Doctor Who

10 Best Episodes of Doctor Who - Season 4

Are you a fan of time travel, thrilling adventures, and saving the universe from imminent destruction? Then you're in for a treat with the long-running TV show, Doctor Who. This beloved series has captured the hearts of millions since its revival in 2005, taking viewers on a wild ride through time and space. With its unique premise and captivating storytelling, Doctor Who has become a cult classic and a must-watch for any sci-fi enthusiast.

At the center of Doctor Who is the enigmatic character known simply as the Doctor. This Time Lord, portrayed by a talented cast of actors, is a 900-year-old alien with two hearts and an insatiable desire to explore the cosmos. Armed with a trusty time-traveling spaceship called the TARDIS, the Doctor embarks on thrilling adventures across different planets and time periods. Whether it's battling sinister creatures, solving complex mysteries, or righting the wrongs of the universe, the Doctor's mission is to save lives and protect the fabric of reality itself.

Since its inception, Doctor Who has garnered a dedicated fan base, known as Whovians, who eagerly await each new episode. With a whopping 15 seasons under its belt, the show has amassed an impressive catalog of episodes that span a wide range of genres and themes. From heart-pounding action to heartwarming character moments, Doctor Who offers something for everyone. So, grab your sonic screwdriver and get ready to dive into the best episodes this iconic series has to offer.

Written by Sophie and last updated on jan 22, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Doctor Who - S4E4

#13 - The Sontaran Stratagem (1) (Season 4 - Episode 4)

Aided by the Rattigan Academy, the Sontarans establish a covert base at the mysterious ATMOS Factory. Can the Doctor stop the Sontarans from unleashing a potent terror that will bring the world to its knees?

The episode was rated 7.74 from 1056 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E7

#12 - The Unicorn and the Wasp (Season 4 - Episode 7)

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The Doctor and Donna's meet Agatha Christie at a manor owned buy Lady Eddison. When Agatha Christie goes missing and a body turns up in the library the adventure turns into a pulp sci-fiction murder mystery, with a murder, a jewel thief, and a wasp alien. Can they solve the mystery?

The episode was rated 7.83 from 1051 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E5

#11 - The Poison Sky (2) (Season 4 - Episode 5)

The Sontarans continue their evil plot and begin to "choke" the Earth. The Doctor and Donna, now teamed with Martha have to stop them! Can they save Earth before it's too late?

The episode was rated 7.88 from 1028 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E3

#10 - Planet of the Ood (Season 4 - Episode 3)

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The Doctor and Donna find themselves on an icy planet known as the Ood-Sphere. There they discover what drove the Ood to be a servant race.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 1092 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E1

#9 - Partners in Crime (Season 4 - Episode 1)

During an alien emergency in London, a woman called Donna Noble must search for an old friend who can save the day - a man named the Doctor. But can even the Doctor halt the plans of the mysterious Miss Foster?

The episode was rated 8.05 from 1198 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E6

#8 - The Doctor's Daughter (Season 4 - Episode 6)

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The Doctor lands on the remote planet Messaline as an age-old war rages and the threat of genocide looms. When Martha is kidnapped by the Hath, the Doctor is distracted by "the most important woman in his life."

The episode was rated 8.06 from 1111 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E2

#7 - The Fires of Pompeii (Season 4 - Episode 2)

The Doctor takes Donna back to Pompeii, on the day of the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, and is faced with a great moral dilemma. Should they warn the residents of the impending disaster, or let history take its natural course?

The episode was rated 8.07 from 1127 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E10

#6 - Midnight (Season 4 - Episode 10)

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While visiting the planet Midnight, a beautiful and luxury planet, full of lavishs and hightech cities, a terrifying problem arises that leaves The Doctor powerless.

The episode was rated 8.34 from 1160 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E11

#5 - Turn Left (Season 4 - Episode 11)

In the Doctor Who episode "Turn Left," Donna finds herself at a carnival on the Chino-planet of Shan Shen. Little does she know, her life is about to take a drastic turn. After having her fortune read, Donna's past is carefully examined, revealing the importance of her role in preventing darkness from engulfing the entire universe. With the Doctor missing, Donna teams up with Rose, a traveler from a parallel universe, to face this daunting task.

Fans of the show have hailed "Turn Left" as an epic episode, filled with gripping moments and unexpected twists. Russell T. Davies, the mastermind behind the series, showcases his creative brilliance in this installment. Catherine Tate delivers her best performance as Donna, and Bernard Cribbins shines alongside her. The haunting line, "The stars are going out," sends chills down viewers' spines, serving as a stark reminder that things can always get worse.

While some viewers may find Donna's character annoying, others appreciate her significant role in this episode. "Turn Left" not only highlights the importance of the Doctor but also showcases the return of Rose, a beloved companion loved by many. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of just how instrumental the Doctor is in protecting Earth and all other worlds in the cosmos. With its terrifying and exhilarating storyline, "Turn Left" is a must-watch for Doctor Who fans craving an unforgettable adventure.

