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NuWHO monsters and enemies worthy of classic status


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Old 11-12-2013, 00:00
Tom Tit
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I thought it might be interesting to look at who created the various villains / races that have recurred. Of course, the person who wrote their introductory episode didn't necessarily create them but I suppose they did much to flesh them out if they weren't the originator of the actual idea, and also presumably made them popular through the script they wrote.

The Daleks & Davros - Terry Nation

The Meddling Monk - Dennis Spooner

Cybermen - Kit Peddler & Gerry Davies (my understanding is Kit Peddler was the ideas man and Gerry Davies the dramatist in their writing partnership)

The Macra - Ian Stuart Black

The Ice Warriors - Brian Hayles

The Great Intelligence & the Yeti - Merv Haisman & Henry Lincoln

The Autons - Robert Holmes

The Silurians - Malcolm Hulke (one of Doctor Who's most underrated writers in my opinion)

The Master - Robert Holmes (wrote his first appearance in 'Terror of the Autons' but he was really made to order as an ongoing villain and so presumably Terrance Dicks (script editor) and Barry Letts (producer) are really co-creators)

The Sontarans - Robert Holmes

The Zygons - Robert Banks-Stewart

The Mara - Christopher Bailey

Sil - Philip Martin

The Rani - Pip & Jane Baker

The Slitheen - Russell T. Davies

The Judoon - Russell T. Davies

The Ood - James Strong (writer of their first episode but I believe R.T.D is the credited creator)

The Weeping Angels - Steven Moffat

The Silence - Steven Moffat


Those are off the top of the head. I know I'm almost certainly missing a lot so feel free to add them.

KEY

In bold are the ones who have appeared in more than one era (ie the greatest longevity). I've defined this as must be a different Doctor, producer & script editor (classic series) / Doctor and 'showrunner' (modern series) to their initial appearance.

In italics are the ones who have been written by writers other than their creator (ie have had a shelf life beyond the ongoing influence of their creator)


Underlined
are the ones who have appeared in both the 'Classic' and 'Nu' series.
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Old 11-12-2013, 00:16
Clackers
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Class A Villains:

The Master
The Rani
Omega

Class B Villains:

Davros
The Celestial Toymaker
The Meddling Monk

Class A Enemies:

Daleks
Cybermen
Weeping Angels

Class B Enemies:

Zygons
Sea Devils
The Silents
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Old 11-12-2013, 00:22
CD93
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@TT

Although fleeting on both occasions, the Judoon also returned with the Alliance in S5 & The Doctor's army in S6
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Old 11-12-2013, 01:31
Mrfipp
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I think out of all the monster we've seen in New Who, I think the Weeping Angels are the ones that stand the best chance of still appearing in stories twenty years in the future.

I'd want to say the Silents as well, but they seem specific to Eleven's era, and the arc around him, so I don't think we'll never see them once Smith goes.

Creatures like the Ood, Judoon, or Slitheen are enemies that I think we'll also see stories for in the future, but maybe only once.

It also occurs to me that we haven't really haven't had a new nemesis in New Who, like the Master or Davros, that could stand up to the show's longevity. The closest I think we've gotten was the Trickster, who only appeared in SJA, but I'd love to him him appear as an enemy in Doctor Who.
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Old 11-12-2013, 01:58
Abomination
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I didn't even know who the Trickster was and I have seen every single episode of Doctor Who multiple times (including reconstructions for the missing ones). Really, he has no place in that list.
As I said, his inclusion is arguable, depending on how much you're willing to lean on the spin-off series as well - what swayed me (personally) is that he's appeared in three stories, met The Doctor in one of them whilst heavily referencing him in both others, was essentially responsible for the events of Turn Left and was also a cog in the machine behind TW: Miracle Day.
It's all personal opinion of course, but as someone who watched the three RTD series flow between each other, and then saw The Doctor come up against him in The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith, he has a more established presence within the Whoniverse, if not Doctor Who itself, than anything else from NuWho on that list except perhaps the Ood.

