This month, Doctor Who celebrates its 60th Anniversary with three new special episodes which see David Tennant and Catherine Tate return to the show after 14 years. Joining them is Russell T Davies who returns as show runner and it was Davies who brought the show back in 2005. Today’s feature sees every episode from show runner RTD’s run from 2005-2009, featuring both Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant’s portrayal of The Doctor ranked from worst to best!
Each week leading to the 60th Anniversary, each show runner will have their own ranking culminating in a mega rank for the week of the anniversary! I’ve been rewatching this beloved show of mine for months now and I’ve been so excited to share my thoughts for each and every episode of this show – some bad, but mostly good – especially with RTD’s era, four series of the show which are incredibly nostalgic for me.
#39 – Fear Her (S2E11)
We’ve got to start somewhere and Matthew Graham’s Fear Her finds itself at the bottom. Despite having a renaissance during the show’s meme era, the episode itself is riddled with uninteresting characters, a boring story and just incredibly silly dialogue throughout.
#38 – 42 (S3E5)
Another boring, forgetful episode of Doctor Who where despite multiple efforts to create suspension and tension fall flat on almost all occasions. Future showrunner Chris Chibnall does the unthinkable and gives us a horrific episode of Doctor Who – who’d have imagined that?
#37 – The Idiot’s Lantern (S2E7)
When TVs start stealing people’s faces as you watch… what do you do? Whilst the concept is great, I don’t think it is executed well at all, resulting in a pretty underwhelming rewatch. I did, however, find it hilarious that actor-turned-football “pundit” Rory Jennings turns up in this one as young Tommy.
#36 – Daleks In Manhattan / Evolution Of The Daleks (S4E4/5)
Never has such a terrifying race of villains such as the Daleks felt so ridiculed throughout the existence of this show. Not only is the Dalek/Human hybrid horrific, but the two-parter goes down as one of my least favourite double episodes in the show’s history. Points were awarded for young Andrew Garfield, however.
#35 – Planet Of The Ood (S4E3)
I’ve never properly connected with this episode and didn’t find myself excited to revisit it. It’s the Ood, who have only worked well once, and then their passive hostility after their introduction hasn’t really done it for me… I won’t lie I think this episode features an absolute powerhouse of a performance from Catherine Tate as Donna Noble, improving on her already great showing in the previous episode The Fires of Pompeii.
#34 – The Lazarus Experiment (S3E6)
Some of the show’s worst CG can be found in this story from Stephen Greenhorn, which stars writer Mark Gattiss as Dr. Lazarus, the mad scientist who turns from old to young with the creation of a revolutionary machine. What follows is a horrific, panic-induced 45 minutes, and whilst not the show’s best, some of Tennant’s most dramatic scenes as The Doctor are very entertaining, who doesn’t love a running scene and a hefty monologue?
#33 – Gridlock (S3E3)
Despite not featuring in the show that much, seeing the Face of Boe is always just as sad as the previous time I saw it. I think the Macra being used is certainly an interesting one and appreciate their persistent level of threat throughout the episode but apart from that, this is a bog-standard, average episode. Nothing terrible though.
#32 – The Long Game (S1E7)
Whilst I love that this episode gives us Simon Pegg as The Editor, The Long Game, unfortunately, falls into the brand of episode that falls under the phrase “just okay”. It’s nothing horrific or something I’d refuse to watch, but it just about scrapes a pass mark. Plus the weird click-head thing still creeps me out today, just as it did as a kid – it even had me trying the clicking to see if I had the port…
#31 – The End Of The World (S1E2)
Seeing Rose’s first true interactions with a wealth of alien life is always a fun watch, propelled even more by the episode’s inclusion of “Toxic” by Britney when it is played at the party. Whilst the episode’s villain needs a lot more work, and more depth to their character I think it’s a great episode for someone new to the show.
#30 – Boom Town (S1E11)
Margaret the Slitheen (Annette Badland) and Captain Jack (John Barrowman) reunite with the TARDIS team for an absolute morality-driven episode from the main man himself, Russell T Davies. Whilst it’s nowhere near the best of his work, the idea of being able to stay on Earth, in Cardiff to be particular and have an interesting story is always a great feat. Definitely an underappreciated episode in my eyes.
#29 – New Earth (S2E1)
Probably my least favourite series opener in the whole of the Whoniverse. Incredibly weird storytelling and I have never liked the cat people, whatsoever.
#28 – The Unquiet Dead (S1E3)
Charles Dickens finally appearing in Doctor Who wasn’t enough to capture my attention when I rewatched the episode last month. The Gelth was never a “villain” which ever stood out to me. Eve Myles makes her Whoniverse debut in a very cool way which sets up her appearance in Torchwood as Gwen Cooper but isn’t explained until years in the future!
#27 – Love & Monsters (S2E10)
ELO and Peter Kay – what more could you want? Hated by most, this episode brings a new perspective to the show, removing the Doctor and Rose from the forefront and giving us a new pair of eyes to see the world. Some genuinely funny moments scattered throughout, especially when Elton has the easiest solution for an impossible task such as finding Rose Tyler… Despite some weak plot points throughout, this episode is highly rewatchable.
