Doctor Who "Army of Ghosts"/"Doomsday" US PREMIERE Talkback (spoilers)

[Lord Dalek]

TIME IS RUNNING OUT...

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Doctor Who - Episodes #187 and #188 "Army of Ghosts and Doomsday"

Planet Earth. This is where I was born, and this is where I died. The first nineteen years of my life, nothing happened. Nothing at all. Not ever. And then I met a man called "The Doctor". A man that could change his face. He took me away from home in his magical machine. He showed me the whole of time and space. I thought it would never end. That's what I thought, but then came the Army of Ghosts. And came Torchwood and the war. That's when it all ended. This is a story of how I died.

Cast: David Tennant (The Doctor), Billie Piper (Rose Tyler), Camille Coduri (Jackie Tyler), Noel Clarke (Mickey Smith)

Guest Cast: Shaun Dingwall (Pete Tyler), Andrew Hayden-Smith (Jake Simmonds), Tracy-Ann Oberman (Yvonne Hartman), Raji James (Dr Rajesh Singh), Freema Agyeman (Adeola), Hadley Fraser (Gareth), Oliver Mellor (Matt), Barbara Windsor (Peggy Mitchell), Hajaz Akram (Indian Newsreader), Anthony Debaeck (French Newsreader), Takako Akashi (Japanese Newsreader), Paul Fields (Weatherman), David Warwick (Police Commissioner), Rachel Webster (Eileen), Kyoko Morita (Japanese Girl), Maddi Cryer (Housewife), Derek Acorah (Himself), Alistair Appleton (Himself), Trisha Goddard (Herself), Paul Kasey (Cyber Leader), Nicholas Briggs (Dalek / Cyberman Voices); Barnaby Edwards, Nicholas Pegg, Stuart Crossman, Anthony Spargo, Dan Barratt, David Hankinson (Dalek Operators).

COMMENTS?

[shoujoaifan]

Man, not alot of posts in the last few weeks. You'd think that at least the season finale with the Cybermen and the Daleks FIGHTING EACH OTHER in a three way fight with the Doctor and Rose would bring in more replies.

I missed part of the first episode, so I'll have to wait to post a full review, but DAMN. That was so good, so sad, so happy, so good and sad and happy all that same time! Its so sad that they're apart forever, but great that Rose got to say good-bye to him one last time. She even said "I love you" to him. And it was so devastating that he missed saying it by THAT much.

Its times like this that the whole "The Doctor can never have relationships" rule, even if temporary and platonic, is really ridiculous, especially in the news series which is not just for kids anymore. Hell, that "rule" isn't even official, and only "started" because they didn't want anymore questioning why a young girl was with the First Doctor, so they made him and Susan Foreman grandfather and granddaughter.

But I can't get entirely too mad over that either. There are only 2 constants in DW: 1) The Tardis, and 2) The Doctor. The fact its normally a new place every episode and characters come and go, and actors for the same character, the Doctor, are part the reason the story can stay fresh after decades. That, the Tardis being the ultimate plot generator, as well as the most stylish :cool:

I wasn't under any delusions him and her would get together, and even if they did, it wouldn't last, since nothing on this show is forever, much like they try to teach.

(They sometimes pound the messsage into you head, and the third series/season of the new show really needs a new theme before that gets old.)



But overall, I'll remember these two seasons fondly. Once in awhile Rose could've tuned down the ceaseless Doctor praise, but they did make a good team. Her being an average human instead of a pre-made hero allowed us to see the Doctor from her perspective, and they're working together like finely oiled gears in the second season was cute, fun, and inspiring.

I'll miss Rose Tyler, but will look forward to the new characters she and the 9th and 10th Doctor paved a way for. The new show had to find its legs after such a long time with no new Doctor Who on the air, which we all thought the first season did, but were blown away by the second.

And we got to know the 10th Doctor through her, a now fully formed Doctor ready to take on any new companions and what the universe throws at them.

Godspeed.

[Ultra8]

I saw bits & pieces of bothe episodes. Even though I knew about the Daleks returning by seeing the preview and the promo their entrance at the end of part 1 was still killer.:D The sad/farewell at the end was a teary moment, but just when you think they're going to end on a dour moment in comes the bride:eek:!?!
.........................................
Very nice set-up for season 3. Those sly bastiches at BBC.

