The season finale of Doctor Who airs this Saturday in the U.K., a much awaited climax to not only the 2008 season but an era launched by Russell T. Davies four years ago. The New York Times recently did an homage to Davies, "Who Altered British TV? 'Who' Indeed", since the program will be in new hands next year. I grew up on parts of the classic series (1963-1989) and never dreamed it would come back, but Davies has done the unthinkable: new Who has been as good as the old (if mawkish at times), and in some ways transcended it.
As ever, the Doctor doesn't get a moment's rest. Since April he's rescued present-day earth from an alien invasion, gone back to Pompeii in the year 79 when Vesuvius erupted and killed thousands (an emotional episode), teamed up with Agatha Christie in 1926 to solve a murder, and -- my favorite story -- traveled to a planet-sized library in the 51st century, where shadows kill on contact and eat flesh to the bone. (I dream of libraries this size but probably wouldn't visit that one. See the "Silence in the Library" trailer for a creepy preview.) This Saturday's finale is the second half of a two-parter featuring his worst enemies from the classic series, the Daleks, and the resurrection of their creator, Davros. (See this trailer.)
The episodes are being released on the Sci-Fi channel in America, a bit behind the U.K. schedule. But even better, if you haven't seen the previous seasons, the Nashua Public Library has acquired all three on DVD. That's 13 episodes per season, at 45 minutes a piece, adding up to 30 hours of time-traveling fun. Each story is unique -- with plenty of comedy, action, and scares -- though always aimed at a family audience.
The Complete First Series.
The Complete Second Series.
The Complete Third Series.
Also try the following books just ordered:
The Doctor Who Encyclopedia: A Definitive Guide to Time and Space
Inside the TARDIS: The Worlds of Doctor Who - A Cultural History
Doctor Who: The Inside Story
Then try material pertaining to the classic series:
Doctor Who, A Celebration: Two Decades Through Time and Space
Vengeance on Varos
The Five Doctors