Posts
Human Nature
I’ve organised a huge party for tomorrow night’s broadcast of ‘Human Nature’. Last time I had a Doctor Who episode on, ‘Father’s Day’, the room was so packed that people were nearly falling out of the window. This time round we’ve got a few more children coming along (including my God-daughter, who was born a couple of weeks before that episode), and some old fan friends, and many of my local friends.
One of the best things about writing a Who episode these days is the sheer wealth of extras that one gets to wander amongst. I love the work the BBC website team have put in. The animation especially is very impressive. I’ve been able to read the Fear Factor verdicts, written for the site by a panel of children of my acquaintance, and it’s particularly flattering when their yelled- out questions are the ones we answer immediately onscreen. Perhaps all family TV should be shown to a group of children before the final cut. I’ve also downloaded a Smith and Joan wallpaper for my mobile. And I’m looking forward to all the stuff the online team have lined up for the second episode, and for when the original novel reappears online.
Doctor Who Magazine have been very generous. Jason Arnopp re-interviewed me, because, following the episodes being put back one week, DWM decided to adjust its coverage to spread out over two issues. The cover of next issue is a ‘Human Nature’ one, and especially lovely. I think I may get that framed.
I was pleased with the interview in Radio Times, also. That’s one of the little joys of this too, popping over to the newsagent and buying many different listings magazines!
I can’t emphasise enough how happy I am with the finished product. Charles, Lindsay, Russell, Julie, Susie and the cast have done such an impressive job. I think this is my best work. If a couple of years ago I’d have been told that my adaptation of ‘Human Nature’ would screen in the same week as my first Marvel Comics mini-series finished, well, I’d have taken that for a future.
So that’s what I’m going to be doing tomorrow, clearing up the house and emptying the lounge as much as possible. With the cricket on. I shall doubtless have a couple of drinks. I hope you have a good day, and enjoy the episode, and do pop in and tell me what you think afterwards. Cheerio.
One of the best things about writing a Who episode these days is the sheer wealth of extras that one gets to wander amongst. I love the work the BBC website team have put in. The animation especially is very impressive. I’ve been able to read the Fear Factor verdicts, written for the site by a panel of children of my acquaintance, and it’s particularly flattering when their yelled- out questions are the ones we answer immediately onscreen. Perhaps all family TV should be shown to a group of children before the final cut. I’ve also downloaded a Smith and Joan wallpaper for my mobile. And I’m looking forward to all the stuff the online team have lined up for the second episode, and for when the original novel reappears online.
Doctor Who Magazine have been very generous. Jason Arnopp re-interviewed me, because, following the episodes being put back one week, DWM decided to adjust its coverage to spread out over two issues. The cover of next issue is a ‘Human Nature’ one, and especially lovely. I think I may get that framed.
I was pleased with the interview in Radio Times, also. That’s one of the little joys of this too, popping over to the newsagent and buying many different listings magazines!
I can’t emphasise enough how happy I am with the finished product. Charles, Lindsay, Russell, Julie, Susie and the cast have done such an impressive job. I think this is my best work. If a couple of years ago I’d have been told that my adaptation of ‘Human Nature’ would screen in the same week as my first Marvel Comics mini-series finished, well, I’d have taken that for a future.
So that’s what I’m going to be doing tomorrow, clearing up the house and emptying the lounge as much as possible. With the cricket on. I shall doubtless have a couple of drinks. I hope you have a good day, and enjoy the episode, and do pop in and tell me what you think afterwards. Cheerio.
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I'm so excited. I know it's going to be amazing. I was meant to be playing a big gig next week and it has been cancelled - my first thought was "Gutted!" and my second was "Ah, but I'll get to watch Family Of Blood on transmission, ace."
As a huge fan of the NAs, I'd be excited to see *any* of them getting adapted, but this one being one of my favourites, an' all, the anticipation level is at a premium.
Best of luck, Paul!
I can't friggin' wait to see it! I've been putting off reading the book because I want to see your episodes first. My kids are all excited by the great scarecrows on the Doctor Who website from page (in fact, the main picture is my desktop background at work. I'm such a geek). Congrats in advance on the episode! Break a pencil (the writer's equivelent of 'break a leg')!
