Review of Doctor Who episode "The Star Beast" praises the performances of David Tennant and Catherine Tate for bringing the show back to its former glory. The episode is described as fun, fast-paced, and rejuvenating, with the dynamic between the two main actors being particularly impressive.
Doctor Who is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month with numerous reasons to rejoice. Thanks to a new partnership with Disney+, the show has gained a significant financial backer. The recent departure of star Jodie Whittaker and writer Chris Chibnall marked a turning point for the show, which had previously appeared to have lost its momentum. With the return of beloved showrunner Russell T Davies and the potential casting of Ncuti Gatwa as the new Doctor, there is a sense of optimism and renewal for the show's future.
Prior to Gatwa's arrival on December 25th, there are additional gifts to enjoy, such as a luxurious Advent calendar that is equally exciting as your main Christmas gift. Three special episodes feature the return of David Tennant as the Doctor and Catherine Tate as his companion Donna Noble, a duo that has not been seen in the "Whoniverse" since 2010. Their return is a delightful bonus, and the first new story, The Star Beast, is filled with cheerful and lively fun.
After landing back on Earth, the Doctor encounters his friend Donna, which surprises him. Before the story begins, actors Tennant and Tate provide a recap for young, forgetful, or American viewers. Donna once saved the world by absorbing the Doctor's wisdom, which would have harmed her had the Doctor not erased her memory. Since then, she has lived a normal life but feels like something is missing. If she remembers the Doctor, it could be life-threatening.
The story is based on a 1980 comic book called Doctor Who and the Star Beast, set against the backdrop of a spaceship crash landing in London. A small, furry creature named Beep the Meep seeks refuge in Donna's shed to evade a group of assassins known as the Wrarth Warriors. The battles and chases in the story showcase the improved special effects from Disney's budget, particularly through the Doctor's sonic screwdriver, which can now create protective barriers and draw maps in the air. Despite these advancements, Doctor Who maintains its quirky, slightly comedic, and quintessentially British charm. The Meep, referred to as "mad Paddington" by Donna, is voiced by Miriam Margolyes as a shaky old woman, while the Wrarth Warriors are portrayed as tall men with green heads that appear to be made from papier mache. In the end, the Doctor, Donna's family, and the Meep escape thanks to a flaw in the brickwork of the connecting walls in a Victorian terrace.
Davies is known for his energetic and speedy writing style, but he is also not afraid to speak out boldly when necessary. He seeks to connect with a specific group of fans of The Who through his work. The character Donna has a daughter named Rose, who is transgender. Donna is portrayed as a strong supporter of her daughter, who has grown and flourished unexpectedly. On the other hand, Rose's grandmother Sylvia is depicted as worried about making mistakes when it comes to addressing Rose's identity.
In the episode, Rose is portrayed with care and understanding, and ultimately portrayed as empowered by her experiences. The writer, Davies, also includes moments of humor, such as when the Doctor and the Noble family question the Meep about its gender identity, leading to a funny exchange where the Meep humorously states its preferred pronoun as "the."
The Doctor responds with a casual "Oh, I do that." Reflecting on the Doctor's pronouns, it is noted that they are simply referred to as "the," showcasing a signature style of Davies.
When it comes to the big ending, it sticks to a common formula seen in episodes of Doctor Who like this one: they're not aiming to be traditional stories because they have different goals, like introducing a new cast. A clever plot twist occurs halfway through that changes the direction of the story, and at the moment of despair, a convenient solution emerges that is somewhat logical as long as no one scrutinizes it too closely.
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Following that, they quickly show off a beautifully luxurious new Tardis interior, before Tennant and Tate, who have great comedic chemistry, depart for episode two. Doctor Who is back in action.
The episode "Doctor Who: The Star Beast" was shown on BBC One and is available to watch on i
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