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Sci-fi, a genre teeming with imagination and innovation, owes much to the contributions of women, from Mary Shelley’s foundational work to the passionate fandom that fuels franchises like Doctor Who. The 2005 revival, spearheaded by Russell T Davies, immediately resonated with this dedicated audience, anchoring its narrative in the perspective of Rose Tyler (Billie Piper), a relatable 19-year-old shop assistant, alongside the enigmatic Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston). With Davies’ highly anticipated return to the Whoniverse, revisiting this inaugural season feels particularly timely. Having personally experienced the series’ captivating pull during a post-university binge-watch, the impact of Doctor Who season one on both personal and broader pop culture landscapes is undeniable.
Returning to Doctor Who season one after years of fond memories was a revelation. While the initial impression might be of a show still finding its footing, particularly concerning special effects and certain comedic elements, the season’s strengths are strikingly apparent. The character development, pacing, and overall narrative arc are remarkably well-formed. In fact, Doctor Who season one stands shoulder-to-shoulder with later acclaimed seasons like five and nine, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the modern era, often referred to by fans as “NuWho.”
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Russell T Davies’ writing prowess shines in his ability to create instantly engaging and deeply human characters. Whether a character’s arc spans a single episode or the entire season, they are rendered with nuance, flaws, and endearing qualities. Coupled with compelling character arcs for both the Doctor and Rose, the gradual unveiling of the rich Doctor Who mythology, and the electric chemistry between Piper and Eccleston, season one delivers a debut that is nothing short of exceptional.
The strength of Doctor Who season one is so consistent that identifying weaker episodes proves more challenging than celebrating the best. This robust quality allows for a tiered ranking system with ample room for nuanced appreciation. The following ranking is, of course, open to debate, and engaging in those discussions within the Doctor Who fandom is part of the fun.
LOWER TIER
10. “The Long Game” (season one, episode seven)
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“The Long Game” unfortunately stands out as the weakest link in an otherwise impressive season. While its thematic exploration of media manipulation and societal complacency remains relevant, the execution within a dystopian sci-fi framework feels somewhat clunky and ineffective. The casting of Simon Pegg feels misjudged, and the pacing of the central mystery is uneven. Ultimately, this space station-set cautionary tale about the Information Age struggles to take flight, leaving it as a less memorable entry in Doctor Who season one.
9. “Aliens of London” / “World War Three” (season one, episodes four & five)
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Contemporary Earth-bound Doctor Who stories during this era sometimes struggled to balance Russell T Davies’ comedic sensibilities with the special effects capabilities of the time, and “Aliens of London” / “World War Three” exemplifies this. The Slitheen, with their infamous farting jokes, don’t quite land humorously, and a degree of fatphobia pervades the narrative, creating an uncomfortable viewing experience for some. However, revisiting these episodes reveals unexpected merits. They effectively expand upon Rose’s home life, adding depth to her character and motivations. The alien invasion plot, while quirky, is reasonably well-structured, and crucially, these episodes introduce the iconic Harriet Jones, MP, a recurring character who significantly impacts the Doctor Who narrative.
8. “The Unquiet Dead” (season one, episode three)
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Doctor Who boasts a rich history of incorporating famous historical figures, and Simon Callow’s portrayal of Charles Dickens in “The Unquiet Dead” is a memorable addition to this canon. Beyond this standout performance, however, “The Unquiet Dead” settles into a more routine episode structure. It’s not inherently flawed, especially with the captivating presence of Eve Myles, but the plot feels somewhat underdeveloped, and the emotional depth is less impactful compared to other episodes in Doctor Who season one. While filler episodes are necessary to flesh out a season, “The Unquiet Dead” doesn’t particularly distinguish itself within Doctor Who’s extensive collection of ghost stories.
SOLID TIER
7. “Boom Town” (season one, episode eleven)
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If “Aliens of London” / “World War Three” has a redeeming feature, it’s that it paved the way for the improbable return of Annette Badland in “Boom Town.” This episode, though not strictly a bottle episode, derives its tension from character-driven dialogue and complex moral dilemmas rather than large-scale sci-fi spectacle. This shift in focus provides an intriguing change of pace as the Doctor grapples with the ethical implications of delivering a villain to face capital punishment. While “Boom Town” may not hold the same impact upon rewatch as it did initially, the episode’s exploration of morality is compelling. The resolution, which involves transforming the antagonist into an egg, feels somewhat anticlimactic and avoids deeper engagement with the weighty themes raised. Nonetheless, “Boom Town” serves as a uniquely character-focused penultimate episode, effectively building anticipation for the season’s explosive finale of Doctor Who season one.
6. “Rose” (season one, episode one)
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While some series require time to discover their identity, Doctor Who, in its 2005 revival, remarkably establishes its core elements right from the outset. “Rose,” the first episode of Doctor Who season one, immediately introduces Rose’s resourcefulness, the Doctor’s intricate moral code, and even Jackie Tyler’s fully formed personality. Discounting the somewhat cartoonish Plastic Mickey subplot, the pilot episode functions as a near-perfect introduction to RTD’s rebooted vision. It’s a compelling mystery box anchored by Billie Piper’s instantly charming lead and infused with an undercurrent of melancholy, a signature of Davies’ writing. The episode deftly lays the groundwork for the Doctor Who universe, providing essential information while simultaneously posing numerous questions that propel the season and the series forward. Piper and Eccleston’s delightful odd-couple chemistry, combined with a propulsive narrative energy, effectively masks the limitations of the mid-2000s low-budget aesthetic. It’s no surprise that “Rose” immediately captivated audiences, setting the stage for a binge-worthy series.