10/10

[ShadowGUN]

Dalek: "Identify yourself"

Cybermen:"No, identify yourself first"

Dalek:"No, you first"

Cybermen:"No, you"

Dalek: "EXTERMINATE"

Cybermen: "DELETE"

LOL That conversation had me in stiches. The season finale was better than the first one. Lots of action, humor and sadness. The scene with Jackie and Pete was touching and weird. I didn't saw Jackie beign pregnant coming. At last I gonna miss Rose Tayler. She was funny and cute even though she had the habit of getting herself into trouble.

Btw that Genesis Ark, the Doctor mention that it was prison for the Daleks but I wonder if it was something else. I mean what if the Genesis Ark was supposed to be somekind of life boat for the Time Lords? What if is not the only one? Maybe some of the Time Lords survived in one of those thing. Food for thought for season 3 huh?

[Conan-san]

Maybe some of the Time Lords survived in one of those thing. Food for thought for season 3 huh?

If you send your memory card and $40 to my address I can make it so.

[TheMecca]

Caught the 11 PM repeat and fell asleep in the middle of Army of Ghosts.
Half of Army of Ghosts was brilliant.
Oh and PS I need to watch Stargate now.

[Lord Dalek]

Scifi has announced that Season 3 will air next summer hot on the heels of BBC 1.

[Conan-san]

Scifi has announced that Season 3 will air next summer hot on the heels of BBC 1. And if it worked in reverse with every other us import, my life would be simpler.

[Duke]

Dalek: "Identify yourself"

Cybermen:"No, identify yourself first"

Dalek:"No, you first"

Cybermen:"No, you"

Dalek: "EXTERMINATE"

Cybermen: "DELETE"

LOL That conversation had me in stiches.
The Daleks slamming the Cybermen not once but twice (I forget the exact quotes) were even better.

Eccelston cameo! Yay!

This was a pretty good season finale, though it would've been nice if the Cybermen had put up more of a fight. There were an initial threat, but once the Daleks came, they just rolled over. I know it had to be that way since otherwise you couldn't believe 4 Daleks could take on millions of Cybermen, but still.

BTW, the Doctor's 3D glasses = awesome.

[ManicWebb]

Dalek: "Daleks have no need for elegance!"
Cyberman: "This is obvious."

I loved this episode. You can never go wrong in an episode featuring the Daleks, and the Cybermen were as creepy as ever. Of course, I may never look at Bluetooth headsets the same ever again.

This is what Torchwood should be like. Not some dingy little hole in the ground. Bad form, Davies. Don't give us a pristine, professional Torchwood on Doctor Who, and make the Welsh branch in the spin-off look like it was put together by two people over one drunken weekend.

[Temple Fugate]

"Army of Ghosts" got off to a slow start, but once we got to "Doomsday" everything really took off. A very satisfying conclusion to a great season.

The pacificity (???) of everyone in regards to the "ghosts" was unsettling. It brought out the fact that people really do find comfort in departed loved ones and would accept even an improbable and ambiguous circumstance if it would just give them peace of mind.

The best parts, of course, were the Dalek/Cybermen argument and the sudden appearance of the Bride. I rewatched that last scene ten times before I stopped laughing. Poor Doctor can't get a break.

Doctor Who #187 (2x12) - "Army of Ghosts" - ***
Doctor Who #188 (2x13) - "Doomsday" - ****
Doctor Who #187-188 story arc - ****

[IanC]

The Daleks slamming the Cybermen not once but twice (I forget the exact quotes) were even better.

Dalek Sec: We would destroy the Cybermen with one Dalek! You are superior in only one respect.
Cyber Leader: What is that?
Dalek Sec: You are better at dying.

:) I love that moment.



and the sudden appearance of the Bride. I rewatched that last scene ten times before I stopped laughing. Poor Doctor can't get a break.

The Doctor: What?
Bride: Huh?
The Doctor: What?
Bride: Who are you?
The Doctor: But...
Bride: Where am I?
The Doctor: What?
Bride: What the hell is this place?!
The Doctor: What?!

[HellCat]

"THIS IS NOT WAR, THIS IS PEST CONTROL!!"

For the Brits, little over 2 days till we get the resolution to that cliffhanger :)


BTW, the Doctor's 3D glasses = awesome.

http://www.boomspeed.com/hellcat/doctorvoidstuff.gif

[Conan-san]

That's some nice gif action there, lu.

[James]

Its times like this that the whole "The Doctor can never have relationships" rule, even if temporary and platonic, is really ridiculous, especially in the news series which is not just for kids anymore.

