For the Love of Torchwood

As most people know, I am a Whovian. A Doctor Who fan for those unaware of the nerdy jargon. Yes, I am also a Trekkie, a Fannibal, an X Phile and a passionate fan of numerous other TV shows (what one calls a devotee of Randall and Hopkirk (deceased) is anyone’s guess!).

I am also a “Woody” (for want of a much better moniker) – that is to say, a fan of Torchwood, the Doctor Who spin-off aimed at slightly more mature viewer.

For the uninitiated, Torchwood sprang from the world of Doctor Who thanks to the wonderful, talented brain of Russell T Davies. Originally, the term was merely a pseudonym for production of the mother show in order to keep filming as secret as possible. The notion of an alien/crime fighting team had been at the back of RTD’s mind for years (with a working title of ‘Excalibur’) but once he got his creative claws into the Whoniverse, it was only a matter of time before the perfect blend came together.

The Torchwood seed was planted within the world of Doctor Who very subtly during episode twelve of series one (of 21st Century Who) in 2005 and was explored further more blatantly in the second series. We finally got to witness the fabled organisation in the stunning two-part finale Army of Ghosts/Doomsday.

Series one was also where we first met the charming and dynamic anti-hero Captain Jack Harkness and he proved so popular with fans, it was no wonder he would return for more adventures and his own spin off.

The first fully-fledged series of Torchwood appeared on October 22nd on BBC3 with a double bill of its first two episodes. Although Russell T Davies was the mastermind behind the show, Chris ‘Broadchurch’ Chibnall would serve as lead writer for the first two series.

I was hooked instantly. As I was already a fan of Doctor Who, it wasn’t that much of a surprise that I would warm to a spin-off (I was to fall in love with the children’s spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures too!) but there was something extra special about Torchwood. Allegedly, RTD had pitched it as a cross between The X Files and This Life – two of my all-time favourite TV shows – so I was already eager to see this exciting hybrid.

OK, the show did have its detractors as most things do. One of the main complaints was that the stronger language and focus on sexuality was too aggressive, but I think if it was any other show, no one would bat an eye lid. I think it is just because people were used to the comfort of Doctor Who - I mean, look at Russell's Queer as Folk! Did anyone really think he was one to shy away from the truth about human nature? Ha!.

The cast was sublime. John Barrowman has so much onscreen charm that a number of straight blokes I know have admitted that they’d go gay for a night just for Captain Jack. Naoko Mori is a superb actress with a background in theatre and was also ‘Titicaca/Sarah’ in another favourite show of mine, Absolutely Fabulous. Burn Gorman is a man to watch whenever he is on screen. He is so naturalistic and can slip into any role with ease. Gareth David-Lloyd was a relative unknown outside of Wales but soon wooed his way into the hearts of fans world-wide. Kai Owen playing the simply lovable boyfriend/husband of Gwen...

Then there’s Eve Myles. Bloody Gwen Cooper. This woman can act the socks off anyone. RTD once described her as Wales’ best kept secret. Eve gives me goosebumps. She is simply a phenomenal actress. I am trying to be careful not to gush too much but it’s sufficient to say that, out of EVERYTHING I love about Torchwood, she is the zenith. Let that be enough, otherwise I will harp on for pages…

Series One

Series one was very much a mixed bag of stories. Some see this as a show trying to find its feet and maybe that’s true. I found that it proved how versatile the show can be. Not only were we dealing with aliens, but we had time-travel, fairies, vile human cannibals and even paedophilia. Each week I was in for a new feast and I was kept on my toes not knowing what the hell was going to happen next.

Without doubt, the highlight of the season was Catherine Treganna’s Out of Time in which three people from 1953 flew into Cardiff airport and had to adjust to 21st Century life. It was moving, heartbreaking and simply wonderful. Other highlights include P.J. Hammond’s disturbing story, Small Worlds, about fairies at the bottom of the garden (he has not lost his touch from the days of Sapphire and Steel!!) and Captain Jack Harkness (again, by Catherine Treganna) in which we meet the genuine article from whom our lead hero took his name.

Series Two

Once Torchwood settled into itself, it knew the kind of stories it wanted to tell – and series two delivered in spades. The show was beginning to attract attention and was moved to BBC2 in order to gain a larger audience. Freema Agyeman from Doctor Who joined the cast in a guest role as the brilliant Martha Jones, and we had a number of guest stars including the likes of James Marsters, Alan Dale, Julian Bleach and Ruth Jones.

This season felt more confident. There was real camaraderie in the cast and the episodes were bolder. We learned a lot more about Jack and, for the first time, his brother, Gray.

