Heroes is Back Baby!!!

Photo credit: Accidentalsexiness.com

Heroes Is Back Baby!!!

After seeing the fantastic and wonderful Heroes episode ''Tabula Rasa'' last night (hell, even since last week) there has been a little voice playing in my head telling me ''Heroes is back! Tou pi dou pi dou.'' Yes, it does do that in my head, haha!

It was a solid episode full of even more solid performances. The star of the episode was without a doubt Zachary Quinto, who again demonstrates an amazing range of acting skills. Who didn’t feel for him as the memories of what Sylar had done came rushing back to him and was displayed on the surface of the mirrors of the Carnival’s House of Mirrors for all the viewers to see? Quinto showed anguish aplenty (ever since last week’s episode of ''Hysterical Blindness'' in fact) remorse, horror, confusion and we even saw him happy in last night's episode. On another note, Zachary Quinto should smile more often. I was blinded by his smile last night. I digress again.

All the other actors were equally wonderful. Masi Oka is charming as ever as Hiro, Milo Ventimiglia was solid as Peter, Jack Coleman always shines as Noah Bennet; even Hayden Panettiere was fine last night (maybe it was because she was there only for a short scene – though I have to wonder why they’re putting her in every episode. Ah well). The supporting actors were also wonderful in their respective roles. Deanne Bray charms as Emma, Ray Park is both intense and menacing as knife throwing speedster Edgar and Dawn Olivieri is subdued and effective and, as someone said today, luminous, as Lydia. I really like them.

I also have to say that Robert Knepper is an incredible addition to the Heroes family. His Samuel is one of the most interesting new characters to be created for the show. His true motivations (besides helping people with abilities) are still shrouded in mysteries. And I love the Carnival thing. Every week, I wonder what we will discover; who they are, what they really want, what threat they pose to our Heroes and who and what was Joseph, Samuel's now dead brother who's always mentioned but as of now still unseen.

What I also loved was continuity. They actually talked about Claire’s blood to heal Hiro – something they kind of forgot about and or ignored in season 3. Although we learned in last night’s episode that it wouldn’t work because it would help regenerate the tumour in Hiro’s brain (nice twist). The dialogue was sharp. The characters acted intelligently. I'm blown away! Gone are the inconsistencies that plagued season 3 and the stupid out of character acting from most of the characters.

And as Hiro stood in front of the Burnt Toast Diner from season 1, with fan favourite Charlie’s back to us, I couldn’t help but smile along with him in wonder and think: Heroes is SOOOO back baby!!!!

First Look at the Villain in Doctor Who's Animated Adventure Dreamland

Blogtorwho has put up some scanned pics from the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine out in the UK of the villain from the upcoming Doctor Who computer animated adventure called Dreamland.

Named Lord Azlok , the green bug-like alien is voiced by actor David Warner. The other character in the picture is a Colonel Stark, voiced by Stuart Milligan.

Go here for the details and to see a pic of the Doctor himself coming into a diner.

Writers Orci and Kurtzman on the Star Trek Sequel

Star Trek writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman also sat for a lenghty Q&A at the same Paramount event wich revealed their plans to reboot Hawaii Five-0, Fringe and more importantly the Star Trek Sequel.

Here are some of the highlights from the session

In the Q&A, we learn that Nurse Christine Chapel was originally planned to appear in the first movie in the early drafts of the script.

Also, when asked if there was ''anything from Enterprise or Next Generation or Deep Space or elements, like the Borg, Cardassians, Bajorans, anything on the top of your list that you might want to throw in to the next movie?'' Roberto Orci answered:

I think we’d think about it, just because we do love The Next Generation…I think our instinct would be to first look at The Original Series, before we considered that. But, all that is on the table.

About the possibility that the next Star Trek would be more allegorical and more in tune with modern issues as well as how they would do that and yet keep the positive future envisioned by Gene Roddenberry, Orci answered:

The torture thing was just a for instance. Someone asked, “Modern day issues like torture?,” and we said, “Yeah, sure, modern day issues,” but, we’re not doing a story about Gitmo as I read on some site that it was going to be about Guantanamo Bay. But, now that we’ve established the characters, we can have a more philosophical allegory, where what’s happening in the future represents our world, like the best versions of it in the ’60’s did, representing women’s rights, racial equality, progressive issues.

