Doctor Who: Season 36 (2000)

Introduction

Season 36 of Doctor Who, airing in Spring 2000, would continue on from the previous season. With there being no changes in production team (made up of executive producer Jed Mercurio, producer Matthew Bird and script editor Paul Cornell) and the cast at the end of the previous season. Andrew Lincoln as the Doctor, Marg Helgenberger as Christina Farrell and in her first full season, Angela Griffin as Alison Cheney.

While the previous season was much more contained and was introducing a new show to a new audience and not dragging itself down in canon. This season, Cornell decided to have more of the past of Doctor Who. This included the Daleks as the villains for the first serial of the season as well as references to the show's past throughout the season.

This season also introduces a new regular device used by the Doctor and co. Calling it a "Perception Watch" which is used in historical settings (which this season has a lot of) to help the Doctor and the companions to blend in the historical settings they visit. However, the fans and critics saw right through what it actually was for. Which was to get around Alison's race in historical serials.

With all of that, let's dive into the season.

Serial One (Ep. 1-2): JUBILEE

Written by Robert Shearman
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 8-15 April 2000

To open up the season, Cornell chose a script submitted by Season 34's The Holy Terror writer, Robert Shearman for the previous season which included the Daleks. However the script was turned down as Mercurio wanted to hold off the Daleks for the second season under HBO. And chose Marc Platt's Spare Parts as he (and Cornell) thought that the Cybermen (and the Sontarans) would be more accessible for an introduction to an American audience.

But, with the second season and with how popular Spare Parts was the previous season, it was decided to make this the opening serial of the season to start it off with a bang both in the US and in the UK with the Daleks being promoted heavily. Especially since they were not shown on screen since Season 32.

This serial would have the TARDIS land in an alternate universe where the Doctor, Christina and Alison saved Earth in the year 1912 against a Dalek invasion and the UK government then adopting Dalek weaponry and conquer the planet and make a second British empire, which encompasses the entire and they have started travelling into the universe and are now conquering other races which include the Ice Warriors as well as the Sontarans and Cybermen (with the later two using their designs from the previous season).

The Doctor, Christina and Alison try throughout the serial to show the British leaders that they are completely in the wrong. With the Doctor saying that they are taking the worse aspects of Dalek culture.

This parallels Christina and Alison who met the last ever Dalek in the universe and the Dalek is taken aback how... nice they are to it. With the Dalek taking Christina and Alison's niceness and forces the 1912 Dalek fleet into modern times and the Lone Dalek as well as Christina and Alison destroying the Dalek fleet, which causes everything to be fixed. And this leads to the serial's massive plot twist. They weren't in an alternate universe, but a timeline which diverged from the main timeline. Which haunts the trio as they see what humanity could become.

Serial Two (Ep. 3): THE UNQUIET DEAD

Written by Mark Gatiss
Directed by Euros Lyn
Air Dates: 22 April 2000

This serial would have the TARDIS land in Cardiff, Wales at Christmas in the year of 1869. And have a historical figure in Charles Dickens, and with it being Doctor Who of course there would be ghosts involved. However, these aliens would be called the Gelth with them trying to invade Cardiff and the Earth via a rift in space and time.

With the help of Dickens and a young woman by the name of Gwyneth. The Doctor, Christina and Alison are able to stop the Gelth's invasion as they seal the rift. And Gwyneth sacrifices herself to fully get rid of the Gelth.

Serial Three (Ep. 4-5): STORM WARNING

Written by Alan Barnes
Directed by Brian Grant
Air Dates: 29 April-6 May 2000

The serial begins with the Doctor, Christina and Alison in the TARDIS library while looking for the TARDIS manual, when the ship gets attacked by creatures called Vortisaurs. Which live in the Time Vortex.

The Doctor is forced to land the TARDIS, however, this traps Christina and Alison in the TARDIS library. While they wait for the TARDIS to repair itself. The Doctor decides to look around where they landed. And much to his surprise, they landed on the British airship the R-101, which is on it's maiden voyage.

The Doctor gets caught up in the events of the ship and meets a young woman by the name of Charlotte Pollard, who snuck on the ship to go on adventure to Singapore after the ship arrives in it's intended destination of India. And coming against a Colonel Rathbone. Who is tasked to get the secrets of an alien race called the Triskele. Which his actions cause the Triskele to declare war on the human race.

The battle between the Humans and the Triskele cause Vortisaurs to emerge out and attack the ship, which despite the Doctor's attempted meddling to save everyone involved to, what he sees as preserving time. Causes the R-101 to crash. And despite his attempts to try and save Charlotte. Everybody aboard the ship dies, with the TARDIS repairing itself just in time for the Doctor to escape back in the TARDIS and he along with Christina and Alison watch the R-101 crash.

After the crash, we play on the Doctor's sadness for awhile as he grew close to Charlotte and was gonna ask her to join them on the TARDIS. The Doctor points out that despite him travelling in time and him accidentally getting involved in time. He can't save everyone.

Serial Four (Ep. 6): THE STONE MONUMENT

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Euros Lyn
Air Dates: 13 May 2000

This serial begins with the TARDIS landing at Stone Henge in the year 2000. However, after a couple of minutes of looking around, the Doctor disappears. Christina and Alison try and find the Doctor. But, they notice that several of the stones have changed with writing and drawings. And one of the stones saying only three words, "DO NOT BLINK!".

This serial obviously is a Doctor-lite serial with it acting as the new return of the Weeping Angels. As a group of rogue angels have once again captured the Doctor. But this time, we follow is companions as they have to decipher the writings the Doctor had left so that they can pilot the TARDIS.

