The Doctor's Companions
(Note: this could be construed as spoilery for US folks...but, it is just a straight rumor for you UK types!)
I just got caught up on the first two episodes of season three of "Doctor Who" (thanks, TiVo!). Sure, I know that the season is complete across the pond. I have some impressions of the two ladies that accompany the good Doctor in those first two episodes - and that leads to the rumor that I hope is not true.
The season three premiere, "The Runaway Bride", picks up a short time after the Doctor "lost" Rose Tyler. He's still dealing with that...but, soon meets up with Donna Noble, who is in need of some help that only the last of the Time Lords can provide.
My wife and I were in agreement: Donna Noble is difficult to like. She's annoying, self-centered, shrill, not very bright and a social manipulator. We didn't see any chemistry between her and the Doctor. Throughout the episode, my wife (who is so completely unspoiled that it is uncanny) kept saying "...they can't make her the new Rose...it's not possible!". I, of course, reassured her with a confident "...the new companion is named Martha, so she's just a character to bridge the gap. Don't worry." (I am such a gentleman!)
We then watched the second episode, "Smith and Jones", and our perceptions were again in agreement. Martha was a great companion for the Doctor! She's smart, witty, pretty, caring - somewhat a copy of the Doctor, but someone we felt could be a foil for him. She is, in many ways, his equal. And, most likely, a former companion.
Somewhere in the remainder of season three, it must have all gone wrong for Martha. The spoiler information is that Martha is out as the companion for the fourth season. Her rumored replacement? Donna Noble. Donna 'freaking annoying' Noble. I am troubled! But, even more troubling is that my wife and I look to be in the minority in this opinion. Russell T. Davies, the creative driver behind the show, said the following about Catherine Tate, who portrays Donna in the series.
"Catherine Tate was an absolute star in 'The Runaway Bride' and we are delighted that one fo Britain's greatest talents has agreed to join us for the fourth season."
Now, admittedly, I know nothing of Catherine Tate and her talents. I am making my opinion based on one episode. Nevertheless, I don't like this turn. The SyFyPortal boards show a mixed reactiona mixed reaction. Many people seem to like the contrast between the Doctor and Donna. I can't argue that point - there certainly is contrast.
But, for me, I'd rather take my chances on a complete unknown (say, Kylie Minogue's upcoming character in the Christmas episode) as the new companion, rather than recycle Donna Noble.
Give Cathrine a Chance, She is a great comediene and actress, I think she will come good for all her fans & dr Fans
-- Posted by: Angela UK at July 13, 2007 5:19 AMAngela -
I hope so...I know that I only saw one episode that featured Catherine. Still, I really didn't like her debut. Hopefully, they will smooth out her shrill-ness in the future eps.
-- Posted by: fred at July 13, 2007 9:20 AMWell Fred, you're not the only one. Michael Hinman over at SyFy Portal doesn't care for Catherine Tate either, and posted an entire diatribe regarding her addition to The Doctor's entourage! For myself, I don't habitually watch Doctor Who, so have no opinion whatsoever!
Over a week ago, the BBC released announcements concerning the casting of Series 4. If you go to the BBC website (the UK one, not the BBCAmerica one), and look under Doctor Who then News, you'll find out for sure who's on board for Series 4. (I won't post the info here, since it is a spoiler)
As for Donna, she is meant to be oblivious and self absorbed when she meets the Doctor. But by the end, I had the feeling she wasn't going to be any more. And I can't blame her for her tantrums, it was her ruined wedding day after all, I don't know many brides that would react calmly to alien abduction as they are walking down the aisle. And then finding out your friends and family had the reception without you. And then finding out your fiance was secretly working with a giant alien spider to offer you up as a human sacrifice.
Just some thoughts on the subject.
-- Posted by: FenwayBen at July 15, 2007 7:08 PM
I agree that, upon first impressions, the character of Donna Noble is less sympathetic than the intelligent Martha Jones as the good Doctor's companion.
I also think that the rumors you've referred to are more than that, since some U.K.-based Web sites have criticized actress Freema Agyeman for much of Series 3.
While I liked the dynamic around Rose Tyler, stunt casting of Catherine Tate and Kylie Minogue doesn't necessarily help "Doctor Who" -- I loved Anthony Stuart Head's cameo, but don't get me started about Britney Spears. I look forward to seeing more of Agyeman this season in the U.S.
After two very good seasons, I'm willing to give "Doctor Who's" producers the benefit of the doubt for the next two, but I'd hate to see the revived time-travel show "jump the shark" so soon into its run.
-- Posted by: Gene D. at July 12, 2007 2:37 PM