So one of the problems with Terminus is the main monster used. It's called the Garm, and is a large humanoid figure with a wolf's head and glowing red eyes. Its purpose hasn't been fully explored in the story as of yet, but we know that it has something to do with the treatment of the people suffering from the space plague. It is clear from the script that the Garm is meant to be a frightening figure, one that lurks in the shadows and steals people away to its lair. This is not entirely apparent when looking at the creature on screen.
It's a figure that looks remarkably cuddly, as if it came direct from a show that I used to watch as a kid. The red eyes add a sense of menace, but the overall fluffy nature of the design kind of backfires on it. It's disappointing, as this is something in the script that could be good, and there is still the potential to make it good, if the lighting in the studio were less bright, leaving it to lurk in the shadows with only the red glowing eyes to add a sense of menace. But, sadly, it comes across as one of the most cuddly characters to be produced in Doctor Who's history.
Post-script: As I wrote this entry, the thought crossed my mind that maybe the Garm did come direct from somewhere in my memory of a show that I used to watch as a kid. Further investigation revealed an Australian childrens' programme called Lift Off, which I have virtually no recollection of, aside from a few brief moments. There was a wolf in the programme, who actually rather looks like the Garm in my opinion (aside from fur colour and the addition of dark glasses and a snazzy suit). So that's nice, I suppose.
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