Father's Day

From strength to strength! Although I was disappointed by "The Long Game" (which was better received upon repeat viewing) after the exceptional "Dalek", this episode, which looked a very interesting concept on paper, turned out to be one of the most emotional and fascinating stories the show has ever done. More than that though, it was a proper science fiction story. It was about time travel, paradoxes and breaking the "laws" of Time, but at the heart of it was the story of a girl who wanted to save her Father's life.

We were thrown right into it; within minutes Rose had changed history and the Doctor was furious. He wouldn't even speak to her. His "another stupid ape" outburst was fantastic. At this stage in the season both Eccleston and Piper have homed their characterisation to perfection; Eccleston's Doctor is superb, especially in scenes like this where he conveys that real sense of alienness.

The plot had me from the start – I have always wanted to see a story like this with a Doctor's companion altering history for their own ends. Of course, the Doctor, wherever (and whenever) he has travelled to he has always altered history throughout his whole life, often just through his mere presence. Rose lacks the power to do this that Time Lords have, and with no Time Lords anymore (as the Doctor pointed out) to uphold the "laws of time" we finally get to see why they were so keen to uphold these laws so strictly.

I must admit before I watched the show I expected such as complicated story to be littered with plot holes, but even considering its complexity I think it holds up admirably. In fact, it actually answers a few 'plot holes' which people have complained about. "Why doesn't the Doctor travel back and save Gallifrey?" Answered. He can't risk altering history on such a massive scale; just like he couldn't go back and save Adric in "Earthshock."

I thought Rose's Father himself was a great character – a cheating, lying, wheeler-dealer – who by the end of the story is redeemed, sacrificing himself to put history back on (almost) it's right course. Coduri was excellent as always as Jackie – it was interesting to see her younger; married with a small baby, and even more feisty! I had to laugh at young Mickey's inclusion though!!!

My two favourites scenes have to be the Doctor stood on the pulpit in front of the 'congregation' explaining about the reapers and the 'wound in time.' There was something about the Doctor stood in the pulpit that seemed strangely appropriate. I also loved the scene with the Doctor talking to the newly weds, where he says he'll try to save them and he's enchanted by the story of how they fell in love. "I never had a life like that..."

The 'reapers' themselves were brilliantly realised and the Doctor's apparent death was quite shocking, and I was on the edge of my seat for the last ten minutes. Even though the story's resolution was predictable, the scene with Rose, Jackie and Rose's Father was an absolute tear-jerker. I think by this stage it is obvious how deeply the Doctor and Rose care for each other – to see them walking hand in hand back to the TARDIS at the end was a lovely finish. The two scenes with Jackie and a young Rose, where Jackie is explaining the two different versions of Rose's Father's death were also very moving.

I can't praise this story enough – if I gave "Dalek" 99/100 this episode is about 96/100. Phenomenal. And as for next week's trailer... WOW.