Amonsgt some of the best episodes were couple more from the superb Catherine Treganna – Meat and Adam – two fascinating episodes; one about the way humans treat animals for their own personal gain; one about the need to fit in. This show wasn’t ever going to be about evil aliens... this was a show which had a heart and would elicit empathy for others.

There was also a beautiful insight into the nature of human life and our existence in the episode A Day in the Death by Joseph Lidster. It was a rather atypical episode but one which gave us pause to reflect on what it is to be alive.

The finale, Exit Wounds was stunning. I was genuinely in floods of tears when we lost two of our lead characters. When Tosh uttered the line “Because you’re breaking my heart”, mine broke too. It’s such a shocking but deeply upsetting way for two characters to leave a series. It still makes me tear up…

Series Three

Now it was confirmed that Auntie Beeb had a hit on their hands, the show was moved to a prime time slot on BBC 1. However, the format was to change. No longer made up of thirteen episodes, series three was to be just one story told over five consecutive nights. I, for one, was shocked when I heard this announcement. I was disappointed that I wasn’t going to get a full banquet and only a mere snack.

Boy, was I wrong.

Children of Earth as it was eventually subtitled, was one of the most harrowing but brilliant pieces of television in years. Aliens return to Earth to complete a deal made decades earlier which involves giving up the human children for one of the most disturbing reasons possible.

The dilemmas posed in this five-night spectacular were astonishing and provoked much discussion amongst viewers. One scene in particular stands out for me and that’s where a cabinet of ministers in the British Government try to determine how to choose which children to give up. This is pure drama and actually made me feel physically sick as it made us an audience ask ‘What would WE do?’

We had exceptional performances from all, but most notably Cush Jumbo, Paul Copley ("Egg's Dad!"*), Susan Brown and the future Doctor himself, Peter Capaldi. I would love to see Cush Jumbo return as Lois Habiba one day… The series ended on a depressing note with too many lives close to Jack lost. It was chilling.

Series Four

Miracle Day (provisionally titled The New World) was always going to suffer from the ‘Tara King Syndrome’. Linda Thorson wasn’t Diana Rigg and Miracle Day wasn’t Children of Earth. It was the "difficult second album" (or fourth in this case). This does not make it any less worthy. Some tiresome fans online were extremely negative about this fourth run, mainly because of the American input (which, frankly, reeks of insular thinking and parochialism and is barmy in this day and age!)

Yes, we had part American funding and a lot of American cast, but this didn’t take away anything from the show in my opinion. It just made the show more global (as it should be!)

The premise was gold – no one dying and the cataclysmic aftermath of such a population growth – we saw how it affected various people in society; the families who lost people close; the greedy corporate world; the media’s spin; the life of those who were supposed to die… it raised so many existential issues and it took us to places we would never have thought to go.

New members of the cast fell seamlessly into the Torchwood world such as Alexa Havin’s beautiful performance as Esther Drummond from the CIA, Mekhi Phifer as the cynical Agent Rex Matheson, Lauren Ambrose as the conniving Jillian Kitzinger, Arlene Tur as the ill-fated Vera Juarez, and Bill Pullman as the repugnant Oswald Danes, a killer paedophile who survived the death penalty to go on to become a star. What an incredible performance he gave. I should also mention the new blood of writers including Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s very own Jane Espenson!

For me, one of the highlights of Miracle Day was episode seven: Immortal Sins in which we get to visit a period of Captain Jack’s past that has severe consequences in the show. It’s a beautifully orchestrated piece of television and stunningly shot. And, even though it’s a Jack-centric episode, we still get a knock-out performance from Eve Myles… again!!

The larger universe...

Whether it was the mixed reviews or the lack of funding, we were not fortunate enough to see more of Torchwood on TV (I live in hope…) but the Torchwood universe is larger with books, comics and audio plays continuing to entertain the fans. The BBC Radio did a series of plays which were received very well. The company behind the behemoth Doctor Who range of audio plays, Big Finish, got the rights to Torchwood and we are now treated to superb stories on a regular basis featuring a lot of the regular cast (including the adorable Tom Price as PC Andy and, brilliantly, Indira Varma as the troubled ex-Torchwood operative Suzie Costello).

At the time of writing, we have been subjected to two series of audio adventures (six episodes apiece) and three special releases: The Torchwood Archive, Torchwood: Outbreak, and Torchwood One: Before the Fall. The latter is the highlight of the three specials as we delve into the history of the London base with Yvonne Hartman, played to perfection by Tracy-Ann Oberman. The writers of the Big Finish audios (including series writer Joseph Lidster), the books and the comics are true fans of this much-loved show. They know their characters and they really “get” what Torchwood is. Even if we never get it back on our screens, I am more than happy to listen to their adventures or read about them as long as people keep writing them.