5. “The End of the World” (season one, episode two)
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Perhaps no moment better encapsulates the essence of Doctor Who than the opening scene of “The End of the World.” Rose’s initial excitement about futuristic travel abruptly transforms into a darker reality as the Doctor takes her to witness Earth’s destruction in the year five billion. This perfectly illustrates the dynamic between the Doctor and his companion – his alien perspective contrasting sharply with her human sensibilities. The episode subtly explores the Doctor’s motivations for bringing Rose to such a devastating moment, suggesting it might be his way of connecting with her after the trauma of the Time War. While the balance between comedy and drama isn’t perfectly struck, with the “Toxic” needle drop feeling somewhat excessive, “The End of the World” excels in developing Rose and the Doctor’s relationship. Jade, the Face of Boe, emerges as a memorable almost-companion, and the iconic line “Moisturize me” adds a touch of dark humor to this exploration of mortality and loss in Doctor Who season one.
4. “Bad Wolf” / “The Parting of the Ways” (season one, episodes twelve & thirteen)
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Is there a more quintessential 2005 time capsule than this reality TV-spoofing two-part finale of Doctor Who season one? The dystopian parodies of Big Brother, The Weakest Link, and What Not to Wear reside somewhere between charmingly nostalgic and noticeably dated (and bear a striking resemblance to the later Hunger Games franchise). However, they effectively serve as a backdrop for the true spectacle: a Dalek battle royale, the culmination of the “Bad Wolf” mystery, and the Ninth Doctor’s emotionally resonant regeneration scene. It’s an impressively cohesive conclusion to RTD’s most structurally sound season. While saying goodbye to Eccleston after a mere 13 episodes is bittersweet, there’s a poignant lesson embedded in this finale. Doctor Who season one gradually introduces the audience to the expansive mythology of the series, culminating in a crucial Time Lord concept: change is inherent to Doctor Who. Eccleston’s brief but impactful tenure underscores this lesson early on, paving the way for the series’ enduring ability to reinvent itself. The foundation laid by Eccleston, Piper, and Davies in Doctor Who season one is essential to the success of subsequent seasons, and this finale provides a fitting and powerful send-off to the Ninth Doctor.
TOP TIER
3. “The Empty Child” / ”The Doctor Dances” (season one, episodes nine & ten)
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Despite mixed opinions on Steven Moffat’s era as Doctor Who showrunner, his contributions to the series are undeniable, particularly his early episodes in the RTD era. “The Empty Child” / “The Doctor Dances,” a two-part story from Doctor Who season one, marks the beginning of this legacy. From the outset, these episodes establish a tone distinct from the rest of the season – darker, more mysterious, yet also imbued with a playful mischievousness, largely due to the introduction of Captain Jack Harkness. It seamlessly blends the intellectual coolness that would become a hallmark of Moffat’s era with the character-driven heart that defines RTD’s Doctor Who. In a rare instance, “Just this once, everybody lives,” a hopeful sentiment that enriches the season’s overall narrative.
2. “Dalek” (season one, episode six)
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The first five episodes of Doctor Who season one demonstrated its potential to be a good show; “Dalek” proved it could be exceptional. Beneath the surface of what appears to be a timely satire of egotistical tech billionaires lies a profound exploration of how two war-torn survivors cope with being the last of their kind. Reducing the Dalek Empire to a single, tragic, and terrifying survivor is a brilliant strategy for both introducing these iconic villains to new viewers and recontextualizing them for long-time fans. However, it’s Christopher Eccleston who truly commands the episode. Confronted with his ultimate nemesis, the Ninth Doctor’s gruff and comedic exterior cracks, revealing a wellspring of pain and rage, held in check only by Rose’s presence. Lines like “You would make a good Dalek” are chillingly effective, highlighting the moral complexity at the heart of the episode. “Dalek” is arguably the most morally ambiguous episode of Doctor Who season one, and perhaps even the entire series, showcasing the show’s capacity to transcend cheesy sci-fi fun and delve into profound themes.
1. “Father’s Day” (season one, episode eight)
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While “Dalek” strongly contended for the top spot, “Father’s Day” ultimately earns the accolade, epitomizing what makes RTD’s Doctor Who era so resonant: character-driven sci-fi where emotions take precedence over time travel mechanics. The episode employs a time paradox as a narrative device, but its core focus remains on parenthood, sacrifice, grief, and love. “Father’s Day” is not only a remarkable standalone story but also perfectly positioned within the broader season arc of Doctor Who season one. Rose’s impulsive decision to save her father highlights her growth as a companion and underscores the significant lessons she still needs to learn about the consequences of altering time. Though Rose’s narrative arc is central, Eccleston delivers a powerful performance, showcasing a spectrum of emotions, from anger at Rose’s actions to tenderness in his “who says you’re not important?” speech. Even the Doctor’s willingness to take Rose to such a precarious point in her personal timeline speaks volumes about his feelings for her. Shaun Dingwall’s exceptional supporting performance further elevates the episode. “Father’s Day” is intelligent, moving, tragic, and ultimately hopeful – the pinnacle of RTD’s era of Doctor Who and a definitive highlight of Doctor Who season one.
Next time on Girl Culture: A Doctor Who season two ranking is forthcoming, but first, a discussion on the new live-action Little Mermaid, now streaming on Disney+.
