Doctor Who: The 5 Best Ninth Doctor Episodes

5. Father's Day

In 'Father's Day', Rose convinces The Doctor to take her to the day her Father, Pete Tyler, was killed in a hit-and-run accident, albeit only after securing a promise that Rose will not intervene with events as they are supposed to unfold. Unfortunately, Rose is unable to resist the urge to save her Father, but her actions cause a paradox that summons the monstrous Reapers, threatening the lives of the guests at a wedding Pete and Jackie are attending, including baby Rose. Realising that the paradox can only be ended with his death, Pete willingly gives up his life, although Rose remains by his side to make sure he does not die alone.

'Father's Day' is memorable for being one of the first episodes to include the concept of fixed time, and teaching Rose the heart-breaking lesson that the past cannot always be changed. Some horrible events are simply meant to be. It is a lesson Rose eventually passes on to an alternate timeline Donna Noble in 'Turn Left', and in a touching throwback, she doesn't let Donna die alone either.