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Tooth and Claw Format Reviewed: TV Review Tooth and claw is the second story in the second series of the new TV Doctor Who adventures. This episode is again written by Russel T. Davies and is a return to the historical adventures that have been prevalent in previous Doctor Who stories, particularly in the early years. Doctor Who adventures have often been based in periods of Earth history that marked significant events, giving a Doctor Who slant to myth, story and legend. This isn't neccessarily one of these adventures, as it doesn't fall in a significant event in Earth history, but it does give a unique slant on part of Queen Victorias physionomy, notably that she was a haemophilliac when none of those she descended from were. The story is basically an alien werewolf tale involving monks who are devoted to the worship of the said werewolf and expert martial artists, much akin to the Shaolin Monks. The story relies less heavily on the talents of of the recurring characters and more on the guest cast and special effects. Indeed, the werewolf, once changed into its ferral state, is an entirely CG character. What is disappointing about the story is that it seems to have been written as a device to introduce the idea of the Torchwood institute that was used in The Christmas Invasion and will be the focus of the forthcoming spin-off series Torchwood starring John Barrowman as Captain Jack Harkness. The story is also disappointing as it seems to me to have been an idea that has so much potential, little of which is realised on screen due to the focus on the special effects. It appears to be a story that uses too many ideas to fit into a 45 minute drama and therefore appears to be somewhat confused and directionless, other than being a prelude to Torchwood. The action itself is fairly pleasant to watch, and the episode is very easy on the eye. It also has a much darker and more moody edge than New Earth, something I think works very well in the Doctor Who universe. What I think the story could have been though, is a gothic horror story in the finest traditions of the Tom Baker era, and on this count the episode fails to deliver. The Doctor and Rose, as played by David Tennant and Billie Piper again put in decent performances as we have come to expect. There roles are much less demanding though than in other stories, and they have little chance to really shine. The guest cast puts in decent performances, particularly Jamie Sives as a steward and Derek Riddell playing Sir Robert. Pauline Collins plays Queen Victoria and her performance is fine, but I felt it could have been a little more aloof as I think would have befitted the reigning monarch 140 years ago. Overall, Tooth and Claw is fairly watchable but is quite disappointing in that it could have been so much more. It could have been an epic gothic horror story in the best traditions of Doctor Who, but instead serves mainly to introduce the forthcoming spin-off series Torchwood. With only thirteen episodes in a series, I question whether the decision to use one of the Doctor Who episodes to do this was really that wise. Rating:  |