Doctor Who: Top 5 Two-Parters And What Series 9 Can Learn From Them

By Anna Rinaldi /

4. The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit

It all began when a cluster of grotesque spaghetti-spewing life forms swarmed the Doctor and Rose, placidly threatening to serve them as refreshments. Wait, sorry. They meant to serve them refreshments€ And then everything went to hell (quite literally) from there. Possessed Ood transform from submissive servants to satanic, red-eyed monsters. An impossible planet balances innocuously above the precipice of a black hole€™s event horizon (which is technically possible under the right circumstances€ ugh, never mind), and the TARDIS is gone. Not only are their lives in jeopardy, but Rose and the Doctor are also challenged emotionally, as doubt trickles into their minds. In whom or what should they believe? A worshipped, omnipotent force impressed upon the darkest, vilest desires of man or their exceptionally ordinary, powerless selves? It seems that neither of these is the answer. If the Doctor believes in anything, it€™s that Rose is exceptionally extraordinary. And quite right, too. What Series 9 Can Learn From It: Being a science fiction television show, Doctor Who seldom addresses religious icons or explores the authenticity of human faith. Controversial and superstitious topics such as the existence of the Devil simply do not meld with the show€™s basic concept. But perhaps in this venue, the subject matter is instigated flawlessly. The antagonist is neither physical nor alludes to its exact intentions, and it does not pose an immediate threat to the entire universe €“ even the Doctor can never fully cleanse the evil seared into men€™s hearts. Rather, it is used as a catalyst for character development, enriching the Doctor and Rose€™s relationship as they learn to depend on and have faith in each other. More complex and less formulaic enemies in Series 9 could further reinforce Twelve and Clara€™s precarious friendship by testing its resilience whilst providing a more abstract and expansive template for a lengthier adventure.