Dr Who: New Series (tv)

Just a companion?

Once upon a time Saturday night TV was a barren desert with the occasional tumbleweed. Then 14 weeks ago the Beeb regenerated Dr Who bringing a northern oasis and the blossoming Rose to our screens. Last week the series ended and tonight my evening will be significantly emptier.

I don't remember ever really being a fan of the older series although having seen a few of the 'Confidential' programmes I may have to go back and watch a few of the episodes with 'Peri' in them. I do however remember an LP with the theme tune and incidental music which would send shivers up my spine; the TV series was always a bit kooky, slightly naff.

This 'new' series has been scifi drama at it's best: strong, deep & likeable characters all with their fair share of demons and failings coupled with, on the whole, imaginative writing and horror elements that have an impact and shock value on a 28 year old let alone the 8 year olds invevitably watching as part of a 7pm audience.

It's sufficiently harked back to some of the traditional kookiness and built upon Dr Who canon effortlessly with thoughtful and thought-provoking use of old adversaries providing extra levels of narrative depth. Thrilled to see Steven "Press Gang, Coupling, Joking Apart" Moffat on the writing staff and glad to see BBC Wales haven't minded coming to London once or twice. On the other hand I'm genuinely sad to see Christopher Ecclestone's superb Doctor leaving his new and improved sonic screwdriver behind albeit in a fitting, touching and, dare I say, human way.

It's times like these when you remember how good the BBC can be... it seems that Michael Grade and seven million other people agree. Back to Saturday nights with Celebrities on the Toilet and Strictly Come Joyriding.

Rose: if you are an alien how come you sound like you're from the North?
The Doctor: lots of planets have a North...