Dr Who Review - The Companions - Ace

[@animationfanatic2133]

The king returns

[@lh889]

Real

[@Paul_1971]

Gary King?!

[@gussyt1761]

Yesss

[@clarencegreen6341]

All hail

[@clarencegreen6341]

The Quality is back

[@Ocsttiac]

Great vid! Love Ace! Fun fact: Ace beating those Daleks up with her baseball bat is the genesis of the "Crowning Moment of Awesome" trope on TV Tropes!

[@peterdixon7734]

I was pleased to see Sophie Aldred being given due recognition. She and Sylvester McCoy carried Doctor WHO at a very difficult time, when it was on the edge. Excellent work here, as always.

[@mailjimmygalaxy]

The last scene of Survival still makes me cry after all these years.

[@victoriathurston5326]

I agree but it like it saying it will return

[@johannahyde-parker8422]

me too me too

[@ChippyGaming]

Welcome back! Fantastic video as always

[@Giftedbryan]

Ohey! Didn't expect to see a couch here :p

[@cleverdickfilms]

Thanks very much!

[@ianbrewster8934]

Ace was hands down my favorite companion. And yep she was truly the first modern companion.

[@SlaserX]

Same here, she had a very unique energy that made her just so fun, in contrast to the Chessmaster doctor

[@adampoll4977]

Excellent, I had been missing these. Ace and McCoy's Doctor truly were the templates for the new series - darker, edgy, but still full of fun and whimsy. Seeing that final scene of the two of them brought home that chemistry and just how much GRAVITAS McCoy could bring to a scene while still retaining that twinkle in his eye.

[@dommoore6180]

Outside of early RTD era, New Who is anything but darker or edgier than the classic series. We went from hide behind the sofa being the most common thing people talk about to the Doctor's speeches and being a beacon of hope being the most common topic. Says a lot.

[@tomnorton4277]

Sylvester McCoy knew how to be a somewhat sociopathic Doctor without falling into outright Valeyard territory. I wish I could say the same for the infuriatingly overrated Peter Capaldi. With Sylvester McCoy, he's constantly planning ahead with machiavellian twists and surprises but always stays focussed on the greater good. He knew how to balance out his machiavellian sociopathy with charm and humour and it's clear that he genuinely cared about Ace. Hell, as terrible as Chris Chibnall's writing was, one thing I can give him credit for is that he understood Sylvester McCoy and Ace's relationship and gave them the sendoff they deserved. Their brief interaction was probably the best scene in Chibnall's entire era and proved that McCoy's still got it, even in his old age. With Peter Capaldi, I kept getting the sense that his motives were self-serving, usually attempting to gaslight Clara Oswald into staying with him after he unleashed the Valeyard, and the greater good was just a bonus that he didn't really care about. By the time he started to feel like he was taking the greater good seriously instead of just being a selfish, narcissistic ex-boyfriend all the time, it was already too late. I'd stopped giving a shit about the Doctor and only cared about Clara, which was emphasised by the fact that Capaldi's suffering and grief in Heaven Sent meant nothing to me. I was upset about Clara's death purely because I cared about her, not because the Doctor did. He was basically in Hell and I just wanted him to "cut out your whining", beat down that fucking wall and save Clara. After that, he could regenerate or even permanently die for all I cared. There's a reason Peter Capaldi should stick to playing villains like Gideon Shepard or assholes like Malcolm Tucker. He was never a good fit for any Doctor that isn't the Valeyard or at best the War Doctor. Even when he was saying goodbye to Clara as she prepared to die in Face The Raven, I was still half expecting the Valeyard to reveal that he'd planned the whole thing. That's something that Sylvester McCoy, as machiavellian as he was, would be horrified about because his dark edge didn't extend quite that far but I could absolutely buy that Peter Capaldi would do it. He makes me instinctively assume that he cries crocodile tears and this is coming from somebody who almost always believes that crying is genuine.

