Every episode of Doctor Who Season 1, ranked worst to best

Every episode of Doctor Who Season 1, ranked worst to best

It’s great to see such an enthusiastic response to the recent season of “Doctor Who”! Here are my thoughts on your top 3 episodes:


In my perspective, the last season of “Doctor Who” was exceptionally compelling and amongst the best we’ve witnessed in recent years. It’s not that I believed Jodie Whittaker’s tenure as the Doctor was subpar or haphazardly produced. On the contrary, there were episodes from her seasons that I held dear and admired deeply. She truly excelled in her role as our beloved Time Lord.

One variation could be: Despite a notable similarity between her tenure and the present one, there exists a pivotal distinction: the resurrection of Russell T Davies as showrunner. His reintroduction to the series has brought about an impressive revitalization, evident in numerous episodes from this season.

Ncuti Gatwa, who joins the cast as the latest version of the Doctor, is a significant addition to the show. His portrayal is truly remarkable, making him one of the most compelling Doctors in my opinion, given my strong affinity for David Tennant and Matt Smith. The first season featuring Gatwa has been nothing short of breathtaking, filled with inspiration, emotion, and a captivating allure that we may have never experienced from the Doctor before. It seems as though he was destined for this role.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the numerous cherished moments from this past season. I eagerly anticipate more unforgettable experiences as Gatwa takes center stage and Davies guides us through (with the added bonus of some brilliantly crafted episodes penned by Stephen Moffat).

If you haven’t seen this season of Doctor Who yet, I strongly urge you to return after doing so to avoid encountering major spoilers. With that caveat in place, let’s delve into the episode rankings for this season of Doctor Who!

8. Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 1: “Space Babies”

Among the eight episodes that this season offered, I found myself particularly disappointed with this one. It failed to resonate with me on multiple levels. The CGI representation of babies seemed off, and the Bogeyman being an amalgamation of their snot was an unexpected and unpleasant twist for a “Doctor Who” episode. My personal preferences were not met in this installment.

The performances of Gatwa and Millie Gibson (as Ruby Sunday) are the most noteworthy part of this episode. Despite the episode being dull and odd, their acting skills make it engaging enough to keep viewers hopeful that the season won’t be a disappointment.

Fortunately, the title “Space Babies” doesn’t detract significantly from an otherwise excellent season. The improvement begins right away.

7. Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 2: “The Devil’s Chord”

In the sophomore episode of this season, I found myself worrying, “Oh dear, is this season going downhill?” But I was thoroughly entertained by Jinkx Monsoon’s role as the Maestro in “The Devil’s Chord.” Their performance was nothing short of remarkable and single-handedly made the episode worthwhile.

Among the various antagonists in “Doctor Who,” none compare to Monsoon’s Maestro in terms of chilling, terrifying, and unsettling qualities. They share some similarities with the Weeping Angels, but the Maestro is far more vocal. An intriguing moment occurs when the Doctor silences the entire world, leaving the Maestro puzzled as they try to find a solution.

This episode showcases impressive visuals, yet it lacks notable elements beyond that. It might not have been the most compelling installment of the season, but Monsoon’s presence certainly leaves us with an uneasy feeling.

6. Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 5: “Dot and Bubble”

“I didn’t particularly enjoy ‘Dot and Bubble’ in Black Mirror, but I must acknowledge the impressive execution of the ‘technology as horror’ theme. Additionally, the subtle commentary on racism was thought-provoking. The unexpected twist of the racist robots took me by surprise, and I have to commend Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones for their brilliant storytelling.”

With this new development, I find this episode to be quite compelling. Yet, I was drawn deeper into the other episodes previously. Nevertheless, the storyline and script are exceptional.

5. Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 8: “Empire of Death”

Despite the anticipation and hints dropped throughout the season, I must admit that I was disappointed by the second part of the season 1 finale. I had hoped for a more impactful payoff, and unfortunately, my expectations weren’t met once the big reveal took place.

In my perspective, the enigma surrounding Susan Triad seemed hurriedly resolved. The unveiling of Ruby’s mother’s true identity left me feeling underwhelmed, and Sutekh fell short as a villain by not living up to my expectations of insanity. Though there were instances that kept me on the edge of my seat, the conclusion didn’t deliver the satisfying payoff I had anticipated.

