Doctor Who (TV Series) 42 (2007) User Reviews

A Mix of Sunshine and the Satan Pit

[Sleepin_Dragon · 7/10 · 18 August 2015]

First of all I'll start by saying I really like this episode, it's pretty much back to basics, it's pacey, it's grim, it has a sense of urgency about it. It feels like a mix of the movie Sunshine, and a toned down version of the Satan Pit.

Claire Rushbrook is switched for Michelle Collins, and there are other similarities between this and The Satan Pit.

No plodding into the story here, no build up, within 2 minutes it's crash bang and we are straight in. A ship is falling into the Sun and has only 42 minutes left, but something is on board taking out members of the crew one by one, but can the Doctor and Martha help?

Tennant's brilliance continues, and Freema continues to impress, but again her family are so irritating, i am definitely missing Jackie!!

I really enjoyed Michelle Collins in this, and her final scene is really well done, she did a great job.

On its own merits it's a cracker of a story, with excellent effects, a rather good cast, and an energy that has been lacking in some of the previous stories, particularly the Dalek car crash story. 'Burn with me' is a pretty good phrase. It just feels a wee bit unoriginal, it seems to have drawn heavily on many different sources, those already mentioned, possibly even Planet of Evil, the fuel theme idea is, shall we say paid 'homage to.' It is a very bleak story.

Who is this chap Saxon???

Overall, 7/10

Tradtional And Somewhat Cynical Adventure

[Theo Robertson · 7/10 · 2 August 2008]

42 comes with the headline that it's a radical story in that it's produced as an episode set in real time but carefully watching the story it becomes obvious that it's not actually set in real time at all . In many ways 42 is one of the most traditional stories the show has produced

The plot revolves around a bunch of humans in the far future who are under attack from an unknown force and of possession . This type of adventure is very similar to what we - fans of the classic show - are used to and something we'd seen as far back as the Troughton era in the mid 1960s , a time when the parents of NU-Who fans weren't probably born . There's also a plot device of the humans using a new type of fuel which instantly reminds classic fans of the 1975 tale Planet Of Evil . A radical episode ? Don't think so !

There is one or two elements where the episode differs from the classic series . One is the heavy use of character interaction of a husband and wife , another is a somewhat nasty method of the villain dispatching its victims . When I say " nasty " I tend to mean in that in a cynical way . Compare this to The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit which isn't all that different but that was a very memorable story where as 42 isn't , though it is a relatively entertaining runaround

It's also an episode which is supposedly intriguing as to who is Mr Saxon ? this seasons running theme . Unfortunately after the Bad Wolf running theme from season one and the Torchwood theme from season two I'm starting to get fed up with running theme seasons since they usually end up as a damp squib . This season's finale had better be something special !

42 minutes!

[wetmars · 7/10 · 15 August 2020]

Ah yes, this episode is written by the one and only Chris Chibnall... the man who killed Doctor Who, god damn him.

Anyways, this was a great episode! Underrated, tennant's performance was amazing, entertaining, great concept, Martha does a genius idea to save the Doctor!

Favorite Chibnall episode

[ErReads · 23 October 2019]

I don't completely understand the large number of negative reviews for this episode. I actually thought it was really great. I liked the concept of real time. Yes, there were echoes of Impossible Planet, but I didn't mind. Additionally, I really love Martha. Wish the Doctor was better to her. 🙁

A fairly good filler episode

[movieman_kev · 7/10 · 9 May 2008]

Moments after the Doctor gives Martha an intergalactic call anywhere mobile phone (I'd hope with no roaming), the TARDIS ends up on a space shuttle that only has 42 minutes (a slight play on the hit series "24")before it crashes into the sun. Of course they become separated from the TARDIS, to make matters worse a mysterious entity is possessing members of the crew. For a filler episode, this one's fairly good and moves at a good pace. It's thrilling enough and I must admit I had fun with it, but the real meat of this 29th series won't start in earnest until the next episode.