Both writers also admitted they were still at the brainstorming stage and that they had not yet figured out a story. And again, the Khan question popped up for the millionth time and Kurtzman responded by saying:

Where we’re starting is, “Okay, where are our characters now? What are interesting complications that we can put in their lives? What feels like an organic emotional place for us to get to? How do we want to test them?” And then, you look at everything and start asking, “Who would be the best foe?”

Go here for the rest of the Q&A where they talk Fringe, Cowboys and Aliens and much, much more.

JJ Abrams On The Star Trek Sequel and More

A few days ago, Paramount held a press event in order to promote their fall home video releases. Star Trek is set to come out on both DVD and BluRay on November 17. There was a Q&A session with Director JJ Abrams and he opened up about William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and the Star Trek Sequel.

Amongst the highlights are the fact that Abrams was first approached to do Star Trek in 3-D and that he's very much opened to do the next one in that format.

It is funny. Paramount talked to me about doing the first one in 3-D and, having it only be my second film, I was petrified just at the addition–I thought it would be another dimension of pain-in-the-ass. I thought I would be like, "oh my god, I just want to make a decent 2-D movie.” I was so worried that, instead of being a decent 2-D movie, it would have been a bad 3-D one. So I’m open to looking at it because now I feel a little bit more comfortable and, if I, in fact, direct the sequel to our Star Trek film, 3-D could be really fun, so I’m open to it. What I’ve seen of Avatar makes me want to do it, because it’s so crazy-cool looking.

About Shatner, Abrams said that he ''would love to figure out something.'' And that they are talking and have a lunch date planned and that he considers himself a friend of his.

JJ Abrams also responded to Leonard Nimoy's comments that he would not be in the next movie which I reported here. Abrams said:

I can say that I can’t imagine a Star Trek movie not needing him. I’m sure what he’s saying is a combination of modesty and honesty. He may actually feel that way. But, the truth is, we could never have made this movie without him, and working with him again would be a joy. It is clearly too early, given that we are just now talking story, to conclude whether or not Spock Prime is in the film or not, but do I want to work with him again? Of course, 100%. I’d love to.

The Star Trek director also gets to share his thoughts on Nick Meyer, the director of Wrath of Kahn, who apparently watched all 79 episodes of TOS before directing one of the best Star Trek Movies of all time.

Go here for the complete report

New New Doctor, New New Logo!

Seems Steven Moffat and the BBC are making a lot of changes along with the new Doctor, new Companion, new interior Tardis design, new Sonic Screwdriver and new Logo!

The BBC unveiled his new Doctor Who logo this week. The logo differs greatly from the Russell T. Davies era logo but is similar in style to the logos of the 1970s and the one for the Eight Doctor. Go Here to look at the different Doctor Who logos.

This week, Matt Smith was filming episode 1 of series 5. New pictures have recently surfaced which you can view here.

Also, there is a picture of Matt Smith holding up an expiring Sonic Screwdriver. You can view it here. I wrote about the new sonic screwdriver back in july here.

Vincent Van Gogh on Season 5 of Doctor Who

A while back I reported here that writer Richard Curtis from Blackadder fame was writing an episode of Series 5 of Doctor Who with Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor.

Today, it was revealed that the historical character was going to be famous painter Vincent Van Gogh and that the monster would be yellow.

"So I'm doing a Doctor Who that will be on TV next February. I've got Van Gogh stabbing a monster."

"Someone from the BBC just sent me a picture of my monster. I had to decide if it was yellow enough."

It also seems to be confirming that series 5 will closely follow the last of the specials that is set to air on New Year's Day 2010. Curtis says his episode is set to air in february.

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Official BBC Synopsis for Tennant's Appearance on The Sarah Jane Adventures

The BBC Press Office has released the official synopsis for The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith, The Sarah Jane Adventures episode where for the first time the character of the Doctor will appear in a spin-off.

David Tennant of course reprises the role of the Doctor.

Sarah Jane has met Peter Dalton and wants him to become part of her life, as the adventure series continues; perhaps he could become a father to Luke. But Clyde suspects that Peter is hiding a secret or two, especially when he and Rani find an empty house where Peter says his home should be.

