Bad Wolf [Dr. Who Spin-off]

[Jack Malone]

Review for "Shadows of the Past".

You know, the minute Bad Wolf was pitched, I became incredibly excited and anxious to see a pilot, and now that I have, my reaction is: brilliant! "Shadows the Past" could be described as an emotional rollercoaster, that marks the first adventure between Rose and Ten II - the beginning of a beautiful relationship friendship.

The character of Rose Tyler is captured perfectly, and jumps right out of the page with how realistic her actions, and reactions are during the episode. As a fan of this character from Doctor Who, its so nice to see how much work has gone into really bringing this character back to life, and how satisfying it is to know that this character is in the hands of someone who can clearly capture all of her traits, and nail her character perfectly.

The journey Rose, and Ten II embark on, having reunited since their brief moment together on Bad Wolf Bay, was such a joy to read, and all the right emotional beats were hit in the build up to the climax of the story - which involved the return of the TARDIS, and the two ready to embrace a new journey together. As friends.

I can honestly say, I enjoyed every single moment of the pilot. The 'action' was spot-on, and really guided me through the episode, without any unnecessarily long descriptions. The dialogue was all natural, and both Rose and Ten II were written with perfect characterisation - their voices really came through (and I even noticed you added little snippets of Donna Noble in some of Ten II's dialogue). And the emotional elements of it all. It had everything you could possibly want to see in a pilot, and more!

The Vashta Nerada added a sense of familiarity, which really helped solidify this show as a spin off. Yet, with that said, this show can also be seen as its own thing, as Rose and Ten II embark on a new journey of their own together, separate from what Rose had with "her" Doctor. The pilot really seemed to look at the past, and say "yes, this is where we came from," yet finish on a note of "but, this is where we're headed now." It just had such a hopeful finish, and a balance between the two that sort of helps you move on from Rose/Doctor to appreciate the journey we're about to see, and experience, with Rose/John (Ten II).

The best scene in the episode was when the Vashta Nerada clinged onto Rose, and she had this moment with Ten II. She briefly refers to him as "Doctor" which was kind of blissfully painful, and then she's facing death, and he's trying to convince her how brilliant she truly is, and how she's not a failure, and I think it was just a wonderful moment that was just heart wrenching. I have a scriptbook from series one of the NewWho, and Russel T Davies wrote in it something along the lines of him having everything in the pilot for Doctor Who that he wanted, but somehow he couldn't fit heartbreak in there, and goes: "well, we'll get to see that in episode 2." In my eyes, this has EVERYTHING the Doctor Who pilot had in it, PLUS what Russel T. Davies couldn't, which was heartbreak, and I just honestly think you've done an amazing job with this. It reads, and feels like, it should be a televised Doctor Who spin off, with Billie Piper and David Tennant.

Towards the end of the episode, I was really starting to question how long you could keep "TEN II" up, and how long Rose would be hesitant to refer to him as "The Doctor". And as I reached the final few pages, I grew hopeful that it was building towards that, but instead, his name became: "John." And I was very surprised. Then I realised: that's perfect! Why? Because this is a new journey between Rose and the Doctor John, and the pilot did a lot to establish that, and come out and specify that, and so if Rose turned around and called him "The Doctor" officially, it would be like everything that this episode was building towards would have been for nothing, and so I'm so glad you went in this direction. I'm really excited to see what lies ahead for Rose/John, and I could not be more happy with how this pilot turned out. I'm being genuinely honest when I say it has got to be one of the BEST scripts I've read.

Usually I like to sum everything up in a bit of a conclusion, but I think everything above just says it like it is: I loved it. Its a big thumbs up for me, and I could not be more excited to see this show be picked up, and air many great seasons on theVPN. 10/10.

[Ms. Kerry]

I'm going to reply to you tomorrow Jack, but I feel the need to say that my pilot wouldn't have been half as good if I didn't have my sister editing. Not only does she keep me in check grammar-wise, but she knows what flows and what doesn't and what scenes I should keep or lose. THANKS CORI!!

[Cori]

You are so sweet. The pilot was good already; it just needed a fresh pair of eyes and about 85904369036450 commas.

I'm glad everyone seems to be enjoying it as much as I did.

[Ms. Kerry]

Sssssh! You aren't supposed to reveal my comma issues.

[Ms. Kerry]

Response to Jack's Review

First off I would like to say thank you for reviewing so quickly and for giving me such great boosts of confidence both here and in the chat box.

The character of Rose Tyler is captured perfectly, and jumps right out of the page with how realistic her actions, and reactions are during the episode. As a fan of this character from Doctor Who, its so nice to see how much work has gone into really bringing this character back to life, and how satisfying it is to know that this character is in the hands of someone who can clearly capture all of her traits, and nail her character perfectly.

