Quote: ian_w @ May 20 2008, 4:43 PM BSTIs this because RTD's retiring, or because they just think Moffat's better?
He's retiring. We'll see if Moffat's better when he's got 13 episodes to marshal, rather than the one or two RTD gives him carte blanche* with.
*Apologies to Aaron for use of French
Quote: PhQnix @ May 20 2008, 4:44 PM BSTIt sounds like he is stepping down as part of a natural progression.
It would definitely be progression, yes!
On the face of it, this is good news. I hope he can bring something to it without being hamstrung by the success of RTD, and without having to follow the template laid down, which includes the soapy stuff about the companion's family, the romcom elements, the increased comedy, etc etc.
Quote: Bad dog @ May 20 2008, 4:46 PM BSTOn the face of it, this is good news. I hope he can bring something to it without being hamstrung by the success of RTD, and without having to follow the template laid down, which includes the soapy stuff about the companion's family, the increased comedy, etc etc.
Judging by Moffat's own announcement and the projects he was involved with before I don't think that the comedy aspects of the show will be going away. However looking over the episodes he has written before I am sure the show will be a lot darker, which can only be good.
Quote: Bad dog @ May 20 2008, 4:46 PM BSTOn the face of it, this is good news. I hope he can bring something to it without being hamstrung by the success of RTD, and without having to follow the template laid down, which includes the soapy stuff about the companion's family, the romcom elements, the increased comedy, etc etc.
You mean all the stuff that's made it a huge ratings success?
This is fantastic news! Moffat is the new series best writer and I cant wait to see what he does with it! Woo-hoo!
Quote: PhQnix @ May 20 2008, 4:48 PM BSTJudging by Moffat's own announcement and the projects he was involved with before I don't think that the comedy aspects of the show will be going away. However looking over the episodes he has written before I am sure the show will be a lot darker, which can only be good.
RTD wrote a very dark Doctor Who novel years before he relaunched the show. But he realised that dark doesn't always work at 7pm on a Saturday.
Moffat is a canny operator. He's a fan who will throw the hardcore fans a few bones to gnaw on, but his main concern will be the ordinary viewers who like a bit of Doctor Who but don't post on forums.
I must say I'm not wild on his Who episodes so far, but they are far better than most of Russell's efforts.
Quote: Graham Bandage @ May 20 2008, 4:50 PM BSTYou mean all the stuff that's made it a huge ratings success?
Yes, that's right! 
Quote: Graham Bandage @ May 20 2008, 4:52 PM BSTRTD wrote a very dark Doctor Who novel years before he relaunched the show. But he realised that dark doesn't always work at 7pm on a Saturday.
Moffat is a canny operator. He's a fan who will throw the hardcore fans a few bones to gnaw on, but his main concern will be the ordinary viewers who like a bit of Doctor Who but don't post on forums.
That's interesting, as well as a little bit disappointing. The show's always been a lot better when it has focused on darker story lines.
Quote: Bad dog @ May 20 2008, 4:54 PM BSTI must say I'm not wild on his Who episodes so far, but they are far better than most of Russell's efforts.
Hes far and away the best writer on the show!
Quote: Graham Bandage @ May 20 2008, 4:52 PM BSTMoffat is a canny operator. He's a fan who will throw the hardcore fans a few bones to gnaw on, but his main concern will be the ordinary viewers who like a bit of Doctor Who but don't post on forums.
Excactly, this a mainstream show for the family, it will retain alot of what has made it such a sucess in recent years, even if 'fans' dont like it. Listen to the fans and any show will die a quick death, because the fans make up a tiny percentage of a shows overall audience.
Quote: PhQnix @ May 20 2008, 4:54 PM BSTThat's interesting, as well as a little bit disappointing. The show's always been a lot better when it has focused on darker story lines.
It's only my interpretation. I'm not actually Steven Moffat.
I hope Paul Cornell gets the chance to do some more, because I think he's a pretty good writer.
I think I read he was doing something for series five. Plus, Moffat was his best man.
Quote: Bad dog @ May 20 2008, 4:56 PM BSTI hope Paul Cornell gets the chance to do some more, because I think he's a pretty good writer.
Yep, last years Human Nautre was superb and Im very surprised hes not involved this series. And come to that, why hasnt 'Dalek' writer Robert Shearman ever made a return visit? That episode in the first series was awesome!
Also, new show runner-does anyone sniff a new Doctor in the not too distant future?
There's no reason why the programme shouldn't still be popular, but have an improved quality. The programme has always had ideas, now it has a huge profile and a budget. With those things it should be way better than it is, it's like everything going into it is just being wasted. Just turn it up a notch and stop aiming it at 5 year olds.