Doctor Who (TV Series) Utopia (2007) User Reviews

The Beginning of the End...

[Xstal · 9/10 · 5 December 2021]

The TARDIS tries to escape the frantic clutches of Captain Jack and in doing so we are taken to the end of the universe for an encounter with the last of humankind who have their eyes firmly cast toward Utopia, alas...

Futurekind have ideas of their own, they've infiltrated, and one's in the zone, there's sabotage, disruption, interference and destruction but the main danger comes from a ticking timed eruption, that goes off unchecked with Shakespearean glare, and not too soon after, a body does flare.

Establishing an almighty build up to the final two episodes of the season.

excellent, a great lead to the finale

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 19 August 2015]

The Doctor and Martha head to the end of the Universe, with Captain Jack strapped to the TARDIS. Professor Yana is helping to save the last humans in the universe, by offering them 'Utopia'

I really like Utopia, it's a very good episode. It certainly is a game changer for the show, it gives us a welcome return for Captain Jack and of course something much bigger, but I've always thought that something's missing, what I don't know but will try to go deeper.

It's a bit Mad Max meets the Doctor. The tattooed, pierced, spiky toothed future kind are good and have the usual apocalypse feel to them, I'm reaching for the ink when the end of the world comes!

Sir Derek Jacobi is magical throughout, I can't decide if it was a wasted opportunity for him to be in just the one, or if he was the ultimate set up for John Simm. His change was glorious, from sweet to villain, an that scene with the excellent Chipo Chung was one of the best in nu Who.

I found the story a little bit thin, with the whole Utopia concept is a little hard to buy into. The premise, script and cast all feel a bit too big for the episode, like putting a glorious tropical fish in a small tank, that's Utopia.

Huge amounts of energy, which we must credit John Barrowman and Murray Gold for, it's alive, and has somewhat been missing in some segments.

You just knew something was brewing, the time piece creation back in Human Nature was such a good one, and the joy of seeing it again, we remember a comment from the face of Boe, 'you are not alone,' but who?? There is a tremendous shift in gears when Martha glances the pocket watch and informs the Doctor of her discovery. It's a fabulous moment.

From the instant we see him, John Simm's enthusiasm is infectious, finally an energy to match Tennant's.

I've reviewed this whilst re watching it for the first time in a few years, and my opinion has changed, I've thoroughly enjoyed, and it's switched from a previous good to excellent, it's 9/10

A very important episode of the series with Graeme Harper on excellent form

[DVD_Connoisseur · 10/10 · 16 June 2007]

From the exciting beginning on modern-day Earth (Cardiff to be exact) to the exhilaratingly dark scenes at the very end of the universe itself, this is a cracking ride that grips the viewer from the onset and doesn't let go.

Jack's back and it's a genuine pleasure to see John Barrowman's character weave his sexual magnetism on man, woman and bug-person alike. The chemistry between Barrowman and Tennant is marvellous and the conversation between the two men as Jack works in the radiation chamber is one of my favourites of the season.

The legendary Derek Jacobi is perfect as the lovely Professor, striving to save mankind from extinction by launching the rocket to a mysterious far-off Utopia, and Chipo Chung is a delight as his blue-skinned, insectoid companion.

No spoilers here but this episode ties up plot points in a beautiful fashion. While I've been critical of some of Russel T. Davies' scripts in the past, this one is faultless. It's just a shame that the big surprise was leaked / speculated over even before this series began - always the danger thesedays, I guess. Still, "Utopia" remains a very clever piece of television and one that will have the forums buzzing for some time.

As always in recent weeks, as the end credits roll, I'm left genuinely gob-smacked. It's great to know you're watching something that will one day be regarded as a classic. The series has matured over the last three years and it's entered a zone where the team are pushing everything as far as they can and leaving no creative opportunities unexplored. This is thoroughly exciting, innovative television that will be influencing future generations of writers, producers and directors. Television today really doesn't get any better than this.

Full marks, 10 out of 10.

