Time flies
Carry on Doctor
Firstly, a warning: this MediaGuardian review of the forthcoming first new Doctor Who episode contains plot revelations that are to be avoided if you want the episode to be a complete surprise when it airs later this month. However it's possible to avoid major spoilers with care and there are no pictures featured that will truly spoil the surprise.
The main criticism of the Doctor Who revival in this particular review seems to be directed towards the faster pace of action of the opening episode compared with the original series that finished in 1989. But we have to remember that it is a self-contained episode that has to lay significant groundwork within its timeslot for the benefit of the many people who have probably never seen the series before.
But has the pace of drama really changed that radically in fifteen years? It's true that television in general seems to have 'sped up', but the 1960s and 70s had quicker-paced action series such as The Avengers alongside slower-paced costume dramas. However the bits between the programmes have most certainly quickened in pace during the last few years, but so far this trend hasn't unduly affected the programme contents.
I've not seen the leaked Doctor Who preview episode that may be still available for download somewhere, but judging from the mainly positive reaction it has had so far it will be well worth waiting for. Even allowing for the fact that it has had to evolve in order to try and attract a young and highly discerning audience.