One last thing; while I have been typing this, I have been listing to the Torchwood soundtracks on my iPod. Ben Foster’s score is absolutely friggin’ wonderful. Murray Gold’s main theme is a classic and I wish they would release his score for Miracle Day one day as it has yet to be published (I am unsure as to why Ben Foster didn’t do the score, but Murray did a grand job!). Torchwood is one of those entities where all the ingredients worked for me. The writers, the cast, the directors, the stories, the production, the ethos… I am very passionate about it and, frankly, I’m a die-hard fan.

Long may the legacy last.

* I always shout "Egg's Dad!" whenever i see Paul Copley in anything. He played Andrew Lincoln ('Egg')'s father in the aforementioned This Life. He got to shag Anna Forbes. Good on Egg's dad!"

Tell Me The Worst

Nothing is perfect. On that I am sure we can all agree.

There are many books, films, TV shows, and songs that undergo an awful lot of scrutiny from the multitude of fans across the globe, but few get nit-picked quite as much as the likes of Star Trek and Doctor Who. Sci-Fi/Fantasy fans are notoriously hard to please and I cannot deny that I am often a little perplexed by some of the decisions made within the walls of show-runners' offices. Only recently I was shocked to see the tirades and abject vitriol spouted on-line toward the recent season finale of AMC's The Walking Dead. However, in this case I think it's more to do with the fact that it didn't match the original comic book version, but as I have not read those, I actually found the finale quite gripping and entertaining.

It's hard to please everyone and it's even harder to please the die-hard fans...

This brings me to Doctor Who. Yes, yes, I have written about this show before, but I wanted to just highlight a few moments since the greatest programme on TV returned to our screens where I have found myself either 'facepalming' or throwing my hands up in the air and bellowing "WHAAAT??" at the television. Sometimes it's the sheer audacity of the writers/showrunners that beggars belief, but I don't want to sound like one of these terminally indignant fanboys. I am much more forgiving than most.

Doctor Who can be one of the most exciting, thrilling and breath-taking shows on air. It's a show about adventure, love, and right versus wrong. But it's not perfect...

Let's just pick a handful of episodes since the triumphant return in 2005 (beware potential spoilers):

Dalek

by Robert Shearman

Not a massive gripe, just a problem that seems odd in hindsight. Simply this: how come Henry van Statten has never heard of the Daleks in 2012 when they invaded Earth numerous times including the relatively recent 2007 (Whoniverse time - remember Rose was delivered home twelve months too late)?

OK, I accept that timelines are fluid in sci-fi worlds and we can't get too nit-picky over this, so let's move on.

Last of the Time Lords

by Russell T Davies

I got the notion that it was the power of positive thought that saved the Doctor - I have no problem with that because Russell T Davies set that up earlier with the whole Archangel Psychic Network thing; turning the weapon into a cure. That's fine.

But floaty Doctor? Hmmm. And shouldn't he be naked? Did Martha tell everyone; "Oh, and while you're thinking the word 'Doctor' think of his lovely brown suit too!"

Journey's End

by Russell T Davies

I feel a bit churlish writing about this one because I love series four, I love Donna, and I love this episode. However, the TARDIS dragging Planet Earth back is a stretch but, to be fair, the Doctor's reaction to the ONE planet left behind being Earth is priceless, if brief. It's a bonkers notion, but one can't help feeling the warmth of the companions and the Doctor(s) banding together to help save everyone. I read one review which said if you could cope with this image, you'll love the entire finale. I guess it's true.

The Big Bang

by Steven Moffat

This gets a loud "W.T.F?" from me (especially after a great first part in The Pandorica Opens).

REBOOT THE UNIVERSE? Who are you? J.J. Abrams??

There's science fiction, there's high concept notions, and there's pure insane bollocks.

The Girl Who Waited

by Tom MacRae

I only have one major issue with this and that is why on Earth didn't Amy just ask which button? Who presses red over green? Odd.

The Angels Take Manhattan

by Steven Moffat

I have two problems with this episode. Firstly, the Statue of Liberty being a Weeping Angel. 1) It's not made of stone, 2) the Angels cannot move when they are seen (this in the city that never sleeps!) and 3) it's just bonkers. The French don't hate the Americans that much, do they?

Secondly, there is the ending. Now, I know Steven has said he wrote a different ending and I can't help but wonder if he originally had Amy and Rory die for the sake of the paradox. If so, this would make sense. I imagine Steven then hated the down-beat and grim ending for the couple, so he rewrote a more "fairytale" ending so as not to upset so many kiddies before bedtime. However, the whole thing about the Doctor not being able to ever land in New York is just codswallop. Let's not mention the fact that Amy and Rory could just travel elsewhere and meet up with him.

