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The Family of Blood
I hope you like Saturday's Doctor Who episode. I was lucky enough to have been present at the filming of both. In 'Human Nature', myself and Caroline stood at the bottom of John Smith's bed when he woke up, and I'll tell you after the episode what I was watching being filmed for 'The Family of Blood'.
I'm delighted by what the BBC website team have done with Smith's journal, animating it and subtly adding to Kellyanne Walker's gorgeous original art.
Fan Owen Rickard created this excellent animation, showing the originals of the pictures of past Doctors in said journal:
Doctor Animation
It was great to see Script Editor Lindsay Alford being typically intellectual, and then me being very fat (told you) on Doctor Who Confidential. That team did great things with the piano storyboard sequence especially. I also loved Russell's description of one of the things it's dangerous to do in Doctor Who: have a party. Monsters will always come crashing in. I have an old fanzine article about What Not To Do In Doctor Who somewhere, I really must post it.
We're going to wander off into a forest over the weekend, but we'll have computer and mobile with us, so I'm hoping to hear reactions and then be able to go and lie down in a glade. This really has been the most lovely week for me, and the online reaction to the first episode continues to stun me, so thank you all very much.
There's a few important things to announce also:
Alex Fitch's radio show I'm Ready For My Close-Up is broadcast every Thursday night on Resonance FM, 104.4FM in the London area. Tonight, he includes two interviews with me, one of which is the career overview one with Graham Sleight that took place at the British Science Fiction Association meeting a few months back, the other being specifically about the Doctor Who episodes. If you're not in the London area, or you miss it, the episode will be available online:
Close-Up
On Friday, June 1st, there's an interview with me, covering the Doctor Who episodes and more besides, in the Oxfordshire Limited Edition supplement of the Oxford Times, conducted by journalist Gill Oliver.
On that day also, the new issue of Fractal Matter online magazine (see the link on the right) will feature a review of the full run of Wisdom and a roundtable discussion about 'Human Nature'.
I've been added to the bill of the Gloucester Doctor Who convention The Oncoming Storm, which takes place on June 9th:
The Oncoming Storm
At which I'll be taking the stage with the very talented Thomas Sangster. Do pop along.
Anyhow, I look forward to hearing from you, and can't wait to see how you like the new episode. Until then, Cheerio.
I'm delighted by what the BBC website team have done with Smith's journal, animating it and subtly adding to Kellyanne Walker's gorgeous original art.
Fan Owen Rickard created this excellent animation, showing the originals of the pictures of past Doctors in said journal:
Doctor Animation
It was great to see Script Editor Lindsay Alford being typically intellectual, and then me being very fat (told you) on Doctor Who Confidential. That team did great things with the piano storyboard sequence especially. I also loved Russell's description of one of the things it's dangerous to do in Doctor Who: have a party. Monsters will always come crashing in. I have an old fanzine article about What Not To Do In Doctor Who somewhere, I really must post it.
We're going to wander off into a forest over the weekend, but we'll have computer and mobile with us, so I'm hoping to hear reactions and then be able to go and lie down in a glade. This really has been the most lovely week for me, and the online reaction to the first episode continues to stun me, so thank you all very much.
There's a few important things to announce also:
Alex Fitch's radio show I'm Ready For My Close-Up is broadcast every Thursday night on Resonance FM, 104.4FM in the London area. Tonight, he includes two interviews with me, one of which is the career overview one with Graham Sleight that took place at the British Science Fiction Association meeting a few months back, the other being specifically about the Doctor Who episodes. If you're not in the London area, or you miss it, the episode will be available online:
Close-Up
On Friday, June 1st, there's an interview with me, covering the Doctor Who episodes and more besides, in the Oxfordshire Limited Edition supplement of the Oxford Times, conducted by journalist Gill Oliver.
On that day also, the new issue of Fractal Matter online magazine (see the link on the right) will feature a review of the full run of Wisdom and a roundtable discussion about 'Human Nature'.
I've been added to the bill of the Gloucester Doctor Who convention The Oncoming Storm, which takes place on June 9th:
The Oncoming Storm
At which I'll be taking the stage with the very talented Thomas Sangster. Do pop along.
Anyhow, I look forward to hearing from you, and can't wait to see how you like the new episode. Until then, Cheerio.
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Sweet pic, and thanks for letting us know the name of the artist responsible for the journal's pages! Have a lovely weekend--I know I will as I'll be watching Family of Blood.
Hi Paul,
Just a quick word to say that we are all raving about HN on
www.drwho-online.co.uk
Thanks for a wonderful eppy and so look forward to seeing the second part. Come and see us on our web site Paul if you can?
Very best wishes,
Sheldon Collins....yes him.
Can we start the "if indeed Mr Davies leaves the show after series 4, may Mister Paul Cornell please take up the showrunner reins?" campaign now?
