Doctor Who Episodes 801. 802

In Doctor Who's Season 8 Episode 1 (801), titled Deep Breath the setting is in Victorian-era London. The episode opens with a T-Rex Dinosaur roaming next to The British Parliament. The episode includes additional oddities such as spontaneous combustion, the return of previous characters known as the Paternoster Gang and Clara struggling to know the man the Doctor has become. The new Doctor, the 12th over a 50 year+ span is played by Peter Capaldi who also played as various characters, most notably as Caecilius in the episode The Fires of Pompeii, the second episode of Season 4 of the reincarnation series on BBC.

In this first episode of Season 8 we also see The Doctor struggling to discover himself. The backdrop of the story has half human and half robot creatures who are working at becoming fully human. There is one in particular who is seeking to discover the "promised land" (aka Heaven). In this struggle we see, as has been the case in many a episode over the years, the continual battles of science, (the doctor) and faith. While at times the series seems to take the side of science, via the Doctor, it is at least open to the possibilities and challenges the viewing audience to think on its own. The Doctor in one revealing scene is challenging the leader of the half robot, half humans, a half-faced man, to look at himself through a reflection as he has made himself out of various parts from various humans. The half-faced man sees his own reflection and realizes his own need to discover who he is. The Doctor sees his image on the reverse side of the reflection and realizes, he also has been influenced by other things and has also changed. The question is how has he changed, has it been in appearance only, or also within in his spirit? In typical Doctor Who series form, it is an attempt to get the viewer to also think about changes in their own life. It is one of the things that keeps the Doctor Who series so compelling and falling within the definition of Science Fiction. The series continues to test the boundaries of looking at the reality around us and incorporating thought as to our own realities and surroundings, including political and societal commentary.

In the end of episode 801 we presumably see one seeking faith, the half-faced man, looking for paradise die. Whether he is pushed by the Doctor or something else, the power of science over faith is not answered. We see the half-faced man impaled on a cross that is a steeple on a church, giving the image that faith ends in death and is not as powerful as science. Later on at the conclusion of the episode though we see a challenging image, the Doctor is still searching to discover himself and the half-faced man who was impaled is in fact in what is presented as Heaven. He is confronted by one in Heaven who says they are friends with the Doctor. What the detail or impact of that relationship with the Doctor is we don't know. I suspect that as in previous seasons the story will continue to develop in a terrific way that with the conclusion of the series wo;; be answers our questions.

My thoughts on the new Doctor are at present mixed. Capaldi is the oldest person playing the Doctor since the origin of the series back in 1963. He does a good job but seems like a more appropriate follow up Doctor to one of my favorites over the years, David Tennant, as opposed to Matt Smith. Tennant was the Doctor prior to Smith and Capaldi looks like an older Tennant. That is just me though, one of the things I have learned about the Doctor is the ability of the new Doctors to grow on you. I learned to like Smith, I expect to also learn to like Capaldi.

Many who are not fans of Science Fiction, or some conservative Fundamentalist's may have issues with the questions asked in Doctor Who. I don't, in fact the questions it raised specific to the challenges of Faith Vs. Science is one of the things I appreciate about the show. It challenges the viewers to ask themselves questions and the show largely does not take sides, neither though does it ignore the questions that many have. I appreciate that and expect those seeking their own answers, if looking far enough and long enough to find answers. It is clear. Doctor Who has questions regarding himself and like many others in our world, while they may pretend to know the answers, there are moments and times where one who is questioning the realities of God and faith must admit, they don't really know. For those looking or just interested in looking in on issues and questions such as this, sit back, buckle in, and enjoy what appears to be another season of thought provoking episodes in typical Doctor Who fashion. I know I am.

In the Season 8 Episode 2 (802)  episode Into The Dalek we see one of Doctor Who's most hated, if not the most hated enemy, the one who seeks to destroy the whole of humanity return. The Dalek's, a robot type of creature, with an alien controlled brain and body who live inside a metallic body make a return in this early season episode but what will be a surprise to many a viewer, it isn't in typical Dalek fashion. We don't initially see an all out war between humans with the Dalek's as in the past. Instead, we see Doctor Who exploring the inner workings of the Dalek's by literally going inside the body of a damaged Dalek and trying to discover what is wrong with it as it seeks to befriend humans and destroy other Dalek's. This Dalek has for some reason turned good and this seems impossible to the Doctor.

The episode in some ways resembles the classic Science Fiction story, The Fantastic Voyage written by Jules Verne. In this episode though, once inside the Dalek, after being reduced in size, the Doctor, Clara and several soldiers from the resistance movement go in to explore the workings of Dalek's and to figure out what is wrong with this one. What happens, as is the case in many Dr. Who episodes, is the exploration of self and obtaining awareness into ones own life. There is another reoccurring theme that has occurred already in this season. There is the death of a soldier who sacrificially gives up her life to save the Doctor and those on the ship she is based on. There is another hint regarding Heaven in this sequence. What that hint is isn't clear yet but in the tradition of Dr Who there is the ongoing exploration debate between faith and science.