-Erik Engman
Congratulations, Paul! I'm one of the few people who never read the original novel (and missed my chance to do so when it was online), but the teaser blurbs I've read easily make this my most anticipated DW episode in a long time. It sounds like such a fascinating premise, and the imagery from the trailer and BBC site have me counting down the days. I can't wait to see it! Best of luck!
congratulations! and thanks for yet another wonderful story!
Congratulations in advance and have a nice party. I'm sure this episode will be fabulous.
Allison is going to be out of town this weekend on business, and not able to watch until she comes home on Tuesday. So the question is, do I incur her wrath by watching it without her, or suffer the delay of several days until her return? What to do, what to do...
I can hardly wait, Paul. Have a great party. We'll be partying in Seattle for you too.
i'm glad your enjoying the experience, you deserve it. Well done mate ;)
All the best,
Jack.
(I bet i'm gonna jinx it with all my praise ain't I =s)
Yay! Can't wait to see it. :->
- lisa in CA
Yay~! I'm so looking forward to tomorrow's night episode. When I first got into Doctor Who, Father's Day was my favourite episode (solely from reading the shooting script, rather than seeing it), so, for me, your name became associated with really brilliant writing. =D As such, I'm sure tomorrow's episode (and the following week's) will be of the same high standard. Bwee! =D
Paul, I've been so looking forward to this story. I'm sure it's going to be great. The clip on tonight's Totally Doctor Who was fantastic! Dean.
I'm looking forward to this episode more than any Doctor Who episode ever. No pressure.
Paul-
As a huge fan of 'Father's Day'(thought it was most emotional complex episode of Season 1), I'm looking forward to Human Nature.
Hope you're schedule allows more scripts for DW in future.
Thank you, all. It's really good to have you lot onboard for today. Chris: go on, incur wrath!
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Sun has reported there could be a firing by the end of this series.
Freema's that is.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2001320029-2007240235,00.html
That's wonderful news.
Now, can I be a barbarian and ask a totally unacceptable question?
How much does it pay?
I do still appreciate the artistic achievement etc etc, and I can only imagine what it must feel like to have a Dr Who episode on the telly.
But, as an aspiring writer with family to support, it would be extremely interesting to know how much a gig like this (or Primeval)pays (including repeat fees etc).
I know it's beyond the pale to even ask, but we all want to know!
Yours anonymously (because I'm too embarrased to give my name)
X
I can't wait to see it - I'm sure it's going to be gorgeous. Unfortunately I'm leaving for Austria today so will miss both episodes live, but it'll be the first thing being played back when I return. Enjoy your night!
Amanda
I'm very, very excited about seeing HN/FoB as "Father's Day" was one of my favourite episodes of season 1 (I may have mentioned this here before, but it bears repeating !!)
The DWM cover looks fab - just seen it on the BBC Who site.
As for the newsstory, I'll believe Freema's been axed when I see it somewhere official - same goes for David not doing the whole of season 4, which they also mention in that piece.
It's been Cornell day round here today - the 'Wisdom 6' package arrived from Forbidden Planet (really enjoyed them, very British with a beautifully sly wit) and now the episode I've been looking forward to most this year given we already know the central ideas and themes are wonderful.
And not only this but what a wonderful day for England in the cricket today!
Very best wishes for tonight being as good as the book! We’ve always loved the NAs, and are even more excited by now than we usually are by this time on a Saturday…
Hope the party goes well, and we trust you’re serving Frubes? If you aren’t familiar with them, your first TV Who monsters taste of strawberry. Yes, it’s true – kids around the country are slurping on Reapers in the form of sticky yoghurt pops :-)
ZOMG PAUL!!
ure on teh telly!
and other such internet phrases.
Yay for Human Nature! You must be dead chuffed, that was absolutely fabulous.
Have a good party!
paul you frikkin genius! I just had to say hello before i pop out for the night, and say that that was bloody amazing! It really was perfect, there wasn't one bad line of dialogue, or actor, or special effect. Its amazing that a monster didn't appear for nearly 20 minutes, yet it didn't matter, the episode was that good. =D
Jack.
That was ever so slightly good.
Thanks for that, Paul :D.
Bravo
R.
x
Good God, that was absolutely amazing!
I have just watched 'Human Nature' - what a great episode! I haven't had a chance to read your original story, but was aware of it and loved the idea. The TV show has been made beautifully; it's like 'To Serve Them All My Days' meets, well, Dr Who! My 13 year old daughter, Jo, finds the scarecrows really creepy though! Best episode yet of this season - can't wait for part II (And neither can Jo)!