A pivotal moment in Doctor Who history.

[one_letter · 8/10 · 16 June 2007]

Well...as David Tennant said on 'Confidential' last week, 'a pivotal moment in Doctor Who history'.....correct-a-mundo!!!

First off our lovely Captain Jack is back.

Harkness, that is; Jack Harkness. Jack Sparrow is SOOO last year!

I have to admit, for anyone who watches 'Torchwood' it doesn't slot in exactly with the season finale....I know I was left wondering how Jack got past Owen, Ianto and Tosh and up to where the TARDIS sat without them noticing but that aside our Captain was brilliant.

The Doctor reacted rather harshly with Jack's return but I think that was perfect given Rose and what happened when they last parted. I wish they had divulged more with the Doctor's regeneration but the writers wrote that in so Jack already knew. Jack from season 1, then Jack from Torchwood are both completely different. The latter being MUCH darker, so dark in fact, that I don't think it would have worked on DW, which is, basically a family show. Jack has an edge now, very raw but this reunion with the Doctor seems to perk him up a bit and a favourite line of mine is when they are once again running for their lives and Jack laughs and goes, 'Oh, I've missed this!' The witty banter between the Doctor and Jack was great, and I actually think Jack responds better to Ten than Nine. They are both very similar, both haunted, both have lost so much yet are always ready to make a witty remark about anything that happens to pass by. I enjoyed the nice touching moment when they talk about Rose and what happened in 'The Parting of the Ways.' Martha is listening to all this the whole time and her expression is priceless.

The actual plot of the story is a bit weak, for one, how is Utopia Utopia if the universe is about to die? Shouldn't Utopia be destroyed too? But it was nice and simple, set at the end of the universe in the year 10 trillion, although it was really only a lot of the Doctor fixing things and pushing buttons not a lot of actual story. We never actually know if they find Utopia but this was a 'to be continued..' episode so watch for next week.

Then we have the Master....oh, yes...he's back in this episode which, personally, surprised me. I expected to see him next week. Never-the-less it was a stroke of genius.....it all ties back to the two-parter, 'Human Nature' and 'The Family of Blood'....think to yourself....how did a Time Lord survive the Time War? John Simm was BRILLIANT and you actually got the feeling that, oh no, the Doctor's met his match!

The last few moments are heartbreaking as the Doctor realises who the Time Lord is and then tries in vain as the Master steals the TARDIS. The Doctor, Jack and Martha are left at the end of the universe with the freaky, 'futurekind' creatures after them and no way back to earth. Gulp.

But have a look at the next time trailer after the credits, the Master's last words sent a chill down my spine, 'what this country really needs, right now...is a Doctor.' then he gives this evil little smile as he knows the Doctor is trapped 10 trillion years in the future. Wickedly wicked.

MAGNIFICENT, PULSE-POUNDING, and another day with the Doctor at the end of the universe!!!

[lordzavulon666 · 10/10 · 31 July 2007]

UTOPIA is the first in the SEASON 3 finale trilogy. Jack Barrowman returns as CAPTAIN JACK HARKNESS after being resurrected from death and settling in with his revamped version of TORCHWOOD. Freema Agyman is marvelous as Martha Jones, which in this episode proves she is a definite companion-in-time-traveling with the Doctor.

The story is very intriguing which involves the Doctor, Martha, and Captain Jack strolling along at the End of the Universe (in the year 100 TRILLION AD). They encounter many goings-on with a local cannibalistic horde known as THE FUTURE-KIND and stumbling into an underground refugee base where the residents of humans are awaiting to be transported to the fantastical-mythological place known as UTOPIA. Although, the local scientist, THE PROFESSOR, has some trouble with the rocket and its engines. But the light of hope shines with the arrival of the Doctor and his friends. Though, by the end of this episode, things get from hopeful...to apocalyptic as this episode marks the return of an 'old enemy' from the Doctor's past. And this sets the stage for the next two episodes.