Paul,
Thank you so much for the episode "Human Nature" - as an undergrad studying theology I no doubt found the episode fascinating! Thanks for making the mind think whilst watching TV - an oxymoron some might say, but you proved them wrong...
Where do I sign, Rich? :-)
Can't wait for Saturday's episode, I have a countdown clock on my PC telling me how many days, hours, minutes and seconds it is till Family of Blood. I posted a review of the first part on my site the other day and I cannot think of a better episode of Who at the moment.
Hereby endeth the fawning.
TTFN, Kev
Paul, have you been striking any zombies with mannequin legs, lately?
Maybe it's just the expression.
Ah, a Wisdom TPB banner - that's what I've been waiting for. Get in there.
You may or may not care to know that I've finally done my weekly blogging, Mr C. Let me just say the response and the hype around "Human Nature" is well deserved - and if the trailer is any indication, "Family of Blood" could be the episode that unseats Moffat's "Fireplace" as my favourite. So maybe next week I'll start agreeing with people that this is literally the best Doctor Who ever ;)
Paul, one question I haven't seen asked about these 'Who' episodes is to what extent did you refer to the book when writing the episodes? Did you re-read it before writing the scripts, have it by your desk to refer to directly, or did you just write the scripts from your own memory of the book? Just curious...
Thanks,
Mark
Can't wait for Family of Blood; we loved Human Nature. Your wife Caroline looks very familiar to me from this pic.; I am wondering if we were students together or something -- the theological world is a small world. Or perhaps it's just wishful thinking on my part that I might have known someone who combined Doctor Who and the Council of Nicaea -- that's the height of theological cool.
Thank you all. Aderack: I thought '?' and went and had a look at your link and now think '?!' John: the banner now works for everyone, which it didn't for a couple of hours yesterday. Mark C: yes, I reread it at the start, wrote a plot, then went from memory. Mark G: Caroline asks were you in John Webster's seminar class in Oxford?
Echo the first comment about the artists name that produced the book, I hope the kind people at the BBC let us see more of it after tomorrows episode, or even the end of the season if there are some strange spoilers hidden in there.
Thanks for a superb slice of Doctor Who as well, raising the bar yet again. Well done!
I want a facsimile of The Journal of Impossible Things - and I know I'm not alone in that - someone tell the Beeb !!
Agog for Saturday's episode !
Seeing as my previous attempt to post a comment failed, I'll take this opportunity to tell you that Human Nature is, in my opinion, hands down the best episode of seasone 3 so far. Perhaps even of all the New Doctor Who episodes.
I'm very much looking forward to Part 2.
I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow's episode as the first part was probably the best bit of new Doctor Who.
Oh, and we should start a petition to have the complete jurnal published at least as .pdf, but I suppose I'd also buy it as real book.
Thanks for the response; no, I wasn't in John Webster's class. I was in Oxford from 1985-1995, when I went to lecture in Birmingham, and then in 2005 to Duke in NC, USA. (I'm a New Testament prof). So I could have met Caroline at Oxford or Birmingham, or Heythrop in London, where I taught for a bit. Or perhaps I'm imagining it all! Anyway, great to think that there's a theologian with an interest in Dr Who, and I'm looking forward to listening to the Council of Nicaea audio book.
Sorry to see you weren't on the list of writers for Series 4 since Father's Day & Human Nature have been the two best episodes of the new Doctor Whos!
Cheers, Mark
While I thought that the first episode was a bit drawn out, the reason behind it being a two-parter now makes perfect sense.
Wonderful.
A beautiful story - thank you so much.
And it might be the beers talking, but I did get a bit tearful at the end.
Blummin' 'eck. That was good stuff - thanks for some terrific telly.
That was great, very moving, I admit I was crying! Thanks for a superb two-parter.
Oh Doctor!
Oh Joan!
And oh Martha!
*Hugs them all!*
That was so sad!
Wonderful episode, though. I was on tenterhooks the whole way through.
Thank you for these two wonderful wonderful episodes, Paul. Really fantastic job on them both. Well done!
~Fiona
Loved it, especially the last scene which was a real tear jerker.
The conceit of having the Doctor/Smith say he's just a story was beautifully sly and the tone was just perfect.
Surely one of the best stores the show's ever offered and what a treat for an audience who until RTD revived Who were used to cheap imports and unchallenging Ant & Dec nonsense.
Wow, that was a great piece of telly. Storytelling at its best, and I hope to see more episodes which are as emotional, revealing, and powerful as that.
Many thanks :-)
Just a quick note to say... the second episode was even better than the first. Seriously brilliant. The writing and acting made that the best "modern Who" I've seen to date. Well Done!
I found the link to this blog in the depths of the internet and I just wanted to say THANK YOU.
