The Empty Hearse Spoiler Summary

Here's my summary of spoilers for tomorrow's new episode of Sherlock.

• Cult Fix teasers
• Cult Fix review
• Sherlockology review
• Synopsis
• Promo pics

Prequel


Launch trailer

The Diabolical Kind Promo

I'm hereby adding Elementary to the list of fandoms covered under this blog. The Diabolical Kind airs next Thursday on CBS.

The Time of the Doctor Review

Here is my review of this year's Christmas special, starring Matt Smith, Jenna Coleman, and Peter Capaldi, written by Steven Moffat, and directed by Jamie Payne.

I'm glad they addressed the issue with the telephone I mentioned in my last review. Normally, the phone is supposed to go through the console; the one in the door is just a pretend phone. Hopefully, the Doctor will have this fixed by the time the next season comes around. Although, with a regeneration like this, we're likely to pick up where we left off, so it might not be fixed for a few episodes.

I am satisfied some of the explanation for series 5 and 6. Madame Kovarian's offshoot blew up the TARDIS so that it created the cracks. By having the Doctor be responsible for the creation of the cracks, he was part of their history, and therefore couldn't alter it and simply close the crack at Trenzalore. I'm still not sure I understand why they thought River and the astronaut suit was a good way to kill the Doctor. I mean, if they can build the suit, then surely they can turn it into an android with no need for an operator. The only explanation that makes sense is if they used her to hurt the Doctor emotionally by taking away his friend's baby.

One thing I don't understand is how the crack can still be here if the Doctor fixed them all. All the cracks in series 5 seemed to have one of two places on the other side: either a random other point in space-time or the collapsing reality of The Big Bang. I'm guessing that on the other side of this particular crack is a parallel universe where the cracks still exist. The Time Lords are able to manipulate the crack in order to get the other side to point wherever they want, in this case, the Doctor's universe.

This episode raises an interesting question regarding Clara's existence. Now that the Doctor's grave is no longer on Trenzalore, then Clara could never have jumped into his timestream in The Name of the Doctor. That means that the Doctor could never have met her at the Asylum or Victorian London. That of course, raises the question of how they met in the first place and how Clara could be at Trenzalore now. I'm guessing that time rewrote so that they still met each other, but some other way, and they remember both versions of history.

Clara now knows the Doctor better than most companions. She's met more than one of his regenerations, including the one he never talks about. She knows his name and what really happened on the last day of the Time War. Plus, she's seen him naked. Now, they're only the question of whether he accidentally saw her naked when she changed into the hologram clothes. Also, can you feel holograms? Because they were doing an awful lot of hugging while naked.

One thing we've learned about Clara in this episode is that she's been misusing time travel. She's gotten the Doctor to get her there on time when she's been late to a variety of things. Apparently, Clara even calls the Doctor when she's missed her favorite shows on TV and can't be bothered to use iPlayer. This adventure with the turkey clearly isn't the first time she's called him to help.

I was actually expecting the ending to be a little different. I thought that when Clara walked into the TARDIS, she would find Peter Capaldi already there. Instead, Moffat decided to use the same ploy as in The End of Time and The Angels Take Manhattan and give us a false happy ending where Matt is standing there all young again. The key giveaway is that there's too much time left in the episode.

Orla Brady on Tasha Lem and The Time of the Doctor

Orla Brady talks about her role as Tasha Lem in this new video.

Deleted Scene from The Time of the Doctor

BBC America has released a deleted scene from today's episode.

Behind the Scenes of The Time of the Doctor

Get a look behind the scenes of today's special in the video and pictures below!

Matt & Jenna on The Time of the Doctor

Matt and Jenna chat about today's episode in this new video.

The Doctor Has Regenerated!

New field report from Strax concerning the Doctor's regeneration.

Don't Forget to Check Out Social Media

You can follow me on Facebook and Twitter to get access to all my blog posts as soon as they're posted.

I also have Tumblr and Redbubble, where you can find multifandom posts and cool t-shirts.

Oh, and don't forget my YouTube.

Series 3 Promo

A promo for Sherlock series 3 has been released by Amazon.

