We're really loving the 'back in time for tea' element that Series 10 has brought; with The Doctor seemingly detained on Earth to watch over the mysterious vault. The impromptu trips with Bill have seen her travel to the future and the past, and now we get her very first space adventure - with Nardole along for the ride, too!

As the episode begins, you may be forgiven for thinking it was the start of a Star Trek adventure, with Peter Capaldi narrating a shot of space with the words "Space; the final frontier". There's something about those four words that instantly set the scene, and prepare you for something exciting, yet unknown. The pre-titles sequence makes use of some stunning visuals and there's a Kubrik-esque style to it that sets the precedent for everything that follows. We love our comparisons, and Oxygen feels like a mash-up of 2001: A Space Odyssey, Alien and The Walking Dead - all rolled into one!

The Doctor, Bill and Nardole arrive on a space station where almost all the crew have died and those that remain are being hunted down. Without giving too much away, as the title suggests, oxygen has an important part to play in the story. Let's just say that whilst we live in a time where bedroom tax is a real thing, the concept behind this episode, although slightly far-fetched, isn't exactly beyond the realms of possibility.

Writer, Jamie Mathieson (Mummy On The Orient Express, Flatline), has expertly woven an action-packed episode, with real horror and suspense, and there's more than one moment that will genuinely shock you - no matter how old you are! We did feel, however, that the episode has been a slight casualty of the editing process. There are some clunky cuts that sometimes makes the action on screen feel like it's moving ahead of the pace of the story. There's a lot going on in the episode, and much like with a Moffat-based story, you really have to pay attention to get everything that's happening.

The Doctor and Bill have definitely found their groove now, and it's a delight to see them sparring off each other on-screen. Pearl Mackie has continued to captivate us with her unique take on the Doctor Who companion template, and every frame she's in seems to sparkle with charisma.

If any of you are still undecided on Nardole (ok there are moments when he can be a little annoying), be prepared for a great scene, excellently executed by Matt Lucas, towards the end of the episode.

There's a lovely piece of music that kicks in about 5 minutes into the episode that dips beautifully from major to minor keys, and for the first time in a while, we get a taster of something anthemic building in Murray Gold's score. Music has played such a key role in Doctor Who since its return in 2005, and Gold has been at the heart of it. If we may embellish a (slightly cheesy) observation; Doctor Who glitters when Gold is at its beating heart.

Oxygen is a thrill-a-minute space adventure that will frighten, shock and surprise you. You definitely get the feeling that the production team are taking some risks and pushing the horror element, and whilst, at times, it sails perilously close to the border of what's acceptable for the kids pre-watershed time-slot, it reminds you that Doctor Who is perhaps at its best when it makes you feel slightly uncomfortable.

5 Things To Look Out For:

1) ”I want to have a baby with you!”
2)  Velma.
3) ”That is my theme tune! Otherwise known as a distress call.”
4)  A similar shot of a companion to one we saw in The Girl In The Fireplace.
5)  A rug-pull moment, just before the credits roll.

+  10.5: Oxygen airs This Saturday at 7:15pm on BBC One.

[Source: DWO]

Our friends over at Movie Figures have been in touch with some fantastic SciFi merchandise offers.

Movie Figures is a UK reseller that sells all kinds of exciting stuff, largely inspired by the movies, but also TV too. Movie Figures focuses on three areas: Statues, Prop Replicas and Action Figures. All are at great prices with FREE delivery.

Check out some of the latest offers from Movie Figures, below:

Prop Replicas including Star Wars lightsabers from Hasbro
http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/prop-replicas-182-c.asp

Lightsabers are pretty tough to find at good prices in the UK, but Movie Figures is comparable to US pricing which is great! They stock Luke Skywalker’s (green and blue), Darth Maul’s and Darth Vader’s. They also stock a load of other interesting prop replicas from movies like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter,  The Hobbit and Star Trek with more being added all the time.

Statues including Star Wars Characters from Attakus
http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/statues-142-c.asp

These are high-end, limited edition, hand-painted statues made by French company Attakus. You can get 7” or 15” versions which range in price from £55 to £350. Many popular characters have been covered including Luke, Han, Darth Vader and many more. Also they have some of the more unusual characters like the numerous clone troopers, Bib Fortuna and more.

Action Figures Including ¼ Scale Predators from NECA
http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/action-figures-141-c.asp

NECA’s Predator action figures are almost 20” tall and offer stunning detail for the price. With a wide range of articulation, stunning texturing, netting on the skin and awesome weaponry, these guys have to be in any predator fans possession.

