This is the first time I've cast a review of anything to anywhere, but I think 'Doomsday' just about merits that dubious honour. You see... much as I waited patiently for a movie versions of 'Starship Troopers' and 'Judge Dredd', I've been subconsciously waiting for a Daleks/Cyberman confrontation ever since I scribbled the said scenario on the back of a school book, way back in primary one. Good it was too, brilliantly cataclysmic, in a stick men versus peperpots with the space between filled with energy beams and jagged explosions, kind of a way.

Actually... it was crap! But what lay behind it shone through in the way that only a child can impart. This was the war to end all wars. An epic confrontation on a cosmic scale. And that's where that particular war has since languished, locked, seemingly for evermore in a child's drawing. It would never actually happen... would it? I mean... the show was eventually cancelled, and the budget would never have allowed for it, and no producer would ever have been so audacious anyway.

Until now. Suddenly 'Who' was back, with a budget, a quantum leap in effects technology and a fanboy at the helm. So, it was, I suppose, only a matter of time.

And did it live up to expectations.

Well... yes, and no, but ultimately... yes!

I'm not a fan of RTDs episodes for a number of reasons. Too camp, too breakneck, too many undeveloped second hand ideas, too much misplaced humour, too many references to popular culture thus instantly dating the show, too much wonky science. But, what he has brought to the show is a human dimension , more adult in nature to any of its previous incarnations. Thus, 'School' may have on the surface, seemed like a crap Aliens invade a school episode, in actuality, it's merely a hook to hang an examination of what being the Doctors companion entails, his effect on the individual on an emotional level, and how one adjusts to a now savagely mundane life when the ride is over. This for me, is the redeeming strength behind RTDs writing and the show is at it's best when this kind of approach is taken, and 'Doomsday' is a perfect example of this. Its not a so much about a cataclysmic battle for the Earth, as it is the wrenching apart of two people very much in love. That said, the cataclysmic stuff was well handled, given the time and budgetary constraints of television. RTD tied up the various plot threads well enough, and some of the Dalek/cyberman banter was almost comedic, the sequence when they confronted one another had them display all the maturity of two five year old bullies having a spat in the playground. In fact, lets be honest, the Daleks pretty much stole the Cybermans thunder. Suddenly the metal warriors and their emotionless intonations seemed a bit dull, when compared to the hysterical simple minded screeching of the Doctors, it has to be said, greatest enemies. (hearing both races intoning their respective, 'Exterminate', and 'Delete' warcrys continuously during the battle scene two thirds in smacked of an insanity I really appreciated!) The Genesis ark was a well implemented twist and when Pete Tyler turned from the window to state that the Earth was a lost cause, I actually agreed. I'm pretty certain, I could pick holes in the plot from now till tomorrow, typical of RTDs scripts. But, you know... I'm not going to. Story wise it was fast paced, ambitious, did everything it needed to do and ultimately entertained me enough to make any real nit picking seem churlish. So there!

As for the direction... Well, take my hand and as the room goes all misty around us lets travel back to the early eighties to witness Peter Davidson on the verge of cacking it! Directorially speaking 'The caves of Androzani' was a revolutionary piece of work, as far as Who was concerned. Dr who was a largely studio bound show, a show that's method of production involved wheeling in giant cameras to capture the action via a succession of mid shots. (I recently watched an episode of Earthshock and was struck by just how basic the direction was). Anyway, along came Greame Harper and his wides and mids and close-ups and tracking shots and zooms and jump cuts and hand held camera techniques and even the occasional shot that might actually have been storyboarded (phew!... I'm out of breath now). Thus the two stories he helmed passed into Dr Who legend, and to be fair, deservedly so. They were different, and they were good!

So, thus armed with that knowledge, quick... take my hand again and lets cartwheel back through time to the present day and Lo and behold, all these years later, fanboy RTD well remembers Harper, and look, he's tapped him to direct, possibly the biggest show in Who's history and the result is... sadly, unremarkable!

Time has moved on, and the techniques previously described are now de riguer in television drama. Harper is now just another competent director in a sea of competent directors. That said, it was by no means badly done. The bridge battle, albeit brief, was well handled, as was the long moment immediately after the final closing of the rift, and to be fair, choosing to shoot the doctors final farewell to Rose via intimate close-ups was a perfect directorial choice. I just wish the action had been tighter, the main battle in the base was particularly sloppy, and smacked of a succession of second unit shots of well... anything it seemed like a good idea to film any old way, flung together. Joe Ahearn's shoot em up sequences in 'Dalek' had a narrative tightness, I felt was lacking here! I don't want to be too unkind however as overall Harper did a decent (occasionaly nice) job, and considering the complexity of the episode and the constraints of television, perhaps that's the most we could have reasonably expected.