My Grade: B-

A genuinely dark and entertaining story from director Graeme Harper

[DVD_Connoisseur · 9/10 · 19 May 2007]

As soon as Graeme Harper's name came up on the opening titles, I knew this episode was going to be a treat. I wasn't wrong - "42" is a return to classic "Doctor Who". Harper's always had the magic touch - previous stories have included "The Caves of Androzani" and "Revelation of the Daleks" and he's known as the longest-serving crew member on Doctor Who! His tales are normally deadly serious affairs with only elements of macabre humour thrown in to lighten the mood.

"42" is set on a dark and dismal spaceship, not far from a burning sun. There are just 42 minutes before the ship is burned to ashes in the sun's surface. A simple premise? To spice things up in this real-time adventure, there's strange activity involving "possessed" crew members. Cue lots of scary scenes - this is a return to the delights of "The Impossible Planet" and an "Event Horizon" for all the family to enjoy.

Harper creates genuine suspense in this episode. There are moments when there's real danger for The Doctor and Martha, particularly when Martha decides to use an escape pod for temporary safety.

Excellent entertainment with a few genuine surprises. This series has been consistently well-written and delivered so far. The last stories have been less silly than we've come to expect in the past and I've really enjoyed the darker vibe. As the new audience matures, so does this show.

9 out of 10. Definitely one that will be remembered as a future classic.

It was okay

[wolfordcheyenne · 6/10 · 31 March 2020]

This episode's concept is great, but the execution was poor. This episode had a lot of cheesy moments. I couldn't take the primary antagonist seriously. I wanted to laugh every time they said "burn with me". It would've been better if it said nothing. The characters were unremarkable and looked ridiculous when they ran. I thought it was funny when the wife/captain tried to talk her husband down and he responded with "its your fault". Tennant aslo looked ridiculous when he was speaking with Martha through the airlock window. He yells way too much, it's annoying. The Doctor climbing out of the ship so close to a sun and surviving was illogical. All the face zones were overly dramatic and had me smiling. The best part was when Martha was talking to her mom in the escape pod, but the forehead kiss was gross. The other part I liked was when Martha was jettisoned into space. It was completely silent and the blue lighting was good. This episode was okay, but nothing I consider good.

As fast and intense as Doctor Who gets

[lemmingology · 10/10 · 19 May 2007]

I'm going to cut to the chase here - this episode left me absolutely breathless. The action and suspense kicks off right at the start and just does not let up until a couple of minutes before the end.

Where do I start? It has twists and turns all over the place. David Tennant and Freema Agyeman are both particularly magnificent in this episode, both of them instantly fitting in to the surroundings they find themselves in, and once again, I hate to admit it, but Agyeman is already outshining Billie Piper in the assistant's role. Tennant is also especially brilliant in the final 10 minutes or so, as the source of this episodes menacing enemy takes its effect on him. Ex-EastEnder Michelle Collins is an inspired choice to play the ships captain Kath McDonnell, as she plays the role of the strong female leader to perfection. There's also a completely unexpected cameo by delightful former Hollyoaks girl Elize du Toit, and a sinister turn from Martha's mother, played ridiculously well by Adjoa Andoh. Let's just say Jackie never hated the Doctor this much...

The biggest doffing of the cap, however, has to go to Chris Chibnall for a truly brilliant script. The plot line and the twists in it are unbelievable, it keeps you guessing all the way through, and the revelation 10 minutes from the end when the Doctor finally realises what's going on left me gasping. As an episode it's slightly reminiscent of The Impossible Planet from the last series, although this episode is ten times faster while still being nearly as scary and unnerving.

All in all, a must-see. This series is turning out to be the best yet - halfway through and there hasn't been a single poor episode yet.

Black Hole Sun

[southdavid · 7/10 · 10 April 2021]

Future showrunner Chris Chibnall made his Doctor Who debut with this episode, which loosely adapts a "24" style real time gimmick, for an actiony adventure that's a decent if not particularly inspired episode.

Now an official companion, Martha (Freema Agyeman) joins The Doctor (David Tennant) in responding to a distress call from spaceship. Leaving the room that the Tardis lands in, the crew deadlock the door as the temperature skyrockets, making the Tardis unavailable for escape. This is particularly unfortunate as the spaceship's engines are down and it's caught in the gravitational pull of a nearby sun. With the temperature increasing, the crew have only 42 minutes to make it through dozens of sealed doors and restart the engineers - but something is picking them off, one by one.

