For me, this is one of the best stories ever. And I mean top 3 stories of all time! It is my favourite "NuWho" story.
That is despite the superb Donna only being in the episode a small amount and most of the episode being limited to the interior of a small transport with a few people. In fact, that is one of the strengths because it is in the style of great film maker Alfred Hitchcock who would make a film where incredible tension and drama is created in a very limited, claustrophobic setting. Russell T. Davies has absolutely nailed that Hitchcockian brilliance by writing an awesome, scary, tense and suspenseful story.
RTD deserves huge credit for bringing Doctor Who back so successfully and keeping series quality consistently excellent. This is the best example showing he was capable of writing the very highest standard stories.
In addition to the incredible story idea and phenomenal script we also are given the finest quality acting and direction. Alice Troughton won well deserved awards for direction as this is perfectly executed. David Tennant puts in a masterclass of acting, not just being a top notch Doctor but a top notch TV performance by any standards.
The performance of guest star Lesley Sharp is equally amazing, totally convincing and chilling. The repeating of speech is such a fabulous idea and is acted so well that it is scary and unbelievably impressive.
The rest of the guest cast including David Troughton, son of 2nd Doctor Patrick Troughton, is solid as a rock and provides interest. The themes are great and similar to the Hitchcock classic Lifeboat (developed expertly from Steinbeck's story) which explores people turning on each other out of fear. This theme obviously links in to larger societal issues.
This is simply Doctor Who at its very best. A total masterpiece of TV magic!
My Rating: 10/10.
That is despite the superb Donna only being in the episode a small amount and most of the episode being limited to the interior of a small transport with a few people. In fact, that is one of the strengths because it is in the style of great film maker Alfred Hitchcock who would make a film where incredible tension and drama is created in a very limited, claustrophobic setting. Russell T. Davies has absolutely nailed that Hitchcockian brilliance by writing an awesome, scary, tense and suspenseful story.
RTD deserves huge credit for bringing Doctor Who back so successfully and keeping series quality consistently excellent. This is the best example showing he was capable of writing the very highest standard stories.
In addition to the incredible story idea and phenomenal script we also are given the finest quality acting and direction. Alice Troughton won well deserved awards for direction as this is perfectly executed. David Tennant puts in a masterclass of acting, not just being a top notch Doctor but a top notch TV performance by any standards.
The performance of guest star Lesley Sharp is equally amazing, totally convincing and chilling. The repeating of speech is such a fabulous idea and is acted so well that it is scary and unbelievably impressive.
The rest of the guest cast including David Troughton, son of 2nd Doctor Patrick Troughton, is solid as a rock and provides interest. The themes are great and similar to the Hitchcock classic Lifeboat (developed expertly from Steinbeck's story) which explores people turning on each other out of fear. This theme obviously links in to larger societal issues.
This is simply Doctor Who at its very best. A total masterpiece of TV magic!
My Rating: 10/10.