Human Nature and Family of Blood are without a doubt the very best Doctor Who episodes I have seen with the series revival. It was spot on, so thank you for writing such great television.
Just wanted to say that inbetween Wisdom #6 and the last two episodes of Doctor Who, I think you've officially won the year.
Family of Blood, truly awesome. I don't think there's anything more I can say except, write more... lots more...
WONDERFUL episode, Paul. Stephen Moffat has always been my favourite writer but man, with stuff like this and Fathers Day you push him hard for that title!
Loved the 19th Century Nottingham references too! All seemed very accurate, have you spent time there?
Absolutely brilliant Paul, well done. I can admit even though i didn't actually cry i nearly did.
Wonderful performance from everyone especially Tennant and Harry Lloyd.
I'd not forgotten how great the original book was but that was outstanding drama, let alone outstanding Doctor Who. It's just as angry and dark as the original but earned the darkness without resorting to the 'gritty' genre cliches. That scene leading up to John Smith making his choice and the Doctor subsequently coming back to Joan... just things of absolute beauty. And among the hundreds of things to adore it for the 'be careful what you wish for' punishments for the Family just worked perfectly.
I think you've got the season poll sewn up right now and if there's any justice you'll be breaking out the tux for a few award ceremonies, including a certain rocket shaped statuette.
Hi,
Very good episode. I was wondering about what you said on last weeks Confidential about the themes in the story from other stories like Superman II and the story of Christ. Does that refer to the original Biblical story? I was reminded in this episode about "The Last Temptation" in the vision he has of marriage, children and dying of old age. I mentioned this in my own blog.
Thank you Paul for publishing your orginal book on The offical Dr Who website. I loved all the angst and sorrow around the Dr choice and all the actors did a fantasic job. I thought the school yard scene was amazing and I just couldn't help thinking about all the children who are still soilders and how wrong it is.
Where do you find out about who is writing episode four? How did you get into writing Dr Who? It looks like so much fun! My family thought your episode was fantastic!
Well done Paul, that was stunning!
I know you only do odd-numbered Doctor Who series, but I hope you can make the time for Series 5...
Best. Episode. Ever!
Congragulations Paul, and thank you. Had me in tears.
And can I just add to the voices asking for you to be show runner, when Russell The Davies leaves?
Would you be interested if they offered??
I would just like to thank you for the most fun I've had in front of the TV for years.
Loved it! Was stressing about it all last week! What a cliff hanger to leave us on!
My response to tonight's ep:
http://pbristow.livejournal.com/358153.html
Well done, sir!
For fuck's sake Paul, will you please stop making me and the missus cry. S'not fair. You emotional string pulling bastard you.
Best bit: John Smith pleading for his life.
Now off to write John Smith fan fiction. In my head obviously. Anywhere else would be sad. And I'm not that, am I?
Bastard.
Just wanted to congratulate you on the best ever Dr Who eps I can remember - very creepy and effective!!!!
I was in total tears at the end!!!!!!
This is the first time I've ever felt moved to write and thank a tv writer for doing his job. Tonight was a fantastic piece of telly and a fantastic piece of Doctor Who. I'm genuinely struggling to think of a better story in the show's history. So thanks, Paul.
A brilliant two-parter! Definitely one of the best stories of the new series. Looking forward to more from you in the future.
Magnificent. Thank you, and congratulations.
Loved it again Mr Cornell. Sad, beautiful and brilliant. Definitely one of my favourite stories of Who ever!
As a Loughborough girl, the Nottingham references were fabulous as well! Hurrah for the East Midlands :)
Hope to see you at the Oncoming Storm.
First of all, my neice got to her holiday destination in time to watch last week's episode but didn't make it home in time tonight! Thank heavens for the catch up function on digital TV. I've been told she watched it before going to bed. This makes her braver than me with all those scarecrows! Haha! I look forward to ringing her tomorrow to find out what she thought.
Secondly, thank you. That was brilliant. I'm not saying that lightly. I seriously don't think I've felt that drawn into a Doctor Who story for the longest time (in fact probably since I was so totally consumed by the New Adventure books)
I'm glad the original book is back online too. Am I allowed to love the TV version but prefer the original book? 8-)
I believe you might have just denied Stephen Moffatt his hatrick of Hugo Awards.
Oh, it was wonderful! Just perfect, and so British! I loved the coda at the end.
(ps as an Episopalian woman I especially appreciated the woman priest!)
Thank you so much for this terrific, moving story. I'll watch it again, for sure.
Hope you win some great awards for this!
Congratulations. Family of Blood was wonderful. Great writing gives the chance for the actors to show their strengths and this was an amazing performance from Tennant. Profoundly moving. Thank you!
I've said many times that "Circular Time" has become my no. 2 on the list of my favorite Big Finish "Doctor Who" stories.
