Episode 1: Partners In Crime
Catherine Tate had been introduced as Donna Noble two years earlier in "The Runaway Bride" Christmas episode and was received with mixed opinions. When it was announced that she would return as a fully fledged companion, there was outcry! She was passable as a one off but far too much for a full series, people thought. Everyone was focused on Tate's massive hit comedy show with its outrageous and loud-mouthed characters. They had no idea that she had also done serious and quality drama acting too. As the series finally began, the jury was still out... could Donna have greater depth or would she simply shout at the aliens and tell them she wasn't 'bovvered' ?My comments at the time: [Posted in the blog]
Episode 2: The Fires Of Pompeii
The first episode had gone down well enough and Cathrine Tate had shown both sides of her talent but after this episode, there was still cries to shut her up and stop her shouting...My comments at the time: [Posted in the blog]
Episode 3: Planet Of The Ood
An episode that left some people wondering what the point of the Doctor was. His presence on the planet made little difference to the Ood's suffering, he simply did what they were going to do themselves... But, although we didn't fully appreciate it at the time, things were being set up for the finaléMy comments at the time: [Posted in the blog]
Episodes 4 & 5: The Sontaran Stratagem / The Poison Sky
Discussion went a little quiet for a few weeks. These episodes were praised for the return of Martha (and UNIT) and reduced amount of Donna! The Sontarans appeared for the first time in the revived series and the make-up and effects were applauded.My comments at the time: [Posted in the blog]
Episode 6: The Doctor's Daughter
A genius piece of casting: Geogia Moffett, daughter of Peter Davison (5th Doctor) plays the Doctor's daughter! Though technically not exactly his daughter... she went down well with male viewers. With Martha still along for the ride, this episode was able to show both sides of the conflict.My comments at the time: [Posted in the blog]
Episode 7: The Unicorn And The Wasp
So this year's let's-meat-someone-famous episode came around and was probably a love-it or hate-it departure from 'normal' Doctor Who. In retrospect, almost comparable to "Black Orchid" but with more Doctor Who Sci-Fi :DMy comments at the time: [Posted in the blog]
Episodes 8 & 9: Silence In The Library / Forest Of The Dead
The eagerly awaited input from Steven Moffat finally arrived after a week's break from Doctor Who and much discussion followed! I even let out an exclamation when "Silence In The Library" ended... "Now that is how to make Doctor Who!"...We were introduced to River Song (as I am writing this 3 years later, we have only just discovered the truth about who she is!), "Hello sweety" and "Spoilers!"
My comments at the time Episode 8: [Posted in the blog] My comments at the time Episode 9: [Posted in the blog]
Episode 10: Midnight
Viewers were divided clearly into love/hate camps for this episode. Donna was left in a hotel spa and the Doctor went off for a single-set adventure on a shuttle/bus...My comments at the time: [Posted in the blog]
Episode 11: Turn Left
Billed as the first in a three part finalé, I still see this as a stand alone episode. The previous story had seen the Doctor without Donna, this time the tables were turned and the whole world would feel the results in an alternative view of life... one where Donna didn't meet the Doctor.My comments at the time: [Posted in the blog]
Episode 12: The Stolen Earth
Despite rumours and publicity about Davros making a return to the show and much chatter about the Daleks being back for the big finish yet again, and despite so much criticism of Donna and the series as a whole, suddenly we were stunned into virtual silence by this episode simply saying things like "I didn't expect that!" and "Best episode of the whole show since it came back" and "Wooooooooooow!" Oh and the episode ended as the Doctor started to get the glow...My comments at the time: [Posted in the blog]
Episode 13: Journey's End
And so series 4 drew to a close and everyone let out a content sigh of relief as it all worked out fine in the end. Donna had proven herself to be an acceptable companion overall and anyway she was gone now. Discussion was thin - plenty getting mentioned, but slowly and in small doses. Not many usable bits from me.My comments at the time: [Posted in the blog]
Christmas 2008: The Next Doctor
As with the previous year, I wasn't online to record my thoughts about the Christmas episode. This time, however, I didn't go on a week later to post. This was partly because I just didn't go back to the forum for a couple of months but also because I had no drive to talk about the episode. I did not like it. Sure it had clever bits of plot and the Cybermen in the snow covered cemetery was awesome but the whole Victorian setting and oversized 'Cyber-King' was too much. I didn't like the way the title and opening sequence suggested that we were meeting Tennant's replacement. In retrospect it kind of worked but to an expectant viewer eager to learn who the next Doctor would actually be, it just had a bitter taste.Least said the better on this occasion.
