User Reviews

Well what can i say. Part 2 in this 3 part tale was non-stop action, drama and emotion from start to finish. Daleks have reappeared yet again to my great delight accompanied by the insane and funny Dalek Cann and the pure evil Lord and creator of the dalek race, Davros himself. Everything is this episode was perfect. Effortlessly bringing the entire 'Whoniverse' featuring Torchwood, UNIT, Rose, SJ and families: the incredible Davros looks more real and sinister than he ever has done; the special effects are on an epic scale; the characters are well tuned and all respond perfectly to the dalek invasion and all go out fighting; the emotional tearjerker scene where Rose and the Doctor finally find each other after soooo long; and of course the most breathtaking unexpected cliffhanger in the history of the world.

Shame Journeys End Was Crap

I re-watched this the other day by way of a personal tribute to Elisabeth Sladen, who died last month, aged 63. It was the penultimate story of Season 4, and, like previous 'episode twelves', served as a lead-in to the season finale. 'Turn Left' ended with the Doctor receiving an ominous warning from ex-companion Rose Tyler ( Billie Piper ). On Earth, with Donna ( Catherine Tate ) in tow, he is relieved to find everything normal - it is Saturday, and a milkman is on his rounds. No sooner are the time travellers back in the TARDIS then the ground starts to shake. When the Doctor next opens the doors, the Earth has gone! Sarah Jane ( Sladen ), Luke ( Tommy Knight ), Captain Jack Harkness ( John Barrowman ), Gwen Cooper ( Eve Myles ) Ianto ( Gareth David-Lloyd ), Martha Jones ( Freema Agyeman ) are all at different parts of the globe when this strange phenomenon occurs. The morning has become night, and suspended in the sky like giant Maltesers are 26 planets! Panic sweeps the globe, and even Professor Richard Dawkins ( Lalla Ward's husband ) and Paul O'Grady are unable to calm everyone down.

Spaceships head towards Earth. Captain Jack and Sarah Jane hear a terrifying voice from the past: "Ex-term-inate! Ex-term-inate!". The Doctor goes to The Shadow Proclaimation - an intergalactic police force whose base is a space station - where he meets the Judoon ( last seen in 'Smith & Jones' ). The Shadow Architect tells the Doctor how planets have been vanishing from all over the universe, among them Pyroville and Adipose. The Doctor and Donna escape to The Medusa Cascade, a sort of Aurora Borealis in space. Even he looks bewildered at what is going on.

The Daleks show up in force, and we are treated to a thrilling invasion sequence, possibly the best ever done for the show, in which the metal meanies make mincemeat of Earth's defences, including the Valiant ( so that's where the budget for 'Midnight' went! ). There is not much for the Doctor to do here, so he is kept away from the front line for much of the time. Ex-P.M. Harriet Jones ( Penelope Wilton ) uses the Sun-Ray Network to bring the Doctor's friends together. What a great moment it is too. By linking Martha's phone to the Torchwood time rift they are able to jolt the Doctor out of his reverie and bring him to where the Earth has been moved. Rose is around too, armed with a gun that Rambo would kill for. She and the Doctor clap eyes on each other for the first time since 'Doomsday', but their emotional reunion is cut short by a Dalek shooting the Doctor. Aboard the TARDIS, he starts to regenerate...

There was much press speculation as to whom the Doctor might become next. I wondered whether this was a cunning ploy on the part of Russell T.Davies to excuse Tennant from the season finale, just as he had been absent for much of 'Last Of The Time Lords'. As it turned out, it was a clever game of bluff. Tennant finally announced his departure from the role at the N.T.V. Awards later that year.

The story also saw the return of Davros, the Daleks' creator, now played by Julian Bleach. While not on a par with the original - the late Michael Wisher - he still outshone David Gooderson and Terry Molloy.

'The Stolen Earth' is big, bold and utterly bananas. I loved every explosive second. Both this and 'Journey's End' comprise a far more satisfying season finale than 'The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang' which was too confusing to be really enjoyable. Though one of many characters, Sladen stood out. Her tear on hearing a Dalek voice for the first time in years was incredibly touching. Sladen took what was essentially a stock character and brought her to life. Those of us who grew up in the 70's watching her on Saturday nights on B.B.C.-1 owe her a real debt of gratitude. She was our Sarah Jane.

Warning do not read unless seen episode.

This is probably my favorite two parter of the series. It is just fantastic, despite the fact that the Doctor and Donna aren't really in it that much and their both practically second string characters. But that's not a bad thing because this is an episode that is focused on the ensemble itself, and to me this is one of the best ensembles in my book. It was just awesome seeing each of the companions and supporting players of the Doctor all work together.

