This is an excellent episode for the beginning of a new season, with a new companion to boot. Like many people, I mostly remembered Donna for her constant screeching in Runaway Bride, so I appreciate that she now seems both more cheerful and yet somehow... muted. I really like how her reunion with the Doctor is introduced, and their silent conversation across the villain's interrogation room is a hoot --one of my favourite scenes on the show actually. Finally, as someone has already suggested, having the Doctor travel with somebody who is quite immune to his charm will be a nice change --and I can't wait to see how he's going to handle Donna (and vice versa)! This is also the first time the Doctor acknowledges how miserable he made Martha last year.
As for the "main" plot, it is not very memorable, but then again season openings seldom are --they are not supposed to be about the alien-of-the-week anyway. Yet even on paper, this one beats a mannequin attack (S1) and a rhino hospital-jacking (S3) any day. If you ask me, using a weight-loss pill to spread an alien invasion is brilliant --and a deliciously grim statement on our society. Besides, the happy ending is an interesting variation on what happened in Runaway Bride; and I like me a cute alien once in a while --almost makes you want to keep that fat and cuddle it! Last but not least, I enjoyed the episode's quick pace, quirky dialogues and the sheer absurdity of some scenes. Oh, and obviously, that gasp-inducing moment at the end. Talk about a teaser.
So for many reasons, including said gasp-inducing moment, I recommend viewing this as a second chance for every character in Doctor Who.
As for the "main" plot, it is not very memorable, but then again season openings seldom are --they are not supposed to be about the alien-of-the-week anyway. Yet even on paper, this one beats a mannequin attack (S1) and a rhino hospital-jacking (S3) any day. If you ask me, using a weight-loss pill to spread an alien invasion is brilliant --and a deliciously grim statement on our society. Besides, the happy ending is an interesting variation on what happened in Runaway Bride; and I like me a cute alien once in a while --almost makes you want to keep that fat and cuddle it! Last but not least, I enjoyed the episode's quick pace, quirky dialogues and the sheer absurdity of some scenes. Oh, and obviously, that gasp-inducing moment at the end. Talk about a teaser.
So for many reasons, including said gasp-inducing moment, I recommend viewing this as a second chance for every character in Doctor Who.