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The Regional News • The Reporter
Thursday, August 3, 2017
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‘Doctor Who’ showrunner defends casting decision
Southwest • Section 2, Page 7
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By Daniel Holloway Outgoing “Doctor Who” showrunner Steven Moffat blames the media for what he says is a false narrative about backlash against the casting of a woman in the show’s title role. “There has been so many press articles about the backlash among the ‘Doctor Who’ fandom against the casting of a female Doctor,” Moffat said Sunday at Comic-Con. “There has been no backlash at all. The story of the moment is that the notionally conservative ‘Doctor Who’ fandom has utterly embraced that change completely — 80 percent approval on social media, not that I check these things obsessively. And yet so many people wanted to pretend there’s a problem. There isn’t.” Jodie Whittaker will take over the role of the Doctor from Peter Capaldi beginning next season. Whitaker will be the 13th actor to portray the character, and the first woman. “Doctor Who” fans, Moffat said, “are more excited by the fact that there’s going to be a brilliant actress playing the part than the fact that she’s a woman. It’s been incredibly progressive and enlightened and that’s what really happened. I wish every single journalist who is writing the alternative would shut the hell up.” Whittaker’s casting was the target of misogynist vitriol on social media, but has been defended by most connected to the show — including Moffat, who is handing over showrunner and executive producer duties to Chris Chibnall. Capaldi, who will make his
In the raw: Try a dish that highlights fresh fish at its finest By Wolfgang Puck BBC
Some fans of the popular British sci-series “Doctor Who” didn’t take kindly to the selection of Jodie Whittaker as the next Doctor.
last appearance as the character in the show’s upcoming Christmas special, also praised Whittaker’s casting. “I just wanted to say that I think Jodie’s going to be amazing,” Capaldi said. “I spoke to her the other day and she’s so full of excitement and so full of passion about the show. She really, really loves the show, and she’s a brilliant actress. So it’s really thrilling to know that it’s in the
hands of someone who cares for it so deeply. And is going to do really, really exciting things with it. She’s a great choice, as far as I’m concerned.” BBC also used the Comic-Con panel to premiere this December’s “Doctor Who” Christmas special trailer. The sneak peek shows Capaldi stuck in time alongside a second Doctor played by David Bradley. The trailer can be viewed below.
VIDEOVIEW BY JAY BOBBIN NOTICE: Ratings for each film begin with a ‘star’ rating — one star meaning ‘poor,’ four meaning ‘excellent’ — followed by the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and then by a family-viewing guide, the key for which appears below.
STARTING THIS WEEK:
“BIG LITTLE LIES”: Surely one of television’s prestige projects of the year, this engrossing HBO version of the Liane Moriarty novel — adapted by David E. Kelley (“The Practice”) — examines the lives of, and connections between, several women and mothers living supposedly ideal lives in scenic Monterey, Calif. Played by Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley (“Divergent”), they also have deep secrets that risk exposure after a death at an elementary school. Witherspoon and Kidman also were executive producers of the project, reuniting Witherspoon and co-star Laura Dern with “Wild” director JeanMarc Vallee and boasting a solid cast that also includes Alexander Skarsgard (“True Blood”), Adam Scott (“Parks and Recreation”), Zoe Kravitz and James Tupper. **** (Not rated: AS, P, V) (Also on Blu-ray) “GOING IN STYLE”: The premise is the same, so the true pleasure is in the acting, with another trio of senior-citizen stars — Oscar winners Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin succeeding the earlier version’s George Burns, Art Carney and Lee Strasberg — in this comedy remake. They play former coworkers, each of whom has his own reason for wanting to turn to bank robbery as a twilight-years hobby. The clear focus is on them, but director Zach Braff (“Garden State”)( also enlists such other familiar faces as Ann-Margret, Matt Dillon, Christopher Lloyd and “Saturday Night Live’s” Kenan Thompson. DVD extra: audio commentary by Braff. *** (PG13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “THE CIRCLE”: Emma Watson gets top billing in this maybe-a-little-too-late cautionary tale adapted from Dave Eggers’ novel about social media, but Tom Hanks and Patton Oswalt do much with their customary energy as
Dreamstime.com
Sushi-grade salmon is suitable for serving and eating raw.
