Don't forget to check your local listings, as the 50th Anniversary airs at 2:50pm EST. It's a GLOBAL broadcast, airing in America at the same time it airs in England. No commercials either.

I see what you mean, very different from the way the show was before. I really like Matt Smith as the doctor though, but maybe that's because I never saw the earlier seasons, I only started watching those after the 9th, 10th and 11th.

I just posted this as a fb status:

Confession: I skipped most of the Matt Smith years. I am now watching BBC America so I suppose this is Clara's first episode. Here's what I think went wrong.

Davies spent entirely TOO much time making the specials his and David Tennant's "farewell tour." We literally see what happens to each and every companion. Everything is tied up in a neat bow - and perhaps it becomes emotional for no reason.

When Moffat takes over, he has a clean slate. Which is fine if you are rebooting the entire show, but this is supposed to just be another season, you know? It's too different for me to just jump in. From Series 1 to 2, Rose was the constant after the doctor regenerated. Then we got Martha who was brilliant, but was only for that season. Then we got Donna who was ALSO brilliant, and thankfully just a platonic friend (which was something else the Doctor needed).

But then we get to the specials where the Doctor is solo, which is good, BUT... that's where the emotional manipulation comes in. Everything's soooooo sad and soooooo big.

Moffat's writing is adequate, but doesn't compare to Davies to me. The acting is still good.

Here's what I'd like to see in the future aside from a woman doctor and a doctor of color:

A male, solo, platonic companion.

I just want to see him have more companions who don't fall in love with him or flirt with him. The doctor needs friends. Frat brothers. A lodge. Something. Maybe that happens in the Matt Smith years.

And I know there have been male secondary companions like Micky, Jack, Rory, and Wilford/Wilfred, but I want a real dude who gets stories like Rose and Donna on a long term basis.

Anyway, onward to the Day of the Doctor!

See the Google Doodle in celebration of Dr. Who today.

Happy 50th Anniversary to Dr. Who but what's 50 years to a Time Lord.

Here's all of the themes over the last 50 years:

http://youtu.be/a1AnTi1X2QM

That Doodle was incredibly difficult, especially in the upper levels.

Who's watching BBCAmerica at 2:50pm eastern today?

I'm taping it and watching it with some friends when they get off work (will basically have to stay off the internet this afternoon).

And FYI, Sen, apparently the role of the 12th Doctor was offered to a black man (people speculate Idris Elba), who turned it down. That's according to Stephen Moffatt.

MIND BLOWN!!!! THE DOCTOR IS BAD-ASS!! THE LAST 8 MINUTES!!!! EPIC!!!!

Oh. My. God!

That was freaking awesome! DH & I loved it!

Neil Gaiman said it was actually the 11th Doctor. They offered it to Chiwetel Ejiofor but they couldn't agree on a contract so they went to Matt Smith. Rumor has it that Capaldi was the only one they considered for 12.

I KNOW!!!!!! I almost cried!

http://25.media.tumblr.com/2e5e6ebfe...joeyo1_500.gif

That was amazing!

I just ordered the DVD on Amazon.

Arrgh...I want to talk about the episode but the no-spoiler rule is in effect. How long should we keep in it effect for?

:D

I'm sorry, but screw the no-spoiler rule. Every real Whovian knew when it was coming on and it came on twice. The Doctor Who official tumblr was live-blogging it and spoilers went viral immediately.

All of those in favor of abolishing the "no-spoiler" rule for Dr. Who, say aye.

All opposed, say nay.

AYE