“Rose” is the first episode of the revival of the famous British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Originally airing on March 26th, 2005, “Rose” marked the beginning of a new era for the show, with a fresh cast and crew taking the reins from the original run that ended in 1989.
One of the most notable changes in this iteration of Doctor Who is the portrayal of the Doctor himself. In “Rose”, we are introduced to the Ninth Doctor, played by Christopher Eccleston, who brings a new energy and depth to the character. Previous Doctors had been portrayed as wise, aloof figures, but the Ninth Doctor is a far more dynamic and complex character. He is haunted by the trauma of his own past, and often lashes out at those around him as a result. This makes him a more unpredictable and dangerous Doctor, but also one who is more relatable and human.
In terms of the plot of “Rose”, the episode sees the Doctor and his new companion, Rose Tyler (Billie Piper), fighting against an invasion of plastic mannequins controlled by an alien race known as the Nestene Consciousness. The Nestene Consciousness is a recurring villain in Doctor Who, having first appeared in the classic series in the 1970s. The use of the Nestene Consciousness in “Rose” serves to establish the show’s continuity with its past, as well as introducing a new threat for the Doctor and Rose to face.
The relationship between the Doctor and Rose is also a key part of “Rose”. The Doctor, having recently regenerated and still coming to terms with his new identity, is distant and aloof at first. But as he and Rose work together to defeat the Nestene Consciousness, they begin to form a strong bond that we can see continue to develop in later epsiodes.
The Doctor becomes a mentor and protector for Rose, and she, in turn brings out a more compassionate and caring side in him. The two eventually come to see each other as family, and ultimately, the Doctor and Rose’s friendship provides a powerful example of the power of love and trust. As they put it themselves in “The Parting of the Ways”, “We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one.”
Through its exploration of these themes, “Rose” serves as an essential entry point for new viewers while at the same time acknowledging and honouring its past. By introducing us to beloved characters like Rose Tyler and demonstrating how our relationships shape us, this episode sets the tone for all that was to come in Doctor Who. With its combination of thrilling action sequences and emotional depth,
Overall, “Rose” is a strong opening episode for the revival of Doctor Who. It successfully establishes the new direction for the show, while also paying tribute to its past. The Ninth Doctor is a fresh and exciting interpretation of the character, and the dynamic between him and Rose is engaging and heartwarming. The return of the Nestene Consciousness adds a sense of continuity with the classic series, and sets the stage for more adventures to come.
“Rose” was generally well received by both fans and critics upon its original airing in 2005. Many praised the fresh take on the Doctor and the strong performance by Christopher Eccleston, as well as the engaging plot and the introduction of the new companion, Rose Tyler. The episode was also significant for bringing Doctor Who back to television after a sixteen-year absence, and for introducing the series to a new generation of viewers.
The writer of “Rose” was Russell T Davies, who served as the lead writer and executive producer for the revival of Doctor Who. Davies had a long career in television, with credits on shows such as Queer as Folk and The Second Coming, and was a lifelong fan of Doctor Who. He brought a unique vision to the show, infusing it with a sense of drama, emotion, and social commentary that had not been present in previous iterations.