Doctor Who (TV Series) Journey's End (2008) User Reviews

Tissues at the ready

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 29 August 2015]

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

A Metacrisis Extraordinaire...

[Xstal · 10/10 · 9 December 2021]

Enough to tear a TARDIS apart, Z-Neutrinos at the Crucible's heart, so many will die, Davros riding high, a psychopath driving a cart.

They've gathered to save us again, Rose and Micky, Captain Jack, Sarah Jane, Doctor Donna's there too, so expect a small coup, consequences are hard to restrain.

A great season finale and one of the best episodes of all time.

The best finale in Doctor Who history!

[whovian-49939 · 10/10 · 16 March 2020]

Nothing gets better than this... this series finale is the prefect end to perfect series 4, which is the best series of Doctor Who, not a single episode in series 4 is weak, all 13 episodes are amazing, it's the only series where I can confidently say that I enjoyed from beginning to end. It's been over a decade and Doctor Who will never top series 4. Not ever.

Emotional Journey

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 10/10 · 26 March 2019]

The Stolen Earth / Journey's End

This is a thrilling 2-part story as the Earth is plunged into peril with the Doctor's friends banding together to help try to help. The Daleks are revealed as being behind the terrible events and their creator Davros is back leading them.

The exciting tension, menace and action in these episodes is terrific and the arrival of the daleks and reveal of Davros returning in the first part really were heart thumpingly good. The friends of the doctor teaming up was also exciting and joyous. The storyline manages to make the events really feel threatening and scary and the cliffhanger was incredibly surprising and suspenseful.

Getting the Doctor's greatest ever companion (imo) Sarah Jane Smith (the joyous Lis Sladen) back was wonderful and we also get Donna and Wilf who had been amazing in this series becoming my favourite 'NuWho' companions. Truly wonderful characters. Rose, Captain Jack and Martha are also fantastic and the fabulous Penelope Wilton as Harriet Jones redeems her great character which is very pleasing.

This is filled with danger and big epic entertainment but it also has some dark, thoughtful and interesting themes threaded through it and excellent dialogue bringing emotional drama.

The story also is technically exceptional with great effects and superb make up for Davros. Julian Bleach is mesmerisingly good as Davros emulating the tremendous classic versions like Michael Wisher and Terry Molloy. Bleach exhibits flawless acting in creepy, intelligent face offs with the Doctor.

This electrifying finale is the 4th in a row of the phenomenal final 6 episodes of Series 4 to be written by Russell T. Davies. He brings his final full series as Showrunner to a wonderful conclusion and proves his top class writing ability.

The superb Graeme Harper directs as expertly as always and the effects and make up are top notch.

The Daleks and Davros are properly menacing and exciting in this story with neither overshadowing the other which is great. The moment Davros remembers Sarah Jane is magic.

The storyline is epic to the point of being, perhaps, nearly over the top in a way. It is quite challenging at times as so much is jammed in and so many big ideas are thrown at us. What stops it from losing its top quality for me is that it is all internally logical as well as hugely entertaining. It never becomes silly or illogical.

The heartbreaking conclusion with Donna was hard to accept for me. It is gutting. But I see it as a huge credit to Davies and the story he has given us because, unlike Steven Moffatt who repeatedly reversed and cheated his way out of sad events, Davies hammers us with a fate for Donna which is almost more hurtful than if she had died. It is hugely emotional and the acting of Catherine Tate, Bernard Cribbins and David Tennant is phenomenal throughout the story as well as in the tear jerking ending. So it actually adds to the quality because it is such a tough ending. I won't mind if Donna's memory is finally restored many years later because that won't reduce the hard-hitting result of this story with its long lasting sad outcome.

The action, drama and every aspect of this is just great entertainment.

My Rating for both episodes: 10/10.

Series 4 managed to be even better than the already excellent levels of series 2 and 3.

The level of consistently high quality is incredible with amazing 10/10 episodes like Silence in the Library, Forest of the Dead, Midnight, Turn Left and The Stolen Earth/Journey's End supported by consistent quality throughout the rest of the season. Nothing gets lower than an 8/10 from me! Only the top 5 seasons of Classic Who can edge ahead of this phenomenal standard across a whole season.

Donna was a major plus as a companion who is a friend without any romantic interest and is adept at comedy and drama. David Tennant was at his peak too and their chemistry is tremendous.

This is in my opinion the best season of the modern 'regenerated' show and in the top 6 seasons of the show ever.

Series 4 Average Rating: 9.14/10.

A perfect end to a great series

[lemmingology · 10/10 · 5 July 2008]

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.

Now this is how to end a season!

