Doctor Who’s third series, helmed by the captivating David Tennant, is often described as a season of contrasts. It boldly swings between the pinnacle of modern Doctor Who storytelling and some of its more questionable moments. This season is draped in a pervasive atmosphere of melancholy, a reflection of the Doctor’s internal turmoil, still raw from the loss of Rose Tyler.
This re-examination of series three reveals how deliberately this somber tone mirrors the Tenth Doctor’s fractured emotional state. We witness a Doctor grappling with grief, perhaps even indulging in a ‘heartbreaker’ persona, leading Martha Jones on an emotional rollercoaster while seemingly oblivious to the impact of his actions. Martha herself becomes a relatable figure, embodying the intelligent, capable individuals who, despite recognizing warning signs, find themselves entangled in the throes of unrequited affection.
However, series three also grapples with the challenge of fully developing Martha’s character beyond this dynamic. While Freema Agyeman delivers a commendable performance, the writing doesn’t consistently provide Martha with the depth and complexity seen in some of Doctor Who’s most celebrated companions. Martha’s journey, though poignant, feels somewhat limited within a season that thematically explores loneliness, emotional ambiguity, and the flawed coping mechanisms we employ to navigate life’s voids.
Here’s a detailed ranking of the episodes in Doctor Who Series Three, from its lowest points to its undeniable triumphs:
Lower Tier Episodes: The Misses of Series Three
12. “Daleks in Manhattan” / “Evolution of the Daleks” (Episodes Four and Five)
Daleks in 1930s New York, a concept that unfortunately falls flat in execution.
When you fuse the aesthetics of a B-movie with a narrative attempting to address the socio-economic realities of the Great Depression, all while layering in a Dalek-centric moral dilemma, the outcome is, unfortunately, messy. And yes, the infamous New York accents are part of that mess. Doctor Who venturing to America has often been a precarious endeavor, and this two-part story serves as a cautionary tale of the pitfalls when the series attempts to go ‘Stateside’ and, arguably, overuses its iconic villains. Any potential intrigue offered by the 1930s setting dissipates the moment the questionable human-Dalek hybrid appears. Even a young Andrew Garfield’s presence cannot salvage this misstep in the Doctor Who series three narrative.
11. “The Lazarus Experiment” (Episode Six)
Professor Lazarus transforms, showcasing the episode's forgettable monster design.
“Utterly forgettable” might be the most generous description for an episode that subjects viewers to Mark Gatiss portraying a creepy elderly man, a creepy young man, and, ultimately, a creepy lizard creature. This underdeveloped episode lacks the dynamism to be offensively bad, settling instead into a realm of blandness. Regrettably, it’s also in this episode that the disparity in character development between Rose and Martha becomes starkly apparent. The nuanced attention afforded to Rose and her family is conspicuously absent for Martha, making “The Lazarus Experiment” an easily skippable episode in any Doctor Who series three re-watch.
10. “The Shakespeare Code” (Episode Two)
“The Shakespeare Code” possesses all the ingredients for a resounding success. William Shakespeare is an ideal historical figure for a Doctor Who celebrity encounter, and the Elizabethan era offers a rich and visually appealing backdrop. However, the episode leans heavily into a cheesy tone that ultimately undermines its narrative impact. Shakespeare himself is rendered surprisingly bland, lacking the vibrant personality one might expect. While the burgeoning tension between Martha and the Doctor adds a layer of interest, the episode, overall, lacks the intellectual sharpness and wit that should be inherent in a story centered around one of history’s most brilliant minds.
9. “The Sound of Drums” / “Last of the Time Lords” (Episodes Twelve and Thirteen)
The Master and the Doctor face off, a highlight in an otherwise flawed finale.
As the weakest of Russell T Davies’ finales, this two-parter’s saving grace is the electric chemistry between David Tennant’s Doctor and John Simm’s Master. However, accessing this dynamic requires wading through a considerable amount of narrative absurdity. The CGI ‘Dobby Doctor’ is a significant misstep, and the pacing feels uneven. The unsettling twist concerning the Toclafane, coupled with a resolution that feels somewhat too convenient, detracts from the overall impact. While Martha’s non-traumatic departure is a welcome change, it occurs within a finale that somewhat diminishes the otherwise strong run of episodes in the latter half of Doctor Who series three.
Solid Tier Episodes: Enjoyable Adventures in Series Three
8. “The Runaway Bride” (2006 Christmas Special)
Donna Noble and the Doctor's first chaotic encounter in "The Runaway Bride".
A whimsical farce juxtaposed with a somber exploration of genocide – could there be a more quintessential Russell T Davies era Doctor Who episode than “The Runaway Bride”? True to many Doctor Who Christmas specials, the tone is amplified to an extreme, yielding mixed results. The narrative itself is somewhat thin for a full 60-minute episode. However, witnessing the initial sparks of chemistry between David Tennant and Catherine Tate is a delight. The episode also thoughtfully positions Donna as a pivotal figure in the Doctor’s emotional recovery post-Rose. “The Runaway Bride” effectively serves as a lighthearted interlude after the emotionally charged conclusion of series two.
7. “42” (Episode Seven)
The tension mounts in "42" as Martha and the Doctor race against time.
