It’s Almost Like Steven Moffat Lies Sometimes (Big Doctor Who Spoilers)

Tue
Aug 16 2011 11:03am

It’s Almost Like Steven Moffat Lies Sometimes (Big Doctor Who Spoilers)

Since the Russell T. Davies 2005 relaunch of Doctor Who, fans can always be sure of one thing—the showrunners are liars. Thankfully, we usually benefit from their deception by being pleasantly suprised. After a recent screening, current Who showrunner Steven Moffat released a variety of spoilery statements, including the quip, “It’s almost like I lie sometimes.” Though we should always take any Who rumors with a large ounce of skepticism (especially ones that originate with the showrunners!) here is a break down of what’s out there.

BIG SPOILERS BELOW (Highlight to read)

The Daleks will be back
There will be a new companion in season 7
There will be references to previous eras of Doctor Who in this season
Somehow, “Let’s Kill Hitler” will feature three old companions
The last episode of the season will be called “The Wedding” which may refer to the wedding of the Doctor and River Song

These rumors come to us from Bleeding Cool, Doctor Who Spoilers, and io9 who in turn rounded it up from @DWMtweets (the twitter account for the official Doctor Who Magazine!)

What do you make of it all?

Stubby the Rocket is the voice and mascot of Tor.com. Okay, fine, Stubby is holding Melody Pond hostage. Stubby demands a ransom of 5,000 quatloos and a really big twinkie.

1. Pendard

Tuesday August 16, 2011 10:09am EDT

My two cents (spoiler free)...

#1: Not shocked.
#2: In addition to, or in place of?
#3: There usually are.
#4: Interesting.
#5: If he says it may, it probably doesn't.

Oh, and that's an adorable picture.

2. rogerothornhill

view all by rogerothornhill | Tuesday August 16, 2011 10:52am EDT

I agree with Pendard except on # 1. I have thought # 2 would be "instead of" for some time. (There are rumors out there about why certain people may no longer be able to travel with the Doctor around 6.11 but I will not repeat them.)
SPOILERY SPECULATION FOLLOWS
River's speech at the end of Good Man really makes me think that Moff wants to move DW away from the epic battles of the Davies era, back to the curious explorer model. Part of me thinks that by the 50th anniversary, the Doctor will end up back where he "started": travelling time and space with a child as his companion--perhaps with a younger River/Melody.

3. rogerothornhill

view all by rogerothornhill | Tuesday August 16, 2011 11:04am EDT

Oh I just figured out # 1. It's not a lie, exactly, if it's in 6.11.

4. Nightsky

Tuesday August 16, 2011 12:03pm EDT

1. Doubt it.
2. Would not surprise me, nor would I be particularly upset--two seasons seems to me to be about right for companions, and they'd be leaving for the best of reasons: to start a family! (Then again, River seems to be "from" the 51st century rather than the 21st. I have a sneaking sad suspicion that Amy and Rory don't get her back.)
3. Almost certainly--Moffat's a giant fanboy. I expect them to be sneaky references, though, in keeping with Moffat's established style.
4. What do you want to bet this will be achieved by futzing with the commonly-accepted definition of "companion"?
5. On the one hand, this had BETTER NOT HAPPEN. (Sorry, but ace!Doctor is one of my pet Issues.) OTOH, Moffat's already teased that the Doctor will get married twice this season, and he's only gotten married once (to Marilyn Monroe, in the Christmas special) so far.

5. rogerothornhill

view all by rogerothornhill | Tuesday August 16, 2011 12:17pm EDT

There's some confusion about #4 because I can't tell if that comment applies to Season 7, the back end of Season 6, or just Let's Kill Hitler. (From what I've heard it is accurate for that specific episode.)

6. Jonathan Mardukas

Tuesday August 16, 2011 01:42pm EDT

#1 - Who cares. Moffat already ruined the Daleks.
#2 - Who cares. If he's telling the truth they'll be as poorly cast as Amy was. If not Amy probably stays.
#3 - Who cares. They will probably be vague, confusing and annoying references. He's already ripped all of the fun out of the show so he may as well indulge his fanboy crap while he can.
#4 Who cares. He made an episode of a show for children with someone playing Hitler and put Hitler's name in the title of the episode. Hey, maybe next season The Doctor can go on a picnic with Stalin and Bin Laden.
#5 Who cares. River Song was the best thing about the Moffat episodes until she became the daughter of Amy and Rory. Now she's that lady that says "Hello sweetie" and "Spoilers" in every damn episode.

I can't wait until the next showrunner comes along to wipe out all of Moffat's ridiculousness.

7. bryan2

Tuesday August 16, 2011 05:48pm EDT

big spoiler follows: stupid formatting tricks don't work the same in all platforms for accessing internet content.

sent from my ipad.

8. AlBrown

Tuesday August 16, 2011 08:34pm EDT

When dealing with time travel, many spoilers do not spoil anything, since reality may have been altered by the time the episodes actually air.

9. AngelaBC

Wednesday August 17, 2011 12:42am EDT

Karen Gillan has already confirmed (in an interview at Comic Con) that she's on for another season. Sooooo even if she isn't full on companion she still exists. I doubt the 'finding baby River/Melody' is going to be wrapped up quickly so we'll still see her.

Also, 'The Doctor's Wife' didn't refer to River but rather the TARDIS so who knows who the hell 'The Wedding' will refer to. Most likely NOT River/The Doctor.

10. The Doctor's Companion

Friday August 19, 2011 05:06am EDT

It's great that there's all these rumours but I just want it to start so the Doctor Who discussions with friends can start again! :)