The Stolen Earth

********SPOILER WARNING********

***If You Haven't Watched It Yet,

DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER!

You Have Been Warned!***

The Stolen Earth is the penultimate episode of this season of Doctor Who and had a lot to live up to. Following last weeks amazing Turn Left, and with information leaked and released to the public about who would be appearing in the episode it certainly was facing an uphill challenge. But, I think that it managed to satisfy on every level, for every type of viewer from die-hard fan to the casual viewer, you couldn't help but be glued to the set (or laptop) with all that was happening for fear of missing some vital piece of information. This explains why I have watched it twice on BBC iPlayer now as well as catching the last half "live" on television.

The episode starred not only David Tennant and Katherine Tate, but also Elisabeth Sladen, Freema Agyeman, Billie Piper, John Barrowman, Bernard Cribbins, Eve Myles, Gareth David-Lloyd, Jacqueline King, Thomas Knight, Adjoa Andoh, Michael Brandon, and even Paul O'Grady (as himself) who Ianto loved, and laughed at hysterically at quite an inappropriate moment (considering the Daleks were invading!). The story combined the forces of the parent show with that of it's "children" Torchwood and the Sarah Jane Adventures, quite aptly as the Doctor's companions and close allies were referred to as the "Children of Time" throughout the episode.

I was initially disappointed with the reactions of both Sarah-Jane and Cap'n Jack upon hearing "Exterminate", both just gave up. Jack even said to Ianto and Gwen, "I'm sorry we're dead!" I've never known the characters to be so defeatist! But I guess it was a good tool to inform those viewers not in the know, the depth of the danger that the Earth was facing.

We had our first view of the Supreme (Red) Dalek, though it's origin is still shrouded in mystery, and also our first view of the Shadow Proclamation, and, at last a description of exactly what it is: an outer-space police force, whose soldiers are the Judoon (surprisingly popular since their first appearance in Smith & Jones).

Now throughout the series we have hear about several planets (planetoids) that have gone missing, but in this episode we have an explanation of why and where they were taken. Pyrovilia, Adipose III, the Lost Moon of Poosh and others were transported by the Daleks to the Medusa Cascade (also constantly mentioned this series) and put one-second out of synch with time to hide them. They were used as a sort of space engine or circuit board by the Daleks, for as-yet unrevealed purposes.

Davros was revealed, as was a returning Dalek Caan, who is now completely insane but, apparently, only speaks the truth. This is worrying as during the episode he has predicted "Death is coming. I can see it! Everlasting death for the most faithful companion!" Who would that be? Who was the most faithful companion? There have been bad portents for Donna throughout the series, including another from one of the members [servants?] of the Shadow Proclamation who says, "Sorry for your loss." "The loss yet to come", but I would not necessarily call her the most faithful companion. I personally think this has to be Rose, who gave up all for the Doctor; her job, her relationship, her family and even her home reality!

Caan also referred to the Doctor as the "Three-fold man" and "the Dark Lord", but we have no explanation yet. Surely he should be the ten-fold man?

We finally have an explanation for the mysterious disappearance of the bees. Apparently some of the bees are actually aliens from the planet Melissa Majoria and have returned home. Should have guessed that one!

There were brilliant FX throughout, with shots of the spaceships, the Daleks and explosions all around.

I still love Wilf, he has to be my favourite character of the series. His idea of blinding the Daleks with his paint-ball gun was brilliant, if flawed. Next thing you know he'll be putting coats over their heads and blankets under their wheels!!

When Rose saves him and Sylvia from death-by-Dalek with her BIG gun, he wittily asks her "Do yo want to swap?" Brilliant.

Enter Harreit Jones, no relation of Martha (that we know of) and her funny, yet repetitive self-introductions. "I'm Harriet Jones - Former Prime Minister" while holding up her I.D. "Yes, I (we) know who you are!" say Cap'n Jack, Martha and the Daleks (all at different times). Funny.

Rose is unfortunately left out of the "Space Facebook" conversation between Harriet Jones, Torchwod, Sarah-Jane and Luke, and Martha and Mrs Jones! All because Wilf has no web cam, "She [Sylvia] wouldn't let me. Said they're naughty!"

