Identity Theft (Bifurcating “Human Nature” and “The Family of Blood,” with guest Steven Schapansky)

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In Doctor Who’s early years, there were many episodes where the Doctor was noticeably absent, usually because William Hartnell or Patrick Troughton needed a holiday from the grueling shooting schedule. But Human Nature is the only episode of Doctor Who where the Doctor doesn’t appear at all outside of flashbacks. Of course, David Tennant is front and center, giving a performance for the ages, literally, in John Smith. There are many reasons this episode, along with the conclusion, The Family of Blood, is so well remembered: Its central plot device tees up the climax the Series 3, it showcases some brilliant guest performances in the villainous Family, and it might even explain why the Eighth Doctor said he was “half-human.” But it’s the love story between Doctor’s alternate identity and a human woman that the story lives or dies upon. Let’s get at the heart of this thing…

This time there's THREE of us! We welcome Steven Schapansky⁠ from ⁠Radio Free Skaro⁠ for this special episode.

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Commentary for Human Nature | The Family of Blood begins at 24:03.

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Story Essentials

• Series 3, Episodes 8+9
• Story number: 188, per the The Pull To Open Codex
• Writer: Paul Cornell
• Director: Charles Palmer
• Showrunner: Russell T. Davies
• Aired 26 May – 2 June 2007

Pull To Open: Human Nature / The Family of Blood

• Season 4
• Episode 45

Hosts: Pete Pachal and Chris Taylor

Guest: Steven Schapansky from Radio Free Skaro

Music: Martin West/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinking Fish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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