GRAEME HARPER is definitely becoming a grand master of delivering excellent DOCTOR WHO episodes. He has so much energy put into this episode along with RUSSELL T. DAVIES' script that makes me jump for joy for more. The sets, the effects, and the revelation at the end as definitely marked UTOPIA as an instant classic. David TENNANT as the TENTH DOCTOR truly shines here. But the real star of this episode goes to SIR DEREK JACOBI, best known in GLADIATOR and UNDERWORLD: EVOLUTION, as he plays "THE PROFESSOR" in top-form, charismatic, and class. His scenes are the best directed stuff I've ever watched. His chemistry with Tennant is absolutely amazing. Especially near the end.

As for the next episodes...keep'em coming.

A Utopia of Quality!

[A_Kind_Of_CineMagic · 10/10 · 7 February 2019]

This continues a run of tremendous top quality stories. The majority of the episode is subtle in its qualities but is unquestionably excellent throughout in my opinion before reaching an electrifyingly exciting last 10 minutes as at the end it re-introduces one of the Doctor's greatest enemies in the most thrilling way.

The writing of the whole episode by RTD is brilliant with an engaging script which has humour, intrigue, touching drama and dystopian futuristic ideas.

Derek Jacobi, one of the great actors of our time, puts in one of the best guest starring performances in the show's history. The full range shown by Jacobi as he portrays different sides of the character is sensational. He is beautifully endearing before building towards very moving moments as he struggles with memories hidden deep inside and then a dazzling different side is shown in the heart thumping final scenes.

David Tennant shows yet another awesome display in his top standard performance as the Doctor, Freema Agyeman yet again proves to be a perfect companion, John Barrowman makes a very welcome and impressive return as Captain Jack Harkness and all other acting, direction and production values are great.

Graeme Harper the director also directed 42 earlier in this series as well as the top 10 classic The Caves of Androzani from the 5th Doctor's era. He shows his quality yet again.

There is a nice link in to themes interwoven through the series involving the Doctor's watch in the wonderful Human Nature/The Family of Blood and The Face of Boe from Gridlock as well as leading on with the cliffhanger into the final two episodes that finish Series 3. (Utopia is generally accepted as being the first of a 3 part story with the following 2 episodes so I am going to have to go along with that even though I see this as quite separate).

The whole story, the acting and especially the terrific ending, makes this a top class cracker for my tastes.

My Rating: 10/10.

Top marks to all involved

[jwikstro · 10/10 · 11 July 2013]

From Chipo Chung to Derek Jacobi, all involved give brilliant performances here. The enthused scientist chatter between the Doctor and the Professor is a breath of fresh air, and the sci-fi/metaphysical chatter between the Doctor and Jack is refreshing as well.

Looking back at this episode with the benefit of the intervening years to place it, I would say that it represents a zenith of sorts for the show. Great script, excellent execution, etc.. Some great moments followed, "Waters of Mars" for example, but the tight execution and dynamic cast on display here are brilliant. Freema Agyeman is great, as well as the supporting cast and especially John Simm.

Yet another excellent episode

[Justme_ben-1 · 9/10 · 16 June 2007]

Fans will find this episode very satisfying. This episode begins to wrap-up many loose ends fans will have been waiting see. The return of an old foe is delivered excellently, as is the return of Captain Jack, despite an arguably lame introduction.

Listen out for Matha commenting on how little she feels she stills knows about the Doctor, for newcomers to the series it will apply to you. Davis brings out his cold side, his prejudices and his limitations in new a revealing ways. Best of all, we get to see the , this strong character become submissive and desperate, it is the Doctor like you have never seen him

The silent tragedy to this episode, is (in her eyes) Marthas weak relationship with the Doctor hitting an all time low. Rose is discussed at length, making Martha feel less and less important, and the Doctor even more inconsiderate. The relationship with Jack and the Doctor also raises many concerns for her own well being, them being the fate she has sealed by associating with the Doctor.

