Review: DOCTOR WHO - THE WITCH'S FAMILIAR

There are three different schools of thought about Steven Moffatt's work on Doctor Who: one school believes he can do no wrong, providing intricate plots which have revived the show; another believes Moffatt can do no right, promoting their view with a vitriol and venom that seems grossly out-of-proportion, ranting because Moffatt isn't catering to their particular tastes. Then there's the rest of us (approximately 99% of Doctor Who fandom) who can take or leave the show per episode, but who can look at each episode critically and determine their own conclusion.

Last week's entry, The Magician's Apprentice, was a bit too much like fan service to me. Oh, sure, it harkened back to Genesis of the Daleks (one of my favorite classic Doctor Who stories)....actually, it didn't so much harken as serve as a draft one "spinoff". In brief, the Doctor encounters a boy who will grow up to create the Daleks....and remembers the infamous "would you kill a child who you knew would grow up to be evil?" conversation. Shenanigans ensue, and the cliffhanger is the Doctor seeming to say, "Why of course I would!"

The Witch's Familiar is an interesting part two - Michelle Gomez and Jenna Coleman make a really good double act. Julian Bleach makes for a pretty good Davros, manipulating the Doctor into performing a seemingly selfless act. In terms of ideas, the script is solid....but I kept wondering one thing as time progressed after seeing this episode.

Why did Davros have to be the big bad?

In talking with other fans - those of the take-or-leave-it-but-Moffatt-might-be-tired school of thought - I realized that many of Moffatt's scripts in the Russell T. Davies era contained no callbacks to the classic era at all.

Go on. Name one. There may have been a shout-out, but Moffatt-era Who has not only played in the classic era-series' sandbox, it's pretty much destroyed the wooden box that contains the sand.

For every smart idea, there's an equally pandering one. Daleks being powered by negative emotion versus "wearable technology", for an example. Moffatt likes his classic-era tropes (and yes, I'm ignoring some of his deeper tropes around portrayal of women and people of color - that's a can of worms that others have opened), and those who love Moffatt love those little callbacks. Those who hate Moffatt seem angry because he's not using their tropes in the way they would prefer.

For both sets - much of the classic series is on DVD. You're more than welcome to enjoy both.

Me? I was fair-to-middling on this opener, and as a classic series fan....I can watch it anytime. Heck, I even run a group who watches one classic story per month. Don't show me what I've seen before, Moffatt - show me something new.

And that's my main problem with this two-parter - and Steven Moffatt - in general.

Doctor Who used to have a sense of wonder....and I really want it back.

Mondays With Columbo: THE MOST DANGEROUS MATCH

(Revised 11/28/2025)

Very rarely (at least, if memory serves) did Columbo ever pull "straight from the headlines", but this may be one of the few Columbo episodes that share similarities with its more recent equivalent, a fourth-season episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

Focusing on the then-prevalent interest in chess (now the subject of a major motion picture, now with extra Tobey Maguire), The Most Dangerous Match has a great idea behind it - after all, aren't most Columbo episodes like a chess match? And wouldn't having Laurence Harvey of The Manchurian Candidate as a counterpoint to Columbo seem like a no-brainer?

Although there's a great idea behind it...the movie is one of the fair-to-middling entries in the Columbo oeuvre.

Laurence Harvey plays a chess champion - arrogant, abrasive, and wearing a hearing aid. He will be playing against his Russian opponent - who came out of retirement to take on the champion - and with shades of Bobby Fischer, Harvey goes into a bit of a panic, complete with a neo-psychedelic dream sequence...

...and that's the first of many awkward, not-well-thought-out sequences in the film.

There are some clever touches: an impromptu dinner between the two chess players leads to a further impromptu game of chess; heightened scrutiny by a Russian chess coach leads to some tension; and every step of the way, Harvey finds ways to counter every move and plan moves. Even at the end, when he is bragging about the number of games other chess players could handle, Columbo delivers a simple checkmate.

This isn't a bad Columbo episode (you won't get such a thing until the 1980s revival, which is why I'm not covering that era), but the direction seems lackluster. Although the writing is relatively strong, the revelation of the "big clue" feels weak. (It also doesn't help that the victim is revealed to be "only hurt" early on - although there is a later killing stroke, it does lay part of the plot open).