Once they are able to pilot the TARDIS (with the Weeping Angels aboard), they arrive with the Doctor and he uses the TARDIS to move the Angels into the Time Vortex where they disintegrate.

Serial Five (Ep. 7): THE GIRL IN THE FIREPLACE

Written by Steven Moffat
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 20 May 2000

This serial has the TARDIS land on a spaceship in the year 5037. Which is called the S.S. Madame de Pompadour, and throughout the ship has fireplaces that act as a time portal to the past. Specifically the history of Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, also known as, Madame de Pompadour.

The Doctor gets mixed in the life of Madame de Pompadour, becoming a childhood friend for her and in her 20s, being a romantic interest for her. While Christina and Alison investigate the ship. Which is controlled by robots which uses clockwork robotics and not just the robot, but the entire ship.

The Doctor figures out that the clockwork robots are trying to find the right place in time to take Madame de Pompadour and behead her to take her body for parts. In the end, the Doctor is able to stop them and tries to get Reinette, a nickname for Madame de Pompadour. But, he goes through a different fireplace portal to get her back. And he ends up arriving on the day of the funeral.

The episode ends with the Doctor sitting alone in the TARDIS console room, reading a letter from Reinette that she left him.

Serial Six (Ep. 8-9): THE BATTLE OF FORT SUMTER

Written by René Echevarria
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 27 May-3 June 2000

This serial has the TARDIS land in America in the year 1861. Where they land at Fort Sumter. And the Doctor realizes that it is the day where the American Civil War begins. The trio try and get back to the TARDIS. But, they get caught up in the Confederate invasion of the Fort. And at the halfway point of the serial, an alien force (called the Gantro) comes in and drains the nearest piece of technology. Which is the Perception Watch on Alison's hand.

The second half of the serial has Alison being taken and sent to work as a slave at a plantation which shows the brutality of history. While the Doctor and Christina work to help break her out and help the slave escape. Which they are able to.

At the end of the serial, back in the TARDIS. Alison feels horrified from the brutality she had witnessed that she wishes to go home. The Doctor solemnly agrees to take her home. But, something takes control of the TARDIS and throws them off course as they land somewhere else.

Serial Seven (Ep. 10): DAWN OF THE RED PLANET

Written by Justin Richards
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 10 June 2000

This serial begins with the TARDIS landing on a red planet. With the Doctor and Alison bickering about them not being on Earth. He grabs three spacesuits and tells them to get suited up. As there is no air where they landed at.

The Doctor tells Christina and Alison that they are in the year 2048. And if he is correct, they are going to see history. The team come across a group of civilian space colonists. The Doctor says that this was the first attempt for humans to colonize Mars. The Doctor says that the expedition did collapse and there was never an explanation as to why.

At the ten minute mark. The colonists discover a tomb structure. And the Doctor figures everything out. And we learn that they have came across a tomb, full of Ice Warriors. (This being their first introduction for American audiences.)

The serial then plays out as essentially a remake of Tomb of the Cybermen. But with the Ice Warriors and that at the end of the serial. All of the colonists end up dying with them ignoring the Doctor's advice. Forcing the Doctor to re-seal the Ice Warrior tomb.

With the Doctor depressed over what has happened. He tries to get Alison home again. But, once again. The TARDIS is thrown off course. As the serial ends. We see the TARDIS crash into an old English manor.

Serial Eight (Ep. 11-13): THE CHIMES OF MIDNIGHT

Written by Robert Shearman & Paul Cornell
Directed by Joe Ahearne
Air Dates: 24 June-8 July 2000

The finale to the season begins with the TARDIS crashing into an old English manor from Victorian times. With Alison being upset about not being back in their own time. And because of this, she definitely sits in the TARDIS as the Doctor and Christina walk out and find themselves in the manor's decrepit cellar.

The Doctor and Christina walk up the stairs and they walk into a vibrant setting with their clothes changing as the cellar door shuts out behind them. The Doctor tries opening the door again. But, he cannot open it. The two of them then decide to go and investigate the setting. With them learning that it is Christmas Eve, 1899. And they are at a party hosted by the manor's owner Lord Grove. With everything seemingly normal, until the clock it's 10pm. With that, one of the maids then collapses and dies from drowning herself in the sink. The Doctor and Christina investigates the murder with them pretending to be detectives undercover. And they think they found the murderer. However, the clock turns to 11pm. And the murderer then collapses when he is standing by himself in the middle of an empty room. Like the first murder, it seems like to be a suicide at first. However, it turns out to be a murder. However, when the clock them chimes at 12pm, midnight... The Doctor and Christina are then teleported back to the cellar entrance. With them dressed up differently with them being in swinging 20s attire.

They learn that it is Christmas Eve, 1929. And the same first murder happens again. With the Doctor and Christina attempting to stop the second murder from happening. However, a different party guest is killed at 11pm. And they are wondering what will happen once it turns midnight again. The Doctor puts forward a theory. But, there is only one way to test it out. Wait out until midnight.

Midnight comes and they find themselves back at the beginning of the cellar entrance. Now in 50s attire. Christina tries to re-enter the cellar before it closes. But, she is unsuccessful. The Doctor says that they are in a special kind of time-loop. They are re-living the same two hours, in the same place. But, after every Midnight, they jump forward in time 30 years. They starting mingling with the guests of the 50s party. But, something is different. In the sitting room, a massive throne is a wall. And someone is siting in it. It's Alison.

