The pilot for “Rex Is Not Your Lawyer” with David Tennant has finished shooting, and Bromstad says that “theoretically” it could be something that fills part of the 10 p.m. hole [the cancellation of the Jay Leno show]come spring.

And Heroes:

“Heroes”? Bromstad says NBC still likes the show but won’t make a decision until it sees the pilots.

And sadly, Alex O’Loughlin is out of work again. A quote from Nina Tassler of CBS:

She was, however, much more to the point about the Alex O’Loughlin-starring organ donation medical drama “Three Rivers.” When asked if it was officially canceled, she replied, “You know what … yes.”

A few more notes, this time on Caprica:

“Caprica, like Battlestar Galactica, doesn’t treat the [sci-fi] genre like a toy department,”

HEROES — “Close To You” Episode 415 — Pictured: (l-r) Masi Oka as Hiro Nakamura, Sendhil Ramamurthy as Mohinder Suresh, James Kyson Lee as Ando Masahashi — NBC Photo: Chris Haston

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Yesterday, I got a look at the special features on the February 2nd Doctor Who DVD release that will cover David’s final episodes. There was a camera following him around on that last day of shooting and it was heart-wrenching to watch. I know it’s only a TV show, but it was clear that saying goodbye to the show wasn’t easy for David or anyone connected with the series. It was obviously a tough spot to be in, knowing that it was time to move on but not really wanting to.

As far as his farewell performance goes, I was both moved and underwhelmed – a conundrum worth of Doctor Who, don’t you think? On the one hand, I didn’t feel that the final plot line really did his character justice. I’m not sure why, but I wasn’t as drawn in as I usually am when I watch the big holiday specials. Maybe it was the change in tone. Seeing The Doctor losing his joy and wonder was hard to watch. On the upside, if you can call it that, I was blown away by the final scene where he had to rescue Wilfred from the chamber. When I heard that knocking on the chamber door, I literally whined out loud. Four Knocks! Unfortunately, the blow was slightly softened by my brain going to Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory. . . Penny (knock, knock, knock). . . Penny. . .  Still, what a scene that was. Of course, when he dropped to the floor and curled into a fetal position, I expected him to stand up as the new Doctor, so that was a nice surprise. It must have been hard for the writers to keep the suspense going when everyone knew the out coming going into the show.

And then there were the Doctor’s final visits to all of his close friends. Again, I had mixed feelings about this section. I loved the idea. I thought Martha’s and Rose’s sections were both lovely. I’ll admit that I was confused by the book author and I had to look that one up on line to get the significance. I was also confused by the letter at Donna’s wedding. I guess I’m not a die-hard enough fan to pick up on all the nuisances. As for Jack. . . another toughie. I’m always glad to see him but I thought that his setting was all wrong. It was so Star Wars Cantina, and even though there are plenty of silly monsters on Doctor Who, this felt too humorous for the tone of the episode. I’m also surprised that they went to the trouble to put that whole scene together for that short amount of air time.  The gag was funny, and wasn’t that the kid from Being Human who sat down next to him? The werewolf? I guess I just wanted more of a connection between Jack and the Doctor before we said goodbye.

After I watched the final episode, I watched a Graham Norton Doctor Who Special which had clips of David from two different visits. When Graham asked him about leaving the show, he said that he wanted to go while it was still enjoyable. He didn’t want to get to the point where he felt like filming the series was a chore. I applaud him for that. This way, it will always be a wonderful memory for him and us.

When will we see him again? Possibly here on American TV. David filmed a pilot called Rex is Not Your Lawyer about a great lawyer who has panic attacks so he teaches his clients to represent themselves. I’m sure he’d be wonderful in it, but the plot itself doesn’t sound very promising. After that, who knows. I’m sure David Tennant won’t have any trouble finding work and what ever work he finds, I’ll likely be watching. Will you?

Photo: BBC America

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Knowing is time is growing short, the Doctor is tasked with tracking down the Master (John Simm) who has risen from the grave in time for another Christmas. He’s even more wild-eyed and wicked than ever as he uses a piece of alien technology to turn everyone on Earth, except for Wilf and Donna (Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate) into copies of himself. But that’s not the only battle to be fought here. According to the Ood, there’s an even greater danger approaching — a dark shadow that could bring about the end of time. (Thus the name of the episode.)

Doctor Who: The End of Time is loaded down with bits of this and bits of that and I found the story a little hard to follow at times. I did enjoy seeing Wilf and his pals forming a Gray-Team in order to help save the world. It’s good to see Catherine Tate again, though so far her participation has been superfluous. But what bothered me about the episode was exactly what was supposed to bother me – the Doctor himself. Usually joyous and comedic even in the face of danger, this Doctor is carrying the weight of the universe on his shoulders and it shows. He knows he’ll be regenerating soon but that still means death to the Doctor. It means giving up the man he is now, his friends, his mannerisms, the details that make him the tenth Doctor.

