XPost: uk.media.tv.sf.drwho, rec.arts.sf.tv, rec.arts.tv
XPost: can.arts.sf

**"Doctor Who: The Unicorn and the Wasp" - Review**

In *"The Unicorn and the Wasp,"* the Doctor
(David Tennant) and Donna Noble (Catherine
Tate) visit 1926, where they meet Agatha
Christie at a country manor. A murder
mystery unfolds, blending Christie’s iconic
style with a sci-fi twist, as the killer
turns out to be a giant alien wasp.

**Plot Summary:**

The Doctor and Donna attend a party at a
stately home, meeting Agatha Christie just
before her real-life disappearance. When
a murder takes place, the Doctor and Agatha
team up to solve the crime. The suspects
include the house's eclectic guests, in
true Christie fashion. Meanwhile, the
Doctor discovers the Vespiform, an alien
wasp capable of shifting between human
and wasp form, is responsible for the
murders. The plot cleverly mirrors an
Agatha Christie novel, full of intrigue
and red herrings. Eventually, they learn
that the Vespiform's human parentage
unwittingly triggers its murderous behavior.
Agatha Christie helps stop the alien, and
the episode ends with her famous amnesia
explained as part of the encounter.

**Themes and Character Development:**

1. **Mystery and Nostalgia:** The episode is
a loving tribute to Agatha Christie,
blending her detective style with *Doctor
Who*’s sci-fi elements.

2. **Donna's Humour:** Donna adds comic relief,
making light of the exaggerated murder
mystery tropes, while still showing
her resourcefulness.

3. **The Doctor's Intelligence:** The Doctor
channels his detective side, working
closely with Agatha to solve the mystery,
showcasing his sharp wit.

**Strengths:**

- **Agatha Christie Tribute:** The homage
to Christie’s works is clever, with
references to her novels and a classic
whodunit structure.

- **Humor and Tone:** The episode strikes a
balance between light-hearted humor and
the intrigue of a murder mystery. Donna's
comedic timing is particularly sharp.

- **Historical Cameo:** Agatha Christie is
a fascinating figure, and her involvement
in the plot feels natural and fun.

**Weaknesses:**

- **Silly Alien Concept:** The idea of a
giant wasp as the culprit, while fitting
for *Doctor Who*, might seem too
far-fetched for some viewers, breaking
the otherwise grounded tone.

- **Predictable Plot:** Fans of Christie’s
mysteries might find the resolution
relatively predictable, following
familiar tropes.

**Conclusion:**

"The Unicorn and the Wasp" is a fun,
whimsical episode that pays homage to
Agatha Christie with a classic murder
mystery spin. While the alien element
is a bit over-the-top, the humour and
witty dialogue make it an enjoyable
watch.

**Rating: 7/10**
Fun tribute to Agatha Christie, but slightly absurd.

--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising! Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)