Tehcnically, it's not anymore or less for kids than previously, it just does a better job at being a quality production.


Hell, that "rule" isn't even official, and only "started" because they didn't want anymore questioning why a young girl was with the First Doctor, so they made him and Susan Foreman grandfather and granddaughter.


Well it was a little more than that. It was also because no one likes to imagine a 60 year old codger getting jiggy.

But I think you are brushing away a serious and valid perspective; that the Doctor was one of the rare and few heroes on TV that was dictated by sexuality. He was a character who didn't have to be motivated to "save his love" to be a part of the story. He was a hero to many homosexuals because he could be identified with: he was a hero who did what he wanted, wore what he wanted and his success at being the saviour of the galaxy had nothing to do with the orientation of his loins. Back in the 70s/80s you didn't get many heroes who weren't in some way hetrosexual. In fact even today, Hollywood has to make sure that any duo male partnership in a film is clarified as Hetrosexual by the love interest. Even Bill and Ted.

While this doesn't make the Doctor gay, it makes him non sexual, and this was an original, refreshing and as I said, sexually irrelevant character that everyone could identify, that was alien by the fact he had less interest in women than Spock; that to him, the universe was his love, and this silly animal sex thing was just something a little below his race.

I'm not saying you can't enjoy the Doctor as a more "human" character, I'm just saying there are some very strong narrative and reactionary reasons why having a non sexual Doctor was a good role model for kids/teens, a unique character and perhaps - a more realistic higher being.



But overall, I'll remember these two seasons fondly. Once in awhile Rose could've tuned down the ceaseless Doctor praise, but they did make a good team. Her being an average human instead of a pre-made hero allowed us to see the Doctor from her perspective, and they're working together like finely oiled gears in the second season was cute, fun, and inspiring.


Well I must differ. I hated Rose in season two. She had nothing left to explore in her character. The Cyber saga just revisted old ground found in Fathers Day and she never really evolved through Series two. Impossible Planet was probably her highlight. She was irritating beyond belief in Tooth and Claw/School Reunion and superfluous to "Girl in the Fireplace". Not saying Billie Piper didn't do a good job. Excellent acting in this final episode and "New Earth" gave her lots to play with.

By the end of Season Two, her annoying voice, lack of evolution and icky dynamics with the Doctor was just enough. I enjoyed the ending of Doomsday because I reveled in her pain. I think that's what made the ending so awesome: if you loved Rose, it was bitter sweet, if you hated Rose it was heaven to see her pain after her cocky, smiling "time travel is such an larf as we rush 'round the universe 'avin fun while people die unjustly - it's great, innit??" attitude.

Super final and a slap in the face of RTD haters. Great script, epic ending and a great epilogue. Wonderful stuff. And we got rid of Rose. Thank. God. What the Doctor saw in her I'll never know.

[Pamela Isley]

It's 7:03am here and I just finished part 2 Doomsday about an hour ago. Fitting ending to the relationship between the Doctor and Rose. Very bittersweet. Yes I cried. :crying: And cried some more. :crying: I am glad Rose told the Doctor how she felt. We know the Doctor felt the same way even if he didn't get a chance to say the words to her end the end. :crying:

A war of words between Daleks and Cybermen?! Cybermen didn't have chance. As far as destruction capability; Daleks are the ultimate killing machine in the universe. I'm not surprised that the Cybermen got run over they way they did. I'm guessing we will be seeing more of the Daleks since the 'leader' pulled a temporal shift and disappeared when the Daleks and the Cybermen were being sucked in the void.

Woman in a wedding dress?! We have almost wait year to get an answer to that?! OY! Talk about cliffhanger. :eek:

[Temple Fugate]

Woman in a wedding dress?! We have almost wait year to get an answer to that?! OY! Talk about cliffhanger. :eek:Not almost a year, more like six months.


BTW, the Doctor's 3D glasses = awesome.That was such a classic display of the Doctor's aloofness in the face of danger. What sold me on the gag was that the entire time he had a good reason for wearing them! Who knew that one day 3D glasses could save the multiverse? The cast of Torchwood should wear them 24/7.

[Lord Dalek]

Not almost a year, more like six months.
More like Tommorow. ;)

[The Weed Of Cri]

I have to play Devil's Advocate here and say, frankly, I'm glad to see the last of Rose. She was a pretty good companion for a while, but in the last few episodes of this season, the show had become more about her than about Thd Doctor. She had been doing more of the heavy lifting than any previous companion and, while I'm sure someone out there will enthusiastically make a case for equal rights for companions (especially the female ones), it had the effect of dimishing The Doctor. For example, in "Fear Her", it was Rose that did all the important damage control, while the Doctor carried the Olympic torch. Ho hum.

