This is a fun and dynamic story, and a pretty heartfelt start to the new series.

Of course, it gets dogged for some goofy costumes and special effects, the latter of which I would argue is definitely the weakest aspect of the episode of the four categories, but it also is what I love most about these episodes. It's a sincere and lovely take on not only the human experience but also all the wacky and wonderful aspects of the franchise. It isn't afraid to be alien as hell, all the while working in plenty of great character moments for the Ninth Doctor and Rose.

I'm not surprised this episode isn't considered the strongest among the fan community, but it is a lot of fun and does good work in establishing how weird Doctor Who can be. That it happens so early in the new franchise is a blessing I really appreciate.

There is a lot of fun mix of humour and neat ideas too. From the idea of one final "pure" human against an ocean of normal people that just have a bit of alien in them this far into the future, to the "classical music" played on the jukebox (which never gets old to me as a joke), there's a lot to like here.

Stuff like the Doctor having to go through a video game level to save the day, with the whole moving fan bit, is quite silly, but even that services to show us (especially new viewers) how special and alien the Doctor really is. The CGI and practical effects can be a bit wonky, but by 2005 television standards, they are on the whole more impressive than not.

It's certainly not an ideal jumping on point with Rose a single episode away, but an excellent second episode for new viewers.

Rose having the whole "damn I just ran off with some man I know nothing about to SPACE" crisis is something so overlooked imo. She remains an extremely complex character and despite being the most popular NuWho companion, I believe she is underrated when it comes to her writing. Rewatching this show is like living a whole different experience, knowing what will happen and what happened. Nine's reactions to the mention of home and the war makes my heart break into a million pieces. On the other hand, just an awesomely written, iconic episode. Toxic by Britney you will always be famous.

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

"THE END OF THE WORLD: WHERE THE NEW WHO TRULY BEGINS"

After the grounded, contemporary setting of Rose, The End of the World catapults the series into a dazzlingly alien future, showcasing the full potential of Doctor Who’s revival. Set five billion years ahead, as Earth meets its inevitable demise, this episode blends grand sci-fi spectacle with deeply personal storytelling, proving that the show can be both absurdly fun and emotionally resonant.

ROSE’S FIRST STEP INTO A LARGER UNIVERSE

By centring the episode around Rose’s perspective, Russell T. Davies ensures that the audience experiences this strange new world through fresh eyes. Billie Piper continues to shine, perfectly balancing curiosity, wonder, and skepticism. Her conversation with the Doctor about her home planet’s destruction subtly reinforces how little she truly knows about him—an air of mystery that Christopher Eccleston plays to perfection.

The Doctor, meanwhile, reveals more of his complexities. Eccleston’s performance moves seamlessly between charming tour guide and haunted survivor, giving us glimpses of the weight he carries. His scene with Jabe, where her simple kindness almost brings him to tears, is a standout moment, hinting at the devastation of the Time War long before it’s fully explained.

A COLOURFUL CAST OF ALIEN GUESTS

The episode revels in its imaginative creature designs, presenting an eclectic mix of extraterrestrial dignitaries witnessing Earth’s final moments. From the bulbous blue Moxx of Balhoon to the robotic-faced Adherents of the Repeated Meme, the aliens strike the perfect balance between silly and convincing.

Zoë Wanamaker’s Lady Cassandra steals every scene she’s in, her stretched-skin, aristocratic snobbery making her an instant classic. Her shrill demands to be moisturised, her casual disdain for “lesser species,” and her eventual comeuppance make her both hilarious and chilling. Jabe, played with grace by Yasmin Bannerman, provides the episode’s emotional core, forming a quiet but powerful connection with the Doctor before her tragic sacrifice.

VISUALS, MUSIC, AND STAKES

The setting is a striking contrast to the usual sterile sci-fi space station. The Platform One interiors are vibrant and colourful, with rich textures that help ground the futuristic setting. While some of the CGI has dated—especially the exterior shots of Earth’s destruction—the practical effects and costume work remain impressive.

Murray Gold’s score elevates the episode, blending sweeping orchestral themes with playful contemporary music. Britney Spears’ Toxic playing as Earth’s death is toasted might seem jarring, but it encapsulates Doctor Who’s unique ability to mix the profound with the ridiculous.

The tension builds masterfully, with standout action sequences such as Rose’s near-incineration in the sun filter chamber and the Doctor’s dramatic sprint through whirring fans. However, the quieter moments carry the most weight, particularly the final conversation between the Doctor and Rose. His confession about Gallifrey’s destruction adds a layer of tragedy that redefines his character for a new generation.

📝VERDICT: 8/10

The End of the World solidifies Doctor Who’s return, proving that it can be funny, thrilling, and deeply moving—all in the same breath. The mix of whimsical aliens, strong character moments, and bold visual storytelling sets the stage for the adventures to come. While some effects show their age, the heart of the episode remains timeless.

This is where the revived series truly finds its soul.

RANDOM OBSERVATIONS:

• How exactly is phoning someone 5 billion years apart from yourself supposed to work?
• I love that Toxic is considered "a traditional ballad" in the future; I'm happy to hear that my childhood crush Britney is still appreciated long after my death!

In terms of excitement, emotions and characters this is another watertight reinvention of Doctor Who. It’s so far in the future, and so widescreen, with so many monsters - but still a connection back to humanity, watching our Earth’s dying days and the “last human”. You get an interdimensional phone call home and Rose quite rightly challenges The Doctor for letting the TARDIS get inside her head - a completely new spin on the Doctor/ companion dynamic. You continue to see the universe afresh through Rose’s eyes.

This second episode looks a lot stronger than Keith Boak’s opening one as well, it looks less rushed, more confident, more expensive. The effects sequences are also (for 2005) state of the art.

Some of the internal logic of the story is what stops it from being a classic. For example, a single button on the controller’s desk that lowers the sun filter, that when pressed the controller seemingly doesn’t know how to reverse. Also, there are deadly fans running across a platform that you need to pass in order to access important controls. Untidy plot points like these make the high stakes drama feel a bit forced in places. But this doesn’t matter because the main takeaway is the human drama.

The growing relationship between Rose and The Doctor is incredibly successful. They are funny together. She is so relatable and he is so alien. They are already an iconic duo.

Following Rose, The End of the World is once again an excellent story, really showcasing what the show can do with modern effects and a half-decent budget. All of the aliens are so fantastical and wonderful but, more importantly, they all look great! The same goes for the set and CGI. The story itself is good, providing some nice character moments with plenty of action.