The Doctor and Christina approach Alison, who has her eyes closed. The Doctor says, "Alison...?". She then opens her eyes and she says, "I am Lady Grove! Offspring of Lord Edward Grove! And they will solve everything, or else they will face the direst of consequences!" The Doctor and Christina try and figure out what has taken over Alison with the two murders going over their head as they try to figure out what has happened to Alison. And, just before the clock strikes midnight. The Doctor says he has figured it out. The clock strikes midnight. And... time does not reset/jump forward. The manor disappears and the Doctor and Christina remain in a massive black void.

Alison reappears in her 50s attire. She asks the Doctor what is happening. The Doctor says that each time, they start off with the two exact same things happening. The cellar door shutting and the same woman dying. He says that things like this only happen when paradoxes occur at a point of time and space where everything is in flux. He says that the woman who died, was never supposed to. However, she committed suicide, but she wasn't meant to according to the web of time.

Ever since that event, the estate of Edward Grove has been feeding off of the death and lives of people. Especially the domestic servers. With this, the Doctor and Christina try to use the energy from the paradox to go back in time and prevent the suicide. Which, they are successful. Once that is done, they go back into the void.

The Doctor says that there is more to this. Lord Grove needed someone to help explain what had happened. And, they reached out to some random person. And that ever since the TARDIS left America in the year 1861. It was the remnants of Lord Grove trying to get control of the TARDIS and bring it and it's passengers to the manor.

But, the Doctor says that it... doesn't feel random. Christina steps forward and says, "Because Lord Grove needed a second link?". The Doctor smiles and says, "You're right." Lord Grove needed a trace of him in the TARDIS to get control of it. And that is why they are inhabiting Alison. She is a descendant of Lord Edward Grove. But, because of the paradoxical shenanigans. She will cease to exist. With only him and Christina remembering who Alison was.

The TARDIS then materializes as a tear slides down Christina's face. She asks the Doctor if it is all possible to find a way to save Alison. The Doctor... puts his head down. He apologizes to Christina and says, "There is no hope. She's already gone Christina." He says that Alison is already dead. And that technically, she has never existed. The Doctor walks over to what remains of Alison and hugs her. Saying goodbye. Christina being an emotional mess. Cannot find it in her to say goodbye to Alison. And she just turns her back and walks away. The TARDIS dematerializes. And Alison and the void disappear into nothingness.

The Doctor pilots the TARDIS, Christina sits in the console room. Quietly saying to herself, "I want to leave." The Doctor hears her. He then pilots the TARDIS to Earth, one and half a year since she left. He says that he understands. After what has happened the last few adventures. He might take a break himself. The two of them hug. And they say their goodbyes. Christina then exits the TARDIS and the Doctor then pilots the TARDIS to Earth's upper-orbit. As he then opens the door and looks above the Earth, in complete silence.

This serial would have gone down as an all time favorite with the critics, fans and general audiences. With several people praising Shearman and Cornell's writing. And some fans have felt that they had their personal choice for script editor once Cornell decides to depart the role.

Season Conclusion

2000 was a massive hit for the franchise. With the successful launch of the first official spin-off and second season receiving praise and higher ratings than the first. The franchise was going into 2001 with it's head held high.

However, HBO executives were worried. Not for 2001, but for 2002. As a month after The Chimes of Midnight finished airing. It was announced by the BBC that Andrew Lincoln's third season will be his last as the Doctor with a new Doctor taking over in 2002.

But, HBO were looking more forward to how Gallifrey would do with it's second series.

Come Back Next Time for Gallifrey: Series Two

Gallifrey: Series 1 (2000)

Introduction

Gallifrey would have been the first official spin-off of Doctor Who.

In 1997, during the talks with HBO about co-producing the franchise. HBO had made it clear that to go along with Doctor Who, they wanted a more adult-oriented show to go along with the main show. A show that would target more of HBO's core demographic. The BBC were hesitant about this as, even during the more adult and darker era's of the show, such as the Philip Hinchcliffe, John-Nathan Turner and Diana Barton era's of the show. It was primarily a show targeted for the whole family to watch. But, one of the shortcomings of the Barton era was that the family-friendly nature of Who was too light-hearted for the Gallifrey setting to work. So, the BBC agreed to HBO's demands of a more adult-oriented spin-off with them deciding to continue the story of the Gallifrey serials from 1994-1998. And in mid-1998, during the airing of Season 34 of Doctor Who, Gallifrey was officially commissioned by the BBC and HBO for an early 2000 air date.

To create the show, Doctor Who showrunner Jed Mercurio and the BBC Head of Drama Mal Young decided to scout out new talent for the show and give it to someone who had little to no previous work on the franchise. This included names from both the US and UK markets, but both preferred it to be a Brit. And they found that name in Paul Abbott. Who, along with Mercurio and Young, be credited for creating the show "Gallifrey".

When it came to developing the show and scheduling it's filming dates. It was with the mind that all four regulars from the Barton era (Romana (Lalla Ward), Roiyden (Paul McGann), Azmana (Chloe Annett) and Reiven (Susannah Harker)) would reprise their role for the show. But, this did not come into fruition. First off, Paul McGann was already slated onto another project when filming was supposed to be happening on the first series. And then Lalla Ward, Chloe Annett and Susannah Harker did not want to do the show with Annett and Harker wanting to move onto other projects and Ward wanting to retire from acting altogether, with her also not being a fan of the proposed mature content of the show. While McGann, Annett and Harker were not movable. Ward was convinced to return for one single series. And if the show was picked up for additional series, a brand new actress would take up the role of Romana for future series of the show.