Kill the Moon

by Peter Harness

What started out as a genuinely creepy and exciting episode left me gaping at the screen in bewilderment. The Earth's moon is an egg and always has been? What arrant nonsense. I am perfectly open to science fiction concepts but, as with some of the examples previously mentioned, I don't like the audacity of some creative people who need to stamp "AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN" on everything. It's not clever. We are not impressed or left in awe. The Doctor has visited the moon both in the past and the future. I am sure something would have been mentioned at some point by someone. Now, if this story had been set on a different planet's moon, then I would quite easily accept the theory without drawing a breath. Let me show how this can also help another episode...

In The Forest of the Night

by Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Once again, lovely idea. A forest appears overnight. We see the city of London completely swamped with foliage. What a terrific image. BUT... it all happens so quickly and gets cleared up the next day and, apparently, everyone will forget. Hmmm. When I saw this episode for the first time, it made me think how well it would work in the form of a novel but, as I mentioned before, on another planet. You could still have the threat but then not have the 'magic' solution. You could have the inhabitants of the city deal with the aftermath over time with the Doctor saying; "Now, look after your plants before it happens again!"

Face the Raven

by Sarah Dollard

I have only seen this episode a couple of times, so I may be missing something. For a first-time writer of the show, Sarah has some fantastic ideas and there is some cracking dialogue. The thing I don't understand is just why they can't take the Chronolock off Clara. Is it explained fully? Not to my satisfaction. If Ashildr took it in her stead, it wouldn't matter as she is immortal. Maybe I need to rewatch as it surely must be explained. I'll come back to this another time.

Heaven Sent

by Steven Moffat

OK, I know this one will be controversial. Yes, it's a tour-de-force performance from Capaldi. Yes, the visuals are stunning. Yes, it's another high-concept episode...

I just don't understand why anyone, Time Lord or whomever, would subject anyone to that kind of torture over, basically, NOTHING! Seriously, think about it. It makes no sense!! Billions of years??? For WHAT?? An answer? Even Deep Thought would think that was stretching it out a bit!! Still... Rachel Talalay's direction is superb.

All That Said...

I could ramble on about other oddities and inconsistencies within the show, but it IS just a TV show (and a damn fine one at that). I said earlier that it seems a bit churlish to make criticisms but occasionally it's fun to question and scratch beneath the surface. Anyone can ask me to rave about Doctor Who and I will do so for hours.

I'll finish with one more silly nit-pick...

It's bigger on the inside? WTF?

Happy 11th Birthday, NuWho!

It's no secret that I am a Whovian - a big fan of Doctor Who - but I haven't really gone into depth about it; just alluded to my keen interest and stating my unachievable desire of actually becoming the Doctor. Although I have been a fan since I began watching aged four (beginning with Tom Baker's penultimate year, season 17), I have been a little more 'out & proud' since it became relatively cool to do so. The 21st Century version of Doctor Who (a continuation of the original run and not a "reboot" - gosh, I hate that term...) has been a cultural phenomenon and has taken fandom to a whole different level. Here I shall discuss my own personal feelings and critique of the show since it returned to our screens back in 2005. These opinions are my own and may be in conflict with your own. Isn't that what makes the world more interesting?

Imagine the greenscreen represents Skaro or Gallifrey...

As you will notice, I am heading each with its chronological 'season' number and the modern 'series' number - to please all...

Season 27/Series 1

Thank you Russell T Davies! That's how I have to begin because, without him, we would not be where we are today in the world of 'Who'.

The first series of "NuWho" (as some like to call it) has its highs and lows, but one cannot begrudge any mistakes during a pivotal 'freshman' year - although in this case, it's probably more of a postgraduate year for the mature student. Frequent criticisms from the nay-sayers cite farting aliens and burping wheelie-bins as the nadir of family-viewing. However, I can overlook these because I know that there will have been young children cherishing these moments with giggly delight. OK, so it's not to all tastes (and the burping bin was a bit odd...) but, as far as I am concerned, the Slitheen family from Raxacoricofallapatorius had a humorous side-effect to the oft queried notion of how aliens disguised themselves as humans. It was a cheeky gesture from RTD and I appreciate it!

Christopher Eccleston cast as the Doctor was a stroke of genius. He is a consummate actor and gave such a deft and appropriate performance giving the correct measures of pathos and levity without betraying the character's history or darkness.

Billie Piper was also a revelation. I remember being gobsmacked at the announcement of her addition to the show, but she proved me wrong within the first 45 minutes. (More of my misjudged foreboding later...)

Oh, and I can't talk about this season without mentioning the absurdly charismatic John Barrowman in the role of Captain Jack Harkness. An immediate fan-favourite who would eventually get his own spin-off TV series.

