Doctor Who: Smith and Jones

Doctor Who returned to our screens this evening, introducing a hot new companion in the form of medical student Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) - the cousin of her character who was killed in the Dalek/Cybermen/Torchwood battle at the end of the last series.

Although it seems we're still going to be cursed with Earth-based family baggage, at least Martha and her family are a step up (in terms of charm and interest) from Rose Tyler's chav clan. One day Russell T Davies is going to realise that this isn't a soap opera, but a sci-fi action show, but in the meantime we still get to enjoy such delights as tonight's episode, Smith and Jones.

Alien rentacops hijack a hospital from central London and take it to "neutral territory" (the Moon) to search for an elusive alien killer. Meanwhile the Doctor - masquerading as a patient in the hospital - teams up with medical student Martha to try and resolve the situation before the air runs out!

It's non-stop excitement, with the chemistry - and witty banter - between the Doctor and Martha sparkling. This bodes well for the rest of the season. Martha could eventually rank as one of the all-time great companions. The Doctor is still mourning the passing of Rose and there are hints of unrequited love in Martha's eyes, but I'm sure we'll get past that with enough freaky aliens, ghosts, time travel mishaps and Daleks ...

Saturday nights have been reclaimed for the geeks!