5 “Feel Good” Episodes of Doctor Who
Feature by Craig Sightings.
In times of crisis, we need something to raise the mood to get us through these trying times. So here are my personal picks for five Doctor Who episodes to watch now. These aren’t necessarily the “best” episodes, just ones I feel fit a “feel good” vibe. Note: I’ve limited my choices to New Who.
The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances
Set during a “zombie” plague outbreak in World War 2 London, this two-parter from Series 1 is now more relevant than ever. Considered one of the scariest stories of modern era Doctor Who, it’s also the episode that introduced Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) to the Whoniverse, who provided some much-needed levity in between the horror. Crucially though, the story wraps up with a happy ending as the crisis is averted and “Just this once, everybody lives!”
School Reunion
In this Series 2 episode, the Doctor reunited with K9 and the one and only Sarah Jane Smith for the first time in the revival. What more do you need? OK, so the episode wasn’t perfect, but it made up for it with plenty of heart and some good laughs too. Anthony Head also delivers a good turn as the villainous headmaster. The ending with the Doctor finally saying goodbye to Sarah Jane is beautiful (even if they would reunite again a few more times in the show and spin-off The Sarah Jane Adventures).
Partners in Crime
The not-so-monstrous Adipose have hardly gone down in history as one of Doctor Who’s greats, but if you just want a pure bit of silly fun, then the Series 4 opener will not disappoint. This is the episode that also made Donna a full-time companion and convinced fans that Catherine Tate and David Tennant would make for one of the best pairings in the show’s history. The running gag throughout the episode of the Doctor and Donna narrowly avoiding each other is a hoot. And you get more of Bernard Cribbins’ lovable Wilf. And you can never have enough Wilf!
The Rings of Akhaten
“The Rings of Akhaten” was a real Marmite episode when it was originally aired back in 2013. Some loved it, some hated it. I was actually in the camp of falling somewhere in the middle, but going back to it recently I found my appreciation of it growing. Not only do you get one of the best Matt Smith – and the Doctor’s – speeches ever, but there’s also a lovely piece of music performed by a young Emilia Jones (more recently seen in Netflix’s Locke & Key).
Vincent & the Doctor
A story tackling depression may sound like an odd pick for a “feel good” episode, but “Vincent,” while carefully portraying the dark state one’s mind can lead one to, also makes sure to show us there’s still hope in dark times. The scene with Vincent visualising his “Starry Night” is a standout. While the episode’s conclusion is one of, if not the most emotionally powerful moments in the whole revival. Specifically the scene where Vincent gets to witness just how much he and his art would go on to be loved. Something he was denied in his shortlived life.
And if you take away one thing, remember:
Every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant.