The Doctor makes a spectacular return on the happiest day of Sarah Jane's life but a deadly trap is awaiting them all.

As the strands of a clever and careful plan come together, can even a Time Lord save Sarah Jane on the day of her arch-enemy's greatest triumph?

The Doctor joins the battle, as the power of the Pantheon Of Discord grows in strength, in the second and concluding part of this week's story, but a deadly trap is waiting for them all.

The Doctor makes a spectacular return on the happiest day of Sarah Jane's life, but is he too late to save both his old companion and Earth itself? As the strands of a clever and careful plan draw together, the two friends are separated across different time zones and must fight to save each other. For one, there's a terrible price to pay.

Sarah Jane Smith is played by Elisabeth Sladen, Peter Dalton by Nigel Havers, Clyde by Daniel Anthony, Rani by Anjili Mohindra and The Doctor by David Tennant.

Part One will air on BBC One on Thursday 29 October and part Two will follow the next day on BBC One on Friday 30 October.

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Star Trek Writer Roberto Orci Likes the Borg

At this moment. Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman are hard at work penning the sequel to Star Trek.

There are a few things that recently came out from a chat on the Don Murphy Message Board and Trek Web reports that Orci and Kurtzman wont let Scotty become a joke on the next movie and that Roberto Orci is a great fan of the Borg!

This is exciting news but in no way guarantee the Borgs will be the next villains in the follow up movie, something I would love to see myself.

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Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith in Tennant's Costume! And Amy Pond is a Policewoman

Alun.Vega has some fantastic new pics of new Doctor Matt Smitt and his companion Amy Pond played by Karen Gillan.

Smitt is wearing David Tennant’s Doctor brown striped suit which is pretty much ripped and tattered. It seems likely that this will be the first episode to air after the Doctor’s Regeneration. It appears that Smitt’s Doctor will meet his new companion Amy, who is a policewoman and supposedly, the story will take place in the 1990s

I have to admit I'm rather feeling sad at the sight of Tennant's costume all in shreds. However, I'm wondering if the Tenth Doctor will meet a rather heroic end? After all, Gardner, Tennant and Davies did say it would be very emotional.

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Exclusive Patti Beninati 2009 SDCC Article: BBC Being Human Panel and Doctor Who's 6th Doctor - Colin Baker

Pictures 1-3: The Being Human Panel with Lenora Crichlow, Aidan Turner, Russell Tovey and Writer/Creator Toby Whithouse

While at SDCC, Patti Beninati attended many panels, amongst which was the BBC Being Human Panel. She also took the opportunity to interview Being Human up and coming actors Lenora Crichlow, Aidan Turner and Russell Tovey, as well as Writer/Creator Toby Whihouse.

Miss Beninati kindly gave the Inside Trekker permission to reproduce exclusively for this site part of her article and interview on Being Human.

About the SDCC itself she said that :

Comic Con West topped itself this year, as the biggest and most exciting popular culture convention in the world

And that :

Many fans flocked to the show, and flowed seamlessly into the event over that weekend. According to event organizers, attendance was even higher then last year, issuing over 180,000 passes

About the BBC and Being Human panel she reported:

BBC America hosted a robust panel, and a busy booth, this year at SDCC. They introduced yet another cutting edge Sci-Fi import TV series, the much anticipated new vampire show, "Being Human". Creator and writer, Toby Whithouse, actors Russell Tovey, who plays George, reprises his role as the lovable and predatory werewolf, Aidan Turner plays Mitchell the blood-sucking vampire good-looking and laid-back character, and completing the flat-share trio is Annie, played by Lenora Crichlow, a talkative ghost. The comedy drama series features three young characters sharing a house in Bristol UK, trying to live a normal social human lifestyle, despite being a ghost, a werewolf, and a vampire, struggling to keep their secret double-lives. Who ever thought teaming up ghost, vampire, and a werewolf could be good premises for a TV show? Toby Whithouse did! “The show is refracted thru their humanity, each one in their own want to reclaim and refine their own humanity…the humanity they lost. They all struggle, and for them, humanity is the monster and they are the angles”, said Toby Whithouse. “My influences are the legendary Alan Moore who’s well-know for Warrior, a British comic’s anthology and, Neil Gaiman, of the top writers in modern comics”, said Whithouse. Hot actor Aidan Turner said playing a vampire is cool, “It’s not a mater of inspiration, but more like it’s my first gig and thank God I got the part”. “It’s different then the current vampire shows in that the characters want to desperately be human and the difference between the shows Moonlight & Twilight is he lives in a flat in Bristol,” said Turner.

