10 Best Episode Runs In Doctor Who History

There’s no denying that Series 1 and Series 2 have some brilliant standout episodes. But it wasn’t until Series 3 that we got a run of three consistently great stories.

First up was Human Nature/The Family of Blood, which asked the question, “What if the Doctor was human?”. It’s an inspired premise, played with to great effect as we watch the Doctor’s alter-ego John Smith build a life for himself on Earth, before it all comes crashing down around him. And the evil Family is deliciously creepy – particularly Harry Lloyd as the sneering schoolboy Jeremy Baines.

Then came a story that barely featured the Doctor at all. But let’s face it, when you’ve got a lead as compelling as Carey Mulligan and a monster as distinctive as the Weeping Angels, what more do you need? Blink’s unconventional format and intricate plotting was a risk – but one that undoubtedly paid off. Horror, thrills, brilliant use of time travel, and some gut-wrenching scenes and dialogue (“It’s the same rain..."). It's no wonder this one continues to top fan polls.

The streak concludes with Utopia, an episode that starts with the return of Captain Jack and ends with the return of the Master. It’s a gripping adventure with a foreboding tone throughout, a winning performance from Derek Jacobi, and the mother of all cliffhangers.

In a way, there was little point following it up with the finale – Series 3 had already peaked!

The Sound of Drums and Last of the Time Lords are by no means bad, but the run of truly great episodes undoubtedly ended with Utopia.