[@sbi168]

Wow. Peter capaldi and his twelfth doctor are top tier for me. 7, 11 and 12 are my all time faves. I love them all for slightly different reasons, the issue I had was I wish they had made 12 darker than he was, I loved what we got but I would like eventually for someone to properly embrace a darker side of the doctor.

[@EthanFrahm]

If there's one thing that's Ace, it's this video.

[@cleverdickfilms]

Thanks so much; glad you enjoyed!

[@Wayzor_]

Paid comment? This was 3 days ago.

[@johnsmith8906]

Or a Patron you silly billy. @@Wayzor_

[@cleverdickfilms]

Why on Earth would I pay someone to comment? Patrons get early access like pretty much every other KZbin channel.

[@seancampbell7884]

Ace walked so new Who could run.

[@felixyoung4536]

I think also Sophies absolute love for what she does and doctor who itself has always really added to Ace. What a gem of a human and a great character

[@LordAzran_]

It's good to see you once again Richard! Excellent documentary as always. It is truly a great shame that Ace could not appear beside Sarah Jane Smith. Basically, a reunion of the most popular companions from the 1970s and 1980s respectively. Still, I am happy that Sophie Aldred still plays the character. Long may this continue.

[@cleverdickfilms]

Thanks so much! Lovely to hear from you!

[@justhannah3960]

Ace is the first Companion I can remember and I loved her. She was easily the first "ballsy" female character I remember and, as an adult, I can appreciate how important that was. Anyway, I loved this latest installment of your Doctor Who docs. Thank you so much for all your hard work on this series.

[@eccremocarpusscaber5159]

I've met Sophie a few times. Such a lovely, kind and generous person. She thanked me for being a fan! Made my year 🙂

[@Miksho7]

Yes!! I have worked much of my career in journalism, and I cannot overstate HOW GOOD these videos are. From research to writing to the approachable but even handed tone in your narration, these have been a joy to watch, especially as a Canadian who caught bits and bobs of the Classic era through CBC reruns, but truly came on board during the Modern Era. I'm sure you're facing a lot of internal pressure to get these out ASAP ahead of the 60th anniversary and the start of the next series, but your audience is happy to wait! A labour of love shouldn't be rushed, especially at the cost of your own well being. Thanks again!

[@cleverdickfilms]

Thanks so much for your kind words!

[@pious83]

As brilliant as she was. It's unfortunate that the template established by Ace would be set in stone by Nu Who. Someday we might get a new companion that isn't from contemporary Earth. _Someday_

[@HerohammerStudios]

Nardole would've been great if it weren't because he was so inconsistently written

[@Vee_9001]

I will forever be mad that we were robbed of Victorian-era nanny Clara

[@dannyjarratt5414]

I totally agree. There are narrative elements of Ace that could be revived or re-used in an interesting and contemporary way. Specifically, her being found in space after something on Earth sent her through time and space. Rather than a journey that suggests that the companion is something special or a plot device (Amy, Clara, Ruby), it could be interesting to have a series-long adventure back home.

[@SkyLightKey]

​@@dannyjarratt5414 rubyisnt speciel

[@davecrowson448]

Ace is a great character, and Sophie’s portrayal made me love her. I didn’t know she wrote that book you mentioned, and now I must find a copy. I’m really glad she was included in the special last year, and that she was given several great scenes. Thanks, I’m looking forward to your next very entertaining and informative installment

[@nicksavage567]

I would have loved an Ace cameo with the 12th Doctor. She would not want initially to acknowledge the name Ace but of course 12 would insist on it. And then a classic exchange "Ace do you have any of that Nitro 9 on you? Doctor! I'm not an irresponsible girl any more, I don't carry high explosives on me at all times! It's in the explosive store .... Here are you are: Nitro Nineteen with a fully calibrated digital timer."

[@Dyler]

When the world needed him most...he returned. Great content as always!

[@winterquay9907]

It's so nice that this video posted on Sophie and McCoy's birthday !