Despite Ruby Sunday’s unexpected departure leaving me momentarily apprehensive, I am confident she will return and the Doctor won’t be alone for long. Although certain elements fell short of my expectations, I appreciated the Doctor assuming human form while pulling Sutekh through the cosmos. I even found myself admiring that Ruby’s mother was an ordinary person rather than someone with an extraordinary identity, although I had hoped for something different. The subtlety of her character added a unique charm to the story.

4. Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 7: “The Legend of Ruby Sunday”

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my delight in this week’s episode, which served as an engaging prelude to the upcoming two-parter. The intriguing revelations about the Pantheon of Gods and Sutekh’s pivotal role left me eagerly anticipating the continuation of the storyline. Additionally, I was thoroughly impressed with how the plot came full circle once we identified the true antagonist – a character whose presence we had previously encountered!

Discovering that Sutekh, the malevolent character from “Doctor Who” lore, has been secretly journeying with the TARDIS adds an intriguing layer to the show’s narrative. Frankly, I was taken aback when I found out about this unexpected companionship! The thought of the Doctor being unaware of Sutekh’s presence during their shared adventures is quite a mind-boggling concept.

The episode kept me gripped and left me bewildered by the turmoil unfolding on screen. I found its execution flawless, and it neatly tied in with the fan theories surrounding Susan Twist that had been circulating throughout the season. Unraveling that mystery brought a sense of resolution, but it also sparked even more curiosity as we approached the finale.

Overall, job well done, Davies and company!

3. Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 3: “Boom”

What’s the reason behind “Boom” ranking third? The addition of Steven Moffat, a renowned ex-showrunner from “Doctor Who,” to pen the script is a proven formula for achieving great results.

This episode was richly packed with intense feelings and unexpected heart-tugging moments. My emotional response was strong throughout, making it a top pick for me.

I’m puzzled by how Gatwa delivers such a complex performance in this episode. He skillfully portrayed the character’s internal turmoil and outer calmness. Standing on a time bomb, The Doctor was under immense pressure, yet Gatwa made it look seamless. His acting was so natural that I found myself completely captivated.

Can we get more Moffat-written episodes please?

2. Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 4: “73 Yards”

Among the standout episodes of this season, I hold “73 Yards” in high regard as my second favorite. Surprisingly, it proved to be just as engaging and enjoyable as those featuring the Doctor’s presence.

In “73 Yards,” we delve into Ruby’s life story spanning several decades, as she battles an inescapable presence that relentlessly haunts her. Despite losing everything she held dear, Ruby manages to endure. This episode was nothing short of gripping and contained moments that tugged at the heartstrings, allowing Gibson to truly shine as the Doctor’s newest companion. I believe this installment showcased Ruby’s character at its best and leaves me eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for her.

1. Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 6: “Rogue”

I’m thrilled to share that we’ve reached my most beloved episode of the current season, titled “Rogue.” Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, what an extraordinary episode it was! The Bridgerton-esque ambiance, Jonathan Groff’s surprise appearance, and the intriguing exploration of the Doctor’s sexuality – this installment truly delivered on all fronts.

This period of “Doctor Who” beautifully explores the Doctor’s sexuality, liberating the character from traditional heterosexual constraints. The intriguing interactions between the Doctor and Groff’s character left me exhilarated as I witnessed the possibility of a blossoming romance. Truly captivating!

The final portion of this episode left us feeling exhilarated with its rollercoaster of emotions, particularly when it seemed as though we might lose Ruby. Overall, this captivating, romantic, and breathtakingly beautiful episode deserves the top position.

I’m thrilled that we had this kind of episode and I eagerly look forward to having more of them in the future, complete with connections to previous Doctors. The entire experience was delightful and I’m confident that its popularity will lead to similar episodes being produced.

I’ve concluded my list of favored to least favorite episodes from this Doctor Who season. Feel free to share your own preferences, and I’m excited about the remarkable job both Gatwa and Gibson have done in leading Doctor Who into its new phase.

I can’t wait for what lies ahead!

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2024-07-13 17:42

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