I think I might have to now say you've turned in my favorite "Doctor Who" story of the main TV series now. It's at least no. 2, and I'm going to give myself a little while to stew and see if it I can get used to "Logopolis" not being my no. 1 anymore, but you may very well have done it here Paul. wow.
(mind you, David, Freema, Jessica, the Family actors, and Charlie Palmer have a hell of a lot to do with it too. wow to them too.)
- Steve Manfred, River Falls, WI
I've been a Dr Who fan for as long as I can remember. Often that's been just another way of being vaguely disappointed on a regular basis. Being a Dr Who fan is like supporting the Scottish National Football Team, you just get used to the fact that the plucky occasional effort is never going to get anywhere much, but still you hold on to the hope for greatness. Recent form has been well above average though and with 'Human Nature' and 'Family of Blood' you just took the good Doctor to the World Cup Final. I'd go as far as to say that this has been the single most enjoyable Dr Who I've ever seen.
I do not say this lightly and I could not be more grateful.
Thank you to all of you.
Paul
I just spent the last fifteen minutes of FAMILY OF BLOOD blubbing like a little girl. The scene at the end with the Doctor and Martha wearing poppies got me right in my English heart. Brilliant. A masterpiece.
Rich!
Mr. Cornell, I just had to say that tonight's episode of Doctor Who absolutely floored me. I was able to find a copy of your "Human Nature" novel and was happy to see that many things were the same or similar to your book. Everything, from the story/plot, to the tremendous dialogue, had me excited. This is definitely now my favorite episode of the 'new' Doctor Who-and my previous favorite?? "Father's Day" of course. You really have such a talent for pulling at the audience's emotions. I really hope that you pen more Doctor Who episodes in the near future. Congratulations to you. I'm in awe.
Despite the feeling that perhaps there were multiple endings, where there could have been but one, I was moved to tears of joy and regret. Thank you for a superlative breath of television.
Thank you, Paul. The two-parter was amazing.
I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't a bit jealous. Most of us can only dream of creating such a wonderful story. You've touched the hearts of millions of viewers.
Paul,
Absolutely FANTASTIC episode!
You know I thought for the 15 years that Doctor Who was off the air, "WHEN" it comes back it would be great to get some of these Doctor Who authors involved in a new series. Especially adapting some of these FANTASTIC Doctor Who novels into episodes. Then I'd snap back to reality and ask myself "AW who am I kidding?"
And I still can't believe I'm writing this now!
Congradulations Paul for crossing that bridge! You DEVERVE to be a part of this show!
People like you and Nick Briggs have kept the series alive when it was off the air for 15 years, now you are making it BECOME alive!
Thanks again!
This is so interesting.
I came home extremely pissed because a shootout (I live in Hyde Park, a rarity in the neighborhood) had taken place as I was taking my girlfriend home. I felt so embrassed that I couldn't make things work as I enjoy her company when I get it.
That being said, she had asked me what was Doctor Who and wanted to know what it was about. I wasn't sure which episode to show her. After watching "The Family Of Blood", I am sure that this show is nothing to be ashamed of.
Did you ever try to get a comment from Sly McCoy considering the original story was based on his Doctor? I would be interesting to know what he thought of it even thou the adaptated version didn't have his Doctor.
I admit, due to hols, I only saw Part 2, but I was utterly captivated last night, and I was just thinking all the way through, 'What brilliant writing!' Thank you, thank you. Awesome stuff.
Paul, that was fantastic - I loved the novel in the 90s and had the great pleasure to meet you briefly at tavern in Sydney once. However to see that novel adapted so well, the acting was top notch and the script an emotional roller coaster leaving me in tears by the last scene. Thank you again.
As a long, long time Dr. Who fan - thanks for one of the best (out of the truly excellent new series).
Like other commenters - I agree, I'd purchase a copy of the Journal of Impossible Things in a heartbeat - could be perhaps the coolest and niftiest piece of tie-in possible.
Anyway, thanks again and if it is at all possible, would love to see the journal as something we fans could buy.
thanks,
Shannon
Brilliant,Brilliant,Brilliant
Thanks,Paul
I rewrote this a couple times trying to think of something meaningful and insightful to say, but I've been up a while and I'm ready to pass out...so, I'll just say "thank you". ;)
I don't know what your plans are, but it'd be unfortunate if they didn't include writing further material for the show.
Fantastic conclusion to a brilliant story (Family of Blood). Please write more, immediately.
I can only add my congratulations, and thanks for such a fabulous two-parter. I shed more than a few tears...! I'll be gushing about it on my blog real soon. All the very best - I only discovered this place today, but I'll be a regular reader from now on.
I only have the words to say thank you. You should know that not only was it unbelievably good, but that you wrote something incredibly special.
richard p
I think me and my therapist are going to spend a long time on this one.
