Doctor Who #4-2 "The Fires of Pompeii"

[TMLS]

Meh. Not the greatest of episodes, but picked up towards the end. Some nice characterisation and set-pieces, and what appear to be season 4's arc/obligatory references:

"She's coming", Shadow Proclamation and a "lost" planet - EDIT: oh and also there was reference to the "Madusa Cascade" - which is something the Master also mentioned last year. RTD said there was something he said which would be relevant to this season - is that it?

Also liked the prophecy on Donna that she

had something on her back - a few have already speculated that the spiders may be back this season and that sure would fit in!

At least it wasn't "Up Pompeii" - though some of the family stuff was a bit too soapy for my liking.

Overall then, a 3/5 for me. Was heading for 2/5 at the start though.

[Randy G.]

Ooops! I forgot it came on. http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/6940/ooopstx8.gif

[jordeant1200]

it was really really good, better than most past epis on this show

[Lexgirl33]

It was good, just not as good as i thought it would be. 3/5 as well.

[Randy G.]

Just saw it. Pretty good, but leaned more towards the "average" side for me as well.
I did like the prophecy of "She's coming back." Next week we get an Oood (*spelling?) episode. The scenes look really good. :p

[timelord45719]

I really liked this episode. Much better than last week. Long as RTD doesn't write the episodes they should be good.

[GordyC]

Much better than last week. I liked it a lot I would venture a 4/5 for this one it felt more like return to the second series. The Doctor shows his true colors when he needs to.

[TheANIMAL (marcus)]

Some of Donnas witty banter was annoying, there were some nice effects though.

The end sequence with with the volcano was very, very impressive, awsome effects given that its a tv budget.

[Randy G.]

I just watched the #4-2 Confidential ("The Italian Job"), and it gave me a better look behind the scenes, at the making of "Fires Of Pompeii." If you haven't seen it, try to do so.

They actually packed up the entire crew & equipment, & travelled to Rome, Italy for filming at Cinecitta' film studios.. It had been planned since this time last year. The set was huge. Other classic productions such as "Cleopatra," "Ben Hur," "Roman Holiday" were filmed there. More recently, "The Talented Mr. Ripley," & "The Passion Of The Christ."

It also had a walking tour (with David Tennant) of the actual real life Mt. Vesuvius & the unearthed city of Pompeii. Great historical special. It gave me better respect for the episode overall.
In closing, the episode gets 4 stars from me, & the special gets 5 stars. :D

[TMLS]

It's also where the HBO/BBC show "Rome" was filmed :)

[dunlopc]

Loved this episode it was very emotional for all involved. Difficult choices for the Doctor and Donna seemed to come to a better understanding about his life and time travel. It was also nice to see Peter Capaldi have not seen him on tv for a while.

[omega_firebolt]

I liked the bit where he had the water pistol that was funny :)

[charley farley]

A much improved episode after last weeks offering, the Dr with a water pistol was quality.

[Reuben]

A much improved episode after last weeks offering, the Dr with a water pistol was quality.

Agreed.

[smallville0001]

I loved the episode! Except the Doctor did seem a bit over-mean!

My favorite lines were:
'I'm armed!' Pulls out a water gun.
'You fought her off witha water pistol! I bloody love you!' Brilliant line from Donna, and nice affect with the water gun!

[whogeek]

I liked the episode, the first thirty minutes were a little slow, but ended just wonderfully. I must admit that there was a time which I felt sorry the Doctor leaving the majority of the people to parish, when I know how much he loves the human race, Donna was and I feel will be a good companion for the Doctor.

[ginnyfan]

This episode was good. There were some parts that were slow and I didn't get into the villain but overall I enjoyed it. I love Donna to bits. She's so much fun. Her running commentary and inquisitiveness was enjoyable in this episode. I love how much she wanted to warn people once she realized where she was. The family dynamics were fun. The fortune telling and the turning to stone stuff were my fave parts. Donna's tearful pleading with the Doctor to save someone was emotional gold. I loved that moment. There was also a Rose reference. I'm getting really excited to see what's going to happen with Rose this season. :)