Rose, the first episode of the revival series of Dr. Who, brilliantly sets up the characters, world and tone with a breezy pace and perfect casting - through that does hinder the story.
Rose opens perfectly, showing us a montage of Rose Tyler's daily life before throwing us a thrilling, funny action sequence with Rose being saved by the Doctor - played by Christopher Eccleston. Eccleston is one of the better Doctors, with a great mix of comedy with darker, more unstable roots. Billie Piper as Rose was also perfect, as she would become one of the most beloved companions of all time, and feature brilliant chemistry with both Eccleston and Tennant.
The story is less great. Its good at introducing Rose, her family and the Doctor, but the Autons are very weak villians and the finale is extremely rushed, considering they attempted to do an invasion story beat. The effects are also incredibly wonky, even for its year, with the bin and the Netsene Counciousness looked pretty terrible today.
That does not excuse the brilliant pacing, keeping the episode interesting while also slowing down to introduce the world to the audience. The writing is also pretty good, although it does over-indulge in slapstick from time to time. Camille Coduri is brilliant as Rose's mother, and Mark Benton is a fun little side character. Noel Clarke as Mickey, Rose's boyfriend, can be a little irritating, but he's still fine, although plastic Mickey makes Rose look tone deaf.
The sets are crafted superbly, with the Tardis looking absolutely gorgeous, espically compared to the old series's blank, white space. The music by Murray Gold is also very good, and would continue to be throughout his run.
Russell T. Davis's sharp writing and Eccleston and Piper's likeable chemistry save the weak story, and the pacing is on-point. A perfect introduction, through far from a perfect story.
Rose opens perfectly, showing us a montage of Rose Tyler's daily life before throwing us a thrilling, funny action sequence with Rose being saved by the Doctor - played by Christopher Eccleston. Eccleston is one of the better Doctors, with a great mix of comedy with darker, more unstable roots. Billie Piper as Rose was also perfect, as she would become one of the most beloved companions of all time, and feature brilliant chemistry with both Eccleston and Tennant.
The story is less great. Its good at introducing Rose, her family and the Doctor, but the Autons are very weak villians and the finale is extremely rushed, considering they attempted to do an invasion story beat. The effects are also incredibly wonky, even for its year, with the bin and the Netsene Counciousness looked pretty terrible today.
That does not excuse the brilliant pacing, keeping the episode interesting while also slowing down to introduce the world to the audience. The writing is also pretty good, although it does over-indulge in slapstick from time to time. Camille Coduri is brilliant as Rose's mother, and Mark Benton is a fun little side character. Noel Clarke as Mickey, Rose's boyfriend, can be a little irritating, but he's still fine, although plastic Mickey makes Rose look tone deaf.
The sets are crafted superbly, with the Tardis looking absolutely gorgeous, espically compared to the old series's blank, white space. The music by Murray Gold is also very good, and would continue to be throughout his run.
Russell T. Davis's sharp writing and Eccleston and Piper's likeable chemistry save the weak story, and the pacing is on-point. A perfect introduction, through far from a perfect story.