TV
S04E12: 'The Stolen Earth'
Published Saturday, Jun 28 2008, 20:00 BST | By Ben Rawson-Jones | 99 comments

Bringing together key story components from the current series, a raft of former companions and a villain that hasn't been seen since an encounter with 'unlimited rice pudding' in 1988, 'The Stolen Earth' does a fine job in weaving these elements together. It's almost physically impossible to stifle yelps of delight as Captain Jack, Ianto, Gwen, Sarah Jane and Luke pop up in quick succession. All that was missing was K-9 to trundle into view and cock his leg on Davros's chair.
Almost immediately though, our spines are bombarded with an onslaught of shivers courtesy of the simple yet effective cry of "exterminate" that resonates through Torchwood and Sarah Jane's attic after Mr. Smith picks up an incoming message. This scene, stark in its simplicity, is very effectively directed by Graeme Harper and generates massive tension. In many ways, Harper's work in this episode is worthy of the big screen in terms of its breathtaking visual elements.

Julian Bleach absolutely nails Davros. The mask may look more impressive in some shots than others, but Bleach's controlled, sinister vocals wonderfully evoke the brilliant but deranged mindset of the Dalek creator. Nick Briggs also does a superb job with Dalek Caan's crazy dialect, stemming from a very inventive and bold move by writer Russell T. Davies to make this Dalek go doolally and do something new with the monsters.

As for the mindboggling twist ending after The Doctor is exterminated as he runs to greet Rose... what can we possibly say?
Well, very little in fact because the BBC cut the final scenes from the preview DVDs they distributed! Dear reader, grab your violins and imagine us dripping with tears at the sheer beauty of Rose and The Doctor bounding towards each other in Baywatch style slow-mo - only to have the screen fade to grey once the Dalek unleashes its death ray onto the Time Lord. It's quite clearly made us go a bit Caan...
Anyway, Russell T. Davies is an expert at delivering jaw-dropping finales that give each season a sense of cohesion and up the stakes to almost unbearable levels. Can he possibly match this week's joyous celebration of the show with the fourth season's final episode next Saturday? It's gonna be a tough task for sure...

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SO4E12,The Stolen Earth, on April 21st, 2009
BBC Prime 22nd April 2009 18:00
BBC Prime 22nd April 2009 18:00
billy allan bellshill, on April 13th, 2009
amazing episode loved it but shocked the dr regenarated i thought he would change glad he didnt i liked the idea of bringing davros back amazing
amazing episode loved it but shocked the dr regenarated i thought he would change glad he didnt i liked the idea of bringing davros back amazing
Lee, on January 5th, 2009
Amazing show, amazing episodes.
Amazing show, amazing episodes.
Lee, Kentucky, on October 17th, 2008
Beyond Words. This Episode Was Like A Movie. The Music, The Talent, The Cast, The Tense Scenes & The Directors Talent Were 100%. 10 Out Of Ten. RESPECT
Beyond Words. This Episode Was Like A Movie. The Music, The Talent, The Cast, The Tense Scenes & The Directors Talent Were 100%. 10 Out Of Ten. RESPECT
Gary, Florida USA, on August 3rd, 2008
Absolutely fantastic. I loved seeing Rose and the crew come to help the Dr. David Tennant is my favorite of the New Who's. The sophisitcation of the graphics and effects for TV are really amazing. They couple that with great plots and an emotional ride (I actually care about the characters) this has become somethign I purposely tune in to on TV.
Absolutely fantastic. I loved seeing Rose and the crew come to help the Dr. David Tennant is my favorite of the New Who's. The sophisitcation of the graphics and effects for TV are really amazing. They couple that with great plots and an emotional ride (I actually care about the characters) this has become somethign I purposely tune in to on TV.