Mark
I have to say, I've been reading a forum where people have been bitching for weeks about the current series, and every single one gives tonight's ep. a hearty the thumbs up. Enjoy the party.
Hey Paul, I don't have an e-mail address for you and Eva is busy geeking at DW:C, so I thought i'd go here and say Dinosaur-Jesus Christ, That was brilliant. Well done mate. we're meant to be at a birthday party next week full of not-us... So we won't get to see the second part on the night. We both loved it, and can only echo what many others have said, and will said. Definitely buying you a drink next time we're in the same watering hole. Eva loved it too.
Paul,
Great episode, can't wait to see how it turns out.
Best of the season by a mile
Well now. In a superb and confident series you've just gone and raised things impossibly high. Though I've loved most of your Who novels (save Love and War - sorry), and all of your Big Finish, I'm afraid 'Father's Day' left me cold. This though - this was superb. I reckon you'll be sending Moffat to pick up your Hugo next year...!
I loved the book, and now it's been adapted into one of my favourite episodes. So well done, really. Congratulations!
That was the top shit. Congratulations!
I've never felt the need to search out an author before, but oh my - that was brilliant. And just, beyond brilliant. It threw into sharp relief many of this series' episodes which now pale in comparison. I hope you're watching the OG forums exploding right now. :) I loved this episode.
*Thank you*.
And I can't wait 'til next week!
Paul - Just thought I'd add my pennyworth to the comments. Congratulations!! That was the best episode of this series (and the others have been pretty bloomin' good too), it may even be the best since Who's return. When I post my review tomorrow it'll be nothing but high praise indeed. Top stuff, I can't wait for next week. Kev
Paul, let me say this: Congratulations. This was absolutely wonderful, exactly how Doctor Who should be nowadays. Also thanks a lot for having Martha something to do, I was really afraid after the last few episodes that she might end up as a rather boring companion. She really needed that. Fantastic!
The NAs live! And the memory doesn't cheat on what a wonderful story it was.
My expectations for this were stratospheric and tonight exceeded them. It was one of those rare stories where I don't think there was even a tiny thing I'd want to see changed. And all those beautiful little kisses to the past... Wonderful.
Not being able at the time to buy the book, I am now desperately keen for the e-book version to come out so I can see what happens next. And it's not very often you can say that happens in a two-parter!
Very very good writing - although I fear you will end up being tagged as the Doctor Who writer who can do emotion ;-)
Thank you Paul. Tonight's Human Nature was absolute perfection - the best episode of new Who so far, and worthy of a BAFTA nomination next year, in my opinion. I was totally involved in the story (having never read the novel, sorry) and I couldn't guess where it was going next, which is a very rare and special thing.
Congrats to you and all the team.
Can't wait for next week...
Wow - absolutely fantastic episode. Well written, good and sympatheitc charafterisation, nice pacing, well structured plot... I could go on, as there were many good points about Human Nature. I've never plucked up courage to comment on here before, but just had to post. My favourite episode in an already very good season. Thank you for writing this.
I've been looking forward to this since you spoke about it to me last November at the Dublin ComicCon. And it's been absolutely fantastic. Having no patience, I watched the trailer following the episode... I have a horrible feeling that next week I'll be all upset!
Congratulations on the first half! I anxiously await the second.
Just as the original novel is by some comfortable distance, the best ever piece of Doctor Who fiction, that was easily the best episode of Doctor Who at least since the Parting of the Ways. Absolutely wonderful.
It was an outstandingly good adaptation, beautifully filmed and acted, with intelligent dialogue. Well done Paul - it was just brilliant from start to finish.
Paul, we enjoyed that a lot. Very glad there's more to come.
We do like Tim Latimer. Susanna was wishing he could be taken on as a 2nd companion. He certainly has the air of a character with a story of his own. Or is that in the book, perhaps? Didn't know there was a book. Well done getting it reissued.
Congratulations on Jessica Hynes too. Never see enough of her. Perfect casting.
Not enough boys at the school, I felt. Every corridor should be teeming with babbling extras. And not enough formality. But the Family avatars are exquisite. And I loved the scene with the cricket ball.
Mr. Cornell,
That was absolutely FANTASTIC. =D
I completely loved tonight's episode. I had already read the book, but... that didn't spoil the episode at all.
