The start of a great two-parter. The Doctor and Rose land in wartime London after chasing a ship falling through space. The Doctor meets Nancy who finds homes and food for the homeless while Rose gets stuck on a barrage balloon only to be saved by the dashing Captain Jack Harkness. The Doctor witnesses the Empty Child who is also seen by Rose. The Doctor soon travels to Albion Hospital (also in the Slitheen two-parter) meeting Dr.Constantine who explains to him the strange happenings. Rose and Jack meet him there and as the gas mask zombies (spread by plague) converge on them the episode ends.
A brilliant first episode featuring some brilliant characters and performances. Ecclestone is brilliant in this and really sells the situation well. Jack Harkness was perhaps over-used but he is a superbly directed and charismatic character, with credit to Barrowman for his portrayal of Harkness. Nancy is a brilliant character. She has bundles of personality and her chemistry with Ecclestone is second to none.
The Empty Child is genius. Terrifying and intriguing, it is a character which never ceases to entertain or frighten. The 'Are You My Mummy' line has now become iconic all thanks to this super story. Moffat debuts on Doctor Who with a brilliant script full to the brim with marvellous moments. The scene with Constantine was thrilling and the cliffhanger is brilliant as well. I also have to commend the use of the phone in the phone box. The phone that never rings. It really is a great way to start an excellent two parter and at this point we had the best episode of the season so far. That was until the second part.....
OVERALL: 8.0 - A brilliant beginning to a fantastic two-parter featuring many iconic scenes and moments. Interesting new characters and some excellent performances and writing by Mr.Moffat makes this part of a very memorable two parter.
A brilliant first episode featuring some brilliant characters and performances. Ecclestone is brilliant in this and really sells the situation well. Jack Harkness was perhaps over-used but he is a superbly directed and charismatic character, with credit to Barrowman for his portrayal of Harkness. Nancy is a brilliant character. She has bundles of personality and her chemistry with Ecclestone is second to none.
The Empty Child is genius. Terrifying and intriguing, it is a character which never ceases to entertain or frighten. The 'Are You My Mummy' line has now become iconic all thanks to this super story. Moffat debuts on Doctor Who with a brilliant script full to the brim with marvellous moments. The scene with Constantine was thrilling and the cliffhanger is brilliant as well. I also have to commend the use of the phone in the phone box. The phone that never rings. It really is a great way to start an excellent two parter and at this point we had the best episode of the season so far. That was until the second part.....
OVERALL: 8.0 - A brilliant beginning to a fantastic two-parter featuring many iconic scenes and moments. Interesting new characters and some excellent performances and writing by Mr.Moffat makes this part of a very memorable two parter.