Planet of the Dead (TV story)

Planet of the Dead is the confirmed title of the first of the 2009 specials, due to air at Easter 2009 (exact broadcast date has yet to be announced by the BBC, although some media have suggested 11 April as the broadcast date). It will star David Tennant and feature two new characters, Christina and Malcolm, along with UNIT. Production of the special is scheduled to begin in January 2009.

Synopsis
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Plot
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Cast

 * The Doctor - David Tennant
 * Malcolm -
 * Christina -

Production crew
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Story notes

 * The title of the episode was unveiled during the closing credits of The Next Doctor broadcast on 25 December 2008, several weeks before production of the episode was due to begin.
 * This is the first Doctor Who episode in which series producer Russell T. Davies shares co-writing credit, and the first episode since the show's return in 2005 to credit two writers. The last televised story to credit two writers was the 1993 mini-episode Dimensions in Time.
 * Davies stated in the commentary for The Next Doctor that it will feature UNIT, as well as two new characters named Christina and Malcolm.
 * In his column for Doctor Who Magazine, Davies wrote that the special will feature two new races never before seen (whether this means ever, or just in the revival series, remains to be seen; see Rumours, below). Davies also characterises Planet of the Dead as an "antidote" to the darker Journey's End and The Next Doctor.

Ratings
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Rumours

 * The Doctor is rumored to be left without the TARDIS in this story.
 * The 22nd window of the 2008 Doctor Who advent calendar on the BBC's website has given rise to speculation the Nimon (from DW: The Horns of Nimon) and the Zarbi (from DW: The Web Planet) may appear. Davies has also been quoted as saying he wanted to name the episode Planet of the Zarbi. However, Davies wrote in Doctor Who Magazine that the episode will feature two races not seen before - however the question remains whether Davies means not seen in the revival, or not seen ever.
 * The titular planet of the episode is rumored to be Gallifrey. Some have speculated that the Easter setting might hint at a story of resurrection, perhaps of the Time Lords.
 * As UNIT are being featured (per statements made by Davies), this opens the possibility of Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart appearing along with Captain Yates,Sergeant Benton. Also Colonel Mace, Captain Price and Martha Jones could return as well. Due to the fact that this could possibly be set in the future, the return of the Brigadier, Captain Yates, Sergeant Benton, Doctor Jones etc. may not happen. Freema Agyeman is currently working for ITV on Law & Order: London, making her involvement in a BBC production at this time unlikely.
 * In December 2008, David Tennant was forced to drop out of his production of Hamlet due to what the BBC described as a long-standing back injury; this ultimately required him to undergo surgery before Christmas. With production of Planet of the Dead and the other specials scheduled to begin in January 2009, this has led to concern as to whether Tennant's condition could affect filming. In early January 2009, Tennant returned to Hamlet with the RSC announcing his condition would be monitored on a day-to-day basis; it remains to be seen if there will be any impact on Planet of the Dead.
 * It is been rumoured that this story will be set in the 22nd Century.
 * This episode is also rumoured to be about Rose and her Doctor. (Unlikely, given released information regarding companions and the lack of any indication that Piper is participating in filming).
 * Filming may take place in Tunisia and Dubai. (Possible but unlikely given that as of January 2009, with production either under way or soon to begin, there is no indication that an international production is being mounted. Also, current economic circumstances may make the venture too expensive. However, the Guardian newspaper has picked up this rumor and published a column condemning plans to film in Dubai, suggesting such production might still occur, though not necessarily with this episode.)
 * Davies' statement in DWM describing the episode as "an antidote" to the previous two stories, both noted for their overall darkness, has given rise to speculation this may be a comedy episode along the lines of The Unicorn and the Wasp or Love and Monsters.

Filming Locations

 * Cardiff (UNIT)

Discontinuity, Plot Holes, Errors
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Continuity
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DVD and Other releases
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