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Doctor Who's top five episodes this series
Published Tuesday, Jul 8 2008, 07:30 BST | By Neil Wilkes | 55 comments
Sob! Another series of Doctor Who is over (the last full-blown series, in fact, for two years). But what a series it's been. An evil genius was resurrected, the Earth was stolen from its orbit, a gazillion companions returned and the Doctor had a near-miss regeneration after being "exterminated" by a Dalek.
So many good episodes, but which were the best? Here are Tube Talk's favourite five from series four:
What would have happened if Donna had never met the Doctor? This episode explored how events would have differed in such a parallel world. Rose returned to help guide Donna back on the right path, but it entailed Donna making the ultimate sacrifice - her own life.
Companions, assistants and acquaintances united in the first part of the series finale after the Earth was planet-napped and relocated to the Medusa Cascade by dastardly Dalek creator Davros. Former prime minister Harriet Jones was cruelly exterminated, having given her life to help summon the Doctor.
Alex Kingston guest starred as Dr. River Song in a two-part story penned by exec-producer-in-waiting Steven Moffat. Claiming to know The Doctor very well at some point in the future, Song also revealed that she knew his real name. In a stunning conclusion, Song sacrificed her life to save others, meaning that the Doctor will always have known how she died, before they even met.
Do you agree with our choices? What were your favourite five episodes? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry!
So many good episodes, but which were the best? Here are Tube Talk's favourite five from series four:
5. 'Turn Left'
What would have happened if Donna had never met the Doctor? This episode explored how events would have differed in such a parallel world. Rose returned to help guide Donna back on the right path, but it entailed Donna making the ultimate sacrifice - her own life.
4. 'Midnight'
This Donna-lite episode, set on board a tourist spaceship, took paranoia to new heights. The Doctor was almost turned to spacedust after an unknown parasitic creature boarded the craft, possessed guest star Lesley Sharp and then began imitating his speech.
3. 'The Stolen Earth'
Companions, assistants and acquaintances united in the first part of the series finale after the Earth was planet-napped and relocated to the Medusa Cascade by dastardly Dalek creator Davros. Former prime minister Harriet Jones was cruelly exterminated, having given her life to help summon the Doctor.
2. 'Planet of the Ood'
A very touching episode that revealed the history of servant race The Ood. Catherine Tate proved her worth as a serious actress as Donna cried over the plight of the enslaved creatures.
1. 'Forest of the Dead'
Alex Kingston guest starred as Dr. River Song in a two-part story penned by exec-producer-in-waiting Steven Moffat. Claiming to know The Doctor very well at some point in the future, Song also revealed that she knew his real name. In a stunning conclusion, Song sacrificed her life to save others, meaning that the Doctor will always have known how she died, before they even met.
Do you agree with our choices? What were your favourite five episodes? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry!
Your Views
55 Comments
Your Responses
Iain, on July 15th, 2008
Aargh, how can you give Forest Of The Dead #1 - Moffat totally dissapointed me here. For me, it goes
5. The Unicorn And The Wasp
4. Midnight
3. The Stolen Earth
2. Turn Left
1. Journey's End
Aargh, how can you give Forest Of The Dead #1 - Moffat totally dissapointed me here. For me, it goes
5. The Unicorn And The Wasp
4. Midnight
3. The Stolen Earth
2. Turn Left
1. Journey's End
Hannah, Berkshire, on July 9th, 2008
Haha, how different we all are! Midnight, Pompeii and Moffat's 2-parter are like Marmite - some loved them, others hated them!! Just goes to show how different we all are - which I think it a good thing! Personally, I thought this was the best DW series yet overall, some fantastic episodes and the weaker ones nowhere near as bad as in previous series - and Catherine Tate proved a great choice having been dubious about her re-casting prior to the series airing
Haha, how different we all are! Midnight, Pompeii and Moffat's 2-parter are like Marmite - some loved them, others hated them!! Just goes to show how different we all are - which I think it a good thing! Personally, I thought this was the best DW series yet overall, some fantastic episodes and the weaker ones nowhere near as bad as in previous series - and Catherine Tate proved a great choice having been dubious about her re-casting prior to the series airing
Cherry, London, on July 9th, 2008
5. The fires of Pompeii - Donna really shone for me here. I knew i'd love her
4. The Unicorn and the Wasp - A very enjoyable, funny episode
3. Midnight - Great story, and brilliant acting.
2. Turn Left - A very powerful episode, and CT's best
1. Forrest of the Dead - an absoluely amazing episode, which created a fab 'companion' I actually REALLY enjoyed series 4. Lowest point for me was the first episode. Roll on, Cybermen!
