Christopher Eccleston’s time as the Doctor may have been brief, but over the course of 13 episodes and 10 distinct stories, his legacy left a lasting impression. In 2005, when <em>Doctor Who</em> was revived under the careful leadership of Russell T Davies, despite only appearing in one season, Eccleston still managed to exceed Paul McGann’s tenure as the Doctor, since McGann only appeared in one film in 1996.
In that one season, Eccleston spent time with Rose Tyler as his primary companion, in addition to traveling with Captain Jack Harkness, Mickey Smith, and briefly with a boy named Adam Mitchell. He also led three double episodes, which is why in 13 episodes he covered exactly 10 stories. He faced off against classic villains like the Daleks and the Nestene Consciousness, in addition to introducing the world to the Slitheen.
All things considered, Eccleston and RTD managed to pack a great deal into this brief stint, and while some stories outshine others, this early period of Modern Who stands out as incredibly exciting, innovative, and thoroughly fun throughout.
“The Unquiet Dead” Season 1, Episode 3
That being said, something has to fall into last place, and “The Unquiet Dead” earns that unfortunate position here. This episode was a wonderful example of how historical figures can be woven into the narrative of Doctor Who, as Charles Dickens lands a prominent position in the episode.
However, this episode leaned heavily into a supernatural sci-fi storyline with gaseous aliens called the Gelth haunting Victorian London and taking control of corpses, while a psychic girl manages to create a connection to these aliens. It’s not a bad episode, but it didn’t rise to the same heights as others on this list.
“The Long Game” Season 1, Episode 7
After picking up Adam in the previous episode, the Doctor, Rose, and Adam travel to the future where they discover the world is in bad shape, and everyone on Earth is at risk of being beamed onto the terrifying Satellite 5, where they are forced to compete in a variety of deadly games that typically result in numerous deaths.
This episode is a great example of the Doctor’s bravery and sharp detective skills as he unravels a mystery that has evaded all humankind for generations. It also features Simon Pegg in a cameo role and reveals exactly what happens when a companion acts out of greed and a desire to abuse the chance to travel through time and space.
“The End of the World” Season 1, Episode 2
This is a fascinating episode, and as the second entry in the modern era, it was extremely exciting to move from a contemporary alien invasion story to one that takes place at the end of the Earth’s timeline. The Doctor takes Rose to an end-of-the-world party hosted by the last human alive, though Cassandra does not resemble any human that you could imagine considering she has become a skin graft with a brain in a jar.
A wide array of aliens appears in this episode, and it’s thrilling to see how the series tackles the challenge of creating different species. On top of that, the Doctor flirting with a tree and his wonderful speech when confronting and outsmarting the antagonist of the episode make this an incredibly memorable episode in the series.
“Aliens of London”/”World War Three” Season 1, Episodes 4 + 5
Early in the season, one of the most menacing and creative new villains to join Doctor Who’s long list of rivals appears in the form of the Slitheen. These monstrous green creatures invade Earth thanks to their extraordinary technology that allows them to shrink from their full size and slip into human skin suits they have eliminated.
This is the very first double episode adventure of modern era and one that leaves lasting impression not least because of enemies but also mention UNIT reveal that Doctor is held high regard by major world leaders incredibly high stakes as Earth’s future hangs balance.
“Boom Town” Season 1, Episode 11
Near end season Slitheen return Doctor handful new allies including Jack Harkness discover last Slitheen Cardiff. With larger cast characters engaging one another familiar villain making return this episode feels fleshed out meaningful season.
It also builds previous story revealing last Slitheen now alone while makes nefarious plans blow up planet return home Doctor finds way sympathize connect enemy. There’s charm heart humor plenty fun action this episode lays groundwork Eccleston’s final outing.
“Dalek” Season 1, Episode 6
This episode introduced one Doctor’s most powerful threatening rivals from show’s entire history Daleks. Fair enough this episode only features single Dalek they are weakened condition but when Rose touches death machine they absorb time travel energy systems fire up.
One best details this episode fact Daleks get much-needed upgrade it’s revealed they can fly but beyond that episode features cast annoying exaggerated characters prevent it from climbing higher rankings.
“Father’s Day” Season 1, Episode 8
Without doubt this one most emotional intense episodes first season Doctor Who Rose Tyler has been traveling through time with Doctor while now access time travel mind has been constantly coming back one thing she has always wanted experience seeing her late father one last time.
Having heard endless wonderful stories about dad from mother Jackie Rose wants meet him be present for final moments would otherwise die alone. However Rose struggles stand by watch father die leads saving father creating paradox.
This episode establishes important rules around time travel even if show hasn’t brought Reapers back subsequent adventures delivers some best emotion from Rose’s time TARDIS.
“Rose” Season 1, Episode 1
As much “Father’s Day strong Rose Tyler story episode brought show back “Rose,” without doubt one best entire series. This episode revived series captivated new generation viewers alongside fans who were waiting return soon there was good enough story.
The Doctor investigating series strange events meets young woman incredible instincts named Rose Tyler. Over course episode Doctor grows close Rose together save world threat Nestene Consciousness. It’s everything Doctor Who should be deserves top three listing.
“Bad Wolf”/”The Parting of The Ways” Season 1 Episodes +
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