Episodes One and Two

The first two episodes are a two-parter, to kick things off with a bang.

I've been working on this story for a while, and I've found myself unable to get a grip on it.

Looking back at what I've done, I think I see the problem - the pace is too consistent. I wanted a slow-burning first episode, and a fast-paced second episode, and that means that the first part is too slow.

I think the new rule is that if the Doctor is on-screen, then the story is FAST. When he's not there, it should feel like the calm before the storm. Everything's a little bit too quiet.

Still, I'm very excited about the characters and monsters.

It'll come as no surprise that this story introduces the companion. Indeed, this is the introduction of Sinead Gallagher. Originally, I'd outlined an episode seen entirely through her eyes, with the Doctor weaving in and out of her life.

I'm not fond of this method, however. The Doctor deserves equality, so more Doctor is needed. Of course, this is still Sinead's story - these are extraordinary events for her, whereas to the Doctor, it's just like any other day.

Meanwhile, I'm introducing a family of sorts to the series. I loved UNIT in the 70s, and I'm fond of a similar situation of a close-knit group. I'm aware of the 2005 series, of course, that created a literal family, but I'm not keen to go that far.