[ShadeGrenade · 10/10 · 30 June 2011]

In the summer of 2008, something incredible happened. Something I never thought remotely possible before, and which I doubt whether we will ever see again. 'Dr.Who' became the most popular programme on British television! The final episode of Season 4 was watched by 10.57 million viewers, overtaking 'Coronation Street' and 'Eastenders'. For those of us who recall the '80's when it was considered so unimportant it barely received coverage in 'The Radio Times', it was a shattering bit of news.

'Journey's End' continued the storyline begun in 'The Stolen Earth'. The Daleks have spirited our world ( along with many others ) across the universe, and invaded in force. With the Doctor out of the action, it is left to his plucky ex-companions, such as Captain Jack ( John Barrowman ), Sarah Jane Smith ( Elisabeth Sladen ) and Martha Jones ( Freema Agyeman ), to band together to fight the menace. It ended on a stunning cliffhanger as Rose ( Billie Piper ) and the Doctor's reunion was interrupted by a gun-blast from a lone Dalek. A regeneration commenced in the Tardis. What made this scene shocking was the fact that David Tennant had not announced his resignation from the show ( he would do so later that year ). Media speculation about its future exploded. As 'Journey's End' commenced, it became apparent that the whole thing was a cunning bluff - the Doctor was able to heal his injuries without necessitating a regeneration.

The story that followed was in the same vein as 'The Daleks' Master Plan' from 1965. Instead of a Time Destructor, the Daleks now have a Reality Bomb. Much running, shooting, and blowing up ensues, followed by a lengthy climax as the Doctor says farewell before flying off on his own. Catherine Tate's 'Donna' was written out, and how sorry was I to see her go. She made that role her own. Steven Moffat's 'A Good Man Goes To War' tried to go down this road, but failed dismally. He threw in every idea he could think of, but to no avail - the story was over-complicated, and it was impossible to care about anyone. Davies, on the other hand, constructed an entertaining, thrilling epic adventure with a genuinely emotional climax. And we get two David Tennants for the price of one!

'End' features my favourite television moment of the Noughties - the Tardis towing the Earth back to its rightful position in space. Backed up by stirring Murray Gold music, it conjures up everything that was good about the Davies era of 'Dr.Who'. And since Lis Sladen died its acquired a poignancy it lacked on its first broadcast. I was genuinely surprised at the wailing and gnashing of teeth from so-called 'fans'. What a charmless and emotionally stunted group of people they are. It was the perfect ending to a perfect episode, and we have not had many of those recently.

One you either love or hate

[arwel · 9/10 · 6 July 2008]

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? :) ).

Wilfred steals the show

[MrFilmAndTelevisionShow · 9/10 · 3 April 2021]

That last scene with Grandad Wilf and his promise to the Doctor definitely inspired the feels feeling goosebumps in me. This was a great episode to end the two parter on and I cannot recommend it enough.

One Journey's Come To A Poper End.

[timdalton007 · 10/10 · 2 August 2008]

When series four of Doctor Who started airing here in the U.S. I had expectations from the early episodes that this was going to be a bad season. But as the series went on things got better and better and by the time Turn Left aired my expectations were raised once again. Now the end has come for this series and I'll say this: it was brilliant! The resolving of the cliffhanger from The Stolen Earth felt a bit like a cheat to begin with but as the episode went on, it became apparent this wasn't a simple cheat. Instead Russel T. Davis showed a bit of brilliance that brought a series worth of foreshadowing together in one of the new series most amazing moments.It also gives the series two leads a chance to show off their skills once more.

David Tennant gives what might well be one of his best performances as the Doctor. It might not be on par with his brilliant performance in Human Nature / Family of Blood but like that two part story, Tennant gets to show a different side of his Doctor in a way not previously seen in the series and it makes the resolving of the cliffhanger all the more better. Outside of just that, Tennant brings his considerable skills to bare and goes through the full range of his abilities in this episode making it one of his best.

Then there is Catherine Tate as Donna. I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying that is most certainly Tate's final appearance in Doctor Who and as being such it is one of her best. Tate brings together all aspects of Donna's character from the unassuming temp to the amazed companion to her considerable comedic skill to pull of one of the best companion exits of the series. It seems a shame that we are all ready saying good bye to her so soon. Donna Noble...we hardly knew you.

The only real let down of the episode is its under use of supporting cast. With so much attention focused on the leads, characters such as the group from Torchwood and the Sarah Jane Adventures virtually make cameos in this episode. That said there are some terrific moments for Matha Jones, Captain Jack, Sarah Jane, Jackie Tyler, and Mickey Smith. The real stand-outs of the returning cast is of course Billie Piper as Rose Tyler and Julian Bleacha s Davros. While both seemed to be overshadowed in much of the episode, in the end both get plenty of time on screen with Bleach giving an excellent continuation of the Davros character. Piper brings Rose back to the forefront in the her final scene which finally resolves many of the loose threads of the previous series and brings the arc of the character of Rose to a grand conclusion.