Highlights of the season include:

• The End of the world
- a superb way to introduce new audiences to the varied world of the Whoniverse.
• Dalek - Eccleston showing his acting chops.
• Father's Day - a beautifully acted piece about Rose's late father (great monsters too!)
• The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances - a genuinely unnerving story from the future show-runner. This is Moffat at his best.
• Boom Town - for those miseries who hated the farting Slitheen family, here is a poignant and low-key episode that gets you thinking about who the Doctor really is.
• Bad Wolf/The Parting of the Ways - an explosive finale to the series with some genuine shocks and surprises. This is rightly considered to be a modern-day classic.

Oh, and the Doctor returning Rose back home twelve months later instead of twelve hours was pure genius!

Season 28/Series 2

It was a sad shock when it was announced (prematurely) that Christopher Eccleston was stepping down from his role. I still have a little ache in my heart due to that decision for I believe he could have produced some more wonderful televisual history for him and his Doctor had he decided to stay. Alas...

However... along came David Tennant and sank into the role as easily as a brick into custard - a very fine, dashing and amusing brick, I must add.

Some fans grew a tad weary of Rose's affection for the Doctor during this season, but I think most people would fall in love with the Tenth Doctor, so it seemed perfectly natural to me.

The Tenth Doctor and Rose had a fabulous year with some enormously fun episodes. Some despise Love & Monsters but I enjoyed its bravado and the notion of a group of misfits finding their niche with their shared interest in the Doctor - a lovely metaphor for fandom. That said, Fear Her is as disappointing as fans make out. Sad, really, as it had some great ideas. I particularly liked the scribble monster. If you want a similar but better story, go watch Paperhouse.

Controversially, I am not a fan of The Girl in the Fireplace. Again, nice ideas, but with odd logic. I also hate the fact that the Doctor would leave Rose and Mickey stranded for the sake of someone he just met. Bizarre.

Highlights of the season include:

• The Christmas Invasion - perhaps the finest 'first' episode for a NuWho Doctor, despite the fact he's asleep for most of it.
• School Reunion - bringing back Sarah Jane Smith was a superb idea that really paid off.
• Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel - the marching metal monsters are back and looking rather fabulous.
• The Idiot's Lantern - not everyone's favourite, but I have a massive soft spot for this episode.
• The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit - not perfect, but beautifully produced. Great supporting cast too.
• Army of Ghosts/Doomsday - a superb finale with one of the most heartbreaking scenes to ever be seen in the show.

Season 29/Series 3

With Rose gone, the Doctor had little time to mourn when he has Donna Noble thrust upon him. Although this meeting was supposed to be a one off adventure for the best temp in chiswick, it wouldn't be too long before they teamed up again...

Enter Martha Jones, a medical student who also has sights on the handsome alien with a time machine. Martha Jones hits the floor running and proves herself more than able to keep up with the Doctor. Freema Agyeman had the unenviable task of being "Not Billie Piper" just like Linda Thorson had to be "Not Diana Rigg" in The Avengers, but she pulled it off and by the time she left, her character had grown and learned a lot more about herself and about the Doctor. I would have liked to have seen her prove her medical worth a bit more often.

This series reintroduced The Master and it was done in such a bloomin' marvellous pulled-rug-from-under-feet way, I still get goosebumps whenever I think about it.

Again, controversially, I am not a huge fan of John Simm's Master and I would have much preferred it is the incredibly talented Derek Jacobi had maintained that role throughout the finale. Still, he will always be a bloody good incarnation of The Master to me.

The least successful story this season is the Dalek two-parter. It starts well and has a good cast, but the whole Dalek-Human hybrid is quite embarrassing, sadly.

Highlights of the season include:

• Smith and Jones - Possibly the best first episode for a companion in NuWho - debatable... Freema shines immediately.
• Gridlock - despite a bit of a logic leap regarding the traffic jams, this episode never fails to entertain me - PLUS the return of a classic monster.
• Human Nature/The Family of Blood - a retelling of an old Seventh Doctor novel, this works perfectly and sets up the finale (fob watch!)
• Blink - Another Steven Moffat classic and features the sublime Carey Mulligan. I wish he hadn't kept bringing them back...
• Utopia - The return of Captain Jack and an incredible performance by Derek Jacobi. Thrilling stuff.
• The Sound of Drums/Last of the Time Lords - flawed, but fun. The scene where the sky opens terrified me because I'd had a dream where that thing happened just months before!

Season 30/Series 4

Before I dive in to thsi season, let's have a quick mentio the Steven Moffat penned Children in Need Charity episode Time Crash - it's a remarkably endearing and entertaining mini-episode featuring two of my all-time favourite Doctors. A love-letter to fans. Exquisite.

OK... first we have Kylie Minogue guest starring in an explosive Christmas episode owing much to The Poseidon Adventure and films of its ilk. Great fun.

