So, last weekend, in an effort to keep my cultural experiences broad, I attended the “Doctor Who Live” show at Wembley Arena. It was fun – a bit cheesy, and definitely kid-oriented, but even I got a little thrill when the Cybermen and Judoon came stomping past me! Actually, Keith and Angela gave me the ticket for my birthday, and to understand why, we need to rewind about 9 ½ months.
I’m actually one of those rare Americans who has been aware of “Doctor Who” for quite some time. When I was a kid, it aired on PBS in New York. But, I have to admit, I never watched it because (I’m about to insult an entire nation here) it looked like something a sci-fi geek filmed in his mother’s basement, using a Betamax. The grainy video and low-rent effects just did not appeal to me at all. When the rebooted series came to the States, I was living in Mexico and then, when I returned, it was airing on BBC America which Cablevision, in its “wisdom,” doesn’t carry. So, I was blissfully ignorant of the new “Doctor Who” series, until I came to England last New Year’s with Mom.
On this trip, we spent a fair amount of time relaxing in our room because Mom’s strength was failing (it turned out to be only about a month before she died). At Lainston House, in Hampshire, I watched a lot of “Best of the Noughties” shows that talked about the TV shows, celebrities, etc. that were popular over the last decade. At this time, too, the BBC was in the midst of its all-David Tennant blitz. Now, at the risk of being insulting again, I didn’t actually know who David Tennant was – except for this reaction upon seeing him on one of the many shows he appeared on that week: “Hey, that’s Barty Crouch, Jr!” Yes, the "Harry Potter" fan in me registered the face, but that was about it.
Of course, over the next few days, I couldn’t escape the stories on TV and in the papers, and so I became intrigued by this big finale episode of “Doctor Who” that everyone was talking about. It was so hyped that I actually considered watching it when we arrived in London on New Year’s Day, but it didn’t really make sense to watch the last episode without having seen any of the others! So, I watched Miss Marple instead (They Do it With Mirrors). When I got back to New York, I ordered the Series One DVD Box Set, with the plan to watch it over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, the next few weeks were the worst of my life, as has already been well-documented, so I never got around to watching that DVD set.
It’s funny what you’ll latch onto in moments of trauma; the strangest things become life rafts and get you safely through the rough waters. After the funeral, I lost myself for a bit in watching the Olympics. It was a little difficult because that was something Mom and I would have watched together, but it kept me distracted. Once the Olympics were over, though, I found myself in an odd place. I suddenly realized that I couldn’t bring myself to watch the regular prime-time shows that I had been watching with Mom just a couple of weeks before. It was our routine that we would watch TV together, as we enjoyed a lot of the same shows. She’d be in the recliner, with Cali next to her and Brooke on her lap, and I’d be on the bed. Sometimes we’d switch, if the dogs made her too uncomfortable. Now, the bed was gone, but the recliner was there, and Cali, Brooke and I would sit there to watch TV, and to try to feel closer to Mom. But, what would we watch?
That’s when I turned to the unopened DVD box set sitting on the shelf. It was something different, I reasoned, and something I had never seen with Mom, so maybe it would provide the distraction I needed. I started watching and was immediately drawn in. I’ll admit, with my pre-conceived notions about the old “Doctor Who,” I wasn’t expecting much, but I realized pretty quickly that the production values on this show were light years ahead of its predecessor. And I have to admit to some surprise (sorry!) at the depth of the show and the quality of the acting. It was a true drama that just happened to be Science Fiction. I liked it well enough to buy the Second Series Box Set by the time I was halfway through the first, and the remaining sets shortly thereafter. The second series was the first one with David Tennant, so I would now get some sense of what he had done that merited the media blitz and sense of national mourning I had seen when I was in London.
I was captivated. I already had a high opinion of the show, and they managed to raise the bar with the new series. The wit and charm that David Tennant brought to the role drew me in even more. I had my perfect escape. While watching the show, I could forget for a little while the otherwise unrelenting sadness. I could sit in the recliner in Mom’s room, Cali next to me and Brooke on my lap, and just enjoy something. I didn’t actually think I would ever enjoy anything again in those early days, but how could you not enjoy the adventure and humor, and drama of “Doctor Who”? Over the next few weeks, I spent my days dealing with the realities of the house and estate, and spent my evenings escaping into time and space. Even now, if I start feeling down, and start thinking too much about all the loss over the past few years, I can just pop in a favorite episode and escape for a while. It inevitably restores my good mood. Actually, if I really need a quick pick-me-up, all I need to watch is the 15-minute video clip of David Tennant and Julie Gardner getting a police escort to Blackpool. The unfeigned, child-like glee they express throughout makes me laugh every time!