While there Patti Beninati also got to interview Doctor Who's 6th Doctor, British actor Colin Baker from the BBC series Doctor Who

Colin Baker was in rare form, “it’s entirely a new experience for me because most conventions I go to are all Science Fiction TV, so I’m here because most people who are interested in Sci-Fi are interested in comics, said Baker”. He mentioned that, he was having a great time meeting all of the fans. “It’s so nice being in an environment where they like you,” said Baker. He also crashed a Doctor Who set, and surprised the entire cast and the current "Dr. Who", David Tennant, “They shouted…there’s The Doctor, Baker yelled…“No… there’s The Doctor”, said Baker. Baker said that, “It would be fantastic for Doctor Who to be a woman or to have an older guy again”. Baker may be the sixth version of Doctor Who, but he was a highlight of the convention --- he is a refreshing and extraordinary talented actor.

The full article will be published in the coming week in a New York-New Jersey newspaper.

Exclusive Sci-Fi Writer/Director/Producer Patti Beninati Interview

Picture 1: Sci-Fi Writer/Director/Producer Patti Beninati

Pictures 2 and 3: On the set of DMAN, directed by Patti Beninati

Patti Beninati is one of those rare breeds of women - a Sci-Fi Writer/Director/Producer with a vision and drive that completely awes me. She’s also a generous and warm human being, as well as a great friend.

Armed with a BA in journalism, Patti Beninati has made a career in the music world by creating a music and artist entertainment management firm called PB Entertainment Company in 2000. She would later sell it, and in 2006, Are U Trippin Films was born when she teamed up with fellow Writer/Director Michael K. Anderson.

Beninati has produced/directed many TV shows, live concerts, and events that featured today’s' biggest rock stars, and currently still manages several rock bands. She was a principal host/writer/producer/director for the first online Webcasting live event music channel on Broadcast.com, and then later on Yahoo! called Virtually Giggin It. In the past, she worked as a freelance TV Producer for Cablevision and a TV Segment Producer on the syndicated Fox TV show, The Music Scoupe, hosted by actress Kelly Ripa.

Then in 2009, a new Production Company called Centerboro Productions was also created alongside Are U Trippin Films. The new company hopes to produce at least 10 projects over the next 3 years, some of them featuring well-known Sci-Fi stars and icons. They are currently working on 2 new pilots called DMAN and Kyle Youngblood, as well as on several movies of the week, one of which is titled The Newcomers.

Just recently, Beninati attended the 2009 San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) - also called The Con. She related her experience in an exclusive article soon to be published in a New York/New Jersey newspaper. I had the chance to interview her about it, and part of this article will be reproduced exclusively here for this blog in the following blogpost.

As a Sci-Fi Writer/Director/Producer, why do you think Comic-Con is such an important spring-board for genre shows and films?
Over 140, 000 people converged on SDCC. It’s fascinating how fans and industry folks can all intermingle --- no barriers, and all in one place! That’s why I truly love the event. I can meet anyone, from a celebrity to a studio executive. As a Sci-Fi writer and director it gave me the ability to consolidate all of my meetings with actors, studios, and productions companies all in one location. I also got a change to see the hottest movies, TV shows, and comic books coming up. I can’t wait for next years Comic Con!

Was this past Comic-Con your first event of the kind ever?
No, I recently attended NYC’s Comic Con, which is a smaller version of the SDCC event.

What aspect of the Con did you personally find most fascinating?
Seeing the fans in meet and greet sessions and watching the sheer joy on their faces, as they got up close to their favorite stars to get an autograph or just simply stop by a booth to chat with them.

