Rose

The main problem with a new series of Doctor Who is that it will never, ever satisfy the casual mass of critics; they're just too damned finicky. The reviews I have read so far of 'Rose' appear to have been written by people who watched the episode blindfolded whilst listening to some loud heavy-beat rock music in their earphones. Take note:- Doctor Who 2005 is excellent.

'Rose' comes at a time where the population of Britain is drugged-up on continuous detective and hospital dramas, and this show is like nothing ever seen/done before, even if you're a fan of the show. 

The opening title sequence - so true to its predecessors - sets the scene for a superb forty-four minutes of television. The most obvious achievement of 'Rose' is the pace at which it runs. Three and a half minutes into the episode (yes, seriously), and you have Rose being attacked by a selection of familiar faces before being heroically pulled to safety by a quirky northener in a leather jacket. And this is the speed the rest of the episode runs at, and sadly it's all over too quickly. 

I'm probably just euphoric, but it's possible that Christopher Eccleston could turn out to be my all-time favourite Doctor Who. He's like no Doctor seen before. So alien, mysterious, humorous, heroic, but with a much darker, grittier edge than any previous incarnation. McGann was good, don't get me wrong, but you knew where he was going. Number nine switches gears every other second, and will quite happily be strolling through a department store chatting about baked beans before pulling out a detonator and shouting, "run for your life!" 

Rose is an interesting companion. Again, so different to any of the screaming girls before her. I'll be honest - I didn't warm to her. This is on no part related to Billie Piper's acting ability - she delivers a superb performance throughout - but alas Rose Tyler is a bit of a disappointment. It would have been nice to see some sarcasm, or mild wit, coming through in the dialogue, and there wasn't. However, there is certainly potential for this in future episodes and, let's face it, anything can happen in twelve weeks.

The new TARDIS interior will have fans old and new drooling at the mouth, a cross between the original and the 1996, and by far the best yet. The original always looked drab and clinical, the 1996 looked like a stately home - the new rendition looks like an alien spaceship. Think of 'Event Horizon' and you're getting close. The BBC's really gone to town. 

Other reviews have murdered the quality of the CGI effects, but I urge you to take no notice. The visual effects in 'Rose' are easily comparable with any multi-million pound American blockbuster. The closing sequence - which sees the defeat of a familiar enemy - is a fine example of what The Mill is really capable of.

And I'll just dispel another rumour now if I may - 'Rose' does NOT look cheap. Claims that it was shot using the same videotape as Eastenders are a load of rubbish. 

This forty-five minute package is gleaming with quality from start to finish. It's brilliance at its most brilliant. Watching it nineteen times over still won't be enough... 

... and if you're not thumping the air with your fists when you see what happens in the last ten minutes of this episode, then maybe you're not a Doctor Who fan. 10/10