Watching all of the episodes in quick succession again, you can see the similarities between this episode and the "Satan's Pit" double bill from last season. The threat is almost identical, but with the black hole replaced by a sun and the crew of British character actors picked off by an internal and emotionally manipulative threat. This time it's the companion that accepts their death and says their goodbyes rather than the Doctor, but it's the same idea.

That crew includes Anthony Flanagan, Vinette Robinson (who would return 11 years later for a much more high profile role as Rosa Parks) and Michelle Collins, who you don't tend to see as much of now as we did a few years back - but who appeared in nearly 500 episodes of both "Eastenders" and "Coronation Street".

So yes, a bit derivative but it was OK, I thought. It did enough to maintain my attention and I didn't notice any painfully obvious flaws in logic or science that would have annoyed me. The B-Story, with Mr Saxon takes a step up as Elisa Du Toit joins the cast as his currently unnamed underling. Overall reasonably solid.

Great episode; grossly underrated

[agent_john_bishop · 8/10 · 13 February 2009]

It is a horrible shame that this episode is not like by more people. It is brilliant. It has the feel of classic sci-fi with a beautiful mix of horror and humor that perfectly fits doctor who.

The only real problem with this episode is it is a remake. It feels exactly like the impossible planet/Satan pit episodes, but is better. Whereas those episodes had a cop out ending, "42" has a satisfying suspenseful close. It is an example of an odd DW phenomenon. This episode would have sucked in any other season but, like "gridlock", because it is in season three it somehow managed to be brilliant. This can be seen throughout season three.

Grade A doctor who

Good, just a little repetitive

[warlordartos · 7/10 · 11 March 2021]

The main problem with this one is its similarities to The Impossible Planet & The Satan Pit. But I did still like the story and I am really enjoying the premise of new Doctor Who, who seems to be having a story that is too scary for children at least once a season with season 1 as The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances and season 2 with the Impossible Planet/Satan Pit and now this. Not as good because of the similarities but still good enough

Burn, baby, burn!

[gridoon2024 · 8/10 · 23 January 2015]

After a string of slightly underwhelming episodes (let's face it, the idea of the "Human Dalek" should probably never have left the writers' conference room), "Doctor Who" finally gives us a very good episode - the best of the third season up to that point, in fact. "42" reminded me of the previous season's two-parter "The Impossible Planet" / "The Satan Pit", and that's a compliment, as those were among the very best episodes of the second season. It has a breathless pace that never lets up, engaging "guest" characters, and some brilliant moments like the Doctor's inaudible "I'll save you" to Martha, his quick response to the numerical quiz (I tried it; he's right!), and the ultimate sacrifice of the female captain (who looks great sweaty and in a sleeveless top, I might add!). I also found the absence of a traditional "monster" refreshing - this plays more like a slasher film on a spaceship, except that it's not violent. It can be unsettling, though, especially when the Doctor himself is "possessed" and about to go over to the bad side, which is something that, if I'm not mistaken, the new "Doctor Who" series had not attempted before. *** out of 4.

Great classic Dr Who

[drwordsmith · 7/10 · 19 May 2007]

This episode of Dr Who is again showing that this series is getting better, but taking its sweet time to get there. The episode is very reminiscent of the series 2 episodes "The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit". The episode was fast paced and very scary in places, I can see why the BBC didn't want to put it on before 7 o clock. Like most of the episodes of Dr Who this series, and the last two for that matter, there was a lot of running around, but the episode was clever and surprisingly emotional as well. It also managed to overcome the 'episode 7 filler' syndrome, as these episodes tend to be the blandest ones in the whole series (the long game, the idiots lantern). All in all, a very well made, exciting and tense episode.

Another Level...

[Xstal · 5/10 · 5 December 2021]

The Doctor and Martha materialise on the winner of the poorest designed and most inadequate and unsuitable spacecraft of all time competition (SS Madame de Pompadour was a close runner up) where...

It's falling straight into a sun, the deadlocked doors can't be undone, to get to the engines, answer 27 questions, you can guess but attempts you get one.

There is also a rather irked people possession that's doing its best to scupper things but there are some appropriate Level 42 songs from the 1980s that could have played as an episode soundtrack too, 'I Want Eyes', 'Take a Look', 'A Kinder Eye' and 'The Sun Goes Down' but they aren't.

