The Doctor and Spice Rose track a peculiar vessel through time to London 1941 where The Blitz is in full swing. Rose goes astray and becomes exposed to Captain Jack for the first time (first of many and not just Rose), when he observes her dangling (he likes to do that too) helplessly on a long piece of rope or string. A gas-masked child menaces homeless children while they keep their distance as if he had diphtheria or smelled like a really bad thing. You cannot believe it when the Doctor meets another doctor in a hospital and he shows him the bizarre events that have been occurring and transferring, it's all quite frightening, scary and a little unnerving - but only if you are a small child.
22 Reviews
An Iconic masterclass episode
Sleepin_Dragon12 August 2015
A total change from the emotional drama that was Father's Day, with The Empty Child we get back to some good old fashioned creepy sci fi
The TARDIS chases after an out of control capsule, which is highlighted as a mauve danger, jumping across time. The TARDIS lands in London, 1941 during World War 2. Straight away we see a little boy on a roof wearing a gas mask calling for his 'mummy.' During this episode Rose is wearing her wonderfully bold Union Jack tee-shirt. She accidentally ends up hanging to a blimp amidst an attack from Nazi planes, but saved by the handsome Captain Jack, who is curiously out of place and from a different time. The little boy begins a reign of terror asking 'are you my mummy?'
The Empty Child boasts some stunning effects, the plane attacks on London even ten years later look sensational. This is a brilliant piece of writing, a truly chilling episode, 'are you my mummy became an iconic phrase. The previous two parter (Aliens of London/World War 3) was overall a disappointment, this started in a much better way, you just knew you were watching a Classic, albeit one focused on an adult audience, some of the scenes would have been upsetting for young ones. I cannot really find any faults at all with The Empty Child, it's flawless, a brilliant episode, it's a multi layered story but not confused or over complicated. Florence Hoath and Richard Wilson are especially good. Can the quality continue to the concluding 'The Doctor dances?'
The TARDIS chases after an out of control capsule, which is highlighted as a mauve danger, jumping across time. The TARDIS lands in London, 1941 during World War 2. Straight away we see a little boy on a roof wearing a gas mask calling for his 'mummy.' During this episode Rose is wearing her wonderfully bold Union Jack tee-shirt. She accidentally ends up hanging to a blimp amidst an attack from Nazi planes, but saved by the handsome Captain Jack, who is curiously out of place and from a different time. The little boy begins a reign of terror asking 'are you my mummy?'
The Empty Child boasts some stunning effects, the plane attacks on London even ten years later look sensational. This is a brilliant piece of writing, a truly chilling episode, 'are you my mummy became an iconic phrase. The previous two parter (Aliens of London/World War 3) was overall a disappointment, this started in a much better way, you just knew you were watching a Classic, albeit one focused on an adult audience, some of the scenes would have been upsetting for young ones. I cannot really find any faults at all with The Empty Child, it's flawless, a brilliant episode, it's a multi layered story but not confused or over complicated. Florence Hoath and Richard Wilson are especially good. Can the quality continue to the concluding 'The Doctor dances?'
Introducing Captain Jack
MaxBorg8918 September 2010
After Paul Cornell's Father's Day, it's another great writer's turn to provide his spin on Doctor Who: one Steven Moffat, creator of Coupling, lifelong fan of the original Doc and author of the hilarious Comic Relief spoof version of the show produced in 1999 (you know, the one with Rowan Atkinson as the Ninth Doctor). With such credentials, greatness was to be expected, and The Empty Child is easily the first season's high point, besides the chilling Dalek.
In fact, "chilling" is an adjective that applies quite well to this episode too: summoned by an emergency signal from a damaged time-ship, the Doctor and Rose land in 1914 London, where a mysterious, deformed child spreads terror with his gas mask-shaped face and constant cries for his absent mother. While the Doctor tries to get to the bottom of this spooky enigma, he and Rose also make a rather different acquaintance: that of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), a stranded time traveler who loves to enjoy himself with just about anyone...