I worked really hard to get Rose's attitude down and I was so nervous that I wouldn't get her character right. I knew Rose was going to be older and therefore a little different from in Dr. Who, but I wanted to capture her spirit. I'm glad that it seemed to translate right and be true to the original character.

I can honestly say, I enjoyed every single moment of the pilot. The 'action' was spot-on, and really guided me through the episode, without any unnecessarily long descriptions. The dialogue was all natural, and both Rose and Ten II were written with perfect characterisation - their voices really came through (and I even noticed you added little snippets of Donna Noble in some of Ten II's dialogue). And the emotional elements of it all. It had everything you could possibly want to see in a pilot, and more!

I'm thrilled that the voices and description flowed well and even more that you enjoyed it so much. Like Rose, Ten II was going to have to be different because of the way he was created, and yeah I made certain to throw in a little of Donna's attitude...we should be seeing more of it to come.

The Vashta Nerada added a sense of familiarity, which really helped solidify this show as a spin off. Yet, with that said, this show can also be seen as its own thing, as Rose and Ten II embark on a new journey of their own together, separate from what Rose had with "her" Doctor. The pilot really seemed to look at the past, and say "yes, this is where we came from," yet finish on a note of "but, this is where we're headed now." It just had such a hopeful finish, and a balance between the two that sort of helps you move on from Rose/Doctor to appreciate the journey we're about to see, and experience, with Rose/John (Ten II).

I actually had no clue what Ten II and Rose should face in this episode until I got to "Silence in the Library" during my Dr. Who marathon. The Vashta Nerada has a scary element to them but they also don't have to be a character. They just hunt and eat and don't need reason or development and it gave me time to focus more on the actual characters. I'm glad that my choice was a good one. Also as you said I wanted to look back on the past and then move on in a way that gave more closure than "Journey's End" did. This show is going to have a bit of a different tone than Dr. Who because it is going to expose the relationship between the characters more, but hopefully the adventure and fun will still be the same.

The best scene in the episode was when the Vashta Nerada clinged onto Rose, and she had this moment with Ten II. She briefly refers to him as "Doctor" which was kind of blissfully painful, and then she's facing death, and he's trying to convince her how brilliant she truly is, and how she's not a failure, and I think it was just a wonderful moment that was just heart wrenching.

I don't want to sound full of myself but... I loved that scene too! I was so afraid it wasn't going to pay off or that there would be too much speech and not enough description, but you seemed to like it so YAY!!

Towards the end of the episode, I was really starting to question how long you could keep "TEN II" up, and how long Rose would be hesitant to refer to him as "The Doctor". And as I reached the final few pages, I grew hopeful that it was building towards that, but instead, his name became: "John." And I was very surprised. Then I realised: that's perfect! Why? Because this is a new journey between Rose and the Doctor John, and the pilot did a lot to establish that, and come out and specify that, and so if Rose turned around and called him "The Doctor" officially, it would be like everything that this episode was building towards would have been for nothing, and so I'm so glad you went in this direction.

I'm very amused that you were shocked because I really didn't expect it to be a big thing. Throughout the whole episode, Rose was constantly reminding him that he wasn't the Doctor and she wasn't changing her mind BUT during that month alone he totally realized it too. John is so much like the Doctor but he is half Donna too so he couldn't possibly be the same man. However, I think that is what makes it exciting! We as viewers know these characters but they've grown and changed and I want Bad Wolf to be able to explore their lives now as they start new adventures.

I'm really excited to see what lies ahead for Rose/John, and I could not be more happy with how this pilot turned out. I'm being genuinely honest when I say it has got to be one of the BEST scripts I've read.

Usually I like to sum everything up in a bit of a conclusion, but I think everything above just says it like it is: I loved it. Its a big thumbs up for me, and I could not be more excited to see this show be picked up, and air many great seasons on theVPN. 10/10.

Its so exciting for me that you like it so much and I'm flattered by the rating you gave me. If anything more comes from this pitch then I hope to not disappoint you. Sorry this was so long but thank you again for reviewing!

[Jack Malone]

I'm so excited for this show. Its number one on my list to be picked up. I'm just going through your episode descriptions now, and seeing what may be in store for the first season. Ugh, I can't wait to see more of this show! Its going to be sooo good. XD

[Jamison]

College life hasn't been treating me nicely as of late, but when I "officially" get some time off, I will most definitely read this! Looking forward to it, and Jack's review has given me some great expectations going in

[Jack Malone]

^Oh my god, Chris. Its sooooo good. I can't even -- you're gonna love it! XD

[stevieg]

Just read and loved the opening Pilot episode of the new journey. You really captured the mannerisms and dialogue of both Rose and the Doctor in their moments in scenes. The 'love' between them has those moments that briefly appear and fade away again as Rose finds herself conflicted between the real Doctor and Ten II as you call him.