5. The fires of Pompeii - Donna really shone for me here. I knew i'd love her
4. The Unicorn and the Wasp - A very enjoyable, funny episode
3. Midnight - Great story, and brilliant acting.
2. Turn Left - A very powerful episode, and CT's best
1. Forrest of the Dead - an absoluely amazing episode, which created a fab 'companion' I actually REALLY enjoyed series 4. Lowest point for me was the first episode. Roll on, Cybermen!
James, Norwich, on July 9th, 2008
I watched Forrest and the Dead and Silence in the Library back to back and they really work well; watching them a week a part ruins what Moffat is doing with the episode; you can't seperate the episodes because they don't work in the same way seperately.
Top 3
Turn Left
Silence in the Library/Forrest of the Dead
The stolen earth
It wasn't til trying to create a top 5 i realised that this series just has too many epiosdes with too many flaws. There was just nothing at the same level as episodes like Blink or Empty Child in series before. Athough I hope Dalek Caan comes back!!!
I watched Forrest and the Dead and Silence in the Library back to back and they really work well; watching them a week a part ruins what Moffat is doing with the episode; you can't seperate the episodes because they don't work in the same way seperately.
Top 3
Turn Left
Silence in the Library/Forrest of the Dead
The stolen earth
It wasn't til trying to create a top 5 i realised that this series just has too many epiosdes with too many flaws. There was just nothing at the same level as episodes like Blink or Empty Child in series before. Athough I hope Dalek Caan comes back!!!
Nicola, Wirral, on July 9th, 2008
1. The Stolen Earth
2. Turn Left
3. Journey's End
4. Fires of Pompeii
5. Partners in Crime
How anyone could list the bore-fest that was the moffat 2 parter is beyond me!
1. The Stolen Earth
2. Turn Left
3. Journey's End
4. Fires of Pompeii
5. Partners in Crime
How anyone could list the bore-fest that was the moffat 2 parter is beyond me!
Emma, Oxford, on July 8th, 2008
I would agree with some, but the final episode makes me feel physically ill, so now.
I would agree with some, but the final episode makes me feel physically ill, so now.
Ian, Merstham, on July 8th, 2008
I'm not quite sure how you can separate one part of a two-parter from the other. I adored Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead and thought that Midnight was excellent, atmospheric and inventive. The Stolen Earth/Journey's End finale eps were a great romp and Planet of the Ood stood out for me too. To be honest, I don't think there's been a duff episode... even on an average day, Doctor Who stands head and shoulders above most of the gross on TV today. Russell T Davies has breathed such life into the show and should be praised for it. At the same time, I look forward to a fresh approach and am glad that he has the sense to move on... but I hope DT is persuaded to stay and at least film the first Moffatt lead series.
I'm not quite sure how you can separate one part of a two-parter from the other. I adored Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead and thought that Midnight was excellent, atmospheric and inventive. The Stolen Earth/Journey's End finale eps were a great romp and Planet of the Ood stood out for me too. To be honest, I don't think there's been a duff episode... even on an average day, Doctor Who stands head and shoulders above most of the gross on TV today. Russell T Davies has breathed such life into the show and should be praised for it. At the same time, I look forward to a fresh approach and am glad that he has the sense to move on... but I hope DT is persuaded to stay and at least film the first Moffatt lead series.
Margareth, Philippines, on July 8th, 2008
I very much agree with your top five choices, the agatha christie and the adipose fat cell episodes were just, bleh!
I very much agree with your top five choices, the agatha christie and the adipose fat cell episodes were just, bleh!
Ian, Orpington, on July 8th, 2008
omg wat do ppl seee in midnight it was the worst of the series by far my top 5
1. stolen earth
2. silence in the library/forest of the dead
3. planet of the ood
4. journey's end
5. partners in crime
omg wat do ppl seee in midnight it was the worst of the series by far my top 5
1. stolen earth
2. silence in the library/forest of the dead
3. planet of the ood
4. journey's end
5. partners in crime
James, North Yorkshire, on July 8th, 2008
All I ask from my licence fee is that i'm entertained and Doctor Who has certainly done that this year, a great series as always with a great mix of stories and characters. Here's my choices:-
5. Planet of the Ood - We don't always see a story behind the aliens and get to know them but this really made you feel for the Ood, just a touching episode.
