One of the more annoying things I'm seeing in the online reaction to the new companion - aside from the "bring back Russell T Davies" chorus; where were those guys when people were lobbying for him to leave 4 years ago? - is this fear and loathing over the "split season" that allegedly is coming for Series 7.
I just came from one UK site where someone in no uncertain terms blasted the idea saying "we're not America!" And a few reports also use wording like "Only 6 episodes will air in 2012; you'll have to wait till 2013 to see the rest."
Maybe it was the excitement over the new companion that's made people's brains turn off, but let's look at some simple math.
(And yes I know the BBC might well turn around tomorrow and make this all moot. But right now this is what we know.)
There will be 6 episodes airing in the fall of 2012. Episode #6 will be the Christmas special, which Moffat has already indicated will be considered part of the regular season (the specials usually are not). So assuming the BBC doesn't insert a broadcasting break before Christmas (which they could do for special programming), we're looking at Series 7 starting in November. October at the earliest.
The BBC and other sources have said the remaining 8 episodes will air in "Early 2013." Early suggests January or February. Maybe March at the outside.
So let's say just for giggles they decide to air the remaining 8 episodes starting in January. Even February.
Now here's where the math doesn't hold up to the fear and loathing I'm seeing. If they air the second 8 starting in January there is NO BREAK. Unless the BBC decided to chug-a-lug the last 8 episodes on a nightly basis over the holidays, there's no physical way they'd be able to show all of Series 7 in 2012, right? (We'll ignore the fact the production schedule for the season, per Matt Smith, is supposed to run into December anyway.)
Even if they break till February, a month-long break is not unheard of even in Britain - there was a break of exactly that long during the season in which Leela was introduced. World didn't come to an end.
Once again, the Beeb might throw a spanner into this. Next week they may announce that Series 7.5 will air in the spring or something or be held to air in the fall of 2013 to coincide with the anniversary. In which case the fear and loathing would be justified (though to me it just means we'll get a short 7th season, is all and the rest will be Season 8). But I don't think it's gonna happen.
I'd rather have a split than face what Sherlock fans are facing and have to wait till 2013 to see the whole season.
Alex
I just came from one UK site where someone in no uncertain terms blasted the idea saying "we're not America!" And a few reports also use wording like "Only 6 episodes will air in 2012; you'll have to wait till 2013 to see the rest."
Maybe it was the excitement over the new companion that's made people's brains turn off, but let's look at some simple math.
(And yes I know the BBC might well turn around tomorrow and make this all moot. But right now this is what we know.)
There will be 6 episodes airing in the fall of 2012. Episode #6 will be the Christmas special, which Moffat has already indicated will be considered part of the regular season (the specials usually are not). So assuming the BBC doesn't insert a broadcasting break before Christmas (which they could do for special programming), we're looking at Series 7 starting in November. October at the earliest.
The BBC and other sources have said the remaining 8 episodes will air in "Early 2013." Early suggests January or February. Maybe March at the outside.
So let's say just for giggles they decide to air the remaining 8 episodes starting in January. Even February.
Now here's where the math doesn't hold up to the fear and loathing I'm seeing. If they air the second 8 starting in January there is NO BREAK. Unless the BBC decided to chug-a-lug the last 8 episodes on a nightly basis over the holidays, there's no physical way they'd be able to show all of Series 7 in 2012, right? (We'll ignore the fact the production schedule for the season, per Matt Smith, is supposed to run into December anyway.)
Even if they break till February, a month-long break is not unheard of even in Britain - there was a break of exactly that long during the season in which Leela was introduced. World didn't come to an end.
Once again, the Beeb might throw a spanner into this. Next week they may announce that Series 7.5 will air in the spring or something or be held to air in the fall of 2013 to coincide with the anniversary. In which case the fear and loathing would be justified (though to me it just means we'll get a short 7th season, is all and the rest will be Season 8). But I don't think it's gonna happen.
I'd rather have a split than face what Sherlock fans are facing and have to wait till 2013 to see the whole season.
Alex
