The Lazarus Experiment

"There's no such thing as an ordinary human."

Writer: Stephen Greenhorn

Format: TV

Broadcast: 5th May 2007

Series: 5.06

Featuring: Tenth Doctor, Martha

Synopsis 

Martha returns home, but has to save her family from the schemes of the monstrous Professor Lazarus, the man who has changed what it means to be human.  

Verdict 

The Lazarus Experiment is an interesting episode that despite the good it holds, is a bit of a mixed bag as a whole. It started off well with the Doctor dropping Martha home the morning after the night before. Just like that, it seemed Martha's travels were over. That was a little hard to believe somehow, especially with this incarnation and his offer to Donna in The Runaway Bride. But here he was, in Martha's bedroom saying goodbye after her picking up her drying underwear. It's interesting to think that if Martha hadn't turned on the TV and heard Richard Lazarus' speech, then the Doctor and Martha's time together would have been cut significantly short! It was good that the Doctor soon ran back to Martha when it'd sunk in what Lazarus had said. He was going to change what it meant to be human, so naturally the Doctor had to go and see what that was all about! The idea was good with Lazarus making himself younger, and despite my liking of the awakening of dormant genes - a path for humanity that evolution said no to, the idea just wasn't believable. Changing your DNA doesn't necessarily make you look younger, does it? I mean, in 30 years time I'll be 48 but I'll still have the same DNA structure I've got now, age and appearance isn't a factor so that was something I disagreed with from the get go. The experiment going into overload couldn't have been good and at least it went some way into explaining the horrifying creature that was human in origin. The design of the creature was slightly over the top I thought and I wasn't convinced it'd be able to speak perfect English! The way it just dissected its victims though was monstrous which made if fantastic. I loved the references to past stories in this story, it really did keep me interested, with every story previously in the series being mentioned as well as Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel with the Doctor's tux and The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances with the Doctor being present during the London blitz. The series arc really heightened here with numerous namedrops to Harold Saxon, who of course will be revealed as the Master in the final story of the series. The logo in the building matching that of the Master's ring was something I only noticed during this viewing which was a nice surprise! But the story was just lacking in consistency I felt. With the fluctuating DNA, we had a young human going into a monster every now and then. It was illogical in parts. Tish was a big highlight of the story joining up with her sister and the Doctor as a sort of sub-companion during the episode! She was saved before snogging the creature that would devour her and then she helped kill it in the cathedral! The comical references to the bible didn't strike home with me and my Atheist beliefs but I could admire the intention. The way Lazarus was dealt with wasn't as incredible as I thought it may have been. After reversing the polarity, which was wonderfully referenced to be taking too long, magical referencing to the Third Doctor, sonic waves propelled from an organ would be the cause of death. The scenes were exciting I must say but the result wasn't outstanding. At least Martha has been fully recognised by the Doctor as companion now! A great end scene to a pretty decent episode which certainly had its moments. It's enough to cure the appetite. 

Rating: 7/10