opens up more to Graham, Yaz and most importantly, life as he sees it. He’s already speaking to a disillusioned young male audience who I hope will continue to watch his journey. Yaz is our most under-developed companion, and I’ve been massively frustrated with the lack of who she is – it’s still hanging in the air 6 episodes in! However, with Demons of the Punjab brings more Yaz, and her relationship with her family and heritage. Before series 11 started I was most excited to see the dynamic between a female Doctor and companion, and this one is still developing. I feel like the Doctor has the best on-screen bond with Yaz so far – but is that just me watching two women together? I’m not sure. I’m absolutely loving seeing the three of them react to each other and the Doctor, but I’m not fully sure we know everything about them yet… so bring on the second part of the series.

Episode Quality – Beth

Team TARDIS in The Tsuranga Conundrum

Five episodes in, and the quality of series 11 is high. If we’re talking scripts though, the stories have been consistent in the way that they’re simple, fun Doctor Who plots. The characterisation has been outstanding, as has the acting from our main cast – propelling the episodes from average to brilliant. The general tone and look of the show this year means that this series has quickly become one of my favourites, and I’m thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. I don’t feel there is anything to dislike, but of course that all depends on what you like to get out of an episode of Doctor Who. There are off bits of course, such as awkward acting or non-resolutions to some plot points, but it’s hard to judge until the whole series has aired. Personally, I think these 5 episodes have been some of the highest quality Doctor Who ever, and I can’t wait to see where it is going!

Music – Kez

Hearing the music from the climax of The Woman Who Fell to Earth was a highlight

Segun Akinola’s music pulses and breathes throughout each story, like it’s a living part of the plot. This is so different from Murray Gold’s scores which were beautiful and reverent, but triggered emotion foremost, rather than reflecting the atmosphere of a story. Ambient and subtle in parts, the music from the first half of series 11 has raised the collective heart beat of the UK without us even realising that this is largely down to the score. As well as this, the use of contemporary music in both the promotion of the series and within, like Rise Up by Andra Day used at the end of Rosa blends easily, and makes it feel like Doctor Who has cooly been doing it for decades. What I’m looking forward to though, is that sweeping grandeur during a ‘I am the Doctor’ moment. We’ve had that feeling in the music a couple of times in series 11 but it hasn’t quite left me feeling awe-struck and teary eyed, which is really what I want in those moments (sorry). I can hear the music of each Doctor from 2005+ in my head, and I can’t quite figure out what the Thirteenth Doctor sounds like yet. This is completely a personal opinion since I enjoy openly weeping at Rose’s theme in Doomsday, but I hope we get that feeling again.

Special Effects – Beth

The new TARDIS interior stuns with its atmospheric lighting and smoky doorway…

The special effects this series have taken a massive step up from anything that’s come before, taking it into cinematic territory. There’s something so exciting about having such high standard effects on our little old show that is famous for its wobbly sets. A highlight is the wonderful new title sequence that stuns with its purple hues and liquidy textures. Arachnids in the UK gave the vortex a proper appearance as the TARDIS adventures through space and time and we see its true extent – every fan’s dream! the explosions and CGI work brilliantly together to create convincing moments and realistic scenes. I love how the creatures of the series stand up well, from the deadly Remnants in The Ghost Monument, to the giant spiders in Arachnids in the UK.

Storylines – Kez

Yaz with her family in Arachnids in the UK

The stories across series 11 so far have shown a staggering range of pace, location and character. I appreciate that immensely, and no two stories have felt the same, but in the same vein it doesn’t feel that neatly wrapped package of a series I quite want (yet). Of course Doctor Who is about throwing different stories at us, but Rosa felt like a different show to The Tsuranga Conundrum. This, again is a personal opinion and has had no effect on ratings so I’ll take that as me being a perfectionist! There have been some truly beautiful, ‘first in Doctor Who’ moments: watching the Doctor take an emotional step back in Rosa, and being vulnerable with her friends at the end of The Ghost Monument… but balanced with some familiarity: watching Yaz’s relationship with her family and as always, an awful lot of running. Something that’s new as an overall feel is how educational the show is. We’re having history and science lessons each week, with every story showing a strong moral compass and lessons learned. I’m not adverse to this – it’s quite in-your-face but maybe that’s a good thing? It’s only teaching children about being kind and encouraging learning which we can’t really complain about! Character wise, what I’m really hoping for in the second half of series 11 is for our guest cast to be more fleshed out. We need to have time to get to know who they are, so we can empathise with their story. My feel so far is that in each story there have been a few too many people, and that crowding makes each character less significant as a result. More time with these characters please! Chris Chibnall’s show running has so far brought Doctor Who to the forefront of British television, and the stories have brought literally millions of new watchers in. So welcome, new fans!

Monsters and Villains – Beth

The Pting captured the hearts of Doctor Who fans everywhere in The Tsuranga Conundrum.

We’ve had a whole host of exciting creatures and villains this series so far, and I think they’re all iconic. First up we had the deadly ‘Tim Shaw’ and his face full of teeth – terrifying! His appearance in The Woman Who Fell to Earth was perfect for a series opener and a brilliant first villain for the 13^th Doctor to face. My favourite villain however has undoubtedly got to be the Pting from The Tsuranga Conundrum. The adorable creature is original, memorable and fun – something this series needed after the darker villains in Rosa and Arachnids in the UK. Both of those stories featured characters who were morally corrupt and putting others at risk with their close minded, selfish behaviours. They are written brilliantly, and I love that Doctor Who is dealing with bigger, deeper issues, but there’s nothing like a good old alien invasion. Looking forward, I have high hopes that there will be more original aliens and creatures to balance out the moral and educational storytelling that we’re seeing so often this series. Oh, and a Pting plush in time for Christmas please.

Highlights – Kez

The Doctor asks her friends if they’re ready to become team TARDIS in Arachnids in the UK

As mentioned already, there have been some truly special moments in this series. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that watching Rosa – the whole experience, was pretty amazing. To see Doctor Who tackle these big historical moments so relevant to people’s experiences today, felt really important. Equally, the way that Grace’s death has been handled has been a tough watch but so real. Graham and Ryan’s grief has been tangible throughout the series, and it just makes them more believable. Seeing their reactions when they officially join team TARDIS was so touching, and a real milestone for all their characters, including the Doctor. This time she knows what may happen, this time she makes sure they know, and they do. It was a pillar moment for the Doctor – really challenging the feelings of companions, knowing they may say no. The smaller moments which help define this era are absolute highlights for me: Yaz’s family chat about pakora, Know Me From by Stormzy being played to scare spiders away, Graham moaning about not having time to eat, tea at Yaz’s, the Pting… I could go on. Lastly, a highlight has to be just how amazing this series looks and sounds. Doctor Who has never been so current, and doesn’t feel out of place with shows we’re all watching which have double the budget.

Keep sharing your thoughts about series 11 with us over on Twitter – @thetimeladies_