Of course, I'd never rank him with the likes of The Daleks or The Master, but that's an entirely different league. And due to the unfortunate passing of Lis Sladen which likely prevented the Eleventh Doctor (and Ace and Jo Grant, apparently) coming up against him too then he'll now probably disappear into obscurity in time
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Old 11-12-2013, 03:05
Yoshee
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I rank the aliens of Doctor Who through 'classic', 'vintage', 'one-hit wonder' and 'others'.

CLASSIC MONSTERS/ENEMIES
Daleks
Cybermen
The Master
Weeping Angels

Classics are the pride and joy of Doctor Who. You can expect them to crop up on a rather regular basis, often in stories not limited to their own plots and schemes - they have a far wider scope within the series that can be explored. These are the ones that you're most likely to see on mugs, on t-shirts, in the playgrounds of schools across the UK and beyond. It's a very small list for me, as it takes a lot to reach a status like this. The Daleks, the Cybermen, the Master and the Weeping Angels are the only ones I'd put in this list, making the angels the only addition from NuWho so far. That's not a bad thing on NuWho's part - in eight series, it's impressive that a new creation has emerged that has such storyline longevity, is instantly recognisable and iconic and still retains an element of either mystery, fear or name-power.

VINTAGE MONSTERS/ENEMIES
Sontarans
Silurians
Sea Devils
Ice Warriors
Autons
Ood
Judoon
The Trickster

Vintages are the next rung down, and are the aliens that are likely to recur within the show but not necessarily very often. They're very much a part of Doctor Who's ongoing essence, but they might not be as recognisable by name to non-fans and don't quite have the simple grab-factor of more classic examples, such as the Daleks. From NuWho, the only real addition has been the Ood - a recognisable and distinguishable alien, though their story may well have been told already.
The Trickster from The Sarah Jane Adventures is arguably an indirect example of a 'vintage' enemy, appearing in three seperate stories (and a planned fourth from the aborted stories of Series 5) as well as warranting significant mentions in both Doctor Who: Series 4 and Torchwood: Series 4. Again, his story has likely already been told though he has encountered the Tenth Doctor already and there is room to bring back this sinister, iconic character.
The Judoon are possibly another, but have only had two stories (one in SJA) to prove their worth and haven't recurred barring 'kitchen-sink' moments.
Have to say out of all the assessments I've seen of the Doctor Who foes, this is the one I agree with the most I think.

Only ones I'd add are Davros with the Daleks under "Classics" and perhaps the Zygons under "Vintage" - I know they've only had two televised appearances (so far) but they're brilliant monsters IMO and have the potential to be great recurring villains - they were one of the most requested monsters to be brought back a few years ago IIRC. I remember hearing about them when I was just getting into Doctor Who and being very surprised to learn they'd only been in one story, considering how popular they seemed to be.

I agree with you about the Trickster too - not sure I'd include him in the list, but he was a brilliant recurring enemy in SJA and he would not be unwelcome if he ever makes an appearance in the main show.
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Old 11-12-2013, 06:10
snopaelic
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lol the giant rat from talons. The effects guy was very optimistic when he said it would look terrifying. Weirdly I always assumed it was a clockwork mouse model they used not a bloke in a suit. Be fair the rat is memorable.
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Old 11-12-2013, 08:18
Tom Tit
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[quote=Abomination;70252607]As I said, his inclusion is arguable, depending on how much you're willing to lean on the spin-off series as well - what swayed me (personally) is that he's appeared in three stories, met The Doctor in one of them whilst heavily referencing him in both others, was essentially responsible for the events of Turn Left and was also a cog in the machine behind TW: Miracle Day.
It's all personal opinion of course, but as someone who watched the three RTD series flow between each other, and then saw The Doctor come up against him in The Wedding of Sarah Jane Smith, he has a more established presence within the Whoniverse, if not Doctor Who itself, than anything else from NuWho on that list except perhaps the Ood.