Russel T. Davis' writing is (as ever) the highlight of this episode. For the first time really since The Parting Of The Ways at the end of series one he finds just the right mix between the epic and the personal. On the epic side we get what could well be the end of everything to what seems to be hundreds or thousands or millions of Daleks and their ships in the most amazing CGI display the show has ever produced. Yet it is the personal side of the story that makes all of that so incredible. From Davros speech to the Doctor to the final scenes with both Rose and Donna, Davis shows once gain his ability to pin the incredible in the most basic of human emotions: fear and love. This would appear to be Russel T. Davis final Doctor Who script and if it is, it is one of his best.

Both the actors and script are backed up by excellent work behind the camera. It starts with the excellent CGI but its mostly up to the ever brilliant direction and pacing of the episode's director Graeme Harper. Harper once again brings his energy and love of action to Doctor Who yet allows the personal moments to take center stage when they need too. There is also of course the brilliant Dalek voices of Nicholas Briggs. Briggs plays the full range of Daleks from the minions to the Dalek Supereme to what is left of Dalek Caan. Murray Gold also supplies some excellent music for this episode that feels both epic and personal all at once. Well done everyone.

Despite the flaw of underusing some of the supporting cast, Journey's End is what could be called Doctor Who at its best. From excellent performances to one of Russel T. Davis best scripts to brilliant work behind the camera, Journey's End lives up to it's name. While tying up loose ends it all proves to be thoughtful and entertaining all at once. This is an ending but also a new beginning for the revived show and like so many other's I'm awaiting what happens next. Whiel time will tell what happens next one thing's for certain: one Journey's come to a proper End.

wow

[Jemae · 8/10 · 30 December 2018]

One of the most emotional episodes of doctor who, I've ever seen.

donna becoming the doctor donna was great!!, having 2 doctors was fun. but ur was so sad when he showed her mind, in her minds she was still a nobody. and never got to know in the end just how important she was. donna was the doctors mate and I loved her for that because the previous two companions were annoying because they were in love with the doctor.

the scenes with Donna's grandfather were amazing, the chemistry between the two was great. its easily one of the saddest episodes.

A thoroughly satisfying conclusion to this season

[DVD_Connoisseur · 10/10 · 5 July 2008]

"Journey's End" is a marvellously satisfying finale to this latest season. Russell T. Davies pulls out all the stops to tie up the loose ends and unfinished business from previous seasons in a manner that should please the majority of fans. Dramatic, moving and humorous, this story contains all that is special about the "new" series.

While Davros is somewhat underused in this tale, it remains a terrifically faithful return of this old nemesis and we see his most ambitious plans to-date unfold.

This longer-than-usual installment is a joy from beginning to end. A taste of the Christmas special will keep viewers counting the days 'til the 25th December when we will be reacquainted with another old enemy.

10 out of 10. Splendid.

Popular Doesn't Always Equal Good

[Theo Robertson · 6/10 · 26 April 2009]

The previous episode The Stolen Earth was a legend in itself , an episode that contained the greatest cliffhanger in the programme's 45 year history Not only that but it was number two in that week's TV charts . Would Journey's End deliver the goods and top the TV charts for that week ? It did . Did it deliver the goods though ? Probably not

It would be impossible to think we'd be seeing a new doctor at the helm of the Tardis because the show is so popular the BBC would never be able to keep a lid on it . Indeed watching The Stolen Earth again it's fairly obvious how the Doctor was going save his present incarnation and I don't believe for a second that Russell T Davies ever envisaged that the Doctor's hand would ever play a prominent role when he wrote The Christmas Invasion except for a vague inkling that he'd be able to use it as a cop out ending one day . He also had a cop out with his " One of the companions will die " spiel . Wasn't Rose supposed to die at the end of season two ? Yes she did but not dead in the sense you or I would understand

Much of the failings of this episode are entirely down to the pen of RTD . The writing is overblown , cluttered and underdeveloped but I imagine that's only to be expected since it straddles four seasons of Nu-Who and the two spin off shows . The episode is a hideous example of incestuous cannibalism with references everywhere , so much so that it's impossible to make head nor tail of it half of the time and when you do there's often a big plot hole there somewhere . Let's see now , The Osterhagen Key will blow up planet Earth if the world is stolen and used as part of a reality bomb ? It might make sense if you honestly believe that the Earth can be stolen but not even in a fantasy series like DOCTOR WHO does this seem credible . Even if it were why couldn't the Daleks and Davros have used another planet ? Why did it have to be the Earth ?

