Through its remarkable 62-year journey (and still counting!), I’ve been there, through the countless instances where Doctor Who has torn my heart apart only to mend it anew.
The show, like many great science fiction, serves as a mirror reflecting aspects of humanity and our society by portraying exotic aliens, monstrous creatures, alternative time periods, and distinct civilizations.
occasionally, it uncovers the grim realities of our existence; yet at times – only at times – it reveals the remarkable beauty in the simplest expressions of human kindness.
Amidst the growing sense of unease and uncertainty as the world becomes more frightening with each passing moment, let us reminisce about several instances where the presence of Doctor Who brought a touch of positivity to our lives.
1. Rose holding her dad’s hand
Embracing a personal perspective, I’d say that among all Doctor Who episodes, Father’s Day stands out as remarkably human. It resonates deeply because it captures the heartfelt desire shared by many – myself included – to have just one more moment with someone we’ve lost in time.
In this episode, Billie Piper’s character Rose Tyler struggles mightily to prevent her father, played by Shaun Dingwall, from dying in a car accident. Her efforts bend time and space nearly out of shape. By the close of the episode, Pete comes to understand that he must make the ultimate sacrifice and that his fate cannot be changed.
To put it simply, after only eight episodes in the new era of Doctor Who, Father’s Day presented a profoundly human moment, setting the stage for the episodes that followed.
2. That Vincent van Gogh scene
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at the captivating allure of the Vincent van Gogh scene that has garnered an astounding 30 million views on the Doctor Who YouTube channel, making it the most-watched clip of all time. The sheer wonder and artistry of this particular episode are truly awe-inspiring.
In this rendition, the closing scene of Vincent and the Doctor is penned by Richard Curtis and acted out by Tony Curran. Here, Vincent, the artist, finds himself at a display of his life’s work in the Musée d’Orsey. Overwhelmed emotionally, he listens to an art curator (portrayed by Bill Nighy) declare him as the “most exceptional painter of all time.
As an artist or an actor, it’s fantastic to entertain and educate audiences. However, what truly makes it special is when we can also assist people in some way – that’s a truly rewarding experience.
Some individuals approached me, expressing their feelings of deep despair and contemplation of harmful choices. They mentioned that after watching the episode, they broke down in tears and reached out to others for support. Remarkably, these people found comfort in hearing, “It’s alright not to be alright,” from their peers.
3. Anita in Joy to the World
Occasionally, some remarkable scenes in Doctor Who emerge from characters you might not anticipate. For instance, during Ncuti Gatwa’s (The Doctor) adventure in Joy to the World, a standout moment unfolded with Steph de Whalley’s seemingly ordinary hotel employee Anita Benn.
To enjoy a delightful experience, the Doctor must spend a whole year, taking a leisurely route, at the Sandringham Hotel with Anita. And it is truly splendid.
For over a year, this duo shared living quarters within the hotel, establishing endearing habits and routines unique to their everyday lives. This period showcased an unusually human side of the Doctor that we haven’t witnessed in quite some time, offering a delightfully unforeseen turn of events.
He mentioned: “In essence, we transformed it into something… not quite a full-blown romance, more like a milder, subtler version with Anita. So, Anita represents an economization, but this reduction means she’s one of the most remarkable elements in Doctor Who terms.” Indeed, we concur!
4. “Just this once, everybody lives!”
Indeed, it could be seen as a slight bend in the rules, given that this action mirrors the behavior typically associated with a Time Lord. However, one might argue that after countless interactions and lessons learned from humanity, The Doctor has earned the right to engage in a few distinctly human behaviors.
During The Doctor Dances, a chilling end to a two-part story set in World War II, The Doctor (Christopher Eccleston) felt he had witnessed too much tragedy. He then chose to facilitate Jamie’s reunion with his mother by allowing the nanogenes to restore Jamie’s DNA, thereby saving everyone in the process.
In light of all the sorrow he’s experienced, it’s strikingly humane when the Ninth Doctor says, “For one time only, everyone survives!
5. Demons of the Punjab’s love story
Could one say that there’s nothing more distinctively human than love? The demons known as the “Demons of the Punjab” transported the Thirteenth Doctor (portrayed by Jodie Whittaker) and Yaz (Mandip Gill) to northern Punjab in August 1947, resulting in them becoming entangled in the dramatic happenings that unfolded before India’s partition.
However, the recurring theme throughout the episode revolves around the deep-seated affection between Umbreen and Prem, reaching its peak in a touching wedding ceremony and an insightful speech by the Doctor on the essence of love.
The Doctor says, “You’ve discovered love in each other, a love that you’ve trusted, struggled for, and patiently anticipated.