The last few weeks, my faith in Doctor Who had been sorely tried by the writing in each of the episodes -- last week, for example, was terribly off-putting, reading almost as a rip of Impossible Planet/Satan Pit with a dash of End of the World thrown in for good measure. It's been hard to get enthusiastic about it, but this week... this week, YOU have restored my faith. =D Thank you for that.
As I watched the episode, I found myself adoring the Doctor (even if it wasn't quite the Doctor) once more, and actually *relaxing* and enjoying the episode. I love the villains -- they felt almost like the old-school villains. That was brilliant!
I even recognized the hymn at the start. Good ol' A&M!
Tonight was absolutely fantastic. Very well done, Mr. Cornell, very well done *indeed*. Looking forward to next week!
~Fiona.
After such a dreadful trailer for tonight's show after last week's episode, I was worried.
I needn't have been.
Possibly the best Tennant episode to date - and how perfect was the casting!
Wow. Paul, I don't have a history of online sycophancy, but I have to say that really was the dog's doo-dahs. The most enjoyable single episode of New Who so far; all aspects of the production were really spot on, there was nothing that jarred. Tone, pace, originality, all just how it should be, a nice amalgam of the best qualities of the old and the new.
The 2nd episode has got a lot to live up to! Fingers crossed.
And how come I didn't spot the Xstian allegory when I read the book all those years ago? What with WW1, vapourising alien weaponry, life sucking aliens and (I suspect) "If" style gatling gun carnage to come in Ep.2 there's probably still less violence than in the 'good' book...
Whatever, you have every right to be extremely proud of that. Congratulations!
Mr Cornell, that was amazing. Thank you very much for a fantastic episode of Doctor Who!
Paul Hayes
Well done on a splendid episode - I can see why you were so pleased at the realisation of your script.
Absolutely sublime.
Well done you beauty!
Mate, thanks for your feedback to my question, it helps to know there is no orthodox route people tend to follow.
The episode was gut-wrenchingly, stunningly good. Really. I went to a gig straight afterwards and found myself unable to connect as my emotions were still trying to process the episode two hours on. On first viewing it’s my favourite so far of the new-who. In a series with episodes as good as The Empty Child, The Impossible Planet and Gridlock I don't say that lightly. I know its team effort that brought it to the screen (and every aspect of it exuded quality) but it’s your writing that its all built on and you are right to be proud of this.
No wonder you were so pleased about how this has turned out. They really did get it exactly right! And I'm rather amazed how you close you managed to keep The Family to the one from the book. I cheered out loud when I saw the little girl with the balloon. :)
Also, a question... I seem to recall the Sydney/Verity/parents in-joke being in the original book too, but the way people are talking online about it I'm suddenly unsure. It was in there, wasn't it?
Ooooh! Have you seen the ratings over at gallifreyone? Over 1200 people just gave Human Nature a 5! Heehee! Congrats, Paul. I absolutely LOVED it. They did such a great job. :-) Can't wait for next week!!
Better than that - as of right now, out of over 1500 votes on the OG 'rate' thread, Human Nature has had a staggering 83% rate it 5/5 and a truly unheard of 97% rate it either 4 or 5/5.
That was absolutely superb, certainly my favourite since the show came back, and all those little references to the past had me out of my seat every time. Can't wait to watch the repeat on BBC3 tomorrow!
PS, in John Smith's journal, the illustration beneath the 7th Doctor, which Doctor is that? I've been hurting my brain over whether it's the 4th or 6th. :)
PPS, thanks again for scripting such a fantastic episode!
Paul McGann!
That was a bloody brilliant episode.
*takes hat off to you*
Human Nature is very solidly the highest-rated story of the new series in the Outpost Gallifrey forums. Very well done story, sir. I look forward to the finale next week.
This really makes me want to go back and read the New Adventure, if I can find it amongst all the storage boxes!
The novel is also doing well in one eBay auction. Over a day left and it's already at 23 quid.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Doctor-Dr-Who-Human-Nature_W0QQitemZ300114203056QQihZ020QQcategoryZ69485QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD2VQQcmdZViewItem
Apologies for all the comments in a row but that URL does work if you copy & paste carefully, despite the truncation. =)
Ace!
Nuff said.
Paul, can I book in advance for next year to come over to yours and get a look at your Hugo award for 'Human Nature' please? I'd just like to beat the rush!
Spot on, mate!