Now, I have to confess that when it was announced that Catherine Tate was coming back for a full-time role, I genuinely felt the blood rush out of my face. I honestly thought this was a bad idea and, quite possibly the end of my love of the show. No offence to Catherine, she is a superb actress, but I thought it stank of stunt casting.

I could not have been more wrong. Within the first episode, she had convinced me that this was RTD's best move since casting David Tennant and the chemistry between the two leads is electric. I have no shame in admitting how wrong I was and now Donna Noble is my favourite companion of the entire series (narrowly beating Ian, Barbara and Tegan!)

This 45th anniversary and 30th season of the show is one of my absolute favourites from start to finish without hardly a step wrong.

What breaks my heart the most isn't that Donna's mind gets wiped of her adventures, but that Catherine would have done another year if asked! Thank heavens for the forthcoming audio adventures...

We also meet River Song for the first time in The Silence in the Library/The Forest of the Dead - we shall more learn more about her later...

Highlights of the season include:

• Partners in Crime - a fast, fun and delirious opening to Donna's second chance at a life of adventure. "I'm waving at fat!". Oh, and THAT cameo...
• The Fires of Pompeii - a stunning performance from Catherine again and some strong support from Peter Capaldi.
• The Unicorn and the Wasp - a joy from start to finish. For Agatha Christie fans like myself, it's an absolute treat.
• Midnight - David acting his socks off in one of the most intense episodes of the shows run up until now.
• Turn Left - quite simply my favourite episode of Doctor Who to date. Immaculate and stunning right up to and including that phenomenal cliffhanger.
• The Stolen Earth/Journey's End - a wonderful way to celebrate the 45th anniversary. I often bung on these episodes when I feel like a good evening in.

Gap Year Specials

I was quite saddened to hear about a) the departure of RTD, b) the 'gap year' and c) David Tennant's departure. After four years of sublime TV, it felt uncomfortable to know we only had five episodes left. However, we were informed that Steven Moffat would be taking over, so we felt in safe hands...

I just wanted these seasonal specials to be... er... more 'special'.

We met Cybermen again at Christmas, a new (dead) planet at Easter, a terrifying new monster in Autumn and the Tenth Doctor's finale over Christmas and New Year.

Highlights of the season include:

• Planet of the Dead - a great image of a Double Decker bus on a sandy planet. Plus we had Malcolm (who should be brought back, frankly)
• The Waters of Mars - flawless. Lindsay Duncan is a favourite of mine. Genuinely scary in places.
• The End of Time Part Two - part one left me flat, but the final twenty minutes of this episode was a beautiful piece of television.

Season 31/Series 5

A new pilot for the TARDIS, a new companion and a new show-runner at the reins.

I think of Matt Smith as the 'Looney-Tunes' Doctor. Full of energy but rather cartoonish. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it means that I never really warmed to him as "The Doctor". He certainly has a lot of charisma about him and he can channel the impish nature of Patrick Troughton quite easily.. I liked how Steven Moffat wanted an old mind in a young body. That made for some nice characterisation on Matt and Steven's behalf.

Now, I have to be honest and say that Amy Pond didn't do it for me. She began well, but I found her a bit too petulant throughout her journey. I actually felt sorry for Rory most of the time. I did like the younger version of Amelia Pond. She was quite adorable. I must say, though, that I might be a bit narky and sulky if the Doctor had left me behind for years and years.

This, for me, is possibly the better season out of Matt's tenure. I will explain why in the next two seasons.

Highlights of the season include:

• The Eleventh Hour - a strong opener with a very confident performance from Matt.
• Victory of the Daleks - oft maligned by whiny fanboys because they didn't like the new Daleks, I quite like the story as a whole. Should have been a two-parter.
• The Hungry Earth/Cold Blood - a return for the "Silurians". I love this particularly based on Meera Syal's performance She should be a companion.
• Vincent and the Doctor - Richard Curtis takes on Doctor Who and depression and pulls off a rather moving piece.
• The Lodger - another fun episode with a great turn from James Corden who, it seems, can do just about anything!
• The Pandorica Opens - only part one. The conclusion was a mess. Reboot the universe? WTF? That is just bloody lazy writing. Awful

Season 32/Series 6

This is where I think I am going to lose a lot of my readers, but as I said earlier, these are just my views...

I loathe this season. It's a mess. Incoherent and full of 'Love saves the day' bollocks. Go have a rewatch and see how many times a father's love for his child is key to the story. So tiresome!

I can't fault Steven Moffat's imagination, but the execution is somewhat confusing and, frankly, bonkers. To annoy many readers even further, I didn't like The Doctor's Wife either - which is a shame as I quite like Gaiman's writing usually.

We learn a lot more about River Song this season, but by this point I just didn't care.

