Welcome to an in-depth exploration of Doctor Who Season 4, a pivotal moment in the show’s modern era. For fans revisiting the series or newcomers eager to understand the hype, season four of Doctor Who showcases showrunner Russell T Davies at his finest, particularly in crafting compelling character arcs. What makes Doctor Who season 4 so special? It marks a significant evolution for the Tenth Doctor, played by David Tennant, as he navigates a journey of growth and maturity, albeit tinged with cynicism. This season stands out by pairing him with Donna Noble, portrayed brilliantly by Catherine Tate. Donna isn’t just another companion; she’s arguably the most grounded and mature, bringing a unique dynamic to the TARDIS. This analysis will rank each episode of Doctor Who season 4, diving into what makes this season the most consistently strong of the David Tennant era, and why the chemistry between Tennant and Tate is truly phenomenal, making the anticipation for their 60th-anniversary special reunion incredibly high. Before we jump into the ranking, let’s delve into the episodes that make up the lower tier of this impressive season.
LOWER TIER
14. “The Next Doctor” (2008 Christmas special)
alt text: A scene from Doctor Who "The Next Doctor" featuring David Tennant as the Doctor and David Morrissey as Jackson Lake in Victorian London, with Cybermen in the background.
It’s unfortunate that the intriguing concept of Jackson Lake is somewhat overshadowed in “The Next Doctor.” The premise of a Victorian gentleman believing himself to be the Doctor held immense potential for a poignant and memorable standalone Doctor Who episode. However, this Christmas special becomes entangled with an elaborate CyberKing plot, losing the initial charm of a Victorian mystery. Instead of a focused, character-driven narrative, the episode escalates into an over-the-top Kaiju-style battle. Furthermore, the attempt to weave in themes of Victorian sexism through a convoluted villain storyline feels forced and ultimately detracts from the episode’s cohesion, making it a less impactful entry in Doctor Who season 4.
13. “The Sontaran Stratagem” / “The Poison Sky” (season four, episodes four and five)
Even the less celebrated episodes of Doctor Who season 4 maintain a certain level of watchability, which speaks to the season’s overall quality. “The Sontaran Stratagem” and “The Poison Sky” mark the return of Martha Jones, introduce UNIT into a more contemporary setting, and facilitate the first proper meeting between the Doctor and Wilf. The Sontarans also make their debut in NuWho within this two-part adventure. While these elements are engaging, the narrative itself feels somewhat stretched, perhaps not warranting a two-episode length. As is common in the RTD era, the modern-day Earth setting lacks some of the imaginative depth seen in other locales, and the introduction of a stereotypical “American” character doesn’t enhance the story. Despite these shortcomings, this anti-war narrative, though underdeveloped, remains a watchable, if not outstanding, contribution to Doctor Who season 4.
SOLID TIER
12. “Partners in Crime” (season four, episode one)
alt text: A humorous scene from Doctor Who "Partners in Crime" featuring the Doctor and Donna Noble mirroring each other through glass, with surprised expressions, showcasing their comedic reunion.
“Partners in Crime” benefits greatly from bringing back Donna Noble as a full-time companion, injecting a fresh dynamic into the Doctor Who season 4 premiere, quite different from previous NuWho season openers. While the Adipose plotline is arguably the weakest element of the episode, the strength of the character interactions more than compensates. The pantomime scene alone is a comedic highlight, capped by the memorable “want a mate/want to mate” exchange. Beyond the humor, the episode delves into meaningful character moments: the Doctor acknowledging his past mistakes with Martha, the heartwarming connection between Donna and Wilf, the underlying melancholy beneath Donna’s comedic persona, and the genuinely surprising cameo by Rose. It’s a testament to the high caliber of Doctor Who season 4 that “Partners in Crime,” considered one of its weaker episodes, still manages to launch the season with considerable energy and charm.
11. “The Doctor’s Daughter” (season four, episode six)
alt text: A scene from Doctor Who "The Doctor's Daughter" featuring the Doctor looking conflicted, alongside Jenny, his daughter, portrayed in a militaristic setting, highlighting the episode's themes of war and family.
“The Doctor’s Daughter” is significant for giving us the real-life pairing of David Tennant and Georgia Moffett, who later married – and for Georgia Tennant’s scene-stealing performances in Staged. As a Doctor Who episode within season 4, it’s a solid offering. The themes are presented quite overtly, and the militaristic, dystopian world-building is somewhat exaggerated, but that’s part of the quintessential Doctor Who charm. Martha Jones is arguably better utilized here than during her tenure as a full-time companion, and the exploration of the Doctor’s duality as both a soldier and a peacemaker is compelling. However, the episode’s inconsistent tone prevents it from reaching the upper echelons of the season’s best episodes, yet it remains a noteworthy and enjoyable part of Doctor Who season 4.