As for Doctor Who, Movie Figures have just started stocking some items, which can be found at: http://www.moviefigures.co.uk/zeon-doctor-who-tardis-collectors-watch-1817-p.asp

We particularly like that they are stocking the awesome Doctor Who Tardis Collector’s watch by Zeon. A perfect timepiece for any Doctor Who Fan!

Other benefits of shopping with Movie Figures:

- They offer FREE delivery within 2 to 5 days on all items.
- They have an average review of 5 stars on ReviewCentre!
- They offer a best price guarantee.
- They are a genuine UK company registered at Companies House.
- They carefully pack their items to try and ensure they get to you pristine.
- They offer a item sourcing service.

If they haven’t got what you are after, just email them at info@moviefigures.co.uk and they will do they best to help you.

+  Visit the Movie Figures website at: http://www.moviefigures.co.uk

[Source: Movie Figures]

For fans celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, the 20th Anniversary of the Power Rangers, and all things Pop Culture, Houston, Texas is the destination of choice for the summer “Geek Festival”.

Space City Con 2013 includes hundreds of events, 24 hour programming for 3 days, exapnded to two adjoining hotels, with vendors, artists, authors, media guests, gaming & video-gaming, cosplay, a Masquerade competition, a Klingon Makeover for Charity, the Robotech 2013 Convention Tour, and everything for kids of all ages to enjoy.

Sylvester McCoy, beloved for his role as The 7th Doctor, and also for his quirky Radagast the Brown wizard in the international blockbuster, Peter Jackson's “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, will be joining a gathering of 5 Power Rangers (Jason David Frank, Steve Cardenas, Catherine Sutherland, Blake Foster, and Karan Ashley, a native Texan like JDF).

Also featured at the show is the new unsolicited pilot project, Star Trek: Renegades, with actors Walter Koenig (Chekov), Tim Russ (Tuvok / Director), Manu Intiraymi (Icheb), J.G. Hertzler (Martok), and the stunning Adrienne Wilkinson (Xena's daughter Eve; Star Wars' Maris Brood) as the newest Starfleet Captain, Lexxa Singh.  

Star Trek: Voyager's Robert Picardo will serve as Master of Ceremonies, giving Houston the distinct  and unique honor of hosting “Two Doctors” - two actors whose characters were simply and grandly, “The Doctor”.

Rounding out the line-up from Star Trek and Stargate, is John de Lancie (Q from Star Trek: The Next Generation) and Stargate: Atlantis commander Torri Higginson. This being Babylon 5's 20th Anniversary as well, Jason Carter will appear with Koenig.

Professional photo ops will be available with restored pieces of the Enterprise-D bridge NewStarship.com project, which is traveling to Houston along with the actual working TARDIS console, complete with sounds and lights, from the 1996 Doctor Who movie which starred Sylvester McCoy. This will be an extremely rare opportunity for fans to have special photos taken with the talent and the set pieces.

+  Space City Con takes place on August 2nd-4th 2013 in Houston; Texas.

+  For further information, check out the Space City Con website.

[Source: Space City Con]

It had to happen eventually...Doctor Who and Star Trek are to be (unofficially) officially crossed over in a special Comic series from IDW.

Assimilation2 will feature the crew of Star Trek: The Next Generation and The 11th Doctor, Amy and Rory. Further info reveals it will be an eight-part series featuring the Borg and The Cybermen as some of the main villains.

Scott and David Tipton, in collaboration with Tony Lee, have writtern the comic, the artwork is provided by JK Woodward and the cover is by both Woodward and David Messina.

Our friends over at Bleeding Cool have run the following story regarding the news:

Bleeding Cool has squirrelled out news of an upcoming crossover that might send certain minds reeling. That in May, IDW are to publish a Doctor Who/Star Trek: The Next Generation crossover series. Featuring The Doctor, Rory, Amy, Captain Picard, Worf, Data, Geordie LaForge, Deanna Troy, Will Riker and the rest. And that this art, featuring the Doctor, Rory and Amy on the bridge of the Enterprise is a cover that will be used in the series.

Doctor Who has never engaged in any such officially sanctioned crossover outside of the Doctor Who universe before. The closest was Dimensions In Time, a much derided charity telethon show which featured characters from the BBC soap opera Eastenders. Then there was Death’s Head who kinda popped in and out. Star Trek has also seen comic book crossovers with X-Men and the Legion Of Superheroes. But this is the first time that two such major competing TV sci-fi franchises have been allowed to merge in any way before.

[Source: Bleeding Cool]