A Claustrophobic Race Against Time

[hwiltshire-06889 · 7/10 · 4 April 2024]

42 is a solid Doctor Who episode with an engaging central concept and a fast-paced plot. It delivers suspense, humor, and some decent character moments, though it stumbles slightly under the weight of its premise, earning a 7 out of 10.

The central premise - the Doctor and Martha racing against a 42-minute countdown to stop a spaceship hurtling towards a sun - is excellent. The confined setting and ticking clock create a sense of real tension and urgency. The episode leans into claustrophobia, with good special effects and some creative camera angles to enhance the feeling of being trapped.

Both David Tennant and Freema Agyeman give committed performances. The Doctor is brilliant and resourceful as always, while Martha's courage and compassion come to the forefront. The supporting cast is likeable enough, even if slightly underdeveloped.

The episode cleverly incorporates humor, lightening the mood at key moments. The plot twists are a bit predictable, and the sun-creature, while a neat concept, could have been more menacing. The resolution feels a touch too easy and convenient, slightly underwhelming after such a well-paced build-up.

Despite some flaws, 42 is largely successful. It's a thrilling, self-contained story that showcases the Doctor's resourcefulness and quick thinking under pressure. While not the most profound episode, it's tightly paced, delivers a satisfying dose of suspense, and provides an entertaining watch.

Hot, hot, hot!

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 10/10 · 30 January 2019]

I have a real taste for good base under siege type stories and, unlike a lot of fans who dismiss 42 as a filler, I rate it as a superb episode that remains one of Chibnall's very best efforts.

After receiving a distress call the Doctor and Martha arrive on a spaceship in the future. It is an industrial ship with a small crew and is plunging towards a sun. The ship has 42 minutes until it is destroyed, hence the episode title, and the episode runs in real time which adds a great element to the story.

A member of the crew is taken over by a 'parasite' which then endangers the whole crew even further. The ship is obviously getting very hot and the atmosphere of the heat, claustrophobia, time limitations and fear of the crew are all brilliantly depicted. There is a gritty realism and tension as well as realistic feeling ship and crew. The crew are all acted really well, managing to quickly establish characters as believable and sympathetic. Michelle Collins and William Ash are particularly excellent and are emotionally engaging.

This episode is written by Chris Chibnall who later went on to become Doctor Who Showrunner in 2018. Here, under the leadership of Russell T. Davies he created a tense, exciting and authentic episode with moments of humour and of touching drama in amongst great action. There really are no drawbacks I can see in this episode and I wonder why it is so under-rated by many viewers.

I think small scale episodes where the Doctor is simply trying to rescue a small number of people from an isolated incident are seen by some to be unimpressive and even 'boring'. Personally I love that kind of story. I think constant universe threatening epics or huge overarching complicated storylines have their place when used well and used sparingly but episodes of one off interventions in small, tense situations are extremely important and thoroughly enjoyable. This is the kind of story you would get in the classic series where the Doctor arrives, tries to save people, then leaves. I love it.

Everything in this episode in done to high standard and David Tennant and Freema Agyeman are given great material to show dramatic and emotional depth. They are superb.

I cannot really think of anything to criticise and even the outlandish idea of a sentient life form within a sun is fine within the Doctor Who universe (far crazier ideas were presented before and since). I am a stickler for logic and I did not see any problems which spoil my enjoyment of this in my many viewings of it.

It may not be the most ambitious plot but it delivers in terms of action, drama, script, acting and production. Therefore, whilst it may not quite rival the greatest 10/10 classics, I rate it 9.5/10.

42 Review

[rohanumpleby-34057 · 6/10 · 3 March 2024]

The episode that is one of the weakest in siries 3, but does have some interesting ideas at play here, like the Sun. And the puzzles in order to unlock one of the rooms. And the writer of "42" Chris Chibnall, which many consider his era pitiful. Lots to digest here also with the concept of the episode, and the issues with Chris Chibnalls run you can see here, Heck! You even have whovians bringing in a checklist of all his flaws, but let's not get carried away. "42" is the weakest link of siries 3, that's if, "The Lazarus Experiment" didn't exist. And in this case, that's not a bad thing as I consider siries 3 a very strong siries as a whole. And one of the best in the show.

