Synopses/teasers and comment

Vol.4: THE IMPOSSIBLE PLANET and THE SATAN PIT

When the TARDIS falls into an abyss, the Doctor and Rose are trapped on Sanctuary Base 6 on a planet that impossibly orbits a black hole. The Base's team are drilling into the planet core seeking a rich power source, but where also dwells, according to the legends of the Ood, a most ancient evil.

Felt this harked back to the Classic Series 'The Daemons' (May 1971, third Doctor), indeed a reference is made to it, but who except oldsters like me (who began watching in 1969) and/or very keen fans will remember that? But this tale's a good psychological thriller. There's an exciting chase through the maintenance crawlways in THE SATAN PIT. You can't help feeling sorry for the Ood. Rose proves she has real mettle, and will be a hard act to follow.

Vol.4: LOVE AND MONSTERS

Hoping to fathom the childhood memory of the Doctor in his house, Elton Pope makes a video diary of his encounters with the Doctor. He and several friends form a group to track down the Doctor, but their mission is subverted by the sinister Victor Kennedy.

Guest stars: Marc Warren, Shirley Henderson (Moaning Myrtle in two 'Harry Potter' films), Peter Kay (best known for stand-up comedy)

This is one of the occasional episodes in which the Doctor hardly appears, doubtless to stretch the budget and/or meet tight deadlines. But it's a good story, quite sad, and we're moved when we hear Jackie explain how it feels to be someone left behind. 'Blue Peter' ran a competition to design a 'Dr Who' monster. This story features the winning entry.