I found the performances fine, the actors involved having had enough time to grow into their respective characters so as to negate any serious slip ups. I'm still, however, unconvinced by Tennant, in the same way I was unconvinced by Eccleston (though admittedly both choices looked good on paper). Too much bug eyed overacting, too much bizarre vocal inflection, too much self important smugness, and while Eccleston angry Northern gravitas occasionally impressed, tennant seemed lightweight in comparison. Yet when reigned in, his comic timing and delivery can work well (the sequence when he passes off Jackie as Rose to Yvonne and her soldiers, outside the Tardis in 'Army') and I do like his more sober and thoughtful version of the Doctor as typified in the closing moments of 'Girl' and his conversation with Ida during the lowering sequence in 'Pit'. Thankfully he was pretty much in this mode for the duration of Doomsday, and I have started to come around to his portrayal. Hopefully He'll settle down in series three, because I do want to like him, I really do, and during the final moments of this episode, I think I did!

Piper has, to my mind, given a considerably more naturalistic performance then either of her co stars, which is quite a feat considering her lack of experience. She's no different here and as, to a certain extent, she's been the lynchpin of the entire relaunch, I don't know if the show will remain as strong without her. despite the Dalek Cyberman mayhem, the farewell sequence on the beach remains the single best moment in the episode (perhaps any of the episodes, full stop) and an entirely fitting goodbye to the character. Some will undoubtedly scorn the fact that she didn't get zapped into oblivion, but it was never going to happen and this humility to the central characters ultimately demonstrates why RTD, despite his failings remains an asset to Who in general.

Quite frankly, I loathed Murray Golds synthesised, drum machine led, 'Mickey mousing' the action, scoring for season one. Though there were glimmers of something going on every once in a while (his 'Dalek' theme, Ecclestons regeneration music) but overall, I thought his contribution more of a hindrance then an asset. So I'm pleased to say, there's been a complete turnaround in season two. With the drum machine seemingly confiscated and given the service's of an orchestra, he's come up with some genuinely exciting action cues, giving the series a welcome sense of scale. His use of thematics has been intelligent and surprisingly subtle on occasion and he's managed to intensify and enhance the shows more emotional scenes with sensitivity and skill .Listen to the score during the last ten minutes of 'Doomsday' and you'll know what I mean.

So to sum up... the producers set themselves up for a fall with this one, and I'm happy to say, despite occasionally teetering on the brink, they managed to just about pull it off, which is praise indeed. An ambitious production, that ultimately extolled the virtues of having the confidence to occasionally 'go for it'. While the action, could perhaps have been better, the part of my brain that remains six years old wasn't disappointed, and it worked for the thirty nine year old bits as well. Okay... so when I watch it again, I'll switch off before the last fifteen seconds, and imagine the Doctor standing, head bowed before the Control console as the Tardis spins off into the void, but I do realise why it ended as it did... life goes on, and so does the show.

I could go on about the effects, the cyberdising of Yvonne Hartman after a promisingly sassy and authoritative introduction in 'Army', the happy ending for the Tyler clan (which I liked), Mickey's assertiveness and the doctors goofy 3D glasses actually being relevant to the plot. But I'm in danger of boring myself, so I'll spare you!

I will however, leave you with a final twist. I have absolutely no idea If I ever really draw an aforementioned Dalek/Cyber war when six years old. Maybe I did, I certainly should have done, and if I had... I'm sure it would have looked like one of the scenes in Doomsday.

And I cant think of a better compliment to give then that!

I find it astonishing that anyone, especially real Dr.Who fans, can criticise anything from this series and having seen Doomsday umpteen times since transmission I still can find no fault.

Quite simply Doomsday rattled along at a ferocious pace with great tight direction from Graeme Harper and an ensemble cast that rode into the sunset on the most glittering beast that could inhabit the regal mind of Russell T. Davies. Cybermen vs Daleks... .every fan's wet dream surely... .and the most heartbreaking finale that you could ever imagine. I am 40... but I wept and wept through the last 20 minutes-friends of mine who are 20 and NEVER cry...THEY wept! My mother wept! Only my dear wife remained immune and at least she had the decency the pass me a tissue and coimment on how Billie and David acted the socks off anyone else on television.