[@benwasserman8223]

Yayyyy you’re back. Also I really loved Ace and the Doctor’s reconciliation scene in Power of the Doctor. Very touching 🥺

[@steroq6699]

Any new video you release, kind Sir, is a brighter day for me. Keep it coming and thank you very much!

[@thekg996]

I love these! As an American fan who isn’t too familiar with with classic who, these really fill I the gaps! FANTASTIC

[@friendlyotaku9525]

Ace is one of my absolute favourite companions and you absolutely did her justice with this amazing video! It was such a treat to see Ace return after so long away in Power of the Doctor and Sophie Aldred effortlessly slipped back into the role, I really hope we see her again in the future in Doctor Who itself and/or a potential future spin off, in fact I think Power of the Doctor demonstrated that Sophie Aldred could absolutely lead her own spin off and I'd love to see that, a spin off following her adventures while running A Charitable Earth would be fantastic! The ball's in your court, Russell! I'd love for you to do a video about Tegan at some point in the future too!

[@bradyvanderzz]

It feels like a massive event every time you upload 😂great video as always, one of the best Doctor Who channels on KZbin!!

[@Peacemoon-ToH]

Great video! So sad we didn’t get a proper conclusion to her story with the original Who, and we missed out on the 90s! I really liked the direction they were taking at the end - Curse of Fenric is my absolute favourite classic Who - and the way the Doctor has to break her spirit to ‘save the day’ (and his willingness to do) was such a revolutionary moment for me. It would have been great to have seen the next series, and the Doctor’s morals being questioned. Loved the video and the sounds, great insight, thank you.

[@cleverdickfilms]

You're most welcome! Glad you enjoyed!

[@TheWorldmanOne]

Thank you so much for getting me into Doctor Who. I’ve tried several times in the past, but your comprehensive videos on the Doctors and Companions was just what I needed. Currently getting through my first marathon before the special this November. Can’t wait to see what Davies, Tennant and Tate have been working on! Keep up the good work!

[@pikapal91]

Another terrific Doctor Who documentary and for my favorite classic companion.

[@FrankNFurter1000]

Happy birthday Sylvester, Sophie, and Anthony! 💜

[@weatherboy8252]

Thanks for having Subtitles on for the scene at the water at 15:17. I couldn't hear a thing haha

[@ghostwarrior3878]

Welcome back. I found your channel because of your Doctor Who Documentary, and I've enjoyed your videos since then. I look forward to seeing what you upload next.

[@thechineserussian]

I've just finished catching up on all of your previous reviews whilst at work so it's a very pleasant surprise to see a new video from you. Looking forward to more in the future.

[@Wyrmwould]

I've always loved Ace. She was around my age when the Sylvester McCoy episodes were being shown on my local PBS station. I really identified with her more than any of the earlier companions. I had no idea they brought her back in a later episode. I will have to watch that one for sure!

[@AtypicalJosh]

Having interviewed both Andrew Cartmel and Sophie Aldred. They both named how important Ace was to the stories of the time. This, I feel was the prototype companion that the modern series followed. Especially there are similarities between Ace and Rose. With 80s Doctor Who being my favourite period, I truly believe Ace is one of the best companions of the whole show

[@jaydee4697]

Brilliant video; thank you so much for sharing! Ace is easily one of my favourite companions, and I absolutely see the link between her and modern companions ('At Childhoods End' and 'The Power of the Doctor' making it especially clear that she is the template for modern companions like Rose, Martha and -more recently- Yaz). Aldred is fantastic in the role, and I love that fans of the modern show have been introduced to her and can now see how amazing both the actor and the character are.

[@RetroCarsForever]

One of my favorite companions, and Aldred is terrific in person the few times I've met her at conventions. Another great doc!

[@40somethingmanchild]

Can't wait to watch this later. Ace and McCoy are my favourite TARDIS team of thr 80s.

