Journey's End

Well, as the other commenters have made clear, this is an episode you either love or hate! For myself, I quite enjoyed it - yes there are plot holes (when aren't there?), but it was a very satisfactory wrap up to a strong season, tying in plot elements found in stories over the last 4 seasons. Looking at some of the fan forums, it's plain that many people are unhappy with the treatment of Donna, but it was always known that Catherine Tate was only available for one season, so the only question was how she would be written out; many of the detractors seem to view the episode more kindly after another viewing. There was a strong feeling throughout the episode that Russell Davies was tying up all the loose plot lines of his era, and clearing the decks for Steven Moffat's takeover in season 5. I felt some of the multitude of companions in this and the last episode were rather underused - the Torchwood mob were rather useless (what's new? :) ).

This finale took my breath away on every level, the writing, the story and the music was epic. Everyone played a part that was key and the Daleks reached a new level in evilness. This episode had everything highs lows unexpected twists and was so well constructed that the story dragged you kicking and screaming to every level finally ending and allowing you to get your breath back. This was difficult to write without spoilers but I am jealous of everyone who sees this for the first time. In my humble opinion this is quite simply the best doctor Who ever. And I want to add this actually bought a tear to my eye. Brilliant writing Russel T Davies take a bow. Murray Gold you also surpassed yourself. Sir.

What an ending. I'd actually call this the best finale so far, better than even Doomsday. This episode lived up to all its hype - it was epic, but without being difficult to work out; unlike Last of the Time Lords, everything was explained and fitted together perfectly. It was full of twists and turns and dips and ducks, it all keeps you on your toes, keeps you guessing all the way through.

Obivously I can't reveal any plot details here, so I'll keep this short. All of the acting is amazing - Catherine Tate being the star of the show in my opinion, and with good reason.

Russell T Davies has pulled off an amazing swansong here, pulling together his entire Doctor Who universe into this episode - everything is relevant. It's like he's written the entire 4 series to build up to this finale, because it's all brought together so seamlessly. The only consolation in him leaving after this is the excellent Steven Moffat taking his place.

If I was completely honest, I'd say you have to watch the entirety of the revived Doctor Who to understand this episode inside out, but it's so worth it.

Here's looking forward to Christmas and the returning Cybermen.

The Doctor cheats death, he and his immediate companions are rounded up and transported to the Dalek Crucible. Sarah Jane, Jackie and Mickey are transported as prisoners, while Martha is off to Germany to set up the Osterhagen key. The Doctor, Rose and Jack leave the TARDIS to confront their Dalek captors, whilst Donna is locked inside, with something strange happening to her. The TARDIS is sent to be destroyed, Donna inside..... The companions stage a fightback, Martha with the key, Sarah Jane with a warp star, but are all transported to the Crucible. Davros has a secret weapon which cause mass destruction.

So many stories and plots are tied up in this episode, The Doctor Donna, the hand etc. The question Rose was trying to ask at the end of Doomsday.

How random was it hearing German Daleks, though about time i guess, Exterminieren though a Dr Who phrase Germans would have been unfamiliar with, as the word used on the dubbings was vernichten.

The reality bomb is a great concept, the fact that the planets were taken to form an engine to power it, so cleverly put together, the idea is a scary one, everything becoming dust.

A nice flip back to Genesis when Davros recognises Sarah Jane.

Nice touch of humour brought by Jackie, reminding us just how good a character she was.

This episode is highly emotionally charged, Rose finally gets to see her Doctor, Tennant puts in a truly superb performance. I keep harping on about Catherine Tate I know, but she truly is fabulous, great that she gets to play a huge part in this finale. It is a case of pure joy to total desolation. The ending is totally and utterly heartbreaking, never has Doctor Who ever been so moving, still can't watch it without a tear, she's been astounding throughout this incredible Series 4. Love it!! 10/10

I often lament in my reviews of two-part episodes of "Doctor Who" that the opening episodes often write cheques that the second can't cash. Whilst I do again think that "The Stolen Earth" is better than "Journey's End" this is probably as close as we get.

The Doctor (David Tennant) cancels his regeneration by using the power to regenerate his body but channelling the rest into the severed hand on board the Tardis. The Tardis and the rest of the team are transported on board The Crucible, the Dalek command ship. The Dalek's order the destruction of the Tardis, with Donna (Catherine Tate) inside. She comes into contact with the severed hand, with surprising effects. With seemingly everyone captured, Davros (Julian Bleach) plans to set of a reality bomb, one powerful enough to destroy all matter in every universe.

This episode is, in so many ways, the beginning of the end. The last full seasons for David Tennant and Russel T Davies - for now. The end of Donna Noble's time as a companion - for now. It's effectively an end to the story that Davies has been telling for the previous four seasons, with it all culminating in the "gangs all together" style scenes that make up the episode's final few moments.

It's quite clever, particularly in the way that Davros points out that, though he is a teacher of peace, all The Doctors disciples are quick to turn to violence as a way to get out of their situation. Then later the version of himself mixed with human genetics is also quick to exterminate the Daleks - much to the annoyance of the real Doctor.

In an episode full of good performances, it is perhaps not surprising that it's again Bernard Cribbins that manages the most effective performance as Wilf. I'm glad that, despite Donna's story ending, he at least will return.

Probably the best season finale that the show has had and certainly the back half of season four is the best fun of episodes that the show would ever manage.