42

It is a horrible shame that this episode is not like by more people. It is brilliant. It has the feel of classic sci-fi with a beautiful mix of horror and humor that perfectly fits doctor who.

The only real problem with this episode is it is a remake. It feels exactly like the impossible planet/Satan pit episodes, but is better. Whereas those episodes had a cop out ending, "42" has a satisfying suspenseful close. It is an example of an odd DW phenomenon. This episode would have sucked in any other season but, like "gridlock", because it is in season three it somehow managed to be brilliant. This can be seen throughout season three.

Grade A doctor who

Moments after the Doctor gives Martha an intergalactic call anywhere mobile phone (I'd hope with no roaming), the TARDIS ends up on a space shuttle that only has 42 minutes (a slight play on the hit series "24")before it crashes into the sun. Of course they become separated from the TARDIS, to make matters worse a mysterious entity is possessing members of the crew. For a filler episode, this one's fairly good and moves at a good pace. It's thrilling enough and I must admit I had fun with it, but the real meat of this 29th series won't start in earnest until the next episode.

My Grade: B-

The main problem with this one is its similarities to The Impossible Planet & The Satan Pit. But I did still like the story and I am really enjoying the premise of new Doctor Who, who seems to be having a story that is too scary for children at least once a season with season 1 as The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances and season 2 with the Impossible Planet/Satan Pit and now this. Not as good because of the similarities but still good enough

42 comes with the headline that it's a radical story in that it's produced as an episode set in real time but carefully watching the story it becomes obvious that it's not actually set in real time at all . In many ways 42 is one of the most traditional stories the show has produced

The plot revolves around a bunch of humans in the far future who are under attack from an unknown force and of possession . This type of adventure is very similar to what we - fans of the classic show - are used to and something we'd seen as far back as the Troughton era in the mid 1960s , a time when the parents of NU-Who fans weren't probably born . There's also a plot device of the humans using a new type of fuel which instantly reminds classic fans of the 1975 tale Planet Of Evil . A radical episode ? Don't think so !

There is one or two elements where the episode differs from the classic series . One is the heavy use of character interaction of a husband and wife , another is a somewhat nasty method of the villain dispatching its victims . When I say " nasty " I tend to mean in that in a cynical way . Compare this to The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit which isn't all that different but that was a very memorable story where as 42 isn't , though it is a relatively entertaining runaround

It's also an episode which is supposedly intriguing as to who is Mr Saxon ? this seasons running theme . Unfortunately after the Bad Wolf running theme from season one and the Torchwood theme from season two I'm starting to get fed up with running theme seasons since they usually end up as a damp squib . This season's finale had better be something special !

As soon as Graeme Harper's name came up on the opening titles, I knew this episode was going to be a treat. I wasn't wrong - "42" is a return to classic "Doctor Who". Harper's always had the magic touch - previous stories have included "The Caves of Androzani" and "Revelation of the Daleks" and he's known as the longest-serving crew member on Doctor Who! His tales are normally deadly serious affairs with only elements of macabre humour thrown in to lighten the mood.

"42" is set on a dark and dismal spaceship, not far from a burning sun. There are just 42 minutes before the ship is burned to ashes in the sun's surface. A simple premise? To spice things up in this real-time adventure, there's strange activity involving "possessed" crew members. Cue lots of scary scenes - this is a return to the delights of "The Impossible Planet" and an "Event Horizon" for all the family to enjoy.

Harper creates genuine suspense in this episode. There are moments when there's real danger for The Doctor and Martha, particularly when Martha decides to use an escape pod for temporary safety.

Excellent entertainment with a few genuine surprises. This series has been consistently well-written and delivered so far. The last stories have been less silly than we've come to expect in the past and I've really enjoyed the darker vibe. As the new audience matures, so does this show.

9 out of 10. Definitely one that will be remembered as a future classic.