[@hulaj__dusza]

Thank you for this video, Ace is the best companion that ever was, I love Sophie Aldred's performance and her character growth, this is such a wonderful documentary, can't wait for the Capaldi's era retrospective, because I started watching Who when series 9 was airing.

[@jfh9219]

It's great to see you back with another fine presentation. Thank you and be well!

[@TheGaragebandGuide]

Fantastic as always Richard!

[@neddystark3351]

Another superb documentary Richard, absolutely fascinating. You have great skill in pulling in the viewer and never leaving them bored. These need DVD and Blu Ray releases.

[@Echo2-2]

Outstanding work as always!

[@stuff31]

Always a good day when you upload! Great episode as usual, very well made. Can't wait for the Capaldi episode!

[@AtypicalJosh]

So glad to have this out! Keep up the great content my friend 😁

[@blacksunshine7485]

I've been getting video withdrawals waiting for an upload! Can't wait to steal a second to watch it

[@SJKPJR007]

Thank you for this truly excellent testament to a landmark companion of the classic series. Your videos are always so professionally researched and presented. Utterly great work!

[@Methazar]

Ace was my first crush lol a wicked companion for McCoy's DoctorWho.

[@Scripture-Man]

Another superbly researched and written documentary with some great trivia I didn't know until now. Very happy that Sophie/Ace got her own standalone documentary here, as she's always been my favourite :-)

[@margixable]

Loved this one. Ace was always one of my favorite companions! Thank you for doing this!

[@cleverdickfilms]

You’re most welcome!

[@Solaar_Punk]

Great stuff. As a child of the 90s, Ace still felt like my companion, and Sylvester - my Doctor. They, and the show were very different but definitely had something unique.

[@Nargon46]

I've been thinking I should become a patreon for this channel ever since watching the Doctor Who era documentaries last year, this video clinches it! So well researched and full of interesting tidbits (plus I just love listening to people talk about the things I enjoy), and now one about my new favorite classic companion? Screw it, I'm in. Looking forward to more!

[@cleverdickfilms]

Thanks so much!

[@veritanuda]

Great review and yeah, Ace was a good character and I felt she really brought something to Dr Who unique. Shame it was killed before she could fully develop but oh well. Thanks for fleshing her out.

[@maidenly_matilda]

Ace was my favourite companion 🥰 I very much agree with you that she is the direct character ancestor to modern who companions who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. Love your videos, such dedication and passion clearly goes into what you do.

[@thomasbeech1965]

So happy to see you back again! This is going to be a wicked video 💥

[@jacobunderwood5206]

I love how Ace and the 7th Doctor are both very deceptive in their own ways. The Doctor’s a stout eccentric who looks more at home on a golf course then on an adventure, and Ace is just some punk teen from the streets. Despite this, they’re probably the most formidable Tardis Team in the show’s history.

[@Moonlightgraeme]

Ace was my first companion and still my favourite. Great video as always.

[@ichabodnoodle9595]

Great video. I am soooo looking forward to the rest of this series on companions. So many great ones to choose from.

[@dannyjarratt5414]

Rewatching this video was lovely :) I love the historical narrative framework of behind-the-scenes production history and the on-screen story. The post-television recap of the transmedia storytelling is the cherry on top. Also, you are extremely skilled in being both well-researched and in-depth without giving away spoilers. I patiently await your future companion videos.

[@nicka3697]

A shame you didn't cover the BbC audio adventure Death Comes to Time when Ace gets the supreme accolade of becoming the Doctor's successor. Also a fantastic story, and a stunning cast I can't recommend it enough as an alternate Dr Who universe in its own right and a fitting finale for a show that appeared at the time to be beyond resurrection.

[@davidmuller9412]

Always a delight to see a new video from you! Great work yet again 👍👏

[@DoctorJohnSmith9]

Amazing work as always! These are the best documentary videos in my book. Ace!!

