The first thing to do, I suppose, is to take a step back from my big ol’ sulk of last week. I still stand by the fact that Doctor Who, for me, is not about the romance. But I got over it. The one thing I would say is that if there’s something I’m unhappy with, usually watching Confidential makes me see it in a different light. It did not help this week. Particularly when they were all “smoochy smoochy time.” Bleurgh.

Anywho, on to this week’s episode The Vampires of Venice. Only they weren’t vampires were they? “I’m a Time Lord. You’re a big fish. Think of the children.”

I was excited when I first heard about this episode, created by Being Human writer Toby Whithouse. I love Being Human (well, the first series more than the second), and this was going to be good. I do wonder if he is stretching the vampire thing a bit, though. In Being Human, the vampires can go outside, and they don’t need to have blood, and generally speaking, it’s not that bad a life. You just have to wear sunglasses occasionally and stay away from mirrors.

I know the creatures in Venice weren’t vampires (what were they incidentally?), but they did seem to go outside an awful lot. The girl, Isabella, positively cowered from the sun when it came to her trying to escape, but when she was up for execution, they were all dallying about in the daytime with a measly lace umbrella to protect them. It all seemed a bit unfeasible to me, but I guess when you’re talking about vampire/big fish crossovers, anything is possible.

I wasn’t at all sure about Rory joining in the fun. He hadn’t seemed that strong a character. When the third wheel tags along, it can make for some slow episodes. Usually they are less clued up on everything than anyone else but I did like that Rory confounded the Doctor from the start. The only person ever to not say the “bigger on the inside” line?

That was what made the episode for me. Some fantastic writing, brilliantly funny lines, and great dialogue between all three. From the awkwardness between Rory and Amy to the “must we have this now” conversation between Rory and the Doctor, it made for some great scenes. I wasn’t too bothered about the story, really, and the final scene with the weight of another sacrificed race on the Doctor’s shoulders seemed forced, but who cares when you get such greatness as “Taxi for Amy Pond?” The best of the entire episode though, was: “Oh, so now I’m being reviewed?” Worth having Rory along just for that.

Being Human is strong on dialogue and comedy as well, Mr Whithouse knows what he’s doing. I’m glad this was the episode to follow my tantrum last week. I’m completely sold on the series again, and at one point even said: “I love this Doctor.” It’s different to my Tennant-love but it is there.

Next week looks like there is more story, less CG work, and a pregnant Amy. Intrigued!