N.B. there might (or might not) be spoilers in this article!

After grounding Doctor Who in the 21st century with its earthbound opener, the show takes to the stars for its second episode — or at least to just above Earth. It’s a chance to show off how well new Who can “do” aliens, for as Simon Pegg states, in this episode’s accompanying Doctor Who Confidential, ‘no-one does aliens quite like Doctor Who‘. Indeed, as the episode progresses we even get to see the Doctor flirt with a tree.

“Welcome to the end of the world.”

Doctor, The End of the World

One of the most impressive aspects of The End of the World is Rose’s reaction to it all. Unlike many previous companions (although not all – I remember Jo in Colony in Space being a little reluctant even to step out of the TARDIS on her first trip) she’s initially overwhelmed by her visit to Platform One, especially when she realises she’s ‘just sort of hitched a lift’ with a complete stranger.

Even better is her annoyance with the Doctor for not telling her the TARDIS is inside her brain, changing her mind, translating everything into English for her. We’ve not had that reaction before (as far as I can recall).

Still, the Doctor makes it up to Rose with a bit of technical jiggery pokery that enables her to call her Mum.

Interestingly, for Jackie that phone call must take place for before the events of Rose because she asks Rose to put a pound in the lottery syndicate for her. I wonder if Rose was confused later that day when Jackie asked her about it. Either that or it’s the day of the explosion at Henriks by which time thoughts of Wilson’s lottery syndicate would’ve been pushed to the back of everyone’s mind!

“Everything has its time and everything dies.”

Doctor, The End of the World

But perhaps the most memorable moment for me, both when I first watched this and even to this day, was the Doctor’s tear when Jabe expresses her sorrow for what has happened to him.

It’s a single tear, but it’s a powerful moment, the reason for which become a little clearer later when the Doctor explains to Rose that there was a war and he is now the last of the Time Lords. (That’ll never last!)

As with Rose, this episode fair zips along. It has some sharp dialogue, funky pop music and neat design. Christopher Eccleston seems to have settled into the role nicely and even its effects hold up pretty well. But what, I wonder, is the ‘Bad Wolf scenario’?