Raymond Cusick, designer of Daleks, dies

Raymond CusickThe original designer of the seemingly immortal Dalek casings seen throughout the history of Doctor Who (and its associated merchandising), Raymond Cusick dies at the age of 84. A young staff designer at the BBC in 1963, Cusick landed the assignment of originating the Dalek design by chance when another staff designer originally assigned to Doctor Who, Ridley Scott, changed assignments. Years later, after quietly enquiring about sharing some of the windfall from Dalek merchandising, Cusick received a thank you note from the BBC, along with a check for 250 pounds. Despite this, he continued as a television production designer for the BBC through the late 1980s.

Doctor Who: The Krotons (soundtrack)

Doctor Who: The KrotonsSilva Screen Records releases a CD of music from the 1960s Doctor Who story The Krotons, composed and performed by Brian Hodgson of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. A rare example of a pre-80s soundtrack scored entirely by the Workshop, The Krotons’ release catches fans off-guard as part of the label’s series of classic soundtrack releases celebrating 50 years of Doctor Who. Read more

Star Trek Into Darkness

Star Trek Into DarknessThe movie Star Trek Into Darkness opens in American theaters, having already opened overseas. This movie reunites director J.J. Abrams and the cast of the 2009 Star Trek movie, set in an alternate timeline from the original TV series and its big and small screen descendants. Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock), Peter Weller (Robocop) and Alice Eve also star. Read more

Doctor Who: The Name Of The Doctor

Doctor WhoThe 800th episode of Doctor Who airs on BBC1 (the 102nd episode since the series’ revival), closing the new series’ seventh season and setting up hints toward the much-anticipated 50th anniversary special. John Hurt and Richard E. Grant guest star. Read more

Matt Smith reveals Doctor Who departure

Matt Smith as Doctor WhoActor Matt Smith announces that he will be give up the role of the eleventh Doctor in the forthcoming Christmas 2013 Doctor Who special, handing the TARDIS off to the twelfth actor to play the Doctor. First announced as the eleventh Doctor early in 2009, Smith has occupied the TARDIS since his first appearance in the closing scenes of 2010’s New Years’ Day special The End Of Time Part 2.

This timeline entry leads to an entry covering this entire Doctor Who serial; there are plans to write new episodic entries in the future. You can support this effort!