With Romana locked in. Abbott, with additional help from Mercurio and fellow writer Russell T Davies, build up the new Roiyden, Azmana, Reiven and a new regular cast to join the original four. Which includes two human characters as well as a new Time Lord villain.

For the role of the new Roiyden, several actors were thrown around as possible names. With Abbott, Young and Mercurio wanting to stride a fine line between what Paul McGann had done in the 90s and bring something new to the table, specifically to add in new layers to Roiyden, who was pretty much seen as not the best person in the room and also sell the dynamic Roiyden has with Romana. In the end, English actor Matthew Macfadyen was casted in the role of Roiyden. Macfadyen, at the time, was pretty much an unknown name with Gallifrey being his first major role.

When it came to Azmana. HBO had some more demands with her as well. With Romana's actress staying the same and Abbott was determined to cast the new Roiyden as a Brit. HBO had made the demand that like, Doctor Who, there would be an American on the main cast. So, Azmana was made of the main four to be played by an American actress. With several rounds of audition's, actress Bellamy Young was casted in the role. Unlike the other main four, Young was a relatively unknown face at the time. With her biggest claim to fame being a guest spot on two different episodes of Law & Order.

For Reiven, it was decided to go the complete opposite route to what Susannah Harker had portrayed with Reiven. With her Reiven being a posh badass, it was decided to drop the poshness of Reiven and make Reiven more... middle class. With this, it was decided to go for a more unknown name like with the new Roiyden and Azmana. And after several rounds of auditions. English actress Lisa Faulkner was casted in the role of Reiven. Before joining the cast of Gallifrey, Faulkner was a regular on the BBC medical drama, Holby City.

While the returning four characters were locked. Abbott and Mercurio as well as Davies and writer Simon Ashdown, one that Mal Young suggested to Abbott and Mercurio, fleshed out the other main characters of the show. Which included a human character that could act as an audience surrogate, a human political rival for Romana and a Time Lord villain who would be someone that would be apart of a "Eat the Rich" movement.

The main surrogate character would be a human from the Space Security Service, first seen in the Doctor Who serial The Daleks' Master Plan, this human would be a down to Earth data analyst. Who gets tied up in the Gallifrey and Earth politics. This analyst, Penny Stevenson, would have both Americans and Brits audition for the role. And in the end American actress Sasha Alexander was cast in the role.

For the main human villain as well as a rival for Romana. The character would be the President of Earth and be a neoconservative politician, with inspiration taking place from American Republican politicians as well as select members of the UK Conservative party. With the character hell bent on gaining more political power with their war-hawk ideologies. Like for the character of Penny, both American and Brits were auditioned for the role. With American actress Emily Procter winning the role of President Diane Turner. Out of all of the American cast members, Procter was the one who had the most experience, having numerous guest roles on television as well as feature films.

The main time lord villain, would be on the far-left side of the political scale, this was made to give a different villain type to contrast President Turner. The villain "Volres" was made to be a Time Lord councilor in a region of the Capitol, who would be an outspoken critic of not just the main four characters, but the Gallifreyan elite altogether. While the BBC and HBO were wanting a nationality-blind casting for the role. Davies suggested to Abbott, Mercurio and Pryor that the role should be played by either a Northerner or a Scot. The trio agreed with Davies and they ended up casting Northern native Christopher Eccleston for the role. Eccleston was a get for the show. With him making a name for himself in the 90s with such roles as Derek Bentley in Let Him Have It and Jude Fawley in Jude.

For the production of the show, production would take place at BBC Wales in Cardiff with Hilary Bevan Jones, a previous collaborator of Abbott acting as producer for the show. Filming was done over four months in Cardiff, Wales with additional filming taking place in London, England for outdoor scenes. With the outdoor scenes in post-production giving the orange hue that Gallifrey emanates. For the writing of the series, Paul Abbott wrote half the season with writers Russell T Davies and Simon Ashdown handling the other half of the season.

Test screenings for the show for both the BBC and HBO were highly positive and this led them to do a high amount of marketing leading up to the show premiering.

On the 23rd of January 2000, Gallifrey premiered on BBC One and HBO.

Episode One: GALLIFREY

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 23 January 2000

The very first episode of the show, would have been that. An episode one. With it introducing all of the characters of the show. With the story-arcs taking a back seat.

We get introduced to Romana, Roiyden, Azmana and Reiven first with them on Gallifrey. Romana showing that her current incarnation is starting to show her age. With her considering going under regeneration or passing the torch over to Roiyden. Roiyden deciding that he needs to put himself in a better place for politics. With him needing a wife. Looking at both his long time flame Azmana as well as Reiven, who he has gotten closer to in recent years.

Volres is introduced, also on Gallifrey, with him rallying anti-government sentiment on Romana's administration and her political ideology of "Unityism" (which is properly introduced as Romana's way of governing involving all six political chapters on Gallifrey). And he rallies on how unityism is stopping proper progress on Gallifrey. And that their sister chapter, the Arcalians are bowing to the will of Lady President Romana.

Penny is introduced on the planet of Peladon. With her being attached to the Peladon's Space Security Service station. As she intercepts some conversations between President Turner of Earth and an unknown person from Gallifrey. With the conversations seemingly plotting to undermine Romana and boost President Turner as she is a year away from re-election.

Finally, Diane is not introduced until the final part of the episode as she prepares for a state visit to Gallifrey to discuss trade negotiations. As well as her seemingly trying to embarrass Romana with an up and coming summit.

