Ranking the Finales of the Revived Series (Part 2)
Connor Johnston concludes his countdown of the revival finales so far, then cast your own vote.
4. The Name of the Doctor (Series 7)
Just missing out on a spot in our top 3 by the smallest of margins possible – seriously I almost had to start pulling names randomly out of a hat by this point to ease my stubbornness – is the unfathomable Series 7 Finale: “The Name of the Doctor.” This was the second series in a row where the scale and wonder of a finale was tackled within one episode rather than a multi part story, and under both popular and personal belief I believe it’s safe to say it worked dramatically better than its predecessor.
Jumping straight into it, the resolution to the Impossible Girl arc that had been embedded through the entire seventh series is incredibly clever, encapsulating and utterly rewarding. The pre-credits scene alone is enough to produce goosebumps, allowing for a nostalgia fest without omitting a quality level of storytelling. In addition the episode also marks quite a crucial developmental point for Clara’s journey as it then was. Her actions in “The Name of the Doctor” showcased the selflessness, impulsion, bravery and will to sacrifice her own life for the life of another that has remained integral to her character ever since. The episode also cemented her relationship with the Doctor, ridding her character of the mystery and in its place establishing a real trust and friendship that was only enhanced as her journeys with the Doctor continued.
From the get-go the stakes and intensity are maintained by its setting, the episode granting us our first real chance to witness the reality of Trenzalore. There’s almost a reverence to the episode that’s established as soon as we realize both what Trenzalore is as well as its significance in the Doctor’s life. In being initially immersed in the aftermath of the battlefield we’re met with both a sense of anticipation and dread for the consequences of the Doctor’s future. The episode also allows Matt Smith one of his final chances to impress in offering a performance that completely captures the depth and ethos of his Doctor. Possibly the most profound sections of the episode is its emphasis on the Doctor’s name – i.e. the promise that he made, and one day broke. The Doctor’s actions in going to Trenzalore are ones of selflessness and sacrifice regardless of risk – actions that involuntarily counter the shame of the War Doctor leading us seamlessly into the 50th Anniversary Special.
The episode itself is flooded with remarkably clever concepts and extensions to Who-Mythology that serve to enhance the wonder the audience shares for the script Moffat creates. The two most notable of these are ‘The Conference Call’, establishing that time travel has always been possible through dreams, and of course the entire construction of the Doctor’s tomb: the scar tissue of the Doctor’s timeline existing inside his own dying TARDIS that overtime has lost grasp of its dimensions. The return of the Paternoster Gang is also wonderfully earnt with their presence seeking to give merit and weight to the Great Intelligence’s threats. Of course the GI and the Whispermen will never be regarded as the most memorable ‘Big-Bads’ when it comes to finales – but their haunting and sinister realization are enough to serve their presence justice.
The story also acts as River Song’s personal swansong – providing a definite conclusion for the character’s timeline in exposing us to a version of ‘Post-Library’ River. Her role throughout the episode is quite prominent and warrants her return – acting not only as a council for Clara, but also as a point of familiarity for the audience who easily get lost in the mystery of Trenzalore. Prior to “Name of the Doctor” I would have doubted if a farewell of River could ever truly top the originality and emotional benchmark of “Silence in the Library” and “Forest of the Dead”, however given how much the audience had connected to River since then I felt like the more intimate farewell worked extremely well. After 3 series together it offered the Eleventh Doctor and River a final chance to reflect on their relationship and share a victory before both inevitably fading away.
Ultimately, the finale is clever, energetic, emotion and despite its runtime remains quite epic! “The Name of the Doctor” not only serves as a beautiful conclusion to the blockbuster series that preceded it by wrapping up both the Impossible Girl arc and River’s storyline, but also acts as an amazing prelude to the 50th Anniversary specials that were to follow.
3. Bad Wolf / The Parting of the Ways (Series 1)
Rounding out our top 3 is the first Series Finale of the 21st Century: The epically twisted, morally challenging, Doctor regenerating two-parter: “Bad Wolf” and “The Parting of the Ways” which first debuted in 2005. Right off the bat, it is bold – innovative – solid drama, full of heart and pain, life and death as well as serving to be the instigator of the running expectation that series finales fall into a league of their own when it comes to assessing quality. There’s a certain essence, a special aura that is instilled unconsciously whenever a concluding chapter rolls around… and it’s with great pride I say that it’s definitely been a trend Doctor Who has stayed true to for over 10 years now.
