Review #17

Goodbye 9

The Finale of series 1 ended in tears. But before we get to that let's talk about the episode. This was way better than part 1. Now things were in full swing it felt like a movie to be honest. The daleks were invading Satellite 5 and we learned more about them after the time war. Nearly everyone died that was on Satellite 5. Jack is made immortal and is abandoned on the Satellite which was so rude of the doctor. And Rose absorbs the time vortex and its killing her but the doctor takes it from her and saves her. But that means he must die. The ending was so sad because 9 was a really good doctor and seeing him go is really heartbreaking. Regeneration itself looks way cooler than the classic who one's. 10/10

Farewell Eccleston

This episode is amazing. The Dalek Emperor is very intimidating and he puts the Doctor in a very difficult position. The Doctor tricking Rose into leaving is heartbreaking. The time vortex usage is a bit of a Deus Ex Machina (maybe even literally), but it's foreshadowed and used well enough that I think it works for this episode

2025 Rewatch (Will post on both episodes)

• I love the wild and bold choice to bring iconic reality shows of the time and turn them into deadly games. still such an iconic idea, and it feels dated as well, but beautifully so. It would be so weird trying to do that today. What shows would they use? Love Island? The Chase?
• However, overall, I didn't feel much interest in the story as I used to. I wonder if that's because it doesn't have that grandeur most finales I'm expected to have. It has that feel of just another adventure. I know that changes by the finale episode, but vibes don't always be there
• During my classic rewatch I can't help that this feels a little like a combination of Vengenace on Varos and Revelation of the Daleks for certain plot points. which is interesting because they are very separate, but I can't help but think of them
• The Daleks are pretty great in this story, killing tons of people, a bit insane
• 2 minor points I don't feel so set with
  • Why did the Doctor have to kiss Rose?
  • Why didn't the Doctor put Lynda on the TARDIS, too? Felt like he was interested in having her onboard but only decided to save Rose fully? RIP LYNDA we love you

Disclaimer: If you read this Review, then I highly advise you to give my "Bad Wolf" Review a Read first, since this one directly continues from that Review, due to the Nature of this being a Two-Parter.

"Parting of the ways" is the big Heart of this Story and dare I say better than the first Part, which is probably a rare thing for an RTD Finale. I love the use of the Daleks here, seeing a new Version of the Dalek Emperor is lovely and Eccelston gives a stellar Performance. I probably would repeat many points, but many people have already made perfect points about the Deus ex machina used here.

I do want to add this by saying the Regeneration itself is superb and easily one if not the best of NuWho. While I liked many other Regenerations that came later, and I do enjoy the “Glow” Effect the first time, but after a while it gets tiring. I feel like how it goes with Eccelston is the perfect ideal for a regeneration, it’s a great mix between being accepting of the upcoming change but also being in some state of shock of it happening “so soon”. 9 trying to reassure Rose is the cherry on the Top then.

Overall it’s a highlight of this Series, it’s not my favorite or even second favorite, but I think it’s very easily RTDs best Finale with a fun first half and an excellent second,. That, while suffering from some of his bad habits, doesn’t have the most egregious examples of it.

📝8/10

Thworping through time and space, one adventure at a time!

"The Parting of the Ways: A Farewell Fit for the Ninth Doctor"

The second part of Doctor Who’s Series 1 finale, The Parting of the Ways, pulls out all the stops with a thrilling blend of action, drama, and spectacle. The stakes are higher than ever, with an all-out war between humanity and the Daleks, the return of the Dalek Emperor after decades of absence, and Rose reconnecting with Mickey and Jackie for a pivotal role in saving the day.

Christopher Eccleston delivers a powerhouse performance in his final episode as the Ninth Doctor, capturing the fierce intensity, emotional depth, and complex morality that define his character. From the Doctor’s willingness to sacrifice everything to stop the Daleks, to his quiet moments of doubt and compassion, Eccleston showcases a multifaceted portrayal that makes his Doctor unforgettable. His farewell scenes with Rose are tender and deeply heartfelt, providing a moving end to his tenure.

The supporting cast also shines. Nicholas Briggs gives chilling life to the Dalek Emperor, whose unhinged religious zealotry adds a new layer of menace to the Daleks. John Barrowman’s Captain Jack remains steadfastly heroic, and his unique sendoff teases intriguing developments for his future in the Whoniverse. Billie Piper, meanwhile, gives another standout performance as Rose, especially in the latter half of the episode when she rises to the challenge of saving the day.

The Daleks, though not as prominent as one might expect, are effective in the moments they’re given, functioning as relentless killing machines that claim key characters before the narrative takes an unexpected turn. While the reversal of their carnage—thanks to Rose’s transformation into the Bad Wolf—leans heavily on the deus ex machina trope, the emotional weight of the resolution keeps it engaging.

The episode revels in its melodramatic beats, particularly the Doctor’s decision to abandon Rose for her safety and his impending death. While these moments lose some impact upon rewatching, knowing how events unfold, they remain pivotal in shaping the story’s emotional core.

The climax, where Rose absorbs the Time Vortex to become the Bad Wolf, is visually and thematically grand, even if the resolution relies on a touch of sci-fi convenience. The Ninth Doctor’s sacrifice to save Rose, culminating in his regeneration, is bittersweet and sets the standard for future regenerations in the modern era. The "I think you need a Doctor" line might be a little on the nose, but it serves as a fitting full-circle moment for this incarnation’s arc.

Final Thoughts:

Eccleston’s regeneration into David Tennant ushers in a new chapter for Doctor Who, marking the beginning of what many consider a second golden era for the show. The Parting of the Ways may stumble here and there with its pacing and reliance on tropes, but it remains a thrilling and emotional conclusion to a groundbreaking first series, honouring the Ninth Doctor while paving the way for a bold new future.