What Are the Best Episodes of Doctor Who Series 7?
Doctor Who Series 7 marks a return to the classic style of the show, specifically the 2005 reboot. Fans of the series will recognize this as the return to the Tenth Doctor, played by David Tennant. Despite the many memorable episodes throughout the series' history, Series 7 has faced mixed reviews. In this article, we explore the best episodes, with an in-depth look at how they compare to each other.
Episode Overview
Series 7 consists of the following six episodes:
Inferno (Season 7) Asylum of the Daleks (Series 7) Dinosaurs on a Spaceship A Town Called Mercy The Power of Three The Angels Take Manhattan The Snowmen The Bells of St John The Rings of Akhaten Cold War Hide Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS The Crimson Horror Nightmare in Silver The Name of the DoctorEpisode Analysis
While Inferno (Season 7) and Asylum of the Daleks (Series 7) are great episodes that set up the story for the rest of the series, they are not necessarily the standouts of the season. Here is a detailed analysis of the episodes, exploring what makes each one special:
Inferno
Season 7 premiere marked by Inferno, which introduced the R utilizing the Daleks' technology to destroy the Doctor. It provides a thrilling and technically impressive start to the series. However, the episode is often overshadowed by later entries in the season. The mystery of the Doctor's inner visions remains unsolved, leading to a cliffhanger that many fans were left questioning.
Asylum of the Daleks
The second episode in the series, Asylum of the Daleks, marks a crossover with the new companions, notably Oswin, introduced as the caretaker of the Alzarius exiles.While the episode is notable for its heavy emotional content and the unexpected appearance of Oswin, the plotline often feels disjointed and the resolutions lack depth.
Top Picks: A Town Called Mercy and The Name of the Doctor
Among the episodes of Series 7, A Town Called Mercy and The Name of the Doctor stand out as the most memorable and beloved by many fans. Let’s delve into why:
A Town Called Mercy
The sixth episode, A Town Called Mercy, is often cited as one of the best episodes of Series 7. The episode features the return of Catherine Tate as Donna Noble and an ensemble cast that includes Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald. The episode balances humor, emotion, and action, creating a memorable and engaging segment of the series. While the story is lightweight in some aspects, it succeeds in creating memorable moments, particularly in the interactions between the Doctor and Clara.
The Name of the Doctor
The final episode, The Name of the Doctor, is a fan favorite that cleverly explores the origins of the Tenth Doctor. It is celebrated for its rich storytelling and emotional depth, particularly in the scenes with the new companion Clara Oswald. The episode serves as a perfect capstone to Series 7, providing a mix of fun, mystery, and heartwarming moments that fans appreciate.
Bottom Line
Of the series 7 episodes, the standout moments are primarily in A Town Called Mercy and The Name of the Doctor. While other episodes have their merits, these two episodes are where the show truly shines, offering a mix of laughs, drama, and a dose of nostalgia for the dedicated fans of the Tenth Doctor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Series 7 as a whole might not be the strongest offering in the New Who era, certain episodes stand out. If you are looking for the best of Series 7, you’d do well to watch A Town Called Mercy and The Name of the Doctor. These episodes not only offer vibrant storytelling but also serve as a rare glimpse into the beloved era of the Tenth Doctor's adventures.