This episode sets the series up for its finale in a sensational way, having a fantastic twist which is well concealed and revealed excellently

You Are Not Alone - - return of the Master (and Captain Jack)

[dkiliane · 9/10 · 24 February 2019]

Captain Jack is back! :) A welcome addition to the TARDIS crew, you know you're in for fun when he appears. And fun (and thrilling!) this episode certainly proved to be, though it begins a little slow.

The character of Professor Yana is also immediately engaging and the similarities between him and the Doctor are easy to pick up on. This episode does a good job of turning expectations on its head while remaining entertaining throughout. At first glance it appears to be another run of the mill survive the aliens story w/ cookie cutter race of villains.

But the second act takes a step back to focus on the interaction between the characters, specifically the Doctor and Yana. And their interaction is brilliant and makes Yana a legitimately likeable character, perfectly setting up the twist in the third act with the discovery of the fob watch.

And the third act pays off brilliantly. Distracting the viewer with the sabotage by the future kind, we are completely caught by the twist. The real villain is the kindly Yana, who becomes the malicious Master when the fob watch opens! Deliciously thrilling and suspenseful, the climax of the episode delivers in a big way, paving the way for the two-part season finale and connecting the threads of the season together. 9/10

I really liked this one

[warlordartos · 10/10 · 13 March 2021]

Absolutely beautiful. Like the best of old Doctor Who and new Doctor Who merged into one and it is incredible to witness. I did find the YANA acronym a bit stupid but it's minor so i can get passed that.

wow

[movieman_kev · 10/10 · 10 May 2008]

At the known end of the universe, far FAR in the future where no Time Lord has traveled before, Martha and the Doctor meet up with Captain Jack Harkness whom hitched a ride on the outside of the TARDIS. It's not long before they're on the run from cannibalistic, Futurer-kind, and trying to help an enigmatic professor shuttle the last vestige of the Human race off to Utopia.

What a great opener to the three-part 29th series finale, it has long-running simmering plot-lines coming to a head in the most delightful of ways. The cliff-hanger which, sadly, in the internet age, one had to have his head firmly in the ground to not have been spoiled to, was great none the less and had me breathlessly awaiting the next two installments.

My Grade: A+

Jacobi Is A Class Act

[Theo Robertson · 7/10 · 19 August 2008]

Utopia is a strange beast . It is in effect the start of of a three parts 45 minute story , equivalent to six episodes of the classic series . However re-watching it again you may become aware of the flaws of RTD vision of DOCTOR WHO . It's set on an alien planet which is only to be welcomed , but unfortunately it's quite literally a stone quarry in England something the classic series suffered from . Surely with so much technology available to the show we should be seeing something more impressive . Similarly why is said quarry full of extras from MAD MAX ? The fact that Neil Marshall's film DOOMSDAY failed says a lot by having every post apocalypse scenario populated by butch psychopaths running around in leather - it shows a complete lack of imagination . It also suffers from a lack of internal logic . We're told hat " There hasn't been an university for a thousand years " but somehow the refugees have trucks and firearm available to them . Surely you'd have university standard engineers etc in order to build and maintain such things ? The return of Capatain Jack may be well received by gay men and heterosexual women in the audience but it's obvious he's being used as a plot device by RTD in order to drive the plot forward , a plot that is very threadbare when you examine it

There is a massive plus though and that is the casting of Sir Derek Jacobi as Professor Yana . Jacobi gives without doubt the most memorable of a guest on Nu-Who . It's poignant , moving and totally touching . The only problem is that when he's on screen you start to notice the lack of presence by the rest of the cast . It's somewhat painful to realise what a great Doctor he would have been if a previous producer had cast him in the 1980s . Jacobi's performance makes up for the episode's numerous flaws and makes me give Utopia seven out of ten

An exciting episode – to a certain point.