Marking a distinct tonal shift that goes beyond even the more suspenseful bits of Dalek, The Empty Child is a pretty scary episode - some scenes had to be edited because of the time slot - that might alienate younger viewers, but will no doubt fascinate older ones thanks to its pitch-perfect writing, subtle atmosphere build-up and impeccable reconstruction of war-time London. Moffat also deserves kudos for the introduction of Captain Jack, a character that blatantly panders to a more adult audience (then again, this is Moffat, the king of awkward sexual tension on the small screen) while also providing the sense of fun and excitement that makes Doctor Who such a great ride. And this is just part one of the story...
In fact, "chilling" is an adjective that applies quite well to this episode too: summoned by an emergency signal from a damaged time-ship, the Doctor and Rose land in 1914 London, where a mysterious, deformed child spreads terror with his gas mask-shaped face and constant cries for his absent mother. While the Doctor tries to get to the bottom of this spooky enigma, he and Rose also make a rather different acquaintance: that of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), a stranded time traveler who loves to enjoy himself with just about anyone...
Marking a distinct tonal shift that goes beyond even the more suspenseful bits of Dalek, The Empty Child is a pretty scary episode - some scenes had to be edited because of the time slot - that might alienate younger viewers, but will no doubt fascinate older ones thanks to its pitch-perfect writing, subtle atmosphere build-up and impeccable reconstruction of war-time London. Moffat also deserves kudos for the introduction of Captain Jack, a character that blatantly panders to a more adult audience (then again, this is Moffat, the king of awkward sexual tension on the small screen) while also providing the sense of fun and excitement that makes Doctor Who such a great ride. And this is just part one of the story...
S1, E9 - The Empty Child: 'Are You My Mummy?'
liamdonovan20108 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
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.
Steven Moffat IS a Genius
MoonIndy8 October 2018
Beautifully odd.
bendtnerfc4 December 2021
The lack of real understanding related to the audience about the episode's happenings, combined with the surreal setting of Blitz-torn London and the utterly terrifying gas-mask zombies give this episode a truly freaky atmosphere. Although odd character decisions occur throughout, it doesn't detract too much from the questions which are terrifyingly dangled in-front of the viewer. Plus, easily the best cliff-hanger of the season (some may argue the best of all Doctor Who).
Blitz Spirits
southdavid14 May 2020
A couple of major debutants for this opener of the second two-part story of the first season. John Barrowman arrives with Captain Jack Harkness, a thief and con-artist - who is a little way from the hero of Torchwood at this point. Perhaps more important though is the debut of writer Stephen Moffatt, who would eventually take over as show runner.
Landing in 1941 London after tracking a mysterious ship that's jumping through time, The Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) and Rose (Billie Piper) are immediately separated. A failed attempt to save a lone child leads to Rose being saved by Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) a time pirate. The Doctor meanwhile attempts to locate the ship but find a group of homeless children that use the Blitz air raids to scavenge food. The children though are being stalked by a lone child in a gas mask who repeatedly asking the question "Are You My Mummy?"
This was a really good episode. The Empty child, melted to his gas mask, relentlessly repeating his creepy question, stalking the kids and activing electrical equipment is just the right side of scary, without drifting into disturbing. The moment when Dr. Constantine, played by Richard Wilson, succumbs to the virus perhaps gets even closer to that line, as the CGI effects form the transformation haven't aged particularly well. Captain Jack and Rose offer some light relief, a flirty conversation - and finally some of the high tech adventuring that Rose has been waiting for.
If I have to be critical, it would be to say that this is only the first half of the story - and I don't remember the outcome at the moment - so it might all be for nothing. But for now, even if it's just preamble, it's going really well.
