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25 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful climax to the second series and a tearful goodbye to Rose Tyler, 12 July 2006
This DVD continues the second series of the BBC's hit revival of 'Doctor Who' and contains three episodes. David Tennant's performance as the Tenth Timelord remains strong, energetic and vibrant, whilst Billie Piper as Rose Tyler remains his equal in every way. This disc contains no special features, but there will be a 6-disc boxet released in November that comes crammed with bonus material and content. But if you're like me and can't wait that long, this DVD is definitely a must-buy when it is released. The three episodes on the disc are all of an extremely high calibre, and the standard set so far by the series is maintained. So, where is the TARDIS taking us this time...?
Fear Her
Writer: Matthew Graham
Director: Euros Lyn
Originally broadcast 24/6/06
To be honest, the eleventh episode of the second series of `Doctor Who' is a rather underwhelming and disappoint affair, especially when compared to the thrills, monsters and excitement of previous episodes. `Fear Her' is misfortunate because its sandwiched between some truly brilliant episodes, and has a tendency to feel even more inferior when coupled with the two-part series finale, which also appears on this disc. It is also a disappointment that writer Matthew Graham (who wrote some brilliant scripts for `Life on Mars', another excellent BBC time-travel drama) was unable to make his imagination come to life successfully with his episode of `Doctor Who'. This episode also feels very similar to `The Idiot's Lantern' (the seventh episode of this series), and therefore the material feels unoriginal and quite bland really. Also, due to the fact that `Fear Her' lacks the big-budget CGI special effect treatment that most other episodes were treated to, it feels much less epic and exciting than previous episode, because it lacks scale and presence on screen. The storyline was also a wasted opportunity in my opinion - a worried mother living on a normal estate who is scared of her creepy young daughter's supernatural powers that make drawings come to life. It's a good premise, but the best that can be said for `Fear Her' is that there are a couple of snappy one-liners, and Billie Piper and David Tennant play well off one another. It's definitely the weakest episode of `Doctor Who' since it was revived last year, so you're probably wondering (with such a lacklustre review) why I awarded this DVD the full five-stars. Here's why:
Army of Ghosts/Doomsday
Writer: Russell T Davies
Director: Graeme Harper
Originally broadcast 1/7/06 and 8/7/06
After the below-par `Fear Her', the two-part series finale sees the show firmly back on track, for Series Two manages to conclude with an ending you'll need forget. I don't want to give too much away - but `Army of Ghosts' and `Doomsday' are absolutely epic, emotional, gut-wrenching, exciting, gripping, tense and unforgettable, and above all mark the final appearance of Rose Tyler played by Billie Piper. I don't want to spoil her exit storyline but its an ending that does her character justice, and when I first saw this episode (broadcast for the first time last weekend), I cried. Russell T Davies' script is so beautifully and poignantly written, but also contains dialogue that will make you laugh out loud and the return of two old foes for the Doctor. In `Army of Ghosts', we finally discover the meaning of `Torchwood' (a recurring subtle theme throughout the series), and the Doctor thinks that there's something fishy going on because there are ghosts walking the Earth. In the thirteenth and final episode, there are two old foes from the Doctor's past waging an epic and brutal war across Earth, with the human race stuck right in the middle of the conflict. There are some truly mesmerising special effects employed in this episode, such as the opening of the `Genesis Ark', and as well as the return of some old villains, some familiar friendly faces from the past also make welcome appearances. The series one two-part finale was truly epic and exciting, but I can safely and honestly guarantee that Series Two climaxes in a fashion that won't leave you disappointed in the least. David Tennant and Billie Piper are both superb in this final instalment, and the final few minutes of the episodes are beautifully written and performed, and I'm sure will leave you in floods of tears and eagerly awaiting the Christmas Special in December.
There are a number of guest stars who make appearances in the final three episodes of the series, including the return of Shaun Dingall and Noel Clarke as Pete Tyler (Rose's father) and Mickey Smith (Rose's boyfriend) respectively. Tracey Ann-Oberman is also strangely likeable and fun as the leader of Torchwood. As for Series 2 as a whole, it has been hugely entertaining and by far the most inventive, exciting and continually watchable programme on television in 2006. Although I preferred Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor, David Tennant has done a good job taking over the TARDIS and he has been brilliant in the majority of the episodes. Although I've found the protagonist of Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) slightly less interesting in Series 2 (compared to last year), Piper has still been brilliant and engaging as the Doctor's companion. `Doomsday' marks her final appearance in the show, and I will sorely miss her presence in the show, because Rose has been a companion that the audience can truly identify with, and (along with Sarah Jane Smith) has been my favourite TARDIS traveller ever. Billie Piper and David Tennant were especially marvellous in the last episode of Series Two, but have been great to watch all series and have had electrifying chemistry with one another. My favourite episodes from this series have included `New Earth', `Tooth and Claw', `The Girl in the Fireplace', `The Impossible Planet', `The Satan Pit', `Love & Monsters', `Army of Ghosts' and `Doomsday'. Now that the show has ended, Saturday night's feel hugely empty and I am missing the Timelord's antics already. I can't wait for further adventures in time and space, and Series Two has been massively entertaining, and therefore I highly recommend this DVD when it is released. Brilliant conclusion to a superb second series.
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