6. The Last Centurion
Talking about romantic tales… If there had been any opportunity to let Arthur Darvill’s character Rory Williams truly stand out, this was certainly the chance.
Initially, Rory found himself somewhat sidelined in the TARDIS, but he demonstrated his deep affection through remarkable actions – for instance, he spent countless years disguised as a Roman Auton Centurion to safeguard Amy Pond (Karen Gillan). This act led to one of his most heroic lines from the entire series: “Where. Is. My. Wife?!
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about that role with such warmth. Playing a Roman soldier who waited for millennia, only to step up when called upon, was an extraordinary journey. As an actor, it’s rare to find such a unique and deeply impactful character. Frankly, I won’t ever have the opportunity to replicate that experience again, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to. Every moment, every challenge along the way, made this role truly special.
Us neither.
7. Sarah Jane Smith and the Doctor’s reunion
Each Doctor and companion reunion has been truly remarkable, yet the moment when Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) met the Doctor (David Tennant) after many years apart could be the most special of all.
In essence, Sarah Jane embodies our ideal for any Doctor Who companion – she applies all the insights gleaned from her journeys alongside the Doctor to her own life.
Within just a short span during episode ‘School Reunion’ in season 2, it becomes evident that Sarah Jane has gone above and beyond all that was required. Additionally, viewers can catch the heartfelt delight on Tennant’s expression as he collaborates with an actress whom he has long admired since his childhood days.
8. The Doctor visits Amy and Rory for Christmas
The Doctor typically doesn’t make home visits, but on that one special occasion, he did – it was the exception that proved the rule for a festive family gathering during Christmas!
In simpler terms, “The Doctor, The Widow, and the Wardrobe” storyline was about arranging a Christmas gathering for the Pond family, where The Doctor sought a place to belong beyond the TARDIS, and they always prepared a place for him at their Christmas table.
In this special scene, Gillan and Smith share a heartwarming moment together. Despite embodying an alien version of The Doctor, Smith delivers a remarkably human-like portrayal. Have a wonderful Christmas, everyone!
9. The New Earth hospital is cured
In the first episode of Season 2, titled “New Earth,” the Doctor fulfills his title in a literal sense by curing the captive patients who were being held by the Sisters of Plentitude.
Through their efforts, the Doctor and Cassandra successfully developed an entirely novel version of humanity. With this breakthrough, the Doctor exclaimed, “The human species persists, it adapts. Life finds a way!
Oh yes, hope will always win out against adversity.
10. Donna convinces the Doctor to save Caecilius and his family
In the episode “The Fires of Pompeii,” one of the most heart-wrenching choices the Doctor faced was recognizing that the catastrophic eruption of the volcano, which claimed the lives of around 20,000 people, was an unalterable event in time’s course.
Introducing Donna Noble, portrayed by Catherine Tate. Though she understands she can’t save most of the people, she implores the Doctor to revisit the past to save at least one person. This compassionate plea results in the rescue of Caecilius and his entire family.
In a heart-wrenching climax to the episode, Caecilius stands apart, witnessing the explosion unfold – yet this scene underscores the necessity of the Doctor’s human sidekick.
11. Yvonne Hartman retains her humanity
Just when you thought Yvonne Hartman couldn’t redeem herself, she saves the day.
In the chaotic aftermath of Doomsday, the ex-leader of Torchwood gets transformed into a Cyberman. Interestingly, Jackie Tyler (played by Camille Coduri) manages to escape this transformation by a hair’s breadth.
Later on, even after her transformation, it’s evident that she has maintained a trace of her human essence. She defies her Cybermen companions by declaring, “You shall not pass,” before obliterating them. Repeatedly, she proclaims, “I fulfilled my duty for the queen and country,” while a tear slides down her armored surface.
12. Martha and Planet Earth save the Doctor
Maybe the most remarkable demonstration of unity among humans occurred in the final episode of season 3, where it is unveiled that Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman) had been globetrotting to disseminate optimism and significantly, news about the Doctor and all his accomplishments.
Through simultaneously focusing on the Doctor, humanity manages to disrupt the Master’s mental flow, thereby enabling the Doctor’s release from confinement.
Take a bow, Martha Jones!
1. You can stream Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer. (Original sentence)
2. Explore our comprehensive guide to Doctor Who: detailed reviews of every episode since 1963, cast and crew information, behind-the-scenes trivia, and exclusive TopMob content. (Paraphrased sentence)
The paraphrased version maintains the main idea while using simpler language and a more conversational tone, making it easier to read for a broader audience.
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2025-08-22 09:32