I can't say anything else that hasn't already been said here by others. All I can add is my own thanks and congratulations. I feel sorry for poor "Blink," because no matter how good it is, it's going to feel like a letdown after this story. (BTW, was the church in the final scenes meant to be Saul, and the vicar Annie Trelaw? Well, if not, I'd at least like to pretend they are.)
Thank you for an excellent two-parter, a proper emotional rollercoaster and easily my favourite Tennant story yet. However, am I being unobservant? I picked up the Oxford Times and can't find your interview in the supplement or on a quick scan of the other sections.
Thanks and best wishes,
a Faringdonian lurker
If I start going on about this, I'll never stop! I'll simply say Thank You. Not only for a truly exceptional episode of Doctor Who, but one of the best episodes of television, full stop. I'm sorry you're not writing more for Doctor Who.
Thank you.
Heya Paul,
Just blew me away with the Human Nature/Family of Blood double. To quote the 9th Doctor, "FANTASTIC!"
I grew up with Jon and Tom, promoted Chris to my favourite Doctor after his series. Now I have a new favourite episode.
Father's Day and now this, haha I dare you to try and top it ;) Well done.
Pete
Paul, I guess the floodgates of comments just opened up eh?!
Since its rare to find writers with such an open presence on the net, here's a personal thank you from one very happy viewer.
I also come from and live in Nottingham. You can only imagine the huge grin those very accurate (if encyclopedic) mentions brought out in me. Did doing "Robin Hood" have that big an impact on your psyche that it affected the choice of English city for Smith's birthplace as a sub for the very Scottish Aberdeen?
Thank you so much for adapting great story into an even greater story.
That was just awesome. Both episodes made me remember why I started watching Dr. Who more than 20 years ago. I can't think of a higher compliment to give than - it brought me back to being huddled in front of the TV, twelve years old and excited, wanting the story to keep going and feeling like I'd somehow peeked into another reality, full of depth and mystery and plain-old fun.
The last half of the episode was SUBLIME. Fantastic work.
I just found both episodes incredibly well written, acted and directed. I really wanted John Smith not to change back- poor Joan, i thought; will she ever be happy? I may be an adult but the screcrows scared me! That description of the Doctor- amaziing, a "silver leaves" for our time!! Loved the last scenes too. Thanks for such a genius story
Paul-
Just finished watching the Family of Blood and it was truly one of the best episodes, outdoing "Father's Day". Your script combined with the fine workmanship of the director and actors made for one heck of a show.
Two questions about the episode:
1)Did public schools in that era really train boys to use machine guns?
2)What was the Doctor's reason for asking Joan to travel in the Tardis? Guilt perhaps....
A sucker-punch of an ending w/the Doctor punishing the Family by separating them(Loved the girl in the mirror).
Finally, I think the saddest character was Joan-losing two loves and having nothing at the end. My own theory is she becomes a wartime nurse, marrys a widower w/children and lives a long happy life while telling bedtime stories of the "Doctor".
Heather
I hunted out this blog today because I was so impressed by Human Nature that I had to find out who wrote it.
This was the best Doctor Who in ages: it was scary, touching (yeah, I blubbed), and intelligent, especially neat was the WWI parallel of headmaster making kids to man gun when in a couple of years they would be doing much the same in the trenches.
I understand the point that there were multiple endings but unlike say LORD OF THE RINGS, each final beat seemed to add up to a rumination about mortality - the meeting with Jessica Hynes/Stevenson where she accused the Doctor of bringing death with him, the curse of immortality finally meted out on the Family of Blood, and that last red poppy tribute to soldiers who fought and died and thus became part of a collective immortal memory.
I do hope they get you to write many more scripts for the show; if it's not too much of a contradiction, there's a real humanity to your Timelord episodes.
Goodness gracious Paul, these two episodes were simply wonderful. I'm not as versed in Who-ology as some of your other readers, but this is ABSOLUTELY my favorite Tennant episode, and it's tied for first place in my heart with Moffat's series 1 two parter The Lonely Child/The Doctor Dances.
You just did SO MUCH right here, I can't even begin to articulate it. You certainly left me weeping madly, and I think you finally gave Tennant a script that allowed him to prove everyone who slights him in comparison to Eccleston completely and utterly wrong. Watching him as John Smith, pleading for his own life verses the Doctors was probably the most moving moment of the entire new series, which is really, REALLY saying something.
Just plain brilliant- I can't WAIT to read the novel.
Oh, and I would buy a fascimile of the Jounral of Impossible Things in a nanosecond.
SUPERB job Paul. You must be so proud. I know I'm well pleased to be able to tell people I met and had dinner with the writer of Human nature, family of Blood, and Father's Day from now on. Everyone will be so jealous!
