42

Moments after the Doctor gives Martha an intergalactic call anywhere mobile phone (I'd hope with no roaming), the TARDIS ends up on a space shuttle that only has 42 minutes (a slight play on the hit series "24")before it crashes into the sun. Of course they become separated from the TARDIS, to make matters worse a mysterious entity is possessing members of the crew. For a filler episode, this one's fairly good and moves at a good pace. It's thrilling enough and I must admit I had fun with it, but the real meat of this 29th series won't start in earnest until the next episode.

My Grade: B-

I don't completely understand the large number of negative reviews for this episode. I actually thought it was really great. I liked the concept of real time. Yes, there were echoes of Impossible Planet, but I didn't mind. Additionally, I really love Martha. Wish the Doctor was better to her. 🙁

It is a horrible shame that this episode is not like by more people. It is brilliant. It has the feel of classic sci-fi with a beautiful mix of horror and humor that perfectly fits doctor who.

The only real problem with this episode is it is a remake. It feels exactly like the impossible planet/Satan pit episodes, but is better. Whereas those episodes had a cop out ending, "42" has a satisfying suspenseful close. It is an example of an odd DW phenomenon. This episode would have sucked in any other season but, like "gridlock", because it is in season three it somehow managed to be brilliant. This can be seen throughout season three.

Grade A doctor who

42 comes with the headline that it's a radical story in that it's produced as an episode set in real time but carefully watching the story it becomes obvious that it's not actually set in real time at all . In many ways 42 is one of the most traditional stories the show has produced

The plot revolves around a bunch of humans in the far future who are under attack from an unknown force and of possession . This type of adventure is very similar to what we - fans of the classic show - are used to and something we'd seen as far back as the Troughton era in the mid 1960s , a time when the parents of NU-Who fans weren't probably born . There's also a plot device of the humans using a new type of fuel which instantly reminds classic fans of the 1975 tale Planet Of Evil . A radical episode ? Don't think so !

There is one or two elements where the episode differs from the classic series . One is the heavy use of character interaction of a husband and wife , another is a somewhat nasty method of the villain dispatching its victims . When I say " nasty " I tend to mean in that in a cynical way . Compare this to The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit which isn't all that different but that was a very memorable story where as 42 isn't , though it is a relatively entertaining runaround

It's also an episode which is supposedly intriguing as to who is Mr Saxon ? this seasons running theme . Unfortunately after the Bad Wolf running theme from season one and the Torchwood theme from season two I'm starting to get fed up with running theme seasons since they usually end up as a damp squib . This season's finale had better be something special !

I'm going to cut to the chase here - this episode left me absolutely breathless. The action and suspense kicks off right at the start and just does not let up until a couple of minutes before the end.

Where do I start? It has twists and turns all over the place. David Tennant and Freema Agyeman are both particularly magnificent in this episode, both of them instantly fitting in to the surroundings they find themselves in, and once again, I hate to admit it, but Agyeman is already outshining Billie Piper in the assistant's role. Tennant is also especially brilliant in the final 10 minutes or so, as the source of this episodes menacing enemy takes its effect on him. Ex-EastEnder Michelle Collins is an inspired choice to play the ships captain Kath McDonnell, as she plays the role of the strong female leader to perfection. There's also a completely unexpected cameo by delightful former Hollyoaks girl Elize du Toit, and a sinister turn from Martha's mother, played ridiculously well by Adjoa Andoh. Let's just say Jackie never hated the Doctor this much...

The biggest doffing of the cap, however, has to go to Chris Chibnall for a truly brilliant script. The plot line and the twists in it are unbelievable, it keeps you guessing all the way through, and the revelation 10 minutes from the end when the Doctor finally realises what's going on left me gasping. As an episode it's slightly reminiscent of The Impossible Planet from the last series, although this episode is ten times faster while still being nearly as scary and unnerving.

All in all, a must-see. This series is turning out to be the best yet - halfway through and there hasn't been a single poor episode yet.