the owners of such a company. Watson plays their newest hire, and her ambition to prove herself leads her to volunteer for a project that displays subjects’ lives on view 24/7. Expectedly, she soon starts questioning what she’s gotten herself into — and, on a bigger scale, what the firm’s true intentions are. John Boyega (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) costars as a colleague who gives our heroine some insight, and director and co-screenwriter James Ponsoldt’s (“The Spectaciular Now”) cast also includes two recently deceased talents, Bill Paxton and Glenne Headly. DVD extras: three “making-of” documentaries. *** (PG-13: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “THE LOVERS”: Can this marriage be saved? It’s a popular question, and it’s the be-all and end-all of writer-director Azazel Jacobs’ seriocomic tale that gives Debra Winger one of her most sizable screen roles in years. She and actor-playwright Tracy Letts (whose works include “August: Osage County” and “Superior Donuts”) play a couple whose relationship seems all but finished, especially since each is romantically involved with someone else. However, there’s still a spark between them, and it could grow into full-fledged love for them again. Aiden Gillen (“Game of Thrones”) also appears. DVD extras: two “making-of” documentaries; audio commentary by Jacobs. *** (R: AS, P) (Also on Blu-ray and On Demand) “REMEMBER ME”: Though he’s best-known for comedy, Monty Python veteran Michael Palin makes a sharp turn into drama in this three-episode suspense tale, being released on home video in the same week it ends its PBS debut (a couple of years after its initial run on England’s BBC). Palin plays a senior citizen who gets himself into an assisted-living program by faking a fall, but he ends up in a very real mystery when he witnesses a social worker’s death. Others seem relatively unconcerned, with the exception of a young health-care assistant (Jodie Comer). Mark Addy and Julia Sawalha also star. *** (Not rated: AS, P) “PURE COUNTRY: PURE HEART”: The third drama in the country-music-infused fran-
chise — and the second to be made directly for the home-video market — this tale offers authentic country talents in co-stars Willie Nelson and Laura Bell Bundy. However, the thrust of the story is on two teen sisters who suddenly learn things they didn’t know about their father, a Marine who was killed while serving in Iraq. They take a road trip to discover more about his own musical aspirations, eventually setting them on a course for their own lives. Kaitlyn Bausch and Cozi Zuehlsdorff play the siblings, and the cast also includes Amanda Detmer, the WWE’s Shawn Michaels and veteran actor Ronny Cox, who wrote and performs one of the songs on the soundtrack. DVD extras: “making-of” documentary; music video. *** (Not rated: AS) (Also on Blu-ray)
COMING SOON:
“SNATCHED” (Aug. 8): Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer play a mother and daughter who end up being kidnapped while on a vacation together. (R: AS, N, P) “THE DINNER” (Aug. 8): A restaurant gathering among relatives proves unsettling in a drama that reteams “Primal Fear” stars Richard Gere and Laura Linney. (R: AS, P, V) “KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD” (Aug. 8): Charlie Hunnam has the title role in director Guy Ritchie’s retelling of the monarch’s story. (PG-13: AS, P, V) “BILLIONS: SEASON TWO” (Aug. 15): Federal prosecutor Chuck and hedge-fund king Axe (Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis) both face major personal and professional challenges. (Not rated: AS, P) “CHUCK” (Aug. 15): Liev Schreiber (“Ray Donovan”) plays Chuck Wepner, the real-life boxer whose underdog story inspired “Rocky.” (R: AS, P, V) “HOW TO BE A LATIN LOVER” (Aug. 15): Eugenio Derbez (“Instructions Not Included”) is backed by a notable cast, including Salma Hayek and Rob Lowe, in this comedy about a dethroned ladies’ man, (PG-13: AS, N, P) FAMILY-VIEWING GUIDE KEY: AS, adult situations; N, nudity; P, profanity; V, violence; GV, particularly graphic violence.