Oh, this is Maggie the American from the University of Exeter's Minicon last year- I have a blog now, which is where I'm posting from.
well done it was fandabbydosy!!!!
be great if doc who cast brought rose back if they do you should write it
xxxx(from beth primevalfan95XXX)xxxx
Paul,
I'm glad you and I have already conversed about matters that are important to me, but now I wish I could say something memorable and unique to so you will remember the effect you've just had on me. Fortunately, Cassandra (or, Maggie?), two posts up from this one, stated perfectly what I experienced too.
As I turned off the comp and wiped my face dry at the conclusion of "The Family of Blood," I immediately thought back to the only other episode which moved me as strongly as this one did ... and I wondered. And I went and looked it up.
Two years ago, I had blogged about "Father's Day", not knowing much more about the writer of it until just now, when I learned that he is you.
Paul I wish I could hug your neck.
You've touched me with your writing and I'm so glad of it. If you're so inclined, please follow my link above and see what a wonder you created for me two years ago. Then realize that you've done it again. I'll be blogging about this one too in order to process my feelings (and not waste more of your blogspot), but again, you're my kind of writer.
Thanks,
Alan
Just seen the BBC 3 repeat.
That was blimmin' great.
OMG, i only just watched it on the sunday repeat, and i gotta say, you've just written what me and my mom think is the most perfect- most beautiful piece of television, EVER! My mom had given up on dr hwo a bit, but she will actually not shut up about your episode. I would buy the DVD 100 times (i wont though, i'm broke) cos it was that good. I felt like crying (but didn't ;) it was so, so ,so amazing.
40 years of Daleks and Thals, and in 45 minutes I finaly understand the moral messages about war and pacifism in Doctor Who.
Trapped in a mirror, one of the creepiest moments ever.
I was at a party last night and i ended up in a dark room with three other friends, one turned to me and said 'i take it everyone's recorded doctor who?' We all nodded. 'I saw it earlier,' he said. 'What is it like?' asked one of my friends. 'It was f******g fantastic and amazing and brilliant.'
I could praise it all day, but I wont, cos you've got enough comments here to last a lifetime. All i can say is:
Well done my son!!!!
Paul Cornell, you talented, talented bar-steward. This one for the Hugo next year, or I'm a Mexican.
PS - It was the flash-forwards of John Smith's life that got me. The one adventure he can never have, indeed.
Here's my entry about your episode, Paul. Thanks again. For everything. All these years.
Utterly brilliant.
I sincerely hope these two episodes scoop up a whole host of well deserved awards because THAT was telly of the finest and highest quality.
Thank you.
Not just an outstanding pair of Who episodes, but an outstanding piece of writing, acting and production full stop. I'd like to put in a word for Harry Lloyd, who I thought was terrific in a cast acting at the top of their game. Very nice.
Stunning. In a good way.
My surname's Redfern. I live only 15 miles from Nottingham. A lot of things in this two-parter made me sit up and take notice! If it weren't for the fact that I'm a geezer (and not a nurse)... still, it felt like an episode of new Who taking place on my doorstep in the distant past.
But most of all... so much heart in one story. John Smith pleading for his right to live. Joan's last conversation with the man she loved. The incredibly moving coda at the end, with old Latimer. The fantastic acting by Baines and the other aliens. The terrifying scarecrows. This was the best episode BY FAR than any of the others in the Russell T Davies era - possibly in all Who history. Which is quite saying something.
Between yourself and Steven Moffat, the new Who is a force to be reckoned with. Please keep up this exceptional work. It was a joy to watch.
RATTIGAN WITH A HAPPY ENDING!!!
Loved the show, and loved the Winslow Boyish feel to it... Terence Rattigan would have been proud to have seen that one. And so would Thorton Wilder.
Very sweet, very emotional. Amazing how 95 years later we can STILL well up with tears thinking of the lost innocence that would come with World War I. It's really a very special story, and one of the best Doctors Who ever. Well done, well done well done.
I have to add my congratulations to all of the others posted here. The whole two-parter was brilliant.
Being a fan of Father's Day, I was looking forward to these episodes, but you have totally exceeded all of my (already very high) expectations.
Just finished the episode, still a little teary. I thought I was doing all right through the middle sections, but those endings...SO GOOD!
(Full disclosure, I was the other American at the table with Maggie in Exeter. No doubt you have no memory of that, but we do, and we are so happy for you!)
Oh I loved the Human Nature and Family of Blood! Must admit that I viewed them through illegal channels as I'm in America, but it was well worth all the trouble and time spent downloading! (will I get arrested for saying this out loud? I did not make any profit out of it though....=P )
Thank you Mr. Cornell for such a brilliant and thought provoking story! The more I think about it, the more complex and rich it gets. It's a treat for both children and adult viewers! had me in tears!
never left a message before on a tv programme but just had to say what a moving epsoide,excellant can we have lots more of your work!
