It enters its fifth series following the angst-ridden lives of its teenage characters, as they grapple with adolescence. This series introduces the third generation of sixth formers; a once again, eclectic mix of characters. Dakota Blue Richards (THE GOLDEN COMPASS) stars as Franky, who automatically sets herself up as an outsider when she joins the school three weeks late. As Mini, Liv and Grace do their best to both help and hinder her settling in period, we also meet the new boys Alo, Rich, Nick, and Matty. Expect plenty more bitching, backstabbing, and general angst-ridden behaviour in this, the complete fifth series.
It was always going to be a risk for the BBC to revamp Doctor Who--few television programmes inspire as much rabid and cultish adoration. With the 2005 series, however, the BBC have really outdone themselves. Their updated Doctor Who is a revelation: a cult science fiction series that has real mass appeal, and works for both children and their parents. Christopher Eccleston is an inspired and charismatic Doctor--he leaps around the sets with an unrestrained glee, like he’s a child running amok in a toy shop. His enthusiasm in downright infectious. His sidekick Rose (Billie Piper) adds a real human touch, particularly as she gradually and believably matures from in-over-her-head city kid to tough-minded interplanetary hero. Much of the credit must go to writer Russell Davies, who has a much-practiced knack for finding popular appeal without dumbing-down his ideas, and who appears to have let his imagination run riot. Even the special effects, whilst not of a big-budget cinematic quality, still manage to strike a balance between cheesiness and realism. Thrilling, funny and thoroughly entertaining, this Doctor Who is a hero for the new millennium. --Robert Burrow