Is this a Columbo to remember? No, but it's worth watching if you like chess or own the DVD-boxed set. You can check it out for yourself via Tubi.

Oh, and just one more thing......the Columbo Podcast focuses on Make Me a Perfect Murder while Just One More Thing focuses on A Friend In Deed...

Watch Now - DOCTOR WHO: THE MAGICIAN'S APPRENTICE

Had a great time with last night's group view of The Magician's Apprentice...but rather than write another full-length review, I'm offering this complete episode, available legally via YouTube.

And quite honestly, what did you think? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below. (My thoughts - next week. Honest).

Your Pre-Doctor Who Series Premiere Blogaround

Yes, tomorrow I will be hosting a live view of the Doctor Who Series 9 Premiere; but until then, here's a listing of various online shenanigans. (All in an effort to maintain "proper reputation management", as the kids say...

But first, via Sean Taylor's blog, my thoughts on writing great mysteries. And with several projects forthcoming....it's very timely indeed.

And on the Chicago Now front....I'm working on two really big posts, but for now, here's a profile of ChariPick, a really cool Chicago startup.

Things are moving along with the Chicago TARDIS Charity Auction, but in an effort to drive interest and traffic, please check out this recent item for the Chicago Nerd Social Club website. (And if you would like to meet me in person, check out the joint meetup with Chicago Doctor Who Meetup on September 22nd).

Finally, I was proud to have been name-checked on both Reality Bomb and Radio Free Skaro....although aside to RFS host Steven - please tell me where you see a few extra letters in my last name?

Best comment wins a prize.

Ask Gordon Anything - Roger Green Part Two

Since Roger was cool enough to ask a series of questions - and since I opted to answer part of them earlier this week....here are Roger's other two questions.

Roger first asks, Where are you on the God/religion journey?

You know, I consider myself something of a "cafeteria spiritual seeker" - I have an interest in more Eastern modes of thought (like Hinduism, Buddhism, Tao), which seems to inform my Catholic upbringing. I'm not quite sure how to answer this that doesn't seem either pretentious - or possibly putting down other people's beliefs - but here goes....

I believe that, yes, there is a God.

Do I believe the Bible is the exact word of God? No - it's man's experience of God through mortal filters at a particular time and place.

If anything (and yes, I'm going to be raked over the coals for this belief) - I believe God's presence permeates our existence. He's always there if we wish to see him....and He's there from the greatest to the smallest personal moments. I've "eliminated the middle man" in terms of dealing with God...and I also think that any God who chooses to live amongst us in mortal form - and die in the ugliest, nastiest way possible rather than escape - is the kind of God worth emulating.

And that part of the challenge of being a spiritual being is working hard to making sure I emulate those divine principles.

(And Roger - I hope that I didn't sound too pompous in that answer).

But for some plucky comic relief, Roger than asks, OK, is Donald Trump a comedic giant, the end of American civilization, or something else?

Warning - you wanted a political answer, you're going to get one.

Donald Trump is the Tea Party's ideal candidate - a "right talking" person who speaks his mind, and who offers bogus answers rather than solid policy suggestions.

Without denigrating any other Republican candidates - the fact that Trump is so vastly popular speaks less to substance and more to style. He's the kind of guy who believes that branding his name on everything is "building his brand"...and who can't tell the difference between thinking he's the smartest guy in his room and actually being the smartest guy in the room.

In short, he's a joke. And the fact that he's up in the polls say less about the potential weaknesses in any of the other Republican candidates....and more about Trump's ability to play up to the prejudices of some American voters.

In short, Roger - he's all of the above.

Ask Gordon Anything - Roger Green Part One

As part of the "Ask Gordon Anything" series of posts, today is part one of a two-part series featuring questions from pal/near-twin Roger, whose first two questions are

When you're prone to melancholy, what gets you out of it? What musician/singer I've never heard of should I be listening to? 

To answer both questions....I usually listen to the music of Joy Division.

Granted, the band has gained notoriety for Ian Curtis' suicide, but this is some of the most emotionally engaging - and challenging - music ever recorded.

