Festive Viewing

[poliphilo]

I put the Queen's Christmas message on for my mother and watched it with her and it was as dull as ever. "So she isn't abdicating," said Ailz.

The Queen was followed by a humourless Shrek spin-off called Puss in Boots. I left my mother to it. After twenty minutes of animated mayhem she asked, plaintively, of no-one in particular, "Where's the Queen gone?"

I didn't make my mother watch Dr Who but let an hour elapse and caught it on the i-player. I hadn't been thrilled to learn Santa would be appearing but in the event it was all rather cleverly managed. Christmas specials are usually crap and this one wasn't. Apparently Jenna Colman isn't abdicating either. 

Comments

[porsupah.livejournal.com]

I'm not especially a republican (not in the US sense, needless to say), but I do find it difficult to get much enthusiasm up for the monarchy. They're certainly a popular tourist attraction, but to support such extraordinary luxury seems out of tune with modern times. Theoretically, they can be a check on excesses of Parliament, but that never actually seems to come into play, short of rumors of rather petty meddling.

I did thoroughly enjoy Last Christmas. Rather a neat concept, having part of the dream be actively working against itself - and having Danny return was handled appropriately poignantly. To find Clara was indeed remaining was a mild surprise, given all the rhubarb over this being her point of departure. I admit, I remain a bit lukewarm with her, though there have been some highlights in recent episodes, such as Flatline and Death in Heaven. Maybe we'll see more of that Clara. ^_^

How about Peter Capaldi for King? I'd vote for him.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

The Royals are a feudal hangover we should have outgrown by now- and the keystone of a tiresomely hierarchical society. All the crawling and smarming around them sets my teeth on edge.

Last Christmas was pretty good. Jenna Coleman is pleasant enough but her character has never really come into focus for me. First she was this mysterious girl who kept cropping up everywhere- which was resolved or explained in a manner I never understood- and then she was working in a school; I don't get her at all.

Capaldi for King? Well, he'd liven things up a bit.

[lblanchard.livejournal.com]

I am thrilled that Jenna Coleman is coming back. Especially now that they've got that lying-has-consequences bit sorted out. Or at least I hope they do, and not just their dream selves.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I'm not fond of Clara. I can't get a handle on her. I like Jenna Coleman well enough but I don't know who or what her character is supposed to be.

[davesmusictank.livejournal.com]

Agreed. I AM A BIG FAN OF HER.

[matrixmann]

Why were people placing their bets on that the Queen is abdicating this Christfest? Does this have a serious background?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I've no idea. I was surprised to hear about it. I've always understood that the Queen- with her high doctrine of monarchy- which isn't so very far from a belief in the Divine Right of Kings- has let it be understood that she will never abdicate.

[matrixmann]

Heard the story too that betting shops in England have lots of bets running if the Queen will abdicate at Christmas this year. But there also seemed to be no concrete indication for that.
Well, so you can put this into the drawer "another ridiculous bet that Englishmen suddenly go for out of fun"...

[w. lotus (from livejournal.com)]

I caught the special, and the storyline was fascinating.