Plus, the goodbyes were too long, and way too weepy.

I was a little disappointed that the Cybermen weren't more of a challenge to the Daleks (although the pest control line was a classic). I got the impression from "The Five Doctors" that the two were more evenly matched. Of course, this was an early generation of the Cybermen; maybe future upgrades would increase their formidability.

[Bones Justice]

Having finally seen this, I can chime in that I enjoyed it, for the most part. Apparently, I’m in the minority because I will miss Rose. But then, I also always liked Mickey and now he’s gone, as well. I suppose it’s possible that Mickey and Rose could have their own adventure(s). Who’s to say that the universe they now live in is anymore / less interesting than the one they started in?

For that matter, wouldn’t there be a Doctor in the other universe? I was never clear about where the four new Daleks had come from. I get that they were “thinkers” that had hidden during the Time War. But why did they break down the barrier between universes? To hide? Or did they originate in the the other universe and come to the other one with Rose and the Doctor?

I laughed out loud at the confrontation between the Daleks and Cybermen. I suppose it hurt the “serious-scifi” cred of the episode but it was still funny. I liked Yvonne-Cyberman(?) – do you suppose she was sucked into the void? I think it would be cool for her to show up again as a “good guy”. I don’t think she had dimension-travelled so maybe she would have been spared.

I’ve always thought Mickey was good character and no different here. Good common sense, get a weapon powerful enough to stop the bad guys! He also seemed to know when to duck unlike a lot of other characters in the show. That, and I suppose I always indentified with him because I know what it’s like to be the third-wheel (not sure if that’s just me or everybody but it sucks when it happens).

I liked the part about the 3D-glasses. I have to say that I thought it was a good laugh then darned-impressed when there turned out to be good reason for it.

On the other hand, I didn’t like most of the Doctor’s meetings with the enemy. In fact, I felt cheated. How come is it that he can merrily walk into a room with four heavily-armed Daleks and they don’t blast him to bits? “‘Cuz he’s the Doctor” always seems to be the answer but I guess I’m not steeped in Who-mythology enough to buy that. I preferred the Doctor’s reaction to Daleks in series one. He feared them. He was angered by them because of what they had done. The only times he stood up to them and gave a speech, there was a good reason why he survived (Dalek disarmed; Captain Jack’s force-field; Rose as “Bad Wolf”).

The ending was very sad. My S.O. said it was the her favorite part of the show (I preferred the parts with Cybermen and Daleks). I thought it was bogus that they didn’t let the Doctor express his feelings but then, I’m not sure he ever felt the same way about Rose as she did about him. He obviously loved her, but it was not the kind of romantic love that she seemed to think they had. But then, I guess that’s what happens with nineteen-year-old girls that crush on older guys.

I’m not sure about next season. Half the characters I care about on the show are gone for good.

[ManicWebb]

For that matter, wouldn’t there be a Doctor in the other universe? I was never clear about where the four new Daleks had come from. I get that they were “thinkers” that had hidden during the Time War. But why did they break down the barrier between universes? To hide? Or did they originate in the the other universe and come to the other one with Rose and the Doctor?
It's a shame we don't know the details of the Time War (other than how it ended). Anyway, it seems those Daleks were refugees from the Time War, who were carrying the "genesis arc" that contained millions of their imprisioned brethren. I'm guessing they either built or stole (from the Time Lords, most likely) that sphere to hide from the war by floating between dimensions. The Doctor said the Time Lords could shift between dimensions all the time-- maybe the Time War crossed over several universes, including Pete's.

So the Daleks hid in the Void between dimensions, waited until the T-War was over, then slowly punched their way back to their home dimension (the Doctor and Rose's). They probably wouldn't have even made it back if the Cybermen weren't following them through the cracks, and Torchwood wasn't creating more fissures.

[HellCat]

The common theory (and I think the BBC support this) is that higher beings like the Time Lords only exist in one form throughout the multiverse. Lower beings like humans instead are victims of the seperate realities and exist in many forms. For example, in Pete's World the Doctor was never there to save the queen and the werewolf got to her. That's kind of a trade off since originally that was supposed to be what happened in Tooth and Claw with the timeline eventually altering to what we see in Rise of the Cybermen, but Davies felt the eps were too far apart for viewers to understand the concept.

