Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Countdown - The Age Of Steel

To celebrate the fact that 2013 is the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, we'll be taking a look back at all of the episodes of the show which featured David Tennant as the Doctor. At the end of our look back we'll be asking you, the fans, to vote for what you think is the ultimate David Tennant episode of Doctor Who....

We continue with the next David Tennant episode.... The Age Of Steel

Read our previous Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Countdown posts here.

7. The Age Of Steel
First Broadcast on 20th May 2006. Running Time: 45 Minutes. Viewing Figures: 7.63 million.
Written By Tom MacRae.
Directed By Graeme Harper.
Executive Producers Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner.
David-Tennant.com Rating: 9/10

Synopsis:

The Cybermen take control of London and start converting the populace. While Jackie falls under Lumic's control, the Doctor, Rose and Mickey are reduced to fugitives in a world of terror.

Extras:  Promotional Photos | Screen Caps | Articles | Videos | 

Production Notes:

Andrew Hayden-Smith who plays Jake in the episode revealed during an interview that his character and Ricky (Alternative Mickey) were in a relationship. This is confirmed in a deleted scene which is included in the Series 2 DVD box set.

Footage from the Ninth Doctor story 'Rose' was reused as part of the scene of the destruction of the Battersea Cyber Conversion Factory.

Quotes:

• Mickey Smith: You're just making it up as you go along! 
• The Doctor: Yup. But I do it brilliantly. 

• Mickey Smith: Let's go and liberate Paris. 
• Jake Simmonds: What, you and me? In a van? 
• Mickey Smith: Nothing wrong with a van. I once saved the universe with a big yellow truck. 

• The Doctor: And where is Mr. Lumic? Don't we get to meet our lord and master? 
• Cyber-Leader: He has been upgraded. 
• The Doctor: So he's like you. 
• Cyber-Leader: He is superior. The Lumic unit has been designated Cyber Controller.
• Cyber Controller: This is the age of steel; and I am its creator. 

Facts:

• Jackie is the first woman to be seen converted into a Cyberman in the television series. Female Cybermen don't appear to be physically any different to their male counterparts, and aren't referred to as Cyberwomen. Until Torchwood, that is.  
• A Cybercontroller, recognisable by its larger than normal cranium, also featured in the stories The Tomb Of The Cybermen (1967) and Attack Of The Cybermen (1985). Attack Of The Cybermen 
• The Doctor suggests attacking the Cybus factory in Battersea Power station at three points: "Above, between, below." This is a reference to the ancient Gallifreyan nursery rhyme (citing three possible entrances to the Tomb of Rassilon) quoted by the Second Doctor in The Five Doctors (1983).
•  A scene deleted from the final cut of the episode but offered as an extra in the Series Two box set revealed that Ricky and Jake were in a relationship.

Cast:

• David Tennant - The Doctor
• Billie Piper - Rose Tyler
• Noel Clarke - Mickey Smith / Ricky 
• Camille Coduri - Jackie Tyler
• Shaun Dingwall – Pete Tyler
• Roger Lloyd Pack – John Lumic
• Andrew Hayden-Smith – Jake Simmonds
• Colin Spaull – Mr Crane
• Helen Griffin – Mrs Moore
• Duncan Duff - Newsreader
• Paul Kasey – Cyber-Leader
• Nicholas Briggs – Cybermen (Voice)

Videos:

What do you think of the episode? Tell us below....