[@AidanLawrence-um2bs]

You’re videos are so ace, can’t wait for part 13 - this video was really good would love to seem more like this

[@thelostone6981]

I am so very glad you are back!! Sincerely, I turn your videos when my life becomes chaotic. Your videos reminded me of the hope that comes from programs like Doctor Who and it is one of the best representation of the best humanity has to offer. I’ve been through your videos at least 4 times and have specifically watched the Tom Baker video at least a dozen times. I’ve shared this story before, but when I was 8-9 in the early 80s, I would stay up past my bed time and watch Doctor Who on a small, black and white television here in the United States….it scared me so much!!! But I loved it!!! The Ark In Space, The Hand of Fear, The Key of Time series…yes, they were a bit old by that point, but still. (I remember watching some Peter Davidson, but Tom Baker was my favorite) So thank you for the time and effort yiu put into these!

[@cleverdickfilms]

You are more than welcome! Thank you for your lovely comments.

[@Sol-Cutta]

Just absolutely fantasticly created...magnificent 🙏🙏🙏

[@hinduismwithpremananddasbhagat]

OH ACE! A new video of a companion so many of us love .... I mean, we don't love her, its not like we have a crush on her, like on her and Nyssa ... I mean, she was a different character than came before in her attitude, then they gave her so much more to her character development than DW had traditionally done with companions (or at least rarely had done). What was not to love? .... yeah, total crush. Even today when I saw the commercial and then the episode with her and 7 I gushed and cried.

[@CD-yr8tw]

What more can be said? Another masterclass in erudite Dr. Who review and analysis. We are so lucky to have your excellent productions.

[@StaleRice]

Another well done, intricate and thoughtful documentary Richard! I’m really enjoying these companion videos, and it was nice to learn about Sophie herself as well as Ace. That’s something I love about your reviews, getting a piece of the lives of those behind the show. Best wishes, take care!

[@RopeDrink]

Happy birthday to Sylvester + Sophie! This video was uploaded one day after their joint celebration, and I hope they had a fantastic time. As for Seven & Ace, they have been my #1 TARDIS team since the 80's, and it was an absolute joy to see them reunite in Power of the Doctor. I sincerely hope we get to see more of them!

[@Jayfive276]

to this 80s kid she had that "Classmate's cool big sister who was at college and you saw getting ready to go out on Friday evening while you were there to play on the Nintendo and secretly fancied" thing going on :D

[@davelightman]

Fantastic work - you always do such a great job on these. Look forward to the next one!

[@Spielkalb-von-Sparta]

Welll done, thank you very much indeed for this review. By chance I watched _The Power of the Doctor_ only a few days ago and was positively surprised by her cameo in it.

[@poeterritory]

Another excellent video. They are always worth the wait.

[@cleverdickfilms]

Thanks so much!

[@frankowalker4662]

Brilliant as always. Thank you for the love, devotion and effort you put into this wonderful series.

[@woodhouse122]

Happy birthday Sophie 😁

[@DeadedGamers]

Fantastic micro documentey on the character, very insightfull and entertaining! Keep this great quality up😎👍

[@Tlaloc1]

Fantastic video as always! Ace has always been my favorite companion, from as far back as my dad playing DVD's of classic who stories in the 2000s to my 2020s rewatching of the series.

[@viddysgamingviddyos4710]

Nice one again. Ace being one of my favourite companions goes back to seeing the 7th Doctor era on video as a kid. Since that and her appearance in Power of the Doctor is mostly all I know about her, you again covering the Wilderness Years/audios and books is also good for me to see.

[@michaelwebster8666]

Excellent! Ace and 7 are such a great pairing. Thank you 👍

[@Anakin313NZ]

Brilliant as always. I got to meet Sophie earlier this year. A wonderful storyteller.

[@markam67]

Awesome as usual, Richard! I have unfortunately never really watched the whole series of the 6th and 7th doctors.

[@the1truebakasama]

Oh, this was beautiful. I was in tears at the end.