Jack stays true to form and flirts with Sarah-Jane, despite her initial hostility at their use of guns. "Not now Captain" orders Harriet Jones. Does everyone know of his reputation?

Harriet's new toy, the Sub-wave Network is funded by the Mr Copper Foundation. That rang a bell, but I couldn't think where from. Then I found out, and was so please to find it was the old tour-guide (Clive Swift) from Voyage of the Damned who was left on Earth with a credit card hosting unlimited credit! I said at the time that we wouldn't have seen the last of him. I love being right!

AND, I wonder how many people tried to dial the telephone number displayed as the mobile number for the Doctor on the program? Just in case you missed it:

07700 900461

Davros seemed happy that the Doctor was on his way to Earth. He needs him for something, but we do not know what yet. Was Harriet in on the plan to lure the Doctor in? She does have a grudge against him for his role in deposing her from power! Does she now possess some other resources (powers?) that we don't know about yet? She developed the Sub-wave Network, how? Does she have, say Time Lord knowledge from somewhere? Could there be a ring of truth in that maybe? She is virulently opposed to the use of the Osterhagen [spelling] Key (whatever it is), so maybe it is what is needed to defeat the ultimate, and as yet unrevealed final plan.

Ianto shows two major emotions during this episode: jealousy and courage. Jealousy twice. First when Jack reveals that he heard about the "secret" Project: Indigo from a soldier in a bar. And secondly when the Doctor finally appears on the "Space Facebook" web chat, and Gwen comments that "He's a bit nice! I thought he'd be older!" Ianto retorts, "He's not that young!" obviously worried about Jack's fascination with the Doctor, whom Jack has already abandoned them once for, and does again in this episode. His courage shows through when, despite visibly shaking with fear at times, he stands side-by-side with Gwen to face the Daleks face-to-face as they invade the Torchwood hq.

Donna also seems intrigued by the "handsome" Jack. "Who's he" she enquires pointing at the screen. The Doctor answers, "Captain Jack. DON'T!"

The major shock comes right at the end, when the Doctor sideswiped by a blast from a Dalek and his injuries for his regeneration to begin, just as he is about to be reunited with Rose! A new Doctor, there has been nothing said about a new Doctor! Well, not yet anyway!

The program ends just as the Doctor enters a regeneration stance with energy pouring out of his hands and head. And we get the absolutely annoying and unnecessary caption: "TO BE CONTINUED!" Really? I never would have guessed!

Okay, sorry for the [again] long-winded summary of the episode but there was just so much in it. Comedy, tragedy, excitement, revelations, more questions, long-forgotten story links, and brilliant performances from all.

What questions were answered?

Where the bees have gone.

Where the planets disappeared to.

Who the Shadow Proclamation are.

Are Tosh and Owen, of Torchwood, still dead. Yes!

What Mr Copper did with his card with unlimited credit.

What questions remain?

How is Rose teleporting and communicating across the reality "border"?

What is Davros' ultimate aim?

Is Davros the actual MASTERmind of this unknown plan?

What will happen to Donna?

What IS Donna? She is "something new" apparently.

Which of the companions will die?

What will the Shadow Proclamation do to the Doctor for disobeying orders?

Can UNIT recover from their defeat?

What exactly is the Osterhagen Key?

What else has the Mr Copper Foundation funded?

Why would Davros want to destroy reality itself?

Why are all the stars going out? We still do not know!

Why are there so many characters called "Smith" and "Jones" in Dr Who?

What do we have to look forward to?

The return of Jackie Tyler and Mickey Smith, who are captured by the Daleks for "testing," as revealed in a clip shown on BBC's Blue Peter.

The death of a major character.

Lots of humour, despite the dire circumstances.

The result of the Doctor's "regeneration." It can't be a real regeneration as David Tennant is still in the upcoming specials for Christmas and next year!

A finale that promises to be FU***NG AMAZING!

And probably a few surprises along the way.

I really can't wait. I want to see it now. I will probably even watch The Stolen Earth again before Saturday comes.

I love this picture so much, but I do wish that they were ALL in it (Gwen, Ianto, Luke, Mrs Jones, Wilf, Sylvia).