Doctor Who 4.03 - Planet of the Ood

[caz963]

This week's was more of a straightforward adventure story, I thought, although there was a larger overall "theme" to it I guess - freedom from repression and all that.

I loved Donna’s excitement and sense of wonder at the beginning when she realises that she, Donna Noble of Chiswick and package holidays is now on a different planet.

But of course, it's not that simple. The Doc and Donna come across an injured Ood; Donna's reaction at first is one of revulsion, but her sense of compassion takes over and she tries to comfort the dying creature.

“We’re so not married.” Heh.

Last time the Doctor met the Ood he knew they were servants, but didn't look beyond that. He didn't ask. Which as Donna says, is unlike him. (Okay, so he had bigger fish to fry fighting the devil, but still…). I like the fact that she makes him think and question his actions.

We get another mention of the disappearing bees.

Again, Donna gets the emotional meat of the episode; hearing the Ood song and then not being able to stand it because it was too painful – and then wanting to go home. Thousands of years in the future, humans are slave-traders; Donna insists she doesn’t have slaves, but then the Doc asks her who makes her clothes? (Um, yeah.)

Is that why you travel around with a human? It’s not so you can show them the wonders of the universe, it’s so you can take cheap shots? Spaceman.

Ouch - but a good point. Does the Doc keep a human around so he can feel superior?

Dealing with the rabid Ood by gassing them - like we dealt with foot and mouth in the "old days." I have to say, foot and mouth wasn't my first thought.

Anyway, a good episode - not awesome, but enjoyable, and Catherine Tate continues to impress. Does anyone else feel like Donna’s been in the show for ages? Because three episodes in, I think she’s the best companion new Who’s had so far. We've got a grown-up relationship at last; you can tell these people care about each other a lot already, and there's no mushy stuff! (Not that I'm against mushy stuff in principle, but just not in Doctor Who!)
And I know it's early days, but I'm feeling so much better about this season than I was at this stage last year. It's like the show's had a much-needed shot in the arm.

Old enemies return next week!