Doctor Who (TV Series) The Family of Blood (2007) User Reviews

They don't make 'um like this anymore.....

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 19 August 2015]

Well the build up episode was certainly one of the show's high points, it ended on an excellent cliffhanger, the pace and energy that had built up, continues and we delve straight in to the action.

The Human Doctor has a dilemma, to save friend or lover, but fortunately a brave Martha saves them, for the time being. Defences are held at the school, whilst young Latimer holds the key.

The family are all brilliantly portrayed, they all look the part, especially Baines, but then what else would you expect from Harry Lloyd? The stairs and the voice are insanely creepy, the others are good, but he's on another level.

Jessica Hynes is truly wonderful, her struggles to understand the concepts of who and what the Doctor actually is, are gloriously done with an innocence and truth, it's very sincere.

The scene of young sister running to infiltrate is very reminiscent of one from Remembrance of the Daleks. The skipping, music used... and the use of her raised interesting ethical questions.

The high point is the dilemma they face whether to open the watch or not, the discussions to and fro are so good, I can see why it's often considered as Tennant's finest moment. The emotional hit is a big one.

It must be said that both Freema and her character Martha have developed fantastically well. I wonder if she would be seen today in higher regard had she been better written for in the earlier episodes, too many Rose references.

I commend the story, the production, the effects, the acting, the casting, the conclusion, all in all it's a fabulous episode, a perfect fit for Tennant. 10/10

They don't make 'um like this anymore.....

Perfect...simply perfect.

[DVD_Connoisseur · 10/10 · 2 June 2007]

Thank you, Russell T. Davies! The idea of taking Paul Cornell's successful and acclaimed "New Adventure" and allowing him to write a screenplay based on this tale has resulted in one of the best "Doctor Who" stories ever.

"The Family of Blood" is strong on so many levels it's difficult to know where to begin. This two-part adventure ensures that Freema Agyeman's Martha Jones will be remembered as one of The Doctor's greatest companions. Agyeman is absolutely delightful here...I can't praise her acting enough. The Doctor depends 100% on Jones in this story and it's excellent to see how she meets the challenge.

This is a truly emotional episode - I don't mind admitting I cried buckets in the last 10 minutes of the show. I've not been moved by a drama like this for quite some time. The script, direction and acting are all top notch.

We also see a truly dark Doctor for an instant but I'm not going to spoil any surprises.

Magnificent. The perfect 10. This is the stuff of legend!

A showcase of acting brilliance

[lemmingology · 9/10 · 2 June 2007]

Well well, Paul Cornell has cooked up another stonker here. This two-parter, and this episode in particular, is probably one of the best yet, second only, in my opinion, to the previous two season finales, and on a par with The Impossible Planet/Satan Pit. Of this series, only 42 has engrossed me more.

The main point of this episode is, of course, the Doctor becoming a slightly idiotic human to avoid the eponymous Family of Blood, Martha's struggle to make him realise who he really is again, and the importance of the watch that the Doctor stored himself inside. I won't say any more than that for the sake of spoiling what is truly a fantastic story. Every part of it is brilliantly executed - the script, the direction, the effects, and the aftermath.

Special mentions in this episode though, go to two people. Firstly, David Tennant, whose portrayal of the ordinary man struggling to come to terms with who he might be and what he has to do with everything is fantastic. Secondly, to Harry Lloyd, who plays Jeremy Baines, the ringleader of the Family. While he is relatively unknown as an actor - his only major role to date has been as Will Scarlet in the BBC's retake of Robin Hood - I can't think of any world-famous actor who would've fitted the part better than him. His performance is absolutely astonishing, he plays the mad eyes, frightening smile, and all round scariness of his character to utter perfection. He's probably been the scariest and most believable human-looking villain since the show was resurrected, with the possible exception of Roger Lloyd-Pack's John Lumic from last year. Maybe it's in the surname.

This is, without doubt, one of the best story lines seen in Doctor Who so far. And next week's 'Blink' looks like a cracker as well. Series 3 is storming towards being the best series yet, if it isn't already.

Hard to watch, but worth it for the acting.

[*Phantom Chick* · 8/10 · 3 August 2008]

I found both "The Family of Blood" and its predecessor "Human Nature" extremely hard to watch. That doesn't mean they aren't excellent episodes; indeed they are, they're brilliantly written and performed, but they're not exactly a lot of "fun" to watch. I don't know about other viewers, but some of my favorite Doctor Who episodes are the most fun to watch, like "New Earth" from season two, or "The Shakespeare Code" from season three. I don't necessarily think either episode is tops in the areas of artistic merit or emotional involvement, but they were very entertaining.

