Doctor Who: Should the Ood come back in future series?

It’s been a long time since we last saw the Ood in Doctor Who. Isn’t it time they finally came back?

On Thursday, we reviewed Planet of the Ood, a great Tenth Doctor story. It’s an episode that still holds up, but it also reminds you of one thing. Specifically, that it’s been quite a while since the Ood were seen last in Doctor Who, isn’t it?

They have made subsequent appearances. Ood Sigma appeared at the very end of The Waters of Mars, and in both parts of The End of Time. And we saw an Ood in the excellent story, The Doctor’s Wife.

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But since then, they haven’t really shown up much. And that’s kind of a shame. Because they really are a fantastic Doctor Who alien.

Design and voice

The first thing that leaps out about them is their design. It’s not one you’re likely to forget in a hurry. Their mouths full of tentacles is a distinctive look, and instantly alien. It’s so alien, in fact, that it allows the rest of their appearance to be in some way relatable. After all, the rest of their body is still humanoid in appearance overall.

Another key alien addition to their look is how most of the Ood carry a translation globe to speak through. Of course, when it’s revealed that they’re born with their brains in their hands, that sense of alienness is increased even further.

The look of the Ood is completely distinctive and unique. There really hasn’t been anything like it in the New Series since. Like many of the best designs, it’s simple, but brilliant. It’s a wonder that they haven’t been featured in more episodes.

They also have a very distinctive voice, too. Silas Carson has voiced for most of the Ood. He’s made their voice distinctive by adding a great deal of politeness and kindness to it. Despite looking so unusual and alien, the Ood are a very likable race. A great deal of that is because how much of Carson adds with his voice.

Great as allies or villains

Another reason that makes the Ood so fantastic is how well they can work as both sympathetic beings and frightening monsters. Often in the same story. For example, while initially introduced as kind and humble slaves in The Impossible Planet, it’s not long before they become terrifying as possessed creatures. And yet you still felt some sympathy towards them, as they were controlled and forced to kill against their own actions.

It would be interesting to see if the friendlier side of the Ood was even more focused on in a future episode. Especially if if the story was set after the events of Planet of the Ood. Would an Ood be alright with living in the wider universe? Or would it face prejudice and poor treatment from humans, after the Ood had spent so long as slaves?

Certainly, there’s still plenty of stories left to tell with the Ood. They’re a great and unique design, as well as an interesting race, and it would be wonderful to see them return in Series Eleven or beyond.

Next: When humans are the monsters

What do you think? Should the Ood return at some point in Series Eleven? Or do you think they’ve had their time? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.