I like how it all starts out, where it's practically a build up on a situation gone from bad to worse. We see not just the Earth has been stolen away but there is a whole armada of ships up in the air and descending. I'll admit once I heard the voice of the ships it turned my blood cold because I knew they were all in really deep crap, the Daileks were coming to rain Hell. I really felt for the characters as we saw each of them have some emotional reactions like Sarah Jane hugging her boy and crying. This really made me worried for all of their lives because this is an invasion force of Daileks, they are all literally out gunned and outnumbered, I'm not entirely sure how their going to win or if they can.

Their only hope of course is to contact the Doctor and bring a signal to guide him to their location. Though this also adds another layer of suspense as we're wondering even if they succeed, how the heck is the Doctor going to solve this problem and can he, he's dealt with the Dalieks many times before but this is an invasion force he's dealing with so that's a pretty huge feat for anyone.

But of course just as we think the problem couldn't get any worse it does as we then see in the shadows of the ship there is a glowing eye and the dreaded sound of a automated moving chair. Yes, that's right Davos he's back. I'll admit I couldn't help but cheer because he's not the kind of villain you see everyday in the series, and when he comes back you know your in for a big fight.

It then of course comes down to that final fateful moment when the Doctor arrives and everyone is about to assemble to him. We then see Rose Tyler at the spot where the Doctor arrives and it was just great as we see both the Tenth Doctor and her come together after so very long. But then of course it then comes to a heart stopping moment as we see a Daliek just come out of nowhere and then zap the Doctor. I remember seeing that and though OMG, it a disheartening moment as it looked like fate has taken a bad turn, it looked like both Rose and we were going to lose the Tenth Doctor as we know whenever he gets fatally wounded he has to regenerate.

To be continued.

Rating: 4 stars

The Stolen Earth / Journey's End

This is a thrilling 2-part story as the Earth is plunged into peril with the Doctor's friends banding together to help try to help. The Daleks are revealed as being behind the terrible events and their creator Davros is back leading them.

The exciting tension, menace and action in these episodes is terrific and the arrival of the daleks and reveal of Davros returning in the first part really were heart thumpingly good. The friends of the doctor teaming up was also exciting and joyous. The storyline manages to make the events really feel threatening and scary and the cliffhanger was incredibly surprising and suspenseful.

Getting the Doctor's greatest ever companion (imo) Sarah Jane Smith (the joyous Lis Sladen) back was wonderful and we also get Donna and Wilf who had been amazing in this series becoming my favourite 'NuWho' companions. Truly wonderful characters. Rose, Captain Jack and Martha are also fantastic and the fabulous Penelope Wilton as Harriet Jones redeems her great character which is very pleasing.

This is filled with danger and big epic entertainment but it also has some dark, thoughtful and interesting themes threaded through it and excellent dialogue bringing emotional drama.

The story also is technically exceptional with great effects and superb make up for Davros. Julian Bleach is mesmerisingly good as Davros emulating the tremendous classic versions like Michael Wisher and Terry Molloy. Bleach exhibits flawless acting in creepy, intelligent face offs with the Doctor.

This electrifying finale is the 4th in a row of the phenomenal final 6 episodes of Series 4 to be written by Russell T. Davies. He brings his final full series as Showrunner to a wonderful conclusion and proves his top class writing ability.

The superb Graeme Harper directs as expertly as always and the effects and make up are top notch.

The Daleks and Davros are properly menacing and exciting in this story with neither overshadowing the other which is great. The moment Davros remembers Sarah Jane is magic.

The storyline is epic to the point of being, perhaps, nearly over the top in a way. It is quite challenging at times as so much is jammed in and so many big ideas are thrown at us. What stops it from losing its top quality for me is that it is all internally logical as well as hugely entertaining. It never becomes silly or illogical.

The heartbreaking conclusion with Donna was hard to accept for me. It is gutting. But I see it as a huge credit to Davies and the story he has given us because, unlike Steven Moffatt who repeatedly reversed and cheated his way out of sad events, Davies hammers us with a fate for Donna which is almost more hurtful than if she had died. It is hugely emotional and the acting of Catherine Tate, Bernard Cribbins and David Tennant is phenomenal throughout the story as well as in the tear jerking ending. So it actually adds to the quality because it is such a tough ending. I won't mind if Donna's memory is finally restored many years later because that won't reduce the hard-hitting result of this story with its long lasting sad outcome.

