Doctor Who: 10 Brilliant But Overlooked Moments In NuWho
8. The Final Days Of Planet Earth - The End Of Time: Part One
The opening of The End of Time: Part One has all the suspense typical NuWho cold opens have but also possesses a special elegance which draws the spectator in.
Murray Gold’s aptly titled track The Greatest Story Never Told evokes a sense of nostalgia and reflection, signifying the end of an era and letting us know we’re in for an emotional ride. Once the score ceases, we hear a brass band playing God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen in a lovely nod to previous episodes.
An element of intrigue is established through the question of who the narrator is (spoiler: it’s James Bond) and, through his storytelling, we’re faced with the fitting theme of finality which adds to the swansong-feel.
The action unravels poetically, as we’re transported from the Moon’s surface towards Earth, before a seamless transition takes us from the clouds to a Christmassy street. The camera hones in on Wilfred but, before we can celebrate the return of this beloved character, we’re teased with a sinister glimpse of John Simm’s allegedly-deceased Master.
Wilfred’s visit to the church, where he meets a mysterious woman who tells him of The Legend of the Blue Box, is chilling and leads into an exciting pre-credits cliffhanger, climaxing with shots of the stained glass TARDIS and the Master cackling.
Without fast-paced action or immediate peril, this moment is overlooked. However, for its exquisite construction and satisfying small details, it stands out as one of the show’s best openings.