#26 – Aliens Of London / World War Three (S1E4-5)
This is where the episodes move from the more “okay/average” categorisations and into their very own enjoyment eras. The Slitheen are, and will always be an incredibly silly yet camp villain. Fart jokes should not be hilarious, but here we are 18 years later, still so appreciative of them… I kid you not, I really hope RTD brings the slimy, green monsters back one day.
#25 – The Shakespeare Code (S3E2)
Whilst this episode nails Shakespeare and provides an entertaining villain in the Carrionites, I always think this episode is missing a mystery element which is the key to making this a perfect Doctor Who story. Still enjoyable nonetheless!
#24 – The Doctor’s Daughter (S4E6)
The Doctor’s Daughter is actually The Doctor’s (future) Wife when you think about it… Georgia Tennant (née Moffett) stars as Jenny, the one-off iconic daughter of the titular Time Lord in a rather exciting episode – outside of the established Big Finish audio stories I think it would be incredibly cool to see Tennant return as Jenny. Whilst nothing special, I can’t express my love for The Hath enough, I think their design is simply terrific and one of the best for a “new” race of aliens since the show’s revival.
#23 – Smith & Jones (S3E1)
I’ve not expressed how good of a companion Martha Jones is, especially given how iconic her persona is. From her time as a companion in Series 3, to becoming a “guest” companion during Series 4 and then going on to show up in spin-off Torchwood – there is so much hope that Martha will one day return to the show because I just think she is absolutely brilliant she is. This episode is also known for being the episode that started the Judoon’s long history in the Whoniverse, and I couldn’t be more grateful for this. Bo Fro Sho To. No Bo Ko.
#22 – Unicorn And The Wasp (S4E7)
This episode strangely feels as if RTD wrote it himself, however, that isn’t the case as it is, unfortunately, Gareth Roberts on writing duties. I like this episode, even despite being one of the weaker episodes from Series 4 – but that goes to show the quality of David Tennant’s last proper series as The Doctor. The Agatha Christie-centric episode, boosted by its ensemble and the mystery at the centre of everything is very fun to revisit.
#21 – Father’s Day (S1E8)
Paradoxes are always a weird concept, especially when Doctor Who deals with them. What would happen if you lost someone and wanted to change time to prevent them from ever dying – well, the reapers would be the answer to that. I think the episode itself is really enjoyable but I admit I struggle to connect with the more emotional side of Paul Cornell’s script, which comes off as too over-the-top at times, but the timey wimey stuff is great!
#20- The Impossible Planet / The Satan Pit (S2E8-9)
If you didn’t already know, I hated the Ood following their initial appearance in this story but they’re great in this one. The Satan Pit is where the two-parter is allowed to flourish, The Beast and Toby are both effective villains with the Oods causing mayhem too. Great performance from Tennant in this one.
#19 – Fires Of Pompeii (S4E2)
Seeing The Doctor return and save Caecilius and his family is one of the more emotional scenes that Doctor Who gets right on so many occasions, it is such powerful writing conveyed by, just incredible performances. Whilst the Pyrovile aren’t too cool of a concept, it’s the episode’s historical inspirations that really prop it up as an enjoyable story.
#18 – Partners In Crime (S4E1)
Donna Noble is back and the world was saved – what a hilarious reintroduction she gets in the iconic window scene. Having a concept for little bits of fat with cute faces walking around London shouldn’t work but it does – the Adipose are always cute and this episode’s silly nature functions incredibly well.
#17 – The Sontaran Stratagem / The Poison Sky (S4E4-5)
This one is an enjoyable mix of nostalgia and humor, with UNIT and Martha’s return adding familiarity. The Sontarans squaring off with UNIT makes for a really exciting setting, bringing them back to thoe show was incredibly long overdue.
#16 – Rose (S1E1)
The episode that started it all (again)! Bringing back a classic villain like the Autons for the first entry in the revival is such a great decision from RTD because it gives the older viewers that sense of familiarity whilst also zhuzhing it up for newer audiences. Works really well as it establishes the Doctor and Rose, and plants the seeds for the show’s first of many series.
#15 – Tooth And Claw (S2E2)
The design of the Werewolf, and the tense atmosphere it creates during the second episode of Series 2 contribute to making it a standout antagonist in the Doctor Who universe.
#14 – School Reunion (S2E3)
There is so much about this story that I love, firstly the return of Sarah Jane Smith, which sets up the inevitable spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures is just perfect. I think the Krillitanes are a great one-off villain as well in an all-round great story. I’ve said it forever, and I’m sure many others have but Anthony Head would be an insanely good actor for The Master, should he return to the show. Toby Whithouse’s first Doctor Who script also ends up being his best work for the show.
#13 – Rise Of The Cybermen / The Age Of Steel (S2E5-6)
Name a more iconic return for a Doctor Who villain (outside of Dalek) than this one. Murray Gold’s theme for the Metal Monsters still to this day sends chills down my spine, some of his best villain compositions. My introduction to the concept of multiverses, now popularised by the MCU – Pete’s World was the OG Earth-838!
