puppetmaker | New Who Review for "Family of Blood"

Finally they air part two of this on SciFi. I didn't like where they put the commercial breaks in the action but that's just me.

I believe if you want to read the original novel, the BBC still has an e-book version up on their site for download.

This one rocked my socks and is still one of my favorites of the season. Strong acting and a strong script with good casting equals a show that I watched more than once which I can't say for the previous episodes this season. There was only one other episode that I did that for and it will be later in the season.

Yes, I did hear about the hiatus on the show but notice that the BBC has said there would be several specials in 2009 so we are not going to be without.

Next week "Blink" which you do have to watch carefully or you will miss something.

Spoilers behind the cut and in the comments.

I am grateful that we will have some Doctor Who in 2009.

I really feel that "Being Human" is the set up for "Family of Blood" and the conflict within that is set up with the Doctor and John Smith. And Mr. Tennant played it beautifully. The scene in the farmhouse where they finally have the watch and Martha is begging him to change back is just a brilliant piece of work all the way around. I swear I watched just that scene a dozen times. And there is a choice to be made by John Smith even in the face of total destruction of his village and possibly him. But somewhere deep inside he makes the call that needs to be made.

The Family itself was creepy and unearthly so kudos to each actor for that. The fact that the end turns on itself and you find out that the Doctor was not running from them out of fear but of pity really changes the tone to the whole story. They got eternal life but on his terms not theirs.

Martha had to really step up to the plate here being the only person who really knew what was going on with the exception of who pinched the watch. She has to convince everyone that she is not crazy and does know what is best for all parties involved.

Then there is poor Joan who learns that the man she fell in love with is a facade. I know a number of women who can relate to that. But she still knows in her heart of hearts that Martha is right and they do need the Doctor.

And the ending at the war memorial did bring a tear to my eye.