Partners in Crime [TV/2008.4.5]

★★★★☆

  Like Smith and Jones of the year before, Russell T Davies creates an instantly arresting, fast-paced and entertaining adventure that plops both Doctor and new companion in the midst of the adventure. Now, with that said, Partners in Crime is not at all a retread of familiar ground. RTD injects his wry sense of humour into an observation of the diet pill craze of the 21st century, making a light comedy for the whole family out of cute CGI Adipose babies and sinister foster mothers. Just what you need in Dr. Who sometimes, really. Partners in Crime, for me, has always been that one Who adventure that you never obsess over, but naturally point out amongst the crowd as 'uniquely Dr. Who'. The intoxicating combination of a charming Doctor-and-companion duo, a fun short adventure with cuteness and hideous implications aplenty, and a display of complexity as Donna proves herself to be full of real emotions is something special indeed. 

  Really, this is a sign of great things to come. Series 4 being what it is, one of the strongest runs of adventures in the new series, it's no wonder that its first installment is as confident as it is. David Tennant is at the top of his game, Catherine Tate is at the top of hers and just beginning to tap into her full potential in the show, and James Strong rounds everything off with some incredible direction. That final shot of Donna finally being happy, waving outside the TARDIS doors to her lovely gramps (Wilfred, my beloved) as she and the Doctor head off to adventures unknown, is such an important moment in the show. It shows just how good the Doctor can be to someone's life, how their presence alone can uplift the darkest days. I love the Doctor here as well, clearly having grown up as a person since his time with Martha, and it's evident that Donna is more than a match for him. It's a challenge for both of them, and they're not going down without a fight. A beautiful dynamic for a beautiful time -- what more can viewers want?