#12 – Turn Left (S4E11)
I’d like to think this episode inspired Marvel’s What… If? What an episode! Incredible storytelling through a world without the Doctor, visiting key moments from the RTD era that play like a mini farewell tour despite elements of stories being significantly changed. Plus, ROSE TYLER IS BACK.
#11 – The Girl In The Fireplace (S2E4)
The Girl in the Fireplace is a stellar one-off episode, thanks to the brilliant mind of Steven Moffat, who crafts a whimsical and emotionally resonant story around the clockwork android villains. Sophia Myles and David Tennant’s on-screen chemistry adds an extra layer of charm, making the episode a timeless standout, even if the pair’s relationship feels a bit odd at first.
#10 – Silence In The Library / Forest Of The Dead (S4E8-9)
Steven Moffat introduces us to the Vashta Nerada perfectly – not only is this story terrifying and cunning but it is shot magnificently when the story focuses on the library. The enigma that is River Song makes for the perfect character opposite The Doctor. Love all the Donna stuff with her altered reality too. I would love to see the show either revisit the location of the library or even bring back the Vashta Nerada in the show, and not for any more Big Finish stories.
#9 – Human Nature / The Family Of Blood (S3E8-9)
Another absolute classic of a two-parter! The period drama set in an old boarding school sees The Doctor lose who he is as he becomes John Smith whilst being chased by the Family of Blood. Without the Doctor, it allows Freema Agyeman to give one of her best portrayals of Martha Jones – such a fun episode, those scarecrows make you want to hide behind the settee in traditional Doctor Who fashion.
#8- Army Of Ghosts / Doomsday (S2E12-13)
Rose Tyler… I love (this two-parter so much). Regardless of the fact we finally get to see the Daleks against the Cyberman in a universe-first battle of the pairing, this two-parter plays as an emotional, heart-wrenching farewell to Billie Piper’s Rose as she is sent to Pete’s World and is cut off from the Doctor during the Battle of Canary Wharf. So many great elements interwoven into one finale, including the Cult of Skaro. the return of numerous characters like Jake, Mickey, Pete and Jackie as well as some terrifying Cyberman invasions…
#7 – The Empty Child / The Doctor Dances (S1E9-10)
What terrified me as a child now amazes me every time I watch… an absolute stunner of a two parter from Moffatt! An incredibly scary, yet beautiful story set against the backdrop of the war bringing the Gasmask people to our screens allowing them to haunt my years of childhood growing up with the show. “Are You My Mummy?” still gets quoted to this day, in both my day-to-day life as well as whenever the show can squeeze it in. Superb story!
#6 – Bad Wolf / The Parting Of The Ways (S1E12-13)
I always think about what the show’s second series could have looked like if Christopher Eccleston wasn’t replaced as The Doctor following his first, and only series. The Series 1 double finale allows him to deliver some of his most enthusiastic set pieces whilst also portraying a world class demonstration in emotive performance. Not only does the reveal of the Daleks during the first part still give me chills, but it’s the conclusion of the Bad Wolf overlapping storyline which works incredibly well – one of RTD’s many talents and something he never fails to deliver on.
#5 – Utopia / The Sound Of Drums / Last Of The Time Lords (S3E11-13)
Not only do we get Derek Jacobi’s wonderful portrayal of Professor Yana/The War Master, but John Simm provides a performance of The Master that will stay with me for as long as I know, incredibly sadistic yet so good in each and every one of his scenes. One of the show’s best casting decisions ever. Seeing the conclusion to the show’s “Vote Saxon” plot, hidden throughout the show was something else back in the day, and still gets me excited after seeing it play out so many times. Three episodes of pure Doctor Who adrenaline.
#4 – The Stolen Earth / Journey’s End (S4E12-13)
Quite literally the Doctor Who version of Infinity War – everyone from 10’s past coming together to fight his greatest enemy, the Daleks. So much of it works well, bringing everything to a close as the Tenth Doctor entered his final days. I cannot get enough of this episode, a fitting end for RTD’s best series as showrunner (so far?)
#3 – Blink (S3E10)
The Weeping Angels will always be the show’s most iconic villain, first introduced in the 2007 Doctor-lite episode – the first of its kind and I think it will be the best of the type of episode for a long time to come. Carey Mulligan is ridiculously good in this episode too, but it’s Steven Moffat’s script that will always win me over. Maybe he should write a full series of this show one day, who knows?!
#2 – Dalek (S1E6)
Being able to have only one Dalek feature in the episode but give it this presence that is so terrifying makes for an incredible story. Daleks will always be frightening (except if it’s Victory of the Daleks) but this is the villain at its best. Works really well at reintroducing the villain as well ahead of the series’ closing episodes.
#1 – Midnight (S4E10)
To this day, the best thing Russell T Davies has provided to the modern era of Doctor Who. Impeccable writing from beginning to end paired with one of Tennant’s best performances as The Doctor. The ultimate Doctor Who story.
For related reading, explore Popped’s ‘Doctor Who: The Satan Pit’ Extended Cut Heads To Cinemas For Doctor Who Day and TV coverage.
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