Doctor Who and the Blue Rinse Brigade

Well, I'm sure you woke up feeling scared, insecure and utterly terrified for the future of Doctor Who. After an episode that did exactly what everyone expected the newspaper critics have turned on the show in what could be the beginning of the end of the programme's love affair with the tabloids. Some called it 'tired', 'lazy' and 'lame'. Others criticised the lead actor.

Now if this is going to be the beginning of the end then it has to be followed up with a loss in viewers but this has not materialised - yet. Smith and Jones has done very well in the ratings but it will be interesting the follow this and the critic's assessments over the next 3 months.

Meanwhile down in Croydon, I awoke with a headache. Yesterday involved me going to watch the series launch with 350 other nutters at The Printworks pub in Farringdon - which at times resembled one giant day care centre, I swear at one point a member of staff went around wiping the tables and then accidentally some of the mucky chops faces sat at them. I know that the Government would like to get more private sector provision into social services but I didn't expect it to extend to JD Wetherspoons.

I went to a few pubs before and after going to the launch so decided the best approach for today would be to head into Addiscombe for a fry up. I was warm by the time I arrived and nearly took my jumper off but then remembered I had a WHO t-shirt on underneath. Slightly embarrassed I opted to sweat it out rather than show my sad fan qualities.

After a while two old ladies of about late 60s / early 70s came in and ordered today's special - Roast beef, potatoes + 3 veg. They chatted about old ladies stuff and then I thought I heard one of them mention 'Doctor Who'. I thought I must be just obsessively hearing things so ignored it. Then I heard her say 'hospital' and 'Moon' and figured she probably was referring to that lame and lazy tat from last night.

They had a nice long chat about it:
"Did you see Anne Reid? From Coronation Street? And Dinnerladies?"
"Yes, she was very good"
"I don't think they've had a black companion before"
"No dear"
"I'm really looking forward to the new series of Torchwood now"
"Oh I don't think that'll be on until the Autumn, dear"
"Oh well, it's Shakespeare next by the looks of things"

I should have gone over whipped my jumper off and got them down to The Keepers of Croydon - I'm telling you, they weren't good looking but they could be the most interesting women in fandom. Heck if they can get into London and find a seat they'd probably have a blast at the Tavern.

So if these old dudes can keep living and carry on watching I think the critics can say what they like - the public are talking about WHO today and they're talking positively. Well I say the public; I mean Doris and Frieda.