Season's Greetings from Tasha Lem

The BBC have released a short Christmas video featuring the mysterious Tasha Lem.

The Time of the Doctor Spoiler Summary

Once again, it's my spoiler summary for the upcoming new episode.

• Filming pics
• Promo pics
• Synopsis
• Spoiler accumulator (also includes series 8)
• Interviews with the cast

First trailer


TV trailer


BBC America trailer


First clip


Second clip


Third clip

Road Trip Synopsis

The CW has released the synopsis for the next episode of Supernatural.

DEAN’S BEST CHANCE OF SAVING SAM LIES WITH CROWLEY — Dean is devastated after Kevin’s death and vows to find the angel that killed him, not only to free Sam, but to seek revenge. Castiel arrives at the bunker and suggests they try to separate Sam’s brain from the angel’s so they can talk to Sam and have him expel Gadreel. However, there’s one small problem: the only person who knows how to do that is Crowley

Many Happy Returns

Watch the Sherlock minisode, Many Happy Returns, here.

3rd Clip from The Time of the Doctor

Another clip from the Christmas special.

Jenna on BBC Breakfast

Jenna Coleman was on BBC Breakfast this morning, watch the interview below as well as a new clip from The Time of the Doctor.

Steven Moffat on The Time of the Doctor

The BBC have released a video interview with Steven Moffat in which he talks about this year's Christmas special.

More Info on Sherlock Christmas Minisode

More info has been released on the minisode, Many Happy Returns. It runs for about 7 minutes and will be released on iPlayer at 2pm GMT on Christmas Eve. No director, writer, or cast have been confirmed. The special will also be available on the Red Button from Christmas to January 2nd.

Synopsis

A series of seemingly unconnected crimes stretching from Tibet to India to Germany. Sherlock Holmes has been gone for two years. But someone isn't quite convinced that he's dead...

Matt Smith and David Tennant on Regeneration

Matt and David talk about regeneration in this Doctor Who Insider from BBC America.

A Sontaran's View of Christmas

Strax shares his viewpoints on Christmas.

Supernatural Episode Title Announcements

The producers (or possibly the network) have changed the titles for episodes 13-15 of season 9 of Supernatural and added the title for episode 16.

13. The Purge (previously Let the Fat One In)
14. Captives (previously Old Friends)
15. Blade Runners (previously Back in Black)
16. Thinman

Deluxe Edition of The Time of the Doctor on iTunes

iTunes has released a so-called "deluxe edition" of The Time of the Doctor. It contains not just this year's Christmas special, but also The End of Time and Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor, as well as the trailer from last week. Since it's still on season pass, they could add more content at any time.

There hasn't been a prequel so far, but since the BBC usually does one, iTunes will probably add that to the mix as well. The actual special itself should be added on Boxing Day.

Still no word on Amazon, but if I had to guess, they'll probably fold it into their Matt Smith specials.

First Clip from The Time of the Doctor

The BBC has released the first clip from this year's Christmas special, The Time of the Doctor.

Sherlock Series 3 Interviews

The BBC have released a set of interviews for Sherlock series 3.

Benedict Cumberbatch

How did it feel reading the first script of the new series?

It’s always a kind of cold-faced thrill because you get the first enjoyment of it. It’s like being the first audience of the finished product, so it was a real treat. We knew what the rough trajectory was over the three films, but when you get the full script it’s just a delight. The first thing I go to is the big scenes, and every one of those scripts is a terrific read. It’s such a joy to read them for the first time – you get that thrill that hopefully the audience will get when they sit down and watch it.

What was it like getting back into character after a two-year break?

I would say it was easier than the second series, but it’s never completely easy because of the break and because of how extraordinary a character he is. No matter what comparisons people draw between me and him – he is very different in his temperament, he is more mercurial, his rhythms are faster and more aggressive than mine are, and that goes for his intelligence and speed of talking – I feel like I have to ramp up a gear which takes a bit of time to get used to. But you know, I love it and however hard it gets, and it is a tricky one to pull off, it’s a character I love playing and I always feel sad saying goodbye to him.

What do viewers have in store for Series 3?

Without giving too much away there is a fantastic trajectory in Sherlock’s character arc which is going from a position of not really fitting in and then doing incredibly well and forming a bond again with John.

