14 years since fish custard: The Eleventh Hour

Steven Moffat‘s first offering as head writer offers a series paradoxically both more emotionally mature and more a pure kid’s/kid-at-heart’s show. In this episode, at least, the eleventh doctor works well on both levels, providing a doctor and companion kids can identify with (craving fun and adventure while being continually denied this – and basic [...]

sound and silence

Blackmail 1929 Alfred Hitchcock’s first talkie picture (actually a brilliant make-do compromise between studio-mandated sound and previously filmed silent footage) hasn’t aged particularly well, but is an interesting portrait of both the time and the early development of his trademark style. Adapted from a talky stage play, Hitchcock shoehorns in some revolutionary staging of uneasy [...]

prozzies and other respectable women

Ashes to Ashes 1.03 Ashes to Ashes continues, hitting many of the same notes as Sam’s stint in Gene Hunt’s world.  Since the pilot, Alex has reliably featured moments of headdesking stupidity in the presence of her mother and her mother’s law firm partner (in 2008, the godfather of her daughter).  Abandoning her ‘you are [...]

begin

Am repulsed and attracted to this layout—hadn’t realised clicking on it would not make it larger but apply it as my online face. Eck. The clothes are appealing, though. Very ten years ago. I’ll let it live another day. I’m wrestling with what I thought was going to be a new story, but the characters from [...]