Episode Two: TRADE

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 30 January 2000

This episode would continue off of the first episode. With an intergalactic trade conference on Gallifrey. With Gallifrey's capitol city hosting the conference. And the GBC (Gallifreyan Broadcasting Corporation) covering the event in a neutral setting.

Romana is attempting to get some tariffs lowered from Earth. With President Turner undermining Romana at the conference with her making a fool of Romana, by providing false calculations about the deficit the Gallifreyan government would need for them to be lowered.

This causes repercussions throughout the planet as Volres continues his anti-government sentiment, Roiyden starts talking with cabinet members about asking Romana to step aside for someone younger (aka himself) to take control. Finally, Penny tries to discreetly send messages to Romana about President Turner's mysterious plan on taking her down. But, Romana does not receive the messages. Instead, Roiyden receives them.

Episode Three: INSIDE HELP

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Julian Jarrold
Air Date: 6 February 2000

This episode shifts the focus to Roiyden as he tries to decipher who is sending him the messages, the ones that are intending for Romana. This takes him most of the episode as he uses his contacts in the Chancellery Guard (which are developed more into Gallifrey's police force) and the CIA (which are developed into Britain's MI6, Australian's ASIO and... well the US' CIA). He ends up being able to send a message back to the one who is sending them. From what we know is Penny. And they agree to meet at a location of Roiyden's choosing.

Along with that storyline we get intercutted with storylines around Romana trying to get a foreign aide package for a dwindling planet in the Panopticon. Azmana works with some Cerulean councilors in her constituency. And Reiven does some talent spotting for new chapter members and goes to watches one of Volres' speeches.

Episode Four: ROMEO

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by Geoffrey Sax
Air Date: 13 February 2000

While most mid-season Doctor Who seasons go for big and bombastic serials. Abbott made the conscious decision to have Gallifrey be a slow burn for the middle portion of the season. With a pseudo two part story written by Simon Ashdown. Who decided to put two characters front and center in this two part story.

Roiyden and Penny take the main focus for the episode as the two of them meet for the first time, over coffee at a cafe in the heart of the Capitol. For the majority of the episode switches between Roiyden and Penny and a couple other of the main characters.

Roiyden and Penny, during their first meeting, end growing quite close to each other. With Roiyden opening up to her about how he does not want Romana to retire. As she is like a mother to him more than anything. With Penny asking him if he had a rough childhood. Roiyden giving a... distant look. But, admitting that Romana is all he really has. Penny chuckling at this and points to how the public show off his relationships with both Azmana and Reiven. Roiyden admitting that with them, it's mainly political. And that while he and Azmana go back to their days at the Time Lord academy. He doesn't have any real feelings for her. And Reiven, while elements of romanticism is there. It's nothing more than a romantic friendship. And that he wishes he could be with someone who really understands him.

Penny then opens up about herself and her past. With her talking about how she comes from a liberal leaning military family on Earth. But, she never wanted to join the Earth army and only joined the Space Security Service to keep them quiet about her doing "her duty".

Roiyden smiles at this and he says, "I know what it's like being apart of the family business." Penny looking confused for a minute but then wipes it away.

Before I finish with them. Let me run by several of the other arcs that are ongoing throughout the episode.

Romana holds a private video conference with several intergalactic allies. Including the King of Peladon, Prime Minister of Drahva and the King of Draconia. Where she talks about President Turner's increasing hostility.

Reiven has a conversation with Volres and after seeing him speak. Thinking he is cut out for the Panopticon. And offers to put him on a shortlist for an upcoming by-election. As long as he switches chapters from Dromeian to Arcalian. To which, he laughs in her face. Saying he isn't gonna become a traitor to his ideals so that he can reach a higher rung on the ladder.

Azmana makes a quiet trip to Earth to have conversations with President Turner. In which, we see a new side of Turner. Where she is more relaxed and feels like she can talk with Azmana without having a headache of dealing with Romana.

Finally the episode ends with Roiyden laying on his bed in the Vice Presidential Estate and Penny lays in bed with him. And the two of them kiss.

Episode Five: TO MEET THE FAMILY

Written by Simon Ashdown
Directed by Julian Jarrold
Air Date: 20 February 2000

The second part of the pseudo two part story takes place in two vastly different settings. With the upper echelons of Time Lord life and the slums of Gallifrey's capitol city.

About a week after the events of the previous episode, Roiyden and Penny have a special dinner with Romana, Azmana and Reiven. Where it was basically Roiyden introducing his new girlfriend to his family for the first time. Azmana and Reiven are extremely jealous with Roiyden clearly choosing neither of them, and Romana shows her support as a loyal and supporting mother. This is the backdrop of Penny first meeting Romana and Penny informing Romana about President Turner's clear distaste for Romana. However, her motives are unknown.

The B-Plot of this episode focuses on Volres going to his home town, a slums in Gallifrey's capitol city. With him visiting his ailing mother, who at the end of the episode, succumbs to her cancer battle. This episode flushes out Volres with introducing his dying mother, as well as his wife and two kids. Showing a different side to Volres in the shade of an anti-hero and not a full blown villain like was previously shown with him.

Episode Six: EARTH

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Geoffrey Sax
Air Date: 27 February 2000

This episode puts the main plot of the series in the backseat and focuses on world building. With Azmana making a quiet visit to Earth while President Turner is dealing with an issue with the Earth legislature. With us learning that the Earth legislature making up of two chambers. The upper chamber being the Earth Senate, which is controlled by Turner's ruling Conservative party. And the lower chamber being the General Assembly, which is controlled by Turner's rival party. The Earth Liberal party. (With both parties being a message on the Republican party and the Democratic party respectively.)