It’s funny. If anyone had asked me how I thought I’d get through Mom’s death, I would have probably denied that it was even possible. I would certainly never have thought a British Science Fiction show would help me through the darkest hours. Now, I’m not turning all sci-fi geek. I mean, I’ve always liked sci-fi, and anyone who’s known me long enough knows how obsessed I was with “V” when I was a kid, but I’m not about to start attending conventions, wearing costumes, or buying sonic screwdrivers on Ebay. And, while I have continued to watch the show, it’s more a matter of habit now. Especially now that I’m living in the UK, where it’s still quite popular. But, for me, “Doctor Who” is a moment in time, something I discovered by chance, at the right time, and that filled a temporary need. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Embassy Dos, Park Don’ts and Trains . . . Don’t Make Eye Contact
OK, before I get started, I have a confession to make. I lied. I didn’t mean to lie, but I lied and now I need to come clean. When I said that it’s weird for me to obsess over film or TV locations, that wasn’t totally accurate. It’s actually true for film and TV, but I conveniently forgot my pathetic obsession with book locations. A visit to Grosvenor Square before the Embassy party reminded me that I have spent many hours wandering London over the years, looking for places like Hatchard’s Bookshop, White’s Club, or the site of Almack’s Assembly Rooms just because they were in a book I read. So, sorry, but I really am a pathetic fan – just usually for books written by people who have been dead for a couple of hundred years!
Anyway, to business. Many things to discuss. First, the Embassy party. Other than the fact that they wouldn’t let us in when we got there, it went well. Apparently we were small potatoes for the Ambassador, so no appearance by that August personage. But, that didn’t really surprise me. When I was a newly-minted Junior Officer in Monterrey, I was the one who, as Acting Public Affairs Officer, welcomed in all the American Fulbright teachers. I’m sure they would have been quite put-out to find out that the American Diplomat who was greeting them had barely a year under her belt! I’m pretty sure the Cultural Attaché who greeted us had a few more years under hers! On a side note, it made me think of the time Mom tried the door at the Embassy (back when you could get to the door) and a disembodied voice said, “Can I help you? The Embassy is closed.” After all these years, I finally got in those doors! Anyway, it was a good evening and if you want any real dirt, sorry, public forum!
So from Embassy dos, we get to Park don’ts. Really, the only don’t we need to address here is – don’t take my two lunatic dogs to the park. My stress levels continue to climb every time I take them out. And Cali continues to be the primary offender. I really am at my wits’ end. At the park the other day, Cali went totally crazy on a jogger, who jumped about 3 feet in the air. I yelled at her so badly, she was trembling. Of course, yelling at her is the worst thing I can do, but I get so frustrated. I dread our walks. I keep hoping she’ll adjust, but she hasn’t so far. People are starting to view her as a vicious dog, and anyone who knows her knows how far from the truth that is. I’m certain it’s her fear that’s doing it, but I don’t know how to help her. Sometimes I really do wonder if it was a mistake to bring them here.
As for not making eye contact on trains, I’m usually pretty good at that. But there was this guy the other day who stank like a distillery. He asked what station we were at and when I told him, he heard the accent and I was sunk. He didn’t leave me alone (except for one point when he focused on some teens with musical instruments and told them to “play some f***in’ Led Zepplin!”). He went on and on about God knows what – although I do remember him telling me that the US was God’s country. I had to measure my response because if I agreed he would have said that Britain was. I kept trying to return to my grading, but he wouldn’t let up. And, if I ignored him, he got mildly hostile. I finally was able to bolt when we got to Victoria, but it was an excruciating 40 minutes. Damn that accent! From now on, I use my British or Irish accent!
So, in the meantime, I’ve also had some theatre experiences. I saw "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the Musical," a few weeks ago, then last week, I saw two shows at the National Theatre - we took the 6th form girls (year 12-13) to see "Blood and Gifts," which is about the Russian occupation of Afghanistan. Then, on Thursday, I saw, "Or You Could Kiss Me." It's a fascinating but bizarre play about two men, at the end of their lives, reliving how they met and fell in love, It's very experimental, using puppets and actors. The puppets are by the same people who did War Horse. It was remarkable because you really felt like the puppets were the men. Unfortunately, it hit a little too close to home as one of the men is terminally ill, and much of the play focuses on that. I had a front row seat, though, which was great. I got the tickets through the Young Patrons of the National Theatre, which I joined, and they had a little drinks reception beforehand. I’m looking forward to more events.
Sunday, I went to see the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2, which was amazing. Such an array of talent. There were stars from around the world, including Lea Salonga, who played Fantine, as she's too old for Eponine (which she originated in London in 1985 and Broadway in 1987). Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers played Marius, and his voice paled in comparison with the stage veterans (although he handled his solo well). There was a funny moment when the girl in front of me got quite upset that Cosette was blonde and Eponine brunette because that's not how she's used to them. She was really beside herself about it. I felt like asking, "So, the fact that Javert is black, Fantine is Asian, and Enjolras is Iranian doesn't bother you? Just the hair?" After the show, I was chatting with the older couple next to me while we waited for the crowd of 20,000 to thin. A worker came up to us and asked if we could handle exiting the long way (I guess because the couple were in their 70s). They offered to escort us out through the VIP section (they just assumed we were together!). We ended up exiting through the VIP lounge where we stopped and ordered drinks and had a lovely time chatting for the next hour. Turned out really nice, actually.
