📝10/10

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"Father's Day: Daddy Issues in Time and Space"

Father’s Day is a standout episode from the early days of the revival, blending emotional depth with a sobering lesson about the dangers of time travel, much like The Aztecs did for Classic Who. Paul Cornell crafts a poignant and bittersweet tale of love, loss, and consequence, placing Rose and the Ninth Doctor at the heart of a beautifully tragic story.

The episode delves into Rose’s family history, offering an emotional exploration of her father, Pete Tyler, and the impact of his absence. Rose’s decision to save her father—at the cost of ripping apart the fabric of time—strains her relationship with the Doctor, who is left furious at her reckless gamble. The dynamic between the two recalls the tension of Seven and Ace, with a Doctor who feels increasingly out of control and a companion whose personal emotions complicate his attempts to fix the situation.

The premise is as compelling as it is horrifying: the Doctor taking Rose to witness her father’s death so she can say goodbye, only for her to change a fixed point in time with catastrophic consequences. The consequences—manifested in the terrifying Reapers—highlight the series’ ability to turn its sci-fi premise into a deeply personal, moral dilemma.

Billie Piper shines in one of her most memorable performances as Rose, driven by grief, love, and guilt as she struggles with the fallout of her actions. Christopher Eccleston brings an intense, moody energy to the Ninth Doctor, showing both his anger at Rose’s mistake and his relentless moral compass as he works to prevent the collapse of time.

Shaun Dingwall is exceptional as Pete Tyler, portraying a man who is both flawed and deeply loveable. Pete’s journey—from a slightly aimless father who doubts his worth to a self-sacrificing hero—grounds the fantastical premise in raw, human emotion. Camille Coduri also delivers as a younger, fiery Jackie, adding humour and poignancy to the story.

The Reapers are an ingenious concept: predators that clean up the wounds in time caused by paradoxes. Their initial reveal—through red-tinged point-of-view shots and eerie screeches—builds tension beautifully, evoking Classic Who monsters like the Silurians. While their CGI feels a bit dated, the menace they bring and the moral implications of their existence more than compensate. It’s a shame they’ve never returned to the show, as their potential remains untapped.

The pacing is pitch-perfect, allowing time for both the central threat and the emotional core of the story to develop without ever feeling rushed. Cornell’s writing balances the sci-fi stakes with tender, heartbreaking moments, particularly the final scenes between Rose and Pete. The story also serves as a powerful exploration of the responsibilities of parenthood and the consequences of tampering with time.

The episode’s climax is devastatingly emotional, as Pete sacrifices himself to restore the timeline, giving Rose a fleeting but meaningful connection with her father. It’s one of the series’ most powerful moments, proving how Doctor Who can seamlessly merge poignant drama with its sci-fi roots.

Final Thoughts:

Father’s Day is a masterclass in storytelling, delivering a perfect balance of emotional depth, time-travel intrigue, and genuine horror. It’s an unforgettable tale of family and consequence, showcasing the Ninth Doctor’s darker side and Rose’s enduring humanity.

A heartbreaking and beautifully crafted episode that remains a cornerstone of modern Doctor Who.

Random Observations:

• The Doctor walking back to his TARDIS, only to notice that it’s turned into a normal police box, is such a great moment!