The Unicorn and the Wasp

This story has the Doctor and Donna attending a garden party in the 1920s and meeting Agatha Christie just prior to her famous real life temporary disappearance. Then there is a murder mystery involving a giant wasp from outer space! It sounds ridiculous but the unbelievable nature of events and the coincidences are all deliberately used to great comedic effect. Writer Gareth Roberts tends to write comedy episodes and this one is exceptionally witty and knowing in its humour. Tennant and Tate are hilarious. The idea of a murder mystery involving Agatha Christie is very cleverly made to work and it is quite inspired and fun. The giant wasp is done well in terms of effects but is perhaps an idea too far. The wasp aspect, especially the buzzing of the human side of the character, is the only real problem in the episode. That stops this reaching top standard but this is still an excellent entertainment with many great features. It reminds me of the 5th Doctor story Black Orchid which is probably not a total coincidence. It is lovely to get an appearance from Christopher Benjamin who had appeared brilliantly in the classic series so many years earlier. The period setting is lovely too.

8.5/10