The premise of the first half is hysterically sinister. How far would the human race take the already brain cell-murdering idea of reality TV? How long until it’s our actual lives we gamble with for the entertainment of others? How long until we accepted something so far-fetched and unthinkable to us living in the 21st Century as the new norm? The winning ingredient to this finale is its amazing range in both tone and themes – jumping from a romp to heavy bleak character development story effortlessly. It’s here RTD has definitely proven his exceptional ability to achieve the variety that is so central to Doctor Who’s continued success. “Bad Wolf/ The Parting of the Ways” is his clear message to the world: “We’re back, we’ve succeeded, and we’re not going anywhere anytime soon! Doctor Who is here to stay…. And here’s why:”
For both protagonists the episode truly serves to be one of the most crucial moments for both their relationships and their character developments. In “The Parting of the Ways” we see Rose’s spirits fail to falter, never giving up in returning to help the Doctor. Throughout we have depicted the real transition Rose has undertaken in valuing her life with the Doctor and more importantly the selfless attitude she’s learnt from her travels. Similarly the two-parter tests the Doctor like never before, pushed into a corner and forced to make an impossible choice between the torturing and enslaving of millions at the hand of the Daleks, or mass genocide at his own. It’s a choice that rings incredibly familiar of the Time War – and the recognition of this in the Doctor’s actions is unmistakable.
For some of the finales we’ve already discussed in this series so far, one of the most challenging aspects to tackle has been the presence of a villain. Despite the Daleks being occasionally ‘hit-or-miss’ when it comes to their portrayal in the revived series, in this – their first of many finale appearances – there really are no complaints. It does them justice by giving their role threatening authority; exploiting their sick, twisted ethics and more than anything attributing them with a substantially evil death toll. “The Parting of the Ways” takes the idea of the Daleks becoming obsessed with racial purity to the point of self-destruction from “Remembrance of the Daleks”, but develops it further, setting up the paradox that to survive, the Daleks must use human tissue, but, in doing so, must accept that they themselves are partly human. This conflict drives them insane, forcing them to turn to faith to justify themselves. The Emperor Dalek, surviving against the odds and recreating the Dalek.
Of course the emotional crux of the episode revolves around the Bad Wolf reveal and more specifically the Ninth Doctor’s regeneration. Bar from a closing paragraph, you’ll notice I’ve tried my very hardest not to mention much about the Ninth Doctor’s regeneration – purely for the fact that this two parter is so much more than a regeneration piece; it’s a character defining episode: not just for this incarnation but for the history of the Doctor. Chris Eccleston’s legacy was without a doubt incredibly short – but also incredibly memorable, and will not be easily forgotten. The most tragic thing about his final scene has to be the circumstances in which his regeneration occurred. The whole series we’ve felt for this lonely Doctor – alone in the universe, alone in his species, alone in all of time and space. Suddenly there’s another person, another mind that can see what the Doctor sees and relate to him.
ROSE: I can see everything. All that is, all that was, all that ever could be.
DOCTOR: That’s what I see. All the time. And doesn’t it drive you mad?
ROSE: My head.
DOCTOR: Come here.
ROSE: It’s killing me
DOCTOR: I think you need a Doctor.
How heartbreaking it must have been for the Doctor to have to give that up. Alone once more – and of course there are consequences to absorbing the entire time vortex. It’s a beautiful and triumphant end to not only a stunning series, but also a stunning Doctor – and an even greater finale. Absolutely fantastic!
2. Heaven Sent / Hell Bent (Series 9)
It’s no secret that Steven Moffat’s Doctor Who finales have differed quite dramatically from his predecessors in the fact that they’ve always been more reflective and character focused. “Heaven Sent” and “Hell Bent” are no exception, once again not circling around an invasion or specific villain to overcome – but more specifically on the grieving process of the Doctor. From its premise to the execution the story is incredibly intimate while still achieving the level of scale and consequence one would expect from a finale, revolving around the concept of ‘A Duty of Care’ which motivates both the Doctor’s actions but also that of his best friend: Clara Oswald. While the episode is brilliantly decorated with Gallifrey’s return and the mystery of the Hybrid, ultimately the aim of the plot was never to attempt tackling something such as triumphant and significant as the Time Lords re-emergence into the universe because the narrative understands that such a plot requires a level of investment over time. The finale carries the sophisticated, gritty and unpredictable method of storytelling that has become somewhat of a norm all series; and consequentially produces one of the strongest and most rewarding conclusions to a series in the last decade.
The entire story works extremely well as showcasing the brilliance of Peter Capaldi and how much more confident he’s become in the role throughout his two series on board the TARDIS. There are few times in the show’s history where we’ve been presented with such raw and concentrated access to the Doctor’s mind – and certainly not to such a great extent. Looking at “Heaven Sent” specifically, The Doctor never entertains the smugness that he is invincible, instead he is driven by an unwavering belief that there is always a way to overcome turbulence. Each victory is earned, but he never falls into the trap of becoming complacent and congratulating himself – which keeps the adrenaline and stakes high for the entirety of the episode. Peter Capaldi effortlessly captures the essence of the character in such a profound way throughout the entire sequence of events. I honestly believe that given the array of talent and personalities that have taken up the leading role in the show’s history, there can never truly be a superlative Doctor. That being said, Capaldi’s performance this series and specifically in the finale is certainly challenging the faith I have in my own beliefs.
