Really nothing to redeem it. And thought you can see the gears of the Make-Folks-Like-Donna machine crunching right along, they’re not aligning well. The bit with the grandfather was endearing and made her seem almost human. But counter-balance that with the Doctor-Stalker behavior — territory we’ve already been over with “Love & Monsters” in 2006, really — and Donna comes off as incredibly annoying, just like before. But this time, she’s annoying and needy! Hooray! I’ll give her a few more episodes, but we’re not off to a good start.

And I never thought I’d be one to see recurring patterns like this, but I’m starting to believe that Russell T. Davies has it out for overweight people. I’m serious. Did you see the Kylie Christmas Episode? Not only was it a massive rehash of previous holiday villain-types, but what’s the deal with taking two of the more likeable (and conveniently, overweight) folks in the episode and slinging them both to their dooms? And now we have a plot device that lets Davies show his further disregard for fat people. And this time, he’s going to get them for wanting to be thin!

Don’t get me wrong. Love Davies for all he’s done for Who. Without him, the revival would’ve never happened. But he’s making some poor decisions about this season. Maybe he’s been given a directive from on high to lighten up the Who plots and leave the darker stories in Torchwood. The old “Who is a kid’s show!” argument. I hope that’s not the case. Who is best when its dark and smart and witty.

The only good thing about this episode? About ten seconds or less toward the end, right after Donna calls her mom. That gives me some hope, at least.

And next week … we’re going to Pompeii.

Hmm.

For those who remember those dark days

David Tennant: Excellent but tired scripting

Story: Shit - sub childrens drama. The demon Headmaster had more gravitas. Russel T. Davis is a terrible writer.

Catherine Tate: Where to fucking begin!!!!!?

She’s hammy, irritating and has a voice that cuts through me like a dentists drill.

Also the lighting seems to have become shit since last season and the music is like some ropey lift-music version of the American Beauty Soundtrack.

While I genuinely believe we will have some decent stories to come (given that they are being written and directed by tried and tested talent) that episode was a travesty.

And if the fucking toad Davis reckons he can appease me with a dissapearing Rose arc then he is sorely mistaken.

Although it was nice to see her.