New Earth (Doctor Who)

New Earth is the first episode of the second series of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who, which was first broadcast on BBC One on 15 April 2006. The episode was written by Russell T Davies and directed by James Hawes.

Plot

The Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) takes his companion Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) to the far future, to the year 5,000,000,023, where they visit New Earth, a planet that humanity has settled after the destruction of the original Earth. They arrive at a hospital run by the Sisters of Plenitude, a race of humanoid cats, who have developed a cure for every known disease.

While investigating the hospital, the Doctor and Rose discover that the Sisters are using artificially grown humans, known as "the Flesh," to test their cures. The Doctor is appalled by this unethical practice and decides to put an end to it.

Meanwhile, Rose encounters Lady Cassandra, a villain from the episode "The End of the World," who transfers her consciousness into Rose's body. Cassandra, now in Rose's body, teams up with the Doctor to uncover the truth about the hospital.

The Doctor and Cassandra/Rose release the Flesh, who are cured of their diseases and gain sentience. The Doctor convinces the Sisters to find a more ethical way to develop cures. Cassandra, realizing the error of her ways, transfers her consciousness into her servant Chip, who dies shortly after, allowing Cassandra to die peacefully.

Characters

• The Doctor - David Tennant
• Rose Tyler - Billie Piper
• Lady Cassandra - Zoë Wanamaker
• Chip - Sean Gallagher
• Sister Jatt - Adjoa Andoh
• Sister Hame - Anna Hope

Production

"New Earth" was the first episode to feature David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor in a full series. The episode was filmed in various locations, including the Cardiff Royal Infirmary, which stood in for the hospital on New Earth.

Reception

The episode received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Some praised the performances of Tennant and Piper, as well as the ethical dilemmas presented in the story. Others felt that the episode did not live up to the high standards set by the previous series.

Continuity

"New Earth" is a direct sequel to the episode "The End of the World," which introduced the character of Lady Cassandra. The episode also sets up future storylines involving the Doctor and Rose's adventures in the far future.

See also

• List of Doctor Who episodes (2005–present)
• The End of the World (Doctor Who)
• Doctor Who (series 2)