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dragonofmemorySo, Cy asked me a while back what I would do if I were the head writer for Doctor Who. Both of our responses were unsurprisingly bringing back the Master.
However, I started thinking about what I would write for an actual episode. And I don't mean the ideal episode where money doesn't matter and you can have all the special effects you want. I'm talking realistic episodes that could basically work within whatever constraints the season might have.
I have two ideas. First, which I'm sure will shock everyone, is an episode dealing with the Master. However, this episode would not need to cast an actor as the Master and would, in fact, only require the Doctor and his companions. For the sake of this argument, let us assume for now that it would be Amy and Rory.
Of course, this brings in a whole different set of challenges, since working with a limited cast cuts severely on the amount of characters they can interact with/get plot from. It would be interesting to attempt to pull off, though, you have to admit that.
The basis of the episode would be the TARDIS materializing into one of the Master's traps. The ultimate trap, that the Master prepared as their final chessboard. As far as money goes, the majority of it would go into sets, since there would be lots of traps and tricks for the TARDIS team to fall into/get out of. I'm sort of thinking Indiana Jones-eque sort of temple, all with written clues for the Doctor to taunt him (because the Master does so love to taunt). And, of course, the Doctor would be so terrible clever and reverse the polarity somehow to save the day. Yeah, so I haven't exactly fleshed this bit out yet, but since this can go many different ways and I'm lazy, I haven't come up with exact details yet.
I have come up with various reactions for Eleven upon finding clues. His first reaction to finding out the Master is behind the traps, to explaining to Amy and Rory who the Master is, to finally starting to enjoy the puzzles and Rory wondering if the Doctor should really be complimenting the Master when their lives are in danger. I want to play with the hope of finding another living Time Lord, even if it is a slightly deranged one. I especially want to play on the Doctor's mixed feelings of it being the Master, who is both friend and enemy. And I want a scene like in Alone in the Dark where Amy comforts the Doctor because I simply adore her taking up the mantle as the Doctor's best friend.
The big reveal is that the Master has abandoned the trap. Basically, he could never get the device he was creating to take over the recall on the Doctor's TARDIS to work. Disheartened, but unwilling to give up, the Master set up the letters in case the Doctor happened to stumble across his trap anyway, with signals to alert the Master should this happen. Naturally, all the letters will be written in Delgado Master voice, because really, I do love him. I imagine this would be something the Master returned to frequently to update the traps throughout his regenerations, but the notes would still be Delgado Master. Then the Doctor realizes that the Master is still dead/behind the time lock and there is general angst to make Mem happy.
Hey, I never said it would be a happy episode. XD
Anyway, that's sort of the bare bones of the idea. I think it would be an interesting one to actually develop, so Attn: Steven Moffat. Pay me to write this. No, really. I could use the cash.
Idea #2 is an historical episode. Which would actually require a lot of research on my part because it's no where near my era of expertise. I should probably fob this idea off on someone else. In terms of sets and money, this would probably be a bit more expensive. It would be a lot of outside sets, which means having to deal with natural lighting and weather. Also, it requires finding a place to film that looks vaguely like Virginia's coast.
Truthfully, I really haven't done anything with this idea other than to have the idea, so I haven't got a plot, as of yet. I can see it going two different ways, one happy ending and one angsty (I'm all in favor of the angsty one, but at the same time I think a lot of Eleven episodes need to lighten up recently, so I'd be game for the happy ending). But let's face it. Who has done Atlantis twice now, to my knowledge. Forget the fantasy forgotten island. Give us the real Lost Colony. Roanoke Colony has always intrigued me, to be honest. I'd totally be down for blaming it all on aliens. It's just the sort of thing you know the Doctor would be curious about. He wants to know and so do we! As far as I know, Roanoke hasn't been done in Who before.
In terms of audience, it shows us Americans that you like us. I don't imagine it's something that gets taught in any great depth over the pond, after all. Also, it allows you to cast British actors, since the colonists were all still British. Best of both worlds without bad American accents!
*just looked it up* Apparently, they have done Roanoke before in a first Doctor novel that actually sounds rather intriguing. Hm. I shall have to see if I have it. Plus, it has Christopher Marlowe in it and he apparently flirts with Steven. I'll get back to you on that. Still, they should totally do it canon-wise.