They have some extraordinary adventures in the first and second episodes and then in the third they are challenged by a situation and a master villain who brings him to his knees. What’s exciting about this series is we see Sherlock in real peril. We know from the end of series two he staged his death, he was out of the game but calculating every move and therefore in charge. With this challenge he really is out of control. He really does lose his authority on the situation and it’s really exciting to see a hero in that much jeopardy and it’s very interesting to see what it does psychologically to him.

As far as plot goes, Sherlock and John reunite, there is an explanation and there is a new character in the shape of Mary Morstan – it’s really about how the three of them kind of coexist. It doesn’t become a trio, but she is a leading figure in it, she’s not just a stay at home wife – she is someone who is very involved in both of the boys’ realities but it’s a wonderful new dynamic to play with.

What do you think Lars Mikkelsen brings to the series?

An incredibly steely reality which is harrowingly possible. He is a businessman – he’s not a mad chaotic villain, not like the award-winning performance Andrew Scott gave as Moriaty. He is something of great calm and measure that has a depth to it which is an even bigger challenge than the chaos of Moriaty. He is so measured and precise – he is like a shark, a terrifyingly perfect predator of our age.

He will chime with people who know what a bully is -- he is the archetypal bully and his means and methods are chillingly everyday in our culture. He’s a smart creation, very real and not fantastical. He’s got a foreign perspective on the English culture which Holmes so perfectly personifies and the fact that he fights on the side on the angels. He sort of reduces what Holmes protects.

Do you think Sherlock will understand John’s reaction to the news that he is in fact alive?

I think he completely thinks that John will understand what he has done, and be fine with it. I think he is expecting a wry smile, a handshake and maybe a laugh or two and then off on a case. He gets it so wrong, so so wrong. He’s rusty, he regresses and it takes him a little while to get on form, to smell out London and understand that again and also to get back to being best friends – you empathise with him because you know ultimately he did what he did to save his best friend’s life. But John being quite a straight-laced ex-soldier is not too happy.

Do you think there is an evolution in their relationship?

They start from a point where they are almost strangers again, they have to have that moment of trust re-established, it’s quite a thing to do to a friend to fake your own death to save a friend, and it takes time.

They rile each other and amuse each other and excite one another and do everything that good friends do but to extremes because of the situation and the friendship just grows through very heightened circumstances and drama.

It’s just a glorious thing to play out and having such a skilled actor as Martin Freeman to play off – the verisimilitude is bar none and his reaction and comic skill is always exceptional. But the real heart of what he does and why he is so funny is because it’s from a place of truth.

In Sherlock you’ve got this ridiculously theatrical, sometimes manipulative but very real friend which makes for a tempestuous but brilliant odd couple friendship with all the dynamics of series one and two, just playing out in very different circumstances.

Do you think we will see any changes with Sherlock’s relationships with Mycroft in this series?

There’s a lovely arc there which gives a lot more insight into them as brothers and where they came from. There is a really interesting glimpse of the hold they have over each other which hasn’t really come to light until this series.

It’s great, Mycroft becomes the bigger brother in every sense – both intellectually and in terms of power. They are brothers in a family, they are blood relatives and that’s explored in more detail which is exciting – funny, but not trite. It’s quite profoundly moving I think.

You find out a bit more about both characters but the most interesting thing is that you find out a lot more about why he is the way he is, you have little hints of back story which just remind people that he grew up – he wasn’t just born Sherlock.

Sherlock was somebody who may have been a little bit different as a child but he is very much self-styled; he wasn’t born the way he is there’s a lot of conditioning that’s made him this genius, thrill seeking, adventurous, crime-solving hero that he is.

If you could have one of Sherlock’s attributes what would it be?

His mental focus, which comes with its faults as well, it’s very hard-earned. What I love about him is he is a hero for people who are different and a role model for people who are different because he acquires a status through his skill that is bar none and I would love to have his mental agility and focus I just think it is exceptional… and his memory, if I can have two!