I’ll be sad to see him go. David Tennant was the perfect Doctor Who. He found that sweet spot between humor and angst. He had a childlike curiosity combined with the wisdom of a centuries old man. His shoes will be hard to fill and I don’t envy the actor that has to follow that act.

But before we get there, the Doctor has work to do. In part two of The End of Time, he’ll need to find a way to stop an army of Master clones while fighting an even greater enemy that will likely be the end of him. Before that happens, more old friends are scheduled to appear and I’m both looking forward to, and dreading one appearance in particular. I think I better start stocking up on Kleenex.

Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two premieres Saturday, January 2, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on BBC America.

Photos: BBC America

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Lead writer and executive producer Russell T Davies told Radio Times, “It’s personal for the Doctor. The Master (John Simm) is his enemy, his opposite, and yet so tantalizingly close to being his soul mate. There’s something epic about their sheer existence – the last two survivors of an ancient race. It’s a clash of the titans. Both of them, heading for death, and yet both determined to survive – at any cost!”

Here’s the run down on the final two-part episode:

DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME, PART ONE

It’s the Tenth Doctor’s final journey – but his psychotic nemesis the Master has been reborn, on Christmas Eve. With both determined to cheat death, the battle ranges from the wastelands of London to the mysterious Immortality Gate. Meanwhile, the alien race Ood warn of an even greater danger approaching, as a terrible shadow falls across the entire Universe.

DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME, PART TWO

The Doctor faces the end of his life as the Master’s plans hurtle out of control. With the sound of drums growing louder, and an ancient trap closing around the Earth, the Doctor and Wilf must fight alone. But sacrifices must be made, and the deadly prophecy warns: “He will knock four times.”

David Tennant stars as the Tenth Doctor and guest stars include John Simm, Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate, Timothy Dalton, David Harewood and June Whitfield. The End Of Time, Part Two is written by Russell T Davies and directed by Euros Lyn. The producer is Tracie Simpson.

First, we’ll have one more Doctor Who special, The Waters on Mars.

THE WATERS OF MARS

Lindsay Duncan (Alice and Wonderland (2010), Rome) joins the Doctor as his sharpest and most strong-minded companion yet for the second of four Doctor Who Specials. The Waters of Mars is a dark, scary thriller that sees the Doctor land on the planet Mars, at a base in peril. A creeping infection beneath the Martian surface threatens not only the human race, but also the Doctor’s most fundamental beliefs. Together with Adelaide Brooke (Lindsay Duncan), the base’s commander, the Doctor must defeat a seemingly unstoppable menace before it can reach Earth, and wipe out mankind. The Doctor must fight not only the water but destiny itself… Whilst also confronting his own existence, when the prophesy about his future begins to resonate. Is his song about to come to an end?

The Waters of Mars is written by Russell T Davies (Torchwood, Queer as Folk) and Phil Ford and directed by Graeme Harper. The executive producers are Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner (Torchwood, Life on Mars).

Mark your calendars. Here are the dates:

Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars airs Saturday, December 19, 9:00pm ET/PT

Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One airs Saturday, December 26, 9:00pm ET/PT

Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two airs Saturday, January 2, 8:00pm ET/PT

Visit BBCAmerica.com/DoctorWho for exclusive Doctor Who video clips including Inside Look interviews with David Tennant, Russell T Davies and executive producer Julie Gardner as well as sneak peeks of The Waters of Mars and The End of Time, Part One.

The BBC will release The Waters of Mars and The End of Time, Part One and Part Two on DVD and Blu-ray, Tuesday, February 2, 2010. A 5-disc set, Doctor Who: Specials Collection, which includes The Next Doctor, Planet of the Dead, Waters of Mars, The End of Time, Part One and Part Two and a 16-page booklet with an introduction written by David Tennant, hits stores the same day.

Photo Credit: BBC

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On November 14, Graham Norton welcomes the star of Doctor Who, David Tennant to the program along with comedian Johnny Vegas and singer Alison Moyet. David talks about his final days shooting as the tenth Doctor, if he has any scenes with the new Doctor, Matt Smith and reveals if he’ll be tuning in to the new season.

He also discusses the experience of auditioning for the first time in years and takes questions from the audience – revealing who he thinks is more talented, Shakespeare or Russell T Davies…

If you’ve never seen Graham Norton, you’re in for a treat. I’m sure he and David will have a rousing good time, so don’t miss it.

The Graham Norton Show airs Saturdays, 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on BBC America.

