Snapshot Chronicles

Susan Getgood's personal blog

SciFi Sunday: Initial thoughts on Doctor Number Eleven

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The Doctor is back.

Or rather, the 11th Doctor is here. With a new face and a new logo.

The first episode of the new series, “The Eleventh Hour,” aired Saturday night on BBC America at 9pm. It was preceded by an hour-long special that recapped the Doctor’s history, mostly focusing on recent Doctors Nine (Christopher Eccleston) and Ten (David Tennant).

I’ve been watching Doctor Who since I was my son’s age, and have liked some “regenerations” better than others. I loved Christopher Eccleston’s portrayal. On the other hand,  David Tennant’s Doctor was more like “Doctor Who Cares” for me, although I did try to watch whenever John Simm was on as The Master and loved the Doctor-lite episode “Blink” that introduced some of the scariest villains ever in the franchise, the Weeping Angels. Who will be back in two episodes this season.

Initial verdict on Number Eleven, Matt Smith: Very promising. I think I am going to enjoy his Doctor very much. He has the same edge that Eccleston’s Number Nine had. The new companion, Amy Pond, portrayed by actress Karen Gillan, also looks to be a very promising character, and the way they introduced her was excellent. It framed her character, and relationship with the Doctor, while simultaneously reminding us of the vagaries of time travel.

There’s also a nice nod toward the end of the episode to all the previous regenerations.

Doctor Who airs on BBC America at 9pm on Saturday night. We are two episodes behind the UK, so if you want a peek ahead, visit the BBC UK site.

More Clips from BBC America Site

“The Eleventh Hour”

“The Beast Below”

Straight No Chaser

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video by Christine Koh

Straight No Chaser is more than just the best way to drink single-malt Scotch.

It’s a terrific a cappella group that started at Indiana University in the 90s and got its big break when Atlantic Records CEO Craig Kallman  saw a YouTube video of their performance at a reunion concert a couple years ago.

I’ve loved their music since I was first introduced to it with their first Christmas album Holiday Spirits, so was thrilled when good friend Christine Koh invited me to join her at their concert this past Wednesday at the Wilbur Theater in Boston.

Before the concert, we were privileged to get a private meet & greet with the group. They answered a few questions for us and graciously posed for pictures.

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I asked what was the best and worst thing about being on tour. I’m sure it wasn’t the first, nor the last time, they had heard the question, but their answers were humorous and honest. What they like:  the validation of performing in front of live, receptive audiences. And being with their best friends.

Not so good? Being with their best friends… so much. On a small tour bus. For such a long time. Plus missing their families. But they said it with such good humor, there was no sting. Just good-natured jibing.

If you have a chance to see them live, I highly recommend it. Their music is great, but their live performances are superb. They clearly love being in front of a live audience, and it shows.

So far, my favorite cuts on With A Twist are the I’m Yours/Somewhere Over the Rainbow mix (which Christine also caught on video) and Tainted Love.

Christine took the shot of me with the group above. The rest of my pictures are on Flickr.

Atlantic Records hosted us at this event. In addition to the private meet & greet and concert ticket, I was given the group’s brand new album With A Twist. I paid for my own drinks and parking. Links to products in this post are affiliate Amazon links.