Landing in 1941 London after tracking a mysterious ship that's jumping through time, The Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) and Rose (Billie Piper) are immediately separated. A failed attempt to save a lone child leads to Rose being saved by Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) a time pirate. The Doctor meanwhile attempts to locate the ship but find a group of homeless children that use the Blitz air raids to scavenge food. The children though are being stalked by a lone child in a gas mask who repeatedly asking the question "Are You My Mummy?"
This was a really good episode. The Empty child, melted to his gas mask, relentlessly repeating his creepy question, stalking the kids and activing electrical equipment is just the right side of scary, without drifting into disturbing. The moment when Dr. Constantine, played by Richard Wilson, succumbs to the virus perhaps gets even closer to that line, as the CGI effects form the transformation haven't aged particularly well. Captain Jack and Rose offer some light relief, a flirty conversation - and finally some of the high tech adventuring that Rose has been waiting for.
If I have to be critical, it would be to say that this is only the first half of the story - and I don't remember the outcome at the moment - so it might all be for nothing. But for now, even if it's just preamble, it's going really well.
Captain Jack!!!
ianweech18 January 2021
A creepy episode set in wartime London
Tweekums26 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This opens with The Doctor and Rose following a craft, which has issued a distress warning, through time and space. Eventually they arrive in London in 1941. While The Doctor goes to ask about the object Rose sees a child wearing a gasmask on top of a building and goes to investigate. While on the roof she takes hold of a rope; moments later she is dangling from a barrage balloon as it drifts over London; if that weren't bad enough a German raid is getting underway. She is ultimately rescued by Captain Jack Harkness; a fellow time traveller dressed in the uniform of an RAF Squadron Leader. Meanwhile The Doctor meets Nancy, a girl who is helping feed street children by stealing food during the air raids. The boy in the gasmask turns up, she is clearly terrified and warns the Doctor not to touch him. She later tells him to seek out a doctor at a local hospital; here he learns that there are many similar patients; each of them 'empty' with identical injuries and with gasmasks fused to their faces.
This episode, from the pen of Steven Moffat, is one of the best to this point. The 'Empty Child' of the title is distinctly creepy with a gasmask for a face there is no hint of emotion as we can't see his eyes. This creepiness is nicely balanced by the humour of Captain Jack; a surprisingly flirtatious individual who could turn out to be a hero or a complete cad; John Barrowman does a fine job in this ambiguous role. There are also fine guest turns from Florence Hoath as Nancy and Richard Wilson as Doctor Constantine; the latter may be there for the purpose of exposition but it is done effectively. The 'to be continued' ending gave the episode a good cliff-hanger with The Doctor, Rose and Jack in trouble in the hospital while Nancy is trapped with an Empty Child elsewhere. Overall this was a great episode that left me keen to see what happens next.
This episode, from the pen of Steven Moffat, is one of the best to this point. The 'Empty Child' of the title is distinctly creepy with a gasmask for a face there is no hint of emotion as we can't see his eyes. This creepiness is nicely balanced by the humour of Captain Jack; a surprisingly flirtatious individual who could turn out to be a hero or a complete cad; John Barrowman does a fine job in this ambiguous role. There are also fine guest turns from Florence Hoath as Nancy and Richard Wilson as Doctor Constantine; the latter may be there for the purpose of exposition but it is done effectively. The 'to be continued' ending gave the episode a good cliff-hanger with The Doctor, Rose and Jack in trouble in the hospital while Nancy is trapped with an Empty Child elsewhere. Overall this was a great episode that left me keen to see what happens next.
Perhaps the scariest episode of the franchise so far.
GiraffeDoor3 April 2020
One of the charms of this show is that you never quite know what you'll get with certain episodes, including the exact genre.
Here, we got a real taste of the terror that the writers were capable of. I know it's easy to scoff at it and say it's kids' horror it's cool when fear is not about the level of macabre but something that cuts a bit deeper. Something that can sort of get shown pre-watershed but...lingers in the mind.
The setting of war obsessed Britain is vivid. The characters are on top form as The Ninth is always fun to watch and Rose keeps getting into damsel and distress situations that Amelia would make up for many years later.
