Poll: Rate & Review Human Nature/The Family Of Blood As A Whole

[Peri-Peri]

For this weeks story we turn to the Tenth Doctor in the Season 3 two part story, Human Nature/The Family Of Blood

England 1913, and a schoolteacher called John Smith has strange dreams of adventures in time and space. Then a war comes to England, a year in advance, as the terrifying Family hunt for the Doctor.

Human Nature and The Family Of Blood were the eighth and ninth episodes of the third series of the revived Doctor Who. The story introduced the Chameleon arch and its ability to change Time Lord's DNA, and saw the Doctor become essentially human, setting up a story that would continue into the finale with the return of The Master.

The next story will be posted on Sunday April 1st.

[hannahcole93]

I just watched these through again this afternoon, and for a long time I've really disliked them! If I hadn't rewatched I would have given them a 1. I think I've only watched these episodes twice... On rewatch I guess I've liked them more and will give them a 3.

I just don't really like the soapy feel of them but this is one story where I love Martha

[Vampyros Adric]

If you were to tie me down and tickle me until i gave you an answer as to which Nu-Who story is my favourite, I would probably say either The Empty Child/Doctor Dances or Human Nature/Family of Blood. One thing is for sure - this story is pretty high up on my "favourite ever" list of any era of Doctor Who.

The premise is wonderful. The Doctor, forced to live in disguise as a human was always a recipe for success. In the book it was Sylvester McCoy and Ace, in this TV interpretation, the relationship is much more overtly romantic. Finally Martha really gets a chance to show how she can work as a companion (IMHO this is easily her best story).

Then we have the villains, The Family of Blood are true nasties who provide some genuine menace and are wonderfully well acted (honourable mention must go to Harry Lloyd who was - dare one say it - masterful in his performance, little wonder he was in the mix as the eleventh doctor.) And like every classic Doctor Who, we had iconic 'monsters' in the form of those scarecrows.

The love story at the heart of the piece was beautifully told by David Tennant and Jessica Hynes. In a show known for "over the top", "ham" acting what we saw in this story was beautifully understated. If this had not been Doctor Who then undoubtedly there would have been BAFTAs flying about for this episode.

But perhaps the most wonderful thing about this whole story was the 'spirit' in which it was written and acted. John Smith's mother (Verity) and his father (Sydney) would have been so proud of the tale that was being told. A tale of an immortal alien facing the reality of a finite existence, the killing of humanity in the Great War and the need for the Doctor to kill another harmless bystander in the form of John Smith in order to right the wrongs that were happening. Make no mistake, this is high quality storytelling from an accomplished science fiction writer at the top of his game.

If there were faults, then I either don't remember them or I don't care about them. This is such a good story. David Tennant might have been better as the Doctor, but i'm not sure I can remember when it was.

I only gave it 5/5 as there is no scope to give it 8/5. Sublime.

[Saber]

I've gone for full marks. The story itself is really strong and there are some interesting things covered like falling in love, the Doctor becoming human etc. However, I do think that since this story aired it has been put on some sort of pedestal and while I definitely believe it to be worth full marks, it has become perhaps a tad overhyped for what it is.

[Roranicus]

The pull of it's popularity makes me think I should give it a higher mark than I ordinarily would. I think this is a good story and worthy of full marks but I think it is very overhyped, as Saber says. I don't understand exactly what it is that everyone seems to see in this to make it stand out so high above everything else. I know it comes down to personal tastes but this has such a strong following.

[Nyki]

Full marks from me, and pretty much what VA said.  There were one or two very minor faults, but I really don't care.  I just love this.  Perhaps it's overhyped, but if so, it's happened for a good reason.

[Tardis-Console]

I've gone with a four. There are a few bits, mainly character stuff, that I am not keen on but overall it's a pretty decent story.

[Exterminate]

Full marks here. The story had moments where it felt weaker but they were little and far enough between that they didn't weigh it down or take you out of it.

[Aneurin]

Full marks from me. Great story, great acting, well written villains and a bittersweet love story. Always worth a watch.

[Peri-Peri]

I too have given this full marks. It's a great story and although it's not my favourite I can definitely understand it's popularity. Up to the point it aired it was probably one of the most solid stories the new series had done.

[Scott]

I couldn't imagine giving it less than a 5. Excellent story and pretty much everything that everyone else has said about how great it is. Really enjoyable