Planet of the Dead
2009 Easter Special
When a London bus takes a detour to an alien world, the Doctor must join forces with the extraordinary Lady Christina, in this one-off seasonal special. But the mysterious planet holds terrifying secrets, hidden in the sand. And time is running out, as the deadly Swarm gets closer...
Trivia
  • This episode is the first of four specials, marking the end of David Tennant's tenure as the Tenth Doctor.
  • This episode was also the last chance for the Tenth Doctor 'to have fun', according to David Tennant, who suggested that things are going to take a turn for the worse for the Time Lord after this adventure, as he approaches his regeneration.
  • The title for this episode was revealed at the end of The Next Doctor.
  • This episode is the first Doctor Who episode to be filmed and broadcast in HD.
  • This episode also marks the first time a story has been co-written by two writers.
  • When the double decker bus arrived at the docks in Dubai, a crane operator was accidentally dropped on top of it, resulting in mass damage. While the press back in the UK were describing the incident as a disaster, and claiming that filming had to be cancelled, Russell T Davies later confirmed that it was blown out of proportion, and a quick script rewrite that took all of 30 seconds incorporated the damaged bus into the story.
Memorable Quotes
  • The Doctor: People have travelled with me and I've lost them. Lost them all. Never again.
  • Lady Christina: We could have been so good together!
    The Doctor: Oh, Christina! We were!
  • D.I. McMillan: I'm charging you too! Aiding and abetting!
    The Doctor: Yes. I'll... just step inside this police box and arrest myself...
  • Carmen: Doctor, you take care now.
    The Doctor: You too. Chops and gravy - lovely!
    Carmen: No, but you be careful. Because your song is ending, sir.
    The Doctor: What do you mean?
    Carmen: It is returning. It is returning through the dark. And then, Doctor... Oh but then... he will knock four times.
Planet of the Dead DVD

DVD & Blu-ray
Buy DVD online: Amazon
Buy Blu-ray online: Amazon