The star of the show of course is our title character. The look is so simple but that's why it works. It sort of teeters on sort of being campy and serious, daring you yo laugh, and that's also why it works. Best of all, there is mystery. That's what pulls the whole thing together.
I know this show can be very hit and miss but this episode and its part two hit the jack pot.
Here, we got a real taste of the terror that the writers were capable of. I know it's easy to scoff at it and say it's kids' horror it's cool when fear is not about the level of macabre but something that cuts a bit deeper. Something that can sort of get shown pre-watershed but...lingers in the mind.
The setting of war obsessed Britain is vivid. The characters are on top form as The Ninth is always fun to watch and Rose keeps getting into damsel and distress situations that Amelia would make up for many years later.
The star of the show of course is our title character. The look is so simple but that's why it works. It sort of teeters on sort of being campy and serious, daring you yo laugh, and that's also why it works. Best of all, there is mystery. That's what pulls the whole thing together.
I know this show can be very hit and miss but this episode and its part two hit the jack pot.
Beautifully freaky
warlordartos6 April 2020
A little more Spock
studioAT11 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The iconic 'Are you my Mummy?' two parter, that's probably up there with the 9th Doctor's best outings.
It's a dark, scary episode, that also manages to find moments of humour, notably via the introduction of Captain Jack, who is played with aplomb by John Barrowman.
A good episode overall.
It's a dark, scary episode, that also manages to find moments of humour, notably via the introduction of Captain Jack, who is played with aplomb by John Barrowman.
A good episode overall.
A Classic
MrFilmAndTelevisionShow17 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I originally thought the spooky gas mask child was from a David Tennant episode (as he was in some Top Trumps I had as a wee lad) however I was proven wrong here and that's not a bad thing, this episode was a great start to a very great two part, perhaps the strongest arc of the sadly short series.
Creepy good mix of humor and suspense
dkiliane15 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Steven Moffat shows off his writing prowess in this two-parter about a (un)dead boy searching for his mummy leaving quite the accidental body count in his wake. Also Rose goes hanging for her life on an air balloon.
This episode succeeds very well with the creepiness factor that has been lacking (at least effectively) in the rest of the season. The scenes with the great Jack Harkness character add some levity throughout the episode even if it seems a little detached at first from the mystery of the empty child the Doctor is pursuing (which also seems unrelated at first to their original purpose of being in London during World War II), but both stories are nonetheless engaging right up til Rose, with Jack in tow, is reunited with the Doctor just in time for a cliff hanger ending.
Honestly, no real faults with this episode. It's a very strong episode that is engaging through out. This two-parter is the highlight of the season. 9/10
Honestly, no real faults with this episode. It's a very strong episode that is engaging through out. This two-parter is the highlight of the season. 9/10
"Are you my mummy?"
A_Kind_Of_CineMagic30 September 2022
My Series 1 Review: Episodes 9 & 10
The Empty Child / The Doctor Dances
This is a much loved two part story beginning with The Empty Child and concluding with The Doctor Dances. The high regard this story is held in is well deserved as it is a superb mix of thrills, fun and engaging drama.
The Doctor and Rose visit wartime London where they meet a mysterious and flamboyant fellow time traveller, Captain Jack Harkness and an eerie child in a gas mask wandering around asking "Are you my mummy?"
The scary and intriguing scenes with the gas masked child are phenomenal and have become a very famous part of the show's modern era. It is exactly the kind of "hide behind the sofa" Doctor Who that I love. The way this develops and gets resolved is exciting and satisfying.
John Barrowman makes a big impression as the outrageous, funny and entertaining Captain Jack. His repeated returns to the show have made him a big part of modern Who lore.
Richard Wilson is another great guest actor and overall the whole production is top class.
Christopher Eccleston is always at his best, in my opinion, when the material is dark and thrilling so he is on top form in the dramatic scenes in this story. He also does well with the lighter, humorous parts here but I always find him less comfortable in humour and joy than he is when dealing with danger and darkness.
