The Earth-shattering Series 1 finale, The Parting of the Ways, marked the end of the Ninth Doctor's epic era before it had truly begun. Never mind Christopher Eccleston, though, because it was poor Rose Tyler who didn't know if she was coming or going for most of the episode. In the throng of an almighty Dalek invasion, the titular Time Lord decided that his beloved companion would be better off at home so tricked her into stepping aboard the TARDIS which promptly teleported her back to the safety (not really, since there's practically an alien invasion a day!) present day Earth. He didn't go without bidding a heartfelt farewell, though, and in true Doctor style, our defeated hero opted to bid adieu in the guise of a heartbreaking hologram. Goodbyes have never really been his thing, after all.
Dan Butler is the Doctor Who Editor at WhatCulture.com. When he isn't writing his own articles or editing other people's, he can be found trawling the internet for gifs of Steven Moffat laughing. Contact him via dan.butler@whatculture.co.uk.