In my early years as a chef, one of the most basic, and best, lessons I learned was to taste ingredients raw. Experiencing even a little bit of food in its uncooked state is a perfect way to get a sense of its flavors and textures, so you’ll always keep in mind the inherent qualities you want to highlight in the finished dish. Sometimes, taking that initial raw taste might also inspire you not to cook a particular ingredient at all, or to cook it only briefly. That is certainly the case with many kinds of seafood, which over the past couple of decades many people have learned to enjoy raw or very lightly seared. Just a few decades ago, food lovers in western countries might still have been wary of eating raw seafood - apart, of course, from longtime traditional specialties like raw oysters and cold-smoked salmon or lox. But the rising popularity of sushi dramatically changed people’s attitudes and also made people more receptive to other styles of raw or barely cooked premium fresh seafood, such as the citrusmarinated ceviche served in Latin American countries or the crudo (literally, “raw”) of Italy. Such raw seafood specialties make wonderful summertime appetizers. Cool, light and refreshing, they’re perfect to serve as a first course or light lunchtime main dish. Take, for example, my recipe for seared salmon and sea bass crudo with avocado. Inspired by casual dishes I observed and prepared myself as a young chef working in the South of France and Monaco, this recipe relies upon the freshest, finest raw fish fillets you can find. Fortunately, many markets today sell such seafood labeled as “sushi
grade” to indicate that it’s of the highest standard suitable for serving and eating raw. Of course, you should also let your eyes and nose confirm that the fillets are in perfect condition, looking firm and bright in color with no aromas other than a fresh clean scent of the sea. My recipe gives you the option of preparing the fish either in its most pristine raw state or, if you or your guests might prefer just a hint of cooking, searing the fillets lightly first. Either way, the fish is then cut into thin slices that are briefly marinated with a simple dressing of olive oil and citrus juice or vinegar, the acidity of which firms it up a bit just as light cooking would. Draped over thin wedges of avocado and garnished with fresh herbs, the crudo makes a beautiful presentation as refreshing to look at as it is to eat. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon, and discover for yourself the pleasures of the freshest seafood in its most pristine state. SEARED SALMON AND SEA BASS CRUDO WITH AVOCADO Serves 6 • 9 ounces (280 g) absolutely fresh sushigrade salmon fillet, skin removed • 9 ounces (280 g) absolutely fresh sushigrade sea bass fillet, skin removed • 4 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil, plus extra if searing the fish • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, lemon juice or good-quality Champagne vinegar • Fine sea salt • Freshly ground black
pepper • 3 ripe but slightly firm Hass-style avocados • 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives or tarragon • 3 lemons, thinly sliced, seeds removed If you plan to sear the fish, first heat a nonstick skillet large enough to hold both pieces of fish over high heat. Drizzle in a very thin coating of olive oil and, when the oil is hot enough to flow freely in the pan and just beginning to give off the slightly wisps of smoke, add the 2 fish fillets and cook them on both large sides for about 1 minute per side, just until seared brown, turn them carefully with tongs. Transfer the fish fillets, whether seared or raw, to a clean cutting board. With a very sharp chef’s knife, cut each fillet diagonally at a 45-degree angle into 6 paperthin slices, as you would slice smoked salmon. Arrange the fish slices without overlapping on a large platter. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the fish. Loosely cover the platter and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Halve and pit the avocados. With a large metal spoon, keeping its edge against the inside of an avocado half’s skin, carefully scoop out the flesh in a single piece from each avocado half. Place the avocado halves cut side down on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut each half lengthwise into 8 thin, crescentshaped wedges. Arrange 4 avocado slices on each of 4 chilled serving plates. Drape a slice each of salmon and sea bass on top of the avocado on each plate. Sprinkle with chives or tarragon, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately.
OMARR’S WEEKLY ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST By Jeraldine Saunders ARIES (March 21-April 19): Sometimes you want what you want when you want it. You may insist on having your own way despite the appearance of being illogical. Don’t buck the system or swim against the currents and the tides in the week ahead. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your focus in the week to come may be on getting things done by dealing with groups of people. You may find it easy to be inspired by your partner’s dynamic dreams just don’t forget to pay attention to the details. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You don’t need to promise someone the moon and the stars. In the week to come it isn’t necessary to bend over backwards to please a special someone. Be content to be admired and adored for just being yourself. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Open the windows for a breath of fresh air. This is a good week to escape from people or situations that have stifled your happiness. You could receive a great deal of attention from others due to
a new toy or interest. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You are quick to grasp concepts before you float on to a new one. By embracing inspiring ideas you can plow your way through things that normally make you impatient. Keep edginess under control in the week ahead. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Facing reality still leaves a lot to the imagination. Your down to earth nature may be uplifted by new friends and fantasies as this week passes by. New social contacts encourage you to enjoy a more serene and sociable mood. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Play with the cards in your hand. You may be challenged in the week ahead when you are dealt some wild cards. Find inspiration by appreciating the people or things within walking distance or in the local community. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Sheep enjoy the presence of a sheepherder. You might be intrigued by an offer to join a group or organization in the week ahead. New friends may inspire you to try something that may become a fascinating and passion-
ate pastime. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21): Delay your pleasures and pleasures may be heightened. The flames of love may act as a pilot light until you meet a deadline or complete a project. Remain focused on honoring your commitments in the week ahead. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): It takes two to tango. Working with a friend or in a group setting can help you shine even if you don’t have a dance floor handy. Ask for assistance with a project or popularize your cause as the week unfolds. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Count your change twice, and then count it again. In the week ahead your assets may shrink through no fault of your own, but you are especially prone to carelessness about your possessions and mat lose some pennies. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Distance provides a more objective view. Stand back from a relationship so that emotional issues do not undermine basic trust and attunement. Avoid letting suspicions or doubts cloud your judgment this week.