Can you tell us about some of the upcoming projects you and your production company, Are U Trippin Films, are currently working on?
Yes, this really an exciting time for me, and my partner Michael K. Anderson. We recently opened another production company, called Centerboro Productions, that will be the home of 2 new intriguing Sci-Fi TV series, DMAN & KYLE YOUNGBLOOD. I had the honor of writing and directing the DMAN TV series pilot, and it was a blast! The premise of DMAN is about Q7, a dangerous telepathic being from another dimension, finds himself lost and alone on modern-day Earth, but his violent nature changes after he meets Miley, a telepath, who teaches him about humanity and love, as they are pursued by a shadowy government agency. KYLE YOUNGBLOOD is about eccentric scientist Kyle Youngblood who heads up an underfunded team of misfits whose mission is to investigate paranormal and extraterrestrial activity in the rural Midwest. We just finished shooting the unique pilots, and they are both in post production, soon to be presented to the networks. Our TV pilots will feature a few actors, who are currently in a hit Sci-Fi TV series. Many people are surprised at the buzz on them now, with Twitter helping to spread the word, and turn up the hype, we’ve received many inquires from executives, who can’t wait to see them. Additionally, we are going to co-produce 2 MOW’s with another production company that will have some of the most famous TV Sci-Fi stars of today. I’m so numb that my feature film, entitled, THE NEWCOMERS which is a chilling blend of Signs meets Independence Day meets Transformers meets District 9 will soon be in the hands of a big Producer, who will help us get it all going. I get the sense that 2010 is gong to be a big year for me! People ask me… why do I like to write Sci-Fi? and I reply… Ha! I’ am SCI-FI! I want people who see my films to be left with WHAT IF…?

Why do you still like to write articles?
Well, I have a Journalism Degree and a minor in film & TV, and have written many published articles. I like to read and write entertainment editorials, and music reviews, for newspapers, to stay current using my writing skills --- it helps me when I write my scripts. I took the opportunity at THE CON to interview several actors, and writers, including creator and writer, Toby Whithouse of “Being Human”, and his actors in the series, and some people from the “Dr. Who” cast. They all were so wonderful to me, including PR maven, Amy Mulcair, and some folks of BBC America, who arranged the interviews.

My Thanks to Patti Beninati for taking time to answer these questions and for her kind permission to use her article and personal pictures.

Paul McGann Uncertain to Return as the Doctor

If Doctor Who fans were hoping for Paul McGann to at least make a return appearance as the Eight Doctor for the British yearly special Children In Need (like me), their hopes were sadly crushed today.

Apparently, McGann has never been in contact with the new Doctor Who team:

"I've never met these people, I've never been down to Cardiff and met what's his face, Russell T. Davies."

As for some other form of comeback, McGann says: "It's highly unlikely, because since I walked off that set in 1996, no-one's ever called me.

He goes on to say however that he's often heard the rumours of a comeback and McGann often claimed he would be happy to go back to the role. The actor still currently plays the Doctor in audio adventures.

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John Cho on the Star Trek Movie Sequel

Recently, John Cho talked about his new series FlashForward and said a few things about the Star Trek movie sequel. Nothing much seems to be happening other than the writers are working on the script. Cho, who plays Hikaru Sulu on the movie, reported that

I am afraid I don’t have much information for you, except that they are working on a script. All I can tell you is that all the actors are hell-bent on doing it. I am assuming any scheduling issues will be ironed out. I am really optimistic

I'm really getting antsy to finally hear some real news about the sequel!

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Exclusive Interview with Sinead Keenan: Being Human's Nina

Recently, I had the occasion to ask a few questions to the lovely and talented Dublin born actress Sinead Keenan, who plays Nina on the BBC's breakout hit Being Human, which is currently filming it's second season. The TV program has recently finished it's North American run here on BBC America and I believe it has already found a loyal fan base.

In the interview, I wanted to discuss the character of Nina as well as the actress's upcoming appearance in the final two episodes of David Tennant's Doctor Who. Since this is hot potatoes, she had to remain tight lipped about quite a few things which is making me even more curious about the finale.

You play the character of Nina on Being Human, a show that has a werewolf, a vampire, and a ghost living together in a house. At first glance it's not a concept one would think could work, but Being Human does it beautifully. What was your first reaction upon reading the script?
My first reaction when my agent tried to explain the concept to me was "Is this for a children's show?". But then I read the script which I thought was amazing! Toby Whithouse is a genius as far as I'm concerned!