[@PerformanceCheck]

Incredible as always! Every time you drop a video it is unmissable and uninterrupted priority viewing. Thanks for the continued amazing work. This video was Ace. ❤

[@BlackcountrytshirtsOFFICIAL]

Yet again a stunning documentary. Bravo for this installment. The wait might be long but its whole heartedly worth it.

[@wstine79]

The last companion of the original series. ACE was awesome, especially when fighting a Dalek with a baseball bat.

[@mitchellsmith2628]

Always a pleasure seeing a new upload from you. Keep on keeping on! Can't wait for the 12th Doctor video

[@olavert1426]

Excellent companion character analysis! I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Thank you for your consistent dedication to making this Dr Who content!

[@seanssangster6079]

Thank you thank you, most excellent as if you have never been away. Such a high level of detail and insight. so grateful for all of the work you put into every video.

[@sbi168]

Absolutely awesome video. Such detail yet never boring. Ace was always my favourite companion of the classic series and still ranks high to this day. Season 26 is my fave classic season too. Seriously awesome video. Keep up the excellent work!

[@seancampbell7884]

Brilliant work as always. Whatever else can be said about Power of the Doctor I think it's worth watching for the scenes with 5 and Tegan and 7 and Ace.

[@kjmmxii123]

Happy birthday to Sophie, Sylve, and Anthony Ainley! I'm guessing that played into your posting of this video today? Either way, well timed, and I always enjoy watching your content.

[@richallenxbox1976]

I met Sophie at a comic con last May, she was 59 at the time but definitely didn't look it, she's always been gorgeous! And the poor thing sat and listened to me moan about the LONG walk from Elsecar Train Station killing my hearing aid bless her.

[@PhsycoRed]

When I saw The Seventh Doctor in Power of the Doctor I teared up. That's my Doctor and to him goes his companion. When they finally reconnected I shed a few tears as all of the stories I've read and heard about The First Modern Companion had all come to ahead and my most loved show had given me closure.

[@HerohammerStudios]

That's how they get you. It was horrible, but seeing a thing you like can overule most other things for a short time. Damn monkey brains lol

[@dancingbearandkoala9743]

fantastic.. great work as always. Being a fan of the show for nearly 20 years its amazing that your still able to inform me of stuff i did not know thank you :)

[@mrericmmurphy]

Chef’s kiss. Just impeccable work. I adore your videos. 😊

[@rogerlynch5279]

AS ALWAYS a very well done introduction to the actors, their performances and the reaction of the public to those points.

[@VikingSchism]

Having just read Set Piece, Ace's departure in the New Advnetures, this couldn't have come at a more perfect time. Ace is easily my favourite companion and I think her relationship to The Doctor is one of the most interesting dynamics we've had. I do have my quibbles with the scene in Power of The Doctor, but it's hard to deny that it was very satisfying to watch when it aired and to see the two reunited on screen once again

[@ridensroom6957]

Great to see this back. Great job

[@davidsmith5523]

I just shuffled in to watch this. You really do pack a lot of information into these films. Aa a Companion, she is in an exclusive club and was a diamond. My heart skipped a beat at her recent reappearance too. Your videos always reward our patience. Well i can't spade in and move card puns. So will deal myself out for now.

[@TCHorwood-xq7mw]

Lol! You're a real Joker ;-)

[@Krees82]

Brilliant video. So well produced and researched. I started watching Who in 1988 so Ace was the first companion I saw. Such a great pairing of her and the Seventh Doctor that it's a shame more people weren't watching the show at the time and we were denied an on-screen departure. I dont personally like the evolution of the character in the New Adventures and I'm glad the TV series has given her a proper fate. Hope we get to revisit Ace again on TV too.

[@mikebasil4832]

Sophie is such a naturally beautiful actress who gave such earthly life to Ace. I'm especially pleased that she could extend to the fan film universe via Doctor Who Velocity. Thank you for your review.

[@jamied.5612]

Great to see you back! As always, excited to see another fantastic video!