I still

don't really know who the Silence is or how they destroyed the Tardis!

Watch 'The Time of the Doctor', then.

82

 

The Satan Pit

 

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Another episode that I don't really remember that much about (I remember most about 'The Impossible Planet', but not this), but I'll give it a shot anyway. Krop Tor is heading towards the black hole while the Doctor and Ida are getting closer to finding out what's at the heart of it. And of course, at the root of it is everything evil itself - the Beast. I didn't really appreciate this much as a villain at the time of broadcast, but now it's a really chilling concept to me. Controlling the Ood on the surface, while being trapped away since the beginning of existence wanting to break free. Toying with the emotions of all the crew members and making them fear for their lives. It was quite amazing. And then of course the Beast haunted the Doctor with the words he uttered saying that Rose would die fighting a war very very soon - all of the drama in this episode setting up 'Army of Ghosts' and 'Doomsday' just finely. Then of course there was the end of this episode where they all escape using the rocket, but Toby is still possessed by the Beast. But then Rose saves the day and he's thrown out of the window and into the black hole. I must say, I really need to go back and watch this again because I'm still trying to remember all the little things that happened in this two-parter. But what I do remember is that it was v v good.

 

Average 6.750

Highest score 10 (Iz~, Rabbit Heart)

Lowest score 0 (Michael!)

 

My favourite story is 'The Impossible Planet'/'The Satan Pit' so it's sad to see the second part so low. (Michael <_<) It sort of incorporates many traditional aspects of Classic-Who but is able to update and improve on them to modern storytelling. It really is a chilling story and it shows how to do a two-parter well imo. 'The Impossible Planet' builds up the suspense and has quite a nasty and sad death sequence with Scooti. 'The Satan Pit' is where many issues are explored, something that wouldn't have been able to be done with a 45 minute episode. My particular highlight of the episode is the ventilation shaft with the Ood, really tense stuff.

81

 

Hide

 

http://www.nerdist.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/hide-1.jpg

 

I think I agree with most of the fandom (or at least those who have expressed their opinion like so) when they say that the first half of this episode was fantastic, while the second was ever so slightly disappointing when the real villain actually came into play. From the off, it seemed like it could be one of the most frightening and spine-tingling episodes of Doctor Who to date - we had all the clichés of a remarkable horror sci-fi story, the dark setting, Clara going out in the dark on her own, ghosts and all - and obviously it all had that trademark Doctor Who tone to it. But then we were introduced to the Crooked Man. The lead up to the revelation was frightening - the Doctor heading into the forest on his own, facing the monster - but then when we saw it all we did see was a really ugly design concept. Yes, well done Michael Pickwoad... Overall, Alec Palmer and Emma Grayling were fantastic additions to the cast, and the mystery surrounding Emma's character was great (the ending especially - did she know more than she was letting on?), but the story fell short towards the end (a forgiveable one however) and the concept of love once again came into play as a means of the script-writer retracting from a proper and gruesome conclusion.

The one moment that got to me though was when the Doctor and Clara were in the TARDIS and the Doctor went to the start of the universe, the middle of the universe and the end of the universe (the whole life cycle of earth) and Clara came to the realisation that everybody's just a ghost to the Doctor. A bit of a tear-jerker.

 

Average 6.818

Highest score 10 (April, Severin)

Lowest score 2 (Regina)

 

The Satan Pit, one of the worst, religious-propaganda-style things I have ever seen. Absolute TRIPE, as bad as the singing sun planet shit.

 

Just WHy they needed to bring the deivl in and make it a supernatural, religious entity also, including all the powers of prediction, being there since the dawn of time, possessions, etc, I do not know.

 

They may as well have just put off some possession of Emily Rose for 2 hours and had done with it.

Edited August 25, 201410 yr by Rate Slayerrrrrr

How on EARTH is The Satan Pit so low???

Quite!

 

I forgot to vote but I remember that two parter being a really quite gripping story, the sort of thing that would actually have worked as a big budget film. Agree that the Ood in the ventilation shafts was a great section. In fact the Ood in general were great, just the whole knowing they were going to inevitably become evil at some point but not being quite sure when it was going to happen type of suspense was really enjoyable.

The Satan Pit was great, though I think I preferred The Impossible Planet just because of the suspense it built up. It's the same case with a lot of two parters for me. It's still great though, pretty much the whole season Fear Her/Love & Monsters aside is worthy of a high placing here.

Ecclestone is the true revival of the doctors.