Sadly, the conclusion of the season is also a sloppy mess.

Highlights of the season include:

• A Christmas Carol - a jolly festive fare. Michael Gambon can do no wrong.
• The Impossible Astronaut - has some moments, but my god, I hate Day of the Moon. So many logic leaps.
• The Rebel Flesh/The Almost People - nice moments, but could have been a one-episode story.
• The God Complex - the best episode of the season for me. Rita should have replaced Amy as a companion. She was excellent.

Season 33/Series 7

This season is a vast improvement on the previous year's. Stronger stories and a less confusing arc. The main reason for the improvement? Miss Jenna Louise-Coleman!

Let's ignore the Christmas special The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe for it was deathly dull.

Yes, I have mentioned that Amy and Rory haven't really thrilled me during their run, but they both put in fantastic performances during the Dalek episode. If I had seen more stuff like this, I would have been more impressed. However, their final episode left me very cold indeed. Again, logic leaps aplenty - I also think Steven should have been braver and actually killed them both off. THAT would have made sense within the internal logic of the story. Sadly, as with a lot of NuWho, "Everybody Lives" happens all too frequently these days. Drama shouldn't be afraid of death.

Clara is a wonderful addition to the show and, although the pay-off at the end of the season isn't quite as satisfactory as it should be, Jenna's journey as Clara starts off rather strongly. I am so pleased she stuck around for another two seasons.

With the news that Chris Chibnall will be taking over for series eleven onwards, one might have high hopes after the successes of Torchwood and Broadchurch, but with his two entries to the show this season, it doesn't exactly fill me with hope. I particularly dislike The Power of Three. I won't go into my reasons here as it might spark controversy, but let's just say that it leaves me feeling rather uneasy.

Highlights of the season include:

• Asylum of the Daleks - a bold and impressive opener to the season. Top marks.
• A Town Called Mercy - normally I hate Westerns, but this one works beautifully.
• Cold War - a welcome return to the Ice Warriors. I want MORE! Oh, and David Warner rules (and always has!)
• The Crimson Horror - classy! unsurprising as it has Diana Rigg in it. Great episode until that end tag-scene which leads into the next episode - dire!
• The Name of the Doctor - although not perfect, it's the best season finale for Matt's run. Jenna is great in this episode. Lovely to see old Doctors too.

50th Anniversary Specials

Gosh. Fifty years. I remember the thrill of watching The Five Doctors during the twentieth anniversary celebrations (and I love that story!)

There was lots for fans to lap up in November 2015 and some genuine surprises. Not even the most ardent Moff-hater could be churlish during the celebratory season. Although Steven has toyed with us like a boy poking a hornets' nest, he did look after old and new fans alike during this important time. That can not be denied.

The biggest kick in the nuts is the sad fact that the utterly brilliant Christopher Eccleston didn't join us for the ride. I respect his right to choose not to and I would never begrudge him of his talent or his legacy to the show.

In compensation, we did get the jaw-droppingly incredible John hurt instead. Huzzah!

Sadly, Matt Smith's final episode was gut-wrenchingly awful. I honestly think it's my least favourite episode of 21st Centry Who. Everything about it makes me cringe.

Highlights of the season include:

• The Night of the Doctor - another perfectly formed mini-episode from Steven. Thank Paul McGann for all his terrific Big Finish work, but he needs a TV spin-off 'The Missing Years'
• The Day of the Doctor - a fan-pleasing episode and Tennant finally gets to play with the Zygons. Plus a brilliant cameo at the end.
• The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot - this had me grinning from ear-to-ear throughout. An instant classic
• An Adventure in Space and Time - simply beautiful.

Season 34/Series 8

Now, I was a bit 'meh' about the announcement that Peter Capaldi was taking over. I respect him as an actor, but I wasn't sure about him as the Doctor. This first season of his is a bit of a hit and miss affair, but he managed to convince me by the time series nine came along (once the writers really knew how to write for him, I think.)

Jenna, again, proves herself to be a terrific companion. many fans really dislike Danny pink, but I did not. I actually quite liked him.

Once more I shall provoke the wrath of the ardent fans by stating that Listen didn't do it for me. Once again with Moffat's work, there are some exciting ideas and some vivid stretches of the imagination, but I often find that, although sparkling on the surface, the more high-concept episodes don't stand up to much scrutiny. He is, obviously, a highly respected and worthy writer (just check out Press Gang, it's superb!) but I think he needs a better script-editor at times. It is often said that if you are too close to your own work, you can't spot the mistakes (which is why I should have a proof reader for my blog!!)

I don't want this to become a Moff-bashing blog, that would be childish and non-constructive. He has his moments, I just don't think Listen is quite the masterpiece as some seem to think.