That's fine but the vast majority of casual viewers won't have a clue who he is, and that for me would be the only criteria.
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Old 11-12-2013, 08:27
Mr Seta
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Invasion of the Dinosaurs is another example of a good story where people have focused instead on the poor looking monsters. Unfortunately, in that instance they really didn't help themselves by showing such long scenes with only the dinosaurs onscreen. They may have gotten away with it with only brief or partial shots, much like the Jaws scenes you mentioned in another thread.


Oh, and on topic: the Weeping Angels seem to have been the only ones who have really caught on big. That's no shame on the part of the creators; they've created probably the only legacy monster on a scale with the Daleks or Cybermen (I'd say Sontarans, Silurians, Ice Warriors etc are one rung lower).

I can't see the Silence being used by future writers but you never know. Likewise, the Ood seem to have had their day now, although kids really liked the red eyes thing, and just the visual look of them.

I'm always more for new stuff so I can't say I have any personal favourites to return really. Wracking my brains, very few new aliens have actually been introduced in the Moffat era. They tend to have used more one off monsters, directly related to the plot, or reused the classics.
I pretty much agree with these thoughts above too.

What I think could really work is some creepy looking people that look otherworldly. Such as the stories you hear about with regards to the "Men in Black" (& no, not the silly Will Smith movies). What I'm talking about are the reports of strange people that drive around in old (but new) cars, talk in riddles, stare, know what's about to happen next, wear old suits and have no eye brows. Not sure if The Silence are suppose to substitute for this, but I think that something like this is a missed opportunity.
But really what I'm trying to say is: without much effort or cost, I think you could really make quite a spooky "monster", via coming up with something that is more closer to what we know and are familiar with can often be the more scary (just take a look at Bela Lugosi's original Dracula or Nosferatu -both still very creepy in my books)
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Old 11-12-2013, 10:11
chuffnobbler
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The Reapers were hugely effective, and I would like to see them return to the show.
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Old 11-12-2013, 10:56
Clackers
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I notice people have glossed over my questions apropos the Kandyman...
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Old 11-12-2013, 11:30
adams66
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I notice people have glossed over my questions apropos the Kandyman...
I thought you were taking the proverbial...
OK, I'll bite...
The Kandyman was a one off, was destroyed at the end of the story, has no further story to be told, and was appallingly rubbish in the first place.
So, basically, I genuinely can't imagine why anyone would want it back.
There are plenty of other old monsters that could return, or better still plenty of new ones still to be created. Please let's leave the rubbish old ones (and the Rani and the Valeyard) firmly in the past.
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Old 11-12-2013, 14:24
Arctic Anomaly
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I think it's interesting that, certainly with Moffat as showrunner, we've seen a lot more interaction between these races and their day to day business (I think i'd count Rory's visit to the Cyberfleet, it was interesting to see them dealing with the situation), so a lot of these races are starting to have more longevity.

The Alliance in series 5 was the real start of that, there was a lot of races in the Alliance, while they weren't the focus, they were in the background, they were there and a part of events. I wonder if this would be taken any further, its nice to see the Doctor Who universe in more detail and i'm glad it's subtle.
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Old 11-12-2013, 14:34
chuffnobbler
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I like the Kandyman, and The Happiness Patrol is a definite favourite. Sadly, he's squashed by fondant surprise, so won't be able to reappaar.
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Old 11-12-2013, 14:53
lordo350
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I would say the Silence, but I do think they are top easy to forget about.

I'd defo go for the Weeping Angels. They are always displayed along with Daleks, Cybermen etc when the Doctor Who monsters are advertised. In all seriousness though, I think the Silence have bundles of potential. We still don't really know that much about them.