The irritating thing about all this is that the episode can be fairly good when it tries to be . Davros taunting the Doctor while we have flashbacks to people sacrificing their lives to save the Doctor do have an impact to them . Likewise the flashbacks of Donna but these strengths are often undermined by the nonsense that surrounds them . If we're going to see ten minutes of a manipulative character scene then why not go the whole hog and kill off that character ? Probably because RTD wants to leave the door open to that character returning at a later date no doubt . I really do fear that Tennant's final story will be the biggest fan obsessed continuity ridden mess that it is possible to make

Journey'sEnd has been typical of end of season stories from the pen of RTD butonly Bad Wolf/Parting Of The Ways can be described as being dramatic .In fact I would go as far as saying that story was one of the greatest pieces of television drama ever written so obviously Russell T Davies can come up with the goods when he tries . Unfortunately coming up with the goods is a rare occurrence from his pen and I'll be glad when he leaves the show . He does deserve great credit for being a populist though and it'll be interesting to see how well the show fares under a combination of Matt Smith in the title role and Steven Moffat as producer

A Good Run... Until the Finale

[IokFromTheCrypt · 1/10 · 15 July 2008]

It's truly a shame that Russell T. Davies' final "proper" Doctor Who episode had to be this mess. RTD has worked wonders in transforming the show for the 21st Century, making it current, heartfelt, emotionally engaging and incredibly popular. But "Journey's End" is possibly one of the worst episodes of TV ever and is a discredit to RTD's writing, the characters and the fans.

There's no denying RTD can write. Look at the finales to the previous seasons. The Ninth Doctor's "no" speech, his heartfelt goodbye to Rose, the Tenth Doctor and Rose at the end of "Doomsday..." He sure knows how to hit the viewer hard and lay on the emotion.

But "Journey's End" was an incredibly flawed, flat effort. Yet again RTD writes himself into corners he can't possibly escape from without resorting to reset buttons or cheap get-outs. He throws in too many ideas, too many characters and too many set-pieces but doesn't give any time or effort to expanding them beyond being the most functional of scenes with characters that don't engage with each other and simply make announcements to move the plot ahead.

It's just a very badly written mess.

And worst of all, the season's end is unsatisfying, leaving a bitter taste in an episode even RTD himself said he wasn't sure about. Fans of the Rose-Doctor relationship are cheated. Fans of Catherine Tate's Donna are left angry at the treatment of the character in a resolution that's not sad or tragic - it's just pointlessly cruel, as if RTD is giving two-fingers at the fans. Fans of Torchwood and the Sarah Jane Adventures get a few cameo nods, but again, it's all somehow empty.

The worst part of the whole thing though is that with just a few minor re-writes, "Journey's End" could have been the epic it should have been. Yes, it's easy to criticise and say "I could have done better" but in this case it's also true.

Even the media has - for the first time - responded in a less-than-positive manner, with some rather mixed reviews of the episode, leading - presumably - to RTD's outbursts about critical fans being "mosquitos." But he misses the point: he's being criticised because we love the show and see his heart is in the right place. He's just wide of the mark with his writing and that's the biggest tragedy of all.

So near, and yet so far...

All one's journey...comes to the end...in full circle.

[lordzavulon666 · 10/10 · 7 July 2008]

The most EXCELLENT, SATISFYING, ALL HOLDS-BAR FINALE EVER....

Throughout the four GREAT seasons of the revived DOCTOR WHO, we've seen and journeyed with the Doctor and his companions who came and went. We've seen horrors, joys, sadness, and rebirths of many worlds, universes, and lives.

But in the end, what's next...? Russell T. Davies has finally brought his massive epic-scope of Doctor Who to full circle from the BAD WOLF warning throughout time and space, the MEDUSA CASCADE, The DALEKS, Companions of old and new, and most of all...Donna Noble's journey.

SEASON 4 FINALE TRILOGY has resurrected THE DALEKS, brought to this time by recurring Dalek enemy, DALEK CAAN, last of the CULT OF SKARO. But they are not alone. DAVROS, the creator of the Daleks and the Doctor's most evil nemesis, has returned, bringing with him the most sadistic and destructive epic-plot ever...THE END OF REALITY!!!! And now, The Doctor and Donna, along with Rose, the return of her mother JACKIE TYLER and MICKEY SMITH, former companions MARTHA JONES, JACK HARKNESS, and SARAH JANE SMITH (a welcome return), must band together to stop the Daleks, defeat Davros and return all the missing planets, including Earth back to their original galaxies.

But in the end...a tragic, bitter, and heart-felt goodbye from the Doctor's most faithful companion, will stain him forever....but as he always says...TIME GOES ON.