[jamestheactor · 9/10 · 16 June 2014]

I didn't know what to expect from this episode after the previous week's rather creepy encounter with the Weeping Angels, but Captain Jack's return was something that I was looking forward to after I read about it online. When the TARDIS appeared at the end of the universe I became interested in the plot. The dialogue between the Doctor and Jack was impressive. In fact, the episode contains a number of impressive quotes! I was inspired by "Utopia" when it was mentioned by Professor Yana and others in the year 100 trillion. I wasn't too keen on the Futurekind but found myself rather drawn towards Professor Yana's assistant Chantho. Throughout the episode, I was actually watching her more than taking in the plot. When she revealed that like the Doctor, she was the last of her species, I really felt for her. Maybe it was partly because I saw that she was loving, but unloved. It wasn't until one month later that I realised the Honest Truth: I am totally in love with Chantho. I feel love often and I love the feature of her speech and everything about her. Chipo Chung plays her brilliantly and the episode itself is exciting. The dialogue between Martha and Chantho in one scene is other part I love. In fact, that's my favourite scene! The Doctor activating the rocket is an outstanding scene and it involves one of David Tennant's greatest quotes, "I'm brilliant!" I was hoping to see Utopia itself but the episode doesn't get to that point. It's only later on in Last of the Time Lords (which was aired two weeks later) when it's revealed that there was no Utopia. The only scene I found difficult to watch was after Professor Yana opened his watch and turned evil (the following parts of THAT scene speak for themselves). This is the reason I gave it a 9 and not a 10. I had a feeling about the Master's return after watching earlier episodes detailing various clues, especially the Face of Boe's last words, "You are not alone." I recommend that sensitive viewers only watch the episode up to the point when the watch is opened. Russell T Davies said in an interview that not all Doctor Who monsters and aliens are enemies, adding that Chantho is so sweet. So why did she have to be killed off so cruelly? I don't blame Derek Jacobi – he said in an interview that the following scenes were kept secret from him so he didn't know how the episode would end until they got to that scene, although I was suspicious of Professor Yana from the very start. I can't believe such a scene was put in a Doctor Who episode. Scenes like that should not be broadcast before 9pm! In fact, I haven't seen any other Doctor Who episode involving in a scene like that before or since. There was a minor situation that was similar in Voyage of the Damned but it was brief and the bad guy was killed instead. If I ever watch this episode again, I'll only watch it up to my favourite scene because my loving heart does not delight in the evil involved at the end of the episode. It was bothering me for days after that. As the Master regenerated, the whole time all I could think of was, "I can't believe this is happening." I shared what the Doctor was thinking throughout that sequence. To be honest, I didn't feel at ease until the Doctor ended the Master's reign in Last of the Timelords when he shows the Master the power of the human race as he regains his youthful appearance.

I've often imagined going to the year 100 trillion and saving Chantho just after the Doctor, Martha and Jack returned to the Present Day. I'm aware that you could feel all the love in world for someone, but if they don't feel the same away about you, nothing will come of it. Throughout the remainder of 2007, I often watched parts of that episode up to my favourite scene. My heart was racing like a Formula 1 Racing car the whole time. "Kisses of Fire" by ABBA referenced the experience. I realised that love is so strong.

Believe it or not, but in early December 2007, I had a dream which involved various locations: The Radiation Cleansing lab from Dr. No, the Grand Canyon and futuristic corridors. Towards the end of the dream, I was in another lab and the main characters from this Doctor Who episode where there as well. At the end of the dream, all but one of the characters had left the lab, and that character was Chantho. After a brief romantic conversation – she said she loved me! We embraced – and then we kissed! The stars outside glowed beautifully and for the first time, I didn't feel disappointed when I woke up.

I had another dream on New Year's Eve 2015 in which I led a rescue mission in a complex building where some friends of mine and I found Chantho and revived her by sharing a magic cake. Chants joyfully exclaimed, "Chan, I'm alive! I'm alive, tho!"

I say this in my review on TV.com but I'll say it here as well: Since watching Utopia, I can't stop thinking about Chantho and every time I think about Utopia, I think about her. I love you Chantho!

