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Rob, Plymouth on May 11th, 2008
Spot on review! It must be said, the Doctor’s story is very moving, as Tennant invites us to feel what it must be like to be introduced to a loved one before that person is taken away from you, but it is only this (and a couple of other scenes) that raises this instalment above the worst kind of dreck. Dave, Freema, Catherine and Georgia were great but there was seriously dodgy sub-text about the Doctor accepting the daughter he was forced to breed...Hmm...Came on a bit like an anti-abortion campaign,.
Daithi, Cork, Ireland on May 11th, 2008
Such an intriguing concept was maybe better served for a season finale or even a two parter
Dru, land of fire & ice on May 11th, 2008
I thought it was brilliant. I loved the ep. Kept me hooked the whole time. Sure I knew that it was gonna end badly for Jenny, obviously but was glad when she wasn't dead in the end. But I did so not think this was a dud at all. Sorry, I kinda disagree. :D
Richard, Wales on May 11th, 2008
I can see the points made about the flaws of the episode, Martha's appearance especially (her breaking down into tears was a bit over the top), but overall I don't think it was too bad an episode. I had expected worse it actually was, and I'm glad they didn't end up regenerating Jenny. The main plot, ie the daughter, was done well I thought, even if the sub plot wasn't well executed.
Jenny Tic Mutant, Red Dwarf's cargo hold on May 11th, 2008
Loved it.
Kirsty, London on May 11th, 2008
Thought it was an enjoyable effort, though not in the same class as the past four weeks episodes. I thought that the excellent interaction between the main characters largely made up for the rather weak storyline. I think the DS review is rather harsh to be honest.
Russ, Herts on May 11th, 2008
I expect a little cheese on toast in Who. It's part of the show and should never be totally lost. Having said that, this episode was a little too much. I agree with other posters that the concept was interesting enough and provided David with some material to emote from the Doctors past. I especially liked the part where he pointed a gun at the bad guys head. The sub-plot was awful and why is Martha in this story? I just don't get it. I prefer her to Catherine Tate but whats the point of having her there is she isn't aloud to do anything? She was just as redundant in the previous two parter. Where has the dark edge of the show gone that I've grown to really enjoy? Seems like there are playing a LOT more safe this series. Very enjoyable but its starting to be made exclusively for kids. Which is a disappointment to a 26yr old man. lol Only 2 stars for a couple of really nice scenes.
Steven, Derby on May 11th, 2008
Wrong on all counts. A very well done episode, oddly moving, full of good ideas. Continues this season's remarkable consistency.
Anthony on May 11th, 2008
I thought the story itself with humans vs hath was a load of old garbage it was poorly written and damn right crazy, the idea of the planet being terriformed was good, and the storyline of the doctors daughter and her charactor development was great, although we all knew she was going to come back alive in the end. The actress paying Jenny was fab, and as usual catherine tate was superb. Not sure why Martha was there as her sub plot was poor, but agree the bog scenes pulled on the heart strings... Not the worst but could of been so much better, lets hope we dont see the last of Jenny!!!
Sophie, Shepperton on May 11th, 2008
I thought it was an amazing episode, David was brilliant in it as per usual, DS have been very harsh in this review.
Chris, Devon on May 11th, 2008
Yet another episode crying out to be a two-parter. I loved Georgia Moffett as Jenny - everything we love about the Doctor in female form - and after that ending surely she's in for a comeback? I think the low-budget feel felt suitable for this episode, and strangely effective. I kept having a few throwbacks to Utopia for some reason. Catherine Tate brilliant as Donna again, now a conscience for the Doctor. I felt it was superior to the Sontaran two-parter (though that was still good). Hey, the storyline was week but the 7 days twist was hardly seen coming, was it? Another bad point - what was the point of bringing Martha back if she actually does practically nothing? (just as in Torchwood) - I suspect they could have done the same Martha storyline with the Hath with Donna instead. Brilliant - a slightly weak plot but oh well. Why complain when you can have things like this?