Also in the episode towards the end is an event during a time the Doctor continues to search for his own identity. There is a phone call to Clara from the previous Doctor, played by Matt Smith. It is an unexpected, but appreciated cameo with some revealing questions. Questions that will likely continue and ultimately be answered. 

Doctor Who is a terrific series, a series I have seen most every episode available over the 50+ years the show has been airing and every episode of the current reincarnation of the series. The show has a world-wide fan base for a very good reason. It is a Science Fiction Geek's reward that airs through the week on BBC America and BBC Worldwide. In the United States the show airs its first run episodes on Saturday nights with reruns through the week. I can imagine the fans of such writers as CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien would love and appreciate this series but then again, that is likely one of the reasons Peter Jackson has offered to direct an episode or two for the payment of a Dalek. The questions are there and while The Dalek's in some ways represent pure evil, there are also times of thought, that just as in this episode, one can be challenged with the potential of change, while at the same time, facing their own evil desires that may include such things as hatred, even of an enemy. Seems consistent to me of the challenge made by Jesus and other New Testament authors, that is, to love, even our enemies.  

To see a video regarding the round the world tour to introduce Doctor Who Season 8, The Twelfth Doctor , click on the video below, if the video doesn't work, try the following link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTJxI6bNqUs&list=UUcOkA2Xmk1valTOWSyKyp4g



The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry.  Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work.  Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the materials provided.


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Doctor Who The Seeds Of Death Special Edition, The Patrick Troughton Years 1966-1969

Since 1963 Doctor Who, a BBC television serial has entertained multitudes of people across the world. I recall, even as a small child, watching The Doctor in his interplanetary and time travels. I always thought the program, while hokey in some ways, was enlightening and entertaining in others. As of recent BBC Television has unearthed some historical programs from the series and is releasing them to the public. The newest of which is The Seeds of Death Special Edition featuring The Patrick Troughton years from 1966–1969. Fans of the new Doctor Who series will appreciate the backdrop and historical nature of the programs included on this DVD, for others, it may be a bit too dated to thoroughly enjoy unless they are a student of film or a fan of old Science Fiction. For those in this category, if for no other reason than its historical value, this will be a must own edition to their DVD collection.

In the viewing of this two DVD set, it should be noted, television series of the early to late 1960’s didn’t have what would be considered today, the best special effects. There is nothing exceptional here, not the acting, the special effects, editing, sound, etc… What is exceptional is the story and concepts as presented through the history of Doctor Who which has continued for some 50 years. What is also exceptional is the special features DVD which goes into the history of this particular series of episodes which features in part on the Martians and their two groups of citizens, based largely and in part on the cast system identifying a race of people based on economic status, seeing a lower cast of people, and a higher cast of people. While the special effects creating these creatures are not spectacular, what it does is focus on what makes up these characters emotionally, their desires, wishes, intentions and so forth is one of the things that makes Doctor Who as Science Fiction work. As mentioned in the commentaries on the DVD’s it seems as if most everything a basic film student is taught in film school is abandoned here. Yet despite that willingness to go against even the norms of film making for the time there is a humanistic, emotional understanding of the characters, one that translates to helping drive home the themes and points of the show.

In the world of Doctor Who there is a time space travel machine called the T-mat. The T-mat transports individuals almost instantly, something like the transporter on Star Trek. In this season the T-mat has been hijacked by the Martians, and the Doctor and his team must get it back before the Marians use it to destroy the earth. The series aspect allows the story to be developed along with some social commentary along the way. As is the case in many Doctor Who story lines, they actually do a pretty good job at all aspects of story development, especially in creating scary creatures. There are some surprises along the way as well as some thought provoking moments.

This series features primarily Patrick Troughton, the second Doctor in the incarnation of the Doctor Who actors who has played the part over the years. The character in regards to the stories in this series is quite well developed and we can see that in various concepts of the video, from the relations the Doctor has with others in the cast to his relationship and understanding of The Martians. While Troughton may not have been the best in the line of Doctors in my opinion, he was a likeable character who did quite well in the part. Much of that was due to the way the program was often times scripted, using the talents of the actors in the particular scenes they were playing. Patrick Troughton, the second in the series of Doctor Who Caracters did as well as any of the Doctors at presenting fear, it is a concept that enabled him to be one or the more memorable Doctors even if he isn’t the favorite of the Doctors.