 

Although I do prefer David Tennant over many of the doctors, I did love Ecclestone when he starred as the doctor. I felt he fit the role comfortably as opposed to others. :P

Edited August 25, 201410 yr by Neil. S

80

 

The Lazarus Experiment

 

http://www.doctorwhoreviews.co.uk/2007-06_files/The%20Lazarus%20Experiment%20(4).jpg

 

This is probably one of my favourites from series 3, but at the same time it has so many bad qualities that easily make it one of the worst of the series. The good first: it's a contemporary threat, and the idea of somebody stepping into a machine as an old man then coming out a young man (with just a hint of a hideous villain inside him) is amazing. Martha's sister Tish was also fabulous in every way - if only she had been the full-time companion as opposed to the one we were dumped with for thirteen whole episodes then a few random re-appearances here and there (surprisingly though I think I liked Martha a fair bit in this episode, whining aside). Lazarus and Lady Thaw standing having a civil conversation before we end up seeing her as nothing but a mere corpse moments later was stunning (but absolutely gruesome at the same time as well). The threat this villain carried is not too dissimilar to the Vashta Nerada in some ways, but obviously by use of different methods.

Onto the negatives... I don't know if it's just me but Mark Gatiss is just really, really detestable in every way. Maybe he's just doing his job right and that's why I hate him so much, but his whole posture, tone and the language his body speaks when he's acting, eurgh, it just makes me feel uneasy. And the snow white hair as well... The moment he annoyed me the most was when the Lazarus creature was finally defeated in the cathedral. I just don't like him at all bye. And then there was Martha's mother. SOMEONE TAKE A GUN TO HER HEAD IMMEDIATELY. She was tolerable in 'The Sound of Drums' and 'Last of the Time Lords' (sort of), but in this... I just wanted the episode to be over. All in all, a strong episode but many weaknesses make it poorer than most.

 

Average 6.833

Highest score 9 (seantobewild, Jester)

Lowest score 4 (April)

 

It was ok, bit of a rip off of Bulletproof Shit though.

LOVE The Lazarus Experiment, really underrated episode.

WHAT! Satan's pit should be miles higher! :( My favorite episode of all-time :cry:

79

 

The Rebel Flesh

 

http://www.doctorwhoreviews.co.uk/2011-05_files/The%20Rebel%20Flesh%20(1).jpg

 

I suppose the one good thing that makes this episode really rather unique is that it's a really different idea, and one that dared to be different even if (in some ways) it didn't quite pay off and it was a bit cringey (hello moment when the Doctor is revealed to have been made into a doppelgänger). The one specific thing I adore about this episode (and its partner 'The Almost People' is that despite almost being a stand-alone story, they both pave the way for so many things to come: the revelation that Amy's daughter was a flesh avatar, and of course, that Amy herself was a flesh avatar and had been held captive at Demons Run for quite some time). I feel as if all of the action in this story came in 'The Almost People' and this episode was used merely to develop characters and let us get to know them. It's in no way a bad thing, but really it could all have been dealt with, chopped up, cooked and served in one episode. The Dusty Springfield reference was fabulous, Rory actually got to take the time to be an individual person, not attached to the Doctor and Amy and there to serve as a sidekick. His relationship with Jennifer was really rather unique and beautiful, and it's scenes like those that he shared with Sarah Smart that make you sit back and think "okay, he's an alright companion..." So yeah, definitely not flavour of the century but it's a solid episode with some really good moments scattered throughout.

 

Average 6.909

Highest score 10 (Chez Wombat)

Lowest score 0 (Regina)

 

 

 

78

 

42

 

http://www.doctorwhotv.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/doctor-who-42-episode.jpg

 

Okay so I suppose not all of series 3 was bad. Martha's still irritating, but she managed to redeem herself just a little in this episode. '42' was very unique, a different story and with a very intriguing (and frightening) villain. I don't remember a great deal about this episode, but what I do remember is that there was an amazing cast - that one that used to own the Rovers in Corrie (already forgotten her name because she was so forgettable on many levels), Christopher Mead from Waterloo Road, Helen Hopewell from Waterloo Road (also Hope Springs), Tony from Shameless, etc. They were all fabulous, even if Tony was just as annoying as he was in Shameless. The idea of being burned to death and leaving nothing but a black stain on the wall where you were last seen is chilling, and it was executed very well. Still not my favourite episode ever, but Freema and David both put in very good performances here. I think this is the moment where I ponder upon watching this again or not watching this again, and it's probably going to be the former because I've still got a lot of 'Cuckoo' to watch and 'Glue' is on at 9pm.

 

Average 6.917

Highest score 10 (Iz~, Heezus)

Lowest score 3 (Regina)

 

 

 

77

 

Smith & Jones

 

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn41/sue_denimme/Smith_and_Jones_665.jpg

 

Well what is there to say about this episode, lol? This was the first time we were introduced to Martha Jones (if you exclude Freema's earlier appearance in the closing episodes of series 2), and she seemed alright. Got a bit moany and question-asking (like all the others) half-way through the episode and generally she just wasn't going to live up to expectations after we left Rose behind (and she still hasn't managed to do so in any way, shape or form). This just adds to RTD's pile of generic, comedic and silly openers ('Partners in Crime' is right up there with it, but at least that was carried by the natural humour of Catherine Tate). Okay, it's nice to get a break from all the nitty gritty villains and what have you, but a supposed threat who are nothing but intergalactic police who eradicate anybody who breaks the law... The whole idea was a travesty given they were rhinoceroses. Maybe if it were humans who were on the rampage killing people and what have you, it would have been better? Of course, the Judoon weren't the main threat of the episode... They were there to capture sweet, innocent little Florence who was out for blood (quite literally). Anne Reid is born to play a villain, so it seems only natural that she was so despicably good at being a fierce bitch in this episode, although her demise was quite satisfying. And the scenes at the beginning with the Doctor in the hospital were v funny. That is all I have to say on this episode. Oh, and REGGIE YATES. bye.