maureen gourock, on July 6th, 2008
OMG what an end of series was in tiers at the end do not know who to feel more sorry for but it will always be with THE DR. Can not think of an episode like that that will have all that history there again as in people AT 45 have watch Dr Who for many a year but have to say love David Tennent he can just do any fellings that have to be showen what am actor imo x would give it 10/5 if i could x
OMG what an end of series was in tiers at the end do not know who to feel more sorry for but it will always be with THE DR. Can not think of an episode like that that will have all that history there again as in people AT 45 have watch Dr Who for many a year but have to say love David Tennent he can just do any fellings that have to be showen what am actor imo x would give it 10/5 if i could x
Doctor Dude Leeds - no really, on July 4th, 2008
Just rewatched the amazing The stolen Earth and wondered if anyone else noticed that just before the regeneration scene when the Doctors talking he says, “I’m sorry. It’s too late… i’m regenerated.” Not i’m regenerating, but regenerated, wonder if that could be significant for tomorrow nights episode
Just rewatched the amazing The stolen Earth and wondered if anyone else noticed that just before the regeneration scene when the Doctors talking he says, “I’m sorry. It’s too late… i’m regenerated.” Not i’m regenerating, but regenerated, wonder if that could be significant for tomorrow nights episode
scott mccowan-tulsa, okla-usa, on July 4th, 2008
Have to say the cliffhanger was what made it a 5 out 5. (of course this coming from a long time DW fan lol) Haven't a seen a cliffhanger like that since when Goth was attempting to drown the Doctor in "Genesis of the Daleks" The Earth being moved and hints of Dalek Invasion of Earth, and Trial of a Time Lord. Finally getting to see the Shadow Proximation and how the Doctor was thrown about the Medusa Cascade.
Have to say the cliffhanger was what made it a 5 out 5. (of course this coming from a long time DW fan lol) Haven't a seen a cliffhanger like that since when Goth was attempting to drown the Doctor in "Genesis of the Daleks" The Earth being moved and hints of Dalek Invasion of Earth, and Trial of a Time Lord. Finally getting to see the Shadow Proximation and how the Doctor was thrown about the Medusa Cascade.
bl newcastle, on July 4th, 2008
i thought this episode was exelant but i no this will soudn stupid but they could of made the sound of the to be continued a bit better it didnt fit in with the song at all :P and could the girl theory be true is the 11th doctor a women i cant waight to find out :)
i thought this episode was exelant but i no this will soudn stupid but they could of made the sound of the to be continued a bit better it didnt fit in with the song at all :P and could the girl theory be true is the 11th doctor a women i cant waight to find out :)
Van, Oxford, on July 4th, 2008
The epitome of suck. The episode opens well, with a suspenseful set-up of the Earth being.... stolen. There are too many reaction shots and too much "Look at the sky!", but still this is pretty effective. But then it goes horribly wrong. The Doctor spends ten minutes going to the Shadow Proclaimation----- just so he can deliver a bit of exposition. Then we get a twenty minute video conference which exists solely to allow Harriet Jones to deliver her stupid little "Harriet Jones, former PM" joke four times in quick succession. It stopped being funny two season ago. And it wasn't that funny to start with. The only emotion I felt when she died was a feeling of relief that I would never again have to hear that stupid joke. Anyway, after the boring videoconference that was needed to solve a plot contrivance that didn't need to exist, the cross-over characters finally perform some bad technobabble that allow them to achieve the awesome feat of....... meeting the Doctor. Basically this is forty minutes of story about getting more bars on their mobiles so they can arrange to meet up with the Doctor. Then the Daleks show up. The (yawn) Daleks. The (zzzzzzz) Daleks. Weren't they completely destroyed four or five times already in this series?
The epitome of suck. The episode opens well, with a suspenseful set-up of the Earth being.... stolen. There are too many reaction shots and too much "Look at the sky!", but still this is pretty effective. But then it goes horribly wrong. The Doctor spends ten minutes going to the Shadow Proclaimation----- just so he can deliver a bit of exposition. Then we get a twenty minute video conference which exists solely to allow Harriet Jones to deliver her stupid little "Harriet Jones, former PM" joke four times in quick succession. It stopped being funny two season ago. And it wasn't that funny to start with. The only emotion I felt when she died was a feeling of relief that I would never again have to hear that stupid joke. Anyway, after the boring videoconference that was needed to solve a plot contrivance that didn't need to exist, the cross-over characters finally perform some bad technobabble that allow them to achieve the awesome feat of....... meeting the Doctor. Basically this is forty minutes of story about getting more bars on their mobiles so they can arrange to meet up with the Doctor. Then the Daleks show up. The (yawn) Daleks. The (zzzzzzz) Daleks. Weren't they completely destroyed four or five times already in this series?
