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 From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca 
  
 Here's a review of *Doctor Who: 42*: 
  
 --- 
  
 *42* is a high-octane episode that puts the Doctor (David Tennant) 
 and Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) in a race against time. The episode's 
 title refers to the 42 minutes the crew of a spaceship has to prevent 
 their ship from crashing into a star. Set in real-time, the episode 
 is packed with tension and suspense, as the Doctor and Martha scramble 
 to solve the mystery of what's happening aboard the ship while battling 
 external and internal threats. 
  
 The plot wastes no time getting started, throwing the Doctor and Martha 
 straight into a life-or-death situation. They land on the SS Pentallian, 
 a spaceship whose engines have mysteriously failed, leaving it on a 
 collision course with a star. As the crew struggles to regain control, 
 they discover that something far more dangerous is at play. The star 
 itself appears to be alive and is exacting revenge on the crew 
 for siphoning off its energy. 
  
 One of the standout elements of *42* is its pacing. The episode 
 unfolds in real-time, creating a relentless sense of urgency 
 that propels the story forward. This structure heightens the tension, 
 as every second counts in the crew's desperate attempt to save the ship. 
 The ticking clock serves as both a plot device and a way to keep 
 the audience on edge, as the Doctor and Martha must think quickly 
 to solve each problem. 
  
 The setting of the spaceship adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere 
 of the episode. The narrow corridors, malfunctioning systems, 
 and constant heat from the nearby star create a sense of confinement 
 and danger. The design of the SS Pentallian, with its industrial feel, 
 complements the tone of the episode, making the situation feel all 
 the more perilous. 
  
 Martha plays a key role in this episode, taking on more responsibility 
 and showing her resourcefulness. Trapped in an escape pod that is slowly 
 drifting toward the star, Martha must rely on her intelligence and courage 
 to survive. This subplot adds an extra layer of tension, as the Doctor 
 must figure out how to save Martha while simultaneously dealing with 
 the escalating crisis on the ship. Freema Agyeman delivers a strong 
 performance, highlighting Martha's growth as a companion who can 
 handle herself in dangerous situations. 
  
 The Doctor's storyline is equally gripping. As he tries to repair 
 the ship and keep the crew alive, he comes face-to-face with 
 the creature possessing members of the crew. This entity, 
 an extension of the star itself, takes control of individuals, 
 turning them into violent, heat-generating beings with the chilling 
 catchphrase "Burn with me." The horror of this transformation 
 is palpable, as the possessed crew members become living weapons, 
 spreading destruction and chaos aboard the ship. 
  
 The episode also touches on themes of guilt, greed, 
 and the consequences of exploiting natural resources. 
 The crew of the SS Pentallian, in their desperation for energy, 
 unwittingly provoked the star, which is revealed to be a sentient 
 being. This moral dilemma adds depth to the story, as the crew 
 realises that their actions have led to their current predicament. 
 The Doctor's outrage at the crew's recklessness mirrors 
 his own past experiences with civilisations that have misused power 
 and energy. 
  
 The character of Captain McDonnell, played by Michelle Collins, 
 serves as the emotional anchor of the episode. Her guilt over 
 her husband's possession by the star is a driving force, 
 leading to a poignant moment of sacrifice. McDonnell's arc reflects 
 the broader theme of responsibility, as she faces the consequences 
 of her crew's actions and ultimately makes a difficult 
 choice to save the others. 
  
 Despite its strengths, *42* has a few shortcomings. 
 The possessed crew members, while initially terrifying, 
 become somewhat repetitive as the episode progresses. 
 The "Burn with me" mantra, though haunting, loses some of its impact 
 after repeated use. Additionally, the science behind the episode's 
 central concept€€€the living star€€€feels a bit underexplained. 
 While *Doctor Who* often embraces fantastical elements, 
 the mechanics of the star's sentience and its ability 
 to possess crew members could have been explored in greater detail. 
  
 The real-time format, while effective in maintaining tension, 
 also leaves little room for deeper character development outside 
 of the immediate crisis. The crew members, aside from Captain McDonnell, 
 are somewhat underdeveloped, serving more as plot devices than fully 
 realised characters. This lack of depth makes it harder to invest 
 in their fates, even as they face terrifying circumstances. 
  
 Visually, *42* excels in creating a sense of danger and heat. 
 The glowing, sun-like effects of the possessed crew members 
 are striking, and the external shots of the ship drifting 
 toward the star emphasise the imminent threat. 
 The direction by Graeme Harper effectively captures 
 the claustrophobia and urgency of the situation, 
 keeping the audience engaged throughout. 
  
 The episode€€€s conclusion, in which the Doctor risks his life 
 to purge the star's energy from his body, is a dramatic 
 and emotional high point. David Tennant once again showcases 
 his ability to balance the Doctor's heroism with vulnerability, 
 as he nearly succumbs to the star's influence. Martha's tearful 
 goodbye message to her family adds emotional weight to the episode, 
 reinforcing the high stakes of their predicament. 
  
 In conclusion, *42* is a fast-paced, thrilling episode that 
 successfully combines real-time suspense with the moral consequences 
 of greed and exploitation. While it doesn't delve deeply into 
 its characters or the science behind its premise, it delivers a tense, 
 action-packed story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. 
 The strong performances by David Tennant and Freema Agyeman, 
 along with the episode's intense atmosphere, make it a solid entry 
 in the *Doctor Who* series. 
  
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 Rating: 7.5/10 
  
 *42* is an engaging, high-stakes episode with strong tension 
 and performances, though its character depth and explanation 
 of the core sci-fi concept could have been stronger. 
 -- 
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