 

Average 6.917

Highest score 10 (JosephStyles, Iz~)

Lowest score 2 (Regina)

 

I will hear NO Martha shade tyvm x

 

Smith and Jones is WAY too low, really great opener to a fantastic season. 42 is the weaklink of series 3, drags a bit, but is still decent enough. The Rebel Flesh/The Almost People are definitely my favourite episodes of series 6 part 1 at least (and possibly 2nd of the whole series behind The Girl Who Waited, crap series in general though).

The Rebel Flesh was OK, but I love both Series 3 episodes! That old woman drinking people's blood with a straw still haunts me!

76

 

Victory of the Daleks

 

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_q6T8CS_5Av0/S9tI_BFV07I/AAAAAAAAEtI/QKTeGXK2A2o/s1600/bulletin_100430_01.jpg

 

Really don't understand how this has managed to rank higher than a few of the episodes that have already fallen out, but I guess that's just how the cookie crumbles (or in this case, the jammy dodger). On paper, it sounds like it should be a fantastic story - Daleks in the midst of a world war, creating a brand new empire behind the scenes while waiting for the Doctor to fall into their trap - but when it all comes to life and we see the episode play out, it's all a bit silly and over the top. I must say, I was originally a fan of the new Dalek Paradigm, but when you look back at it now, it really is jumping the shark going from the bronze design we came to so sharply recognise to tasting the Skittles rainbow of the new Dalek design - a red one, a blue one, a yellow one, an orange one and a white one. When they destroyed their own kind to declare themselves the ultimate Daleks, we saw that they could have been more ruthless than ever, but it was all thrown away really because these Daleks just vanished and we saw them return on/off until they were faded out in favour of the bronze Daleks in 'Asylum of the Daleks'. And another thing... Winston Churchill's appearance was obviously very nice, but the fact he was portrayed as a rather comical and silly character (and then became a recurring one) kind of ruined the whole idea of having him there. So yeah, this episode had many flaws. It had a few good moments, but the whole thing with Bracewell at the end IRRITATED me to high heavens.

 

Average 6.955

Highest score 10 (Michael!, April)

Lowest score 5 (Regina, Chez Wombat, Rabbit Heart, Sheezus)

 

75

 

New Earth

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LnRGgj45Dyg/UKUEdejYAsI/AAAAAAAABZA/iYNJY6dfSWI/s1600/s2_01_wal_18.jpg

 

Must say, I'm a bit disappointed to see this so low down on the list, because it really is a great episode. One thing I really have the burning desire to say about this episode is that Billie Piper looks seriously f***ing STUNNING in this episode, more-so than in any others. The open shirt? The sexiness when she inhaled the soul of Cassandra? Basically everything? Anyway, this episode put its time to good use. It's probably my favourite of RTD's "silly" opener episodes (not including 'Rose' in that mix at all, because that was actually quite a serious story with a bit of humour tacked on the end just to keep it slightly up-beat). This had the right balance of humour as well as a few dramatic and typical Doctor Who moments. Obviously we'd met Cassandra already in 'The End of the World', and she was much much better in that episode. She actually seemed like a threat then controlling her minion spiders and all, but this time it was just like she was a background character fighting to try and remain human (all the chopping and changing between her own "skin", the Doctor's body, Rose's body, Chip's body, one of the patient's body, etc - it all got a bit repetitive and boring). However, the final scene where we see Chip go and see the *real* Cassandra, that was one of the most touching moments in Doctor Who. When she screams for help, agh! all of it was just done very very well.

Anyway, back to the story. The real threats in this episode were obviously the Sisters of Plenitude. Matron Casp was such an AMAZING villain - actually loved the character so much (although hated her, like you naturally would, for being such a bitch (she was a fierce one though - getting dem claws out)). When this was first broadcast, I think it was the first episode to actually make me really tense when the Doctor and Rose were being chased by the infected patients. They were a bit creepy, but in the end everything worked out fine and when the Doctor got them all to step in the lift with him and become disinfected, that was a beautiful moment - I think it kind of let us see a glimpse of the really endearing and loving Doctor that was to come in the next couple of series'.

 

Average 6.958

Highest score 10 (seantobewild)

Lowest score 2 (Michael!)

 

New Earth and Smith and Jones are both amazing! :(

New Earth is excellent. Should have given it a 10. That scene towards the end with the two Cassandras always tears me up!

Edited October 2, 201410 yr by Heezus