4. Partners in Crime - Got the series off with a bang, the cutest aliens you will ever see and one of the best scenes ever when Donna and The Doctor see each other.
3. Midnight - Some really quality acting by Lesley Sharp
2. Turn Left - Catherine Tate turned a lot of people's heads in this, great performance topped off with a bit of Billie Piper, ooh I like Billie Piper!!!!
1. The Stolen Earth/Journey's End - just an epic with so much action, more Billie Piper!!!, K9, a fantastic cliffhanger in between and top of the list German Daleks!!!! I still cannot get over that. Would also like to give praise for Doctor Who Confidential, a great program that explains a lot, the scenes where they are rehearsing the Dalek Voices Nicholas Briggs was just incredible.
All I ask from my licence fee is that i'm entertained and Doctor Who has certainly done that this year, a great series as always with a great mix of stories and characters. Here's my choices:-
5. Planet of the Ood - We don't always see a story behind the aliens and get to know them but this really made you feel for the Ood, just a touching episode.
4. Partners in Crime - Got the series off with a bang, the cutest aliens you will ever see and one of the best scenes ever when Donna and The Doctor see each other.
3. Midnight - Some really quality acting by Lesley Sharp
2. Turn Left - Catherine Tate turned a lot of people's heads in this, great performance topped off with a bit of Billie Piper, ooh I like Billie Piper!!!!
1. The Stolen Earth/Journey's End - just an epic with so much action, more Billie Piper!!!, K9, a fantastic cliffhanger in between and top of the list German Daleks!!!! I still cannot get over that. Would also like to give praise for Doctor Who Confidential, a great program that explains a lot, the scenes where they are rehearsing the Dalek Voices Nicholas Briggs was just incredible.
Dave, Middlesex, on July 8th, 2008
midnight was absolutely aweful i agree with the rest mind
midnight was absolutely aweful i agree with the rest mind
Helen, Bristol, on July 8th, 2008
I vaguely agree with the top five above, but mine would have to go:
5. The Stolen Earth
4. Turn Left
3. Partners In Crime
2. Journey's End
1. Midnight
And I don't know what this is about Steven Moffat being a rubbish writer, I think he's brilliant. Not as good as RTD, but he still does the job extremely well and I'm more than satisfied with the choice of him replacing RTD after next year's series of specials.
I vaguely agree with the top five above, but mine would have to go:
5. The Stolen Earth
4. Turn Left
3. Partners In Crime
2. Journey's End
1. Midnight
And I don't know what this is about Steven Moffat being a rubbish writer, I think he's brilliant. Not as good as RTD, but he still does the job extremely well and I'm more than satisfied with the choice of him replacing RTD after next year's series of specials.
Jonno, Peterborough, on July 8th, 2008
Oh please, Forest of the dead is nowhere near as good as turn left
5. Midnight
4. The Stolen Earth
3. Planet of the Ood.
. Journeys end.
1. Turn Left.
Oh please, Forest of the dead is nowhere near as good as turn left
5. Midnight
4. The Stolen Earth
3. Planet of the Ood.
. Journeys end.
1. Turn Left.
Andy, London, on July 8th, 2008
I don't know how anyone could put the insipid 'Forest of the Dead' at the top of the list with Moffatt rehashing all his old ideas and his warped view of gender relationships.
I don't know how anyone could put the insipid 'Forest of the Dead' at the top of the list with Moffatt rehashing all his old ideas and his warped view of gender relationships.
A.W, Manchester , on July 8th, 2008
Those who say Moffat's episodes weren't very good and were 'confusing' should probably stick to Chuckle Vision. They were two amazingly written episodes, god help you come 2010. My top 5 episodes.
5. The Unicorn and the Wasp
4. Midnight
3. The Fires of Pompeii
2. The Stolen Earth
1. Silence in the Library/Forest Of The Dead
Those who say Moffat's episodes weren't very good and were 'confusing' should probably stick to Chuckle Vision. They were two amazingly written episodes, god help you come 2010. My top 5 episodes.