President Turner is trying to get legislation passed through the General Assembly. And working with the Speaker of the Assembly. (Which, unlike the Speaker of the Panopticon, is a very partisan figure in the General Assembly.) With us seeing how the President of Earth handles a divided government through the eyes of Azmana. And seeing President Turner as somewhat of a coward for making compromises with Earth's Liberal party.

The B-Plot of the episode has Roiyden back on Gallifrey having lunch with the Ambassador for Gallifrey from Earth. Trying to see if they have any inkling of President Turner's end goal. In which, Roiyden learns that all of this is a game by Turner to increase her chance of re-election in the next year to come off as the woman who stands up to possible intergalactic threats like Romana.

Episode Seven: THE ASSASSINATION, PART ONE

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 5 March 2000

Part one of the finale of the first series begins with a cold open of Romana speaking at a political rally with her speaking about her recent actions against President Turner. While Romana is speaking, we see a sniper setting up a rifle. They load it, and have Romana in their sights. And then... pulls the trigger as a loud gunshot rings out, as we cut to the opening titles.

After the title sequence we cut to a title card saying, "24 Hours Earlier".

Throughout the episode we build tension as we know what is coming. With Romana exposing Turner's plot and she announces sanctions against Turner, her government and Earth overall. Volres makes a speech with anti-human rhetoric, Reiven finally accepts Roiyden's choice as he prepares to propose to Penny and Azmana is trying to worm her way out if she is exposed as apart of Turner's plot.

All of this comes to ahead when Romana goes to speak at the political rally with her talking about a new dawn for Gallifrey. But, to not blame the humans for one woman's political gambles. And with Romana ending the speech, we see the cold open again and Romana is shot in the chest as she looks down and sees blood from her chest and she collapses to the ground as the camera slowly zooms out and then cuts to a card saying, "To Be Continued", with no next time trailer following the episode.

Episode Eight: THE ASSASSINATION, PART TWO

Written by Paul Abbott
Directed by John Strickland
Air Date: 12 March 2000

The finale of the first series continues with the cliffhanger of the previous episode of Romana being shot by an unknown gunman. With Romana being rushed to a nearby hospital. Romana is mostly absent throughout the episode and we focus on the drama around Roiyden, Azmana, Reiven and Penny. With Roiyden trying to come to terms that a woman he looks up to like a mother is dying as well Azmana and Reiven grieving about their mentor.

We see that the assassin is shot dead by the Chancellery Guard as well as the CIA. And it is revealed that the assassin was human. With evidence of Romana's assassination being a state ordered by President Diane Turner, which she publicly denies. We also see Volres get involved in this as a speech he gives where he says he loves all alien races, but President Turner needs to take accountability for her actions.

With five minutes left on the episode, Romana's surgeons ask Roiyden to join them. Roiyden asks why, the surgeon says "The regeneration process is going to begin soon." Roiyden joins Romana on her bed. She tells him that something is up, and once it is completed, they need to find out who shot her. And with a smile she nods at the surgeon. The surgeon flicks a switch and a golden glow surrounds Romana's body as she regenerates. And after a few seconds. Romana sits up in her new body (played by Michelle Forbes). Romana smiles and asks Roiyden, "What do you think of number three?" Roiyden simply nods, stands up and says, "It's time to call an election."

We then cut to someone's private study as Romana makes a speech in her new body announcing that she'll soon be dissolving the Panopticon. So that a general election can happen alongside a new presidential election. We then see someone turn off the television. And we see it is Azmana as she looks towards a person in the shadows and says, "They failed to kill her. So, we must do it politically." And with that, the episode and series ends.

Season Conclusion

So that was the first series of Gallifrey. The spin-off received positive reactions from both critics and fans on both sides of the pond. With this being the Americans introduction to regeneration, which went down fantastically with American audiences as they realized both shows could change over time.

But, this was only half of the franchise's content in 2000...

Come Back Next Time for Doctor Who: Season Thirty-Six

Doctor Who: Season 35 (1999)

Introduction

Season 35 of Doctor Who would be the very first season of a brand new era and for a brand new audience. But, before we can talk about that. Let's wind back to Mal Young becoming Head of Drama at the BBC.

Following Mal Young's appointment as Head of Drama at the BBC, he sought out to make Doctor Who be a franchise. More than just a BBC show. With this, he immediately sought out an American company to act as a co-production company and a permanent distribution company for the show in America. Young looked for a broad range of companies that could take Doctor Who and make it a rival to the diminishing Star Trek brand.

Young approached the four main networks. ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX. All four passed on it with no meetings being made. Young then decided to approach some of the more minor networks. Mainly The WB, UPN (which had the Star Trek franchise) and the Sci-Fi network. UPN flat out denied the opportunity and both the WB and the Sci-Fi network both held early talks with Young. But, nothing planned out.

However, one network showed interest more than any other ones.

The Home Box Office (HBO for short) headed up by Jeff Bewkes decided to put the network on the map. With producing original content television content for the network. This included several television programs such as Oz (which debuted in 1997) and The Sopranos (this debuted a few months before Season 35 premiered). Bewkes thought that Doctor Who as apart of the catalog of programming would be a great way to establish HBO as a premium network.

In Early 1998, the BBC signed a deal with HBO with HBO to take 50% of the franchise. With HBO now taking over everything in the US for Doctor Who. This included distribution, promotion and even with the deal having HBO handling the filming in the US if the production wants to film in the US.

