With the announcement of Ncuti Gatwa as the next Doctor, fans of Doctor Who are eagerly anticipating the season. But the news of what lies ahead also evokes nostalgia towards the whole show, with the need to revisit favorite episodes. After all, "time is a big ball of wibbly-wobbly stuff".
Since the 2005 renewal, many fond memories were created from 9th to 13th and their beloved companions. As fans wait for new adventures, the TARDIS is on its way to the past to celebrate the "wibbly-wobbly and timey-wimey stuff" of the British show.
"The Empty Child" - Season 1, Episode 9
"Are you my mummy?" is a sentence hard to forget, and so is this episode. "The Empty Child" follows the 9th Doctor and Rose (Billie Piper) as they investigate the crash of a spaceship amidst the London Blitz in World War II. Focusing on an eerie child wearing a gas mask, this story is a perfect example of how the British show combines sci-fi elements with historical events.
Written by Steven Moffat before he became the showrunner, this episode is a classic in which Christopher Eccleston shined as The Doctor, and Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) is introduced. Not the very first episode, but still at the early stages of New Who, "The Empty Child" is an optimal choice for a rewatch, especially for fans of Nine.
"The Fires Of Pompeii" - Season 4, Episode 2
When it was airing, "The Fires of Pompeii" was a terrific episode on its own, but time and space made it more special. As Donna and Ten arrive in Pompeii by accident, they have to deal with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and help Caecilius, a local played by Peter Capaldi.
Because of that, this episode remains a superb option for a rewatch: It's a one-episode fantastic story that combines The Tenth Doctor, Donna Noble, and Peter Capaldi before he became Twelve. Rewatching this one can be more exciting when one knows what the future has in store.
"Rosa" - Season 11, Episode 3
Even though this episode is the most recent on this list, it doesn't mean it isn't suitable for a rewatch. As the title hints, "Rosa" focuses on the magnificent story of Rosa Parks, a resilient Black woman who refused to comply with the abhorrent segregational rules existent in the 1950s. The 14th Doctor, Graham, Yaz, and Ryan get the opportunity of knowing her as they witness history being made.
These factors make this episode one of the most relevant stories in New Who since it pays homage to Parks, tackling the grim reality of systematic racism in the US. It's a story that has to be told, again and again, making this option relevant for any rewatch.
"Mummy On The Orient Express" - Season 8, Episode 8
This episode isn't technically an adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel, but it's one of the best references to the brilliant writer nonetheless. Aboard the elegant Orient Express, Twelve and Clara (Jenna Coleman) find themselves in a plot similar to the murder novel, except they have to face a deadly mummy.
Historical and literary references combined with eerie elements of sci-fi are the core of the British show, which gives "Mummy on the Orient Express" the classic narrative structure that works splendidly for the show's format. With this being the 8th episode of Capaldi's first season, Twelve is established enough for the episode to be enjoyed on its own on a rewatch. After all, Capaldi's sense of humor and references to Agatha Christie go well together more than once.
"The Eleventh Hour" - Season 5, Episode 1
Sometimes a rewatch is all about getting back to the start. With Eleven, that means fish custards, a dreamy Amelia Pond, and the feeling that the adventure is just beginning. "The Eleventh Hour" is the introduction of Matt Smith to the universe, as Eleven navigates through his regeneration and saves the world at the end of the day.
This episode is also a crucial "ing the torch" moment in the franchise's history since Russell T. Davies had left the show, and Steven Moffat took off as the showrunner. Everything about the episode feels new, but not without being uncomfortable for die-hard fans, making it fitting especially for fans of Eleven.
"Vincent And The Doctor" - Season 5, Episode 10
This episode remains a landmark in the show. Unlike other sci-fi shows, Doctor Who's identity was built around using fiction to serve an educational purpose to children, teaching them about history and culture. However, instead of doing that in a documentary format, the show was brilliant in focusing on the human beings behind history books and paintings.
That is why "Vincent and The Doctor" is one of the most rewatchable episodes of the franchise. The story is a window at the life of Vincent Van Gogh, and it includes Eleven breaking his rule to show Van Gogh the recognition he never received when he lived. It's an emotional episode that never gets old.
"Silence In The Library" - Season 4, Episode 8
Archaeologists in a library, Ten and Donna being hilarious, and a connection with seasons. This episode is even better the second time since the viewer returns to the past with knowledge of the show's future.
As Donna and Ten try to unravel the mystery about the abandoned library, they meet Professor River Song (Alex Kingston), but The Doctor is unaware of what she means to him. That, combined with an enthralling story, makes this a suitable option for a fun rewatch, where characters cross paths in true Doctor Who fashion.
"Rose" - Season 1, Episode 1
This option is optimal for fans of Ninth as it is for fans wanting to revisit the birth of New Who. "Rose" introduces Christopher Eccleston as the superb Ninth Doctor and one of the best companions, Rose Tyler. As they face a quirky journey in London, this story establishes the tone of the adventures.
Because it's the early stage of the show, this episode evokes warm and cozy nostalgic feelings by getting to meet Rose (again), and cherishing Nine's underrated personality.
"The Day Of The Doctor" - Special Episode
This episode is all about nostalgia. As the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the show, "The Day of The Doctor" is a timeless classic. Including John Hurt as The War Doctor, this special reunites Ten and Eleven as they have to deal with three different-but-connected timelines.
Featuring both Clara Oswald and Rose Tyler as well as footage of all the previous versions of The Doctor, the special is nothing but a fun, emotional homage to the history of the franchise. Because it's a unique stand-alone episode, it's perfect for a rewatch.
"Blink" - Season 3, Episode 10
Nearly two decades after it aired, "Blink" remains one of the most beloved episodes of the show. It's not as grand as the anniversary special, but its nostalgic charm comes from the brilliance of the story. Breaking the usual format, the viewer follows Sally Sparrow (Carey Mulligan) as she tries to understand timeline differentiations and deal with the Weeping Angels.
David Tennant shines in this story, delivering quotes that became memorable in the franchise, like "Don't blink!". These elements come together as nicely as The Doctor and his TARDIS, taking the viewer on a nostalgic journey, where past and future mingle.