13. The Long Game
The Long Game is the seventh episode of Series 1, and also the worst. Featuring a strange plot set on a news space-station, it sees the Doctor and Rose try to uncover the corruption within the system, ending up facing against Simon Pegg's The Editor and the strange CGI monster, the Jagrafess. Or should I say The Mighty Jagrafess of the Holy Hadrojassic Maxarodenfoe? The episode was very strange, and not too good. I found the plot quite average, the supporting characters very dull and the monsters very bland and average. I also found that Adam, from Dalek, was a very boring character, and completely useless to the plot.
Overall the episode is definitely not boring, but very average for Doctor Who. It is definitely a filler, and a boring one at that. Written by Russell T. Davies, the episode is the worst episode of the series by a long way.
12. The End of the World
The End of the World is the only other bad episode in the series. Now, I know that by many fans this episode is adored, but I just found it boring. Even though it is only the second episode of the new series, it still seems very predictable and clichéd. The villain, Cassandra, is very dull and the alien characters are very bland and useless to the plot. The reason it is better than The Long Game is that is expands really well on The Doctor being the last of the Time Lords, and details more of his backstory.
Overall, the episode is quite bland and clichéd, and has a very predictable ending. Also, the aliens are very boring and dull, and are only there to offer some colour. However I really love the expansion of the Time War, and really does build the world of New Who up.
11. World War Three
World War Three was a very average episode, and was a very disappointing ending to the brilliant first part Aliens of London. I found the threat in the episode a lot less real than in the first episode, and the conclusion was quite boring. However, I really enjoy the interaction between The Doctor and Jackie, especially the scene when the Doctor and Rose are stuck in the Cabinet Room, and the Doctor is contemplating sacrificing Rose to save the world.
Overall, this episode had quite an average plot and average monsters, ruined by their silliness, however managed to make a lasting impression for new Doctor Who fans.
10. Rose
10th on the list is the New Who premiere, Rose. Many people think of this as an amazing episode, but I really don't. The episode seems very average for me. I found the Autons in this episode quite dull, and the plot quite predictable. The best thing about this episode is definitely the acting, as Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper put on a really good performance in this episode, one of their best, I have to admit.
Overall, this episode is quite average and predictable, but the acting is very good and the graphics are also very interesting for the episode. The episode is by no way boring, but very normal for a Doctor Who episode.
9. The Doctor Dances
This episode is loved by many people, but I find it quite disappointing. Compared to the amazing The Empty Child, I found it quite disappointing, even though I am not entirely sure why. I think the main reason I don't like this is because of the Nancy storyline, of her being the Empty Child's mother. I personally think that subplot is quite stupid and unneeded. I also didn't like it that the cause of the Gas Mask Disease were repairbots, I think it would've been a lot cooler with it being some kind of deadly menace. However, the acting is brilliant, especially from John Barrowman as the new companion, Captain Jack Harkness.
Overall, this episode gives a bit of a cop-out ending with the Nanobots, it's brilliant and intriguing acting is let down by the dull and boring ending.
8. The Unquiet Dead
Now, this is where the episodes get really good. The Unquiet Dead is an atmospheric ghost story, featuring a creepy undertaker, a psychic maid and, of course, Charles Dickens. The first of the regular "Historical Figure" episodes, this episode is a brilliant take on Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, while also starring the inspiration in the episode. The acting is really good, especially Eve Myles, who would later star in the Doctor Who spinoff show, Torchwood.
Overall, this historic episode is very creepy, features some great acting and also some really amazing graphics. The first properly creepy episode of New Who, this episode really introduces both the historical and creepy elements to the new series.
7. Aliens of London
Aliens of London is a surprisingly brilliant episode. Even though many people dislike this episode, I really like it. I think the acting is brilliant, the story is superb and the creatures are awesome. I really like the way this episode is done, with the aliens faking aliens. I really like the Slitheen in this episode, but I find their incessant farting unneeded. I think the silly parts of this episode really let it down, as without them it would probably one of, if not the, best episode of the series. I really like the way they did the aliens, looking at them as if they were not real. I also really enjoy the way they made the whole episode really conspiratorial.
