Kerblam!

Kerblam!

Going into 'Kerblam!' on Sunday night. I didn't really know what to expect.

From the trailer at the end of last week's episode it looked it as if certain online retailers might be in the line of fire.

And at one point, seeing the shot of Graham being scanned, I did wonder if Kerblam! were selling human beings and that the story would involve the Doctor trying to rescue her companions from this fate.

Instead what we got was a more nuanced look at both the ethics of big companies who are just sticking to the rules and regulations and the perils of activism.

I would just like to clarify my comment about the perceived connection between Charlie's hatred of automation and people coming from other countries to fill jobs. For many centuries past a section of English society have always feared the outsider and blamed them when things go wrong.

Which seems ridiculous. as we are all descended from the many invaders and immigrants that have come to this country. My family mix being mostly from Great Britain, but 8% Ireland/Scotland/Wales and 7% from Norway. So I'm part Viking and part Celt, at least according to my DNA analysis results.

Anyway back to 'Kerblam!'; it only occurred to me on my second viewing yesterday that the title as well as being the name of the retailer also references what will happen when the bubble wrap is popped.  Even Rose Cat likes to roll around on bubble wrap, though with less explosive results, thankfully...

The robots were suitably sinister and raised memories of both 'The Robots of Death' and 'The Greatest Show in the Galaxy', plus Twirly was rather sweet.

The main guest cast were excellent. Julie Hesmondhalgh as Head of People Judy Maddox is brilliant, she gives a wonderfully sympathetic performance. She truly cares for those that work in the warehouse and perhaps could do with some help keeping up with the 10,000 people working there.

Lee Mack brings lots of character and fun to the ill-fated Dan Cooper and it makes your heart sink when you realise that he is doomed, especially after the mention of his daughter.

Lee Flanagan is fabulous as the misguided Charlie Duffy and Claudia Jessie is very sweet as Kira Arlo. Callum Dixon brings a coldness to Jarva Slade, but he ultimately turns out to be on the side of the angels.

And as the Voice Of Kerblam!, 'Broadchurch' Series One killer Matthew Gravelle brings a charm and sympathetic air to both the System and Twirly, while being suitably sinster as the teammate robots.

All in all I really liked 'Kerblam!' and hope that Pete McTighe will write another 'Doctor Who' in the very near future.

Our video about 'Kerblam!' can be seen here.

(Written by Lisa Parker)