Part of the myth is due to the limited amount of music - two full albums, two compilations, a great documentary and Control (the obligatory biopic). It's not an easy listen - very minimalist, very existential....but this music is a great soundtrack for facing one's demons. (Even the surviving members - who went on to form New Order - have some qualms about performing. Here's a great interview with Peter Hook, the bassist, about the band's legacy)

Trust me - listening to Closer can be brutal, but there's something transcendent about the experience. It's as much about the "I survived the gloom" as it is "it doesn't get any worse then this."

It's a bit of a challenge, but Joy Division's music is worth it.

And soon, Roger, I'll answer your other questions - honest!

Ask Gordon Anything - Brendan's Question About Doctor Who

Some time ago, I encouraged friends, readers of this blog, and others to ask me anything....and although I wasn't deluged with questions (as much as freelance assignment seeking and writing), I'm taking the time to answer questions - one post per person.

Our first post is via pal Brendan, who asked via Facebook:

Is the BBC ever going to create a satisfactorily plausible back-story for Clara Oswald? It seems like they just want us to forget that she started out as a Dalek, re-appeared in a different place and time and DIED, and had been "chosen" by Missy, (etc.). Now, THERE's a question for you!

First - and Brendan, I'm not picking on you - but this is one of the many fallacies fans have - that somehow, the BBC must be responsive to their every wish.

Short answer - as long as Steven Moffatt serves as showrunner, it's on his watch.

Long answer - like many other fans, I'm not happy with Moffatt's performance as show runner. Given someone providing guidance (like, say, Russell T. Davies), Moffatt often comes up with moments of brilliance. However, his tendency to be very plotty-wotty, focusing more on intricacies of plot and being a "clever boy" rather than strength of storytelling, is his worst downfall. One full series of this (Series 8) works relatively smoothly, but his prior two series (Series 6 and 7) were often disruptive, awkward, and really never packed a strong narrative punch.

Unfortunately, Moffatt tends to throw in plot holes or dangling hooks without any real sense of resolution. Hopefully, this season may or may not resolve various plot threads, but unless you're willing to endure another checking-off-the-box resolution (I'm talking about you, Time of the Doctor), I wouldn't expect that to happen in the near future.

But Gordon, some of you may be saying, I like well-plotted story arcs, and that's what viewers want.
And here's where it breaks apart, and where Brendan's going to regret asking me this question.

There seems to be three opposing groups in Who fandom: the first who believe that Moffatt can do no wrong, the second that he can do no right, and the third - the rest of us - who simply try to enjoy the show on its own terms.

Those who think Moffatt can do no wrong, that he is the greatest show runner in the show's history....well, they also believe that Doctor Who was progressive because its first show runner was a woman. (And how many have we had since then?) It's impossible for them to believe that it is possible to like the show and also be critical of the show. 

The second group feel that Moffatt is a Dalek-like force of malevolence who should removed because - let's face it - that second group hates what he has done. Even to the point of mocking him, claiming he is incompetent, etc. etc. etc. These are the kind of people who don't celebrate their fandom - they mourn it. They need to be the "smartest fan in the room", asserting their vast knowledge of Who as if they own the right to do so.

They don't. No one does. Fandom means you need to share, and accept everyone's individuality. It means accepting that, for now, Moffatt's in charge....and that if fans do not like Moffatt's work, they can easily watch pre-Moffatt Doctor Who.  Or simply turn off the television and walk away.

The rest of us....well, we just like Doctor Who. 

And Brendan - that might not be the question you asked, but I hope that I gave a satisfactory answer.

MONDAYS WITH COLUMBO: "Murder By The Book"

(Revised 11/28/2024)

In all honesty, I had no intention of starting this feature so early - or with this episode. But last night, out of boredom, I turned on MeTV and found myself drawn back into this episode.

(It also serves as a nice tribute to Martin Milner, who passed away yesterday).

This is considered the first "official" episode of Columbo the series (after two pilot films - Prescription: Murder and Ransom for a Dead Man). The film has a very impressive pedigree - it was one of Steven Spielberg's early works for Universal (along with Night Gallery and Duel), and was one of the first scripts written by Steven Bochco.

Yes, that Steven Bochco.

The plot concerns the breakup of a long-standing mystery writing team played by Jack Cassidy and Martin Milner. Of course, Ken Franklin (Cassidy) is not too happy with the breakup; after all, the loss of the partnership means losing the perks of celebrity....and a consistent income. (Seems that Jim Ferris - the silent part of the partnership played by Mr. Milner - was doing all of the work). So Ken Franklin engages in a plan to eliminate Mr. Ferris....