In 1998, the cast and crew all decided to step aside. Meaning for the new season, the first one to be co-produced with HBO. Young and Bewkes oversaw the formation of the production team, lead cast and new production location for the 1999 season.

For the crew. It was decided to add something new to the existing style of crew. Without World Productions now being involved. It was decided to add a new executive producer to the show who would also act as a writer. Not just a producer. Several names were in consideration for this role. Most notably, American writer and producer J. Michael Straczynski. But he declined and instead decided to work on the Babylon 5 spin-off Crusade. Young and Bewkes decided to choose Jed Mercurio. Who was the writer of the BBC One medical drama Cardiac Arrest. With Mercurio as executive producer from the get-go, the vision of everyone involved so far came into a clearer picture. Young, Bewkes and Mercurio hired Matthew Bird as the new producer and Paul Cornell, writer since 1992, as the new script editor.

For the cast. It was decided to make the Doctor a more appealable character to audiences. With the production team aiming for a different type of actor to play the role of the Tenth Doctor.

The character description took some inspiration of the Fifth Doctor in them being a very young man, who can run down corridors like there is no tomorrow, a man with charm galore and can be sell the idea of the Doctor being "a hero". Young and Bewkes did get actively involved with the casting of the new Doctor. With everyone involved, 25 year old actor, Andrew Lincoln was casted in the role of the Doctor.

For the new companion. To draw in American viewers. It was decided that they would be played by an American.

The new companion would be someone in their 40s to balance out a much younger Doctor than ever before. The new companion, who would be called Christina Farrell, a detective with the New York police department who meets the Doctor in the first serial of the season. A huge wave of casting rounds happen in America to find the right actress for the role. And in the end, Marg Helgenberger was casted in the role of Christina Farrell.

Along with the changes. A new production company would be chose to produce the show. With the BBC wanting to produce the show in-house again. The BBC decided to move the show off to one it's branches. And in the end, chose their Welsh department, BBC Wales to produce the show. With the show being filmed in a new production lot in the city of Cardiff.

With the show moving production from London to Cardiff, as well as the influx of cash from HBO, the production team decided to build a new TARDIS set and exterior.

The new console room was a massive room compared to all other TARDIS console rooms. With HBO now owning half of the brand and franchise. It was shown that the TARDIS was gonna eventually evolve overtime and become something new. With this new production designer, Richard Hudolin, had decided to take a look at the console rooms of old and make them bigger. This included white roundel walls, a console that goes up to the ceiling, and chairs to be placed in the console room.

The new exterior was made to be bigger and more bolder compared to previous TARDIS exteriors. This was a request by HBO to make the TARDIS more appealable on screen. Which was agreed by the BBC.

This season would have also seen a television format aspect ratio change. Instead of being filmed and aired in a 4:3 aspect ratio. It was decided to move towards the emerging and more favorited 16:9 aspect ratio. With this, Doctor Who had made this move to the better aspect ratio and better picture quality than Star Trek did.

One notable difference between how the show is portrayed in both the UK and the US. In the UK, the season would be called "Season 35", but in the US, the season would be called "Season 1".

With a bigger budget, new production staff, new production location and a brand new cast all being made for two audiences now... Let's dive into Season 35 of Doctor Who.

Serial One (Ep. 1-3): CRIMES OF THE SONTARANS

Written by Jed Mercurio
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 10-24 April 1999

This serial would act as a brand new pilot for the series. Like with An Unearthly Child and Spearhead from Space. The serial would introduce everything, as it is doing to a bigger American audiences.

The serial is told from Christina's view. With her investigating some odd murders in New York City 1999. With the Doctor showing up at the halfway of part one. However, unlike previous post-regeneration serials. The Doctor is not suffering from post regeneration trauma and is in his own outfit already. He does come off as a young charming man who knows more than he lets on.

At the halfway point of the serial. The Doctor sees Christina as a good person and lets her in on his secret and the TARDIS. She seeing that he is a good man and is out to protect people. Especially against an extraterrestrial threat. Which is a returning villain. But, done in a new way.

For those who didn't read the title of the serial. The main villains of the serial are the Sontarans. Who are written in two specific ways. One, they are written as a brand new villain (which is done for the next few seasons with returning monsters and villains for American audiences). And they are written in a more comedic way than they were previously. With some Sontarans taking pleasure in some human activities as they try to invade the Earth.

At the end of the serial, when the Sontarans are defeated. The Doctor offers Christina an opportunity to travel in the TARDIS. Which, she is hesitant as she feels she is not right for it. But, the Doctor assures her that she is worthy. And in the end, she agrees to travel with him.

Serial Two (Ep. 4): THE END OF THE WORLD

Written by Russell T Davies
Directed by Joe Ahearne
Air Dates: 1 May 1999

For her first adventure in the TARDIS, the Doctor takes Christina to the year 5,000,000,000 and watch the sun consume the Earth. Which is watched from a space station that watches over both the sun and the planet.

While they are waiting for the death of the Earth. Several crew members on the station start getting killed off one by one. With it playing out as a whodunnit with the Doctor and Christina trying to find out the killer. Which was one of the guests on the station who claimed to be, "The Last Surviving Human".

After the mystery is solved and the Earth is consumed. The Doctor takes Christina back to her home planet in her time. As he talks about how everything ends and to enjoy life while you can.

Serial Three (Ep. 5-6): SPARE PARTS

Written by Marc Platt
Directed by Douglas Mackinnon
Air Dates: 8-15 May 1999

This serial reintroduces the Cybermen after an absence since 1993. This was done as it was seen as the Cybermen being overused in the late 80s and early 90s. And because of them reintroducing the Cybermen, Paul Cornell commissioned a new script where the origins of the Cybermen would be explored. This could was seen as a nice way to introduce them to American audiences.