Bella, Brighton on May 11th, 2008
Maybe it's me - but I ended this episode on a real high, seeing Jenny kick out of that gloomy terraformed planet to go exploring just because she could, in true Doctor style. Georgia Moffat was either inspired casting or an amazing actress - I could watch her and David Tennant together forever. I just wish the Doctor could have had some emotional relief from his enduring torment by knowing that she was alive after all. But - you never know what the future holds... Poor Freema though - she made the best of a mysteriously pointless plotline, and I still feel like she's only in this episode because at the end of the series she's going to need to know what's been going on. But the two Who fans in this house both independantly LOVED this episode....
Christopher Saunders ,Belguim on May 12th, 2008
An ok episode not one of my favorites but still enjoyable. My favorite episode is always going to be last of the timelords. Don't read the reviews of Last of the timelords it really is good. Where was I a yes The Doctors Daugter is enjoyable enough but lacks impact
Gary, Bucks on May 12th, 2008
Best episode of Series 4 so far.
Lily, Sydney, Aus. on May 12th, 2008
A bit disappointing. The premise of the Doctor having a daughter who was created like this was good, but I really didn't care at all about the humans or those fish creatures attached to bubble pipes. Ironically, the ep gave Tennant some scorching scenes, which he made grand use of. Donna was fine. Jenny was chocolate-box pretty and feisty in a way that is require dof female heroines these days, but in truth, she is not at all a subtle actor. She did what she had to do well, but there was not even the tiniest sign in any of her performance that she is capable of more. The biggest disappointment for me was the dreadful underuse of Martha. She has developed considerably during S3, is brought back for 3 eps in S4 and they don't give her decent story lines? What's that all about??
Max, Frankfurt, Germany on May 12th, 2008
Moffett feared 'Doctor Who' role was a joke. It was. Add to this, the totally miscast Tate and I fear the Doctor could soon be heading for a black hole. Any guesses for his replacement?
Andrew Ford, Surbiton, Surrey on May 12th, 2008
I didn't think that the episode was that bad and Freema gave one of the best performances since joining the show. Georgia Moffett was terrific. My main grievances were the plot holes - why was General Cobb so old when he'd only been in existance for a matter of days?
Simon, Bradford on May 12th, 2008
Hmm...a difficult episode and definately the weakest since series two's fear her. The writer, Stephen Greenhorn, shoe horns too much into this episode and leaves some confusing and odd plot holes. Firstly, the 'birth' of Jenny is poorly executed - why was only the Doctor singled out by the soldiers to be (effectively) cloned? And if they later believe them to be pacifists, why would they have bothered cloning someone who could, potentially, pass on his/her refusal to fight? A braver step may have been to make this actually the Doctor's 'real' daughter (although I'm sure continuity buffs would have a fit about this!). The character of Jenny is likable enough and has some strong character moments with the Doctor on the nature of her exsistance, and the regenration at the end was a neat twist on her singular biological heritage (or was it the Source? I prefer the former.). Donna remains an excellent foil for the Doctor - always questionning and probing his code of ethics, and Greenhorn really excels at these exchanges. Martha's journey is sadly, irrelevant and doesn't do much to drive the narrative other than to point to another of the story's plot holes: why can't Martha (or any of the other time travellers) understand the Hath? It has been established that the Tardis acts as interupreter - why has it been unable to make the Hath understood? A small explanation would have done although I did like that this added to the drama of Martha patching up the injured Hath. The conflicting colonies of a crashed liner is a bit of an SF cliche, it has to be said, and has even appeared in the classic series (The Face Of Evil). The neat twist about the conflict having only lasted a week is good - and a suprise, although I couldn't buy Donna working that out - it seemed a bit too convenient. The shooting of Jenny was a disappointing way to wrap up the story.Again, I struggled to be won over by the Doctor suddenly caring for her now she's been mortally wounded. His growing warmth for her wasn't fully realised from his initial frosty reception of Jenny , so it didn't convince me, I'm afraid. On the production front, the episode was a convincing mish-mash of familiar sets reused to good effect and did you notice the Roundels in Jenny's ship as she took off? Overall, A disappointing episode. Having not written enough for last years' Lazarus Experiment, Greenhorn has perhaps written too much for this years single episode. He clearly excels at smaller character moments, so perhaps would be better at something akin to series one's Father's Day.
