The TOP Spot-1/14/10
Posted by Sinatra The Tank | Posted in British Invasion Week, Doctor Who, Review, The Top Spot | Posted on 6:28 PM
You didn't think that in it’s second week I’d forget about The TOP Spot did you? Well I didn’t and as a matter of fact I even gave it a little British Invasin Week spin. So here goes:
10. Rose
Season 1, Episode 1
Written by Russell T. Davies, Directed by Keith Boak
It’s the first episode of the revival and includes all the Who mainstays such as Crazy Creatures, Running down corridors, and all sorts of zany action. The episode basically tells the audience what they are in for.
Season 1, Episode 6
Written by Robert Shearman, Directed by Joe Ahearne
My first introduction to one of the Doctors most deadly foe the Dalek’s! The episode really helps make the Dalek’s out to be a threat as only 1 is able to cause so much havoc, too bad some later episodes took away some of their badass-ness.
8. The Fires of Pompeii
Season 4, Episode 2
Written by James Moran, Directed by Colin Teague
What makes a good Doctor Who episode to me is one that raises questions involving the absolute power of the Timelords and this episode does just that. The Doctor wrestling with the idea of not being able to save people due to timelines and what not is great. Also it was the first full episode I ever sat and watched so bonus points for sentimentality.
7. Army of Ghost/Doomsday
Season 2, Episodes 12 and 13
Written by Russell T. Davies, Directed by Graeme Harper
A lot of people lash out against Davies ever increasing craziness when it comes to his season finales but I say just sit back and enjoy the ride. This two part finale gives the Who nerds a great Dalek vs. Cyberman showdown (which is pretty one sided) and it also delivers one of the most heart breaking moments in new Who’s short history.
Season 3, Episode 10
Written by Steven Moffat, Directed by Hettie MacDonald
Many people will say Blink is the absolute best of the new Who era and its hard to disagree but what can I say I got to be the outcast. Blink is a fantastic example in just how interesting the concept of time travel can be used in the show and also introduces us to the best monsters of the new series, The Weeping Angels.
5. Human Nature/The Family of Blood
Season 3, Episodes 8 and 9
Written by Paul Cornell, Directed by Charles Palmer
This twp part episode doesn’t even feature the “true” Doctor all that much yet it ranks at 5?!? Well it’s another question asker, like if the Doctor could have a human life so easily doesn’t he just do so? We also get our first real look at the Vengeful Doctor and boy he gets pretty angry.
4. Midnight
Season 4, Episode 8
Written by Russell T. Davies, Directed by Alice Troughton
One of the few small scale Davies penned episodes, Midnight is just downright creepy. The show has had it’s fair share of creepy episodes (Blink and 42 come to mind) but I find the Doctor’s exchange with the Presence in the shuttle perfectly done and the fact that the Doctor actually loses control (something he rarely does) is just scary.
3. Silence in the Library/ Forest of the Dead
Season 4, Episodes 9 and 10
Written by Steven Moffatt, Directed by Euros Lyn
Another two part episode, another Moffatt story, another great Who story! I love the Vashta Nerada and the way they appear, defiantly one of the creepiest monsters in the series. Donna’s story throughout the two episodes is also a heart breaker, especially the last scene with the stuttering guy.
2. The Waters of Mars
2009 Special 2
Witten by Russell T. Davies and Phi Ford, Directed by Graeme Harper
The best of Tennant’s swan song as the Doctor. We got the kiddy fun of The Next Doctor and Planet of the Dead out of the way and were into full blown bleak territory. The Doctor faces the same questions he did in Fires of Pompeii and this time decides to go and get a big head and play god! Dark and moving this special didn’t disappoint and set the stage for The End of Time and a different kind of Doctor, a fearful one. Stupid Gadget
and the TOP Spot goes to
1. Fathers Day
Season 1, Episode 8
Written by Paul Cornell, Directed by Joe Ahearne
The first season was a bit rocky but Fathers Day was by far the best example of my asking questions formula. The Doctor brings Rose back in time to see her father and she decides to screw up the world by saving him thus summoning the Reapers to basically destroy every living thing on earth. This episode was the first to really give us an example of how bad things could get if the Doctor messed with timelines. The episode features tons of emotional baggage that will soften even the toughest person, just place yourself in Roses shoes and tell me you wouldn’t have done the same thing in the same situation.
One thing about this episode is it sets up the Reapers and we never see them again EVEN THOUGH the Doctor saves people that should have died a few times, but I suppose asking too many questions of a show like Who would take away from the shows charm.
Oh and Murray Gold’s Father Day theme is perfect. Love the music he has composed for the series and I’m glad to see he will be back for the 5th season.
Honorable Mention:
42, The Sound of Drums/Last of the Timelords, Turn Left, Bad Wolf/The Parting of Ways
Guilty Pleasures:
The Stolen Earth/Journeys End, School Reunion
Least Favorite Episode:
Fear Her
So Who fans what’s your favorite episode?
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