Ian
Hey Paul -
That was absolute perfection! Looking forward to part 2 -
All the best
Niall
Well, I've just got to say my two bits about Wisdom #6. It. Was. AWESOME. But damn, I don't know if I'm on denial about Maureen's death or if I'm reading too much in the martians' lack of care about what the humans did with her. Genetically changed? The power of her bloodline? Hmm. If I'm just delusional, then I'll have to plant a bomb in the Tardis and blackmail you into doing one of the very things I usually hate the most -have a dead person "get better". Also, John Raven's visions at the end of the first issue were never explained. Something odd about him -other than being an alternate Killraven.
Other than fannish nonsense and praise, I still have one nagging question about your work on Wisdom, but it's probably so dumb I doubt I'll ever say it. What I will say, though, is -SEQUEL!!! Marvel, listen up...
Human Nature was absolutely wonderful!
Well Done!
Cheers,
Michael Graney.
Paul-
Human Nature was brilliant, by far the best episode of this season! Superb storyline, creepy villians and wonderful period detail. You should be justifiably proud. I'd ask you to marry me but I see you're already taken:)
You should be clearing a space on the shelf for your Hugo award.
Heather
I was one of the lucky ones to watch in the comfort (although a little cramped) of Paul and Caroline's flat. I've never seen people cry watching a Who episode; apart from my 2 year old when the twiglets were taken away from her. Paul, fantastic episode, Zac (6) especially enjoyed it. Well done!
I'm only glad that, having arrived at your pad one minute before it started (yes, I know, that was unusually early for me), the only space left was in the hallway outside the living room, managing to get a clear view of the TV by standing on tiptoes and peering through the gap between the door frame and heads/shoulders of the throng.
Probably the best place in the house though, as I managed to make my exit without too many seeing that my hay fever has obviously started early this year (I don't know what Guy was talking about!).
Cheers Paul, absolutely awesome writing, carried off by superb acting and effects. I have a feeling it'll be one of those "I was there" occasions for many years to come.
Oh, and I owe you three cans of Kronenbourg....
Martin
Excellent episode,Paul.Thank you so much.Really looking forward to Part 2
It was such a joyous thing to watch, I have to say just seeing the love that was put into that story, in the direction, the acting and in the script. Joan was so beautiful in every way. I've been grinning from ear to ear hours after watching it.
I was sitting in Glebe Point Park reading Human Nature on a pleasant Sydney autumn afternoon, and now after watching this same thing take on this new life, was for me heart breaking. And I loved it because of the clash and the harmony between the two. Thank you Paul.
Paul, there aren't enough superlatives in the world for how much I enjoyed that. I'll have to buy you a drink next time I see you in the Tavern.
Fantastic episode, easily my favourite of this series, and if the second part is as good then it will no doubt go down as one of my all time favourite WHO stories.
I agree that the BBC website has been great for the show. I absolutely love the children's panel, it's a lovely way to see very honest opinions and fears being expressed!
Well done, and hope the party was fun :)
I'm so pleased that everyone (it seems) thinks that this was the best episode so far.
Fantastic!
Haven't read Human Nature (I'm not that far yet in reading the New Adventures), but as a television episode, it was awesome.
Lovely lovely script, and bound to become even more of a favorite for than Father's Day is. Can't wait to see part II. Heck, can't wait to watch Part I again!
74 comments already? Paul, do you remember when I told you that you were my third favorite writer? You've just gone up a notch, and until Warren Ellis or Neil Gaiman write an episode of Doctor Who as good as Human Nature, you'll stay put right there.
Excellent! You've saved the Season for me so far. This will be one of the Whos that I show people that I'm trying to convert, it does everything right. Congrats to you and everyone involved.
Cornell should get the head writer's job on this alone.
"A girl in every fireplace". Haha.
Well done that Paul. If the quality remains the same for part 2, this could be my favourite since the relaunch. Certainly my favourite of series three.
A great episode - well written and well directed. It looked fantastic. Great sets and locations. I love the scarecrows. The acting was great from everyone involved and David Tennant showed another side to his versatility as an actor. It was also fascinating seeing what had survived from the book and what had been left out. I'm away next weekend so won't see the second part until Sunday evening. It will be good to have a treat to look forwards to when I get in.
Okay, that was rather good. Fantastic, if I may be allowed to use the word unironically(which my spellchecker refuses to acknowledge is a real word. Unironically, that is. Not fantastic let's get on with it shall we)!