Martha's dynamic with her mother is brilliantly emotional in this episode, and the Jones' family are really well-written in this siries. They have lots of depth and character development throughout siries 3, which further routes us to Martha's character. And her dynamic with her mum in this episode is certainly heartbreaking and very powerful. As she might die, due to the heat of the sun. Which leades to the Doctor having to make a decision. And even questioning himself, which Is great writing.

The Doctor is put to the test in this episode. As he has to not only save Martha but the crew members of the space ship. As some form of creature has entered the ship, and is using another lifeform in order to go around, in this case a human. And he's always within the perimeter of another crew member, sort of reminding me of Episodes like "Satin Pit" before, and "Cold War" after. Cold War having the Ice warrior within the perimeter of another person. And in close contact. In "42" we see his wife trying to help him, and him eventually saying "It's your FAULT" which lacks a punch, and any emotional attachment we may of had with these characters. Which leads me to my next point.

The thing that holds an episode, is the supporting cast. Unfortunately here, they are far from being great as they are so underdeveloped you don't have time to route for them. Which is a major issue in the Chibnall era. And was done better in the "Satin Pit" with the supporting cast. Which, adds to my next question, should their of been a different writer. Like Toby Whitehouse, you know the one who made the Flood two parter, or "Nightmear in Silver and "A Town called Mercy" both in siries 7, and one of the better ones in Siries 6. Because "42" highlights some of the issues regarding chibnalls era as a whole *Cough cough* the rewrite of history with, "Timeless Children".

And this episode isn't particularly memorable, as a whole it is one of the weakest in Siries 3. Even, if that's not a bad thing, it certainly isn't a good thing either. I would rate this episode a solid 6/10

Would I recommend this Episode?

Not if your a new fan wanting to be introduced to the show, go and watch "Blink" or the intensity of the show, with "Waters of Mars" or the saddest episode to date, "Heaven Sent". Don't say I didn't warn you...

Remarkable direction.

[W011y4m5 · 8/10 · 10 April 2020]

If Graeme Harper's talents were still disputed after his helming of the previous S2 Cyberman story & finale, here he finally settles the argument for good.

Consequently, "42" is a great example of how an outstanding director can take a solid script & elevate it to levels you never even imagined possible.

Enhanced by the strongest narrative Chris Chibnall has ever written for the show throughout his career, reliably deft performances from Freema, David & guest cast member Michelle Collins - alongside Murray Gold's incredible score, what should be just a filler episode feels way grander & more impressive than was perhaps originally intended.

Additionally, this episode is laden with striking visual imagery created by gorgeous cinematography & VFX, fiercely intelligent sound design - resulting in iconic moments of pure unadulterated sci-fi (eg. Martha's escape pod being jettisoned from the ship as it slowly cascades in to the sun under uncharacteristic, unsettling silence).

The list of continuously genius creative decisions taken at every stage in the installment's production evokes moments of pure joy as a Who fan upon watching. Not only is this a great, underappreciated standalone feature but a marvellous technical achievement too - for the entire cast & crew involved.

Really exciting episode

[hems-33660 · 10/10 · 23 January 2024]

I love the concept of this episode, although I do wish it was genuinely 42 minutes in real time, instead of the episode being 42 minutes, but its still good. I'm always a fan of the 'doctor + companion are stuck on a spaceship/station/etc with a small crew of people' archetype, there's a few episodes like this and they're always great

It's a quick fun episode, with some really nice character moments. A notable scene for me is when the escape pod disengages and all you an hear is silence. It's followed nicely with martha talking about noisy her family is. It's clear the silence has made her realise how important that noise is to her.

I also love the ending, with Martha being someone to believe in. It's very nice foreshadowing for her role as the woman who walks the earth.

Best of the new series by far

[Naomi-Gravell · 10/10 · 20 May 2007]

After the last few episodes I was expecting this episode to be on the same average level but this is definitely the best episode of the new series and Freema Agyemans companion I think personally is a lot better than Rose and it definitely shows in this episode and David Tennants Doctor especially in the last 10-15 of the episode was amazing. Also the supporting characters in this episode are a lot more believable and the story line overall is awesome and has a lot of emotional parts in it which were quite moving. The special effects in this one were breath taking and definitely reminded me of Satan's pit and the impossible planet which are my favourite episodes since Doctor Who came back.

deja vu...