[Undrave]

The Daleks don't attack the Doctor because they're terrified by him, they don't want to provoke his anger XD. The Doctor is the Destroyer after all. Didn't you see them shaking in their tin cans when he stepped into that room??

Can somebody remind me what were the names of the four Daleks? And is it me or that black Dalek dissapeared through time before being sucked up by the fissure? Something tells me he'll come back later!

[Lord Dalek]

The common theory (and I think the BBC support this) is that higher beings like the Time Lords only exist in one form throughout the multiverse. Lower beings like humans instead are victims of the seperate realities and exist in many forms. For example, in Pete's World the Doctor was never there to save the queen and the werewolf got to her. That's kind of a trade off since originally that was supposed to be what happened in Tooth and Claw with the timeline eventually altering to what we see in Rise of the Cybermen, but Davies felt the eps were too far apart for viewers to understand the concept.Really! Thats the first time I've heard that one before. Does RTD say that on the DVDs?

Then again that shoots down the whole "The Doctor is the fascist leader in the Infernoverse" theory, so I might have difficulty swallowing it.

[Ultra8]

The Daleks don't attack the Doctor because they're terrified by him, they don't want to provoke his anger XD. The Doctor is the Destroyer after all. Didn't you see them shaking in their tin cans when he stepped into that room??

Can somebody remind me what were the names of the four Daleks? And is it me or that black Dalek dissapeared through time before being sucked up by the fissure? Something tells me he'll come back later!

There names are Dalek They, Dalek Khan, Dalek Jast, & Dalek Sec(the black one). From what I've seen of the 3rd season preview clip we haven't seen the last of Sec.:evil:

Also re-saw the finale during the scifi-ton on Scifi Ch. not only was I able to enjoy it all the way through, but I got to see the BBC preview for Doomsday at the end of Army of Ghosts. If the show comes with previews attached why does Scifi see the need to nix them.

[HellCat]

Really! Thats the first time I've heard that one before. Does RTD say that on the DVDs?

Then again that shoots down the whole "The Doctor is the fascist leader in the Infernoverse" theory, so I might have difficulty swallowing it.

Not sure of the exact location, I think it came from his magazine column. I think he at least mentioned the alternate Tooth and Claw ending in the downloadable commentary. I don't buy the magazine, just remember when those who do list the juicy bits. It's hard to keep track of all the places Davies gives interviews.

[The Weed Of Cri]

On the other hand, I didn’t like most of the Doctor’s meetings with the enemy. In fact, I felt cheated. How come is it that he can merrily walk into a room with four heavily-armed Daleks and they don’t blast him to bits? “‘Cuz he’s the Doctor” always seems to be the answer but I guess I’m not steeped in Who-mythology enough to buy that. I preferred the Doctor’s reaction to Daleks in series one. He feared them. He was angered by them because of what they had done. The only times he stood up to them and gave a speech, there was a good reason why he survived (Dalek disarmed; Captain Jack’s force-field; Rose as “Bad Wolf.

I think the theory behind that pretext is that the Daleks have learned from experience never to take anything the Doctor does at face value. He's just gotten too good at faking them out for them to do the obvious thing around him. That's part of why they fear him so much; not because he's stronger than they are, but because he's usually ten moves ahead of them on the chessboard. The Doctor is a master of psychology, and he understands the Daleks better than anyone who has ever lived, while they lack the mental framework to get any kind of handle on him at all. So when he walks into a potentially lethal situation with a grin on his face, they must, for their own good, assume he's got an ace up his sleeve. Therefore, the Doctor can sometimes bluff them without the ace.

[Undrave]

I think the theory behind that pretext is that the Daleks have learned from experience never to take anything the Doctor does at face value. He's just gotten too good at faking them out for them to do the obvious thing around him. That's part of why they fear him so much; not because he's stronger than they are, but because he's usually ten moves ahead of them on the chessboard. The Doctor is a master of psychology, and he understands the Daleks better than anyone who has ever lived, while they lack the mental framework to get any kind of handle on him at all. So when he walks into a potentially lethal situation with a grin on his face, they must, for their own good, assume he's got an ace up his sleeve. Therefore, the Doctor can sometimes bluff them without the ace.

