Doomsday

Thirteen-year-old me thought this was a definite high for the show. It impressed its intended audience. It penetrated the public consciousness as well and created memories that people still cherish today. But, whilst its still a good romp, I'm not sure it stands up quite to that level today.

The good elements were, as with all RTD stuff, the long running characters who we have built a close investment in. Rose, her boyfriend and her family have built up such a close bond onscreen that it feels like the end of an era saying goodbye to them all at once. Billie Piper especially, in the tragic final beach scenes totally nails the sense of drama - whilst I didn't cry this time, I've cried many times watching this. Both David Tennant and Billie also create a beautifully iconic sequence pressing up against their sides of the wall. Murry Gold's finest music score for the show accompanies this moment. Among all this, I'm not sure we needed Jake back - he didn't add a great deal.

The actual plot seems to take a back seat in this one. There's a lot of shouting. The Daleks vs. Cybermen plot is great fun, the best moment being the reveal itself which I could not get over on transmission. It remains a special memory.

The human moments are directed very well by Grahame Harper, but the more action packed, effects sequences feel a little more staged. The worst offender being Rose sucked into the void, before Pete randomly appears at the last moment to catch her. The direction and writing match up to a slightly dud moment there - when you should be caught up in the height of emotion.

The campy, quirky humour throughout, mixed with the shallow plot, big monsters and huge human emotions make this an iconic, if flawed finale. Its uneven in tone but gets more right than wrong. Which is probably how I'd describe this whole series to be honest. Maybe even the whole show!