Doctor Who: Season 2, Episode 12 - Army of Ghosts (1) (2006)

The episode "Army of Ghosts" begins with the Doctor and Rose Tyler arriving in modern-day London. They step out of the TARDIS and are immediately struck by the sight of ghostly apparitions appearing throughout the city. The ghosts are seen walking through walls and interacting with the living, causing a mix of fear and fascination among the populace. The Doctor is intrigued and determined to investigate the phenomenon.

They make their way to a nearby estate, where they find a group of people gathered around a ghostly figure. The Doctor observes the ghost, noting its strange behavior and the way it seems to be drawn to a specific location. Rose is visibly unsettled by the sight of the ghost, but the Doctor reassures her, expressing his curiosity about the source of these apparitions.

The scene shifts to a nearby Torchwood Institute building, where a team of researchers is studying the ghosts. The Doctor and Rose infiltrate the facility, where they meet a woman named Yvonne Hartman, the head of Torchwood. Yvonne is confident and assertive, explaining that they have been monitoring the ghost activity and believe it to be harmless. However, the Doctor is skeptical and warns her that they may be dealing with something far more dangerous.

As they delve deeper into the investigation, the Doctor discovers that the ghosts are linked to a mysterious energy source emanating from the Torchwood building. He becomes increasingly concerned about the implications of this energy and its potential connection to the ghosts. Meanwhile, Rose is drawn to a particular ghost that seems to be trying to communicate with her, which adds to her emotional turmoil.

The Doctor and Rose continue their investigation, and the Doctor's suspicions grow as he uncovers more about the energy source. He realizes that it is a gateway to another dimension, and the ghosts are manifestations of beings trying to cross over into their world. This revelation heightens the tension, as the Doctor understands the potential for disaster if the gateway is not closed.

In a pivotal moment, the Doctor confronts Yvonne about the dangers of their research. He urges her to shut down the experiments and seal the gateway, but Yvonne is reluctant to abandon their work, believing it could lead to significant advancements. This conflict highlights the differing motivations between the Doctor, who prioritizes safety, and Yvonne, who is driven by ambition and the desire for knowledge.

As the episode progresses, the ghosts become more aggressive, and the situation escalates. The Doctor and Rose witness a ghost attacking a group of people, causing chaos and panic. The Doctor realizes that the ghosts are not just harmless apparitions but are being manipulated by a greater force. He races against time to find a solution, knowing that the longer the gateway remains open, the more dangerous the situation becomes.

In the climax of the episode, the Doctor devises a plan to confront the source of the energy. He gathers a team, including Rose and Yvonne, and they prepare to face the impending threat. The tension builds as they approach the gateway, and the Doctor's determination to protect Rose and the world intensifies. He is acutely aware of the stakes involved and the potential consequences of failure.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with the Doctor and his team standing before the gateway, ready to confront whatever lies beyond. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and dread, leaving viewers eager to see how the situation will unfold in the next episode.

In the ending of "Army of Ghosts," the Doctor, Rose, and Mickey confront the reality of the ghosts that have been appearing in London. They discover that the ghosts are linked to a larger threat involving the Cybermen. The episode concludes with the Doctor realizing that the breach between dimensions is about to open, leading to a significant cliffhanger as the Cybermen begin to invade.

As the episode unfolds towards its conclusion, the tension escalates dramatically. The Doctor, played by David Tennant, stands in the center of the Torchwood Institute, surrounded by the eerie presence of the ghosts that have been haunting the city. Rose Tyler, portrayed by Billie Piper, is filled with a mix of fear and determination, her heart racing as she grapples with the implications of the ghostly figures that have been appearing. Mickey Smith, played by Noel Clarke, is also present, his resolve strengthening as he prepares to face the unknown.

The Doctor, with his characteristic urgency, begins to piece together the mystery of the ghosts. He realizes that they are not merely apparitions but are connected to a dimensional breach. As he investigates, he discovers that the ghosts are a precursor to a much larger threat: the Cybermen. The atmosphere is thick with suspense as the Doctor races against time to prevent a catastrophe.

In a pivotal moment, the Doctor confronts the head of Torchwood, who has been experimenting with the breach. The Doctor's frustration is palpable as he tries to explain the danger of meddling with forces beyond their understanding. The tension between the Doctor and the Torchwood personnel highlights the conflict between scientific curiosity and the ethical implications of their actions.

