Ep 14. The Runaway Bride

The popular British science fiction show Doctor Who premiered its third season on March 31st, 2007 with the episode titled "The Runaway Bride". This episode marks the official introduction of Martha Jones as the Doctor's new companion.

"The Runaway Bride" begins with the Doctor, still reeling from the loss of his previous companion Rose Tyler, being intercepted by a runaway bride named Donna Noble. Donna, who is moments away from getting married, suddenly finds herself teleported into the TARDIS, the Doctor's time and space ship. Confused and disoriented, Donna is initially hostile towards the Doctor, demanding to be taken back to her wedding. However, the Doctor soon realizes that they are both in danger as they find themselves trapped on the motorway in the middle of a traffic jam, with a giant alien spider-like creature called the Racnoss blocking their way.

As the Doctor and Donna try to figure out how to defeat the creature, they discover that the Racnoss is actually the last of its kind and is attempting to use a machine buried underneath the motorway to summon its offspring from the center of the Earth. The Doctor and Donna race against time to stop the Racnoss from completing its plan before it's too late.

"The Runaway Bride" features a tour-de-force performance by Catherine Tate, who plays Donna Noble with energy and wit. Tate's Donna is a refreshing change of pace from Rose Tyler, who was more of a traditional romantic interest for the Doctor. While Donna and the Doctor have a rocky start, they eventually develop a strong rapport as they work together to defeat the Racnoss.

The episode also showcases some excellent visual effects, particularly during the scenes involving the Racnoss. The massive spider creature is both creepy and impressive, and the scenes of it moving through underground tunnels are suitably claustrophobic. The design of the machine the Racnoss is using to summon its offspring is also incredibly intricate and looks like something out of a steampunk nightmare.

One of the themes that runs throughout "The Runaway Bride" is the idea of loneliness. The Doctor, who is still mourning the loss of Rose, is initially resistant to the idea of taking on a new companion. He even tells Donna at one point that he travels alone because he doesn't want to get too attached to anyone. However, as he works with Donna, he begins to realize the value of having someone by his side. For Donna's part, she is initially portrayed as someone who is fiercely independent and doesn't need anyone else in her life. However, as she gets to know the Doctor, she begins to open up about her own struggles with loneliness and isolation.

Overall, "The Runaway Bride" is a strong start to Doctor Who's third season. It introduces a new companion who is both funny and complex, features some impressive visual effects, and explores themes of loneliness and the importance of human connection.