Doctor Who Magazine, August 2023
ARTICLE TEXT:
Come take a deep dive from an industrial gantry into the inner workings of the Ood revolution. In the Target novelization of The Planet of the Ood, starring the Tenth Doctor and Donna Noble, author Keith Temple expands on the concepts from his original screenplay fifteen years after its initial air date, burrowing further into the political and social significance to good effect.
As in the episode, the book explores the origins of the seemingly servile Oodkind, and their exploitation and enslavement by humanity across three galaxies. It’s a candid commentary on modern society, shoved home by Donna’s question to the Ood Operations head of marketing:
‘They know how you treat the Ood?’
Solana’s expression turned into a sneer. ‘They don’t ask. It’s the same thing.’
Where this book really shines is allowing the reader access to the thoughts of the Ood, a feat implausible in an action-packed TV episode. The novel opens with the intriguing perspective of Designated Ood Delta Fifty, the first Oodkind the Doctor and Donna encounter on the Ood-Sphere, who soon dies in Donna’s arms.
Whereas in the episode the Ood begin as unsettling creatures that turn terrifying when the Red Eye sets in, they are instantly sympathetic in the novelization. The reader encounters the viewpoint of a number of Ood along the way, and it’s easy to cheer their revolution along. The revelation that the Ood were out for revenge against their oppressors, rather than just rebellion to free their people, felt like an important deviation from the original episode. It’s a minor clarification that screams volumes, and in retrospect is a completely understandable reaction – of course the Ood are enraged at the humans who mutilated and enslaved them, and of course they’re out for blood. Temple pulls no punches in this book, and it’s nice to get a surprise or two from such a familiar storyline.
Some thought-provoking additions to the narrative include a promo video shown to the prospective buyers, and the conversion laboratory, where Ood hindbrains are ripped away and replaced with the translator balls. And if you’ve ever argued with your friends over what’s concealed inside the gloves of a processed Ood, this novelization will settle your bet.
It’s also satisfying to get occasional glimpses inside of Donna’s first experience on an alien planet as her inner monologue bounds along: giddy, horrified, sassy, compassionate, outraged – everything you’d expect from Donna Noble.
Time, distance and a longer word count have also allowed Temple to plug up some little plot holes from the original episode. For example: ‘“It’s 4126, Donna said, “and they’re still using guns with bullets?”’ he adds to the dialog. Temple also answers why there’s an open bar for the prospective buyers after the head of marketing tells the CEO that she “understood there was no alcohol on base.”
The book is highly readable with few missteps. By the end It does occasionally become tricky to follow which of the many warehouses the characters are in along the way. An affable new original character’s setup is slathered with such pathos that there can be no question of his doom from the very start. Also an explosive addition to the third act leans pretty hard into the magic of the Doctor’s sonic screwdriver for logistics, but to a satisfying outcome that allows Donna room to act a useful member of the team.
Ultimately, the compelling character points-of-view absolutely warrant this novelization. Ood things come to those that wait.
