The Doctor
2024-09-26 12:00:23 UTC
Hereâs a review of *Doctor Who: Human Nature*:
---
*Human Nature* is one of *Doctor Who's* most emotionally complex episodes,
blending science fiction with a poignant exploration of identity,
morality, and love. This episode, adapted from a novel by Paul Cornell,
takes the Doctor (David Tennant) into uncharted territory by asking
what happens when he is no longer the Doctor. With its historical setting
and compelling character dynamics, it marks a notable shift
from the usual alien adventures.
The premise of *Human Nature* revolves around the Doctor hiding
from the Family of Blood, a group of aliens seeking his Time Lord
essence for their own survival. To evade them, he uses a Chameleon
Arch to rewrite his biology, transforming himself into a human named
John Smith. Set in 1913, at a boys' boarding school on the eve
of World War I, John Smith lives a peaceful life as a teacher,
unaware of his true identity. Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), the Doctor's
companion, must watch over him, knowing the grave risks if the Family
of Blood discovers him.
David Tennant shines in the dual role of the Doctor and John Smith.
As Smith, he is a completely different character-mild, thoughtful,
and unaware of the universe's vastness. Tennant portrays Smith's
vulnerability with sensitivity, making him sympathetic even as his
decisions cause heartbreak. Smith's romance with Joan Redfern
(Jessica Hynes), the school nurse, becomes the emotional core
of the story. Their relationship is tender, humanising the Doctor
in ways previously unexplored. For Joan, Smith represents a future,
one of hope and love, free from the burden of war.
Martha's role in this episode is equally significant. As the Doctor's
protector, she is burdened with the knowledge of who he truly is
and the danger they are in. Freema Agyeman delivers a heartfelt
performance, especially in scenes where Martha grapples with her complex
feelings for the Doctor. She is not only concerned about his safety
but also feels the sting of being overlooked, as Smith falls in love
with Joan. Martha's resilience and loyalty shine through,
making her a key figure in the narrative.
One of the most compelling themes of *Human Nature* is the exploration
of the Doctor's morality. John Smith is given the chance to live a normal
life, something the Doctor has never experienced. The episode asks
whether the Doctor, who constantly sacrifices for others, deserves
happiness. This moral dilemma is intensified by the looming threat
of the Family of Blood, who are hunting him down. When Smith learns
of his true identity, he is faced with an impossible choice-give up
his life with Joan to become the Doctor again
or allow the Family of Blood to wreak havoc.
The episode also tackles the brutality of war, particularly in its
depiction of the schoolboys being trained for battle. Their indoctrination
into the glorification of war is unsettling, especially when viewed
through the lens of history, knowing that these boys would soon face
the horrors of World War I. The Doctor, as John Smith, is caught
in this tension, teaching the boys discipline but ultimately
aware of the tragedy that awaits them. The episode critiques
the romanticisation of war while also showing its devastating
impact on young lives.
Visually, *Human Nature* excels in creating a richly atmospheric
setting. The quiet English countryside, the old-fashioned school,
and the looming sense of an impending storm give the episode
a foreboding, melancholic tone. The Family of Blood, with their eerie,
scarecrow-like soldiers, add an element of horror to the story.
The tension steadily builds as the Family gets closer, and the scarecrows
provide a chilling presence, symbolizing the creeping danger.
Jessica Hynes is outstanding as Joan Redfern, bringing depth
and warmth to her character. Joan is intelligent, kind, and strong-willed.
Her relationship with Smith feels genuine, making her heartbreak
all the more poignant when she learns the truth about who he really is.
In one of the most devastating moments of the episode, Joan questions
whether the Doctor could have chosen to stay, asking if he would have
been happy as a human. The Doctor's silence speaks volumes,
revealing the deep sorrow he carries.
The script by Paul Cornell is beautifully written, weaving together
the personal and the cosmic, the historical and the fantastical.
The dialogue is sharp and emotionally charged, with moments of quiet
introspection contrasting with scenes of intense action.
The pacing is slow, allowing the characters to breathe and the stakes
to build gradually. This approach makes the emotional payoff in the
final moments even more impactful.
The cliffhanger ending, with the Family of Blood's attack
on the school and Smith's impending decision, sets the stage
for the second part, *The Family of Blood*. The weight of the Doctor's
return looms large, and the audience is left wondering how he will
reconcile his human emotions with his alien responsibilities.
In terms of flaws, *Human Nature* can feel a bit slow at times,
especially for viewers more accustomed to the fast-paced action
typical of *Doctor Who*. However, this slower pace is necessary
to fully explore the characters and their emotional journeys.
In conclusion, *Human Nature* is a deeply emotional
and thought-provoking episode that explores what it means
to be human and the heavy burden of being the Doctor.
David Tennant's dual performance is a tour de force,
supported by strong performances from Freema Agyeman
and Jessica Hynes. The episode's exploration of war, love, and identity
elevates it to one of the most memorable stories in *Doctor Whoâs*
modern era.
---
Rating: 9/10
*Human Nature* is a powerful, character-driven episode that delivers
a rich emotional experience, with outstanding performances
and deep thematic resonance. It's a slower, more reflective episode
but is ultimately one of the most compelling in the Tenth Doctor's run.