Were you ever a fan of the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre?
I'm not gonna lie to you, sci-fi-fantasy is not a genre that hugely interested me in the past,which is a bit unusual seeing as I've spent the best part of the last year working in the genre. But I'm slowly but surely opening myself up to those kinds of shows and films.

Your character was introduced in the second episode of Season One as George's love interest. What is your take on her?
My initial take on Nina was that she was a bit of a battle axe! But it then began to emerge that so much has gone on in her past that she's built this wall or front to hide behind. Underneath it all she's just a big softie really!

Nina seems to have some secrets: The burn scar on her stomach indicates a possible traumatic event in her life. Will we get to know a bit more about Nina's background in season 2?
Oohhhh.... All I can say is yes, you will get to know more about her scars in season 2.

It was revealed at the very end of the last episode of Season One that Nina was scratched by George when he was changing into a werewolf, meaning she will probably become one as well. Do you know if that will happen in season 2 and if so are you looking forward to these scenes?
Oohhh, once again can't give too much away! All I will say is maybe she was scratched by George,or maybe they were old scratches?? I know what will happen, but I can't tell you guys. Sorry!!!!!

This next question comes from Sheindie: if YOU had written your role, how different would it have been from what we've seen?
Good question Sheindie, but I don't think I would have written Nina any differently at all. As I said before Toby Whithouse is a writing genius in my opinion, so why mess with perfection eh?

You will be in the final two Doctor Who specials that will feature David Tennant as the Doctor. Can you tell us a bit more about the character you're playing?
Oohhh, once again for confidentiality reasons I can't. Sorry!!

What was it like to be on the Doctor Who set and to work with both David Tennant and Russell T. Davies? Did you get to share some scenes with David? How was the atmosphere like on set?
The Doctor Who set, is one of the nicest sets I've ever worked on. It had such a friendly,family atmosphere. I can tell you that most of my scenes were with David and he is a joy to work with. Russell T Davies is a gorgeous man also. Not only a supremely talented writer but a wonderfully friendly man.

Russell Tovey, your Being Human co-star, will also appear in the final two Doctor Who specials, reprising his role of Midshipman Frame. Do both your characters get to interact? If you do, how was it like to act together again but as different characters?
Oohhh, once again I couldn't possibly say. Sorry!

One last question: What are your thoughts about the recent successes in North America of British Sci-Fi/Fantasy shows such Being Human, Doctor Who and Torchwood?
It is so thrilling to be involved in a production that has been so well received not only in the UK but the US also. I don't know why they've been so popular with the Americans but we're so delighted they are!!

Thank you so much, Miss Keenan, for taking the time to talk with us!

Tennant's Doctor on The Sarah Jane Adventures: First Pics

Digital Spy has released the first pictures of David Tennant's appearance as the Doctor in the two-parter Sarah Jane Adventures episode The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith. This is an incredible Sneak Peak!!!

The episode will air on two consecutive nights: part 1 on Oct. 29th and part 2 on Oct. 30th on BBC One. This episode will later be followed, most likely in November, by the Doctor Who special The Waters of Mars, however a date has yet to be released.

Digital Spy has also included the BBC synopsis of the episode:

Overall story summary: "Sarah Jane has met Peter Dalton and wants him to become part of her life; to become a father to Luke perhaps. But Clyde thinks Peter is hiding a secret or two of his own, especially when he and Rani find an empty house where Peter says his home should be..."

Part one summary: "The Doctor returns on the happiest day of Sarah Jane's life - but a deadly trap is waiting for them all! As the strands of a clever and careful plan draw together, can even a Time Lord save Sarah Jane, on the day of her arch-enemy's greatest triumph?"

Part two summary: "The Doctor joins the battle - but is it too late to save both Sarah Jane and the Earth itself? As the power of the Pantheon of Discord grows in strength, the old friends are separated across different time zones, and must fight to save each other - but for one, there's a terrible price to pay."

Looking at the first picture, you see that the Doctor's Tardis has landed right smack in the middle of Sarah Jane's attic, under the bemused looks of Sarah Jane, Luke, Clyde and Rani. Has it also crushed Mr. Smith, Sarah Jane's alien computer?

With only a few appearances left from David Tennant's Tenth Doctor until the end of the year the fall season announces itself to be an important one for all Doctor Who and Tennant fans.

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