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 From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca 
  
 Here€€€s a review of *Doctor Who: Human Nature*: 
  
 --- 
  
 *Human Nature* is one of *Doctor Who's* most emotionally complex episodes, 
 blending science fiction with a poignant exploration of identity, 
 morality, and love. This episode, adapted from a novel by Paul Cornell, 
 takes the Doctor (David Tennant) into uncharted territory by asking 
 what happens when he is no longer the Doctor. With its historical setting 
 and compelling character dynamics, it marks a notable shift 
 from the usual alien adventures. 
  
 The premise of *Human Nature* revolves around the Doctor hiding 
 from the Family of Blood, a group of aliens seeking his Time Lord 
 essence for their own survival. To evade them, he uses a Chameleon 
 Arch to rewrite his biology, transforming himself into a human named 
 John Smith. Set in 1913, at a boys' boarding school on the eve 
 of World War I, John Smith lives a peaceful life as a teacher, 
 unaware of his true identity. Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), the Doctor's 
 companion, must watch over him, knowing the grave risks if the Family 
 of Blood discovers him. 
  
 David Tennant shines in the dual role of the Doctor and John Smith. 
 As Smith, he is a completely different character-mild, thoughtful, 
 and unaware of the universe's vastness. Tennant portrays Smith's 
 vulnerability with sensitivity, making him sympathetic even as his 
 decisions cause heartbreak. Smith's romance with Joan Redfern 
 (Jessica Hynes), the school nurse, becomes the emotional core 
 of the story. Their relationship is tender, humanising the Doctor 
 in ways previously unexplored. For Joan, Smith represents a future, 
 one of hope and love, free from the burden of war. 
  
 Martha's role in this episode is equally significant. As the Doctor's 
 protector, she is burdened with the knowledge of who he truly is 
 and the danger they are in. Freema Agyeman delivers a heartfelt 
 performance, especially in scenes where Martha grapples with her complex 
 feelings for the Doctor. She is not only concerned about his safety 
 but also feels the sting of being overlooked, as Smith falls in love 
 with Joan. Martha's resilience and loyalty shine through, 
 making her a key figure in the narrative. 
  
 One of the most compelling themes of *Human Nature* is the exploration 
 of the Doctor's morality. John Smith is given the chance to live a normal 
 life, something the Doctor has never experienced. The episode asks 
 whether the Doctor, who constantly sacrifices for others, deserves 
 happiness. This moral dilemma is intensified by the looming threat 
 of the Family of Blood, who are hunting him down. When Smith learns 
 of his true identity, he is faced with an impossible choice-give up 
 his life with Joan to become the Doctor again 
 or allow the Family of Blood to wreak havoc. 
  
 The episode also tackles the brutality of war, particularly in its 
 depiction of the schoolboys being trained for battle. Their indoctrination 
 into the glorification of war is unsettling, especially when viewed 
 through the lens of history, knowing that these boys would soon face 
 the horrors of World War I. The Doctor, as John Smith, is caught 
 in this tension, teaching the boys discipline but ultimately 
 aware of the tragedy that awaits them. The episode critiques 
 the romanticisation of war while also showing its devastating 
 impact on young lives. 
  
 Visually, *Human Nature* excels in creating a richly atmospheric 
 setting. The quiet English countryside, the old-fashioned school, 
 and the looming sense of an impending storm give the episode 
 a foreboding, melancholic tone. The Family of Blood, with their eerie, 
 scarecrow-like soldiers, add an element of horror to the story. 
 The tension steadily builds as the Family gets closer, and the scarecrows 
 provide a chilling presence, symbolizing the creeping danger. 
  
 Jessica Hynes is outstanding as Joan Redfern, bringing depth 
 and warmth to her character. Joan is intelligent, kind, and strong-willed. 
 Her relationship with Smith feels genuine, making her heartbreak 
 all the more poignant when she learns the truth about who he really is. 
 In one of the most devastating moments of the episode, Joan questions 
 whether the Doctor could have chosen to stay, asking if he would have 
 been happy as a human. The Doctor's silence speaks volumes, 
 revealing the deep sorrow he carries. 
  
 The script by Paul Cornell is beautifully written, weaving together 
 the personal and the cosmic, the historical and the fantastical. 
 The dialogue is sharp and emotionally charged, with moments of quiet 
 introspection contrasting with scenes of intense action. 
 The pacing is slow, allowing the characters to breathe and the stakes 
 to build gradually. This approach makes the emotional payoff in the 
 final moments even more impactful. 
  
 The cliffhanger ending, with the Family of Blood's attack 
 on the school and Smith's impending decision, sets the stage 
 for the second part, *The Family of Blood*. The weight of the Doctor's 
 return looms large, and the audience is left wondering how he will 
 reconcile his human emotions with his alien responsibilities. 
  
 In terms of flaws, *Human Nature* can feel a bit slow at times, 
 especially for viewers more accustomed to the fast-paced action 
 typical of *Doctor Who*. However, this slower pace is necessary 
 to fully explore the characters and their emotional journeys. 
  
 In conclusion, *Human Nature* is a deeply emotional 
 and thought-provoking episode that explores what it means 
 to be human and the heavy burden of being the Doctor. 
 David Tennant's dual performance is a tour de force, 
 supported by strong performances from Freema Agyeman 
 and Jessica Hynes. The episode's exploration of war, love, and identity 
 elevates it to one of the most memorable stories in *Doctor Who€€€s* 
 modern era. 
  
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 Rating: 9/10 
  
 *Human Nature* is a powerful, character-driven episode that delivers 
 a rich emotional experience, with outstanding performances 
 and deep thematic resonance. It's a slower, more reflective episode 
 but is ultimately one of the most compelling in the Tenth Doctor's run. 
 -- 
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