Series 2, Episode 9 | 2 parts | First broadcast: 10 June 2006 | Writer: Matt Jones | Director: James Strong
Cast
- David Tennant as the Doctor
- Billie Piper as Rose Tyler
- Danny Webb as Jefferson
- Shaun Parkes as Zachary Cross Flane
Summary
Descending alone into the bottomless pit beneath the planet’s surface to confront the source of the ancient evil, the Doctor grapples with matters of faith and belief as the entity claiming to be the Beast reveals itself, while Rose and the surviving crew fight for their lives against Ood possessed by the same malevolent force above. As the black hole’s gravity finally begins to consume the planet, the Doctor must gamble everything on a desperate leap of faith to defeat the ancient horror once and for all.
Interesting Facts
- This concluding episode features an extended, largely solo David Tennant performance as the Doctor debates philosophy and belief with the imprisoned Beast.
- The story leaves the true nature and origin of the Beast deliberately ambiguous, never definitively confirming or denying its claim to be the Devil.
- The Doctor’s TARDIS is recovered at the story’s end after having been lost since “The Impossible Planet,” reuniting him with Rose for their journey home.
- This two-parter is frequently cited as a fan-favorite for its bold, philosophical take on horror within the Doctor Who format.
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