So, ok, it’s certainly been an interesting year for Dr. Who fans… first there was the announcement that there would not be a full season this year, but instead a series of specials scattered around, then there was the announcement of Steven Moffat replacing Russell T Davies, then word of David Tennant’s departure and the subsequent hiring of Matt Smith as the new doctor…

Meanwhile, over on the Torchwood side of things, we’ve yet to see the after effects of last year’s season finale which effectively cut the team in half, plus the word that this season would be restricted to five episodes to be shown back to back over the course of a week. Thankfully, the latest rumors include word that the Beeb is trying to work things out so that the Torchwood episodes will be shown on BBC America the same day that they air in the UK…

Anyway, while we still have no word when exactly the new Torchwood episodes will premiere (best guess is “spring”), nor when the next Dr. Who special will air (most speculation centers around Easter), the BBC did show a new trailer for the Torchwood episodes (subtitled “Children of Earth”) at the New York Comicon yesterday…

For now, I guess we’re really just in “wait and see” mode…

So, where to begin? Well, I suppose since one of the last real posts we made a few weeks back concerned the release of the classic BBC series The Prisoner on the web courtesy of the folks over at AMC (hey, it’s not all just a goodwill gesture, after all they’re simply trying to promote their upcoming remake, but nevertheless..), we should take note of the passing in of the series’ star, Mr Patrick McGoohan…

from the AMC website:

Patrick McGoohan’s long and distinguished career began over five decades ago and includes credits in acting, directing and producing. He rose to fame in British television starring in the 1960s television series Danger Man (known as Secret Agent in the U.S.) then followed it up with the cult classic The Prisoner and Rafferty — the television series in which he played a former Army doctor practicing in Los Angeles. Other television appearances include Columbo, Murder, She Wrote, and The Simpsons (reprising his role as No. 6 from The Prisoner).
McGoohan’s film acting credits include John Sturges’ critically acclaimed Ice Station Zebra, the Gene Wilder/Richard Pryor vehicle Silver Streak, Escape from Alcatraz (ironically playing the Warden), David Cronenberg’s Scanners, Mel Gibson’s Braveheart, A Time to Kill, and most recently the animated Disney film Treasure Planet.

Behind the camera, McGoohan has worked as a director and/or producer on Danger Man, The Prisoner, and several Columbo television episodes.

The Prisoner has always been a show somewhat steeped in mystery and controversy itself, with even Mr. McGoohan never really coming out and fully trying to explain the entire story. Video Watchdog even devoted a large article recently to the concept that rearranging the accepted order of the shows might make the contnuity of the show fit better. (And, just as a by the way, if you’re not checking out VW on a monthly basis you really should be.)

Nonetheless, Mr. McGoohan will definitely be missed. And for those of you who want to see what his most famous show is all about, well, just fire up the window below which has the first episode in its entirety. Then if you want more, just head to the AMC and check out the rest…

we’re honestly not sure here at moose central how to feel about the fact that amc is remaking the iconic bbc television series the prisoner… it may very well be one of those items that should be left unretouched… still, no matter how that turns out, at least one good thing has come of the project already… according to the amc blogs:

This year, fans are getting even more good news with the launch of AMCtv.com’s classic Prisoner series minisite, where you can view full screen versions of all 17 original episodes or, if you don’t have that kind of time, watch one-minute recaps that tell you the story in brief. Delve deeper into the series with episodic photos from both in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes, and a No. 2 Tournament that pits No. 6’s foes against each other. Finally, log onto the Talk forum to share your theories with fellow fans.

to check out all the excitement just go here…

an extended interview with the new doctor…

haven’t even had a chance to watch these all the way through myself yet… but apparently the new doctor is… hunh?! who?! (for those just wanting the name and basics, the official bbc announcement can be found here…)

more soon…