Human Nature
Exciting. Mature. Enters new territory for the show. Human Nature is terrific really. At times it evokes the best memories of eerie 70s Who with creepy faced villains, well-realised period setting and creepy monster set pieces. It is perhaps not the all conquering epic I was hoping for, but heh, expectations schmecpectations...you have to take it for what it is...and all things said and done I'm happy to take this (wherever you want to put it!)
This is a story full of interesting characters. Martha is fabulous - we feel her confusion and pain and Freema manages the range required well. The flashback sequences in the Tardis are fantastic and full of drama. Sorry Lucozer you are wrong on this one, she is terrific.
Tennant is actually very good here as well–. On first viewing I thought he was a bit too samey as John Smith - not enough distinction between the roles, but on a second viewing, I think he gets it just right.
Of the others, Joan is a very sympathetic character, despite her dissing of Martha. The intriguing child from Love Actually is rivetting - one– can't wait to see how his involvement unfolds...is he going to feature in future stories? Are there clues here for the rest of the season? He does look a touch like a wee Sir Derek or a wee Sir Simm...
Flaws: Baines doesn't look right. His face has a weird, unearthly quality - even when he is playing it straight. Before he is possessed, as he stands and watches the green lights decend, there is a strange close up on his face in which he looks totally bizarre. Thankfully when he is possessed he is quite chilling.
Other flaws: The ludicrous green guns, the cricket ball scene - a bit silly really and the cliffhanger was a tad obvious too.
The Jack Straws are OK –though perhaps not as threatening as they might have been. I can see kids freaking out however.
And just what do we make of the trailer: the Doctor married? And with a baby?!!!
A character drama which could go into facinating darker territory, Human Nature is very tasty and edges 42 as the premier story of the season, thus far. Nice work Paul.
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