doctor who episodes you must see
Attention all Whovians and Sci-Fi enthusiasts! Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the TARDIS, “Doctor Who” is a vast universe of time travel, and adventure with episodes that span decades. It can be daunting to know where to start or which episodes are unmissable. Fear not – we’ve compiled the definitive list of must-watch episodes that capture the heart, soul, and excitement of this iconic series.
Classic Who Classics
Before we plunge into the modern era, it’s worth paying homage to the classics that set the stage for all the wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey adventures to come. Here are some ‘Classic Who’ episodes that you should consider essential viewing:
“An Unearthly Child” (1963) – Season 1, Episodes 1-4.
The one that started it all. Join the First Doctor as he inadvertently takes his first companions, teachers Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright, on a harrowing adventure to 100,000 BC. This groundbreaking episode not only introduces us to the mysterious and enigmatic Doctor, played by William Hartnell, but also sets the stage for one of the longest-running and most beloved science fiction series in television history.
“The Tomb of the Cybermen” (1967) – Season 5, Episodes 1-4.
The Second Doctor encounters the chilling Cybermen in an expedition that reveals the dangers of the past lurking in the future. Join the Doctor, Jamie, and Victoria as they uncover the ancient tomb on the planet Telos, only to find themselves trapped with the Cybermen awakening around them. This classic story delves into the eerie world of the Cybermen, exploring themes of technology, morality, and the price of progress.
“Genesis of the Daleks” (1975) – Season 12, Episodes 11-16.
A must-see for any fan, “Genesis of the Daleks” is a pivotal story in Doctor Who lore. In this six-part serial, the Fourth Doctor, portrayed by Tom Baker, is sent by the Time Lords on a mission to prevent the creation of the Daleks, the Doctor’s most formidable foes.
Set on the war-torn planet Skaro, the Doctor is faced with moral dilemmas as he grapples with the decision to alter the course of history by changing the Daleks’ development. This story also introduces us to Davros, the creator of the Daleks, a brilliant but twisted scientist whose vision for the Daleks embodies the ultimate in ruthless efficiency and cold logic.
The Revival Takes Flight
With its 2005 revival, “Doctor Who” not only returned to television screens but also evolved to captivate a new generation. Here are the modern episodes you can’t miss:
“Blink” (2007) – Series 3, Episode 10.
Often hailed as one of the greatest episodes in the history of Doctor Who, “Blink” is a masterclass in storytelling and suspense. This episode introduces the Weeping Angels, one of the most iconic and terrifying villains in the Doctor Who universe.
In this episode, the Doctor and his companion Martha Jones are trapped in the past, leaving them only able to communicate with present-day Sally Sparrow through a series of cryptic messages. As Sally delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers that the statues in a local abandoned house are actually Weeping Angels – alien creatures that can only move when they’re not being observed.
“The Girl in the Fireplace” (2006) – Series 2, Episode 4.
In this emotionally resonant episode, the Tenth Doctor, portrayed by David Tennant, discovers a connection to a mysterious woman named Madame de Pompadour across centuries. The Doctor, along with his companions Rose and Mickey, finds the TARDIS has landed on a seemingly abandoned spaceship in the 51st century, where time windows connect the ship to various points in Madame de Pompadour’s life.
As the Doctor explores these time windows, he becomes entwined in Madame de Pompadour’s life, witnessing key moments from her childhood to her final days. The episode beautifully captures the essence of a tragic love story, as the Doctor forms a deep emotional bond with Madame de Pompadour, portrayed by Sophia Myles, despite the vastness of time that separates them.
“Vincent and the Doctor” (2010) – Series 5, Episode 10.
“Vincent and the Doctor” is a poignant and heartfelt episode that delves into the complexities of mental health through the lens of the Doctor’s encounter with the legendary artist Vincent Van Gogh. The episode sees the Eleventh Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith, and his companion Amy Pond, played by Karen Gillan, traveling back in time to meet Van Gogh, brilliantly portrayed by Tony Curran.