However, I started thinking about what I would write for an actual episode. And I don't mean the ideal episode where money doesn't matter and you can have all the special effects you want. I'm talking realistic episodes that could basically work within whatever constraints the season might have.
I have two ideas. First, which I'm sure will shock everyone, is an episode dealing with the Master. However, this episode would not need to cast an actor as the Master and would, in fact, only require the Doctor and his companions. For the sake of this argument, let us assume for now that it would be Amy and Rory.
Of course, this brings in a whole different set of challenges, since working with a limited cast cuts severely on the amount of characters they can interact with/get plot from. It would be interesting to attempt to pull off, though, you have to admit that.
The basis of the episode would be the TARDIS materializing into one of the Master's traps. The ultimate trap, that the Master prepared as their final chessboard. As far as money goes, the majority of it would go into sets, since there would be lots of traps and tricks for the TARDIS team to fall into/get out of. I'm sort of thinking Indiana Jones-eque sort of temple, all with written clues for the Doctor to taunt him (because the Master does so love to taunt). And, of course, the Doctor would be so terrible clever and reverse the polarity somehow to save the day. Yeah, so I haven't exactly fleshed this bit out yet, but since this can go many different ways and I'm lazy, I haven't come up with exact details yet.
I have come up with various reactions for Eleven upon finding clues. His first reaction to finding out the Master is behind the traps, to explaining to Amy and Rory who the Master is, to finally starting to enjoy the puzzles and Rory wondering if the Doctor should really be complimenting the Master when their lives are in danger. I want to play with the hope of finding another living Time Lord, even if it is a slightly deranged one. I especially want to play on the Doctor's mixed feelings of it being the Master, who is both friend and enemy. And I want a scene like in Alone in the Dark where Amy comforts the Doctor because I simply adore her taking up the mantle as the Doctor's best friend.
The big reveal is that the Master has abandoned the trap. Basically, he could never get the device he was creating to take over the recall on the Doctor's TARDIS to work. Disheartened, but unwilling to give up, the Master set up the letters in case the Doctor happened to stumble across his trap anyway, with signals to alert the Master should this happen. Naturally, all the letters will be written in Delgado Master voice, because really, I do love him. I imagine this would be something the Master returned to frequently to update the traps throughout his regenerations, but the notes would still be Delgado Master. Then the Doctor realizes that the Master is still dead/behind the time lock and there is general angst to make Mem happy.
Hey, I never said it would be a happy episode. XD
Anyway, that's sort of the bare bones of the idea. I think it would be an interesting one to actually develop, so Attn: Steven Moffat. Pay me to write this. No, really. I could use the cash.
Idea #2 is an historical episode. Which would actually require a lot of research on my part because it's no where near my era of expertise. I should probably fob this idea off on someone else. In terms of sets and money, this would probably be a bit more expensive. It would be a lot of outside sets, which means having to deal with natural lighting and weather. Also, it requires finding a place to film that looks vaguely like Virginia's coast.
Truthfully, I really haven't done anything with this idea other than to have the idea, so I haven't got a plot, as of yet. I can see it going two different ways, one happy ending and one angsty (I'm all in favor of the angsty one, but at the same time I think a lot of Eleven episodes need to lighten up recently, so I'd be game for the happy ending). But let's face it. Who has done Atlantis twice now, to my knowledge. Forget the fantasy forgotten island. Give us the real Lost Colony. Roanoke Colony has always intrigued me, to be honest. I'd totally be down for blaming it all on aliens. It's just the sort of thing you know the Doctor would be curious about. He wants to know and so do we! As far as I know, Roanoke hasn't been done in Who before.
In terms of audience, it shows us Americans that you like us. I don't imagine it's something that gets taught in any great depth over the pond, after all. Also, it allows you to cast British actors, since the colonists were all still British. Best of both worlds without bad American accents!
*just looked it up* Apparently, they have done Roanoke before in a first Doctor novel that actually sounds rather intriguing. Hm. I shall have to see if I have it. Plus, it has Christopher Marlowe in it and he apparently flirts with Steven. I'll get back to you on that. Still, they should totally do it canon-wise.