So, highs and lows continue. Overall, this is turning out to be a good experience, even if I do have some days where I just wish I were home and things were like they used to be. But, things can’t be like they used to be, and I still think this is the right place for me at the right time. There’s lots of potential in this coming year – I just need to manage my stress levels (Cali – that means you!!). Cheers!
Anyway, to business. Many things to discuss. First, the Embassy party. Other than the fact that they wouldn’t let us in when we got there, it went well. Apparently we were small potatoes for the Ambassador, so no appearance by that August personage. But, that didn’t really surprise me. When I was a newly-minted Junior Officer in Monterrey, I was the one who, as Acting Public Affairs Officer, welcomed in all the American Fulbright teachers. I’m sure they would have been quite put-out to find out that the American Diplomat who was greeting them had barely a year under her belt! I’m pretty sure the Cultural Attaché who greeted us had a few more years under hers! On a side note, it made me think of the time Mom tried the door at the Embassy (back when you could get to the door) and a disembodied voice said, “Can I help you? The Embassy is closed.” After all these years, I finally got in those doors! Anyway, it was a good evening and if you want any real dirt, sorry, public forum!
So from Embassy dos, we get to Park don’ts. Really, the only don’t we need to address here is – don’t take my two lunatic dogs to the park. My stress levels continue to climb every time I take them out. And Cali continues to be the primary offender. I really am at my wits’ end. At the park the other day, Cali went totally crazy on a jogger, who jumped about 3 feet in the air. I yelled at her so badly, she was trembling. Of course, yelling at her is the worst thing I can do, but I get so frustrated. I dread our walks. I keep hoping she’ll adjust, but she hasn’t so far. People are starting to view her as a vicious dog, and anyone who knows her knows how far from the truth that is. I’m certain it’s her fear that’s doing it, but I don’t know how to help her. Sometimes I really do wonder if it was a mistake to bring them here.
As for not making eye contact on trains, I’m usually pretty good at that. But there was this guy the other day who stank like a distillery. He asked what station we were at and when I told him, he heard the accent and I was sunk. He didn’t leave me alone (except for one point when he focused on some teens with musical instruments and told them to “play some f***in’ Led Zepplin!”). He went on and on about God knows what – although I do remember him telling me that the US was God’s country. I had to measure my response because if I agreed he would have said that Britain was. I kept trying to return to my grading, but he wouldn’t let up. And, if I ignored him, he got mildly hostile. I finally was able to bolt when we got to Victoria, but it was an excruciating 40 minutes. Damn that accent! From now on, I use my British or Irish accent!
So, in the meantime, I’ve also had some theatre experiences. I saw "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the Musical," a few weeks ago, then last week, I saw two shows at the National Theatre - we took the 6th form girls (year 12-13) to see "Blood and Gifts," which is about the Russian occupation of Afghanistan. Then, on Thursday, I saw, "Or You Could Kiss Me." It's a fascinating but bizarre play about two men, at the end of their lives, reliving how they met and fell in love, It's very experimental, using puppets and actors. The puppets are by the same people who did War Horse. It was remarkable because you really felt like the puppets were the men. Unfortunately, it hit a little too close to home as one of the men is terminally ill, and much of the play focuses on that. I had a front row seat, though, which was great. I got the tickets through the Young Patrons of the National Theatre, which I joined, and they had a little drinks reception beforehand. I’m looking forward to more events.
Sunday, I went to see the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2, which was amazing. Such an array of talent. There were stars from around the world, including Lea Salonga, who played Fantine, as she's too old for Eponine (which she originated in London in 1985 and Broadway in 1987). Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers played Marius, and his voice paled in comparison with the stage veterans (although he handled his solo well). There was a funny moment when the girl in front of me got quite upset that Cosette was blonde and Eponine brunette because that's not how she's used to them. She was really beside herself about it. I felt like asking, "So, the fact that Javert is black, Fantine is Asian, and Enjolras is Iranian doesn't bother you? Just the hair?" After the show, I was chatting with the older couple next to me while we waited for the crowd of 20,000 to thin. A worker came up to us and asked if we could handle exiting the long way (I guess because the couple were in their 70s). They offered to escort us out through the VIP section (they just assumed we were together!). We ended up exiting through the VIP lounge where we stopped and ordered drinks and had a lovely time chatting for the next hour. Turned out really nice, actually.
So, highs and lows continue. Overall, this is turning out to be a good experience, even if I do have some days where I just wish I were home and things were like they used to be. But, things can’t be like they used to be, and I still think this is the right place for me at the right time. There’s lots of potential in this coming year – I just need to manage my stress levels (Cali – that means you!!). Cheers!
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