Martin Freeman

What was it like being back together for the first read-through

It was good – it had a kind of familiarity about it, we had new people joining which was lovely. Given that it was our third time, or fourth including the pilot, it just feels nice and familiar. It’s always exciting because the scripts are so good.

Two years have passed since Sherlock faked his death. How do you think this has affected John and how has be moved on?

His best friend has died horribly in front of him, which took a long time to get over, but the way that his life has moved on is that he has fallen in love with Mary. He is leading a functional, normal-ish life really which doesn’t have the highs and lows of his life with Sherlock but is certainly a bit more steady. But there is a sadness with John which will always be with him when you lose someone that you love – he is slightly dulled by life.

Could you empathise with John’s reaction to Sherlock’s reappearance?

I can completely empathise. If someone came into your life after you thought they were dead it would be a major event, and given that Sherlock is the way he is, he winds John up a lot, and that is when they are getting on! But coming back from the dead -- John is hit very hard by that.

What do viewers have in store for this series?

Lars Mikkelsen is fantastic, he is a brilliant villain. For those who will miss Moriaty, which is totally understandable, we have another fantastic nemesis for Sherlock and John – he does it superbly. Of course, having Mary Morstan around is good because that adds another dynamic to Sherlock and John’s relationship and another dimension to John’s life. It was great having Amanda Abbington on board – she was brilliant, I like working with her!

Are you surprised by the massive online reaction to the show?

I don’t think any one of us could have dreamt that there would be that sort of reaction. Never mind online, but the entirety of the success that it has had we could never have dreamt about. People used to ask me about ‘The Office’. They would say ‘did you know it would be this huge thing?’ and there was certainly no way we could of known how big Sherlock could have been. I would have settled for it being a really good show that some people really loved. But the fact that it has been feted and honoured – we could never have spotted that coming.

And the online thing is certainly a thread of our fanbase – and it’s a very vocal one. I think what’s important not to forget is that it’s not the only one, there are so many people who just watch it on BBC One when it comes out and love it. But the online thing is surprising in a way because they have almost created another world, especially if you are over 30 because it still seems like that stuff is really new. Especially the sort of reaction we have had, I mean other shows do get it as well, but we are one of those shows that people go absolutely barmy for. And it’s nice! I’d much rather that than people ignored it!

What do you think it is that has made Sherlock such a global success?

I guess we were lucky in that we already had Sherlock Holmes, who is one of the most famous fictitious characters in literature. Every incarnation of Sherlock Holmes has been of interest to somebody. And it has been a while since it has been updated. The last time I can think of was Basil Rathbone. So it’s a contemporary look at it which hasn’t been done for a while written by three of the best writers around, thought up by two of the best writers around. It’s beautifully shot, beautifully designed, rather well acted. It’s one of those rare things you can be in where you think every single department is storming it. It looks beautiful, it’s written beautifully and it’s well cast.

What is it about Sherlock that inspires such loyalty from John do you think?

He’s a pretty magnetic bloke. He’s very intelligent and there is something mesmeric about his obsessiveness as well. He’s the cleverest bloke that John has ever met and he likes that challenge and the share of the danger as well. Because John is ultimately into danger as well, he is a solider and a doctor so he is around situations that are perilous and a bit tasty, so he responds to that in Sherlock and he just wants to be around him – I sometimes don’t even know why!

What’s been your favourite episode to date?

I have to say the ones that we have just filmed have been brilliant. Before that, probably Reichenbach was my favourite one to do because when we read it I was really, really excited and I thought the finished product was amazing. It was one of the best things that I’ve ever done and am likely to do for a while.

But then I found that about the episodes we have just done. It’s particularly important you end on a fantastic third one and the third episode in the third series is stellar. Everyone’s work on it is great and it’s a Steven Moffat special which is always good, but they are all so good! I was very, very excited when I read this one – it’s one of the best scripts I’ve ever read.

Steven Moffat & Mark Gatiss

The Time of the Doctor DVD Details

Details have been released on the DVD of The Time of the Doctor.