The serial sees the Doctor and Christina land on Mondas during the time that the Cybermen are being created. With the Cybermen being a way to be created so that the Mondasians could survive the changes to Mondas.

This serial would explore the horrors of the Cybermen. Showing how awful conversion is to a human being. With this, it would be one of the more popular serials of the season. And considered one of the greatest stories from Doctor Who.

Serial Four (Ep. 7): THE DAY OF MOURNING

Written by Paul Cornell
Directed by Joe Ahearne
Air Dates: 22 May 1999

The serial begins with Christina recounting a childhood memory to the Doctor about her mother telling her about her father's death. She adds on that he died alone with no one around to comfort him. She asks if they can go back in time... just so that he isn't alone when he dies. The Doctor, cautiously, agrees to do it.

When they go back in time, Christina's father is killed, but Christina freezes and does not go to him after his accident. So, the Doctor and Christina go back in time once more to give Christina a second chance. However, she runs out to her father and saves him from his accident.

The serial continues playing out on the drama of the Doctor and Christina, with the Doctor feeling betrayed by Christina and flat out threatening to leave her in the year 1960. However, a race called the Reapers start appearing and consuming people, trying to fix the timeline. The Reapers end up eating the Doctor to try and fix the timeline.

At the end, Christina's father, who has learned who Christina is, sacrifices himself to save Christina and Christina, with some encouragement from the Doctor, goes to her father as he dies from his injuries. With the story being repeated from the beginning. But, it adds in Christina. But nobody knowing who she was.

Serial Five (Ep. 8-9): INVADERS FROM MARS

Written by Mark Gatiss
Directed by Mark Mylod
Air Dates: 29 May-5 June 1999

This serial shows the Doctor and Christina landing in New York, 1938. Christina comes up with the idea to investigate the infamous 1938 broadcast The War of the Worlds, which was broadcasted on the 31st of October, 1938. And asks the question, "What if aliens were actually trying to invade the Earth?".

In the serial, a race called the Laiderpacker are attempting to invade the Earth. However, the Doctor stops them in an interesting way. By using the broadcast of The War of the Worlds to make them think that their is a bigger invasion happening. And forces the Laiderpacker to retreat.

This serial would be seen as the weakest of the season due to the camp factor in it. As well as a tone not as serious as the rest of the season.

Serial Six (Ep. 10): THE KENNEDY CONSPIRACY

Written by Doris Egan
Directed by Tim Van Patten
Air Dates: 12 June 1999

This serial would take place in Dallas, Texas, 22nd of November 1963. The Doctor and Christina immediately realize that they day they are at. Is the day that US President John F. Kennedy is gonna be assassinated.

However, before they can leave. A device in the Doctor's pocket vibrates and the Doctor tells Christina that someone is trying to change history. And the two of them immediately come to the conclusion that someone is trying to prevent Kennedy's assassination.

However, despite how many changes they make to make sure Kennedy is assassinated. The timeline still has Kennedy not being assassinated. And Christina is forced to take matters into her own hands. And shoots Kennedy from the Grassy Knoll. Something that causes clear heartache in her. Killing someone.

This serial would be one of the more popular ones of the season. Which made HBO glad. As the writer who wrote the serial, Doris Egan, was in fact an American writer.

Serial Seven (Ep. 11-13): SCREAM OF THE SHALKA

Written by Paul Cornell
Directed by Jed Mercurio
Air Dates: 19 June-3 July 1999

The final serial of the season shows the Doctor and Christina landing in modern day Lancaster, England. While they wonder for for a minute. Christina is kidnapped by an unknown entity. The Doctor panics and explore the town looking for her. While exploring, he meets a woman, Alison Cheney (played by Angela Griffin). The Doctor and Alison bond quickly and she agrees to help him with the search for Christina.

While doing some investigating, the Doctor comes across a returning UNIT and Brigadier Bambera (however, for American audiences, she is treated as a brand new recurring character). And with the help of UNIT, the Doctor and Alison are able to rescue Christina from a race calling themselves the Shalka. Which can kill you by simply screaming at you.

The rest of the serial would play out as an alien invasion serial. With the Doctor, Christina, Alison and UNIT trying to defeat the Shalka. And in the end, the Doctor offers Alison to join him and Christina aboard the TARDIS. And in a gleeful smile, she accepts as we cut to the end credits.

Season Conclusion

That was Season 35 of Doctor Who. The season was immediately seen as a step-up to the previous era of the show in the UK. Notable praise was given to Andrew Lincoln's portrayal of the Doctor. With him receiving praise from general audiences, fandom and critics. With the several members of the fandom claiming Lincoln being one of the best Doctors. Some even went as far as to compare him to being as good as Tom Baker was.

In the US, HBO received praise from audiences and critics across the board. Claiming that the show had made a clear good first impression in their first season for American audiences.

In the following year, With the big success that came with the show. HBO announced plans to release all previous seasons of Doctor Who onto DVD boxsets. But, made for American audiences specifically. This included cutting down serials into fitting a 1-3x45 minute format. As well as remastering a lot of the serials. Including colorizing all of the 1960s serials and the early 1970s serials that do not have colorized copies within the BBC's archives.

But, that is not all. As in January 2000. To go along with their new successful programme... came the first official spin-off of Doctor Who.

Come Back Next Time for Gallifrey: Series One