“Damned” switches the companion exit in the middle of the story and instead at the stopping point, we get a nice exchange with poorly researched Earth expert Mr. Copper (Clive Swift) about having a lot of money on his credit card and the ability to start a new life. I was a little pissed that once again The Doctor went anti-male companion and gave the most tired excuse used over and over in hero fiction.
“I travel alone.”
Right? You've learned that lesson how many times and still fall for the next piece of tail that comes your way (excluding the Sly and Sophie years). Originally a male companion was suggested as the next one to board The TARDIS, but Russell liked Donna Noble better. Why not have a year of Captain Jack? I'm sure Torchwood can have Martha Jones (who is reportedly going to be in a few episodes) lead the pack.
Christmas is supposed to be a time of positive vibes and good cheer. The specials unfortunately would not be the best reflection of this ideal and should be carefully pre-screened before displaying for the whole family, but if your family is slightly demented, you may like the specials.
My personal opinion of the whole special will surprise you – I liked it. Aside from the silly observations and criticisms I have about this episode, it's one of the better to come of late and one of the best of the Christmas specials. I'm forcing my hands to type this: Russell T. Davies did a good job this time around.
Now let's hope Donna doesn't break television screens with her voice in Series 4.
Article comments
1 - Rick
The Hosts weren't a race, they were robots who were supposed to cater to the passengers. It's not said specifically, but I believe Max had altered their programming in order to kill everyone on board.
I enjoyed the special very much, not the best episode of the new series, but great fun for a Christmas special.
2 - sugababe
y r u talking like a geek
3 - Blue Moon
Kylie Monique and Mr Cooper? Yes, so your review is worth its salt, isn't it? You can't even get the actors' or characters' names right!
4 - tomservo
The second half of your review actually sounds like a well-formed, knowledgeable and constructive piece of writing. It's just a shame the first half sounds like the inane ramblings of a 16 year old schoolboy.
Quote: "You would think after all that drama that the Doc would simply say, “Let's shag!”...it would make the series seem a bit more modern and a little more grown up."
Friendly suggestion - research the reasons why Doctor Who was created and then re-write that sentence. :-)
PS - to Sugababe - one day, when you get a lot older (say about 10 years old) you will discover you like things. This is called "having an interest". When you have an interest, you learn a lot about it and talk to other people about it. This is called "sharing your interest". Go on - try it. It's fun! You may even find you like it better than masturbating in your bedroom while thinking about your one and only friend!
5 - dandlpete
Was anyone else amused by the portrayal of the news stand owner by Bernard Cribbins, who, in 1966, traveled with the Doctor in the Peter Cushing movie Daleks' Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D.?
6 - Rick
Re: dandlpete
Yes, Cribbins did a great job, he's quite a character. I understand that he brought many of those props with him to put in the booth (mistletoe, ornaments etc)
Also, I'm not positive, but I think it was while shooting the Christmas episode that Tom Baker(Doctor #4 visited the set. IIR, it was mentioned during the commentary for the episode.
There was also a special 7 minute 'Children in need' episode called 'Time Crash' that takes place immediately before the Titanic and Tardis collide. I was going to post a youtube link, but the video is gone now. What happened was the Tardis's of Doctors 5 and 10 merged which let Davidson and Tennant have a little 'reunion' before they got the problem fixed. It was all great fun. It is included on the Christmas special DVD.