As the climax approaches, the Doctor, Rose, and Mickey find themselves in a precarious situation. The breach begins to open, and the first Cybermen emerge, their metallic forms glinting ominously in the dim light. The Doctor's face reflects a mix of determination and dread as he realizes the gravity of the situation. Rose's eyes widen in horror, and Mickey stands ready to fight, embodying the courage that has developed within him throughout their adventures.

The episode culminates in a dramatic cliffhanger as the Cybermen fully invade, their chilling voices echoing through the halls of Torchwood. The Doctor's frantic attempts to close the breach are met with resistance, and the screen fades to black, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, anxious about the fate of the characters and the world.

In this moment, the fates of the main characters hang in the balance. The Doctor is left grappling with the consequences of the breach and the impending invasion, Rose is caught in the turmoil of fear and bravery, and Mickey stands as a testament to the growth he has experienced alongside them. The episode closes with a sense of foreboding, setting the stage for the next installment and the challenges that lie ahead.

In "Army of Ghosts," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes with a dramatic cliffhanger, leading directly into the next episode, "Doomsday." The focus remains on the intense events unfolding in the story, with no additional scenes or content after the credits. The narrative wraps up with the Doctor and Rose facing the imminent threat posed by the Cybermen and the mysterious presence of the Daleks, setting the stage for the emotional and action-packed resolution in the following episode.

The ghosts in 'Army of Ghosts' serve as a mysterious and unsettling presence throughout the episode. They are initially perceived as harmless apparitions, but their true nature is revealed to be linked to the larger plot involving the Cybermen. The Doctor and Rose are drawn to the ghosts, which appear in various locations, creating an atmosphere of dread and intrigue as they try to uncover the truth behind their existence.

When the Doctor first encounters the Cybermen, he is filled with a mix of dread and determination. His expression shifts from curiosity to concern as he realizes the implications of their return. The Doctor's internal conflict is palpable; he feels a sense of responsibility to protect humanity from the Cybermen's threat, and his urgency to devise a plan to confront them showcases his bravery and quick thinking.

Torchwood is introduced as a secret organization that investigates alien phenomena. In 'Army of Ghosts', it is revealed that they have been studying the ghosts and have a significant presence in the story. The character of Yvonne Hartman, the head of Torchwood, is portrayed as ambitious and somewhat ruthless, willing to take risks to harness the power of the ghosts for her own agenda, which adds layers of complexity to the narrative.

In 'Army of Ghosts', Rose Tyler experiences a range of emotions, from excitement to fear. Her initial fascination with the ghosts quickly turns to concern as the stakes rise. Rose's relationship with the Doctor is tested as she grapples with the reality of the Cybermen's return and the potential danger it poses to her and her loved ones. Her determination to stand by the Doctor reflects her growth as a character, showcasing her bravery and loyalty.

The relationship between the Doctor and Rose is central to 'Army of Ghosts'. Throughout the episode, their bond is tested as they face the threat of the Cybermen together. The Doctor's protective instincts come to the forefront, as he tries to shield Rose from the dangers they encounter. Simultaneously, Rose's desire to prove herself and support the Doctor highlights her growth. Their dynamic is filled with tension, affection, and a shared sense of purpose, emphasizing the depth of their connection.

"Army of Ghosts" is generally considered family-friendly, but it does contain some scenes and themes that may be unsettling for younger viewers or sensitive individuals. Here are a few potentially objectionable aspects:

1. Ghostly Appearances: The episode features ghostly figures that may be frightening to children, as they appear suddenly and can evoke feelings of fear or anxiety.

2. Themes of Death and Loss: The concept of ghosts and the emotional weight of loss are central to the story, which may be distressing for some viewers.

3. Tension and Suspense: There are moments of high tension and suspense that could be intense for younger audiences, including scenes where characters are in danger.

4. Violence: While not graphic, there are scenes that involve conflict and peril, which may be alarming for sensitive viewers.

5. Emotional Struggles: Characters experience fear, confusion, and emotional turmoil, which may resonate deeply and could be upsetting for some.

Overall, while the episode is suitable for a family audience, parental discretion is advised for younger children or those who may be sensitive to these themes.