The Sound of Drums

First of all I'll say whoopey doo, a finale that doesn't feature the daleks, this tried to do something very different. The tenuous link from Utopia to Cardiff begins, and we learn of Saxon's rise into Blair-esque Prime Minister and the reveal of his plan to end the world. All seems lost, and all eyes are on Martha to save the world.

John Simm's performance is boundless, his energy and pizazz are phenomenal. He brings the script to life, and even at this early stage I want more of him. He steals the show.

The tapping and drumming asks a lot of questions, it's cleverly realised, the concept of the phone network is a good one too.

The brief appearance of Nicola McAuliffe was fun, and I can't answer why but I'm really drawn to Lucy Saxon.

I like that we get an insight into the Doctor's youth, finally we see some of Gallifrey, we see Time Lords, and we get to see a young Master, at last!!

I kept wondering about Utopia, were the humans left to be destroyed by the Future kind, and the resolution is a nasty one. Not too sure about the Toclafane though.

Martha's family story continues and starts to be revealed, they are still annoying and i'm still missing Jackie, but at least they're given more then just bickering.

Finally the question i'd asked about Torchwood's link from Who and from the show is answered.

It's very good, pieces of the jigsaw from the series are coming together, a few little flaws stop it from being brilliant, the Toclafane, little irritations with the script, but it's big and bold, the use of The Rogue Traders Voodoo Child is so fitting, it fits John Simm's Master so well.

8/10

"Oh, look! It's the freak & the girly, though I'm not sure which one's which." - Russell T Davies made John Simm's Master SO iconic & quotable.

To be quite honest, "The Sound of Drums" somehow feels like a trial run for Torchwood: Children of Earth; a political thriller with a dark sci-fi twist.

Not exactly subtle either but momentous fun all the same.

The story is continuous, no slow build up, there is always something happening. Really enjoyed the music that was use throughout the entire episode, then here come the drums later was also use brilliantly. Was good to hear the Cloister Bell being used, a a trip down memory lane to the Doctor Who of old (might have been a good idea to explain it again for the younger viewers who never saw original classic Who but i suppose their plates were already full). Finally of course we have The Masters final words at the end of the episode, icing on the cake

Lke Jack Nicholson/Heath Ledger in Batman, John Simm totally was the star. He made David Tennant look like Colin Baker in the Dr Who stakes. Every bit of screen time he had, was classic. It's always more fun to play baddies and he needs to come back to this show ASAP. The Master has always been the No1 Dr Who baddie- period. However compared to John Simms, The previous actors come off as Dick Darstidly gone wrong! I have worn out my VHS seeing his scenes. Don't forget the Scissor Sisters Scenes- very funny and when regenerates- pure quality. Even when he dies, he refuses defeat. Please resurrect his character, as you need a flamboyant pyschopath with a taste for camp retro themed disco music on Saturday Evening TV!!!!!!!!!!

I have watched Doctor Who beginning in the 70's. I always loved the Master and was worried how they would bring him back. But, my apprehensions were put to rest with this episode. This Doctor Who series (all 3 of them) have been updated for a new audience. I had watched John Simm in "Life on Mars" and was a little tentative of his being cast as the Master. Stupid me - he is FANTASTIC! Finally a match for the Doctor of this series - witty, cocky ... and his opposite - totally lacking in sympathy & insane. Oh, and I got the pleasure of seeing the US President being disintegrated - just what the present incumbent, George Dubbya, deserves for what he has wrought on this earth. This is my favourite episode of the new incarnation of Doctor Who. Absolutely fabulous!!