I'd also say the Ood will probably be re-used, as will the Judoon (Moffat has re-used both of these himself, crediting they were "created by RTD" (a nice sentiment, but the Ood were actually created by the bloke who wrote Impossible Planet, Paul thingy)).
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Old 11-12-2013, 15:14
CoalHillJanitor
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The Reapers were hugely effective, and I would like to see them return to the show.
They were a good idea, albeit one that seems to have been abandoned. My favourite part was the fact that very old walls and doors afford a measure of protection against them, as though the age of a thing gives it a fourth-dimensional thickness.
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Old 11-12-2013, 15:29
tomwozhere
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Yes, I do think the Weeping Angels have achieved classic status but they need to be used wisely in the future or I think people are going to get very bored of them.

I reckon the Ood have got their place as well and they seem to be able to fit into stories pretty easily.

I think The Silence (race not order) could easily achieve classic status but like the Weeping Angels, they need to be used well. If they appear after The Time Of The Doctor, it's probably best if they aren't with any allies.

The design for the Vigil is terrific in my opinion, I think they should definitely be seen again but with the focus on them, if that's possible.

THE WISPERMEN WERE SUCH A FANTASTIC DESIGN TOO. They really shouldn't have served as an extension for the GI because they could have be a brilliant recurring Villain. I honestly thought they were going to be the Doctor Who equivalent of The Trickster. It would be great if they could prop up again and have a cool concept but I don't know how Moffat would be able to seperate them from the Great Intelligence.
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Old 11-12-2013, 15:33
adams66
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I'd also say the Ood will probably be re-used, as will the Judoon (Moffat has re-used both of these himself, crediting they were "created by RTD" (a nice sentiment, but the Ood were actually created by the bloke who wrote Impossible Planet, Paul thingy)).
Matt Jones wrote The Impossible Planet, but maybe he sometimes uses the pseudonym Paul Thingy...

But it's commonly acknowledged that RTD actually came up with the Ood. Originally the Impossible Planet was to have featured some Slitheen, so I'm glad it was changed. RTD wanted some really odd looking creatures, and their name was play on 'Odd'.
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Old 11-12-2013, 23:24
The_Judge_
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Everyone seems to have done a great job already so i can't add to this list but I can't hold back the temptation to post these quotes:

“Are you my mommy"

"Hey, who turned out the lights"


both of these still creep me out!
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Old 09-05-2015, 17:47
Clackers
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Any more ideas?

Shame that no NuWho villain returned in Capaldi's first year.

Time to bring back the Scarecrows or the Clockwork Droids!
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Old 09-05-2015, 17:48
Dalekbuster523
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The Weeping Angels
The Silence
The Clockwork Droids
The Ood

I would say the Vashta Nerada but I feel they need to return first for them to be truly iconic.
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Old 09-05-2015, 17:50
Dalekbuster523
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Likewise, the Ood seem to have had their day now, although kids really liked the red eyes thing, and just the visual look of them.
I wouldn't say that. They did return in The Doctor's Wife and the online minisode Pond Life.
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Old 09-05-2015, 17:58
Dalekbuster523
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Any more ideas?

Shame that no NuWho villain returned in Capaldi's first year.

Time to bring back the Scarecrows or the Clockwork Droids!
The Clockwork Droids returned in Deep Breath. As for the Scarecrows, they don't need to return. They're just your generic henchmen. Where else can you go with them?
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Old 09-05-2015, 18:03
saladfingers81
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Maybe I need to rewatch but the Scarecrows weren't actually a monster or race were they? They were just brought to life as henchmen and due to the setting it made sense it was them. So 'they' can't return as there never was a 'they'. Could you have scary scarecrowes again in the show? No reason why not but they werent a thing.
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Old 09-05-2015, 18:10
Dalekbuster523
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Maybe I need to rewatch but the Scarecrows weren't actually a monster or race were they? They were just brought to life as henchmen and due to the setting it made sense it was them. So 'they' can't return as there never was a 'they'. Could you have scary scarecrowes again in the show? No reason why not but they werent a thing.
No, they weren't. They were literally just ordinary scarecrows.
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