2MTL 235: A Discordant Note on "The Girl Who Waited"

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On paper, "The Girl Who Waited" was brilliant. Karen Gillan? A revelation. So why did I take a 45-minute walk around the neighborhood, grinding my teeth, trying to figure out how I felt about the episode?

Thanks to Huw at thirteenfaces.com for linking me to Emily Asher-Perrin's essay at tor.com on the relationship of the Doctor, and Doctor Who, to children. It was the whack on the side of the head that helped me understand my reaction.

2MTL 234: Torchwood: Wrapping Up "The Gathering," "The Blood Line" and Miracle Day

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It's catch-up time as we take a look at the concluding episodes of Torchwood: Miracle Day, and render a verdict for the series. And demand that one of this year's debuting characters meets the Eleventh Doctor.

2MTL 231: Torchwood: "End of the Road" Reviewed

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After a couple of atypical episodes, "End of the Road" is on a more typical Miracle Day flight plan: talkier, more gradual. Matt Hills argues this is part and parcel of the show being a suspense thriller, not an SF action romp, and I agree. And yet, this slower episode gives me a chance to look at a few frustrations I have with a series I otherwise enjoy.

2MTL 230: Torchwood: "Immortal Sins" Reviewed

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Whew.

So. Was it good for you, too?

Of course, curse me for not being able to single out a reason why it struck such a chord with me beyond the most obvious distinction between this and the previous episodes — besides John Barrowman finally coming off the sidelines, that is.

(My son totally wanted me to make him into a Cyberman. Thanks, Luke!)

2MTL-229: Doctor Who and CDTL Big Winners at 2011 Hugos

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Apparently Hugo voters dig Doctor Who and essayists who dig time lords! Congratulations to 2011 Hugo winners "The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang" and Chicks Dig Time Lords.

The Hugo Awards ceremony is on the Worldcon Ustream channel. (Thanks to Steven from Radio Free Skaro for the audio.)

2MTL 228: Torchwood: "The Middle Men" Reviewed

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Does the sixth episode of Miracle Day regain its footing with what is essentially Part Two of "Escape from the Overflow Camps"? Somewhat surprisingly, yes!

Co-executive producer Jane Espenson blogs about "The Middle Men" at afterelton.com.

2MTL 227: The Doctor Who Fan Orchestra (Time Dilation)

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Meet Stephen Willis and Robin LaPasha, the leaders of the Doctor Who Fan Orchestra, which assembled performers around the world for an arrangement of Murray Gold's Eleventh Doctor theme. Find out what it took to create a virtual orchestra, and which music they'll adapt next in their ongoing celebration of Gold's work. (They need more performers! Follow the links above for more information!)