Utopian

[MrFilmAndTelevisionShow · 9/10 · 26 March 2021]

Another great episode and one for the first time featuring the return of a Time Lord (The Master). It was of course not as good as the previous episode "Blink" but nothing short of perfection could top that. This was a great episode and that is all I need to say.

Stellar!

[W011y4m5 · 9/10 · 11 April 2020]

Firstly, it needs saying that Derek Jacobi is a national treasure & an absolutely remarkable talent. He only plays the role of the actual Master for the best part of 10 minutes in this single episode & yet steals every scene he's in throughout, both as Yana & the titular villain.

Secondly, it does also indeed require acknowledging how there's incredible levels of chemistry between John Barrowman & Freema Agyeman from their very first moments on screen together - to say it's their first ever time meeting on the show. Two truly inspired casting choices collide to make for a remarkable pairing here & this collision pays off to make for brilliant sequences amongst themselves & the Doctor, playing off of David Tennant as if they'd never been separate.

With the writing, Russell somehow manages to reintroduce Captain Jack Harkness after the events of his debut season in Torchwood, re-establishes the relationship between himself & the Doctor - following on from his unexpected desertion in "Parting of The Ways" whilst additionally setting up the new dynamic with Martha - making a distinctive "trio" who differentiate themselves from Season 1's group until it feels familiar & yet wholly new & refreshing all the same - all while progressing things forwards.

That level of world building is phenomenal - striking a perfect balance between them all, linking spin-offs & making what are complex, human relationships seem relatively simple & easy to understand on screen... That is top tier writing & worthy of immediate praise & appreciation - keeping all of those plates spinning in the air without dropping a single one, tying all interwoven plot threads together from earlier on in the series in time for the finale.

Graeme Harper - reliable as usual - directs the story beautifully & leaves the viewer with a skilfully constructed cliffhanger... And so, on to the next one!

Reborn!

[wetmars · 10/10 · 17 August 2020]

This episode... man... I love Utopia, it's a great episode, that master reveal was the best of out of all of them, I can't imagine how the audience reacted to that, lol. Loved the Master's theme, loved everybody's performance, Jacobi did a excellent job at being the Master!

A Thrilling Launchpad for a Groundbreaking Finale

[hwiltshire-06889 · 9/10 · 4 April 2024]

Utopia sets the stage for one of Doctor Who's most iconic season finales, delivering a wild, twist-filled ride that earns it a solid 9 out of 10. It cleverly introduces new characters and mysteries, all while leaving you with a sense of exhilarating dread.

David Tennant is at his charming best, balancing the Doctor's boundless energy with an underlying darkness. Freema Agyeman's Martha continues to be a strong and proactive companion. The most thrilling addition, though, is John Simm as a charismatic and unhinged Master. His reveal is a jaw-dropping moment that fundamentally shifts the series' dynamic.

The episode's sci-fi premise - the end of the universe and a desperate attempt to reach "Utopia" - is suitably epic. Director Graeme Harper keeps the tension high, ramping up the action in the final act but leaving the best twists for the following episodes. It's not afraid to be a bit bleak, creating a palpable sense of hopelessness against an unknown enemy.

Where it slightly falters is in its supporting cast. Professor Yana and his companion Chantho could have used a bit more depth, particularly considering their significance later on. Some of the science also gets a bit wobbly if you think too hard about it.

Despite these minor hiccups, Utopia is a remarkable setup episode. Its pacing is excellent, the Master's return is a bombshell, and it delivers a satisfying mix of action, humor, and genuinely shocking twists. It's the first piece of an unforgettable three-parter and a must-watch for any fan of the revived series.

Masterful reveal....

[stevenjlowe82 · 10/10 · 30 November 2023]

Yet again we have another truly top tier episode of New Who and is consistent with the run of excellent episodes in this backend of series 3.