Of course what could be a better motivation for the Doctor than the chance of saving his best friend. The impact Clara Oswald had on the Doctor was so profound that it’s only natural that the main emotional crux of the two parter centres on the Doctor coming to terms with her death (or indeed his inability to). Cleverer still was the revelation behind the Hybrid being a product of the Doctor and Clara’s dangerously close relationship is incredibly original and refreshingly unconventional in terms of major arc reveals. In addition, the finale shines in being the initial steps towards Gallifrey’s complete resurrection and is extremely rewarding. The Doctor’s overthrowing of Rassilon’s power using only his reputation and confidence is a remarkably powerful scene and remains one of the strongest moments of the episode built from memorable scenes and dialogues. You can read more of my thoughts on the Series 9 Finale in the 2nd Opinion reviews for “Heaven Sent” and “Hell Bent” here and here.
1. The Pandorica Opens/ The Big Bang (Series 5)
While this year’s finale did come extraordinarily close to taking out the top spot for me today, (and with time it most probably will) I don’t think I could have in my own mind justified putting my initial excitement for “Heaven Sent” and “Hell Bent” over the time-proven durability and quality of the Series Five two-part finale: “The Pandorica Opens” and “The Big Bang”. As far as series conclusions go, it doesn’t get much more perfect than this.
From the opening scenes of “The Pandorica Opens” the episode instantly feels like one that through its celebration and mystery unites each and every episode of the series it concludes. The story itself is made up of a number of concepts married together seamlessly to produce a script rich in energy and activity. Initially we have the plot of “The Ultimate Prison” that’s been stored under the Stonehenge for hundreds of years and is slowly opening. On the other side of the narrative we have the Doctor: confused and in great danger. From across the stars the warnings come to ensure the Time Lord is in the exact place and time that he needs to be – the entire scenario devised and executed by an alliance of the Doctor’s enemies trapping him not with the Pandorica, but with the challenge and mystery he can’t ignore. There is fan-service in the narrative, but not to the extent that it jeopardizes the logic of the script. These events coincide seamlessly with the ‘cracks in the skin of the universe’ story arc to ensure the extended prominence and significance of the episode among the entirety of Smith’s era (if its place in the series didn’t do so originally).
The cliffhanger is arguably the best of the show’s history, totally and utterly portraying the Doctor and his friends at the brink of defeat – quite cleverly revealing the Pandorica’s true purpose as well as the presence of the Autons and Amy’s ‘death’. In addition we also witness the heavily teased explosion of the TARDIS – seemingly dooming both the Doctor and the universe with the complete collapse of reality. The tone and energy of the episode meets its peak at the conclusion of part 1 which works to establish the high stakes and intense atmosphere of the story that a finale craves to be successful. The charm of the second half of the story is its embrace of the craziness and enthusiasm that can be found through the tropes of time travel. “The Big Bang” is Doctor Who at its most thought provoking and entertaining – using a narrative that can make as little or as most sense to viewers as they require. On one hand for a viewer simply looking to jump on board and effortlessly enjoy the ride the episode is remarkably fun and though a lot happens, it’s ironically easy to follow. Conversely for viewers searching for drama to stimulate thought and celebrate its own complexity – the script is riddled with a thorough and logical exploration of the possibilities and flexibility of time travel.
Despite having four key protagonists, the finale serves to pay each of them a tremendous amount of justice and character development. For Matt Smith’s Doctor, the episode instantly becomes the showcasing of how far in both confidence and ability his performance has come throughout his first series. The Doctor can be at times smug, laughably confident and even fatally ambitious – but at his core his actions hold true to the heroism and passion for saving the universe that has remained constant throughout the entirety of his travels. Though the events of the episode do seem to deflate the buoyancy of the Time Lord momentarily in defeat, his unwavering mission to restore the universe at all costs remains at the centre of the audience’s admiration of the character.
For Amy and Rory the finale serves to not only bring the two back together – but also cement the validity of their love and rid any doubt that their relationship was superficial or without equal investment from both parties. Last, but not least, the enigma of River Song and her role in the Doctor’s life continues to be slowly unraveled with the episode offering tantalizing hints at her hidden identity, securing her prominence in the Doctor’s life and finally hinting at the secrets yet to be discovered.
The resolution to the two parter is epic, clever and above all incredibly poetic – not only in the way the Doctor sacrifices himself to save the entirety of time and space but also in the way that said sacrifice is rewarded with Amy bringing the Doctor back into the universe through her memories. Better still the conclusion totally reinvigorates the passion of both the audience and the TARDIS team themselves, exposing the various mysteries that still remain as well as embodying the excitement of the series it concludes. Series 5 finale has remained one of the most loved and respected stories the revived era has ever produced – and above all has exhibited a strong durability in its quality withstanding the tests of time and re-evaluation.
As we come to a close of these articles I wish you luck in your own rankings – and invite you all, if time and interests permit – to absorb and contemplate both the strengths and weaknesses of each finale in making your choices. There’s no secret that with a selection of episodes that each hold such strong merit among the history of Doctor Who – an extremely difficult task awaits.
Have Your Say…
You’ve heard Connor’s thoughts, but what do you think? Vote in the poll below:
Note: This poll requires you to rank the stories, from your favourite at the top, to least favourite at the bottom. Drag each of them to create your desired order of preference. Mobile and tablet users can directly number them (or try this link).