I wanted to acknowledge that last line because the stories are so rich, epic, and action-packed, yet in the end, its the dramatic emotional part of the show that takes the audiences in the heart. Russell T. Davies has FINALLY given us his farewell all into this MOST EXCELLENT FINALE CHAPTER in the SERIES 4 FINALE saga. Everything he's done throughout his four-year term as Doctor Who Head Writer has come full circle and there's no turning back.

The swelling bombastic epic score by MURRAY GOLD, bringing all his previous music and the great PLANET OF THE OOD finale rendition back is all so ENDURING, EXCITING, EMOTIONAL and EXCELLENT, worthy of this finale. He makes this look like Lord of the Rings in Time and Space...but for the TV screens.

Director GRAEME HARPER has FINALLY EXCELLED in this story. His direction is in pure CINEMATIC SCOPE that this finale should have been displayed in movie screens instead of Television. Thats the beauty of his work. And most notably, kudos to CATHERINE TATE, whose the most enduring companion of them all since SARAH JANE SMITH and ROSE TYLER. She's funny, witty, and annoying...then reveals her true character's self as EMOTIONAL, WARM, HAPPY, SAD, and LOYAL. Her performance is definitely the most amazing part of the stories and with good reason if you've seen SERIES 4 throughout.

David Tennant is wonder as always as THE DOCTOR (#10). Billy Piper as ROSE TYLER is emotional, funny, and feisty as always. But the most worthy performance of all goes to JULIAN BEACH as DAVROS, the sadistic, crazed, and brilliant adversary of all. He's evil, pure and calculating, smart, and scary. And its a welcome return to one of the Doctor's most brilliant and equal villains.

And so...all journeys come to an end....

Until next Christmas....

A new journey begins....

No point if you're uninitiated, hugely and genuinely touching for fans

[jrarichards · 8/10 · 21 May 2016]

The second of a two-parter (and also a close follow-on from "Turn Left" - which could be a standalone episode worth seeing for non-initiates). A bit complicated, though certainly not one of the greatest or most innovative episodes (of which there is abundance in this series), but a necessary, pretty thrilling and often-fun conclusion and grand scale wrapping-up that brings together key players in a way never quite achieved before. Most of all, though, this is a heartstrings episode that skilfully avoids mawkish syrup, and therefore rises to the higher (and far more challenging) heights of genuine, affecting emotion. True fans will not have a dry eye between them by the time the credits roll, and that is quite as it should be - you put in, and now you take out!

The good and the bad

[fredman5555 · 9/10 · 20 April 2009]

This is a great episode overall. They did some really cool stuff, but as often is the case, there were a few snags too. I'm going to jump right in and point out...

Things I like about this episode: -------------------------------- Rose was back! I love the Doctor and Rose combo. It's a shame Billie had to go and do other projects! :) I wish she'd have stayed so it was fun to see her reprise her "love interest" with the Doctor again. There could have been more time with the two of them together, but at least she was present.

That leads to a second item I like -- Rose gets her requited Doctor's love. He's not the "same" Doctor, and the original Doctor was a bit "tight-lipped" about his feelings, but we are left to believe the second is "close enough," and Rose accepts this.

This episode answers a lot of questions which had come up over the past few years in prior episodes. I think they kept a list of dangling ends and worked very hard to wrap them all up.

Even though many items were wrapped up, several doors are left open for future items. For example, we could always see the parallel universe pop up again, and that would give potential reprise for Billie and David Tennant.

Martha, Captain Jack, Mickey, and so on are still in "our" universe and can easily show up again in various episodes (I certainly hope they do).

Things I dislike about this episode: ----------------------------------- Well, with such a star-packed episode, much of the cast was totally underused! Torchwood and company along with Sarah Jane and company as well as the former companions could have -- indeed, *should have* been more heavily developed. They should have had more significant rolls, and the episode could have been an unprecedented three parter! It would have been awesome!

In light of the above, the whole pair of episodes -- particularly the second one (Journey's End) seemed rushed. It's like there was so much ground to cover and so little time to do it, everything was relegated to rushed single sentences.

Rose "loves" the new doctor! Well, I like it, but it's not terribly realistic. It needed more development too!

Finally, the whole issue with the Doctor Donna doesn't sit right. The Doctor Donna is a human timelord who's mind caves, but our new "second' Doctor is a human timelord who ends up, apparently, feeling just fine. Really???

Like I said, I love it, but it had a few shortcomings, and that's why I give it 9/10 and not the full marks!

Wow! are some people never happy or what?