Dan, Portsmouth on May 12th, 2008
total cheese, I cringed with all the 'hello dad' bits. Martha's story line although pointless was the bright point. Donna is growing on me. Is it me or does DT look bored?
Tallie, Ireland on May 12th, 2008
Just right -- it was a terrible dud, with cardboard plot and a heavy handed message, which even DT couldnt save. There's always one dreadful episode in each series and I hope this was it.
Michael, Norwich on May 12th, 2008
Totally agree with your review. Sooooo sci-fi by numbers. The Doctor's Daughter concept was great idea and well played by Georgia Moffat. However, then totally wasted with a poor plot. Interesting how script was by Steven Greenhorn and he also wrote last season's 'The Lazarus Experiment', which was equally s**t.
Andy Coyle Rayleigh, Esse on May 12th, 2008
Is your reviewer an actual fan? It was an excellent episode. I really hope Jenny comes back & joins the tardis crew. Although I think the problem with Dr Who (which is my favourite programme of all time) is that the stories should be at least 2 parts. With 1 parters they're very fast paced but we never get to know the characters too much which is a shame. Jenny: We want you back! Billy Piper's successor has been found!
Anthony, Messaline on May 12th, 2008
I thought it was ace. I just hope Jenny turns up in the series finale. Love Georgia Moffet anyway!
sharrenuk scotland on May 12th, 2008
Ive just sat and watched every episode from series 1 to 4 It was probably the best episode ever. father and daughter were electric together. I do hope she comes back maybe she could have her own series well done to russell you have to be the cleverest writer in the world
Mike, Barcelona on May 12th, 2008
Sorry, can't agree with this review in general. This wasn't a spectacular episode, granted, but it was nowhere near as bad as the review makes out. The plot was very trad-SF but what's wrong with that? The last three stories have had a very traditional Doctor Who feel and I like that. It's something the series has actually attempted very infrequently since its return in 2005 and is very welcome. I enjoyed this episode very much, which surprised me as both the premise and last week's trailer set off alarm bells in me. Unfortunately, occasional excruciating attempts at humour is something we've had to get used to in the revamped series and I cringed at the "Hello, Dad" bit in the pre-credits sequence but, actually, this and that rubbish about Hounslow library were the only offenders this episode. The one point I will agree on is: why was Martha in this story? Freema Agyeman is a good actress and the character really deserves better treatment. There really was nothing for Martha to do in the plot, although her crying after the Hath saved her and then died itself in the quicksand was a standout stand-alone scene. One other gripe: couldn't Jenny have stayed dead? Nothing against the character or the actress but the end, with her launching off in the rocket, had a horrible smell of "spin-off" to it. I hope I'm wrong there. Do we need yet another Who spin-off? Overall, though, a heck of a lot better than some of the dross the Doctor Who team is capable of turning out in attempts to subvert the formula (the wretched Love and Monsters being the clearest example of that). Sometimes it's good to remember why the formula was so successful in the first place.
Anne Ominous on May 12th, 2008
Just because Georgia Moffett makes the show interesting :D
Megan D, Birmingham on May 12th, 2008
Really disliked the ending, and i felt that Martha should have been more involved in the story. Good acting from David Tennant though.
Robert, Manchester on May 12th, 2008
Hi, I don't want to write much or I'll put a whole essay down! I just wanted to point out that the Martha with Hath part of this episode was done to give us both side of the story - to show that the 'monsters' weren't monsters etc. it was needed so as to remain objective as audience. I get where this reviewer was coming from but I think they have missed the point of some of the concepts and short hand needed for contemporary, television drama and as such this is a very simplistic, two dimensional review.
