Bad Wolf

Big Brother. The Weakest Link. The "Anne"-droid. Trinny n thingy...I had a vague feeling beforehand that this episode could've gone either way. Gripping, suprising, satirical and totally "out there"; or "Oh dear, that didn't quite work, did it?"

Oh me of little faith. So apologise to RTD and the production team for such doubts.

Loved it. *Lived* it.

After a brief reminder of events from 'The Long Game', we have a wonderful 'teaser' that disorientates Doctor and audience alike as he falls headlong into the Big Brother House, encountering two (understandably as it turns out!) resentful housemates and one who is merely concerned that he is alright. I loved the look on Chris' face as he sat in the big red 'diary room' chair and said "You have *got* to be kidding." We are off to a flyer...

Now we have The Weakest Link taken to its logical extreme ("Social Darwinsm" as my friend Dave has noted) I liked the way that Rose clearly found the situation bizarre and really funny...until the first death. Again, superb use of light and shade. ("This is sick!")

The 'Annoying One-droid" and "The Other Annoying One-Droid" (my names!) giving Jack a, um, "dressing down" worked for me too. Okay, it was pretty cheeky stuff, and would've been even more 'cheeky' if the beeb hadn't intervened (a wise decision, I think. The scene worked fine withouth a 'full backal' ,new word!, and this is a family show...) but I found it fun and John Barrowman continues to impress throughout the episode. (the highlight for me being his fury when Rose..well, more about that it in a bit.) I did clap my hands when 'Thingy and Whoever' got their heads blown off. (Only because they were androids, I hasten to add!!)

Lynda ("with a Y") was very appealingly played by Jo Joyner, and she seemed to have an immediate rapport with the Doctor; clearly companion material...so at this stage in events, I fear for her. (or has she got something to hide? Is she just too sweet? Hmmm....)

Loved the Doctor pointing at the camera behind the House's mirror and saying "..and then I'm gonna find *you*." You believe him. Chris Eccleston is going from strength to strength, and only 45 minutes to go. Ah well...

The 'Eviction' scene was very well done and I liked the scene where the Doctor holds his hand out to Lynda and she decides to put her trust in him. Might sound silly, but I thought it was a small but strangely iconic moment.We'll see if it was the right decision in due course.

'Bad Wolf' Corporation...the appearance of 'the Controller'...The Doctor's realisation that his actions in 'The Long Game' have had awful consequences (and not just for Adam! Sorry...let it go...) This is already feeling like a rollercoaster ride; and then...

Rose flaming dies! Dies running to protect the Doctor...we fans know that Billie is coming back, but I still found this moment intense and superbly done, and I bet there were some kids and others not "in the know" who's jaws dropped at this point. Maybe some tears too...

Chris Eccleston's acting at this point...wow. I am talking Patrick in 'Tomb...' , Tom in 'Pyramids...' , Peter in 'Caves...' Um, I am talking brilliant, basically. When the guard drags the Doctor to his feet and he is *limp* with shock; you can see it in his face. Very powerful stuff.

On we roll. The Controller dies knowing that she's made a huge difference in seeking out the Doctor...Rose is alive...the Dalek fleet is revealed...the Doctor says "No."...the rousing "Stinking Dalek..." speech....the invasion begins....and I'm exhausted!

Charlie Brooker in the Saturday 'Guardian' wrote "Best. BBC. Family. Drama. Ever." And Charlie's not easily pleased (think sort of a 'Bill Hicks with TV column' if you've never read him!)

I'm including the whole long history of the show when I respond..."Yep."

I might calm down a bit when the series has finished, but it's so nice to get caught up in the moment. Ten out of ten, again, and thanks to all concerned. There are always stories/ moments that you prefer to others in a season of 'Doctor Who' (Was it ever thus) but....we are coming to the end and I just want so to say;

I think this series as a whole has been a Bl**dy triumph!

I suspect next Saturday is going to be rather involving.....