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!