"The Family of Blood" storyline is exactly opposite. It's incredibly emotionally involving and artistically satisfying, but I wasn't having any fun when I was watching it. Parts of it felt like a BBC costume drama, which can be taken as either a compliment or a criticism. It was a very courageous storyline to go with, simply because reducing the Doctor to a human school teacher strips him of all the qualities that viewers most love about him. This couldn't have been done as effectively with a different actor than David Tennant. His performance is utter brilliance, because we can see little bits of the Doctor in the character of "John Smith", and yet...all the recognizable mannerisms of the Doctor have vanished in this "human". If you listen closely, you can tell even Tennant's accent is different. It's a very restrained performance, very natural and moving - though I was awfully glad to see the old Doctor back by the end. (I put up a spoiler warning for that, but is it really a spoiler? Did we ever think the Doctor would stay human?)

Freema Agyeman is also tremendous as the Doctor's keeper. Martha is a very likable character, and here we see her facing so many unknowns with a force of will that does her credit. Martha has more at stake even than the Doctor in this episode, because if she is unable to restore him to himself the fate of the world will be on her hands - not to mention she'll be stuck in a time where she has few options as a black woman. On a side note about season three as a whole, I'm not sure having Martha in love with the Doctor was a good idea, as it sort of pulls the viewer in two directions. On one hand, we'd hate to see the Doctor leave Rose's memory behind too quickly, but on the other hand, Martha is very engaging and likable, and it's hard on the audience to see her hurt over and over again. It also seems like a bit of a waste of a subplot if it's not going to go anywhere. Maybe Donna's and Martha's seasons should have been switched? In short, "Human Nature" and "The Family of Blood" are excellent episodes, but not ones I will be re-watching anytime soon.

absolutely brilliant

[rainbow_letloose · 10/10 · 2 July 2007]

this episode was brilliant in all sorts of ways. i loved how Martha took control of the 'hostage' situation and then threatened the family that's got guts and is quality acting. and as always in my opinion fantastic performance from David Tennant as the doctor. him playing the confused human was really a different turning point. but the scene that got me most was when the doctor and Joan were both holding on to the watch and seeing their future together if he stayed human, i had to hide the tears. thats why i give this episode 10 out of 10 .i also think that most of the credit goes to David Tennant,Freema Agyeman and Jessica Hynes for their roles of the doctor, Martha and Joan that was an entertaining episode.

What's best about modern Television

[HairyHacker · 9/10 · 4 June 2007]

I don't comment often - check :-) This second part of the story really said it all in the last ten minutes. I've either got a really dusty house or tears came up due to the end. What started out as simple Sci-Fi fare ended as a real pause for thought. 'Light' drama can sometime be the most powerful medium and this does it all without being heavy handed or moralistic.

This should be compulsory viewing in schools.

Quite apart from which it's one of the more enjoyable episodes of Doctor Who.

We've had Tim and Daisy from "Spaced" in Doctor Who now so roll on Mike, Marsha, Brian and Tyres!

Powerful

[ploop-3 · 10/10 · 5 June 2007]

This episode's plot starts out with some of the usual sci-fi "fluff" but ends in some of the most powerful writing I believe I've ever seen.

Do yourself a favor and watch this episode. Excellent doesn't begin to describe it. It is remarkable in the same vein as "The Lion King"'s final moments. Marvelous.

DVD_Connoisseur writes that this is the stuff of legends and he/she is absolutely right.

The episode cuts to the heart of exactly how lonely, and thoroughly *dangerous* the Doctor can be. The kind of danger that presents itself to a human being swimming next to a whale. If the whale turns, the human being can be destroyed without having been noticed.

Very dark, extremely serious, but thoroughly entertaining, and thought-provoking. What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be a Time Lord?

The Human Condition...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 5 December 2021]

The Bloods (now in stolen human form) have found what they came for and are in hot pursuit with their army of scarecrow soldiers. Cornered at the school, John Smith and his band of budding boy foot soldiers face the alien relations in a standoff where...

The sheaves of wheat start an attack, they are bound by rope and cloth and sack, but their endeavours are repelled, and the line of boys has firmly held, then sister of mine starts to fire back, and the staunch defence begins to crack

All the time an increasingly frantic Martha is desperately searching for the missing timepiece, but will she find it in time to save our paradoxical pacifist, and what will become of his pursuers if she does?

The Family of Blood

[studioAT · 10/10 · 25 August 2021]

This is the second part of the 'Human Nature' storyline, and it's perhaps one of the best modern 'Doctor Who' episodes I've seen.

Wonderfully written and performed, this is an episode of lots of great moments.