[pimplepopper · 10/10 · 12 July 2008]

I loved this episode, quite simply thats it. It was SO great to see a series that has launched two spin offs to use the strength of those spin offs to draw them back together and widen their scope. I hark back to when the first doctor left, and how much I didn't like David Tennant, now I cant see anyone better, then how upset I was when Rose left, and how I fell in love with Martha and then Donna and I realize that Dr who is all about change, this is why the show made it to 30 years originally, and why if used well it will do something similar this time. Dr Donna was fabulous, though people below have complained, it made sense of why the Doctor always compliments humans, why he can even be bothered with us. As for confusion? my gosh if your children where really confused, then they need and IQ test and a little more time in school!! I worry for them truly! Yes it was a bit sad that there was not more time for the other characters, but hey the reality is that the show just doesn't have time or space to support that many key players. I have recently introduced a friend to Dr who and am watching back all the old episodes, and they are that much more wondrous now as you see the small threads that where brought together to this climax. I was sad to see Donna go and of course Rose, but then again, your never gone in Dr who! right? As fort he few gimme here and there, it was obvious David Tennat would not regenerate, it was just a great story ploy to leave everyone gasping and tuning in! Well done! Tosh learned how to manipulate time just b4 time, thats a bit hard to swallow, but hey already too many torch wood people dead, it was always gonna be a gimme. I love that we are not absolutely sure what happened to Harriet Jones, a fabulous character. And of course I love it that the Cyber men a coming back, please God let them be the real ones from our universe not the limp wrist ed other universe ones who could not stand up to the Daleks! loll any way, thank you SO much for writing outside the box and letting Ur spin off characters interact with each other, I hope we see it again! loved it!

The most terrible happy-ending of a love story

[phunghongphuong · 10/10 · 7 March 2016]

I have seen four seasons of the New Doctor Who. And this is the time to goodbye the tenth Doctor and all his companions, especially Rose. I always believe that Rose is more special than anyone of four seasons, because The Doctor loves her (or at least, he used to love her), regardless he doesn't say "I love you". At the Journey's End, everything the Doctor can give Rose is a Human Doctor who isn't really the Doctor, however, the Human Doctor will grow old and die along with Rose. He has only one heart, but all its pieces will be hers. It's a brilliant and terrible happy-ending for Rose, isn't it? This is the reason why I hate Davies, BUT, I can't blame anything. After all, we can expect what more?

Such a fitting title

[*Phantom Chick* · 8/10 · 25 November 2008]

Ah, another Doctor Who series finale. Like many of the previous finales, this one is something of a mixed bag for me. As in the third series finale, there is a semi-nonsensical world takeover plot line that brings forth many heroics from our protagonist and his friends, leading to some less than stellar plot threads amid scenes of sheer brilliance.

The Osterhagen Key, anyone? Both "The Stolen Earth" and "Journey's End" are cluttered with every possible Doctor Who character from the last four series. While it's nice to see some of them again, some feel shoehorned in with no particularly good reason for being there (such as Jackie Tyler, who is a great character...but why would she leave Tony and go chasing after Rose in an alternate dimension?). I got the feeling while watching it that Russel T. Davies wanted to play with all of his characters again before he put them away for good, which is the only good explanation for the presence of Gwen and Ianto from Torchwood, who do absolutely nothing except look at a screen and comment on the Doctor's attractiveness. (Also, did anyone notice that they automatically knew who the Doctor was, and yet to our knowledge, Jack has never told them about him?) That said, a reunion between Rose and the Doctor is a nice way to wrap up David Tennant's four seasons playing the titular character. The scene where they rush toward each other down a London street is very touching, even though it's cut short by the Doctor getting blasted by a dalek ray gun. I also love the pathos of the end of Donna's run as the Doctor's companion, depressing though it is. RTD didn't just end her character's run, he sealed her away forever.

Similarly, Rose is sealed away forever, although I felt her acceptance of the Doctor's human clone was a little too fast and too tidy. Part of what made Rose such a lasting character in the minds of fans was the all too tragic way she left the series. Giving her a happy ending was all well and good, but it almost cancels out the beauty of that last scene on the beach at Bad Wolf Bay in Doomsday, something I find rather unforgivable.

And Martha... Why is Martha tasked with administering a world-wide suicide pill? That seems like a job for the Americans.

Yet, for all my complaints, I can't give this episode any less than an eight. It's still Doctor Who, which means that even with all the flaws, it's one of the best hours of entertainment on television. There are quite a few nice character moments, and the scene where the Doctor drags the earth back into its proper orbit is perhaps overdone, but still lovely.

It would take a lot more than some plot silliness to rob me of my love for Doctor Who, and I think most fans probably feel the same.

End of an era and a good finish at that

[dkiliane · 9/10 · 10 March 2019]

Picking up right where the first part left off, the second and final part to the season finale really picks things up. Now that the previous episode got the setup out of the way, this episode delves into the meat of the season finale. And it is exciting!

