I absolutely agree that the family was annoying and pointless. It felt to me like RTD was trying to shoehorn in another Eastenders-type hook family for casual viewers to relate to in order to replace Rose's family, and it fell flat on its face.
Regarding the boyfriend/girlfriend vibe, I am fervently hoping that that is not the direction that the relationship with Martha goes. She is a much more educated and experienced character than Rose was, which makes her if not the Doctor's intellectual equal at least more on a solid footing and in a position to challenge the Doctor. That to me is a much more interesting dynamic than just bringing in another love interest, which would only cheapen his relationship with Rose.
I am worried about the series bringing back the Daleks yet again this season, although the setting in Depression-era Manhattan sounds promising. I am also worried that the season my fall into the same pattern yet again of introducing a foe in the middle of the season, and then bringing them back in the finale as the "surprise" ultimate adversary. Once was cool. Twice was a little weak. Three times would be the death knell.
I am, however, looking forward to Paul Cornell's adaptation of Human Nature. Done well it could be very interesting, and given that it is the original author adapting his own book there is every sign that it will be done well. I am also looking forward to John Simm appearing in the season finale. He was excellent in Life On Mars (I assume you have checked out that series, based on the title alone), and if the spoilers are true as to which character he is playing it could be very interesting indeed. Or awful, depending on how it is executed.
One other thing worth noting, all indications are that Russel T. Davies will probably move on after the fourth series. I suspect David Tennant will as well, since three years is about par for a Doctor and Tennant's star has been rising dramatically enough that he has to be considering other more profitable options before much longer. Which is all to say, whatever direction the series has taken at present it is likely due for another sea change in a year or two. It will be 1970 all over again.
no subject
Regarding the boyfriend/girlfriend vibe, I am fervently hoping that that is not the direction that the relationship with Martha goes. She is a much more educated and experienced character than Rose was, which makes her if not the Doctor's intellectual equal at least more on a solid footing and in a position to challenge the Doctor. That to me is a much more interesting dynamic than just bringing in another love interest, which would only cheapen his relationship with Rose.
I am worried about the series bringing back the Daleks yet again this season, although the setting in Depression-era Manhattan sounds promising. I am also worried that the season my fall into the same pattern yet again of introducing a foe in the middle of the season, and then bringing them back in the finale as the "surprise" ultimate adversary. Once was cool. Twice was a little weak. Three times would be the death knell.
I am, however, looking forward to Paul Cornell's adaptation of Human Nature. Done well it could be very interesting, and given that it is the original author adapting his own book there is every sign that it will be done well. I am also looking forward to John Simm appearing in the season finale. He was excellent in Life On Mars (I assume you have checked out that series, based on the title alone), and if the spoilers are true as to which character he is playing it could be very interesting indeed. Or awful, depending on how it is executed.
One other thing worth noting, all indications are that Russel T. Davies will probably move on after the fourth series. I suspect David Tennant will as well, since three years is about par for a Doctor and Tennant's star has been rising dramatically enough that he has to be considering other more profitable options before much longer. Which is all to say, whatever direction the series has taken at present it is likely due for another sea change in a year or two. It will be 1970 all over again.