10 Best Doctor Who Episodes Written By Russell T Davies
5. The Sound Of Drums
There have been many great episodes featuring the Doctor's nemesis, but for this writer, this is the greatest episode featuring The Master of all time. While other episodes have been just as strong in exploring his villainy and complicated relationship with the Doctor, it is Davies' ability to dig deeper into the lore of The Master and give the audience an understanding of how he came to be the way he is that makes this episode really work.
Having made their way back to Earth via vortex manipulator, the Doctor, Martha, and Captain Jack soon find themselves on the run from authorities after Prime Minister Harold Saxon puts them on the most wanted list. It is revealed that the PM is in fact The Master using an alias, somehow brainwashing the world into believing his cover story.
The cat and mouse theatrics of the story work a treat, with Freema Agyeman finally given some room to bring the character of Martha to life. The unveiling of The Master's horrific plan and the shocking cliffhanger that sees one sixth of Earth's population 'decimated' and the Doctor being forced to rapidly age is pulsating stuff.
The biggest highlight though comes in the exploration of the Master, delivered through phone calls between the two Gallifreyans, tales told by The Doctor of the 'Untempered Schism', and a wonderfully eccentric performance by John Simm. These scenes make us feel sympathetic for the guy, which leaves a bad taste in the mouth when he murders billions.