DW: Human Nature

[mllelaurel]

How much did I love this episode? So much!

I am both fascinated and terrified by the idea of a young boy - Latimer - getting all of the Doctor's memories. Not becoming the Doctor himself. Just getting the memories. There aren't enough words for the ouch, and it's not as though Latimer didn't have enough trouble already. As far as I can tell, kid's an empath, and there's a law that says writers must be mean to empaths. It's in their bloody contract. Either way, I desperately want to see more; maybe even write fic.

I also love that the race in the past issue was finally dealt with. Without buying into it or pandering to the audience, either. Cornell, points to you. Making Smith himself an occasionally racist, classist twat was particularly effective. It wasn't about him being a good or bad person. Just a realistic (for all that he's not real) product of his time. And then, Martha slapped him, which won audience cheers all around.

Interestingly enough, in becoming human, the Doctor's nature became much more Time Lordly. Was I the only one who thought that? And if so, what might this mean?

I thought (in the beginning of the season) that I'd have trouble with any sort of love arc developing between Ten and Martha, but I find myself rather liking the way they're going about it here. Martha is very matter-of-fact about it. Sad, but not angsty, and her love for him comes though actions rather than pointless yet loud protestations.

I love the true recreation of the period; with the costumes and scenery, but also the characters and their attitudes. This extra effort makes the story feel more real than "Daleks in Manhattan" ever did. Does it mean I spare any less squee for the pretty costumes and sets? Noooooo.

On the scary factor, I didn't find the scarecrows particularly unnerving - I did find it hillarious when one of them waved and the guy waved back - but the Family and their creepy, synchronized, off-center body language? Hoooyeah.

Points for the matter-of-fact amorality of the antagonists.

In short, I want more. I want more Martha - how is it I fall in love with her even more, with every episode. I want more Ten. I want more Martha and Ten together. I find myself aching for and caring about the OCs. Dude. I just want more, and fast!


Final score: 4, and how!

Comments

[sharona1x2.livejournal.com]

I'm finding that while I didn't like The Doctor and Rose as a couple at all, I could enjoy The Doctor and Martha together. I love Martha a lot.

[cktraveler.livejournal.com]

Same here -- Rose is clever, but the Doctor needs a partner who's smart, intellectually so. That's one reason I felt chemistry between the Doctor and Romana; here was an intellectual equal.