The action, drama and every aspect of this is just great entertainment.

My Rating for both episodes: 10/10.

Oh ho, what a episode. Lets look at the check list. Daleks - check. Earth in Peril - Check. Funny Lines - check. Epic action - check. Heck of a cliffhanger - triple check.

Russell T Davies proves to us all that he can write brilliant Doctor Who. Davros was captured perfectly and was performed with a wonderful subtle sinister tone by Julian Bleach. All the companions got their fair share of screen time, which many people doubted. It felt well paced rather than rushed. All strands of the series were brought together perfectly. The Bees, the lost planets, Rose. One or two gripes however. The Shadow Proclamation felt a little pointless, as if it was just there to give the doctor something to do, while the companions fretted about the Daleks. However this did not detract from my enjoyment of the episode. Magnificent acting from David Tennant, Catherine Tate, Billie Piper and John Barrowman. However the absolute best acting has to go to Elisabeth Sladen and Julian Beach, who were both brilliant as Sarah Jane and Davros respectively. Special mention to Gary Miler who played Scared Man too. I really hope Journey's end is this good. I really hope RTD can sign off his last series with style. but come Saturday we'll know.

This episode is my opinion is the best to date, I loved every single solitary second of it. It was so well put together, it had action, it had a load of drama and it pulled off shocks left right and centre. This episode had me captivated from start to finish and at moments hairs on my arms stood on end and i had goosebumps. As the audio of a dalek saying 'Exterminate' echoes round the different companions you see that everyone is not thinking of the worst, to see Sarah Jane hear that chilling voice once again was a truly amazing sight. All of the acting was brilliant, the inclusion of all the companions didn't seem to ruin the episode it made it that much better. The reintroduction of Davros was also a thing to remember for years to come, when the Doctor comes face to face with the creator of the Daleks you can see the shock and heartache going through him, for once the Doctor becomes speechless.

The ending of this episode is the most shocking though, as the Doctor and Rose run towards each other the Doctor is cut down by a Dalek lurking in the shadows, as the episode comes to an end the Doctor begins to regenerate and as the theme tune hits you are not sure what will happen next. Will the doctor regenerate? Was the David Tennant filming the Christmas special a smoke screen? Or will the Doctor somehow stay the same? I for one hope its the latter because i am not ready to say goodbye to the best doctor there has ever been.

I certainly will be sitting down next Saturday to see what happens in the extended finale.

This episode, "The Stolen Earth," was truly a spectacular event. An epic and instant classic. It brings together elements from all four seasons and incorporates those varied bits in such a symmetrical and coherent way that it makes me wonder if Russell T. Davies, Executive Producer, hadn't had this all in mind from the start? It couldn't have all come together or worked any more perfectly if he had, in my view.

Certainly no modern Who adventure has had so many guest-stars and cameos. And they are all given their moments. How RTD managed to pack so much in one 45 minute episode and do it all justice is astonishing to me. His skill as a writer, producer and show-runner is undeniable and this episode is proof of his mastery of his craft.

The return of Davros, an insane Dalek Caan and the best cliffhanger ending ever (thank gawd we only have to a wait a week!) also serve to make this an outstanding and forever memorable installment. Truly an "A+" effort in all respects.

Just to remind you how popular Nu-Who is I overheard a conversation between a couple of schoolgirls at a bus stop the week before this episode was broadcast

" Dae ya ken what's happening on Saturday ? "

" What ? "

" Sarah Jane's coming back and Mickey and Rose's mum "

Hey I thought to myself . Teenage girls think DOCTOR WHO is the most important and coolest show in the universe . Who says the youth of today have little hope ? It's astounding how much of a success the show has become . The only worry is would RTD throw a spanner in the works ? The answer is sometimes yes and sometimes no . Unfortunately the answer yes isn't a clear cut winner with The Stolen Earth

Certainly RTD has pandered to the hardcore viewer weather they be middle aged men or teenage girls . The whole story revolves around continuity and nostalgia so much so that the narrative collapse beneath the weight of it . We see characters like Harriet Jones and the rhino monsters from Smith And Jones brought in to the fray only for them to disappear so abruptly you find yourself wondering was it really necessary to include them in the first place . Davros makes a welcome return and is shown to have embryo Daleks growing within himself but this is skated over so quickly you realise it's only been included because it seemed like a good idea at the time . Being an end of season story we have the obligatory cameos in the shape of Prof Richard Dawkins and Paul O'Grady and a plot line featuring the planet Earth on the brink of inevitable defeat . I for one would have been happier to have substituted nostalgia and spectacle and running around for a bit more drama as wehad in Bad Wolf / Parting Of The Ways

