Season three of new “Doctor Who” reaches its middle two-part story, that portion of a series, previously established initially with “The Empty Child” and latterly with “The Impossible Planet”, containing most substance! This year seems to be no exception judging from the opening episode, “Human Nature”. It’s a more interesting and complex tale than writer Paul Cornell’s previous offering two years ago, in the opening season’s “Father’s Day”, which I enjoyed on first viewing but disliked thereafter. “Human Nature” actually predates that Christopher Eccleston episode, originally appearing as a Seventh Doctor novel in the mid-Nineties, now updated by its original author to accommodate the current Doctor and latest companion. Speaking of Martha, and as I indicated in a comment posted on Old Cheeser’s blog before the recent report published in “The Sun”, I’m beginning to wonder if she will survive beyond this season? I haven’t heard that she’s had her contract renewed for next year! And, I’m pondering whether or not Kylie Minogue might fill the part of stopgap-companion, as did Catherine Tate, in the forthcoming Christmas special? As good as “Human Nature” undoubtedly is, there’s one gaping plot hole that occurred to me on second viewing. Why on earth was something as important as the Doctor’s fob watch left lying about on the mantelpiece for all to peruse? It’s quite possible the Doctor as John Smith would open it himself, having no recollection of its function. Or, maybe Joan might’ve become curious and taken a peek. It’s essentially a homing device for the Family of Blood, for goodness sake, and would’ve surely been better concealed, undisturbed, on Martha’s person! As it is, my namesake Tim is the one who eventually unlocks the device which could bring about the possible demise of the man he has hitherto regarded as his teacher. The Family need to trace the Doctor in order to extend their own lives beyond a month. Regarding the Scarecrows, do any fans of the original series find their lollop reminiscent of the Marshmen in “Full Circle”?!! And, finally, what is it with the current production team and wedding dresses?!! Two dummies, wearing them, attack Jackie in “Rose”. Then, two weddings feature in “Father’s Day”. Last December, Catherine Tate donned one, appropriately enough, in “The Runaway Bride”! And, next week, Joan will appear in one in the concluding episode, “The Family of Blood”!! Stay tuned…
8 comments:
The inexplicably lax attitude towards the fob watch aside I thought this was a superb episode. They took the time to develop the characters and relationship, the pace was nicely pitched and they captured the look and feel perfectly. Some of the dialogue was a bit clunky - the teacher wishing for a "just and good war" for example. I don't think it would have occured to anybody to say such a thing in 1913. That apart I really enjoyed it. Very emotive. Quite a maturely handled story.
Yes I agree, it was well-plotted with time for focus on the characters, excellent period, very creepy aliens, nice location work - overall a very "adult" episode. Definitely the best of this season for me so far, I just hope part two lives up to this!
Harry Lloyd as Baines was especially good - I didn't know he'd been in Robin Hood, he looks totally different in that! The sign of a versatile actor.
I enjoyed it, too, but I still think there's too much emphasis being put on relationships in the programme. "Doctor Who", between '63 and '89, was never that kind of show - the very thing that made it unique has been lost!
I remember, when discussing it in the '80s, "Doctor Who" being defined as a monster show! With the introduction of the, supposedly, deep and meaningful to what will always be my favourite programme, regardless of how it is presently created, I'm just waiting for the monsters to turn up in Albert Square to redress the balance! Or, is Peggy Mitchell secretly a Slitheen?!!
I very much enjoyed this episode too. I even liked Martha in this one. It amused me that her character's attitude towards the Doctor hadn't changed although the Doctor had (I am thinking of both times she is told to knock before entering his rooms).
I still haven't taken to Martha but I don't think that it's any fault of the actress. I think she does what she can with the lines that she is given. It's just unfortunate (and annoying) that she has to spend so much time pining for the Doctor's attention.
As I said though I enjoyed this episode. I think I would have liked to have read the novel version of this.
I'd say this has been my favourite of this series so far.
Martha's pining seems to be annoying lots of people, Karen! You might be interested to know that Paul Cornell's original novel will be republished online at some point.
Many people seem to be of the same opinion, Andrew.
I thought it was a fabulous episode - the level of quality I expected the entire series to be at before RTD shoved a soapy spanner in the works.
As for the fob watch, it's a specific plot point surely that no-one other than Martha will think it anything other than a worthless old watch, so I can't see why it shouldn't just be lying with some other junk ont he mantelpiece.
Martha's carelessness through not taking better care of the watch, after specifically being told of its importance by the Doctor in the teaser, directly leads to the Doctor having to choose between his friend and lover at the episode's climax. Had Martha kept it about her person, Tim wouldn't have picked it up, opened it, and led the Family of Blood to the dancehall.
Paul Cornell should've found another way to reach the same cliff-hanger such as losing the watch. As it stands, it makes Martha look stupid when she must be anything but, considering her medical training! The negligence over something so vital is contradictory to her character and therefore poor writing. Remember how important it was to retain the time ring in "Genesis"!!
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