Future showrunner Steven Moffatt does a great job writing this story. In my opinion he was better as a guest writer than as a showrunner. He became less consistent when creating the whole show but when writing contained stories like this he is fantastic.
Overall both these episodes are real classics and the best of the Eccleston era.
My rating: 10/10.
The Empty Child / The Doctor Dances
This is a much loved two part story beginning with The Empty Child and concluding with The Doctor Dances. The high regard this story is held in is well deserved as it is a superb mix of thrills, fun and engaging drama.
The Doctor and Rose visit wartime London where they meet a mysterious and flamboyant fellow time traveller, Captain Jack Harkness and an eerie child in a gas mask wandering around asking "Are you my mummy?"
The scary and intriguing scenes with the gas masked child are phenomenal and have become a very famous part of the show's modern era. It is exactly the kind of "hide behind the sofa" Doctor Who that I love. The way this develops and gets resolved is exciting and satisfying.
John Barrowman makes a big impression as the outrageous, funny and entertaining Captain Jack. His repeated returns to the show have made him a big part of modern Who lore.
Richard Wilson is another great guest actor and overall the whole production is top class.
Christopher Eccleston is always at his best, in my opinion, when the material is dark and thrilling so he is on top form in the dramatic scenes in this story. He also does well with the lighter, humorous parts here but I always find him less comfortable in humour and joy than he is when dealing with danger and darkness.
Future showrunner Steven Moffatt does a great job writing this story. In my opinion he was better as a guest writer than as a showrunner. He became less consistent when creating the whole show but when writing contained stories like this he is fantastic.
Overall both these episodes are real classics and the best of the Eccleston era.
My rating: 10/10.
Creepy stuff....
stevenjlowe827 October 2023
Doctor Who does science fiction very well as we all know whether it be going into the fantastical future with endless possibilities or going back into the past and with historical elements done also very well. However there is something else Doctor Who excels in and that is adapting themes and elements of horror into its stories, this being an early excellent example of this in New Who era. The creepy children trope was used to excellent effect in this episode. I enjoyed the whole tone of this episode and the performances across the board were very good.
I have to be honest in saying Captain Jack is not a favourite character of mine so I wasn't overly psyched for this 2 part episode that he debuted in. I must admit he wasn't nearly as obnoxious and OTT as I remember him being back when I initially watched this when it aired originally, maybe that's something that happens later. I just always found him hammy and the treble entendres grew very tiresome but I found him to be more palatable than I remember in these episodes so that was nice.
I have to be honest in saying Captain Jack is not a favourite character of mine so I wasn't overly psyched for this 2 part episode that he debuted in. I must admit he wasn't nearly as obnoxious and OTT as I remember him being back when I initially watched this when it aired originally, maybe that's something that happens later. I just always found him hammy and the treble entendres grew very tiresome but I found him to be more palatable than I remember in these episodes so that was nice.
A Symphony of Sci-Fi Horror and Heart
hwiltshire-068893 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
If any episode of Doctor Who deserves the elusive 10/10 rating, it's The Empty Child. This two-parter is a masterpiece of sci-fi storytelling, a chilling ghost story, and an unforgettable character piece for both the Ninth Doctor and Rose.
From the opening line, "Are you my mummy?", a shiver runs down your spine. The gas mask-wearing child is an instant horror icon, terrifying and strangely heartbreaking. Steven Moffat's script is both chilling and witty, seamlessly weaving humor and genuine scares. He crafts a wartime London full of tension - the Blitz setting amplifying the lurking dread.
Christopher Eccleston's Doctor is magnetic. His playful energy is contrasted with a steely resolve, and later, a palpable joy that provides one of the most uplifting moments in the entire series. Billie Piper shines, making Rose's transformation from excited shopgirl to wartime hero feel completely natural. And then there's Captain Jack Harkness - John Barrowman bursts onto the scene with a charisma that's utterly infectious.
