Doctor Who: Every Tenth Doctor Episode Ranked From Worst To Best
11. The Fires Of Pompeii
It's incredible that the idea of exploring Pompeii on the day the volcano exploded had not been done earlier in Doctor Who history, but The Fires of Pompeii more than capitalized on the premise.
As Donna and the Doctor find themselves at the epicentre of the volcano on the eve before it goes off, the episode explores one big question that many have asked before: why doesn't the Doctor try and save everyone?
Although the Doctor's explanation is all a bit timey-wimey, The Fires of Pompeii does a good job of laying the groundwork for when the Doctor does finally give the middle finger to fixed points in The Waters of Mars. You understand his pain, his struggle, how difficult it must be to watch people die when he knows he can save them.
While the episode is fairly by the numbers in regards to the villain plot, it's the emotion that elevates it. Donna convincing the Doctor to save a family from the ashes. Donna's pleading, with tears in her eyes, as she asks the Doctor "Just someone. Please. Not the whole town. Just save someone". The Doctor and Donna deciding to push the button together. Marvellous stuff.