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no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 02:34 am (UTC)I read about Roanoke in my fave colouring book - which, ironically, I never colored in - when I was little. And oh yes, it is intriguing. I certainly wondered about what had happened to the people there, though I recall reading a Cracked list thing that basically said, "They mated with the natives, silly!" some time this year. XD
And what's the title of the One!Roanoke book with the Steven/Marlowe slashiness?
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 03:32 am (UTC)Yes, that is the most common theory. But that theory is no fun. Aliens would be much better. *nods to self* The Doctor should obviously go and investigate.
The Empire of Glass by Andy Lane. I apparently have it. Hm... I should read that one sometime.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 03:58 am (UTC)Yep, the most common/likely theory is not as fun as aliens. 'Cause aliens are... ALIENS! Which are cool. That's probably why I'm almost exclusively a sci-fi and fantasy reader/watcher. XD And probably why I deluded myself into thinking that I was half-fairy when I was little. XD
The Empire of Glass! Thank you, thank you! I'll definitely get it sometime. :D
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 03:42 am (UTC)Oooooooo, I like your first idea! With a deceptive "OMG TIME LORDS ARE HERE---AWWWWW NOOOOOOOO." Heartbreaking, surprise twist, and it totally would not break any weird paradoxes or anything! This should happen.
And yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes ROANOKE! THIS MUST NEEDS BE TO HAPPEN YES YES! Because I always enjoy the historicals. Because I like history (it was my undergrad minor, after all).
Plus, it has Christopher Marlowe in it and he apparently flirts with Steven. I'll get back to you on that.
Say whaaaat? That sounds...that sounds EPIC! (and you know how I love to pair historical figures with random people)
I really do wish Steven Moffat would bring back the Master. Except he still has so much stuff remaining with the Silence that I don't think he'd be able to feasibly pull off bringing in ANOTHER mystery. If he did bring him back, though, it'd probably go something like this (and if you've seen this before and I'm repeating myself, I apologize):
After a fourth season finale of still not finding out what the Silence are up to and only being given more questions instead of answers, the TARDIS crew are celebrating a post-saved-the-universe moment in the TARDIS. Suddenly, the scene cuts to a completely random guy on earth, who walks over to a telephone booth and makes a call. The scene cuts to the inside of the TARDIS, where the phone rings. The Doctor answers it cheerfully.
"Heeeeeeello!"
"Ah, Doctor," says the random guy. "How good of you to answer."
The Doctor becomes just slightly suspicious. "Might I ask who's calling?"
"I'm calling to inform you that in precisely five hours from now, there will be a massive explosion at a plastics factory just outside of London. The Queen's inside it."
The Doctor becomes alarmed. "Who is this?!"
"Just an old friend, Doctor," says the man, who hangs up. He grins malevolently and starts casually walking down a crowded street, quickly getting lost in the crowd.
--TO BE CONTINUED IN SPRING 2013--
World: "MOFFAT!!!!" D:<
And then Random Guy keeps appearing sporadically for six more seasons, before we finally find out it's the Master, who refuses to tell how he escaped the time lock ("A good magician never reveals his secrets, Doctor.") but who's actually only 20 minutes away from threatening to destroy the sun if the solar system won't let him be their ruler. Except he's actually doing a good thing by destroying the sun because the Silence have poisoned the sun's rays with super-death-radiation, so that SILENCE WILL FALL OMG. And then things are remarkably ambiguous in terms of moral compassing of characters. And then there's Eleven doing that thing where he flirts with villains really, really well. Yaay.
Generally, my ideas for new!Who episodes tend to be historical things.
1.) Something with that Time Pyramid in Germany, because that Time Pyramid is way too awesome not to be in Who. It probably accidentally summons back Sutekh or something. IDK.
2.) Something where they go to the time when Hawaii was first settled by people. Except they find out that the islands' previous inhabitants of the menehune are still living there, and they have to negotiate a peace treaty between the humans and the menehune.
3.) They go to a planet that's inhabited entirely by dragons. Awesome things happen.