The Empty Child isn't just monsters and jump scares. It's a tale about the resilience of the human spirit, the Doctor's boundless compassion, and Rose's bravery. It hits all the right notes: funny, terrifying, and poignant. This isn't just a great episode of Doctor Who; it's a pitch-perfect piece of genre television.
From the opening line, "Are you my mummy?", a shiver runs down your spine. The gas mask-wearing child is an instant horror icon, terrifying and strangely heartbreaking. Steven Moffat's script is both chilling and witty, seamlessly weaving humor and genuine scares. He crafts a wartime London full of tension - the Blitz setting amplifying the lurking dread.
Christopher Eccleston's Doctor is magnetic. His playful energy is contrasted with a steely resolve, and later, a palpable joy that provides one of the most uplifting moments in the entire series. Billie Piper shines, making Rose's transformation from excited shopgirl to wartime hero feel completely natural. And then there's Captain Jack Harkness - John Barrowman bursts onto the scene with a charisma that's utterly infectious.
The Empty Child isn't just monsters and jump scares. It's a tale about the resilience of the human spirit, the Doctor's boundless compassion, and Rose's bravery. It hits all the right notes: funny, terrifying, and poignant. This isn't just a great episode of Doctor Who; it's a pitch-perfect piece of genre television.
Grrrreeat but not a masterpiece.
jackparrishjp21 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
How did they do so much night filming? It's really impressive from my perspective, that must have been so hard. The production value is through the roof in this episode it's really commendable.
Furthermore, the story was really interesting but mainly in how information trickled in as the episode carried on.
However, my god, where did that rope come from and how did rose not see it! Was she blind? Is she an idiot? It's soooooo contrived. But of course it has a use to get her into the arms in the wonderful captain jack whos fly boy attitude is shown as rather selfish as when as soon as he charms rose, he intends to exploit it to try to get paid for the space ship. This I also thought was representative of the capitalist attitude that serves destiny that Americans are so keen on, this subtext also leaks into the following episode (I'm watching both episodes before viewing each of them.)
As a side note, Albion hospital call back is a really nice detail which makes these romps through time and space have perspective and a sense of cohesiveness which again is a very good strength that this era has.
I also never thought I'd be scared of outdated CG but ha! Was I wrong!
Furthermore, the story was really interesting but mainly in how information trickled in as the episode carried on.
However, my god, where did that rope come from and how did rose not see it! Was she blind? Is she an idiot? It's soooooo contrived. But of course it has a use to get her into the arms in the wonderful captain jack whos fly boy attitude is shown as rather selfish as when as soon as he charms rose, he intends to exploit it to try to get paid for the space ship. This I also thought was representative of the capitalist attitude that serves destiny that Americans are so keen on, this subtext also leaks into the following episode (I'm watching both episodes before viewing each of them.)
As a side note, Albion hospital call back is a really nice detail which makes these romps through time and space have perspective and a sense of cohesiveness which again is a very good strength that this era has.
I also never thought I'd be scared of outdated CG but ha! Was I wrong!
Compelling
Otter_13 November 2018
So begins the start of Moffat's great standalones. Shame about his showrunning, and his sexism does peek through with Jack objectifying Rose, but that's a review for another time.
The Empty Child is a great episode with great characters. I absolutely loved Nancy and what she did for the homeless kids of London, it was very clever and touching. Even now, in 2018, I actually didn't think the CGI of the transformation was that bad - in fact, it was a bit horrific to watch.
The Empty Child is a great episode with great characters. I absolutely loved Nancy and what she did for the homeless kids of London, it was very clever and touching. Even now, in 2018, I actually didn't think the CGI of the transformation was that bad - in fact, it was a bit horrific to watch.
