Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

"ROSE: A TRIUMPHANT REVIVAL FOR A NEW ERA"

From the very first notes of Murray Gold’s reimagined theme, Rose confidently reintroduces Doctor Who for the 21st century. Russell T. Davies crafts a fast-paced, engaging, and accessible entry point that blends nostalgia with fresh, modern storytelling. By focusing on the perspective of its new companion, Rose Tyler, the episode welcomes both returning fans and an entirely new audience, setting the tone for what would become one of the most successful sci-fi revivals in television history.

A NEW DOCTOR, A NEW COMPANION

Christopher Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor is a striking departure from his predecessors. Gone are the flamboyant costumes and Victorian eccentricities—this Doctor is a no-nonsense, battle-hardened figure in a leather jacket and a Northern accent. Yet beneath his casual exterior lies a deeply wounded survivor, a man hiding his pain behind boundless energy, wit, and moments of unexpected warmth. Eccleston’s performance instantly captivates, balancing humour with hints of the Doctor’s tragic past.

Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler serves as the perfect audience surrogate. Within minutes, we understand her ordinary life—a mundane job, an overbearing mother (Camille Coduri’s brilliantly brash Jackie), and a boyfriend, Mickey (Noel Clarke), who is more hapless than heroic. Her relatable, down-to-earth perspective grounds the story, making her first encounter with the Doctor—and her journey into the unknown—all the more thrilling. The chemistry between Piper and Eccleston is immediate, particularly in their famous walk-and-talk scene, which effortlessly establishes their dynamic.

CLASSIC ELEMENTS WITH A MODERN TWIST

Davies cleverly blends Doctor Who’s rich history with contemporary storytelling. The return of the Autons, last seen in the 1970s, offers a perfect mix of nostalgia and genuine horror. The episode wastes no time in delivering memorable moments, from Rose’s eerie first encounter in the basement of Henrik’s to the Autons’ chilling invasion of the shopping centre. The Nestene Consciousness, though slightly underwhelming as a villain, provides a suitably dramatic climax.

Despite its darker undertones, Rose never loses its sense of fun. The humour is playful, with standout moments like the Doctor dismissing Mickey’s freak-out with a casual “I think you should leave him.” Even the infamous sentient wheelie bin—while undeniably silly—adds to the episode’s charm, reinforcing that Doctor Who isn’t afraid to embrace the absurd.

A STRONG, IF SLIGHTLY DATED, FOUNDATION

Visually, Rose shows its age in places. The bright, overexposed cinematography and early 2000s CGI—particularly the wobbly plastic Mickey—are a little rough by modern standards. However, the Autons’ practical effects remain effective, delivering genuine moments of unease. While the climax’s “anti-plastic” resolution is simplistic, it doesn’t detract from the episode’s overall excitement.

What truly elevates Rose is its character-driven storytelling. Davies ensures that beneath the sci-fi spectacle, there’s a beating heart—one that would define the revived series. The Doctor isn’t just a mysterious alien adventurer; he’s a lonely survivor offering a chance for something greater. And Rose isn’t just a passive bystander; she’s a young woman choosing to seize the opportunity of a lifetime.

📝VERDICT: 9/10

Rose is a masterful revival of Doctor Who, seamlessly blending old and new. Its fast-paced adventure, sharp character writing, and strong performances lay the groundwork for the modern era, while its mix of humour and horror captures the show’s enduring appeal. Though some of its visuals have aged, its heart, energy, and sense of wonder remain timeless.

Welcome back, Doctor. We’ve missed you.

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:

• The Ninth Doctor has recently regenerated and had several adventures on his own before this episode.
• It is lovely how this episode feels modern by actually having Rose search the internet to try to find out who the Doctor is.
• Not even New Who is always great! The scene with Mickey being drawn into the garbage bin, followed by the bin burping, is cringeworthy.
• I love the TARDIS interior reveal. They draw it out so perfectly, and the moment is so rewarding.
• The Doctor: "Lots of planets have a north!"
• The disappointment in the Doctor's eyes when Rose initially turns down his offer to join him is so palpable, it's heartbreaking.