4.) Salem witch trials. The Master was behind them, I tell you. Hypnotizing people and summoning demons and shit. Either that, or some random Who alien possessing girls and causing havoc. They also think the Doctor is a witch.
5.) The terrifying monster I had in a dream once. In Antarctica. It's hard to describe the monster, but basically it's made up of tiny little twigs that connect together to form a giant lasso-looking snake-thing, with a huge, gaping mouth bigger than the rest of it, and in its mouth there's a ginormous white crystal that emits an excessively bright light that not only blinds you in a horrific way (your eyes essentially explode) but also bleaches your skin and clothes so that your entire form looks as white as the snow so your corpse blends in with it. ...I have scary nightmares.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 04:03 am (UTC)We need more Who solved historical mysteries. If just for crack's sake. <3
Yeeeeeeeeeeeah, I saw that on the TARDIS wiki and was like... wtf? And then: PANDA. *cough* Sorry. That panda really needed more than just those two episodes. Anything Steven just goes back to that panda. XD
This does sound awfully familiar, yes. <3 We love you anyway.
This does sound like a frightening nightmare. Though I think I'd prefer that over spiders...
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 04:34 am (UTC)*Sigh.* I'm sorry. It's been a long week. And today I was running on about 40 minutes of sleep (and yet, was suprisingly functional).
It was one of my weirder dreams (though all of them are weird to some degree). But spiders are terrifying. Yet not quite as terrifying as ticks, because you just can't kill ticks.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 04:38 pm (UTC)It's all good. Sometimes we need to reiterate. XD
I don't like bugs in general, to be honest. And I certainly don't like dreams about them. Though I really didn't like the dream where I turned all Joan D'arc and was all set to be burned for believes. When I woke up, I was all... Wait just a darn second. I'm totally willing to recant!
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 06:35 pm (UTC)Pretty much every bug frightens me, I'll admit. If butterflies get too close, I tend to freak out. And ladybugs. I WILL ADMIRE THEM FROM A SAFE DISTANCE.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 07:12 pm (UTC)Ditto. I'm the same, pretty much. I was freaked out watching Planet of the Spiders, and those were so horribly fake.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 04:43 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 06:37 pm (UTC)Your mother sounds super-awesome, btw.
Your Brig icon and my Brig icon are engaging in a mirror-verse icon war.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 07:14 pm (UTC)She is. <3
:o Inferno Brig is awesome. XD
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Date: 2011-11-12 08:12 pm (UTC)Unfortunately, I only have one Brig icon, so I can only counter with the exact same expression.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 08:52 pm (UTC)It is a good expression though.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 10:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-11-13 03:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-11-13 05:49 pm (UTC)WHAT?!
...You just broke all my hearts by telling me that.
:-(
no subject
Date: 2011-11-13 06:09 pm (UTC)At least it only broke all of your hearts. Last time I told someone this, I ruined their childhood. XD
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Date: 2011-11-13 06:22 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-11-13 06:23 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 04:07 am (UTC)Also, my single little heart broke when I read the ending, I'll have you know.
Roanoke!! I remember being fascinated by that, too! I read about it sometime in middle school and was thoroughly creeped out and intrigued.
Intriguing novel notwithstanding, I agree--that should totally be a canon TV episode. Or at *least* an audio.
OH. AUDIOS.
Your episodes could totally be done in audio-form. Like actually done, sort of how a studio whose name I forget is casting for continued Shalka audios.
Okay, a little ambitious for us mundane everyday folk, but it is not outside the realm of feasibility!
no subject
Date: 2011-11-12 04:53 pm (UTC)I read about it sometime in middle school and was thoroughly creeped out and intrigued.
See, Moffat! It's creepy! IT SHOULD BE DONE.
An audio would be interesting. It presents a whole new set of challenges in terms of the traps and describing them well enough that people can get it without the visual. But it also takes off the majority of the cost. XD I don't think the idea is long enough to go with the usual four episode approach though. It would just have to be shorter.
btw, got the fic. I'll probably have to work on it tomorrow though, since we have a surprise party today for a friend of mine.
no subject
Date: 2011-11-20 05:41 am (UTC)Pirate!Three Amy-verse adventures.