I absolutely loved the chaotic reveal of The Master, as soon as he produced that pocket watch my jaw was on the floor. I love it when a show does a reveal like this, where there is no real hint of it coming. I was completely bowled over when the face of Boe bomb was dropped and it really added to the awe of this episode particularly they last 10 minutes or so.

I have to be honest and say I'm not a massive fan of John Simm's portrayal of the Master. I found it very uneven and jarring and honestly very pantomime villain in some ways. I get the master was meant to be mad but i just feel they went a bit overboard and he felt like a caricature rather than an actual character. He does have some good moments when he chooses to reign it in a bit.

Utopia

[studioAT · 6/10 · 25 August 2021]

This was a mixed bag episode for me.

There's a lot that's good - Captain Jack, The Master etc, but the whole Mad Max inspired bad guys element didn't really work in my opinion.

It does build for a nice finale though.

Heaven is a place on Earth

[southdavid · 7/10 · 4 June 2021]

The penultimate episode before the two-part finale that sneakily is actually the first episode of the three-part finale - well played "Doctor Who".

After picking up a hitchhiker in the returning Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) the Tardis flies further into the future than it ever has before. On this planet, the Doctor (David Tennant) and Martha (Freema Agyeman) find the last remnants of the human race, preparing to launch a rocket to 'Utopia' before the Futurekind, a cannibalistic race can invade their stronghold. The Utopia project is led by Professor Yana (Derek Jacobi) a gifted scientist, but one whose mind is disturbed by a persistent drumming.

As episodes go it's pretty much a solid if unspectacular affair for the most part. There is a certain amount of running and reverse the polarity gubbins that you'd expect. We're never quite sure that the Futurekind actually want, presumably it's to eat the regular humans, given their sharp teeth but they seem to have enough intelligence to integrate one of there number into the facility - even though she gurns her sharp teeth at the camera on more than one occasion.

It's all ultimately filler though for a final act that sees Professor Yana's true identity be revealed as he too has a pocketwatch, just like John Smith had back in the "Family of Blood" double bill. Derek Jacobi is, of course, a legendary actor and his ability to shift Yana from kindly, if slightly doddery, scientist to vicious unfeeling murderer is naturally excellent.

I review this episode at an odd moment in "Who" history, as Barrowman's on set proclivities have him if not fully 'cancelled' then at least 'disbarred' at the moment. He is, in this episode anyway, a welcome return, as he shakes up the dynamic on the Tardis that still hasn't fully recovered from the "Family of Blood" storyline.

Solid, if unspectacular, until those last five minutes.

Great twist

[lisafordeay · 7/10 · 30 January 2023]

Utopia is episode 11 of Season 3 starring David Tennant,Freeya Aygman and John Barrowman featuring David Jacobi(Kenneth Branagh's life long friend) as the professor.

The doctor and Martha team up with Captain Jack Harkness to the end of the world where they meet a professor(Jacobi) who is trying to get his rocket up and running as there are refugees on board wanting to go home. But when the professor starts acting funny Martha discovers something very shocking about this professor. Could he be a time lord under a hypnosis like the Doctor was in the episode Human Nature.

Overall I thought it was a good episode. The twist with the professor was very good as I didn't see it coming until the end of the episode.

John Simms features in the end as The Master(a deadly version of the Doctor).

Excellent toppings on a cardboard pizza

[kreniigh · 7/10 · 3 January 2018]

Doing a slow binge of the entire show in 2017, I knew nothing about this episode going in, and about halfway through I was bored and watching it mainly on momentum. The story was junk sci-fi, sloppy and poorly explained, evoking a concept as mind-bending as "the end of time" and then filling it with mugging Road Warrior extras and the cast of Les Miserables. What does it even mean that it's the end of time? It really felt like another "Lazarus Experiment" or "Idiot Lantern".

Which is not to deny the greatness of parts of it -- the performances of the main cast, the brilliant setup for the 3-parter, etc. -- which were fine and tasty, but stuck onto an underlying premise as uninvolving as a cardboard pizza crust