Damn I don't want to play poker against him XD

As for the Dalek VS Cybermen comment... let's not forget these Daleks have went through the Time War, the greatest war the universe has ever known or ever will know! And those Cybermen were created by some lunatics...sure they're bullet proof and got a few nifty laser but compared to the Daleks, or probably the classic Cybermen, they really are just tin cans.

[Temple Fugate]

If the show comes with previews attached why does Scifi see the need to nix them.Considering they have to chop up the episodes to fit in enough commercial time, the previews would totally be my first choice before picking scenes from the actual episode to remove. I was surprised to see that preview attached to AoG when it aired yesterday.

And personally, I don't like the Doctor Who "Next Times..."s at all. (Though hearing the theme during them is cool. I sometimes will close my eyes and just listen to the "Next Time..."s; the dialogue doesn't give as much away as the visuals.) Most of the time they give too much away. The Sci-Fi previews have a lower rate of spoilage, often making the preview out of one fifteen-second scene (Such as the previews for the first Satellite 5 episode and "Fear Her"). The general season one preview had probably the most spoilage just because they showed multiple Daleks from the season finale before we even hit the "Dalek" episode.

[Golgo13]

I think what I loved most about these episodes was the catchy orchestral soundtrack, but I still love that arguement.

Cybermen: Scanners reveal you are Dalek.
Dalek: Visual casing resembles the inferior species of Cybermen.

Cybermen: You have declared war on the Cybermen.
Dalek: This is not war. This PEST CONTROL!
Cybermen: You are six million. How many are you?
Dalek: 4.
Cybermen: You would destroy the Cybermen with four Daleks?
Dalek: We would destroy the Cybermen with ONE Dalek! Although you are technologically superior in one respect.
Cybermen: What is that?
Dalek: You are better at dying.

[Bones Justice]

I think the theory behind that pretext is that the Daleks have learned from experience never to take anything the Doctor does at face value. He's just gotten too good at faking them out for them to do the obvious thing around him. That's part of why they fear him so much; not because he's stronger than they are, but because he's usually ten moves ahead of them on the chessboard. The Doctor is a master of psychology, and he understands the Daleks better than anyone who has ever lived, while they lack the mental framework to get any kind of handle on him at all. So when he walks into a potentially lethal situation with a grin on his face, they must, for their own good, assume he's got an ace up his sleeve. Therefore, the Doctor can sometimes bluff them without the ace.

I guess that's as good of an explanation as I'm going to get, thanks. But heck, even Rose was able to bluff them! I think I'll just have to chalk it up to the Daleks being as dumb as rocks. It's no wonder they haven't been able to conquer the universe.

It's kind of like that show Psych on USA network. The main character is only clever because the rest of the characters are written as clueless.



The common theory (and I think the BBC support this) is that higher beings like the Time Lords only exist in one form throughout the multiverse. Lower beings like humans instead are victims of the seperate realities and exist in many forms. For example, in Pete's World the Doctor was never there to save the queen and the werewolf got to her. That's kind of a trade off since originally that was supposed to be what happened in Tooth and Claw with the timeline eventually altering to what we see in Rise of the Cybermen, but Davies felt the eps were too far apart for viewers to understand the concept.

Well, if that's the official explanation, there are so many things wrong with it. I mean, if there is only one Doctor in the multiverse, it doesn't really make sense that he cannot travel between them. Presumably, the alternate-Earth would have been conquered or destroyed long ago without his interference...sorry, I mean help. For that matter then, are the Daleks considered "higher beings" as well?

I do like the theory that the events of Tooth and Claw in the other universe led to Rise of Cybermen. Too bad they never explored that.

[HellCat]

Well, if that's the official explanation, there are so many things wrong with it. I mean, if there is only one Doctor in the multiverse, it doesn't really make sense that he cannot travel between them. Presumably, the alternate-Earth would have been conquered or destroyed long ago without his interference...sorry, I mean help. For that matter then, are the Daleks considered "higher beings" as well?

I do like the theory that the events of Tooth and Claw in the other universe led to Rise of Cybermen. Too bad they never explored that.

The Doctor has implied there are various things he as the lone surviving Time Lord can no longer do without the presence of the greater society.
For what counts as higher beings- Davies addressed it in one of the recent annuals, stating that many of them were lost during or departed after the Time War. I don't think the Dalek's count, they're just ambitious enough to accumulate enough technology to make them a threat to the Time Lords.

[HellCat]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ-lJpL2oVg

[Kury Wagner]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ-lJpL2oVg
Oh dear, that was such a giggle! "Procrastinate!" Haha.