by Keith Temple

BBC Books, out 13 July 

The Doctor and Donna learn that the planet of the Ood holds cruel and awesome secrets.

The third episode of David Tennant’s last full season as the Doctor, Planet of the Ood, was transmitted in April 2008, written by Keith Temple, writing for the show for the first and to date only time. Here he novelises his screenplay as part of the growing Target library.

Temple takes full advantage of sharing characters’ thoughts, and we’re treated to the inner monologue of Ood Delta Fifty as he despairs about what’s happening to his people. And what might appear as half a dozen lines of dialogue between the Doctor and Donna is fleshed out with insight into motivation and concerns. A character’s transformation at the end (I won’t spoil who, in case you haven’t seen the episode) is covered in glorious detail, Temple clearly relishing the opportunity to maximise the horror.

Verdict: A great example of how a writer has taken his original 45-minute televised screenplay and given it added depth without any padding. 8/10 

Nick Joy

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