The Stolen Earth does have some very good elements . Piper and Tate are both excellent in their roles so much so that it works against the rest of the female cast . Cribbens is also excellent whilst Julian Bleach as Davros is second only to the late Michael Wisher as the best Davros though his part remained underwritten . Undoubtedly though the best part of the story is the ending which contains the greatest cliffhanger the show has ever seen and I'm including the classic series in that equation . When a not so young man who has seen every episode that remains in the BBC archive says that his jaw hit the ground as the end credits came up you know you've been watching event television

This is an episode that is wildly variable . The writing is patchy but that's only to be expected in 50 minutes of television that brings in continuity from the first four series of Nu-Who not to mention the two spin off series TORCHWOOD and THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES and whilst not as talented as Joe Ahearne director Graeme Harper does the best with the material . If here's a fundamental problem it's mainly down to RTD as a producer who commissions his own writing . One hopes we shall see his autocratic type of producing end when he leaves the show

Not a good episode. A lot of characters crammed in for the sake of it, meaning the episode feels quite self-indulgent. Bringing Rose back in was just pandering to the fans like the Cult of Skarose or using a Mary Sue. The Shadow Proclamation really wasn't needed. Davros returning wasn't much of a reveal, though he is acted well. Harriet Jones gets a good last appearance, the Doctor realising he was wrong in what he did to her. Not explained how Caan was able to enter the Time War. Another case of major barriers just being made to be broken. Time Lock, broken. Barriers between Universes, broken again. Plot that takes too long to go anywhere. The Doctor does so little. There was certainly quite a cliffhanger, but in hindsight it just looks like a way to pull ratings in. Also why does the Dalek death beam suddenly not kill immediately? Why does it glance off?

This is DEFINITELY the most anticipated chapter in Doctor Who Series 4. And to celebrate it with Director Graeme Harper at the helm and Russell T Davies giving all he has left into this episode and the next and finale conclusion.

Throughout the fourth season, the Doctor and Donna have traveled throughout time and space, seeing wonders and extraordinary events that touched their lives. But throughout their journeys, hints and clues of missing planets, bees disappearing, and the return of ROSE TYLER, the Doctor's former companion from Seasons 1 & 2, (reprised by Billie Piper), all come full circle in THE STOLEN EARTH, the 2nd chapter in the SERIES 4 FINALE TRILOGY. The Earth has been stolen and all of the Doctor's companions from the spin-offs, TORCHWOOD and THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES, are in endanger and attacked by old enemies from the Doctor's past. But another old enemy also returns, bringing forth a plot so massive in epic scale that could mean the end of every thing.

Russell T. Davies has his Ups and Downs in some of his stories. But when it comes to finales, he never disappoints. His writing is in top-notch form along with the explosive epic-scale action. Graeme Harper is behind the director's chair, bring his all as usual with his cinematic style of directing the action and the characters. SOMEBODY PLEASE GIVE THIS GUY A BLOCKBUSTER FILM TO WORK ON!!! He is too good of a director to just remain doing television. But as long its Doctor Who, he's a must-have.

As for the music of Murray Gold, its the most bombastic and dramatic exciting score yet, bringing the foreboding sense of dread and doom and also bringing back some old favorite pieces from previous DW works.

THE STOLEN EARTH, as if has with all finale sagas, has the most INTENSE CLIFFHANGER yet. And then, it all concludes with JOURNEY'S END....

I've already watched this episode a million times and the ending a million more! It's the ultimate collection of characters from Sarah Jane right down to Harriet Jones. Full of suspense, action, emotion, and laughter, this episode has to be one of the best yet! All the important actor's are great, it connects a lot of the previous episodes, and I'm going to die over the cliffhanger. The Doctor can't regenerate! NOOOOO!!! David Tennant is too good! His acting when he saw Rose was superb, he looked astonished and then like he was the happiest he had ever been in his whole life, which is just what I was expecting out of that moment. Oh, if only they had managed to embrace, that Dalek was too cruel (I know they're supposed to be, but I emphasize "too")!

However, even a brilliant episode has it's faults. The joke about everyone knowing Harriet Jones is getting a little old, I have to admit, but it's still a little funny. The actress who played Suzanne managed to mess up a really small part (her astonishment seemed really fake). Sarah Jane seemed a little wimpy (actually both her and Jack gave up a little too quickly, I think, when they found out it was the Daleks) at the end when she came across two Daleks. I suppose I still have to give her some credit though, she doesn't have any weapons whatsoever, but the least she could have done was to duck and reverse.