---
*Human Nature* is one of *Doctor Who's* most emotionally complex episodes,
blending science fiction with a poignant exploration of identity,
morality, and love. This episode, adapted from a novel by Paul Cornell,
takes the Doctor (David Tennant) into uncharted territory by asking
what happens when he is no longer the Doctor. With its historical setting
and compelling character dynamics, it marks a notable shift
from the usual alien adventures.
The premise of *Human Nature* revolves around the Doctor hiding
from the Family of Blood, a group of aliens seeking his Time Lord
essence for their own survival. To evade them, he uses a Chameleon
Arch to rewrite his biology, transforming himself into a human named
John Smith. Set in 1913, at a boys' boarding school on the eve
of World War I, John Smith lives a peaceful life as a teacher,
unaware of his true identity. Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), the Doctor's
companion, must watch over him, knowing the grave risks if the Family
of Blood discovers him.
David Tennant shines in the dual role of the Doctor and John Smith.
As Smith, he is a completely different character-mild, thoughtful,
and unaware of the universe's vastness. Tennant portrays Smith's
vulnerability with sensitivity, making him sympathetic even as his
decisions cause heartbreak. Smith's romance with Joan Redfern
(Jessica Hynes), the school nurse, becomes the emotional core
of the story. Their relationship is tender, humanising the Doctor
in ways previously unexplored. For Joan, Smith represents a future,
one of hope and love, free from the burden of war.
Martha's role in this episode is equally significant. As the Doctor's
protector, she is burdened with the knowledge of who he truly is
and the danger they are in. Freema Agyeman delivers a heartfelt
performance, especially in scenes where Martha grapples with her complex
feelings for the Doctor. She is not only concerned about his safety
but also feels the sting of being overlooked, as Smith falls in love
with Joan. Martha's resilience and loyalty shine through,
making her a key figure in the narrative.
One of the most compelling themes of *Human Nature* is the exploration
of the Doctor's morality. John Smith is given the chance to live a normal
life, something the Doctor has never experienced. The episode asks
whether the Doctor, who constantly sacrifices for others, deserves
happiness. This moral dilemma is intensified by the looming threat
of the Family of Blood, who are hunting him down. When Smith learns
of his true identity, he is faced with an impossible choice-give up
his life with Joan to become the Doctor again
or allow the Family of Blood to wreak havoc.
The episode also tackles the brutality of war, particularly in its
depiction of the schoolboys being trained for battle. Their indoctrination
into the glorification of war is unsettling, especially when viewed
through the lens of history, knowing that these boys would soon face
the horrors of World War I. The Doctor, as John Smith, is caught
in this tension, teaching the boys discipline but ultimately
aware of the tragedy that awaits them. The episode critiques
the romanticisation of war while also showing its devastating
impact on young lives.
Visually, *Human Nature* excels in creating a richly atmospheric
setting. The quiet English countryside, the old-fashioned school,
and the looming sense of an impending storm give the episode
a foreboding, melancholic tone. The Family of Blood, with their eerie,
scarecrow-like soldiers, add an element of horror to the story.
The tension steadily builds as the Family gets closer, and the scarecrows
provide a chilling presence, symbolizing the creeping danger.
Jessica Hynes is outstanding as Joan Redfern, bringing depth
and warmth to her character. Joan is intelligent, kind, and strong-willed.
Her relationship with Smith feels genuine, making her heartbreak
all the more poignant when she learns the truth about who he really is.
In one of the most devastating moments of the episode, Joan questions
whether the Doctor could have chosen to stay, asking if he would have
been happy as a human. The Doctor's silence speaks volumes,
revealing the deep sorrow he carries.
The script by Paul Cornell is beautifully written, weaving together
the personal and the cosmic, the historical and the fantastical.
The dialogue is sharp and emotionally charged, with moments of quiet
introspection contrasting with scenes of intense action.
The pacing is slow, allowing the characters to breathe and the stakes
to build gradually. This approach makes the emotional payoff in the
final moments even more impactful.
The cliffhanger ending, with the Family of Blood's attack
on the school and Smith's impending decision, sets the stage
for the second part, *The Family of Blood*. The weight of the Doctor's
return looms large, and the audience is left wondering how he will
reconcile his human emotions with his alien responsibilities.
In terms of flaws, *Human Nature* can feel a bit slow at times,
especially for viewers more accustomed to the fast-paced action
typical of *Doctor Who*. However, this slower pace is necessary
to fully explore the characters and their emotional journeys.
In conclusion, *Human Nature* is a deeply emotional
and thought-provoking episode that explores what it means
to be human and the heavy burden of being the Doctor.
David Tennant's dual performance is a tour de force,
supported by strong performances from Freema Agyeman
and Jessica Hynes. The episode's exploration of war, love, and identity
elevates it to one of the most memorable stories in *Doctor Whoâs*
modern era.
---
Rating: 9/10
*Human Nature* is a powerful, character-driven episode that delivers
a rich emotional experience, with outstanding performances
and deep thematic resonance. It's a slower, more reflective episode
but is ultimately one of the most compelling in the Tenth Doctor's run.
--
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Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
Member - Liberal International This is ***@nk.ca Ici ***@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;