New SPOILERS for 'Doctor Who' episode nine

Doctor Who has always enjoyed a large spoiler fan base, even in the olden days when it was a task to get the latest dish out of the BBC studios. While the series has always used location filming, it was never accomplished on the scope it’s done today. Back in the those days, large, very bulky cameras made filming on location difficult and expensive. It really was not until Jon Pertwee’s Third Doctor did location work become a bit more common, as technology finally began to catch up with the TV budgets. Still, even then, the cameras were static and even hand-held (until the steadicam was invented) was kept to a minimum. 

So in the early days, when episodes were mostly studio bound, getting a glimpse of actors filming was difficult. Getting information on the episodes filming was nearly nonexistence. Fans, reporters and what not actually had to wait until the BBC released the latest information about the show. Still, like now, the BBC has always been tight-lipped about what it produces.

Current showrunner Steven Moffat is quite aware of how the internet can, at times, ruin the surprises of Doctor Who. But he also knows that it is very difficult to keep the lid on the show when location work in involved. And since its return to the screen in 2005, Doctor Who has done more location filming than the TOS did in its 26 year original run. 

Still, despite all the press, fans, paparazzi that have followed the show since it returned, most of the information that has come out is piece meal; most people are only making educated guesses as to the story content. Now, most of what I’m writing has been revealed before. But there is a reason for this posting, as additional info has come out of episode nine, with photographic proof three previous characters are returning. You can go to that part, or read my wisdom. 

As season seven continues to film, the only “officially” named episode of the season is the premiere, called Asylum of the Daleks. What is known is that it will feature all versions of the Daleks designed for the series that have glided through Doctor Who in its nearly 50 years in existence. What the actual story is about, remains unknown, though by August 14 fans will find out. That episode will be presented at the BFI Southbank in London, and then will have its premiere at the Edinburgh International Television Festival. Still, no official announcement has yet been made regarding the official air date of the series.

Nothing is known much about episode two, beyond having Queen Nefertiti in it and guest-cast turns by Harry Potter alumni’s Mark Williams (as Rory’s dad) and David Bradley along with Sherlock regular Rupert Graves. It is written by Chris Chibnall.

 

 Episode three was the big location shoot produced in Spain, filmed on sets made famous by director Sergio Leone nearly 50 years ago. Written by Toby Whithouse, it is rumored to be titled The Gunslinger, the episode guest stars Ben Browder, who, of course, starred on the cult classic Sci Fi Channel series Farscape. It deals with a cyborg transported to the old American west. Also, while in Spain, they shot additional footage for the season opener featuring the Daleks.

Episode four is rumored to be called Cubed and involves UNIT and Rory’s dad again. And is Chris Chibnall’s second scripted episode of the season. 

Episode five sees the departure of the Ponds from the TARDIS. The show came to New York to lens, with many scenes filmed in Central Park. Alex Kingston returns as River Song to bid Rory and Amy goodbye, as well as The Weeping Angels. Like the season opener, this is written by showrunner Steven Moffat.

The Christmas episode is next. This one will introduce Jenna-Louise Coleman as new companion Clara. There is much speculation as to what sort of character she is, but nothing concrete. The most consistent rumor suggests she’s from the future and may be part alien. This episode was originally suppose film after episode five, but either writer Steven Moffat could not get the episode done in time or they decided to film later episodes to ease Coleman into the role (this has been done before, as Peter Davidson’s first serial, Castrovalva, was actually filmed 4^th so as to make his debut performance more relaxed). It appears they actually filmed episode Eleven first. Location work indicated it’s a Victorian tale that features Scottish actor Dougray Scott. 

Episode Six is a mystery. Nothing is known (not even who’s writing it), though I speculate that this will probably be a “bottle episode,” which is a term for a low-budgeted episode, mostly studio bound, which will save the production team money –especially considering the first five episodes and the Christmas themed one seem huge. 

Episode Seven is the Mark Gatiss scripted episode that rumored to be called Phantom of the Hex and involves the always brilliant British actor David Warner.

Like Episode six, the eighth story of the season remains a mystery. No writer or director is attached, but again, it’s possible this episode will also be a “bottle” show, and mostly studio bound. 

That brings us to episode nine, rumored to be titled The Crimson Horror and the reason for this posting. More location work has shown three previous characters returning to the show. What has been revealed by people watching and photographing the location filming is that Catrin Stewart is back as Jenny—Madame Vastra's main squeeze and servant last seen in the season six episode A Good Man Goes to War- and Neve McIntosh, who is returning as the samurai-sword-wielding Silurian warrior, despite her recent tweets she had not been asked back. Also confirmed back by being caught on film is Dan Starkey, who plays the Sontaran Strax. There is speculation that this will be the story will take place before the events of A Good Man Goes to War, and may show the reason they owe the Doctor his gratitude. This Mark Gatiss scripted episode also stars the legendary Diana Rigg (Emma Peel from The Avengers) and her real-life daughter, Rachael Stirling. 

The only thing known of episode ten is the rumored title of Hider in the House.

The final three stories, episode 11, 12 and 13 are a mystery. But filming on season seven of Doctor Who continues through mid-December, so there is bound to be more spoilers to come.