10. “Planet of the Dead” (2009 Easter special)
“Planet of the Dead” often finds itself at the lower end of Doctor Who season 4 episode rankings, but it offers a considerable amount of lighthearted fun. While admittedly silly and not particularly substantial, its lighter tone serves as a welcome contrast to the heavier, more dramatic episodes that characterize Tennant’s final run. The premise of a busload of people stranded on an alien planet, coupled with the introduction of memorable UNIT characters, exemplifies RTD’s talent for creating instantly engaging ensembles. Notably, Daniel Kaluuya appears in an early role. Michelle Ryan, as Lady Christina de Souza, injects a fun, almost vampish energy, perfectly suited for a one-off adventure, even if not ideal for a full-time companion. Like “Voyage of the Damned” before it, “Planet of the Dead” is best enjoyed as a festive, escapist romp within Doctor Who season 4.
9. “Planet of the Ood” (season four, episode three)
alt text: A contemplative scene from Doctor Who "Planet of the Ood" featuring Donna Noble empathetically reaching out to an Ood, highlighting themes of compassion and understanding alien cultures.
While the initial NuWho seasons thrived on interpersonal drama, Doctor Who season 4 shifts focus, establishing a strong partnership between the Doctor and Donna and exploring more abstract moral concepts, reminiscent of Star Trek in its thematic approach. “Planet of the Ood” exemplifies this, acting as a sci-fi parable that critically examines the problematic “happy slave” trope prevalent in fantasy and sci-fi genres. This concern was initially touched upon in the Ood’s introduction in season two but takes center stage here. The Doctor and Donna uncover the disturbing reality behind the Ood’s seemingly willing servitude, offering a pointed, if somewhat simplistic, critique of modern capitalism’s darker aspects. However, the episode’s true strength lies in Donna’s character development, as she evolves from being overwhelmed by the Ood’s alien nature to recognizing and empathizing with their inherent humanity, a significant emotional arc within Doctor Who season 4.
8. “The Stolen Earth” / “Journey’s End” (season four, episodes twelve and thirteen)
Ranking RTD’s grand finale extravaganzas against typical episodes is always challenging, especially with “The Stolen Earth” and “Journey’s End.” This Doctor Who season 4 finale is filled with elements to love, primarily in “The Stolen Earth,” and some frustrating aspects, mostly in “Journey’s End.” The reunion of the Doctor’s allies and companions for a massive Dalek confrontation is undeniably thrilling. However, the climax feels morally ambiguous and strangely anticlimactic. Furthermore, the intriguing concept of the Meta-Crisis Doctor is rushed, leading to a somewhat muddled, overly neat resolution. Perhaps with more narrative space, a three-part structure instead of two, RTD could have crafted a more satisfying conclusion. However, with numerous characters and storylines to juggle, including Donna’s heartbreaking departure, key moments don’t fully resonate. Despite these shortcomings, the initial Avengers-style team-up is undeniably captivating and remains a significant highlight of Doctor Who season 4.
7. “The Unicorn and the Wasp” (season four, episode seven)
alt text: A scene from Doctor Who "The Unicorn and the Wasp" featuring the Doctor and Donna in 1920s attire at a lavish party, engaged in a mystery investigation with Agatha Christie.
“The Unicorn and the Wasp” stands out as the best “celebrity historical” episode of the RTD era within Doctor Who season 4, benefiting from several factors. The BBC’s expertise in recreating early 20th-century settings is evident, and the premise of a murder mystery starring Agatha Christie, inspired by a real-life mystery surrounding her, is inherently appealing. The episode is infused with comedic flair, a welcome contrast in the otherwise somber Doctor Who season 4. Tennant and Tate clearly relish the lighter tone. The only minor flaw is the somewhat unconvincing CGI of the giant bee, but this is easily overlooked in light of the hilarious kitchen charades scene and overall delightful nature of the episode.
6. “The Fires of Pompeii” (season four, episode two)
“The Fires of Pompeii” is a remarkable achievement, especially as only the second episode of Doctor Who season 4, demonstrating the show’s confidence and maturity at this stage in RTD’s run. The episode masterfully transitions from a seemingly lighthearted premise – Ancient Pompeii as a British sitcom – to a profound exploration of the ethics of time travel. This moral complexity resonates throughout the series in surprising ways, notably with the casting of Peter Capaldi in a key role. “The Fires of Pompeii” also serves as a showcase for Catherine Tate’s dramatic range, proving she’s not just a comedic talent but a genuinely exceptional dramatic actress, a crucial element to the overall success of Doctor Who season 4.
5. “Turn Left” (season four, episode eleven)
alt text: A scene from Doctor Who "Turn Left" showing Rose Tyler and Donna Noble in a dimly lit, alternate reality setting, conveying a sense of urgency and impending dystopia.