If I do have one teeeeny criticism (and I always do) it's the line "You had to go and fall in love with a human..." (so far so good, the emotion in her voice, the little quiver, the almost tear, please don't ruin i-) "...and it wasn't me." And the line lands with a solid CLUNK. Was that added by someone else? Please tell me it was...
...but those 2 awkward seconds didn't ruin the episode. Loved it, waiting for the second half!
amazing !,Never read the Novel, but what a wonderful idea :D, i enjoyed this so much,these episodes were what i'd been looking forward to the most during season 3. can't wait for the second part .
Paula
Hello Paul, long time no speak.
Just thought I'd pop on here to congratulate you on last night's slice of perfection, just about the best episode of Doctor Who this century! I hope you're back for season 4 (ALL of it, ideally).
Well done, old chap.
Colin.
re: Matthew's comments --
http://freemaagyeman.com/news/2007/05/26/shame-on-the-sun/
Well, couldn't really expect anything else from a tabloid, could we?
=\
Goodness, aren't there a lot of you. Sorry to have to address most of you in one go, but I'm having to write so many thank you notes to people today. I'm incredibly chuffed that you popped in, and thank you for being so kind about the episode. Anonymous: sorry, it really isn't done to do that, but if you get resonably regular work you needn't worry about not making a living. Alex: you mean there are Reaper sweets?! I must get some to slowly decay in my memento box! Hi, Ash and Eva! Colin, hello, I'm very pleased you two tuned it. Tim's story is pretty important, as it is in the book. Invin: Verity, in the book, is who Smith thinks of as his earliest love, but who turns out to be something more than that in his mental landscape. Pete: I don't have the picture to hand, so I don't know, I hope someone else will help. I'm aware and astonished by the volume of response on OG. That's really flattering. I'll pop in when it's died down a bit and say hello and thanks. Luis: thanks very much for your kind words about the last issue of Wisdom. Jonathan's visions were entirely about him being who he is: clairsentience is Killraven's only power, and I'm suggesting he got it from his Mum. Everything else you suggest wasn't my idea. I'd love to do more with Pete. Guy and Martin: lovely to hear from you. Sorry to hear about the twiglets. That's probably what my God-daughter will remember from the evening. And Martin, you're a barkeeper, you can't owe me beer, it's not natural.
Fantastic episode. Easily my favorite of series 3! Can't wait for part 2.
Well done everybody!
Just watched it. Blimey, wasn't that fun, and quite the appreciated change of pace and locale.
And I'd like to add my vote to the BBC putting out a facsimile of the journal...
*applause* That was great! Only downside is that we've got to wait 5 more days to see how it turns out. They should let you write for "Doctor Who" more often.
And to those complaining about episodes this series, it's still not as bad as Timeflight. ;)
Mr. Cornell, sir - Human Nature was absolutely fantastic. If I was wearing a hat, I would doff it right now.
Alas, I am not, but hey - it's the thought that counts, right?
Maybe I should invest in a new hat in preparation for next Saturday?...
Hey Paul
That's far and away the best episode since Dr.Who came back in 2005.
You should be very proud indeed!
An episode that will be remembered for decades. And not in a Love And Monsters way!
--
Amazing. I think you may just have claimed the crown for best new series episode ever. I loved your Father's Day, so my hopes were high, but this was staggeringly good. And somehow you square the circle and make an episode that could never have been told in the old series feel more like a great old series episode than any new series episode so far - if you get my drift!
I found myself getting emotional at the oddest things. Martha going back to the TARDIS and talking to it, for instance. And I'm positive that if I'd seen this as a nine year old it would have scared the hell out of me.
Thank you so much!
Steve
Paul,
I've been looking forward to this since, oh, whenever you first mentioned that you were getting to write a two-parter for Season 3. I can honestly say it more than lived up to expectations; roll on next week!
- Simon
Through careful reading of Live Journal I've managed to stay spoiler free for this series so far. I just wanted to say that this episode was fantastic and I'm really looking forward to the second part (I have not read the novel, so this is all new to me)!
Thank you!
Thank you very much, everyone. And hello, Simon. I think everyone should buy a hat anyway, whether or not they get doffed. Cheers.
Congratulations on what can only be described as the best episode of the last two years and rivals the best of series one. Simply amazing! I'm on the edge of my seat in anticipation of part two.