Lots of fantastic reversals and twists - - the audience is kept guessing at how the Doctor could come out on top, and who, if anyone, won't make it out. The insane remaining member of the Cult of Skaro provides comedy and suspense and is actually much more interesting than the relatively two dimensional character of Davros who is basically evil just because.

The stakes have never been higher and the story is executed very well, with the special effects finally holding up pretty well. Exciting, emotional and satisfying this finale ties up the RTD era of Doctor Who quite nicely and with a bang to boot. 9.5/10

Season 4: Hammy and overdone at times but still enjoyable and entertaining (SPOILERS)

[bob the moo · 13 July 2008]

Inspired by her brief touch with the world of the Doctor, Donna investigates a mysterious new weight-loss pill that appears to do wonders for the figure at no cost. By coincidence this brings her into contact with the Doctor again, who is looking into it himself. So begins another series of journeys for the Doctor and his new companion, one that not only encompasses wonders and new worlds for Donna, but throws up mysteries for the Doctor regarding his own past – and future.

Years ago I can remember being a bit cynical and uninterested in the "new" Doctor Who but after a while the praise for it made me check it out and I have been with it since. Having said that, I'm not blind to the fact that it is very much a BBC television family affair that goes out on a Saturday tea-time and, while it may look awesome, it is helped by being completely surrounded by talent shows and other such drek. This season seemed determined to wear its weak points like badges of honour for all to see. What I am referring to in particular in just how hammy and melodramatic it can get at times. Some good stories are affected by clumsy dialogue and hammy delivery from those involved and it does constantly remind you that, for all the budget and promotion, what you are watching is not a "proper" drama. I'm not referring to the lighter moments or comic bits but just the sense of ham and insincerity that some moments are delivered with.

This is a constant problem with the show but it does seem more evident in season 4 in episodes such as Journey's End, The Doctor's Daughter, the Sontaran episode and several others. Mostly these episodes are good (well, I disliked the Daughter one) and the ham is just a painful inclusion. What makes it a particular sore point for me is that everything else seems to suggest that darkness and complexity is there to be had and I cannot understand why this cheese infects it the way it does. The Ood episode is a good example - good idea and challenging subtext but yet everything is played up and obvious. Likewise Journey's End has the usual "darkness" of the Doctor, with damage and hurt in his wake but yet the episode seems more interested in big effects and having the support characters running around having the time of their life. I know this helps the family thing but why not try and follow these darker threads instead of just having this big cheerful characters all the time? I'm being very negative so I will remind you that mostly I did like season 4. There are only one, maybe two "bad" episodes and mostly the narratives are interesting and entertaining. There are a couple of great episodes in there as well; the Library one is not as good as season 3's Blink but is still very good (but again - hammy in the way Blink was not) but for me the standout was Midnight - not because it was brilliant but because it was an effective little stand-alone chiller with the focus on the feel and content rather than big budgets and "big" delivery. The final three episodes are also good and it is a shame that the finale didn't really deliver but also bottled it when it came to killing off a character (and let's be honest there are now enough of them to be able to do it and still have plenty left for spin-offs and so on). Donna's death would have been a great end and would also be a fitting reward for Tate's performances in the preceding episodes.

I don't mean this sarcastically but rather to agree with an interview I read with Davies, who said that Turn Left would be the episode that makes viewers like Donna. This is how it went for me because up till that point she was a jarring and annoying presence with little to her but an annoying character and gobby style of comedy. Tennant continues to be his usual strong self but as usual I find his "OH OF COURSE YOU'RE THE THINGS FROM THE THING" character a little irritating when overdone; he is much better at hinting at pain and darkness, if only the script would let him follow through on that. Piper, Agyeman, Clarke, Barrowman and others all return and the effect is not so much rewarding as to suggest a series that cannot move forward not one that is rewarding the fans (as seen in Piper's final shot – which was badly misjudged and simplistic).

I've been very negative but the truth is that season 4 is an enjoyable continuation of what has gone before – both good and bad. It is overly hammy and weighted down by cast and expectation, while Tate only comes good in the last quarter of the season. Hopefully season 5 (which I will watch) can continue the good and strengthen against the weaknesses.

Wonderful conculsion

[ScreenReviews · 10/10 · 11 April 2021]

After the brilliant Stolen Earth, Journey's End had a lot to resolve - the return of Davros, the departure of Donna, tieing up all the loose ends scattered throughout the first four seasons, and, of course, the three-way ending cliffhanger. Thankfully, it lived up to the hype.