Overall, I found this episode quite intriguing and different to all the other episodes of Series 1. It was let down by its incessant silliness and its predictable cliffhanger but, except for that, this episode is a joy to watch.
6. Boom Town
Boom Town is a brilliant episode of Doctor Who. Even though many fans dislike this episode, I really enjoy it, however. The main reason for this is that the episode is very different and unique from the other Doctor Who episodes. I found the Slitheen a lot more interesting in this episode than in their first two-parter, as the main villain, Blon Fel Fotch Passameer-Day Slitheen, seems to have a twisted sense of morality. We also get a good look at The Doctor's sense of morality, and more character development for Rose and Mickey. The main brilliance of this episode, however, is the amazing acting. Christopher Eccleston, Billie Piper, Noel Clarke, John Barrowman and especially Annette Badland are at top performance this episode, with some of their best acting seen in this episode.
Overall, this episode is one of my favourite of Series 1, and features by far the best portrayal of the Slitheen in both Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures. It also has some brilliant acting and some very deep and thoughtful scenes.
5. Bad Wolf
Bad Wolf is an absolutely brilliant episode. Set on the Game Station, it sees the Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack trapped in deadly versions of our modern game shows, such as The Weakest Link and Big Brother. The first part of Christopher Eccleston's two-part Dalek sendoff, it has near-perfect build-up for the finale, such as Rose's supposed death and the paranoia of the Controller. There are a few flaws in this episode, such as the Controller's powers and the devolution of mankind not being explained satisfactorily. However, what makes up for this is the amazing cliffhanger, which, when having to wait a week for its conclusion, will make you shake in anticipation.
Overall, this episode is brilliant build-up for an amazing finale, with an amazing cliffhanger, horrific ideas and brilliant acting.
4. The Empty Child
The Empty Child was the first Doctor Who episode written by Steven Moffatt...and one of his best. The episode starts the tradition of making normal, everyday things creepy as hell: this time, children. Set in 1943, it sees the Doctor and Rose arrive in Blitzed London, where they learn of a deadly infection spreading around London, binding Gas Masks to people's faces and making them ask for their mummy. The episode really works and creeps everyone out who watches it. The episode also introduces a new companion very successfully in John Barrowman's Captain Jack Harkness.
Overall, this creepy episode brings a new layer to Doctor Who, making the normal creepy (Gas Mask Zombies) and the abnormal hilarious (Captain Jack).
3. The Parting of the Ways
The 2nd part to the amazing Bad Wolf goes 1 step better. The Parting of the Ways is the work of a genius, returning the Daleks to their former glory before The Time War. It also shows how loyal Rose really is to The Doctor, how far The Doctor will go to save the people he loves, and how he would save innocents rather than destroy evil. The writing makes The Doctor go further than he's ever had to go before, and have to make his first, out of many, terrible decisions in New Who. The Dalek Emperor in this makes for an excellently creepy villain, the Daleks are made to feel like the largest army in the universe, and the true soldier roots of Captain Jack are felt. But the best part of the episode is the end. The Doctor's perfect regeneration scene could not be better, as it is heartbreaking, intriguing and frightening all at the same time.
Overall, this episode is full of dark and powerful messages. It manages to convey death, truth and justice all in one story and really signifies the burden The Doctor holds.
2. Father's Day
Father's Day is probably one of the saddest episodes of Doctor Who ever. The first truly emotional episode, it focuses on Rose saving her dad from death, but thereby unleashing monstrous creatures called Reapers and ripping a hole in reality. The episode also sees the introduction of one of New Who coolest aliens, the Reapers, and also focuses on what will happen if time is changed. The episode answers many questions about the effects of time travel, to great success.
Overall, this episode is a very well-done, base-under-siege story, with horrible monsters, scenes of pure darkness and really intriguing plot devices. But overall this episode, written by genius Paul Cornell, really shows off what this series can do emotionally.