Over the years, I've held off reading the Doctor Who novels because of the volume and difficulty in getting them all. But after watching the TV episode, Human Nature I sought out a new copy of the book and will be reading it... after Family of Blood airs.
My rating for this episode? 6 out of 5.
I always read your blog but now have to bite the bullet and comment to say HOLYMOTHEROFALLTHATISGOODANDOPURE that was one absolutely stunning piece of television you provided us with on Saturday.
I'm one of your 'watch 'cos it's on' types, but here I am talking about this to anyone who will listen. Up there with some of the best things I've ever seen I think. The whole package from story idea through to art design was just mesmerizing.
Thank you for it, and bloody well done !
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Ooh, I'm always late to the party. But fashionably late, I think. Anyway: Absolutely bloody marvellous, was captivated from beginning to end. And even though it would be a Bad Thing for sci-fi, part of me wants poor old Smith to just have a normal life with lovely Joan. Fantastic stuff, congratulations. I actually have a hat, and I'm doffing it RIGHT NOW. And chewing it, a bit.
hey paul. great episode. i was watching with tim munro,and even HE liked it!
Thank you SO much for writing Human Nature. Unbelievably good. I can't wait to see what happens next week...and it's been too long since I felt that way.
thanks again.
Thank you all. I love it when I get a squee. And I'm pleased to hear about Tim! Cheers.
Well done Paul, really enjoyed it, as with Fathers Day I think probably the best of the series and I can’t wait for next week!
Excellent episode Paul.Can't wait for part 2 - great cliffhanger. Even at my advanced age, those scarecrows were scary. And who knew sweet Will Scarlett (Harry Lloyd) could be so creepy. Big congrats and hope you had a great night.
Thanks, guys.
I'm going to say this once. Nicely.
By agreeing to adapt Human Nature, you've vindicated those people who say "the books don't count".
It's bad enough that RTD is going around saying it - but one of the original NA authors now saying it as well? Guess I might as well chuck my print copy of Human Nature on the fire, huh?
If you really cared about the legacy of the NAs, you wouldn't have done this....instead you went for the quick buck.
This story didn't need to be told - it's been told already, and better, I might add, in print.
I was deeply ashamed to be a Who fan last weekend - and so should you.
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed 'Human Nature' on Saturday night. Without wishing to sound like a sad obsessive, I re-watched it several times since, and it just seems to get better. It's probably my favourite episode of New Who, in fact. The scarecrows were frightening, the score was fantastic, and I thought David gave his best performance to date. And of course, the script sparkled! Thank you for such a great episode - and I can't wait to see the conclusion. I really want to read your novel now too!
Neal: I loved 'nicely', I could just hear a little Clint Eastwood growl in your voice. 'Now I'm gonna say this... nicely.' And they say we're not a tough audience. Actually, they never do. Ta, Ben, but I'm afraid the novel, along with Genesis of the Daleks and Deadly Assassin, are no longer part of continuity. Time War, you see. I suppose you could still read it, but all you'd get from it is the possibility of mere reading enjoyment.
Congrats Mr Cornell on HN/FOB, top drawer stuff!
Neal - oh dear, where do I start, infact why bother dissecting your childish tantrum, I'll be polite and just say - do GROW UP!
Not in the spaces we know, but between them, the Doctor walks serene and primal, undimensioned and to us unseen...
Oh, wait, have I got him confused with somebody? :-)
Lovely, thank you!
Hi Paul,
I think I last saw you at the LA Who Convention about 5 years ago. I really enjoyed Human Nature, we (my wife and father-in-law) just saw the episode Friday night on the Sci-Fi channel. I particularly enjoyed the bit of John Smith's backstory that has his father Sydney and mother Verity. I burst into laughter at the joke [Sydney references Sydney Newman, the creator of Dr. Who, and Verity is for Verity Lambert, original Dr. Who Producer]and my wife and father-in-law looked as me as if I was completely daft (guess which of the three knows more Who history? :-)). That combined with the Doctor using his old alias of John Smith-sheer brillance. I am looking forward to reading the NA; but as I'm reading those in order (just started Cats's Cradle: Warhead) it'll be a while. I also enjoyed your blog on "canon"-quite astute observances. Keep up the wit and witicisms!
--Jerry Maier
Thanks very much, Jerry. I'm back from Japan, so able to reply to comments again. Cheers.