The 10 Most Emotional Episodes of New Who (Part 1)

Guest contributor Dorf Johnson begins the countdown.

Before I start listing my ten most emotional episodes of 21st Century Doctor Who, I would just like to make it very clear that this is my list, so there are bound to be omissions. (There’s one very big one that I’m sure many people will notice before I mention it…) There are also some episodes that I found very emotional, but others may not because they did not feel as much of a connection to the characters. But let’s begin the countdown. Enjoy!

10. The Day of the Doctor

Although I personally find that the War Doctor does not portray the sadness of the decision he has to make very well, the emotions I felt while watching this episode came in the conclusion when the Doctors save Gallifrey. The complete exuberance all three Doctors show when they find a way to save their home planet is such a beautiful moment, and the hope on Matt Smith’s face is incredible after the Curator tells him that “Gallifrey falls no more”.

In a long history of emotional stories that bring down people’s spirits and often make die-hard fans tear up, the 50th anniversary was a wonderful time to have an emotional episode that was almost entirely positive.

9. The Angels Take Manhattan

First of all, sorry this is only at number nine (Or you’re welcome, whatever your opinion is.) This episode was incredibly emotional throughout, and there are many scenes I could name that were extremely emotional for me and many others, but the scene that really stuck out to me was Amelia’s last farewell. Sure, it may have been cheesy and overdone a tad, but it was emotional all the same. The tired sound of Karen Gillan’s voice perfectly matches the words that are being said and Matt Smith’s reaction is very real and I would imagine mirrors his true feelings for losing two friends that he had been filming with for three years.

8. The Girl in the Fireplace

This episode was incredibly sad. Oddly, I think that it is slightly absurd that the Doctor apparently falls in love with Reinette over the span of only a couple of hours from his perspective. But the reason this episode is so emotional to me is not actually a connection with the relationship between the Doctor and Madame de Pompadour, but rather it is because of the way that the Doctor responds to his grief at the end is very similar to how I deal with my own emotions.

The Doctor hides his sadness from Rose and Mickey by saying that he’s “always alright” and then reads the letter to himself sombrely but not crying. In a way that reminds me a great deal of myself, which makes the moment all the more powerful.

7. The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang

This is a two-parter that perhaps isn’t really known for its emotional moments, but it is incredibly emotional all the same.

The moment that makes this story so emotional is of course the Doctor’s rewind. When he arrives in young Amelia’s bedroom, it is an amazing example of Matt Smith’s incredible talent as an actor and should have banished all doubts that he was too young for the part. The look on his face is that of a tired old man who knows he is going to die soon, and he is ready. Actually he’s about to be erased from time, but it’s the same idea.

The other emotional scene from this episode is the wedding scene, but in a completely different way. This scene is incredibly happy and uplifting, looking towards the future. And it really is beautiful.

6. Vincent and the Doctor

I don’t think there is much more I can say about this episode. You all know which scene makes this episode so emotional! And Tony Curran absolutely nails the Dutch painter’s reaction to his lasting impression on the world and the history of art itself. This was an incredible episode.

To be continued. Feel free to list your own favourites.