Doctor Who, since its origins has found ways to interject the spiritual along with science in its themes, even back in the mid 1960’s. Especially in this series are the treatment and understanding of foreign culture as well as the concepts of how people or aliens in this case are treated. There are also the concepts of fear and death which are addressed. Often at play is popular perception, however, while popular perception is at times important, especially if rooted in reality, there is always more than what one can quickly observe. Quick judgments often lead to inappropriate or even dangerous situations. Just as Jesus and his followers give caution to judgment, the assessment of ones actions is always encouraged and what is important. Sometimes, we discover that those least likely to be judged appropriately may in reality, be something or someone much better than we expected. Of course there is always danger and we have to have a leader who will lead in life, live by example, and show the reality of our surroundings. It is important to have a leader, like The Doctor who will understand the reality of the situation they and others who follow them face. Just as Doctor Who doesn’t guarantee an easy time in following him, neither does Jesus guarantee an easy time or perfection when his followers follow him, in fact, there are certainly at times difficulties we face, some we will make it out of, others we may not, but having a deliverer there like either Jesus or Doctor Who can improve our chances. There may be fear all around us, but there are those who can, and do overcome fear and difficulty, even with the monsters that would do us in.

I’ll be honest; these aren’t my favorite years of Doctor Who. While there is something special about the quirkiness of the shows, that doesn’t mean they are easy to watch. The special features however, including the episode commentaries and the making of features are quite special and a must for fans of the series. While I don’t think there is anything special enough here to generate new fans, there is ample material to please old and lasting fans of the show, even the fans of the most recent years, younger fans. The only recommendation I would have had, is if having a series focusing on the late Patrick Troughton, there should have been far more in the features that focused on him. Unfortunately there is surprisingly little. While I honestly don’t know if I would purchase the DVD’s at the price they are listed, I suspect there will be many who will and enjoy it thinking it is worth it. For those who do, enjoy, for those who just don’t know, but take the chance, good luck and hope you enjoy it, but don’t say you weren’t fairly warned.

To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuFCofFGSSk

The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.

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Blue Planet Seas of Life on Blu-Ray DVD

Blue Planet Seas of Life put out by The Discovery Planet is an incredible testimony to not only the marine life of the planet and her surroundings, but the potential of the Blu-Ray format. This Blu-Ray DVD set takes a look at oceanic life and circumstances in a visual and informational way like no other documentary of its type, outside of the Discovery and Planet Earth series.

The Blue Planet set consists of eight 50 minute episodes that tell some of the history and events surrounding the ocean. Under the premise that the ocean is one of the largest, misunderstood anomalies of our planet this BBC series sets out to explore and educate. What transpires is a wonderfully narrated series by David Attenborough with stunning images captured in the high definition Blu-Ray format. The images are so good in fact that this is one of those must have series, not just for educational purposes, but the imagery provided.

Through out the eight episodes Attenborough tells of various aspects of marine life. There is no set formula or method in the episode index of the series, although each of the eight episodes focuses on a common theme, ranging from The Ocean World to The Tidal Seas and from the Deep crevices of the ocean to the Coral Seas. In the magnitude of the episodes, we see the reality of the depth of the seas, and while a great deal of information is provided, one thing we are left with is the understanding that there is still much more we don’t understand.

As a human species we are challenged to think about and try to understand, there is more to this planet than just us. This series drove home for me the complexity of not just our universe, but the complexity of our planet. The stunning visual images help bring home the realism of what we see on screen. While it is just short of being there and experiencing the events for ourselves, what we experience through the complexity of the eight episodes will still likely be mesmerizing. As I watched the series, I couldn’t help but think of the likelihood that there has to be more to this planet. There has to be a more complex creator than many give credit for or think about. I was also reminded of a concept often referred to in religious circles as the Genesis Mandate. The Genesis Mandate takes a spiritual perspective of the need and importance of the human species in understanding the role of a creator, the human species responsibility in taking care of the planet, and then our appreciation of the planet God created. There is the understood concept that there is a purpose behind all of God’s creation and the reality that while God saw it as being good, we need to also show an appreciation of the planet in such a way as we are moved to take care of it.

The images and visual aspects captured here are nothing short of amazing. While there is no human actors, no human story lines, the methods of filming, the imagery and stories displayed in the life of the ocean is in itself an outstanding story. I personally appreciated the lack of human involvement in the story telling, outside of course of the script and narration provided. In some regards, I would have appreciated more special features on the DVD series, but I can understand that with this series being done as well as it was, there was really no need. There is a good feature on The Making of Blue Planet that is insightful, but this is one of the rare times that I won’t blast a DVD for the lack of special features because there really isn’t such a need for it.

There is not a great deal that needs to be said about this series, other than; it has to be seen to be truly appreciated. I suspect schools across the globe will, and have used this series to educate others from the smallest of children, to the most advanced of graduate marine biology student. It is that type DVD; it has something for everyone, and can be appreciated by most anyone who has an awareness and interest in the oceans of the planet and their role in the survival of all species. If owning a Blu-Ray player, you won’t be disappointed, and I suspect it is a Blu-Ray that will make frequent visits to your own DVD player.

To see the trailer for this film, click the following video. If the video doesn’t appear, just click on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsFsXtP1Ix0


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