The words have not been invented yet to express the feelings I have for this set of episodes. It was beyond brilliant. I loved the first episode and was hopeful the second part would live up to the first. You didn't let me (or anyone) down.
Last week, I was on the edge of my seat, heart pounding with anticipation. This week, tears flowed as my heart broke for the Doctor (John Smith), Martha, Joan and Timothy.
Beautiful writing and an equally beautiful production.
Hi Paul
Just wanted to say thank you so much for the best Doctor Who this year.
All the best
Kristian
Thank you, all. Sorry I can't do one reply per Comment! It really annoys me, but it'd take all day! As I'm about to blog, the Oxford Times decided to move the interview to next month's issue. Mark: actually, then I don't think you and Caroline can have met. Muldoon and Lisa: it was Aberdeen in the book, Nottingham being chosen here so David could keep the English accent. Russell's decision, I know it slightly, having had some mates at Uni there (I was once on uni radio Notts) but not well! Joe H: it's very Last Temptation, I should have mentioned that. Cat: episode four? Long story for here, and I've told it so many times elsewhere, sorry! Ben: lovely to hear from you, ta. Erykah: ta, see you there. Richard: thank you for saying so, I'm suffering in the polls because of those poppies, but they were very important for me. Matthew: I last saw Sly when we were recording Scourge, so I don't know! Eric: that'd be good, wouldn't it? Heather: yes, OTCs like the one here were real, and had real ordinance to train with. And the rest is story, and will have to be left for you. Maggie and Kathryn: of course I remember you two! I shall go see your blog. Cheers, everyone!
Paul,
Just a brief note from an American fan to tell you: Best Doctor Who Episode Ever!!
Thank you so much!
Wow. As someone elsewhere said, that was a real three hanky job. I nearly went at "I'm just a story", but the whole conversation from "he won't love you" just did for me, and then "John Smith is dead. And you look like him" got me again. That scene just emphasised the Doctor's alienness so well. And of course the Cenotaph, "they shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old" was guaranteed to set me off.
But despite the fact you got me blubbering, this has leapfrogged "The Empty Child" two parter and "The Girl in the Fireplace" to be my favourite of the new era episodes. Steven Moffat's going to have to excel himself in order to top that next week.
And if the episode(s) and the performances don't win a hatful of awards, there's no justice.
Was away on the weekend, so watched it a bit late, but a lovely conclusion to the story. The final traps for the Family? Those will make GREAT cards, and I can't wait to incorporate them. I'll make good on that promise just as I did with Love & War.
Darn it, Paul, you've made me cry AGAIN. You should be well pleased with yourself, another lovely showing.
Human Nature/Family of Blood is now officially one of my favourite things of all time. I was so moved, and excited, and captivated and in awe and it was bloody genius.
Would it be inappropriate to say I voled you? *g*
Paul, thank you, that was just brilliant. One of my favourite NAs becomes one of my favourite TV stories.
One thing though: where was the Happy Halibut reference? :)
Thank you for a beautiful two-parter It was breath-taking and mindblowing all at once I could watch it again and again Definitely my favourite Doctor Who story ever
Oh and I also want a Journal of Impossible things please
Thanks
I know i'm a bit late with this but that was a FANTASTIC episode of Doctor Who. Truly brilliant.
Loved it, an excellent production of an excellent script, with a depth and maturity I've missed. Fancy single-handedly making Torchwood watchable for your next trick? :D
Thank you, all. Thanks, Greg. Siskoid: do let me know so I can have a look and/or put them on the blog. Cathy: Press Gang fan ahoy! And the Happy Halibut was there all the way until the final draft. Actually, no it wasn't. Cheers.
We all loved both eps on torchwoodforum.co.uk.
Personally they're my favourites - ever! Congratulations on being brilliant!
FoB = FAB!
Cheers,
Michael Graney
Absolutely Paul, I'm a Press Gang Geek therefore, I am.
I didn't think it would be possible for me to love a Who episode more than The Moff's, but you may just have surpassed him.
I feel like a traitor.
Thank you, all. And all Moff traitors graciously accepted. Until he kicks my arse on Saturday. I mean, with his episode.
That was great - I loved the Doctor's righteous indignation, the "fury of the Time Lord". Scary stuff - certainly not a tame Doctor!
I've named my blog "A Journal of Impossible Things" after John Smith's writings in your story! I'd love to have a copy of that book.
Don't know if you've seen it but Neil Gaiman's been very nice about Human Nature on his blog at http://www.neilgaiman.com/journal/
And rightly so too.
Thanks, you two. And yes, Neil's also been in touch, which is lovely of him.
A week later and scenes from Human Nature and Family of Blood are still popping uninvited (but not unwanted) into my head all the time Long may it continue!