5. The Unicorn and the Wasp
4. Midnight
3. The Fires of Pompeii
2. The Stolen Earth
1. Silence in the Library/Forest Of The Dead
Kath, Raxicoricofalipitorius, on July 8th, 2008
5. Planet of the Ood
4. The Unicorn and the Wasp
3. Stolen Earth/Journey's End
2. Silence in the library / forrest of the dead
1. Turn left I loved Turn Left. Definitely my favourite of the series. Rose being back, "Bad Wolf", Catherine Tate excellent again. The Moffat two parter was another highlight. The 2-part finale wasn't my favourite but was very enjoyable. TUATW was pure comedy, and POTO showed CT to be the fine actress that she is. Poor moments of the series were The Doctor's Daughter, Partners in Crime and I didn't care too much for the Sontarans.
5. Planet of the Ood
4. The Unicorn and the Wasp
3. Stolen Earth/Journey's End
2. Silence in the library / forrest of the dead
1. Turn left I loved Turn Left. Definitely my favourite of the series. Rose being back, "Bad Wolf", Catherine Tate excellent again. The Moffat two parter was another highlight. The 2-part finale wasn't my favourite but was very enjoyable. TUATW was pure comedy, and POTO showed CT to be the fine actress that she is. Poor moments of the series were The Doctor's Daughter, Partners in Crime and I didn't care too much for the Sontarans.
Ashley, Manchester, on July 8th, 2008
1. The Stolen Earth (One of the best build up to a finale that I have ever seen)
2. Midnight (I think I had my mouth hanging open when the passengers began to turn on the doctor, I had chills when it was over)
3. Turn Left (and I didn't find anything wrong with Billie's teeth =) )
4. The Unicorn & The Wasp (Great humor and it was an interesting twist on the show's formula)
5. Forest of the Dead (I enjoyed Moffat's two parter a lot less than I thought I would, that's mostly due to the character of River Song V_V)
1. The Stolen Earth (One of the best build up to a finale that I have ever seen)
2. Midnight (I think I had my mouth hanging open when the passengers began to turn on the doctor, I had chills when it was over)
3. Turn Left (and I didn't find anything wrong with Billie's teeth =) )
4. The Unicorn & The Wasp (Great humor and it was an interesting twist on the show's formula)
5. Forest of the Dead (I enjoyed Moffat's two parter a lot less than I thought I would, that's mostly due to the character of River Song V_V)
Alice Venning, Buckhurst Hill , on July 8th, 2008
i sort of aggree my top five doctor who episodes this sereis are as follows
1) turn left
2) the stolen earth
3) journeys end
4) the doctor's daughter
5) the unicorn and the wasp
i sort of aggree my top five doctor who episodes this sereis are as follows
1) turn left
2) the stolen earth
3) journeys end
4) the doctor's daughter
5) the unicorn and the wasp
Natalie, London, on July 8th, 2008
Hmmm, not sure i agree with Forest of the Dead being that high (Esp. because River Song irritated me and she was a large part of the narrative). I'd probably say
5. Planet of the Ood
4. Silence In The Library (despite my irritance at River Song, i still quite liked the first part, particularly the chilling ending)
3. Midnight
2. The Stolen Earth (kept me on the edge of my seat)
1. Turn Left (I thought it was stunning, brilliantly executed)
Hmmm, not sure i agree with Forest of the Dead being that high (Esp. because River Song irritated me and she was a large part of the narrative). I'd probably say
5. Planet of the Ood
4. Silence In The Library (despite my irritance at River Song, i still quite liked the first part, particularly the chilling ending)
3. Midnight
2. The Stolen Earth (kept me on the edge of my seat)
1. Turn Left (I thought it was stunning, brilliantly executed)
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5. Planet of the Ood- An enjoyable little episode 4. Fires of Pompeii- I enjoy well done historicals 3. Midnight- One of RTD's best episodes 2. The Sontaran Stratagem- One of my favourite monsters returns 1. Forest of the Dead- Moffat is the best DW writer since Robert Holmes, and this shines I'm going to be unpopular here but I just don't like the season 4 finale- RTD throws everything in this episode and it just doesn't work, the cliffhanger resolution was terrible, and you bring back the companions you can't give then enough screentime. I found Rose annoying and her ending was terrible. On the plus point Julian Bleach excels as Davros, and Donna's exit was great as well