I love the way Russell develops ideas through the series...his hints and catches to reward the viewing regulars...and yet always remaining accessible. There really is something for everyone in modern Dr. Who...and that is what TV should be all about. Doomsday had tons of everything. Pete Tyler... ..! Wow... from a one off story in series one to this amazing return...his meeting with Jackie was just jaw droppingly wonderful... ..and then Mickey the hero...yet again coiming forward to kick butt.

Billie has become in two years, a skilled and subtle leading lady and although there were towards the end too many open mouthed gawps (watch the Satn Pit etc to see what I mean) she really had a tour de force here and her character really did come full circle(great idea to have her waking in her bed-shades of 'Rose'). She had brought an emotional depth to Rose and pulled aspects of the Doctor out of his reserved shell to expose what a vulnerable and shattered individual he is under all the bravura. David Tennant is God! Quite simply he is THE definative Dr. Who already...and he can act like there is no tomorrow. Once again in Doomsday we see him glide effortlessly and totally believably from light comedy to anguish and heartbreaking solitude. He has taken the role to new heights...and pity the man whjo will one day replace him (although please PLEASE stay David...4 years would be a great start!). The parting scenes were just so right for the adventures we have shared with them both... and I defy anyone not to cry when Rose says that she loves him...and he is so close to reciprocating. Yes...the Doctor is an emotional fellow and so he should be! Not bed hopping Kirk but a complex, multi-layered , multi-faceted alien who can experience a range of empotions and he NEEDS that depth to move his character on! More power to your elbow Russell...you are a GENIUS!!!!

And so Rose is no more... .I can't say Catherine Tate is my favourite actress as much of her work is derivative, but I am sure she will do us proud at Christmas... and as for Freema, well, if she isn't the MOST beautiful companion ever then I'll have to ask each one of you to step outside whom so ever disagrees. I can't wait for series 3... but what can Russell do to top this?

I'll miss Rose Tyler. I think many of us will.

Good luck to Billie in her future ventures - she really has helped bring "Doctor Who" back to this new world. I work in retail and I can't help but smile whenever - almost every other day - I see a kid get excited over a new Doctor Who display in store: DVD, book or magazine, these kids are just so enthusiastic about it all.

I criticised RTD last week for poor writing in the sci-fi world. I stand by that - and would ask that he gives more stories to the likes of Matt Jones, Mark Gatiss, Tom MacRae and Rob Shearman (I would love to see a story on screen to match "The Holy Terror")... but oh my does RTD write character stories well.

Sci-fi doesn't seem to be the point of "Doomsday". In deed, the Cyberman/Dalek confrontation is kinda lacklustre in the end, 'though kudos for the work that went in to the scene on the bridge, and the "they will fight you" pay-off... No matter what, we will not lay down.

But this is really Rose's story. And what a send off... From her dying scream to the denial of her Doctor's love, this farewell has to be the most emotional of all of the Doctor's companions... 'Cept, maybe, Sarah Jane's eventual "goodbye" just a few weeks ago.

RTD is a writer of human character - QAF ably demonstrated that, but the scene with Rose and the Doctor parted by a wall a universe apart was the best thing about this whole second series... This gut-wrenching separation was superbly acted by David Tennant and Billie Piper, but was supported by a most emotion-inducing soundtrack.

This 30+ fella had a lump in his throat and I don't mind admitting it!

As for the cliffhanger... I am intrigued.

WOW! That was bloody amazing!. Russel has proved once again that he more than capable of writng amazing stuff ( odd when you consider the pile of drivel that was "Love & Monsters"!) but we'll forgive him for that!. In an episode that rounds off the series it finally raps up Rose's story, and presumably also closes the chapter on the Doctors envolvement with Jackie, Pete etc etc.

I felt a little dissapointed that we didnt see more carnage outside ( i. e people being massacred !, thats allways good ) but ive nothing really negative i can say about these last two episodes, and, like the last season ending, blew me away. I did however notice one large plot hole....

Once the cybermen are in OUR universe they set up a "processing" department behind some plastic sheets ( like you do) at Torchwood. Well whats wrong with that i here you say.. well.. the Doctor explains that because the Cybermen and Daleks have been through the dimensions there covered in this void stuff which eventually leads them to being sucked back though etc, etc, BUT...

