Doctor Who: Every Series 1 Episode Ranked Worst To Best
2. The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances
This two-parter exceeds Series 1’s finale and is markedly better than a lot of double-bill stories to come, because it is an exception to the rule that one part will always pale in comparison to the other. In the case of Steven Moffat’s first writing credit for the show, both The Empty Child and The Doctor Dances are exceedingly good.
On that note, this story really is an insight into Moffat’s career with Doctor Who - all the highs of brilliant concepts, and a tiny peek at his lows (remember the Doctor randomly interjecting a banana into a tense moment? That was weird).
A story that neatly wraps itself around World War II, time agent Jack Harkness, a mysterious cylinder, and a terrifying child in a gas mask, it manages to be both a thrilling, scary adventure, and a touching character-driven story. The trio of the Doctor, Rose, and Jack are unbelievably good fun, and the final twists and resolutions are so rewarding, made even more so as Eccleston’s Doctor remarks “everybody lives!” with pure glee.
More than that though, there’s a reason why “are you my mummy?” became such an iconic quote. Creepy, but gratifying and heartfelt all at once, this beloved story is perfect television.