The Doctor Who specials of 2023 were a major turning point for the beloved British science fiction series when time-traveling adventures and regenerations were commonplace in the vast world of the show. In honor of its 60th anniversary, these specials debuted captivating new storylines and welcomed back old favorites. “The Star Beast,” which brought David Tennant and Catherine Tate back to the Whoniverse, was one such fascinating episode. It was the first of three special episodes that explored the intricacies of memory, heroism, and the surprising turns that made Doctor Who such a cherished series. It also set the stage for the debut of Ncuti Gatwa‘s character, the Fifteenth Doctor.
“The Star Beast” from the Doctor Who special episode recap:
The wackily named Doctor Who Special 1: “The Star Beast” begins with Catherine Tate’s ever-enchanting Donna Noble making her comeback. Donna leads a happy yet dream-filled life, having given up her memories for the greater good. A spaceship crashes in London, and an adventure begins as the mysterious Doctor—played by David Tennant in his Fourteenth incarnation—tries to solve the riddle of his recycled face.
The story moves quickly to immerse the audience in the action. A spaceship crashes close to where Donna and her family are when the Doctor, now traveling the world as the Fourteenth incarnation, smashes into them. The crash serves as the starting point for a sequence of events that entwine Donna, the Doctor, and their friends’ lives in an enthralling dance between danger and mystery.
An unexpected twist to the plot is provided by the Meep, an alien creature that resembles a marsupial and is voiced by Miriam Margoyles. When Donna’s daughter Rose comes into contact with the Meep, the story becomes more complex as enormous insects known as Wrarth warriors are introduced, brandishing guns. The Doctor jumps into the action to help solve the riddles surrounding this strange extraterrestrial being as the Meep’s predicament becomes the main focus. He does this by using his trademark humor and sonic screwdriver.
The conflict between Wrarth warriors and possessed soldiers intensifies, giving the plot more facets. When the Doctor unexpectedly reappears, albeit in a different form, Donna and Rose become confused, which heightens the suspense and gives the events taking place an emotional depth. The stakes are higher for our favorite characters since The Doctor is unable to disclose his true identity, which adds a fascinating element of suspense.
The true nature of the Meep and its ambitious plan becomes clear as the story progresses. A gigantic drill, menacingly called a “dagger drive,” turns and becomes the means of possible devastation for London. Given the seriousness of the situation, Donna decides to stay behind and help the Doctor avert the looming disaster because she feels she has a higher purpose.
The episode’s climax offers the characters paradigm-shifting insights as addition to a resolution to the current peril. Donna’s character growth is made more complex by her special link to Rose and the Time Lord’s cosmic strength. The facts that Rose’s workstation was influenced by the TARDIS and the story behind the stuffed animals she created and marketed offer fascinating glimpses into the complexities of the Doctor Who world.
The audience is left feeling curious about what lies ahead when the Meep issues a foreboding warning about a creature with two hearts. After saving London and saving Meep from a 10,000-year prison term, the Doctor and Donna set off on one final adventure together. With its modern interior, the TARDIS sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion when it catches fire, leaving the Doctor and Donna to face the unknown.
“The Star Beast” is a remarkable episode that skillfully combines aspects of adventure, emotion, and revelation, within a series renowned for its whimsical narratives and surprising turns. It’s a noteworthy addition to the Doctor Who narrative since it features the reappearance of well-known faces, the introduction of fresh characters, and the examination of concepts like memory and bravery. “The Star Beast” raises the standard for what fans might anticipate from the constantly changing world of the Doctor as the 60th anniversary specials go on.