1. Dalek
Dalek. What an amazing episode this is. With a British alien expert, an rich American overlord, a Robot-like creature that kills everything it sees, an alien war veteran, an unknowing human girl and all set in an underground base full of alien artifacts, this episode is packed full of sci-fi goodies. One of the best episodes of New Who to date, this episode, which follows the base-under-siege format, sees the Doctor and Rose forced to face off against the last Dalek in existence. But not any Dalek. The most dangerous Dalek in the universe. One with no orders. The episode is a piece of art, and is one of the best Dalek stories to date.
So there you have it. All of the Series 1 episodes ranked. I really hope you enjoyed this post, I will be doing it for all the series and then some more things after that (Spoilers!). Please feel free to leave your list in the comments below. My next video will be my Top 10 William Hartnell Doctor Who Episodes, so stick around for that. But thanks for reading, and I will see you later.
Overall, this episode had quite an average plot and average monsters, ruined by their silliness, however managed to make a lasting impression for new Doctor Who fans.
10. Rose
10th on the list is the New Who premiere, Rose. Many people think of this as an amazing episode, but I really don't. The episode seems very average for me. I found the Autons in this episode quite dull, and the plot quite predictable. The best thing about this episode is definitely the acting, as Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper put on a really good performance in this episode, one of their best, I have to admit.
Overall, this episode is quite average and predictable, but the acting is very good and the graphics are also very interesting for the episode. The episode is by no way boring, but very normal for a Doctor Who episode.
9. The Doctor Dances
This episode is loved by many people, but I find it quite disappointing. Compared to the amazing The Empty Child, I found it quite disappointing, even though I am not entirely sure why. I think the main reason I don't like this is because of the Nancy storyline, of her being the Empty Child's mother. I personally think that subplot is quite stupid and unneeded. I also didn't like it that the cause of the Gas Mask Disease were repairbots, I think it would've been a lot cooler with it being some kind of deadly menace. However, the acting is brilliant, especially from John Barrowman as the new companion, Captain Jack Harkness.
Overall, this episode gives a bit of a cop-out ending with the Nanobots, it's brilliant and intriguing acting is let down by the dull and boring ending.
8. The Unquiet Dead
Now, this is where the episodes get really good. The Unquiet Dead is an atmospheric ghost story, featuring a creepy undertaker, a psychic maid and, of course, Charles Dickens. The first of the regular "Historical Figure" episodes, this episode is a brilliant take on Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, while also starring the inspiration in the episode. The acting is really good, especially Eve Myles, who would later star in the Doctor Who spinoff show, Torchwood.
Overall, this historic episode is very creepy, features some great acting and also some really amazing graphics. The first properly creepy episode of New Who, this episode really introduces both the historical and creepy elements to the new series.
7. Aliens of London
Aliens of London is a surprisingly brilliant episode. Even though many people dislike this episode, I really like it. I think the acting is brilliant, the story is superb and the creatures are awesome. I really like the way this episode is done, with the aliens faking aliens. I really like the Slitheen in this episode, but I find their incessant farting unneeded. I think the silly parts of this episode really let it down, as without them it would probably one of, if not the, best episode of the series. I really like the way they did the aliens, looking at them as if they were not real. I also really enjoy the way they made the whole episode really conspiratorial.
Overall, I found this episode quite intriguing and different to all the other episodes of Series 1. It was let down by its incessant silliness and its predictable cliffhanger but, except for that, this episode is a joy to watch.
6. Boom Town
Boom Town is a brilliant episode of Doctor Who. Even though many fans dislike this episode, I really enjoy it, however. The main reason for this is that the episode is very different and unique from the other Doctor Who episodes. I found the Slitheen a lot more interesting in this episode than in their first two-parter, as the main villain, Blon Fel Fotch Passameer-Day Slitheen, seems to have a twisted sense of morality. We also get a good look at The Doctor's sense of morality, and more character development for Rose and Mickey. The main brilliance of this episode, however, is the amazing acting. Christopher Eccleston, Billie Piper, Noel Clarke, John Barrowman and especially Annette Badland are at top performance this episode, with some of their best acting seen in this episode.