Was it good?, Or Bland
rohanumpleby-3405717 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The best season one episode, and here's why us whovians rave this episode so much! For starters the war setting was brilliant. The setting is so good, as it makes this episode more creepy and intense. The Gas masks are very good villains. The famous line " Are you my mumy " near people, is horrifying. The fact they can call on the Doctors phone 📱📞 is creepy, as no other villain can do that so that makes the scene more intense and interesting. The mark of blood on there hand, terrified me as a kid. The episode goes at a steady pace, it's got a loud of surprises and keeps you on your toes. Nancy is a good one off character. Feeds all the homeless kids, and the gas mask kid comes to her, as she's the mouther which is unexpected. But what makes her character interesting is the development, which I'll leave for part 2. Captain Jack first episode, and it's his best episode and performance. He has good chemistry with Rose and the Doctor and there dynamic there works so well together. What makes these characters good is that they can have banter with one another, and they all have depth and time to shine. Murray Gold presents his best music here. It's groundbreaking, and the score sets a high bar for the other episodes. But honestly the music is the best here,and here's why. It creates tension, drama, and a sense of creepyness. The end, is bloody hillarious and sets up the second part really well. As the Doctor and co. Are surrounded with The Gas mask people which is creepy. But the doctor figures out a clever way to stop them. " Stop talking, go to your room I'm very cross with you " which is so funny and a smart and crisp way to stop them, and I love this episode. For the many reasons I have explained. And they take advantage of the setting really well, and the CGI for it's time, is damn impressive!
10/10 MASTERPIECE, a phenomenal episode that with the details of the episode underlines the best of Doctor who at it's peak.
10/10 MASTERPIECE, a phenomenal episode that with the details of the episode underlines the best of Doctor who at it's peak.
Good Production Values But Not The Masterwork Claimed
Theo Robertson10 June 2007
It's impossible to mention this two part story without discussing its popularity within DOCTOR WHO fandom . This was the most popular story from season one and some fan forums included surveys that considered the Eccleston series as the twenty seventh season where The Empty Child /The Doctor Dances is considered one of the top three greatest Who stories to have been broadcast since the show's inception in 1963 . I have to disagree because it's nowhere that good
Looking at the good points you genuinely believe The Doctor and Rose have visited 1941 London . Imagine this being produced in the old series where we'd see a closed camera in close up trying and failing to convince us that the Tardis has travelled back in time ( Also watch Dalek invasion Of Earth and Frontier In Space for failed futuristic equivalents ) and the production team deserves much praise for the night filming . Can anyone else name a location based story that took place entirely at night ?
Where the story fails in some places can be attributed to writer Steven Moffat , a scriptwriter who has a large fan base but a writer who I have never warmed to . In every story this series there's a line which previous producers would never have got away with , in this one there's two lines , one where a young boy makes blatant assertions to have been abused by a paedophile while another insinuates that one of the supporting characters is gay . There's also a bit too many easy escapes for the heroes: " Go to your room ! "
All in all a fairly good story which casual viewers will remember as " The one during the Blitz " but for more hardcore fans it will be remembered as one of the high points of British television since its creation and I'm something at a loss to know why
Looking at the good points you genuinely believe The Doctor and Rose have visited 1941 London . Imagine this being produced in the old series where we'd see a closed camera in close up trying and failing to convince us that the Tardis has travelled back in time ( Also watch Dalek invasion Of Earth and Frontier In Space for failed futuristic equivalents ) and the production team deserves much praise for the night filming . Can anyone else name a location based story that took place entirely at night ?
Where the story fails in some places can be attributed to writer Steven Moffat , a scriptwriter who has a large fan base but a writer who I have never warmed to . In every story this series there's a line which previous producers would never have got away with , in this one there's two lines , one where a young boy makes blatant assertions to have been abused by a paedophile while another insinuates that one of the supporting characters is gay . There's also a bit too many easy escapes for the heroes: " Go to your room ! "
All in all a fairly good story which casual viewers will remember as " The one during the Blitz " but for more hardcore fans it will be remembered as one of the high points of British television since its creation and I'm something at a loss to know why
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