Rose

Being a casual, rather than devoted, Who fan, I was unperturbed by rumours of a new series, the McGann movie came and went but by March 26 2005 I was excited beyond belief by the prospect of a new series. It’s funny that in 2005 Star Trek dying (regenerating if you're an optimist!) doesn't seem as bad as it should and the most exciting return of a sci fi icon is a 900 year old time traveler, as opposed to a Jedi gone bad. We live in interesting times but did series premier Rose live up to expectations?

The TARDIS, SFX, theme and title sequence were all present and correct, the new TARDIS interior being suitably alien and yet reminiscent of previous incarnations. Chris Eccleston combined grinning maniac with sensitive elder admirably and his Doctor, despite his protestations, was reminiscent of previous incarnations. Billie Piper shut a few people up convincing us of Rose's dichotomy of perplexed and spunky. Mickey on the other hand seemed to need an Atomic Thunderbuster to get him going with enough kid friendly elements in the script acting like this week's Chuckle Brothers guest star is not enough. 

The pace was frenetic and the story was patchy and full of more holes than Mrs. Tyler's knickers drawer, if you were expecting traditional Who that is. However the title of the episode is Rose and from that we must take our cue. This story is not about the Nestene Consciousness, the hinted at war it is simply 'council estate girl meets time traveling alien' in that context plot holes and a lack of exposition fall by the wayside and we can forgive any quibbles. 

The Internet man was a genuine revelation a loving and fun poking way of getting over a load of exposition whilst giving a thumbs up to everyone out there on sites like this. The Autons moving menacingly at the episode's beginning were scary enough and apart from Mickey's transformation from wooden to plastic the individual scenes worked well. The incidental music was a bit Byker but we can't have everything can we? 

Overall this was exciting stuff, welcome back Doctor, I fear for the 45 minute format but with Star Trek, X Files, 24 and a host of others (heck the Simpsons does it in 20!) all managing to produce quality multilayered storytelling in that amount of time (with mini advert cliffhangers) then there is no reason Who can’t do the same.