Apart from the problematic “Orientalism” that initiates the plot, “Turn Left” is a chillingly effective “what if” scenario, highlighting the fragility of our lives, particularly in the absence of the Doctor’s interventions. The depiction of a prosperous nation’s rapid descent into a fascist dystopia feels disturbingly plausible. Wilf’s haunting line, “It’s happening again,” is particularly impactful. The dynamic between Rose and Donna is also deeply touching, with Rose acting as a Doctor-like figure to an alternate, less confident version of Donna. Like many of the standout episodes in Doctor Who season 4, “Turn Left” is a testament to Tate’s acting prowess and serves as a potent thematic precursor to the season finale’s grand reunion.
4. “The End of Time – Parts One and Two” (2009 Christmas special / 2010 New Year’s special)
alt text: A dramatic scene from Doctor Who "The End of Time" featuring the Tenth Doctor looking emotional and reflective, with Wilf standing beside him in a moment of profound farewell.
“The End of Time” perfectly encapsulates the RTD era’s blend of absurd plots and profound emotional depth. Serving as both a season and series finale, it marks the end of a significant four-season arc of Doctor Who. Similar to “The Stolen Earth” / “Journey’s End,” this two-parter is uneven in quality, but fortunately, the stronger half is the latter, making a significant difference in its overall impact. While the Master’s return plotline is largely unsuccessful, except for John Simm’s committed performance, the decision to make Wilf the Doctor’s final companion is a stroke of genius. The Tenth Doctor, often characterized by emotional repression, is opened up by Wilf’s emotional openness, allowing Tennant to explore previously unseen vulnerabilities. While the episode leans heavily into melodrama, it’s a fitting send-off for a Doctor defined by such heightened emotions – a character born from love for Rose Tyler and subsequently marked by her loss. “The End of Time” honors this core aspect of his character, providing Tennant with an emotionally resonant farewell deserving of his stellar tenure in Doctor Who season 4 and beyond.
TOP TIER
3. “The Waters of Mars” (2009 fall special)
alt text: A tense scene from Doctor Who "The Waters of Mars" featuring the Doctor in a spacesuit, looking determined and conflicted on Mars, highlighting the episode's dark tone and moral dilemmas.
One of NuWho’s enduring strengths, exemplified in “The Waters of Mars,” is the underlying sense of precariousness surrounding its seemingly all-powerful protagonist. The episode effectively delves into the Doctor’s psyche, revealing the immense burden of power and responsibility he carries. In a typical episode, viewers would unequivocally support the Doctor in breaking rules to save the likeable scientists of Bowie Base One on Mars. However, “The Waters of Mars” subverts this expectation, making us understand the profound implications of crossing certain boundaries. This shift in perspective elevates what could have been a standard base-under-siege narrative into a deeply memorable exploration of the Doctor’s darker potential, making it a standout episode of Doctor Who season 4.
2. “Midnight” (season four, episode ten)
alt text: An intensely claustrophobic scene from Doctor Who "Midnight" inside a cramped vehicle, passengers looking paranoid and fearful, emphasizing the episode's psychological horror.
While RTD’s showrunning prowess often shone in overarching character arcs and intimate character scenes, Doctor Who season 4 also featured some of his strongest individual episodes, including the exceptional “Midnight.” Necessity became the mother of invention in this episode. Despite practical constraints like a confined setting, minimal special effects, and a companion-light structure, RTD transformed these limitations into strengths. “Midnight” becomes a terrifying chamber piece examining the Doctor when stripped of his usual support system – an everyday ally to temper his Time Lord ego. After seasons celebrating human resilience, “Midnight” chillingly acknowledges that in moments of crisis and paranoia, humanity can descend into monstrous behavior. The lack of catharsis in RTD’s narrative intensifies the episode’s haunting impact, cementing its place as a top-tier episode in Doctor Who season 4.
1. “Silence in the Library” / “Forest of the Dead” (season four, episodes eight and nine)
alt text: A mysterious and eerie scene from Doctor Who "Silence in the Library" featuring Donna Noble in a futuristic library setting, with shadows and hidden dangers lurking amongst the bookshelves.
Despite ongoing fan debates about which Doctor Who showrunner reigned supreme, a compelling argument can be made that the show reached its zenith during Steven Moffat’s writing tenure under Russell T Davies. “Silence in the Library” and “Forest of the Dead” serve as a fitting testament to this creative synergy. This stellar two-parter is an example of the bold experimentation NuWho could achieve by its fourth season, confident in its audience’s ability to engage with both Donna’s abstract alternate reality subplot and the introduction of the Doctor’s complex, time-crossed romance with Alex Kingston’s River Song. Inventive, adventurous, conceptually rich, and deeply emotionally resonant, “Silence in the Library” / “Forest of the Dead” stands unparalleled in the RTD era, solidifying its position as the best of Doctor Who season 4.
In conclusion, Doctor Who season 4 is a remarkable season, showcasing the best of the Tennant era and setting the stage for the exciting reunion of Tennant, Tate, and RTD in the upcoming 60th-anniversary specials. This season’s consistent quality and compelling character dynamics make it a must-watch for any Doctor Who fan.
