The empty child / The Doctor dances (2005)

About this episode

This two-parter was first broadcast on May 21-28, 2005. It was written by Steven Moffat and directed by James Hawes. The showrunner was Russell T Davies.

Plot summary

In the middle of the London Blitz, the Doctor and Rose fight for the survival of humanity.

Review

This two-parter is another highlight of series one. The good stuff:

• The quality of the writing. We get the Blitz in 1941 London, a dashing intergalactic con man, an alien vessel and an army of spooky children, and in the end it all fits together like clockwork. There's also great dialogue and a satisfying happy ending.
• The visuals. The direction, the lighting, the effects, the period detail - they're all outstanding.
• The acting. Everyone is just terrific in this.

And well, that's it, really.

The bottom line

Fantastic.

Related reviews

• Brilliant!
• The ninth Doctor
• Genre benders and history twisters
• Original version of this review