David Tennant again reminding us (if a reminder was ever needed) why for some he is THE Doctor.

This is how good the show can be. What a shame that the people making it in 2021 can't seem to hit such standards anymore.

The Best Episode Yet

[1stbrigade · 10/10 · 6 January 2008]

The two-part episode "Human Nature/The Family of Blood" is, without a doubt, the best one created for the new Doctor Who series. This episode takes Who somewhere new, offering a fresh look at the Doctor. The cast and crew do a terrific job with this, creating an exciting and emotionally-powerful episode. Kudos should especially go to David Tennant, who gives his best performance to date not only as the Doctor, but as his human counterpart, John Smith. His performance in this piece is very powerful, and will bring almost everyone who sees it to tears. A terrific two-parter that stands not only as the best of the new series, but also among the greatest "Doctor Who" adventures ever! Grade: A+

Brilliant script acted brilliantly

[zerobeat · 10/10 · 4 August 2010]

Others have said wonderful things about this so I don't want to repeat. One very effective thing was having actual children shown (actors playing their real age), thus having the impact of them as soldiers in The Great War in all its historically correct horror, although it was a fairly small part of the story.

That last 10 minutes packed a lot of emotional wallop, without being manipulative or treacly.

Those very dark punishments by The Doctor showed the high stakes. Downright creepy actually.

As great as this pair of episodes was, better stuff was yet to come the very next week.....

BORINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[warlordartos · 1/10 · 11 March 2021]

I might as well watch a documentary about soap operas and chuck some images from horror movies in every now and then. The only point of this story is to set-up the season finale, and that is all I will ever see this as

so unfair

[Shymaa0000 · 10/10 · 4 July 2019]

This episode is unfair. the doctor can never realize how unfair is asking Joan to come with him, to live all her life waiting to see glimpses of the man she loves will be torture. Joan lashing out, asking if he didn't choose this place at random then people wouldn't have died, trying to remind herself that he wasn't human and he wasn't the man she loved? it hurt. all in all thanks David Tennant and Russell Davis for breaking our hearts. once again

Simply magnificent

[jrarichards · 10/10 · 9 April 2016]

Another of the "second of two parts" episodes from series 3 in which a story relatively prosaic in nature developed in the first part ("Human Nature") transcends itself and takes we the viewers (British and Commonwealth viewers in particular) to meaningful, emotional places they never thought "Dr Who" would take them. Gentle in its way, and subtle, and yet HUGELY significant in its content - and all the more so since it is speaking to children and adults, and yet more so when the crescendo ending comes on the back of the Doctor's altar ego - 1913 British schoolteacher "John Smith" - simply begging tearfully to be allowed to live the normal human life (and death) that he is able to glimpse through the Doctor's ability to fast forward from the starting point of the love he has now found for Matron Joan Redfern (played just superbly by Jessica Hynes). In no way at all does this person now want to be "the Doctor", whom he perceives as sad and lonely, but also dangerous, which in fact the restored Doctor does turn out to be, as he takes a suitable revenge on the enemies that have long pursued him through time and space.

Inspiring and moving and complex and deep and thoughtful and fine. An absolute tour de force! And given that it was followed by the unbelievably classy episode "Blink", we were indeed spoiled quality-wise back in 2007.

And the evils of the future

[nikky_pickles · 10/10 · 28 March 2010]

Right off the bat I loved this episode - David Tennant is MY Doctor.

But the one part of this two-part episode that had me in absolute buckets of tears actually has little to do with the Doctor.

Yes, the "flash forward" scene still had me sobbing, but what made me sob the hardest was those school boys, lining up to fight the scarecrows? Those boys who, just a few short months later would be plunged into the Great War. They were so young and so small. For all that the Doctor has faced the Slytheen, the Darleks, the Master and the Weeping Angels (enjoy that episode it's the best EVER episode of the new Doctor!),- these boys would face a real enemy and it was a future they were so woefully unprepared for, and there was no Doctor to save them.

This two-parter brought the Doctor into the real world with some sci-fi layered gently on top. It was perfect.

A masterpiece script, with astonishing acting

[Patryz · 10/10 · 6 June 2010]

I'm sorry I can't speak English good enough to find the proper words to describe this episode. In my personal favorites, this episodes jump straight to number one, right next to "The inner light" from Star Trek TNG. The acting from David Tennant will leave you breathless, the final moments of John Smith are one of the greatest acting moments I've seen. A very good performance we get from Jessica "Spaced's Daisy" Hynes, she built a very convincing strong woman in love. As for the very ending scene, well that's the candy!I don't think that there was anything i din't like from this episode. Do yourself a favor and watch this episode, even if it's the first time you watch Doctor Who.

