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.