Doctor Who - The Missing Episodes

While we all wait for the press conference announcing more about the found episodes of Doctor Who I began preparing an article that would cover a little of the history of the missing episodes of Doctor Who and some of the back story of what is happening in the next couple of days but I came across this article by BLUEHINTER at I09 that does a better job than what I would have done.  They also go into some details on what episodes were sold where and gives us an idea of the chances of particular stories that have been returned - it is very well done.

http://observationdeck.io9.com/your-guide-to-doctor-who-lost-possibly-found-1442839915/@bricken

One has to realize that at minimum we are dealing with just a couple of episodes or stories or that the majority of the missing episodes are back.  It depends on what you hear.  The numbers range from 10 to 106 episodes and like the article states, the chances that some of these are back are near impossible.  Still, the main rumor was 90+ and I for one still believe that despite the fact that the article suggests that at max we are looking at around 70.  This is assuming one location where these episodes were found while the rumor suggested these are coming in from multiple locations.

Most of what I have heard is hearsay but those sources have been absolutely right up to this point and if the next couple of days reveal the two stories I think they will reveal, I am inclined to still believe the 90 number.

Whatever happens I think it is a large number of episodes and Doctor Who fandom is rejoicing right now.

The Rumor - Missing Doctor Who Episodes Found? - Radio Times Statement

A statement from the Radio Times is not looking good for the rumor -

From a Spokesperson from Television International Enterprises Archives

“There are always rumours and speculation about Doctor Who missing episodes being discovered - however we cannot confirm any new finds,” a statement says.

Can’t confirm? What does that mean? Doe this meant that it may be true but they can’t confirm or that they can’t confirm because they have no information to this effect? Can they not confirm because it isn’t true?

“We can’t confirm because it’s not true as far a I’m aware,” the spokeswoman adds.

But are they talking to Morris? Or anyone with lost episodes.

“I don’t think so?”

So there are no episodes?

“Not as far as we know.”

The Rumor - Missing Doctor Who Episodes Found - Official BBC Statement

For what it is worth - posted from bleedingcool.com


Philip Fleming, Head of Communications, Brands, Content & Digital, BBC Worldwide tells me;

There are always rumours and speculation about Doctor Who missing episodes being discovered, however we cannot confirm any new finds.

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2013/06/19/bbc-officially-responds-to-bleeding-cool-over-doctor-who-rumours/

First off, apparently this find happened in 2011 and a shipping label with 3 tons of film made its way to the UK in 2011.  Not sure what is going on but that statement clears nothing up.

The Rumor part 3 - Missing Episodes Gains Momentum - Could Be True!!!

WOW - this is too much for me.  Apparently there are now statements leading to the fact that there were indeed 90 episodes located.  Bleedingcool.com, who broke all this last week is now stating that Ian Levine is now saying that he was lied to -

Ian Levine @IanLevine

@keefybabe I've just been given proof that backs up the entire story,from 2011. So yes I now really believe he has found 90 missing episodes

7:56 PM - 18 Jun 2013

WOW - in addition, there is a shipment of old film - 3 tons of old film that has been confirmed sent to England.

This is a complete turn around from the negativity we got earlier in the day and so now it looks like it may be true after all.  

To recap - 90 episodes previously missing might have been found in Africa.  Word has it that it would include all Hartnell and Troughton except for 16 episodes. The missing episodes still include Invasion 1 & 4,  9 episodes from "The Dalek Master Plan", Mission to the Unknown and 2 from "The  Ice Warriors" and 2 from "Wheel In space." WOW!!!

So this is still a rumor but the source (Ian Levine) that stated earlier that it was not true is now saying it is true - I would expect official word any day now!!

Stay Tuned

FINDING DOCTOR WHO: How Every Missing Episode May be Recovered

With the finding of two of the ‘lost’ episodes of Doctor Who I got to thinking about the future of these missing episodes. Will we find more? Will we find all of them? Where are they hiding or are they gone for good? I have come up with a few reasons why the chances are good that more will be found as well as some steps to take to recover the ones that may be gone for good.