Doctor Who season finale directed by UBC professor

Rachel Talalaysays shehad one just week's notice to prepare todirect the cast and crew in the season finale for Doctor Who.

Talalay is an associate professor of theatre at UBC.

As a longtime fan of the popular science fiction television show, she says, "I don't want to sound like a ridiculous fan girl, but anyone who is a fan, who walks on the Tardis, is breathless."

Talalayadmits to feelingthe pressure, because it's"not just any Doctor Who episode."She says, "The finales are always massive and it was written by the brilliant StevenMoffatt, the show's executive producer."

I don't want to sound like a ridiculous fan girl, but anyone who is a fan, who walks on the Tardis, is breathless.-Rachel Talalay, Director

No Spoilers

Talalay won't reveal much about the finale."Whatever you expect from that trailer, whatever you expect from having seen the first half, it is totally different and that's the brilliance of Steven."

Working with the 12th Doctor Who

It's the end of the first season for actor Peter Capaldi, who plays the 12th incarnation of Doctor Who.Talalay says, "Peter is absolutely fabulous. You sort of all the time want him to be like The Thick of Itand swear all the time, but of course he doesn't!"

"He's a grumpier more old fashioned Doctor. He's more complicated as a character, but as an actor, he's one of the most versatile actors I've ever worked with, which is brilliant to watch".

The second part of the Doctor Who season finale airs Saturday November 8, 2014.Next,Talalay says she will be doing a small "passion project" for the CBC.

It's "about the neglect of women in the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver, so I continue my feminist rant."

Watchbehind the scenes: The Doctor Whoseason finale

Watch the preview of the Doctor Whoseason finale