WOW! I loved it!

[katissokool · 10/10 · 12 August 2007]

Just indescribable. I loved it to death.

This episode and the one preceding it were incredible. Although all of Series 3 was awesome, these two just went the extra mile.

Unforgettable.

The only criticism I have was not having more snippets of the Doctor's children. That would have been intriguing from my point of view, but it's probably just me. Including it would most likely have slowed the story down and distracted from the emotional climax, so I think it was best the way they did it. Maybe they could provide a spin-off as to what happened to the Doctor if he had stayed John Smith. Unlikely, but it would make for an interesting show.

My wishful thinking.

Anyway, congrats to everyone involved in this - it was fantastic. My throat caught when I was watching this and my eyes were a little wet. I haven't cried since I watched 'The Lost Prince'.

I loved it and I'd recommend it to anyone, even if they aren't a devoted Doctor Who fan.

simply amazing

[movieman_kev · 10/10 · 9 May 2008]

In the second part of this utterly amazing Doctor who two-parter, The 'Family' have now found the still now human Doctor, putting those he holds dearest in dire jeopardy. I was really hoping that this was as good as the previous installment. Well I was wrong. Why? Because it was slighter better if that's at all possible. This two-parter can easily rank right up there with the best of the Doctor Who stories. Great acting, a truly compelling plot line, quite simply marvelous in every way. Now if only all New Who episodes could be as good, I'd be more than ecstatic.

My Grade: A+

Doctor Who at its best

[pjgs200 · 10/10 · 27 December 2016]

Human Nature and The Family of Blood are among the finest episodes in all of Doctor Who. The acting in both episodes is flawless, Charles Palmer's directing is phenomenal, and the script is equally as impressive. I'm going to try and keep this as detail-free as possible, but all I'm going to say is that this is one of the deepest, most emotional, and most perfect stories that this show has put out. From beginning to end there are no flaws, no nitpicks, and no complaints. The first half of the episode is emotionally stunning, while the second is dark and offers a beautiful resolution to a beautiful story and another side of the Doctor that we rarely see. Murray Gold's music fits every scene seamlessly and really adds to the emotion of the story too.

10 out of 10.

One of the best episodes in the series

[mistressmunin · 10/10 · 20 October 2015]

I loved, loved, loved this episode! Everything from how it was constructed (the way the 'reality' is woven around the fiction so that only hints are revealed to the viewer, at first... brilliant), to the way the more tortured side of the Doctor is revealed, to the setting in general, to the side cast of characters, to the ending - which made me cry, and I don't become that invested in a show (or even a movie) easily. Just - everything! And... can I just say here that I have the biggest crush on David Tennant? My friend is currently mocking me because he's about 20 years older, but man, I don't mind one bit. I just... uhm, yes, I believe I'll cut this short before I proceed to make it awkward - he has a wife (with excellent taste), after all. Suffice it to say, he's at least 80% of my 10 star review. Uhm... This episode, yes! That's what I was talking about. It was amazing. Watch it. I found myself liking the Martha character a lot more - for though she was endearing from the start, I was unhappy to see Rose go. Martha really shines in this episode. I have noticed that this show picks exceptional female leads, anyway - I normally find myself disliking the female characters in a show/movie. But, uh... Yup. Great show. Great episode. Great actor ;) annnd a fantastic writer/director.

The Finale of Brilliance

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 10/10 · 31 January 2019]

This is the second part of a two part story following Human Nature. Together they form one of the greatest stories in Doctor Who history. I rate this as my equal favourite alongside classic 4th Doctor stories Pyramids of Mars and Talons of Weng Chiang and later Tennant/RTD masterpiece Midnight.

It has the highest possible standards in all areas. Based on the story by writer Paul Cornell the material is as good as it gets and Russell T. Davies and director Charles Palmer bring this to the screen with flawless skill.

Following on from the brilliant first part and the great cliffhanger we get an exciting and very moving finale. There are scary villains, thrilling scenes of action and deep, touching drama regarding the Doctor's human version, John Smith, having to choose between his human life and changing back to his life of lonely responsibility as the Doctor to battle the threat of evil. The depth of the character study and emotional dilemma for the Doctor is totally fresh, extremely absorbing and enormously moving.

David Tennant's acting is perfection. Anyone who ever says to me they are not keen on Tennant leaves me bemused as to what it is they want, they are entitled to different tastes but surely nobody can question his acting. This gives him an opportunity to show his full range and it is glorious. Freema Agyeman does her usual excellent job as Martha and the guest cast (especially Jessica Hynes, Harry Lloyd and Thomas Brodie-Sangster) continue their fabulous performances from the first part.

