The Doctor Dies and Sherlock Lives (well, not quite yet)
I meant to write the Doctor Who part last week, but time slipped away from me (as per usual). So I am now recapping both the 50th anniversary convention and the #SherlockLives publicity stunt. Allons-y.
Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Convention - ExCel London
It's been over a week since this event, but I am still giddy about how incredible it was. It was a massive event with lots going on and I'm just going to recap my favorite parts (in no specific order).
1) Regenerations Panel with Tom Baker, Colin Baker, Sylvester McCoy, and Peter Davison
I did not know who would be on this panel going into it, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that 4 Doctors would be appearing. They were all marvelous, but Tom Baker stole the show. I have never seen his episodes before, and I therefore did not know how hilarious he was. He had great stories to tell from his time as the Doctor, particularly since he was the longest-running Doctor (7 years). They also showed some behind-the-scenes footage from shooting the regeneration scenes.
2) Eleventh Hour Panel with Matt Smith, Steven Moffat, & Jenna Louise Colemen
The Christmas special is in 22 days and this was one of Matt's last panels as the Doctor. Jenna and Moffat kept talking about how his regeneration is one of the saddest on the show, and it made me dread his leaving even more. He was so thankful to the fans for their support and they all mentioned how incredible Capaldi is going to be. Like the fans, Moffat & Jenna seemed a bit remorseful to see him go, while at the same time being excited to see how a new (and much older) Doctor will interact with Clara. On a related note, probably the most interesting aspect of this panel was Moffat discussing how age does not matter with regards to the actor playing the Doctor. He keeps saying that he knew Capaldi was the Doctor from the first audition and that it made no difference that he was quite a few years older than Matt Smith, and I think it's probably safe to say we can all agree with him after seeing Twelve's eyebrows in the 50th special.
Danny Hargreaves, the special effects coordinator (he works with Real SFX) for the show, lead this great presentation, which began with blowing up a Dalek and also involved the cutest child coplayer I have ever seen. Photo below. The best fact I learned was that they once set David Tennant's hair on fire. Accidentally, of course. But I wonder if they could do it on purpose now that he has those horrendous extensions...
5) Graham Norton broadcast live on BBC Radio and interviewed Matt, Jenna, & Moffat. I sat in on the Moffat interview, which I'm sure you can find online.
6) Walking around the floor and looking at all the displays
They had the outfits from the different Doctor's displayed, along with Bessie (the yellow car) and other props. They also had small stages with demonstrations about such things as stunts (which was lead by the stunt coordinator for the show, Crispin Layfield. What a British first name) and costumes/props. I of course bought way too much at the different merch boots. If I had had an vast amount of spending money, I definitely would have purchased a replica of Matt Smith's purple jacket. Too bad they were around £300. What a bummer.
6) Watching the 50th anniversary special with 4000 other Whovians
To my surprise, the entire theatre was quiet during the screening (minus, of course, the surprises...like Capaldi's eyes and Tom Baker). We were all in awe afterwards and it seems like we all adored it (because who didn't? It was fantastic).
Perhaps I can return to London on the 100th anniversary to experience it all again. Only have to wait 50 years...
#SherlockLives Publicity Stunt
Once upon a time I saw a tweet from Mark Gatiss telling us to be on the lookout for a certain vehicle if we were in the area of Baker Street/Gower Street/St. Barts the next day. Thankfully Anna Lynn (check out her blog, y'all) convinced me to go. Another Alabamian Sam and I woke up at 7am (a bit too early considering I had a late Thanksgiving evening the previous night) to head to Speedy's Cafe on North Gower Street. We got there around 8:30 and bonded with some fellow Sherlockians for a few long, cold hours before the hearst finally arrived at 10:30 or 11ish. We had all already seen the air date on Twitter (29 days to go), but it was still fun to see the car all decorated with flowers, especially in front of Speedy's. Pictures below.
Related. We found 2 TARDIS's in Glasgow the weekend before the 50th. Appropriate timing.
Probably not bigger on the inside
Bad photo, but I guarantee that this is the most adorable cosplayer/kid you will ever see
Look at those dapper jackets. I'm now taking donations to raise the £300 needed to purchase one.
Don't blink. Blink and you're dead.
What big teeth you have. (This lovely guy was wondering around the floor)
Graham, Matt, and Jenna. Matt is hiding his own head.
He walked right by us and we didn't totally freak out. Biggest surprise of the day.
The devil himself showed up.
The 4 Doctors (from left: Sylvester McCoy, interviewer, Colin Baker, Peter Davison, Tom Baker)
Twins. All I'm missing is a sonic screwdriver.
Tennant on a Shelf was in the makeup trailer
Here's the cutest cosplayer/kid again. We chatted with his dad when we were in line.
This was backed against the stage before the screening and I kept thinking someone was going to walk out of it after the episode aired. But alas, nobody did.
"Lovely outfits." -Matt Smith to Alyssa and I
Now to switch gears completely...
Bless these people for making me forget about homesickness on Thanksgiving. And for the delicious food.
I will return one day and eat a Sherlock wrap.
#SherlockLives, so pay your respects
Just noticed that we both are representing Alabama's state color here.
Perhaps the last time in my life when I will be happy to see a hearse.
P.S. Did you notice that I included two sixes in my numbering? I of course did that on purpose to see who was paying attention...