'Doctor Who' Christmas Special Air Time and More!

BBC One has just released their Christmas schedule line up, which means one very important thing; Whovians now know when to shrug their familial holiday duties and turn on the telly!

This year's special, "Last Christmas," will be airing Christmas day on BBC One at 6:15PM across the pond and BBC America at 9/8C stateside. Come to think of it, with rumors of Jenna Coleman's impending exit, the title "Last Christmas" seems a little foreboding.

Fans of the show received a sneak peak at the special during the season finale, "Death in Heaven," when Nick Frost showed up in the TARDIS dressed as Santa Claus. Who, by the way, is perfect for this role in every single way. Frost will be returning as Saint Nick to join Clara and the Doctor for their (alleged) last adventure. Trapped on an Arctic base (i.e the North Pole), the trio set out to help a group of scientists that are under a deadly, alien attack. Making an appearance in the episode will be Patrick Troughton's son, Michael Troughton, as Professor Albert.

Showrunner Steven Moffat promises that he hasn't lost his mind, but freely admits that this is the craziest episode he has written. In an interview with Radio Times, he says "It's The Thing meets Miracle on 34th Street – the movie we've all been waiting for. It's certainly the strangest bloody thing I've ever written." He doesn't want fans to write the episode off, however, saying "I sense that the very people who think they might hate this, won't hate it at all. Of all the Christmas specials I've done, it's the one most like the paradigm Doctor Who episode."

If you haven't watched the trailer for the episode yet, consider this my early gift to you. While you're at it, see if you can spot Dan Starkey out of his Sontaran garb!



-Nowal Massari

First Teaser for the Doctor Who Christmas Special Released!

If you like your television spoiler free, I suggest you look away now!

Now that the late watchers have gone, the season 8 finale of Doctor Who gave fans a sneak peek into this years Christmas special, by introducing Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead) as Santa Claus.

The episode was followed immediately by the first official teaser trailer, and let me say that things are looking quite terrifying up at the North Pole. Check it out and let us know what you think!

-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' Recap: 'Robot of Sherwood'

Images Courtesy BBC America

BY NOWAL MASSARI

If there is one thing that "Doctor Who" is not known for, it would be comedy. Sure, there have been laughs throughout the 50 year span of the show, however a straight up funny episode hasn't graced the screens since the 1960s. Until now, that is.

"Robot of Sherwood," penned by the brilliant Mark Gatiss, begins inside the TARDIS. After being told to pick anywhere in time and space to visit, a giddy Clara tells the Doctor that she's always wanted to meet Robin Hood. Trying to dissuade her choice, the Doctor tells her that Robin Hood is just a story and she'll be disappointed. Not even the tiniest bit tempted by the Ice Warrior encampments on Mars, Clara gets her wish as the Doctor sets the TARDIS controls to Sherwood Forrest, 1190AD...ish. To the delight of Clara, and the chagrin of the Doctor, the TARDIS has landed them right next to the Earl of Locksley himself, Robin Hood. He is appears exactly as movies and storybooks have portrayed him; brash, loud and constantly laughing. The Doctor is not a fan and asks Robin if laughing has ever gotten him punched in the face.

'Doctor Who' Recap: 'Deep Breath'

Images Courtesy of the BBC

BY NOWAL MASSARI

After what seemed like a nerd-ternity, the series eight premiere of "Doctor Who" has finally arrived. As with all post-regeneration Doctors, we enter the first episode with a touch of sadness and slight caution. As pointed out by Chris Hardwick and Wil Wheaton on "After Who Live," we nerds are living in a post-Phantom Menace world and we do not like change. However, we always warm to the new Doctor as time goes forward (or backward). So now, hold on to your sonics and take a "Deep Breath."

First Official, Full Length Doctor Who Trailer Released

"Am I a good man?"

As the clock ticks down to the August 23 premiere of "Doctor Who," the BBC is giving Whovians everywhere a peek into where the next season will be headed. With glimpses of old villains, and new, to quote the Doctor himself, this time around we will all be time traveling "into darkness."

Check out the full length trailer below and tell us what you think we can expect from this darker season!



-Nowal Massari

'Doctor Who' Season Eight Premiere Date and Trailer Released

Image Courtesy Official Doctor Who Facebook

After Matt Smith's Christmas regeneration/departure, Whovians everywhere wondered how long they would have to wait before officially meeting the Twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi. Well, wonder no more! Earlier, the BBC announced that the eighth season of the sci-fi smash hit will be premiering in late August:

"The new Doctor lands on August 23, with a feature-length first episode called “Deep Breath” – starring Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor and Jenna Coleman as his companion, Clara.”

Along with the premiere date, the BBC also released a new teaser trailer for the upcoming season, where we catch a glimpse of a confused Clara being asked if the Doctor is a good man. With "Doctor Who: the World Tour" kicking off soon, it's safe to assume that fans will be treated to even more sneak peeks, new information and trailers right up until the premiere on August 23.

Slap on your bow ties and check out the newest teaser!