The episode was rated 8.64 from 1166 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E8

#4 - Silence in the Library (1) (Season 4 - Episode 8)

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In the Doctor Who episode "Silence in the Library," the Doctor and Donna find themselves in a terrifying situation in the distant future. As they explore an abandoned library, they encounter the disembodied mind of a young girl, an archaeological team led by a woman from the Doctor's future, and shadowy creatures that feed on flesh. It's a spine-chilling adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

This episode has been hailed as one of the most terrifying in the Doctor Who series. With comments like "Donna Noble has left the library. Donna Noble has been saved" and "Hey, who turned off the light?" it's clear that the suspense and fear factor are off the charts. Fans have praised the introduction of River Song, a complex and iconic character who has become a fan favorite over the past decade. The episode's expertly crafted tension, gut-wrenching moments, and brilliant storytelling by writer Steven Moffat make it a must-watch for Doctor Who enthusiasts.

With a 9/10 rating and comments like "phenomenal" and "brilliant," it's clear that "Silence in the Library" is a standout episode. Moffat's ability to create memorable standalone episodes shines through, with the introduction of characters like Miss Evangelista and the terrifying villain. From start to finish, this episode delivers a thrilling and captivating experience that will leave you in awe of Moffat's genius. Don't miss out on this iconic installment in the Doctor Who series.

The episode was rated 8.66 from 1267 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E12

#3 - The Stolen Earth (1) (Season 4 - Episode 12)

In "The Stolen Earth" episode of Doctor Who, the Earth has mysteriously disappeared and Donna and the Doctor are on a mission to find it before the Daleks destroy everything. Their journey takes them to the Shadow Proclamation and the Medusa Cascade, but time is running out. Meanwhile, a group of ex-companions, including Captain Jack, Sarah-Jane, Martha Jones, and Rose, team up to contact the Doctor and take down the Daleks. This epic episode brings together beloved characters from the Doctor Who universe and ends with multiple cliffhangers that leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Fans of Doctor Who have hailed "The Stolen Earth" as a monumental event in the show's history. This first part of a culmination of Russell T. Davies' work is described as big, loud, and bombastic, with a sprawling, galaxy-wide scale where the heroes ultimately lose. It's compared to the excitement and epicness of Infinity War, only better. The reunion of characters at the end is a standout moment, leaving viewers with chills and a sense of something truly special. Russell T. Davies is praised as the best showrunner the show has ever had, with his genius and mastery evident in this episode.

While the episode receives high praise, there are also moments that provoke laughter and discussion among fans. One such moment is when Harriet Jones calmly presents her ID to the invading Daleks, creating a humorous contrast. Additionally, there are fans who find themselves cheering for the Daleks, feeling pumped whenever they appear. However, some viewers express a desire for a different soundtrack, finding the current one to be less appealing. Overall, "The Stolen Earth" is a standout episode that combines thrilling storytelling, beloved characters, and a sense of epicness that has left a lasting impression on Doctor Who fans.

The episode was rated 8.74 from 1191 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E9

#2 - Forest of the Dead (2) (Season 4 - Episode 9)

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In the chilling episode "Forest of the Dead," the Doctor faces his fears head-on as the shadows grow stronger. But he's not alone in this battle - he forms an unexpected alliance with the enigmatic River Song. This surprising twist brings an instant chemistry between David Tennant's Doctor and Alex Kingston's River Song, making the story even more believable and captivating. As the episode unfolds, the scare factor rivals that of the fan-favorite "Blink," keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with the question, "Hey, who turned out the lights?"

The conclusion of this two-part adventure is nothing short of superb. It hits all the right beats and even manages to make us care deeply about the side characters, despite only meeting them briefly. This episode showcases one of David Tennant's finest performances as the Doctor, as he navigates the darkness and the mysteries that surround River Song. The stakes are high, and the emotional impact is undeniable. With a rating of 9/10, this episode is a must-watch for any Doctor Who fan.

The introduction of River Song's character early on in the series is a pleasant surprise, and fans are left eagerly anticipating her future encounters with the Doctor. The episode takes unexpected turns, leaving viewers both happy and disappointed. Some fans were thrilled at the possibility of Donna Noble's departure, while others were delighted by the idea of her finding happiness. However, the episode's ending leaves us wanting more, as we realize that Donna is still part of the Doctor's journey. This episode may be a bit weird, but it's undeniably captivating and sets the stage for even greater adventures to come.

The episode was rated 8.86 from 1260 votes.

Doctor Who - S4E13

#1 - Journey's End (2) (Season 4 - Episode 13)

In the epic episode "Journey's End (2)" of the hit show Doctor Who, the Earth is under attack by an unstoppable empire led by one of the Doctor's greatest foes. To aid him in this final battle, the Time Lord is joined by his closest allies and companions. However, as the stakes rise, one of them will have to pay a heavy price.

Fans and critics alike have hailed this episode as a masterpiece, with a perfect song choice adding to the already amazing experience. Russell T Davies, the show's creator, brings Part 1 of his era to a close with a bang. The episode's grand scale and emotional moments make it one of the best crossovers in television history.

While some have found "Journey's End (2)" to be a comedown compared to previous episodes, it still manages to deliver on its ambitious ideas and resolve the massive cliffhanger in true RTD fashion. The departure of Donna, one of the companions, is particularly emotional, and the reunion between Sarah Jane and Davros is long overdue. Murray Gold's musical composition, especially the Song of Freedom, reaches its peak here, adding another layer of excellence to the episode.

Even those who weren't initially fans of Doctor Who have been won over by this episode. The crossover and return of previous companions make it a standout, and the emotional impact is undeniable. With the conclusion of this era, fans are eagerly anticipating the next phase of this iconic British show. Doctor Who will surely continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

The episode was rated 8.87 from 1288 votes.

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