The Cybermen processed in our dimension hadn't been anywhere, including poor old Yvonne Hartman who is presumably now sitting back in her office ranting " I did my duty for Queen & country" while sipping a coffee!. maybe she and the rest of them will create a progressive folk duo and go off and conqueror somewhere else!. And did anyone actually see any Cybermen being sucked back through anyway?.

One other thing that baffled me was why do the Daleks refer to the device as a Genisis Ark?. As cool as it may sound, what relation did that bare to the final device which is revealed to be in simple terms as a prison cell?. I was expecting some sort of rebirth or cloning device?. Hmm.

Ive praised him before, and ile do it again. Loved Murray Golds work. The kind of person who can write music that can reduce a grown man to tears must be doing something right!. All praise to him, but credit must also go to Piper and Tennant for wonderfull performances, especially in the last few scenes.

And what of dear old Catherine tate at the end... hillarious!.

For the last thirteen weeks or so IВ’ve been saying nothing could compare to saying goodbye to Christopher Eccleston as The Doctor. Indeed the emotion of the last episode of Season One was unsurpassable in my eyes, we were saying goodbye to the best Doctor IВ’ve ever had. Well today, we said goodbye to the best companion I have ever had.

Rose Tyler, gone forever?

That was unbearable. I cried so hard I had to run upstairs to stop spraying everyone in snot and tears, it was heartbreaking. How anyone can dare to slate RTDВ’s writing or Billie Pipers acting is beyond me, because that was without doubt the best telly weВ’ll see this year. What a corker of an episode! The millions of imprisoned Daleks shooting out of the genesis ark into the surrounding sky, and the sheer volume of the battle was breathtaking! The Cybes walking through estates while people watch in terror, the Daleks flying through the skies and their one-liners were superb this time, they even added some comedy to it. Nick Briggs as the voice of both The Daleks and The Cybermen was wonderful, and Graham Harpers direction was top notch. IВ’m so glad The Daleks beat the Cybes and proved once and for all what people have been debating for decades. The Daleks DO kick Cyberman arse. I don't think RTD could have done it any other way tho, to be fair The Daleks managed to wipe out the Time Lords, as well as themselves, so if The Cybermen had beaten The Daleks, that would have weakened the power of The Timelords. I reckon anyways.

The whole story gripped from the opening line to the closing credits. All through this season IВ’ve thought Rose has been a bit cocky, slightly annoying sometimes too, but for the last 15 minutes I realised just how fantastic sheВ’s been and I really didnВ’t want her to go. Not yet, not for another season at least. I donВ’t want to never see Jackie, Mickey or the wonderful Pete again. Earth stories just wonВ’t be the same now, how can they be?

How can we warm to anyone else as much as we did them? Surely now the stories will have to be mainly set away from earth, on other planets and other galaxies rather than try and copy the Tylers? Who knows?

What I do know is whatever happens, RTD will surpass himself yet again. Of that I have no doubt.

After last year's finale which I felt suffered from "deus ex machina syndrome" and left me feeling disappointed, I was somewhat concerned that RTD might do the same again. But there was also a voice in my head which said, "no, RTD seems to have listened to the criticisms".

What we had was certainly an entirely satisfying end to the series, and an emotional farewell to a well liked companion.

I'm sure others will dissect the plot, so I'll say that I was genuinely impressed with the origin of the Genesis Ark, I hadn't seen that twist coming! The final solution was good, and played out well with both the Doctor and Rose working together to rid the world of the Daleks and Cybermen.

If I have a criticism it is that the sentimental ending was a couple of minutes too long. Don't get me wrong, I am a sentimental guy and I am very sad to see Rose leaving. She has proved to be one of the best companions ever. But I'm not sure we needed five minutes of mush.

My wife thought the "testosterone battle" between the Dalek and Cyberman upon first meeting each other was overdone. Otherwise it was a very strong episode. A shame perhaps that we couldn't see more of the Daleks and Cybermen fighting in London but I imagine that was expensive!

Visually much of this episode, like the last, was stunning. Graeme Harper also paced things beautifully. Though I do recall looking at my watch and wondering "how will they solve this in the time remaining?" I never felt the resolution was rushed, unlike some stories this year.

A thrilling conclusion to what has been (Love & Monsters excepted) a very strong season. In a year when a fine story such as "School Reunion" was a comparative disappointment, we were treated to a final two-part adventure that could go down as a great. Only time will tell! Thank you Russell. Thank you Billie Piper.

9/10