Lily, Sheffield, on July 3rd, 2008
OMG it was amazing!! I really can't wait till Saturday!!!!!!
OMG it was amazing!! I really can't wait till Saturday!!!!!!
Peter, Liverpool, on July 3rd, 2008
Well what can I say... From start to finish I was hooked! I literally can't wait till Saturday comes around!
Well what can I say... From start to finish I was hooked! I literally can't wait till Saturday comes around!
Steve, on July 3rd, 2008
Donna Noble turns left and saves the Doctor from regenerating however, briefly, you will find that the budding and excellent actor Mr Troughton grandson of the 2nd Doctor is the new Doctor.
Donna Noble turns left and saves the Doctor from regenerating however, briefly, you will find that the budding and excellent actor Mr Troughton grandson of the 2nd Doctor is the new Doctor.
julia,rotherham,july 2nd 2008, on July 2nd, 2008
This was the most exciting episode ever i cant stop watching it ! RTD has definately saved the best till last ! I cant wait for the final episode will i be in tears as usual i expect so.
This was the most exciting episode ever i cant stop watching it ! RTD has definately saved the best till last ! I cant wait for the final episode will i be in tears as usual i expect so.
Mark, UK, on July 2nd, 2008
In response to the issue of his regenerations, remember that between his 12th and 13th regenerations he becomes the Valeyard...which would be a cool idea to explore in the future!
In response to the issue of his regenerations, remember that between his 12th and 13th regenerations he becomes the Valeyard...which would be a cool idea to explore in the future!
Steve, Sevenoaks, on July 2nd, 2008
Blown away by this episode as a 35 year old Tom Baker weened fan I remember Sarah Jane first time round. But to a have a Marvel / DC team up and then pile on the cheery with Davros -- wooooo. But did I spot the get out clause - Didn't the Shadow Proclomation helper when talking to Donna look over at her back and refer to Donna's beetle thing from turn left?
Blown away by this episode as a 35 year old Tom Baker weened fan I remember Sarah Jane first time round. But to a have a Marvel / DC team up and then pile on the cheery with Davros -- wooooo. But did I spot the get out clause - Didn't the Shadow Proclomation helper when talking to Donna look over at her back and refer to Donna's beetle thing from turn left?
Adam, Wales, on July 1st, 2008
Everyone ran around not doing anything, nothing happened and anyone who doesn't watch the spinoff shows (like me) had absolutely no idea who anyone was. If Bernard Cribbins hadn't been in it then it would be 1 star.
Everyone ran around not doing anything, nothing happened and anyone who doesn't watch the spinoff shows (like me) had absolutely no idea who anyone was. If Bernard Cribbins hadn't been in it then it would be 1 star.
Rod , Newhaven, on July 1st, 2008
Lots of plot threads coming together and throwing lots of plot pieces in all directions. No very coherent but the very chaos of it was the essence of Who-lore. So if Donna still has the time beetle, then she can change time somehwere earlier so the present doesnt happen ... turn right but later. Too obvious?? (so Rose and the Doctor dont meet after all). ...and I think Rose is slightly less chav and more collected. She, along with Captain Jack, are sporting some mighty big pieces of serious anti-Dalek hardware. Of course River Song has to meet the Doctor for the first time ... but she also knowns the doctor can regenerate ... and it wasnt "her" doctor. So clearly the doctor doesnt die. Saturday will be here soon enough ... or will it?
Lots of plot threads coming together and throwing lots of plot pieces in all directions. No very coherent but the very chaos of it was the essence of Who-lore. So if Donna still has the time beetle, then she can change time somehwere earlier so the present doesnt happen ... turn right but later. Too obvious?? (so Rose and the Doctor dont meet after all). ...and I think Rose is slightly less chav and more collected. She, along with Captain Jack, are sporting some mighty big pieces of serious anti-Dalek hardware. Of course River Song has to meet the Doctor for the first time ... but she also knowns the doctor can regenerate ... and it wasnt "her" doctor. So clearly the doctor doesnt die. Saturday will be here soon enough ... or will it?
Mike, Philly, on July 1st, 2008
Early in the episode, was Donna hearing the drums?
Early in the episode, was Donna hearing the drums?
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Very good and funny , like the facebook reference from Donna and love Harriet Jones being bossy to captain Jack ! sad she died AX