“Planet of the Dead,” the Easter special bridging series four and “The Waters of Mars,” aimed for family fun but landed with mixed results. This large-scale theft adventure sees the charismatic Christina (Michelle Ryan) and the Doctor (David Tennant) unexpectedly united on a desolate, alien planet when a London bus, their mode of escape and commute respectively, plunges through a wormhole.
The episode kicks off with promise. The visual spectacle of the bus hurtling through space is undeniably captivating, and the initial setup on the barren planet, menaced by a metallic storm, builds intrigue. Carmen, the psychic passenger, adds an element of foreboding with her visions of approaching death, raising the stakes for our stranded heroes. Back on Earth, UNIT, now a more recurring presence, and Malcolm, played by Lee Evans, attempt to unravel the mystery of the missing bus, providing crucial support to the Doctor’s off-world predicament.
However, the episode falters in execution. While Michelle Ryan’s Christina is a definite highlight, proving to be a witty and capable match for Tennant’s Doctor, the casting of Lee Evans injects an unwelcome comedic tone that feels jarring. Evans, while a beloved comedian, seems miscast in this role, and the decision to make his character Welsh feels like an unnecessary and distracting quirk that dilutes the intended tension. The narrative momentum wanes after the initial setup, preventing the episode from truly taking off.
Visually, “Planet of the Dead” offers moments of brilliance, particularly in the depiction of the metallic storm and the desolate alien landscape. The ravenous flying creatures provide a tangible threat, driving the plot forward. Captain Magambo’s return after “Turn Left” reinforces the growing continuity within the revived series, rewarding attentive viewers.
Despite its shortcomings, the episode isn’t entirely without merit. The final moments, where Carmen delivers a chilling prophecy to the Doctor – “Be careful, your song is ending, it is returning through the dark, he will knock 4 times” – inject much-needed gravitas and foreshadow the darker narratives to come, successfully shifting the tone back to a more mature and intriguing level, leaving a lasting impression beyond the episode’s overall lighter fare.