During the break between Series Two and Series Three I had the idea for a story about the Doctor becoming human He was a patient in a hospital at the end of the First World War and Rose (we hadn't met Martha yet) was his nurse. It never got past the planning stage because I couldn't work out how or why this had happened Then spoilers for Human Nature started to appear so I put it to one side and waited to see what an excellent writer, cast and crew would make of this idea
I wasn't disappointed
Thank you for showing me what this story could have been and should have been Everybody involved should be very proud of these episodes The writing was suberb and David Tennant showed us John Smiths range of emotions beautifully A fantastic story that was bought suberbly to life and that will (hopefully) stay with me for a long time
Thank you
Oh, and I want The Journal of Impossible Things too
That is all
Hell, been away for a while and just catching up with recorded episodes of Dr Who. Family of Blood was excellent. Thanks.
I'm very glad it stayed with you, thank you. And thank you, Neal, good to hear from such an accomplished author. Cheers.
will you write a comeback episode with rose tyler in it from bethprimevalfan95xxx
That would certainly take me by surprise.
Better late than never, but I also very much enjoyed Human Nature and Family of Blood. You are truly 'Mr. Excellent'. It is a crying shame that you are not writing for the next series. Look - I'm really crying!
lol from bethprimevalfan95
Thanks very much.
Dear Paul
I am a scriptwriter too, albeit at the bottom of a ladder, waiting and hoping to climb it. I never considered Doctor Who to be a thought provoking and well crafted show. Absolutely entertaining to the fullest, with lot of cheeky humour, but until I saw Human Nature/Family Of Blood, I was unaware of how personal and deep the show COULD be. I like a rubber alien as much as the next rubber alien loving Doctor Who viewer, but what had been lacking from the show in Series 1/2 was a tale. A real storybook tale and the two parter of HN and FOB delivered that extra something the show hadn't quite touched on. What complimented such a wonderful script was of course the performances from the cast, especially Harry Lloyd and Rebekah Staton. You can see that the actors in these episodes utterly relished their roles. Pip Torrens looked very at home in his role as the Headmaster (Sir). I never imagined something like Doctor Who would inspire me as a scriptwriter, given my chosen genre is a million miles away from the genre of Who, but the dialogue has introduced me to that era of World War I, and one day, I hope to meet you half way up that ladder, and shake your hand on such a fine piece of writing.
Hi Paul...only just found the blog here, but obviously had to add my voice to the chorus. Quite superb television, although I may be one of the few who still rates Father's Day higher (which is saying something!). I must say that I'd been enjoying Season 29 very much anyway, but from 42 onwards I felt it went into overdrive! After Human Nature (I'm calling both parts by what I presume would be its story title) I thought you had the story of the season well & truly in the bag...then up pops that swine Moffat with Blink, giving you a serious run for your money...& as if THAT wasn't enough then that blaggard Davies gives us Utopia! And whilst Sound of Drums/LOtTL was a great finale, those 4 episodes really stood out above the rest of the season I felt. Have to say that it's disappointing that you don't seem to be writing for the 45th anniversary season, but if we get one of your stories once every two years & the standard is as high as you've been producing then I for one am prepared to wait!
Thanks very much, Miles and SJ, that's much appreciated. I concur about both cast quality and grooviness of season. Good luck with your own work, SJ. I'm back from Japan, so able to reply to comments again! Cheers.
just re watched HN here on abc oz tv. had to say somethign.
I rate this show as the best SF, the best drama and the best who story in the time the BBC has done in all the time since the recommencement.
I rate it up there with City on the edge of forever, childhood's end for its drama and poignancy.
beautiful writing, beautiful television. it is a single golden hour and I felt proud to watch it.
Thanks very much, that's much appreciated.
Hi Paul,
there are two things that are bothering me in Family of Blood episode. In the end of episode, there is a line : 'In June 1914, an Archduke of
Austria was shot by a Serbian.
It is true, but it was not the beginning of World War I, only an excuse, the World War I in this territory began Austria.
Let me start the story : After Franz Ferdinand was killed by Gavrilo Princip, (true, he was serbian, but serbian king had nothing to do with it) Austria blamed Serbia (whole nation) for the murder of Franz Ferdinand and attack her. ( AUSTRIA ATTACKED SERBIA )
And Britan was not on Austria's side.
Britan, France and Russia ( leater Italy and more) were on Serbia's side.
The other thing is :
After that line, speaker said:
'And this then led, through nations
having treaties with nations,
like a line of dominoes falling,
to some boys from England
walking together in France,
on a terrible day...'
So if there were in France, what does that have to do with Serbia and Austria?
So i just wanted to say this, hope you will see it.
By the way, i am Serbia, i am 14 years old and i LOVE Doctorn Who.
It's always great to hear from young Who fans, hello! I think the point I was trying to make was the huge distance from what started it to where the boys ended up. The point was that Serbia had nothing to do with France, that the cause of that war was complex and insane. Cheers.