But despite these small faults, I still give this episode a ten. OMGosh! I can't wait for next episode! And then the season will be over! *sniffle* If only American television was half as good as this!

The random huge to be continued at the end was kind of weird but OK. This episode was great it leaves one wondering how they'll continue it given I know the Doctor doesn't die just yet. That's not till the end of this season (I think). I can't wait to watch part 2.

Long before Marvel started combining worlds in their films came this 'Dr Who' episode that manages to merge suitably well the worlds of the main show, 'Torchwood' and 'Sarah Jane Adventures' for this mammoth Series 4 finale.

Some characters come out of it better than others, but this was a lot of fun.

This first part of the two part season finale has a lot of good things going for it. We get to see many of our favorite characters returning and we finally get to see the oft-mentioned Shadow Proclamation, although they were slightly underwhelming, but still interesting.

Seeing all the past characters back in action and how they've grown - - some more than others *cough cough Jackie Tyler cough cough * - - was great fun. And the Doctor's cliffhanger reunion with Rose was predictable but still satisfying.

The Daleks are quite menacing in this episode, much better done than their last appearance in season 3, although I do feel they are revealed too early in the episode. Resistance to them is a little over the top by some people but their retaliation certainly cements them as top Doctor Who villains. However, this episode was mostly setup and although decent, left me wanting to actually see something happen. 8.5/10

The return of all the Doctor's companions of 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 was a truly spectacular event. I was glued to the screen for the whole episode. While the Doctor and Donna try and find Earth, Rose, Martha, Sarah-Jane and Jack are trying to find the time traveller. Bringing back the Judoon was also very good. And the Shadow Proclamation!!!!! So many lines are brought back- *"The bees are disappearing" *"The Shadow Proclamation" *"The Stars are going out" And Davros! Finally, the creator of the Daleks is back, with the help of Dalek Caan. Getting shot by a Dalek was interesting. Its a first off. Their his arch enemies, but he's never changed/regenerated off their deeds before...............

This episode of Doctor who was the best in the series, showing both the Earth's struggle against the Daleks and the doctor's search for Rose after finally learning that she is back.

With the great acting from all of the cast, this episode really put the icing on the cake when the cast from both Torchwood and Sarah-Jane adventures both appeared and had a decent part of the episode.

It was tear-jerking at the end when the doctor finally saw Rose they began to run towards each other, this really showed he loved her, something i have supported for a long time. Even though it was mean to have the doctor shot and start to regenerate as it is not David's time to go.

Even with the doctor being shot it was still a really great episode 10/10

This Is Another One Of The David Tennant Dr Who Episodes That Are Just Bad From Start To Finish One Of The Biggest Things That Makes This Episode So Bad Is The Return Of Sara Jane Smith And Guess What No Surprise She Still Can't Act She Can't Even Pretend To Act She Is So Bad That It Brings The Whole Story Down From The Start To The End However This Episode Does Have Its Saving Graces The Return Of David Tennant As Dr Who Is One Another Is The Return Of Martha Jones And Rose Tyler But Even These Saving Graces Are Not Enough To Save This Episode From Being Among One Of The Worst Dr Who Episodes Ever Made And I Do Not Know Why The Writing For An Episode With David Tennant In It The Best Ever Dr Who Has To Be So Bad Another Bad Promblem With This Episode Is The Constant Ways In Which Dr Who Contradicts Itself There Is So Much To Be Expected But There Are Way To Many Ways In Which It Contradicts Itself Far More Then What Is To Be Expected By Dr Who It Is Almost Laughable And This Is Hard For Me To Say Because I Love Dr Who But It Is Getting Really Stupid.

This part 1 of the finale had it all, everything every Doctor Who fan could want, Daleks, The best of the best cast returning, Torchwood, UNIT and a cliffhanger to beat all cliffhangers. The best part being you didn't show a teaser for "next time",honestly that always spoiled it a little for me. There are minor holes in the story. Like the earth being moved and The Doctor saying "we're locked in place, we haven't moved" yet if you look outside the doors there are rocks floating about everywhere, and their is only one big rock that should be even possibly in view "the moon". Also The Doctor and the Jadoon are talking some language other than English and yet the TARDIS doesn't translate it????? Hello anyone else not noticing this??????

Luckily enough the plot and story are that phenomenal that I can't help but still give this a big 10/10