Page 2: Ranking ‘Doctor Who’ series openers from worst to best
4. ‘The Impossible Astronaut’/’Day of the Moon’
In terms of shocks, the series 6 opening two-parter has more than its fair share. First, The Doctor gets murdered by an “Impossible Astronaut,” then Amy shoots a young girl trapped in said space suit, and then the young girl regenerates. Phew! Also bringing us the introduction of the Silence, Madame Kovarian and Canton Delaware, “Day of the Moon” and its predecessor doesn’t just give us memorable characters, but also fantastic views in Lake Silencio. Add to the mix a clever and exciting resolution to the genre-bending romp and you have a one of the most memorable openers yet.
3. ‘Partners In Crime’
Take the Tenth Doctor, familiar face Donna Noble, and an army of aliens (Adipose) made entirely from human fat. Do your best to keep the two heroes apart from each other for as long as possible. Then, when they do finally meet, let the laughs roll in. Catherine Tate is great as the not-so-new-companion in this hilarious yet biting satirical romp. But she’s not the only familiar face we see in “Partners In Crime,” as Rose Tyler also makes a surprise blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo. But regardless of all the other great ingredients, this episode deserves such a high place on the list JUST for the through-the-window reunion which showcases Tennant and Tate’s great chemistry and hilarious comic ability.
2. ‘Rose’
“Rose” had a lot on its shoulders. This wasn’t just a series opener, but the first episode of Doctor Who for a whole new generation of fans (as well as proving this was the same show that generations before fell in love with). If this episode had been a botched job, we wouldn’t still be enjoying the show today. Thankfully, Russell T. Davies brought the TARDIS into a contemporary setting with confidence and determination. The effects may look a little (okay, A LOT) dated now – but the excellent performances of Billie Piper and Christopher Eccleston will always stand the tests of time.
1. ‘The Eleventh Hour’
“Rose” may have had a lot to take care of, but when “The Eleventh Hour” aired in 2010, it arguably had an even more difficult job. Many fans, critics, and BBC crew members weren’t sure Doctor Who could carry on without its leading man David Tennant. New Doctor Matt Smith and showrunner Steven Moffat had to convince millions of fangirls (and boys, and women, and men…) that the TARDIS still had life in it yet. Thankfully, they did all of that and more in a dramatically different reboot episode that achieved the perfect balance of comedy, tragedy, heart-warming character drama and rip-roaring sci-fi adventure. If he hadn’t already convinced you, by the time the Eleventh Doctor said, “Hello, I’m The Doctor,” as he fastened his bow-tie, the world believed him.
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