At the end there are lovely added scenes regarding the first world war. There is also a dark side shown as the Doctor metes out justice on the Family of Blood. Overall the story and script are just awesome with great period setting, effects, production values and direction all at top standard. 10/10 classic.

Some Flaws But A Good Piece Of Television

[Theo Robertson · 8/10 · 3 August 2008]

One problem I've noticed watching Nu-Who is that often we're treated to an excellent first episode and let down slightly by the second . In my opinion only Bad Wolf / Parting Of The Ways keeps up the intensity throughout . Family Of Blood doesn't quite match the preceding episode but it certainly has a bloody good try

As for the elements I didn't like there were a few such as bullets killing scarecrows . Fair enough I've never seen a bulletproof scarecrow but one of them was shown having its arm pulled off without any ill effect so why would a bullet be able to kill one ?

Despite being very scary is there any reason the scarecrows were included ? Did they actually kill anyone ? Just what was there function apart from making young children watching this on TV rush behind the sofa ?

Someone having to once again point out that Martha Jones is both black and a doctor . One wonders if such heavy handed dialogue is down to the producers not being able to make Martha an idiosyncratic character ?

The Doctor destroying the family's spaceship simply by pressing a few buttons . Why is it that spaceships always seem to have a self destruct button ? You don't find one in a car o an ocean liner so why are they included in intergalatic spaceships ?

Tennant was once again turning in to shouty mode . He was so good as John Smith but once he becomes the Doctor his ability to irritate this viewer once again comes to the fore . He's not helped by the techno-bollox he has to spout

Having said all that this is much to appreciate . It's a very well paced episode , well acted by the supporting cast and we get to see aspects of the programmes's narrative storytelling that haven't been done before such as Baines telling of his family's fate and a highly manipulative and touching epilogue featuring a remembrance day service

Many hard core fans consider Human Nature/Family Of Blood to be the greatest ever story of Nu-Who and while I probably wouldn't go along with that this is certainly the best story of season three

John Smith...

[wetmars · 10/10 · 16 August 2020]

Man, this is as good as I remember. I absolutely fricking adore this episode to death, a very great tale. I liked about everything about the episode, the "Fury of the Timelord" stuff was dark and I just bloody love it, always still give me the chills to this very day.

Tennant's performance was BEYOND GOD-LIKE! Brilliant acting, I could go on about this episode all day. ONE OF THE BEST DOCTOR WHO STORIES EVER!

Bloodline of Duty

[southdavid · 8/10 · 27 April 2021]

This two-part episode draws to a close with "The Family of Blood" a stirringly emotional episode and what is unquestionably the best double header that the show had done at this stage.

With the family revealing themselves to John Smith (David Tennant) and demanding that he hands himself over, he must decide whether to embrace the dangerous and lonely life of The Doctor or try and stay a human with Matron Joan (Jessica Hynes). Retreating to the school, the boys arrange defences in line with their training but against overwhelming technology their lives rest on the actions of one young boy.

What I liked about this episode was how unusual it was. We're used to an undefeatable Doctor, always with a plan, a trick up his sleeve, a confidence that borders on arrogance and occasionally crosses over. To see him come so close to rejecting it all and surrendering to fear and love is a bit jarring and David Tennant plays it beautifully. We then get that rather brutal ending, when the Doctor punishes the family with exactly what they thought they wanted. (Though I have to admit, I'm not sure why the family give up so easily, just because their ship is destroyed, presumably they're still armed?).

Harry Lloyd and Rebekah Staton still look like they're having a lot of fun, particularly Lloyd, screaming and smirking out the side of his mouth. It's a little sad that they haven't found a way to bring the character back yet, but that's an opportunity for the future.

It's an excellent conclusion to the two part story and again shows the value of a well thought out story.

Incredible.

[W011y4m5 · 10/10 · 10 April 2020]

Paul Cornell's "Human Nature" & "The Family of Blood" in Season 3 is a lot like Series 2's "The Impossible Planet" / "Satan Pit" - in the way that it's hard to review as there's not much to say about it which hasn't already been said.

They're both extraordinary two-parters & Doctor Who at its best & most purest; contemplative, philosophical, introspective analyses of the Doctor's character & beliefs whilst also being dark, observational explorations of humanity.

Other than that brief summary, there's not much else of value for me to add because the stories speak for themselves. They don't require reviews because they're brilliant, regardless of the words I type to praise them.

Furthermore, they're rarities because of their sheer faultlessness - in need of no defense - & thus, I can easily & rather satisfyingly conclude "they're phenomenal" & end it at that... Because they are.