A little bit belated...
I did quite like this episode. It was a good way to end the series, put it that way. And it was the first time this series that I've needed a cushion (to cuddle when it got sad, not to hide behind, but still
).
It was a very sad episode, and I definately got teared up a couple of times - when Jack was exterminated, when the Doctor's hologram was telling Rose why he was sending her back to earth. But my favourite scene has to be at the end, when the Doctor was explaining to Rose that he would be 'different'.
"You were fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. And d'you know what? So was I!"
As far as last lines go, those are right up at the top of the list. And Chris Eccleston's delivery during that scene was perfect.
However, I have to admit, I was a little disappointed by the regeneration. Maybe because it wasn't a surprise. Maybe because he didn't even die, as such, he just... turned shiny. I think it would have had a bigger impact if Rose had actually thought he was dead for a few seconds before he regenerated.
I'm undecided about David Tennant. I still think he's too young, and too pretty. And he has strangely pointy teeth. But I guess I shouldn't condemn him until we've seen some more of his acting.
And now, a couple of things that really bugged me about this episode.
1 - they abandoned Jack. And with no explanation or anything. Ok, Rose was slightly unconcious at the time, but the Doctor just pops them both in the Tardis and takes off, without a single thought for Jack, on his own in a strange time and place. And the look on Jack's face, when he saw them leaving, was heartbreaking. That is just inexcusable.
2 - the kiss between the Doctor and Rose. Now I'm willing to accept that a kiss was needed to transfer the energy - it's been done before, fair enough. But it was way overdone. The kiss between Jack and the Doctor was cute. But the kiss with Rose... they tried to make it too romantic, and it just didn't work, IMO. First of all, the 'swelling music' in the background. And the dialogue, beforehand?
Rose: My head... it's killing me.
Doctor: I think you need a doctor.
Oh, please. Before that, the scene was incredibly sad. Then, with one cheesy piece of dialogue, the whole mood is ruined. There was just no need.
So, ok, it had a few bad points. But the good stuff far out-weighed the bad stuff.
Chris Eccleston, you
were the Doctor, and you will be missed. David Tennant has a lot to live up to.