Uncle Roger's Notebooks of Daily Life

Wallace is a Time Lord

First off, let me say that I was never really into the original series. Not that I didn't like it or anything, just that I never got into watching it. The new series, however, is airing in place of Stargate on Friday nights, so I caught the first two episodes on DVD. So, of course, I figured I might as well watch them.

Let me also add that I've been into science fiction since the late 70's -- about '71, if your definition of SF is liberal enough. I am fairly selective, however. I don't go for future war stories (such as Keith Laumer's Bolo series) nor am I really into post-apocalyptic or cyberpunk stories. Fantasy (swords and sorcery and dragons and such) is not science fiction, nor is horror, even when it involves aliens. Neither one interests me. I do, however, totally enjoy time travel.

With that said, the new Doctor Who is actually pretty cool.

Christopher Eccleston, who plays the doctor, has a wonderfully flexible face. He bears a striking resemblance, both in appearance and in mannerisms, to Wallace (of Wallace and Gromit fame). The way he says "FahnTAAStick!" is just the way -- expression and all -- that Wallace would say it. I can just so totally see him saying "Cracking Toast, Gromit." Unfortunately, I'm told he does not return for the second season -- a great pity. He is a wonderful actor and a fantastic Doctor.

Billie Piper does a good job too, portraying a lack of education without coming off as bubbleheaded or stupid. She has moments of great sex appeal, but is mostly -- and appropriately -- a serious companion rather than a bit of eye candy.

Anyway, if you haven't had a chance to check it out, I do recommend it. It's on on Friday nights on the SciFi channel.