10 Best Doctor Who Episodes Written By Russell T Davies

We're looking at the best Doctor Who episodes from the mind of the original NuWho show runner.

Doctor Who Russell T Davies
BBC Studios

For those who may not know the name, Russell T Davies was the man responsible for bringing Doctor Who back to the small screen after the show's 16 year hiatus. Alongside fellow producers Julie Gardner, Mal Young, and Phil Collinson, Davies worked on reinvigorating the show while also staying true to its roots and loyal fan base.

While Davies has quite rightfully received acclaim for the exceptionable feat he pulled off in bringing the Time Lord back to our living rooms, his ability to write individual episodes of the highest quality is extremely underrated. While many point to his weaker episodes such as 'Love and Monsters' and 'Boom Town' as examples of his screenwriting abilities, these were very much in the minority.

The sign of what a quality writer of Doctor Who Davies was is exemplified by which episodes failed to make this list. Excellent episodes such as 'Bad Wolf', 'The Christmas Invasion', 'Tooth and Claw', and 'The Stolen Earth' all failed to gain a spot despite all being worthy entries.

So let us toast to Russell T Davies, and reflect back on the best episodes written by the man responsible for bringing our beloved Doctor Who back to us.

10. Rose

Doctor Who Russell T Davies
BBC Studios

The episode that rebooted it all. There was much anticipation around the return of the Doctor, and 'Rose' didn't disappoint. While the episode in and of itself is a solid rather than spectacular affair, the balancing act executed in Davies' writing is nothing short of remarkable.

For a start, the choice to place a down to Earth working class girl like Rose front and centre was extremely risky, but proved to be a great choice. This allowed new and old viewers of the show to go on the journey together with Rose, taking on each new experience as if it were our own.

The mystery element of who on Earth The Doctor was proved another excellent choice, making new viewers of the show engaged rather than excluded. Then there was the incorporation of an old Who villain, the Autons. This was a double dose of genius, as it kept the traditional Whovian crowd onside, while also providing a villain that children would find scary without giving them nightmares.

Every part of this episode is mapped to perfection, and with Eccleston and Piper having excellent on-screen chemistry, our favourite sci-fi show was flying high once more.

 
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While he likes to know himself as the 'thunder from down under', Luke is actually just a big dork who loves all things sport, film, James Bond, Doctor Who and Karaoke. With all the suave and sophistication of any Aussie half way through a slab, Luke will critique every minute detail of films and shows from all eras- unless it's 1990's Simpsons episodes, because they're just perfect