Radio Times

Episode 1/13 Partners in Crime

Donna Noble, the eponymous Runaway Bride who helped the Doctor defeat the Empress of Racnoss, has realised she made the wrong decision when she turned down the chance to travel in the Tardis. She's determined to track the Time Lord down and tell him she's changed her mind. Meanwhile, the Doctor is investigating the strange goings-on linked to a new diet pill that claims to promote dramatic weight loss. Sarah Lancashire and Bernard Cribbins guest-star.

RT Choice (Alison Graham, 5 April 2008)

Grown-up Doctor Who fans rejoice! There's absolutely no sexual tension between the Doctor and his new companion (Catherine Tate). No lingering looks, no smouldering glances; just an adult friendship based on mutual trust and support.

Judging by the opening episode (penned by Russell T Davies), it looks like the Tennant/Tate partnership is going to be a good one. The Doctor continues to mature, growing weary of his isolation and enforced loneliness, while Donna is the wise and reliable big sister.

Episode 2/13 The Fires of Pompeii

The Doctor meant to take Donna to Rome, but they've ended up in Pompeii. Which wouldn't be so bad, except it's AD 79 and Vesuvius is due to erupt. But that's not the only thing they've got to worry about. Monsters made of stone are loose on the streets and a high priestess is making some decidedly dodgy prophecies. As the danger mounts, Donna challenges the Doctor to change history and save lives.

RT Choice (Alison Graham, 12 April 2008)

There are some stunning effects as the volcano - and its resident monster - rumbles, burns and eventually erupts, but there is a thoughtful, even sombre aspect to the story as the time travellers befriend a nobleman (Peter Capaldi) and his family.

As the city falls, Donna comes into her own as the Doctor's conscience and voice of reason, and we see the awful burden borne by a Time Lord.

Episode 3/13 Planet of the Ood

Donna's helped the Doctor avert disaster in modern-day Britain and taken a trip back in time to the Roman Empire - now she's ready to experience an alien world. The duo visit the home planet of the Ood, a servile race the Doctor has encountered before (in series two episodes The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit). A company run by the ruthless Mr Halpen (Tim McInnerny) is exploiting the genial aliens - and it's up to the Doctor and Donna to discover the secret he's hiding…

RT Choice (Alison Graham, 19 April 2008)

There are some unexpected moments of throat-catching poignancy as the Doctor takes Donna to her first-ever alien planet. There he's reunited with the Ood, and what unfolds prompts a teary Donna to beg the Doc to take her home.

Episode 4/13 The Sontaran Stratagem

Just as the Doctor's getting to know his new companion, Donna, old friend Martha summons him to Earth. Following her adventures with Torchwood, she's back with Unit, who are facing a threat from one of the Doctor's old enemies. What exactly are the devices being manufactured at the mysterious Atmos factory? Can Donna save her family from the danger they face? And how will she get on with Martha…?

RT Choice (Alison Graham, 26 April 2008)

It's a roistering story (concluding next Saturday) that sees the return, for the first time since 1985, of Weeble-headed warriors the Sontarans.

Episode 5/13 The Poison Sky

The Sontarans step up their attack on Earth, using the Atmos systems to gas the population. Unit are left defenceless and struggle to contain the threat while, unbeknown to them, they also have a traitor in their ranks. The Doctor battles to keep Martha and Donna alive, but as the planet faces war with the Sontarans, he is forced to leave them both and enter the fray. Will he have to make the ultimate sacrifice to save Earth?

RT Choice (Alison Graham, 3 May 2008)

It's a big, gung-ho adventure, though there are too many touchy-feely bits that tend to slow things down. And there's something unintentionally funny and endearing about the warrior Sontarans, particularly when they do their All Blacks-type haka before battle. You realise, despite the bluster, they aren't that scary.

Episode 6/13 The Doctor's Daughter

The Tardis was last seen spiralling out of control, the Doctor powerless to prevent its sudden, unscheduled flight. Now he and his companions find themselves on the planet Messaline, the backdrop for a war between humans and the Hath that's raged for generations. When Martha is abducted by the Hath, the Doctor and Donna are determined to rescue her. But first the Doctor must come to terms with unexpected fatherhood - and painful memories from his past.

Episode 7/13 The Unicorn and the Wasp

The Doctor and Donna find themselves in the middle of a classic murder mystery. So it's a good thing Agatha Christie, crime writer extraordinaire, is around to help them solve it. There are no end of suspects at Lady Eddison's estate - and don't discount the giant alien wasp… Might the strange goings-on explain the mystery of those infamous ten days in 1926 when Christie went missing? Felicity Kendal and Cape Wrath's Felicity Jones guest-star.

RT Choice (Alison Graham, 17 May 2008)

I suspect Doctor Who die-hards will find it all a bit blah, but it's a diverting, cheerful bit of silliness for the grown-ups.