Photo: BBC America

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The show is called “Rex Is Not Your Lawyer” and it revolves around a top Chicago lawyer who suffers from panic attacks so he teaches his clients to represent themselves in court. Sounds like Monk in the courtroom and that could be great fun.

The pilot is being shot for NBC and they could use a big hit right now. I’d watch. Would you?

Photo: Newscom.com

London, England 06 November 2005.David Tennant at the “Harry Potter” after-party.at the Natural History Museum

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in a phone interview with the Chicago Tribune

In a clever ploy that allowed the series to run for so many years, The Doctor has the ability to regenerate — taking on a new face (as in a new actor) every few seasons. But this time around, it’s not a new body for The Doctor, but another Doctor all together (or is it?)

Here’s how the BBC describes Doctor Who: The Next Doctor:

It’s Christmas Eve in 1851 and Cybermen stalk the snow of Victorian London.  When the Doctor (David Tennant) arrives to investigate a spate of mysterious deaths, he’s surprised to meet another Doctor (David Morrissey, State of Play, Viva Blackpool), with his own sonic screw driver.  How could this be possible? Could this Doctor be a future regeneration?  But if so where are his memories?  The two must combine forces to defeat the ruthless Miss Hartigan (Dervla Kirwan, Law & Order UK, Ballykissangel), who is the Cybermen’s human ally.  But are two Doctors enough to stop the rise of the CyberKing?

It’s the first of five Doctor Who specials, with the next one, Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead airing on BBC American on July 26. Planet of the Dead was the first special shot in HD and it will help launch the new BBC America HD channel along with Torchwood come July 20.

But for tonight, it’s Doctor Who: The Next Doctor, Saturday, June 27 at 9:00 on BBC America.

Photos: BBC

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BBC America has announced their lineup for this year’s scifi / comic lollapalooza and it’s a biggie.

David Tennant, will appear alongside writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, executive producer Julie Gardner and director Euros Lyn for a Doctor Who panel on Sunday July 26, 10:00-11:00am PT. (Just before Supernatural!) They’ll be showing sneak peeks from Tennant’s upcoming specials and offering photo ops.

Then, John Barrowman, will take the stage with Davies and Julie Gardner to discuss the new Torchwood: Children of Earth special.  During the same panel, we’ll be introduced to the new BBC America series Being Human. On hand for that will be creator and writer, Toby Whithouse, plus stars Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner who will talk about what it’s like to play three twenty-somethings with secret double-lives – as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. All four panelists will be signing exclusively at the BBC AMERICA booth, Saturday July 25, 3:00-4:00pm PT.

There will also be special screenings of Doctor Who and Torchwood with introductions by the stars and you’ll get a chance to buy a new limited edition Comic-Con only action figure from Doctor Who.

Here are the details so you can start planning your (already jam packed) weekend!

Saturday, July 25

3:00-4:00pm Being Human: creator Toby Whithouse and actors Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner signing at the BBC AMERICA booth (#3629).

7:30-10:00pm Torchwood/Doctor Who: Key talent from both shows introduce the last episode of the five part series Torchwood: Children of Earth and an advance viewing of Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead, the first of four specials starring David Tennant. Room 6A

Sunday, July 26

10:00-11:00am Doctor Who: actor David Tennant, writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, director Euros Lyn and executive producer Julie Gardner discuss their creative process and experiences working on BBC AMERICA’s Doctor Who with exclusive clips and a Q&A session. Ballroom 20

2:15-3:45pm Being Human/Torchwood: Being Human creator Toby Whithouse and cast members Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner, are on stage to give an inside look at BBC AMERICA’s U.S. premiere sci-fi drama about the lives of three twenty-somethings and their secret double-lives – as a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. Following that actor John Barrowman, creator/writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, executive producer Julie Gardner and director Euros Lyn talk about the making of the epic five-night television event Torchwood: Children of Earth as well as take questions from the fans. Room 6BCF

Photo: BBC America

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We’ve had a bit of a break, but BBC America is about to get its Who on again with the acquisition of five new specials. The deal includes the four 2009 specials; the final episodes of the tenth Doctor as played by David Tennant. The first of the specials, Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead will premiere in July. As a London red bus takes a detour to an alien world it forces the Doctor (Tennant) to work with the extraordinary Lady Christina (Michelle Ryan, Bionic Woman). But the mysterious planet holds terrifying secrets hidden in the sand and time is running out as the deadly Swarm gets closer.

BBC America also acquired the 2008 Christmas Special, The Next Doctor featuring David Morrissey and Dervla Kirwan. That special will air Saturday, June 27, 2009.