-Nowal Massari

"Doctor Who: the World Tour" to Kick Off in August

Courtesy Mirror Online

Whovians of the world have been preparing for the August arrival of Peter Capaldi's Twelfth Doctor for quite some time. As the moment draws closer, BBC America and BBC Worldwide have announced that "Doctor Who" stars Jenna Coleman and Peter Capaldi will be taking the TARDIS on a whirlwind, seven city, five continent "world tour" to promote the new season!

"Doctor Who: the World Tour" kicks off on August 7 in Cardiff, with Capaldi and Coleman also be stopping in London, Seoul, Sydney, New York, Mexico City, and ending on August 19 in Rio de Janeiro.

Keeley Hawes Cast as a Villain in 'Doctor Who'

Courtesy BBC

A sassy redhead will be joining the new series of "Doctor Who" and apparently, she carries a dark secret. BBC has released the news stating that "Line of Duty"'s Keeley Hawes will join the cast of "Doctor Who" and "guest star for one episode in Peter Capaldi's first ever series as the Time Lord."

The episode which is written by Steve Thompson ("Sherlock") and directed by Douglas Mackinnon (Line of Duty, Doctor Who), will have Hawes playing "Ms. Delphox." She is described as "a powerful out of this world character with a dark secret. Travelling across space and time the Twelfth Doctor (Peter Capaldi) and his companion, Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), will come face to face with the mysterious Ms Delphox when they arrive on a strange and puzzling planet."

Keeley Hawes comments on her new role, "I am delighted to join Doctor Who and to be working with this incredible team. Ms. Delphox is a great character and someone I've had a lot of fun playing."

Lead writer, Steven Moffat adds, "Anyone watching Jed Mercurio's amazing Line of Duty will know that Keeley Hawes is having one hell of year. And now it's about to get even better as she achieves the greatest villainy yet attempted on 'Doctor Who:' she plays a banker."

The series is currently filming. We'll let you know when the next series will premiere.

-Larissa Mrykalo

Samuel Anderson Joins the Cast of 'Doctor Who' For Series 8

Courtesy Doctor Who Official (Twitter)

A new recurring character named Danny Pink will be joining "Doctor Who" for the next series premiering later this year. According to BBC Blogs, Samuel Anderson ("The History Boys," "Gavin & Stacey," "Emmerdale") will take on the role of Pink, a teacher at Coal Hill School where companion Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman) also teaches.

Anderson is clearly thrilled about his new role, "I was so excited to join 'Doctor Who' I wanted to jump and click my heels, but I was scared I might not come down before filming started! It’s a quintessential part of British culture and I can’t believe I’m part of it. It’s an honour to be able to work alongside Peter Capaldi and Jenna Coleman and I can’t wait to show people how my character becomes involved with such a fantastic duo!"

The blog adds a statement from Steven Moffat, lead writer and executive producer, "For the fourth time in 'Doctor Who' history, Coal Hill School is coming to the aid of the TARDIS. In 1963 teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright accompanied the First Doctor. These days it’s the turn of Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald. And very soon now, Sam Anderson as Danny Pink will be entering the world of the Doctor. But how and why? Answers are coming later this year in Peter Capaldi’s first series of Doctor Who!"

The blog also reveals that filming "...recently began on episode 4 of the new series which will co-star Robert Goodman ("Gangs of New York," "Game of Thrones") and episode 5, co-starring Jonathan Bailey ("Broadchurch," "Groove High"), and Pippa Bennett-Warner ("The Smoke," "Death in Paradise")."

-Larissa Mrykalo

Peter Capaldi Arrives on Set For First Full Day of Filming 'Doctor Who'

Courtesy BBC

In a press release just issued from the BBC, we get a glimpse of the twelfth Doctor, Peter Capaldi, on the set of "Doctor Who" for his first full day of filming series eight. Filming is occurring in Cardiff, Wales until August. A photo provided shows him clad in the costume of the eleventh Doctor and side-by-side with his glowing companion, Clara (Jenna Coleman).

Even though he was introduced at the end of the "The Time of the Doctor," Capaldi said when he arrived,"New job, first day, slightly nervous. Just like the Doctor, I'm emerging from the TARDIS into a whole other world.”

Other statements about the new adventures included one from Lead Writer and Executive Producer, Steven Moffat who added, “First the eyebrows! Then, at Christmas, the face! Coming soon, the whole Doctor. In the Cardiff studios, the Capaldi era begins.”

Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One, commented: "A new year, a new face, a new Doctor! 2014 has arrived and it's Peter Capaldi's time so let the adventures begin!"

Ben Stephenson, Controller of Drama Commissioning, said: "Excitement and anticipation fills the air as Peter Capaldi’s Doctor takes control of the TARDIS for the very first time today. It’s going to be one hell of a ride and I can't wait for the journey to start."

Another tidbit from the release was that the first episode of series eight has been written by Steven Moffat with the second episode penned by Phil Ford. These are the first episodes that Peter will shoot and are directed by Ben Wheatley.

Watch the regeneration here...



-Larissa Mrykalo