While series three’s ‘base-under-siege’ narrative may not reach the heights of “The Impossible Planet” / “The Satan Pit,” “42” remains an engaging hour of television. The real-time premise effectively maintains a sense of urgency, and the episode features genuinely eerie visuals, such as Martha adrift in space in an escape pod. Coupled with a compelling central mystery concerning a sentient sun entity, “42” delivers a solid, self-contained adventure. The episode’s release shortly after Danny Boyle’s film Sunshine adds an amusing layer of zeitgeist.
6. “Voyage of the Damned” (2007 Christmas Special)
The Doctor and Kylie Minogue amidst the chaos of "Voyage of the Damned".
What better way to celebrate the festive season than with a Poseidon Adventure set in space? It’s somewhat remarkable that the most purely ‘fun’ Christmas special of the Russell T Davies era is essentially a disaster movie parody, where almost all of the likeable supporting characters perish. Kylie Minogue’s vibrant guest performance sets the tone for an entertaining romp with subtle capitalist satire. However, the true highlight of this episode is David Tennant’s unrestrained, suave performance, arguably the most debonair of his entire Doctor Who tenure, making “Voyage of the Damned” a delightful Christmas treat.
5. “Gridlock” (Episode Three)
New New York traffic jam in "Gridlock", showcasing the episode's imaginative world-building.
Following “The End of the World” and “New Earth,” “Gridlock” completes the Face of Boe/Year 5 Billion trilogy with considerable flair and originality. This episode exemplifies the type of robust, episodic adventure that ideally populates a Doctor Who season – blending humor, thought-provoking themes, and social commentary. Like the episode’s interminable motorway, “Gridlock” operates on multiple levels. From the Doctor’s poignant attempts to recreate past moments with Rose to the unexpected sense of community that imbues the episode with pathos, “Gridlock” is an underappreciated gem of Doctor Who series three, warranting a revisit for those who may have previously overlooked it.
4. “Utopia” (Episode Eleven)
Captain Jack's dramatic return in "Utopia", adding to the season's growing unease.
Russell T Davies often favors a sense of disquiet in his penultimate episodes, and “Utopia” masterfully embodies this, unfolding in a bleak refugee camp at the very edge of the universe. Even Captain Jack Harkness’s highly anticipated return is marked more by tension and apprehension than celebratory nostalgia, a dynamic that David Tennant portrays with exceptional skill. Elevated by a remarkable performance from Derek Jacobi, “Utopia” marks a significant escalation in Davies’ showrunning, seamlessly weaving together season-long and series-spanning Doctor Who elements into a game-changing twist. If there’s a weakness, it’s that “Utopia” is only half a story, and the subsequent two-part finale doesn’t quite match its brilliance. Nevertheless, “Utopia” stands as an intriguingly dark penultimate episode for an intriguingly dark season of Doctor Who.
Top Tier Episodes: The Masterpieces of Series Three
3. “Smith and Jones” (Episode One)
Martha Jones and the Doctor in "Smith and Jones", a strong start to the season.
“Smith and Jones” is arguably one of the most underrated episodes in the Doctor Who canon – a delightful and distinctive science fiction adventure that launches the season with panache while convincingly establishing why the Doctor chooses Martha as his new companion. Indeed, this might be Martha’s finest episode, showcasing her composure under extraordinary circumstances. The lunar setting is evocative, the Judoon are entertaining adversaries, the concept of the Doctor traveling with a medical doctor is ingenious, and Tennant and Agyeman exhibit a vibrant chemistry that they don’t consistently recapture. “Smith and Jones” stands as Russell T Davies’ best series premiere and a superb opening for this uneven yet compelling season of Doctor Who.
2. “Blink” (Episode Ten)
Sally Sparrow faces the Weeping Angels in the iconic episode "Blink".
What more can be said about “Blink” that hasn’t already been articulated? It is a phenomenal hour of science fiction television, introducing the Weeping Angels, arguably the most terrifying and enduring new monsters of modern Doctor Who. Anchored by a pre-Oscar fame Carey Mulligan, “Blink” employs a Doctor-lite structure that makes it exceptionally accessible to new viewers. It’s no surprise that “Blink” is consistently lauded as one of the greatest Doctor Who episodes of all time. It is frightening, humorous, meta-narrative, and surprisingly poignant. “Blink” remains as captivating and enjoyable today as it was upon its initial broadcast over fifteen years ago, solidifying its place as a classic Doctor Who episode.
1. “Human Nature” / “The Family of Blood” (Episodes Eight and Nine)
The Doctor as John Smith in "Human Nature", a powerful exploration of humanity.
While “Blink” is undeniably brilliant, “Human Nature” / “The Family of Blood” stands as the true masterpiece of Doctor Who series three – and arguably the pinnacle of the entire Russell T Davies era. This two-part story is one of the most profoundly dramatic narratives NuWho has ever presented, excelling in its serious exploration of both the horror of an alien invasion and the emotional complexities of its human drama. (A separate analysis could be dedicated to the episode’s masterful use of its pre-World War I setting to establish a tone of sacrifice, love, cruelty, and the futility of war.) The episode’s crowning achievement is David Tennant’s astonishingly transformative performance, complemented by Jessica Hynes’s equally remarkable supporting role. For all the Doctor’s admiration for humanity, he can never truly grasp the essence of being human. “Human Nature” / “The Family of Blood” makes this poignant point with breathtaking clarity, solidifying its place as the best of Doctor Who series three.
Coming soon on Girl Culture: A review of The Marvels; plus the conclusion of this rewatch project with Doctor Who series four, ranked.
