The 'Who On Trial' Threads

[Patrick]

Now, we all know we're looking at a lengthy interval in 2012 before we get any more Who on our TVs. So, to fill the time and hopefully spark some lively debates and discussions, I've had a consulting session with a certain Eocene who suggests that "Who On Trial" would be good fodder to achieve this goal.

Here's how it works: we need one volunteer to serve as the Prosecutor (or perhaps Valeyard might be more appropriate), and another to serve as the Defense Attorney, and conduct a trial on a story from Who's past. Let's say our first story is Inferno, our Prosecutor's charge would be to pick the story apart to discuss what they didn't like about, what didn't work about it, and generally build a case for why it shouldn't be watched. Defense Counsel, of course, will have the opposite charge. And the rest of us can either enter the trial with our own 'amicus' briefs on the side of the Defense or the Prosecutor, or we can take the role of a juror and say who they think is making the more compelling argument.

We'll do this with multiple stories, randomly chosen by C=O and myself (recommendations are, of course, welcome). What do you think? Who's on board with the idea?

I'm thinking a good story to start with is one from the William Hartnell era: The Chase. Do we have volunteers for Defense and Prosecution? We'll start the trial tomorrow with a thread on that topic. For now, if you're interested in being one of the attorneys on this case, just post below.

[stanmore]

I think I'm the only person from round these parts that absolutely abhors The Chase...

[Patrick]

Would that be you volunteering to be the Prosecutor, Stanmore?

[stanmore]

I'd give it a go....

[andrea]

Well, I'm definitely volunteering for absolutely nothing but I have got the DVD off the shelf and plan to rewatch the first episode later this evening.

So, I suppose I intend to take the part of interested reader...

[Patrick]

Stanmore has offered to be the Valeyard Prosecutor, Andrea is on board for the Jury. We need a Defense Attorney... any takers? Come on, this will be fun. And you won't even have to invest in a wig.

[The Co=Ordinator]

I'll willingly defend the Chase if no-one else steps forward.

[Patrick]

But you're supposed to be a judge, C=O. Impartial and all that.

[The Co=Ordinator]

I'm re-affirming my well known vested interest in The Chase. There's no way I could be unbiased.

[Tessellated Facsimile]

Well I know for a fact that Sid loves the Chase, but I haven't seen it since I was a kid. Besides which I'm biased. It's B&W - and B&W Who scared me when we used to watch them with Sid when we were little to such an extent that I still can't sit through one even today.

Yes, I be a wuss.

[stanmore]

I have to say, I wouldn't fancy my chances being the prosecutor in the trial of The Chase with The C=O as judge. It would like being the defence for Doctor in Distress with Rich Flair in the chair.

[stanmore]

So where do I go from here... Just start writing a lengthy diatribe or wait for more of a structure?

I put it to you, The Chase, that you are not very good television...

[The Co=Ordinator]

And I put it to you, m'unlearned friend, that The Chase is a bonkers, barking piece of post-modern irony, complete with one of the finest battle sequences EVER seen in Doctor Who.

[Patrick]

I will start the trial thread for The Chase as soon as I get home from work in a couple of hours, and introduce you both as the respective advocates of the case, and Andrea as our first juror.

[Tessellated Facsimile]

Hey, dashboard bonce. This jury is going to need food and drink. I/we bagsy the quality court catering concession contract.

And before you say no. Take this friendly word of advice...

Beware The Evil Eye...

[Patrick]

Excuse me, Fax Machine, but if food and watering is something you're after, I believe you have the Hobnob Cafe to satiate your cravings. And the Eocene's eye doesn't frighten me. Repulses, yes. But not frightens. The court is not amused. Le loi, c'est moi. I'll be keeping an eye on you T-squares.

[Tessellated Facsimile]

Excuse me, Fax Machine, but if food and watering is something you're after, I believe you have the Hobnob Cafe to satiate your cravings. And the Eocene's eye doesn't frighten me. Repulses, yes. But not frightens. The court is not amused. Le loi, c'est moi. I'll be keeping an eye on you T-squares.

so that's a face-saving yes then. cool. I'll be sending the boys round with the first round of tea and bacon butties right away.
oh and don't worry about signing the contract - we already did that for you.

[Patrick]

I'm thinking our next "Who On Trial" should involve an episode from the Sylvester McCoy era. Anyone fancy signing on board as either Defense Counsel or Prosecution on "Ghost Light"?

[The Co=Ordinator]

*looks for Flair*

[Patrick]

(Bump)

I'm thinking our next "Who On Trial" should involve an episode from the Sylvester McCoy era. Anyone fancy signing on board as either Defense Counsel or Prosecution on "Ghost Light"?

You know, I remember a few years ago, Dave Webb offered a defense of Ghost Light. Care to do it again, Mr. Webb?

[The Co=Ordinator]

Different era, but I'd be willing to prosecute Genesis of the Daleks.

[Patrick]

Prosecute Genesis of the Daleks?

Oh, my! That I'd love to adjudicate.

[Tessellated Facsimile]

Can we do that one off with Sid look-alike Paul whatisname and Julia Roberts brother? that shouldn't be a long trial since it was only a movie.

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