You have left Torchwood a little understaffed, so hope you plan on returning to see what happens to the crew further down the line. Also the introduction of other aliens along the way we know and love (but now daleks every season like RTD kept doing please) ;D

This show certainly has potential in the pilot to go places, and with the way you have the characters down as how they should be, and the possibilities of going to other worlds (not always Earth lol) then this could be a huge hit on here I foresee.

Certainly be a good show to read each episode when picked up

One thing, I picked up on. I think once introduced the characters on screen, don't really need to have them in capitals every time after they appear? A little tip I learnt from others, but it's something you may like doing but just thought pop that little idea in there.

[Ms. Kerry]

@ Chris - I really hope that you aren't disappointed after all the hype from Jack XD.

@ Steve - Thanks so much! I was worried that the characterization was going to be way off but after you and Jack I feel much more confident. I have no clue where I picked up the names in all caps its something I do in all my scripts. I am willing to bet somebody else here on the site does it and that is where I got it from. I hope it isn't distracting or annoying.

[Ms. Kerry]

Also I have this feeling I should watch some Torchwood while I can to get a better feel of how the organization works. As of right now I say, that since this is the other world and things are all changed after Journey's End and the Doctor fixes the damage done in her world, I can do what I want. However, I would feel better knowing more.

[stevieg]

I think having a look at Torchwood would be good for you, especially the early season which was strongest for me. Also, you could have a look on Wiki, always a good bet to have more information on the show and characters who were on it. Always a source I use for influence in things

Also, the name in Caps is fine, it doesn't bother me, but just something I noticed in the script. If that's how you write it and you like it that way then it shouldn't be a problem. It's what you feel comfortable in doing and your style of writing

[Ms. Kerry]

Alright! I will do that then. There won't be too many episodes about Torchwood but it will be a re-occurring thing so I will give it a shot.

[Jamison]

PILOT REVIEW

Kerry, you really don't know how happy your script has made me. I'm pretty sure I was grinning through over half of the episode, and for good reason! Here is my review for Bad Wolf 1.01 "Shadows of the Past".

First, and foremost, I love the concept behind this show. A look at Rose Tyler and Ten II; a continued adventure, of sorts, but this is definitely a whole new story, and the pilot made me extremely excited to discover what new, fresh elements you have planned for these two, and the series as a whole. The dynamic between Rose and Ten II was very realistic. I completely understand Rose's skepticism towards him, because like she said, "You aren't the Doctor," or at least, "her" Doctor. But, I'm really glad she was able to establish him as a new person, and respect that, ultimately joining him on his journey (for a few days, but come, we all know she's sticking around)

The actually premise of the episode was cool as well. Very simple, solid, and like Jack said, it was very familiar. Bringing in the Vashta Nerada was an amazing idea, and it really help set the "Doctor Who" tone, until I was able to see the show as something "new" in its own right, which it definitely is.

Your characterization for Rose and The Doctor was exceptionally good! I found myself grinning uncontrollably when Rose uttered something "Rose-like," and that goes for Ten II as well. It really made the script for me, and being a huge fan of dialogue in scripts (That's the biggest thing I tend to look for) you really nailed it here. Very impressive!! Nice flow, word choices and overall, great, solid dialogue!

So, by the end of the episode, we introduce "John," as Ten II takes the persona, and it's really a symbol for the show. Yes, this new Doctor in a clone. He is not the Doctor we got to see in Bad Wolf's parent show, but this really brought it out into the open that this spin-off will be it's own entity, and for the show to work, I really think it needs that. So, I was very impressed with where you went there, and I can only hope that continues to grow in future episodes.

I think it's safe to assume that I loved this episode. I know that Jack did as well, and I seriously can't see this show not being picked up. Kerry... I think you've got yourself a winner here

Pilot Rating: 10/10.

A stylish take on a new journey for the Whoverse. Script met my expectations, and beyond. Really felt like I was watching an episode of DW, and that's saying something, because the styling of that show is so unique, I know it was difficult to really take in and produce something similar, while having it remain a spinoff with it's own fresh quirks and styles. But... you succeeded immensely, and I cannot wait to add this new Science Fiction section to the forum, because right now, it's not a matter of if... it's a matter of when (Hopefully very soon).

[Ms. Kerry]

I really can't come up with the words to express just how happy all of you guys are making me! I was expecting this great of a reception, but I am very VERY glad that I was wrong. Thank you sooooooo much Chris for all that you've said and I appreciate it very much.