As for Missy, I have no problem with a female Master and I really love Michelle Gomez (the TV series The Book Group is well worth seeing if you want more of the brilliant Michelle. She stole every scene going!) but there's something which doesn't quite work for me and I can't figure out what!

Highlights of the season include:

• Into the Dalek - a rather nice idea and well-handled.
• Robot of Sherwood - a fun romp that probably needs to be re-cut with the deleted scenes now.
• Mummy on the Orient Express - The best episode of series eight. I wish Frank Skinner had become a companion!
• Flatline - another great episode with genuinely scary monsters..

Season 35/Series 9

This is the season that Peter Capaldi really slides into the role effortlessly. I really believe he is the Doctor as I believed in David Tennant (and not Matt Smith, sadly).

Let me get this out of the way: I simply do not get the fandom squeals over Maisie Williams. OK, so she has been in Game of Thrones, but so what? So has Diana Rigg and she is vastly more exciting and brilliant. No offence to Maisie, but CALM DOWN people! Sheesh!

OK... that said. This season was a little stronger than the previous year and I enjoyed the two-parter-fest. I do love a cliffhanger.

The biggest regret I have about this season is that I didn't feel anything with Clara's story ending. We had so many false endings for her throughout the years that by this point I had lost any emotional connection. I still love Jenna and Clara, but also with the stepping in the moment before her death, we had the "everybody Lives" rigmarole again. It's a shame. I really, really do love Clara, but I wanted more of an impact with her ending.

Oh dear, I really wanted to love Sleep No More as I often like Mark Gatiss' scripts, but this failed. What a shame.

Although fans worldwide loved Heaven Sent, I am sorry, I did not. It felt like a pointless exercise in trying to do a high-concept episode which, once again, defied certain logic. Why would ANYONE trap someone for that long just for one answer? Even Davros wouldn't be so cruel. Also, the pay-off in Hell Bent was so ineffectual. Where was this devastation that the "hybrid" was supposed to wreak? This is the problem with all sci-fi/fantasy prophecies... they are just so underwhelming and pointless.

Highlights of the season include:

• The Magician's Apprentice/The Witch's Familiar - I don't love this two-parter but I do love Julian Bleach's Davros, so that's why it's here.
• Under the Lake/Before the Flood - this feels like Classic Who. Solid stuff.
• The Zygon Invasion/The Zygon Inversion - another rockin' two-parter. The speech in part two is worth the price of the Blu-Ray boxset alone.
• Face the Raven - great idea (reminded me of Gaiman's Neverwhere) but flawed in places.
• Hell Bent - seeing the old TARDIS console room made me very happy.

Conclusion

As I look back on the last eleven years since Rose aired, we've had our ups and downs, just like with any show. When it returned, it was a huge part of my life for five years. I was obsessed (again), but as the years went on, my love dwindled and I grew more apathetic about it. I still watch with a sort of fascination because it IS a great show and always will be. The nature of the show is CHANGE. that's why it has been so successful over the years.

It's undeniable that I am less fond of the "Moffat Era" and I favour the "RTD Years" but I know that Steven and Russell would understand that some have affections for different styles.

Of the classic era, there are highs and lows throughout and friends of mine who are also fans will have differing opinions to my own about which periods work best (I get mocked for loving the First and Fifth Doctor quite frequently, but i don't care!). It doesn't really matter if I have disagreed with you about your favourite or least favourite episodes - we all get something different out of the show. What will always be a constant is the fact that its a TV programme that has fired the imagination of millions across the globe and one cannot underestimate that. So, whether you disagree with me or not, let's just admit that it has been a terrific 52 years so far. Here's top the next fifty...

The Future..?

A female Doctor?

A solo male Companion?

If I were in charge, I would leave the 'arc' template for a bit and simply have the Doctor visiting planets and solving problems.

I would also have more Ice Warriors, a return to aggressive, scary Sontarans, and I'd bring back the Rani (played by Gillian Anderson)

All I Want

When I win the lottery...

...there will be parties...

...there will be drinks...

...I will get fit...

...but I will maintain a decent support network...

...I will get a whole new wardrobe...

...I will learn to dance...

...I will become a better driver...

...I'd get my teeth fixed...

...I will buy the comfiest furniture...

...I will be more carefree...

...I will be charitable...

...and maybe become really altruistic or something...

...there will be lots of cats...

...I will have a full social life...

...I will hang out with my friends a lot more...

...but just my friends...

...I will be classy...

...I will have the BEST house...

...I'll be a terrific home-maker...

...I'll throw the best dinner parties...

...there will be shenanigans...

...I might even take up Pilates or Yoga...

...did I mention drink..?

...I will be a lot happier...

... and maybe there will be love(?)

...or maybe I should stop daydreaming.