As the Doctor and Amy befriend Van Gogh, they soon realize that he is struggling with deep-seated emotional pain and mental health issues, which are reflected in his paintings. The episode sensitively explores themes of depression, isolation, and the healing power of art, as Van Gogh battles his inner demons while creating some of his most famous works, including “Starry Night.”
The Day of The Doctor(s)
Celebrating the show’s rich history often means bringing together different incarnations of the Doctor. These episodes are celebrations of the past, present, and future:
“The Day of the Doctor” (2013) – 50th Anniversary Special.
“The Day of the Doctor” is a monumental episode in Doctor Who history, celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary in grand fashion. The episode brings together the Tenth Doctor (David Tennant), the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), and the previously unseen War Doctor (John Hurt) in an epic adventure that spans across time and space.
The special begins with the Eleventh Doctor investigating a mysterious painting called “Gallifrey Falls,” which depicts the final day of the Time War between the Time Lords and the Daleks. The Doctor is then unexpectedly joined by his previous incarnations, the Tenth Doctor and the War Doctor, who have also been drawn to the painting.
“The Time of the Doctor” (2013) – Christmas Special.
“The Time of the Doctor” serves as the swan song for the Eleventh Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith, and marks a pivotal moment in Doctor Who history as it transitions to a new era with the Twelfth Doctor. The episode begins with the Doctor discovering a mysterious message echoing through time and space, emanating from a planet called Trenzalore. As the Doctor investigates, he learns that the message is from his own people, the Time Lords, who are trapped in a pocket universe and seeking a way back into the universe.
Breaking New Ground
“Doctor Who” continues to break ground by exploring complex themes and introducing new elements to the canon:
“Heaven Sent” (2015) – Series 9, Episode 11.
“Heaven Sent” is a tour de force episode featuring a virtually solo performance by the Twelfth Doctor, portrayed by Peter Capaldi. The episode begins with the Doctor finding himself alone in a mysterious castle, pursued by a terrifying creature known as the Veil. As the Doctor explores the castle, he discovers that it is constantly shifting and resetting itself, trapping him in a never-ending cycle.
“Demons of the Punjab” (2018) – Series 11, Episode 6.
In this poignant episode, the Thirteenth Doctor, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, takes us on a journey through a touching historical tale set against the backdrop of the partition of India in 1947. The Doctor and her companions, Yaz, Ryan, and Graham, travel back in time to the Punjab region of India, where they encounter Yaz’s grandmother, Umbreen, on the eve of her wedding.
As the Doctor and her companions become embroiled in the events leading up to the partition, they uncover deeply personal stories of love, loss, and sacrifice. The episode explores themes of family, identity, and the impact of historical events on individuals and communities.
“Fugitive of the Judoon” (2020) – Series 12, Episode 5.
“Fugitive of the Judoon” is a game-changing episode that turns the show’s history on its head, offering twists that leave every Whovian’s jaw on the floor. The episode sees the Thirteenth Doctor, portrayed by Jodie Whittaker, and her companions caught up in a mystery involving the ruthless Judoon, an intergalactic police known for their strict adherence to the law.
As the Doctor investigates the Judoon’s presence on Earth, she encounters another incarnation of herself, portrayed by Jo Martin, who claims to be the Doctor as well. This revelation shakes the Doctor to her core, challenging everything she thought she knew about her own past and identity.
Being a Whovian means experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions across time and space.
The episodes listed here are just a starting point – each Doctor’s era holds hidden gems waiting to be discovered. And remember, in the words of the Doctor, “We’re all stories, in the end.” Make sure you take the time to enjoy the tales of the Time Lord.
Whether you’re revisiting these classics or experiencing them for the first time, each episode promises a unique adventure. Keep an eye out for the less spoken-about episodes as well; sometimes, the most profound moments lie within the most understated adventures. Prepare your favorite snack, get comfortable, and ready yourself to travel across galaxies and through time with the Doctor.
Go on then, what are you waiting for? Allons-y!
“There’s a lot of things you need to get across this universe. Warp drive… wormhole refractors… You know the thing you need most of all? You need a hand to hold.” – The Tenth Doctor
Happy watching, and may you forever be fantastic!
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