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"THE STAR BEAST: A THRILLING, IF SLIGHTLY FORMULAIC, RETURN"

The new era of Doctor Who kicks off with a clear visual upgrade, boasting bigger, bolder, and more cinematic visuals. The increased budget is evident, and returning director Rachel Talalay helms this ambitious opener with flair. However, the new title sequence is a mixed bag. While the 3D effect is impressive, the title animation looks cheap, the sequence itself feels too short, and the new version of the theme tune comes across as somewhat messy.

The new TARDIS interior is vast and striking, taking inspiration from classic-era designs. Though it currently feels a little empty, it has potential to feel more lived-in over time. The redesigned sonic screwdriver also gets a moment to shine, with new visual effects and added features that make it feel like a proper tool rather than just a magic wand.

A FAMILIAR YET FRESH DYNAMIC

Despite the 15-year gap since Journey’s End, The Star Beast seamlessly picks up as if no time has passed. David Tennant slips effortlessly back into the Doctor’s coat, bringing infectious, childlike energy. This version of the Doctor feels more like a comic book hero than ever before. Meanwhile, Catherine Tate delivers all the sass, heart, and comedic timing that made Donna such a fan favourite. Their chemistry is just as strong as it was in 2008, making this special feel like a true continuation of Series 4.

Jacqueline King returns as Donna’s overprotective mother, Sylvia, and shines in the role, while Karl Collins brings some welcome comic relief as Shaun. Yasmin Finney’s Rose Noble is already a well-defined character in that classic RTD way, though her performance can sometimes feel a little one-note.

A FAITHFUL ADAPTATION WITH A WEAK CELEBRATORY FEEL

As an adaptation of the 1980 Doctor Who Magazine comic, The Star Beast remains fairly faithful to its source material, albeit modernised for a contemporary audience. However, for a 60th-anniversary special, the episode lacks a true celebratory feel. Aside from a fairly formulaic approach to the story and the inclusion of UNIT, there isn’t much that makes this feel like a major milestone for the show.

The Wrath Warriors play a role in the first act but never become integral to the plot. Meanwhile, Fudge, a character from the original comic, is included here, but he serves no real purpose and is more annoying than anything else. Ruth Madeley makes her live-action debut as UNIT’s new scientific advisor, Shirley Anne Bingham. While she shows promise, she isn’t given much to do in this episode.

A STRONG BUT PREDICTABLE STORY

The major plot twist surrounding the Meep is no surprise to those familiar with the original comic, but even for newcomers, it feels predictable. The reveal comes a little too early in the episode, leaving little time to fully explore the Meep as a seemingly innocent creature before turning it into a villain. That being said, Miriam Margolyes delivers an outstanding voice performance, bringing both charm and menace to the role. The Meep itself is a visual triumph, blending practical effects with seamless CGI.

The episode’s climax is a standout moment, with the Doctor and Donna working together to save the day while cleverly resolving the long-standing Metacrisis plotline. The binary/non-binary twist is a very RTD-style solution—modern and relevant, though slightly on the nose. While the resolution is clever, the sudden disappearance of the cracks caused by the Meep’s spaceship feels a little too convenient.

A HIGH-PACED, ACTION-PACKED RETURN

Murray Gold’s score reuses familiar cues from the RTD era while delivering moments of emotional and cinematic grandeur. The action sequences are more dynamic than ever, helped by the show’s improved budget. The pacing is breakneck, making for a thrilling ride, though it might feel overwhelming for newcomers to Doctor Who.

📝VERDICT: 8/10

The Star Beast is a confident, action-packed return for Tennant and Tate, delivering humour, heart, and spectacle. While the plot is predictable and the supporting cast is hit-or-miss, the upgraded visuals and strong performances make it an entertaining, if slightly formulaic, anniversary special.