"Kerblam!"

It's called "Kerblam!", which, depending on one's mood, is either delightfully chipper or just plain silly. The story is one of Doctor Who versus the evil corporation, something which has, of course been done several times before. It's a story that could fit in any era of modern Doctor Who, perhaps even (finer details aside) in an 80s episode. As, with many other writers this century, Pete McTighe is an avid Doctor Who fan, but seldom has a a writer’s joy in being given the chance to pen an episode of their favourite programme been more evident than in interviews with McTighe. This joy transfers to the story and it is this which elevates a run-of-the-mill Doctor Who plot into something more.

The obvious real-world equivalent of Kerblam! is Amazon and it would be all-too easy to attack a large corporation for being oppressive, but Pete McTighe does something more subtle. Kerblam! takes pains to ensure that it's employees are well looked after and their break area is a really nice park. The Kerblam! Management always have their underlings' best interests at heart. Even rebukes about employee productivity are delivered in a friendly manner. However, McTighe seems to make the observation that such environments are intrinsically oppressive, no matter the intentions of the higher echelons. The detrimental effects on employees and general employment are clearly evident, but the fact that the villain is a someone who is doing it for the benefit of those workers, is beautifully subversive. Added to this, the villain's plan being turning the power of the corporation against itself and the Doctor saves the day by turning that back against the villain is glorious. Even the blatant plot-delaying tactic (Twirly running out of power) is forgivable as the reason Twirly does that is that he wastes time and power up-selling.

The supporting cast is wonderful. Julie Hesmondhalgh is a phenomenal actress who puts her all into the role of Judy. Leo Flanagan makes Charlie a very sympathetic mass-murderer and Claudia Jessie makes Kira sweet, when she could have been cloying and her death is suitably heart-breaking. As the surprisingly short-lived Dan, Lee Mack is very likeable. The regulars all shine in the best ensemble work that they've been given and we have our leading lady. The Doctor is authoritative, inventive and sympathetic – yet her glee at receiving her Kerblam! Parcel is very infectious. The visualisation is very like a Sylvester McCoy story with a colossally higher budget – visual similarities with The Greatest Show in the Galaxy are obvious. Yet we have such stunning scenes like the conveyor-belt chase which show director Jennifer Perrott in complete command of the material.

With nearly every element being honed to perfection, "Kerblam!" is an unalloyed delight and I hope Mr McTighe returns to pen another adventure, soon.

NEXT: "The Witchfinders"

"The Tsuranga Conundrum"

"The Tsuranga Conundrum" is an example of the mid-season Doctor Who story that won't top any polls or feature in many nostalgic memories. However, for the first time ever, Chris Chibnall has constructed a satisfying plot – the fact that the two crises cancel each other out is actually effective. There is some good world-building going on, with a good sense being had of the 67th century. We also have a pregnant man which starts off (as is usual) as a joke, but develops into something deeper. There is a refreshing lack of predictability about its progression, which, together with the frenetic pace make this a story that is leaves the viewer exhilarated by the ride, but not finding multiple flaws to pick at, later.

Of course, "The Tsuranga Conundrum" is a base-under-siege story, but the key factor that separates it from the herd are the characters. The leader is, at some points opposed to the Doctor, but for the best reasons. Brett Goldstein, primarily a comic actor, is very effective as Astos and Lois Chimimba puts in good work as Mabli. Suzanne Packer radiates authority as Eve Cicero and future national treasure Ben Bailey Smith is a natural as her brother – although Smith has ample experience of having an illustrious older sister! Jack Shalloo's Yoss, is surprisingly touching. Graham and Ryan's relationship is very well served by the script, with Yoss's pregnancy acting as a catalyst for their understanding of themselves. Sadly, Yas is underused, with the character mostly feeding questions to the Doctor and listing 21st century equivalents to the 67th Century gizmos she encounters. Jodie Whittaker is already making playing the Doctor as natural to her as breathing. There is a critical scene that shows what a difference the Doctor being female can be. Astos rebukes the Doctor for being selfish, for wanting to reroute the Tsuranga, and the Doctor agrees, which is a scene which works a lot better when the testosterone is removed.

Jennifer Perrott is a good match for the material, giving the story the sense of urgency it requires. There is only one major location, but the imaginative design makes the story always interesting to watch. The monster of the week is the adorable Pting and, if there's one shot which truly makes the story, it's the look of joy on its face when it is finally sated.

"The Tsuranga Conundrum" may not be the most memorable story, but it does show that, perhaps Chibnall does have it in him to run the programme we love so much.

NEXT: "Demons of the Punjab"