There's so much to love in Journey's End - the emotinial Murray Gold score, Donna's tear-jerking departure, Julian Bleach's wonderfully mad performance as Davros, the 'space-man' scene... it's just a really fun and entertaining climax to the Russell T. Davies era of Doctor Who.

The ambition is off the charts, with sub-plots galore, tieing in every character into the narrative as tightly as possible within 50 minutes - although some are wasted, like the Torchwood group and surprisingly Rose, who doesn't get much to do - but, when the characters are properly served, it's so much fun you forget about the nit-picks.

Overall, Journey's End is an emotinial, entertaining end for a magnificent era of the show. 10/10, so much to love.

The Doctor Who series 1-4 mega mix

[studioAT · 6/10 · 10 February 2017]

This is really the culmination of not only the fourth series of the revived Doctor Who but also the first four series in general, probably because of head writer Russell T Davies' decision to leave after the seasonal specials that followed.

And what a good way to bow out it is. Lots of characters from the first four years all thrown back together for one high stakes episode. Yes, some are rather underused (Jackie/Martha) but there are some brilliant moments here at a time when the show was at its best.

I would say that the plot isn't the easiest to follow and that it descends into sentimentality at times, but all of that is beside the point when you consider what high standards this episode sets. It's certainly better than the dross fans have had to put up with in recent times.

Agree, worst end for fantastic series

[julianselvage · 5/10 · 18 July 2008]

OK, I didn't feel all that disappointed in bringing the Daleks back AGAIN, especially in bringing Dalvros back but, this could have been a smashing hit but it simply blew it. For a starter, I think the coming of Rose, and the ending of Rose should of been a little longer and dramatic ( usually I hate those bits of Doctor Who, but these bits needed them ), These two are in love, they haven't seen each other for ages, the director should of told the Dalek to give them some time!, and then with the leaving of Rose, way 2 short, she just left, with little fuss!.These were the parts which needed the little bit of prolonging dramatic time, this was used in unnecessary parts of the show which made it actually boring, not enough action.And again, Doctor Donner? come one.I think in the next series, which is now in 2 years coming :S, series final should include some new monster...anything but the Daleks!

In 45 years of existence Doctor Who has never disappointed this much

[ametaphysicalshark · 5 July 2008]

Didn't take much really, just no more than two to three minutes was all it took Russell T. Davies, whom I had just completely forgiven for all the horrible stories he has written over the past four years after three consecutive good episodes, completely takes away all the tension that had built up in "The Stolen Earth" and begins "Journey's End"- THE most contrived, hackneyed, sappy, ludicrous, and downright annoying Doctor Who episode of all time. "Twin Dilemma" and "Timeflight" step aside, "Journey's End" is the all time worst episode of Doctor Who, and if not for the brilliant opening half it would be the all-time worst Doctor Who story.

Quite simply I cannot think of one single thing I thought was good about "Journey's End". OK, Davros is still well-realized and there's some decent tension in the first... Oh, who am I kidding. No, Davros was the only positive in this episode. Davies' handling of everything else was downright horrendous, from character to plot to the overblown romance plot and what is surely the biggest mistake Doctor Who has EVER made- Doctor Donna. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.

Murray Gold, as per usual, is absolutely and utterly horrendous with his handling of the music. Overblown, ridiculous, overbearing, hideous attempts at being 'majestic' and every cliché in music composition pops up in this episode. Truly, truly terrible.

Featuring in this magnificent offering of Doctor Who are the following:

• spinning Daleks. - Doctor Donna. - half-human Doctor who kisses Rose in the series' worst ever scene outside the telemovie. - TARDIS dragging Earth. - Doctor Donna. - Doctor Donna.

Did I mention Doctor Donna yet? Practically everything past the half hour mark here is utterly unbearable, either completely overblown, nonsensical, and cowardly plot-wise, or hopelessly sappy, sentimental GARBAGE aimed at the lowest common denominator. Doctor Who has never talked down to children, why on Earth start now?!

All the performances are phoned-in and horrendous outside Tennant and Sladen. Agyeman is particularly awful, with every moment she tried to emote being absolutely, miserably terrible.

What a way for Russell to go out. Really. Such a champ for bringing back the show, and he offered some fine stories while in charge. Those fine stories appear to be mere tiny outbursts of skill and drive, as "Journey's End" tops even "Last of the Time Lords" for sheer ridiculousness, sappiness, and general awfulness.

Let's hope the specials are good, because although I'm not a fan of Russell the writer he doesn't deserve to end his reign on THIS note. What a colossal, colossal misfire this is. Don't care what Moffat says about what he thinks of Russell's era of Who, nothing he's written, not even "Chalk", has matched the complete absence of quality in this utterly insulting garbage.

1/10

Wish I could give it less.