“The outstanding quality of the Doctor Who scripts from Russell T Davies and the on-screen dynamic that David Tennant brings to the role are a magic combination for our viewers. Russell’s spin-off series Torchwood is already our highest rated show on the channel and I know the fans will follow these new specials with equal passion and support. We’re thrilled to bring this iconic show to BBC America, home of the best British sci-fi programming on television,” says President, BBC Worldwide America Garth Ancier.

The second special, Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars, and two additional untitled specials will premiere later in 2009 and early 2010.

Torchwood, the companion series to Doctor Who will have a very short, five episode run for the season, also starting in July on BBCAmerica.

Photos courtesy of BBC America

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I have a terrible confession to make. Possibly it might even be seen as heretical – but here goes.

The very first Doctor Who episode I ever watched was ‘The Runaway Bride’.

And now I pause this commentary so readers can pick themselves up off the floor, reach for a stiff drink and possibly the phone to call for an ambulance.

You good now? Good. Alons-y!

As a child, I remember my uncle loved Doctor Who. I remember him watching it whenever he was visiting. I remember that I loved the theme music, but that otherwise I just wasn’t interested. Fast forward a few decades and oh look! I still wasn’t interested. Friends told me I should watch the rebooted version of the show but no, no, no, I knew better. I caught one glimpse of stupid silver men lurching through a kitchen or something and I said, Ha! That silly nonsense is not for me!

But they kept saying I should watch it, so at last I gave in. I saw that my local tv station was screening an episode called ‘The Runaway Bride’ and I thought: I will watch it, I will hate it, and I will shut them up.

Me and my big mouth.

I watched it, and fell spectacularly in love with this skinny boy in a suit, who broke my heart grieving for some bird called Rose about whom I knew bugger all. And five minutes after ‘The Runaway Bride‘ ended, I was online ordering Seasons 1 and 2, and panting for Season 3 to air.

When I think of ‘Doctor Who’, it’s David Tennant’s face that rises before me. And when I got my dvds in the mail and watched Season 1 I enjoyed it enormously, but with the knowledge that Christopher Eccleston wasn’t staying. That he was going to morph into David Tennant. And I was okay with that. It was Tennant’s Doctor who got me hooked on the show. And I have loved watching him for three seasons now. Laughed with him. Cried with him. Been astonished with him. Terrified with him. Humbled with him. In my heart, David Tennant is the Doctor.

And now he’s leaving. Which makes me very, very sad. Because I have loved his Doctor so much. In fact, I dedicated a book to Tennant, and to Russell T. Davies, to thank them for the wonderful roller coaster ride they’ve taken me on these past few years.

But as sad as I am to lose Tennant – and I really am, did I mention that? – I find myself kind of intrigued and excited too. Because as of next year there’ll be a new Doctor in town. Matt Smith, his name is. They’ve just announced his casting, you might’ve heard something about it. I’ve never seen him act, all I’ve seen is a photo of him, and you can’t tell a damn thing from a photo. Actors are chameleons. They whip in and out of characters faster than you can say ‘Sybil’.

So while I am intrigued and excited, I’m also feeling a bit discombobulated … because now I’m a Who fan and I don’t want to stop loving the show. I don’t want this to go wrong. I don’t want to be crushed and mangled and have to sleep with the Tennant Who DVDs under my pillow, weeping for what can never be again.

The central brilliance of Doctor Who, I think, always was this genius solution to keeping the show going while allowing actors to move on with their careers or even possibly, inconveniently, die. But I am a Who virgin. This is my first time to lose the Doctor who was, well, the Doctor. For me. And judging from the fan reaction to the news of Matt Smith’s casting, I ain’t the only one.

So to my fellow virgins – and to the fans who liked Eccleston’s Doctor but who also, like me, fell in love with Tennant’s — can I just say this? Let’s all of us take a slow, deep breath and chill, shall we? Let’s not rush to judgement. Let’s not kneecap young Mister Smith (lucky his first name isn’t John, eh?) before he’s even set foot out of the Tardis. Let’s give the poor bloke a chance to show us what he’s made of. By all means, we’re free to not fall in love with him once we see him in the part. But let’s not go building the gallows quite yet, what do you say?

Because this is Matt Smith’s introduction to Who fandom. And I, for one, don’t want him to feel hated just because he isn’t David Tennant. I, for one, want to feel proud I’m a fan. To quote another brilliant SF show – This has happened before, and will happen again. It’s the nature of Who. Companions change, and so does the Doctor.

On with the adventure, I say!

Karen Miller is a writer of speculative fiction. In addition to her mainstream epic fantasy novels, she writes ‘The Rogue Agent’ fantasy series under the pen-name K.E. Mills, and sometimes plays in other people’s universes. So far she’s romped with Star Wars and Stargate. Her website is: www.karenmiller.net

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