Doctor Who Series 4 Episode 10 - Midnight

I suffered with first-watch syndrome again this week, as I didn’t particularly like this episode at first! But after a re-watch, I expelled my fears and enjoyed the episode!

This is the ‘Donna-lite’ story, with David Tennant getting a chance to do a story without a companion and I think this episode benefited from that refreshing change. Here we have The Doctor boarding a vehicle on its way out onto the surface of ‘Midnight’, a planet made of diamonds.

Guest stars include Doctor Who stalwart (and son of Patrick Troughton!), David Troughton, Lesley Sharp and some bint who used to be in EastEnders.

This was obviously the ‘money saving’ episode, with all the majority of the action taking place on one set. For the third episode running, we didn’t get to see what the ‘monster’ actually was, as it possessed Lesley Sharp. What followed was a masterclass of acting (or if you prefer, being childish!), as Sky (Sharp) copied everything that anyone said. One of the more truly terrifying moments was one she turned around and her face was just terrifying! We don’t need top SFX in Doctor Who to make it great!

In parts, the story seemed to drag on but I think, under the constraints, it was the best they could have produced. Credit must go to RTD for another great script. One aspect I did like about the episode, was when all the people turned on The Doctor. Its something we very rarely see and without a companion, he looked helpless. It got worse when he was possessed and I was worried for half a second that we could have lost him! Also the fact that nobody knew the hostess’ name was done well and said it all about the people on board.

Rose briefly appeared again and with a full return next week, in the ‘Doctor lite’ episode, things are starting to come to ahead with just 3 episodes to go. Here’s looking forward to ‘Turn Left’!

8/10

Next Week: Billie mistakes Catherine Tate to be her ex husband, the much maligned Chris Evans!

'Turn Left' trailer