....and no, that's not a spoiler. Columbo perfected the "inverted mystery" for television the same way R. Austin Freeman used the form in his Victorian-era Dr. Thorndyke mysteries. (And trust me - his essay The Art of the Detective Story is your must-read about mysteries, slightly behind Raymond Chandler's The Simple Art of Murder. What's remarkable about Columbo - even at this early stage - is how well it plays to its strengths: the cat-and-mouse between Columbo and the murderer; the outright class-based conflict (between Cassidy with Columbo and Ms. LaSanka, his wannabe paramour), and the speculation as to what-will-trip-up-Cassidy.

(And that's part of why I'm not focusing on the 1980s revival - too many variations on the formula, and a little too much of their time).

But it's Jack Cassidy who nearly steals the show - his three performances in Columbo are the equivalent of Jack Klugman and Burgess Meredith's appearances on The Twilight Zone. Cassidy manages to swing between affability and implied menace with chilling ease. (If he looks familiar, he's this young lady's grandfather). Even as the victim, Milner creates an inherent likability and warmth in what should have been a one-note portrayal. It's to Milner's credit that by the end, the viewer takes great glee in Franklin's downfall....because he murdered such a nice, likable character.

Available via streaming on Tubi and DVD, Murder By the Book is a great intro film for newbies. Although I will not be discussing the films in chronological order, I am proud to introduce this as a first entry in this series.

And as always, if you disagree, have suggestions for other episodes, etc, just leave them in the comments below.

Your Doctor Who To-Do Event List

You know, in my second life as organizer for the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup group, I can honestly say...I have some really great things in the hopper.

And yes, that does include planning the Chicago TARDIS charity auction, thank you very much.

Heading into the week of the premiere....there's some really cool things happening, and you're all invited.

On Wednesday, September 19th, we're holding our usual event at Third Coast Comics, conveniently located near the Granville Red Line station. For more details, please check out the evite on Meetup.

In addition, we're holding a trial event - watching the Series 9 in glorious High Definition at the Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Park. (Trust me, it will get a little wibbly-wobbly later on in this post). We're asking people who wish to attend to RSVP via Eventbrite....and you're more than welcome to do the same if you're interested.

And if you're looking to talk about the episode on September 22nd, join us at the Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Square (which is not the same Red Lion in Lincoln Park). Interested or wish to RSVP? Details via Meetup.

Thanks, and more blog posts are forthcoming!

Batman Always Has Great Advice, So Always Listen to Batman

(Found Via Facebook)

Coming Soon To the Blog: MONDAYS WITH COLUMBO

(Revised 11/28/2025)

You know, it's been a while since I've live blogged a show without the words "Doctor" and "Who" in the title. Although I fully intend to do that for Series Nine, I thought I would take advantage of a currently up-and-coming trend.

With two podcasts and a blog focusing on the show, the Columbo series is making a bit of a comeback. Perhaps a slow, deliberate style of storytelling seems antiquated in this multi-arc, rapid-fire media climate....but there's something genuinely unique about Columbo

It's one of the few franchises that I remember (barely) as a child but reconnected with during the 1980s revival. (The release of The Columbo Phile: A Casebook  helped immensely, and it's also available for free streaming via Tubi). It was also one of the early spurs of my then-college-era writing career, leading me to develop a spec treatment for a possible episode.

(You can see the results here. and no, I can't find the treatment. Nor my high-school-era story proposal for Doctor Who).

So here's how this will (more than likely) work:

• My focus will be on the 1970s "NBC" era - I don't have copies of the ABC movies, and if memory serves, they weren't necessarily that good.
• Posts would happen every other Monday, giving me time to enjoy the episodes and providing a cushion for writing delays. 
• I'll review the episodes in random order, simply because going chronologically would get boring. Plus, there's a greater sense of discovery (in addition to the fact that, with each episode being 70 - 90 minutes, it can get boring).

So please hop onto Tubi if you want to watch along! 

Oh, and just one more thing: I'm open to debate. I'll just be posting my reactions and insights, rather than plain information. You're more than welcome to debate me at any time.

Looking forward to this - if anything, it should help me reflex my blogging muscles.