Jack, Bristol on May 13th, 2008
Thought the ep was pretty weak. I think Jenny was terrible. Her acting was just plain bad. Tate and Tennant were great and Freema was fantastic. That crying was pure brillance. Well done Freema! Shame they shunned your character, they lost out there.
Megan L, United States on May 13th, 2008
I loved this episode...easily the best of the series so far. David Tennant was fantastically real in his portrayal of the Doctor and Catherine Tate’s Donna basically telling the Doctor to get over himself left me in hysterics. Martha was rather disappointing as she had little, if any, point in the entire episode; I think they should have just let that drop with the Sontarans. Jenny was easily the best character in this entire episode though, Georgia Moffett played it brilliantly and she seemed to have a really great on screen chemistry with David Tennant. I'd be shocked and disappointed if they don't bring Jenny back by the 2010 series, or at least give her a spin-off. I can honestly say that I'd enjoy a slight throwback to the 1st Doctor/Susan years.
Tim, Leamington Spa on May 13th, 2008
Another woeful episode in this year's miserably disappointing (so far) series. I'm just fed up to the back teeth of all the weepy faces and weepy music. And wasn't 'Jenny's' death-and-resurrection a blindingly obvious plot gimmick from the minute she appeared? Is it just me, or has Dr Who become a kind of religious allegory? All the time, people are dying and then returning to life, and the Doctor himself is constantly portrayed as some kind of galactic messiah figure. It's perverse!
Angela, London on May 13th, 2008
What I didn't understand about this episode is was Jenny supposed to have "regenerated" why she didn't turn into someone else - like the doctor always does. Seems to deny the series own logic...
Steve on May 13th, 2008
All will be reviewed as to why she was placed in the Tardis. It was not under developed, as Donna Noble is an excellent side kick and full of humour and the voice piece for the viewers. Freema was used to show that the other side were at war and were as peaceful and thoughtful if not better than the human kind. It was also showing the viewer how she has developed into a full fledged Doctor, if you were listened to the plots. For those who have been with the programme since watching as many episodes designed from 1963 onwards, having a large Tardis crew can be misleading and or a great combination, this had the correct combination. With the Doctors daughter being left behind, I only hope that the BBC production crew return her to to fathers side as a brilliant side kick. For Georgia Moffett, was witty, sexy, and thats whats needed as an assistant.
Paul, Doncaster, England on May 13th, 2008
One thing I've noticed in the reviews and comments is that almost everybody seems to think that Martha's role in this ep was pointless, even though most admit that Freema was very good in it. I don't think her scenes were pointless at all. Her establishing an actual relationship with the Hath is important to show the viewer that they're not monsters and humans can relate to them. Surely I can't be the only one who sees that. Does everybody else think it's simply sufficient that the Doc has decided the war is wrong and we can take that on trust despite the numerous times he's been mistaken? Gelth, anybody? Without Martha's scenes, how could we know that the Hath were NOT the villains and they wouldn't just slaughter the humans if they disarmed? Paul
Simon, Bradford on May 14th, 2008
Angela, London - This is my take on Jenny's 'regeneration' : She was created purely from the Doctor's biological makeup mixed with whatever gloopy chemicals were in suspension to create a humanoid body (DT talked through this pseudo-science so quickly I didn't catch it all! Something about extrapolating, I think...). Perhaps having only one Timelord parent has negated her ability to completely alter her physical self in the same way the Doctor (and other Timelords/ladies) does. Or, as in The Christmas Invasion, perhaps she was within so many hours of her first incarnation that she could repair the damage to her body. Something I vaguely recall from the classic series is that a Timelord would be able to survive with one heart beating whilst the other repairs itself (if Jenny was shot in the chest - shootings in Doctor Who are always vague so as to remain 'family friendly' !). So perhaps there was no need for her to fully regenerate on this occasion.