Overall, this episode is one of my favourite of Series 1, and features by far the best portrayal of the Slitheen in both Doctor Who and The Sarah Jane Adventures. It also has some brilliant acting and some very deep and thoughtful scenes.
5. Bad Wolf
Bad Wolf is an absolutely brilliant episode. Set on the Game Station, it sees the Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack trapped in deadly versions of our modern game shows, such as The Weakest Link and Big Brother. The first part of Christopher Eccleston's two-part Dalek sendoff, it has near-perfect build-up for the finale, such as Rose's supposed death and the paranoia of the Controller. There are a few flaws in this episode, such as the Controller's powers and the devolution of mankind not being explained satisfactorily. However, what makes up for this is the amazing cliffhanger, which, when having to wait a week for its conclusion, will make you shake in anticipation.
Overall, this episode is brilliant build-up for an amazing finale, with an amazing cliffhanger, horrific ideas and brilliant acting.
4. The Empty Child
The Empty Child was the first Doctor Who episode written by Steven Moffatt...and one of his best. The episode starts the tradition of making normal, everyday things creepy as hell: this time, children. Set in 1943, it sees the Doctor and Rose arrive in Blitzed London, where they learn of a deadly infection spreading around London, binding Gas Masks to people's faces and making them ask for their mummy. The episode really works and creeps everyone out who watches it. The episode also introduces a new companion very successfully in John Barrowman's Captain Jack Harkness.
Overall, this creepy episode brings a new layer to Doctor Who, making the normal creepy (Gas Mask Zombies) and the abnormal hilarious (Captain Jack).
3. The Parting of the Ways
The 2nd part to the amazing Bad Wolf goes 1 step better. The Parting of the Ways is the work of a genius, returning the Daleks to their former glory before The Time War. It also shows how loyal Rose really is to The Doctor, how far The Doctor will go to save the people he loves, and how he would save innocents rather than destroy evil. The writing makes The Doctor go further than he's ever had to go before, and have to make his first, out of many, terrible decisions in New Who. The Dalek Emperor in this makes for an excellently creepy villain, the Daleks are made to feel like the largest army in the universe, and the true soldier roots of Captain Jack are felt. But the best part of the episode is the end. The Doctor's perfect regeneration scene could not be better, as it is heartbreaking, intriguing and frightening all at the same time.
Overall, this episode is full of dark and powerful messages. It manages to convey death, truth and justice all in one story and really signifies the burden The Doctor holds.
2. Father's Day
Father's Day is probably one of the saddest episodes of Doctor Who ever. The first truly emotional episode, it focuses on Rose saving her dad from death, but thereby unleashing monstrous creatures called Reapers and ripping a hole in reality. The episode also sees the introduction of one of New Who coolest aliens, the Reapers, and also focuses on what will happen if time is changed. The episode answers many questions about the effects of time travel, to great success.
Overall, this episode is a very well-done, base-under-siege story, with horrible monsters, scenes of pure darkness and really intriguing plot devices. But overall this episode, written by genius Paul Cornell, really shows off what this series can do emotionally.
1. Dalek
Dalek. What an amazing episode this is. With a British alien expert, an rich American overlord, a Robot-like creature that kills everything it sees, an alien war veteran, an unknowing human girl and all set in an underground base full of alien artifacts, this episode is packed full of sci-fi goodies. One of the best episodes of New Who to date, this episode, which follows the base-under-siege format, sees the Doctor and Rose forced to face off against the last Dalek in existence. But not any Dalek. The most dangerous Dalek in the universe. One with no orders. The episode is a piece of art, and is one of the best Dalek stories to date.
So there you have it. All of the Series 1 episodes ranked. I really hope you enjoyed this post, I will be doing it for all the series and then some more things after that (Spoilers!). Please feel free to leave your list in the comments below. My next video will be my Top 10 William Hartnell Doctor Who Episodes, so stick around for that. But thanks for reading, and I will see you later.
