Turn Left

Brilliant episode, very bleak, and at times chilling... but with great hope!

When I first saw Catherine Tate playing the loud-mouthed bride in one of the Christmas specials, I have to say my expectations were low. I thought an actress known primarily for comedy would negatively affect the mood of 'Doctor Who', and not allow it to reach the intensity of earlier seasons I'm glad to say that I was proved wrong. Tate's Donna Noble has become arguably the most brilliant companion of the Doctor, and whilst this is largely due to great writing, the acting never disappoints. Catherine Tate's dramatic abilities are released on an unprecedented scale in 'Turn Left', as she is the focus of almost every scene in the episode. Beginning with a light-hearted encounter with a fortune teller, Donna Noble is taken on a terrifying journey which is developed around the question, 'What would have happened if the Doctor never met Donna?'. This may sound like a 'filler' episode, but I'd argue that it is one of the greatest episodes to date. A considerable number of familiar faces return in this episode; I won't say which as I'd be ruining the surprise. What I *can* say, though, is that the performances are all highly praiseworthy, including the one given by the hitherto underused Bernard Cribbins. Overall, I rank this episode very highly. It provides the context for the incredibly decisive final few episodes in this season, but satisfies wonderfully in its own right.

In this "Doctor-lite" episode, Donna experiences life as if she'd never met our intrepid Time Lord. Instead, her path crosses with that of one Rose Tyler, ex-companion and resident of an alternative universe.

Billie Piper's performance in this episode is somewhat distracting. I'm not sure if it's down to too much time on the alternative Earth but her lines are delivered in a less than Rose-like manner. This is definitely a more serious Rose than we've seen in the past but I question Piper's delivery in this tale.

Russell T. Davies' script is as clever as always and displays his usual imaginative touches, tying in episodes from the previous years and this season. This is a dark tale and the final reference to the past accompanied by the sound of the cloister bell may well have viewers' hairs standing on the back of their collective necks...

While Russell can't help give away elements of the season's finale wherever possible, the next tale is guaranteed to be full of elements that will echo through future episodes. It's going to be the biggest, busiest end to a season that we've seen so far and the return of some very familiar faces should make it unmissable.

8 out of 10 for this one. The best is yet to come....

I just saw this episode for the first time -- forgive me, I started Doctor Who three months ago, so everything is a new, wild ride for me -- and I was blown away by its sheer genius.

The episode is a classic what if, but it isn't cheesy at all. It's dark and moody and that feel of despair came across so well that I felt empty while watching it. Catherine Tate delivers a flawless performance that had me laughing and crying. But her performance wouldn't have been as good if the story wasn't so excellent.

I am hooked to Doctor Who and I already was even before I started the second season, and throughout season 3 and 4 there were some episodes that had me reveling in the awesomeness and greatness of this show. But Turn Left did it for me. It proved to me not only how timeless Doctor Who is and will forever be, but it also proved to me how important every single person in the Universe is and God, did it make me love Donna even more.

I guess, one of the biggest compliments I can give for this episode is this: if you are doubting if this show is for you, if you want to get anyone in on this show, if you ever need a reminder of what Doctor Who can do; watch Turn Left. It will leave you empty and desperate, yes, but it is so, so, so fantastic! It's brilliant.

Amazing that Doctor Who is aimed at children and families. The show can be very dark at times. And even when the plot line spins widely on a tangent (think end of season 3), the writing is always top notch. The Americans could learn a lot about creating family entertainment from studying this show.

Good, dark, thought-provoking episode, although how Rose made it back to this dimension is never really explained.

Best part of the episode is the trailer for "The Stolen Earth", which will feature everyone from recent Doctor Who mythology, including the Torchwood team, Sara Jane and Martha. Can Brig. Lethbridge-Stewart be far behind?