Steve, Wolverhampton on May 14th, 2008
Bloody brilliant again... When will the BBC learn that what we want is 18/7 Dr Who? (Well, you need 6 hours sleep a day)
Vic, Newcastle on May 14th, 2008
What can I say - Martha?? Grrr, waste of space from last series gets dragged into Torchwood then after a potentially decent airing in her role with UNIT gets dragged into this story with about as much welcome as Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars. Story itself - nice idea, since the TimeLord back in the fargone years vs The Darleks had not only a daughter, but grand daughter with him in his travels. Trouble is we are running 45 minute episodes NOT 4 25 minute episodes which, actually, would have allowed this story to work better. Overall cliched, and whilst it held my attention, I found my meatballs and pasta had more substance. Roll on Felicity Kendall and Agatha Christie :D
Erin, Canada on May 15th, 2008
I don't disagree with anything in this review, except that I wasn't disappointed despite the unrealized potential of the episode. Yes, it should have either been a two parter, or the focus more narrowed - but I still enjoyed it nonetheless.
Beccy, Paignton on May 15th, 2008
I completely disagree with most of this review. I thought that the character of Jenny was superb and gave many young girls who watched it a character to ‘play’ with their friends. The Doctor is the only main character who is special because of his deduction skills and time travelling. But now Jenny is also special and gives girls a character. The Hath were lovely, slightly random, but lovely. I do, however, agree with the Martha Jones comment. It was her fault that that Hath died and it was her fault that they left Jenny behind because the Doctor wanted to wait to see if she regenerated! She has always been an annoying character and Donna was a very good replacement even though many people doubted her ability to play a serious role instead of her comedy. She is an excellent contrast to the other assistants and I hope that she does travel with him ‘forever’.
Kimberly Krauch, USA on May 16th, 2008
I loved this episode. It made me cry for the doctor when she died. David was wonderful showing emotions. He is the best....
Ana, London on May 16th, 2008
Well, my thought was that the whole Jenny thing is to spin off another series - this time aimed at teenagers, if Russell T can get the funding from the BBC to go alongside the Sarah Jane Adventures for younger children......
Sara, Teesside on May 17th, 2008
I'm guessing I wasn't alone in wishing the writer hadn't copped out with bringing Jenny back from the dead. I was really frustrated at the direction of the whole episode.
Laura, Dundee on May 18th, 2008
One of the worst episodes ever of Dr Who second only to Love and Monsters.
Laurent, Switzerland on May 19th, 2008
Loved it, especially the daughter- she reminds me of a younger Tamzin Outhwaite, especially the smile. I hope we see her back in some more episodes. Yes it was a bit cheesy, but so what, the characters made up for that and it was a great story on another planet for a change. I do think we are having too many earth based plots so its great to explore the universe a bit.
Jon, London on May 20th, 2008
Really enjoyed it, loved The Hath and the twist was great: couldn't disagree more with your review.
Clive, Bath on May 27th, 2008
Completely agree with your review. Why does Martha Jones, Freedom Fighter and Saviour of the planet earth blubb when the Dolphin with a bottle of Mountain Dew in his head (Sorry, "Hath") dies, when her would-be boyfriend (now fiance) in last year's "Last of the Timelords" doesn't even warrant a single tear. Also, did anyone else think that the end of the episode, while I would have felt cheated if there wasn't SOME sort of a regeneration, smacked of "Here comes another spin-off series"? Ah, it could have been done a lot better, I was all hyped up for lots of nods to Susan not Send in the Clones!, and Freeman was badly under-used. 2/5 please try harder!
Tom Chicago on June 1st, 2008
I loved the concept loved Georgia Moffett and was disappointed by the story. The Doctor had so much to be conflicted about and did but was not given enough time or space to really get into it. Many of the same issues could have been explored that were dealt with in the episodes with the Master, last of his kind, the military element vs the doctor's ways. I hear that Moffatt might be the next companion for the Doctor, I think that would be wonderful on so many levels.
Dan York on June 9th, 2008
Alright Plot. Brill acting jenny is quite fit then again most blondes are.
James Mooring York on June 9th, 2008
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Oh i do apologize i must have dozed of after thinking of this Great(cough,cough) episode. Whats the point ov Martha bieng in it. And 'Brilliant' plot. The only thing that kept me awake was jenny.
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