[higgeldypiggeldy · 5/10 · 20 May 2007]

i love doctor who and sit down every week to watch it and was looking forward to this episode as it had been given such great reviews, but i was disappointed by the end of it on how similar it was to a previous episode in a different series. and to me did not even seen that scary, and I'm scared easily!! the fact that it was based in a space station which was in trouble, and then again a person being controlled by a force ie, the devil/the sun appeared to me too similar and it felt like i was watching the same episode with only a few changes although the emotional factors in this episode were more prominent than the devil one, with mcdonnell and her husband being the main focus it didn't seem as good as the episode i was expecting.

42 minutes of AWESOME!

[dkiliane · 9/10 · 24 February 2019]

First off, how did Chris Chibnall write such an outstanding episode in season 3 but manage to bungle season 11 so badly as showrunner (sigh)?

This is one of my favorite episodes of the season. Taut, thrilling, with a moral but without being preachy (something he has not been able to replicate since). The limited time aspect was neat and the passcode system for getting through each room was fantastic.

High notes, sad moments and touching moments, heroic feats - - this episode has it all. Only slight weakness is I feel a couple deaths were unnecessary/easily avoidable but overall wonderfully crafted and intense. 9/10

The answer to life the universe and everything.

[MrFilmAndTelevisionShow · 8/10 · 25 March 2021]

This was a good episode, it was similar to the episodes where they visit an evil planet not-getting-sucked-into a black hole. But oh well. It was good and that is all I really have to say. Besides this is the second episode in a row to star someone who would later play a role in "Sherlock" we had Mycroft Holmes' actor in the previous episode and Sgt Sally Donovan in this episode. Who will be next? Stubbs? Freeman? Or Cumberbatch himself?!

Crash And Burn

[timdalton007 · 3/10 · 2 November 2012]

When 42 was first broadcast on the Sci-Fi Channel in 2008 here in the US, the TV Guide magazine promoted it as "Doctor Who does 24", or words to that effect. That is, like the Fox thriller series, this was going to be an episode that was to take place in real time. As a premise, it's an interesting one for Doctor Who and, indeed, if there was an episode of the series that it would for, this would be it. Unfortunately, it's a premise that is far more original than the script itself.

While I can't speak for Chris Chibnall's other writing (be it Torchwood or anything else), his Doctor Who scripts haven't been hugely impressive. Perhaps ironically for someone who can be seen in a 1986 clip featured on the DVD box-set of The Trial Of A Time Lord complaining about the quality of that season of the old series, Chibnall contributes one of the weakest scripts for season three. This is an episode full of cardboard characters and, once you look past the real time plot, this is an episode whose plot is ripped off entirely from Planet Of Evil, the fourth Doctor era story made three decades earlier. There is not even an attempt to hide it: there are "infected" characters with glowing eyes and a last minute saving of the spaceship in question just before it crashes into planet/star.

Still there's always some good to be found. Graham Harper's direction is first rate and full of energy, but even that can't hide the fact that, despite the ticking clock, character's manage to stand around doing very little in a couple of places in the episode. There are also some highly impressive special effects shots, including the shot that closes the opening teaser sequence (which was the longest special effects sequence done for the new series up to that time). These though are cosmetic touches to an otherwise lacking episode.

And what about the real time plot? Well, there's no particular reason for the whole "42 minutes" business. It doesn't create any further tension than what has already been established by the fact the ship is hurtling towards the star helplessly. It's a ticking clock yes, but one that doesn't add anything to the story at all. It's a gimmick in other words.

Ultimately, 42 is a weak episode built around a gimmick. Not even the direction of Graham Harper or indeed the impressive special effects can hide that fact. Thankfully though, the best of series three (and arguably the new series to date) was just waiting to be broadcast

Pretty bad

[Hal2078 · 3/10 · 17 February 2020]

What a complete lack of originality and entertainment. Every time rewatching this I always do something else as watching some sweaty people run about and occasionally scream as I guy with a weird helmet comes closer is the definition of dull.