Planet of the Ood

Paul Temple’s sole contribution to the world of Doctor Who is a little triumph. Usually at this point in a series our characters would be playing with low stakes but Donna is pulled from one high intensity situation to another. Tate’s acting prowess massively contributes to the feeling that what is happening is going to stay with her forever. It’s amazing that this is the same character from The Runaway Bride.

The Ood are one of a small number of iconic monsters to come out of the show’s 21st century run so it makes sense to bring them back and flesh out their backstory. Planet of the Ood happily scratches that itch and provides us with a rich understanding that is rarely afforded to monsters in this show. They are, when meddled with, a lobotomised slave race. When allowed to run free they are a vulnerable but highly intelligent and highly emotive race. The fact that their planet is located near to the Sensorites’ Sense Sphere should tell Classic fans everything they need to know about the Ood’s natural temperament. Their abuse gives us allegories of factory farming and the space trade - we know humans can be this cruel.

The iconic scene where our villain of the week is transformed into an Ood by his tricksy servant is one of my favourite moments from the show - it’s ingrained in my subconscious from childhood. It’s a “punch the air” moment where you really feel the leader of this horrid empire is getting what he deserves. It’s also a reminder that Doctor Who does body horror very well (see: The Empty Child / The Doctor Dances).

So far series 4 is holding up as the best new Who offering for this point in the series. I truly hope this continues!!