North America

Release date: March 4th. Extras include

• The Time of the Doctor – Behind the Lens
  It’s Christmas! A time for peace and goodwill to all. But hang on, its Doctor Who, surely it can’t be that simple? We take a peek behind the lens on this cracker of a Christmas special. The tinsel is out at the Oswald’s and we meet a familiar enemy in a new form. The Doctor comes face to face with the enigmatic Tasha Lem and makes a new friend. With Matt Smith, Orla Brady, Jenna Coleman, Steven Moffat, Danny Hargreaves, Jack Hollington, Sheila Reid, James Buller and Elizabeth Rider.
• Farewell to Matt Smith
  Narrated by Alex Kingston (River Song), This compelling, hour-long special looks back at Matt Smith’s extraordinary tenure as the Eleventh Doctor, featuring highlights from the show and copious interview footage with Matt, his cast-mates, writers, producers, guest stars and celebrity Doctor Who fans.
• Tales from the TARDIS
  A look back at the full, 50-year history of this iconic series. Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith and past Doctors David Tennant, Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker, Peter Davison and Tom Baker tell what it was like to be the Doctor, how they got the job and how it changed their lives. With companions Jenna Coleman, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, and more, this truly insightful special offers a unique insight into the world’s longest running sci-fi series. 

Europe

Release date: January 20th. 2 disc set includes

• A Christmas Carol (2010)
• The Doctor, the Widow and the Wardrobe (2011)
• The Snowmen (2012)
• The Time of the Doctor (2013)
• Behind the Scenes of The Time of the Doctor (12 minutes)
• Farewell to Matt Smith (44 minutes)
• Tales from the TARDIS (44 minutes)

The Doctors

The BBC have released another one of Strax's field reports. This one does not appear to be available in every country, however.

2 New Photos from The Time of the Doctor

There's no time like the present for naked Matt Smith

An Adventure in Space and Time Soundtrack Details

Silva Screen has released information on the soundtrack for An Adventure in Space and Time.

The hugely popular docudrama produced by the BBC for the 50th Anniversary wowed critics and audiences with its fascinating insight into the development of Doctor Who. Silva Screen are pleased to announce that they will be releasing Edmund Butt’s excellent score to AN ADVENTURE IN SPACE AND TIME early in 2014. More details coming soon.

1. Main Title – An Adventure In Space And Time (0:38)
2. The Right Man (1:17)
3. The First Woman Producer (1:21)
4. I’ve Got An Idea… (1:34)
5. The Daleks (2:52)
6. Kill Dr. Who (1:48)
7. What Dimension? (1:24)
8. This Is My Show (1:50)
9. Autograph Hunting (2:31)
10. Sydney Newman (1:00)
11. Scarlett O’hara (1:03)
12. Piss & Vinegar (1:24)
13. Dressing Room (1:18)
14. JFK Assassinated (1:48)
15. The Tardis (0:57)
16. Goodbye Susan (2:37)
17. 10 Million Viewers (0:57)
18. The Fans (0:41)
19. I’m So Sorry Bill (2:45)
20. Kiss Goodbye (1:05)
21. My Successor (1:06)
22. Isop Galaxy (0:50)
23. Irreplaceable (1:19)
24. The New Doctor (3:55)
25. Time’s Up… (1:15)

Extended Trailer for The Time of the Doctor

New trailer for the Christmas special from BBC America

Second Set of Photos from Marriott Marquis

More photos have been uploaded from the set of Mockingjay at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. These are courtesy of Mockingjay.net.

New Christmas Trailer

The BBC has released a new Christmas trailer, featuring some clips from The Time of the Doctor.

Series 8 Filming Earlier Than Expected

Earlier reports indicated filming for series 8 would begin sometime in January. However, a recent tweet from the BBC seems to suggest otherwise.

Peter Capaldi has just completed his first read through as the Doctor! A new era of #DoctorWho is coming, but first http://t.co/aC6gmSQb1h
— Doctor Who Official (@bbcdoctorwho) December 17, 2013

Read throughs usually happen just before filming starts, so this could happen any day now.

Storyboard from The Day of the Doctor

For day 16 of the Adventure Calendar, the BBC have released some storyboard artwork from The Day of the Doctor.

Mockingjay Filming at Marriott Marquis Hotel

Guests staying at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta have witnessed some filming for Mockingjay.

Post by The Hunger Games Memes.