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A Doctor Who a Day - Day 14 - The Ninth Doctor

Updated: Jan 8


It is criminal that we only got one series of Christopher Eccleston. This single season, however, left a profound impact on me, and Doctor Who as a whole. It was a very brief stay in the Tardis, but it was monumental for so many reasons.


During that one series, we saw a lot. Ghosts from the past, aliens from the future, and the day the Earth died in a ball of flame. And every minute of it was the trip of a lifetime. But what makes it all the more special, is how good Christopher Eccleston was as the Doctor. A Doctor who at first glance seemed all smiles and adventure, but a Doctor who was deeply scarred by the Time War underneath.



Without Eccleston, I wouldn't be talking about Doctor Who in 2026. I am fully aware that it wasn’t just because of him as there are other incredible actors, writers, and creatives who made the show what it is today, but Eccleston was the main man in 2005. He was the flagship Doctor, bringing us into a new era. His portrayal set the tone for the entire revival, and his chemistry with Billie Piper (Rose) helped reintroduce the show to both new and old fans. Forget this series being Doctor Who for just a second, this was just an amazing piece of television full stop.


Looking back at Series 1, it stands out for its simplicity and how well structured it all is. We go on a journey with Rose and the Doctor. Each episode builds on the last, guiding us through the Doctor and Rose’s relationship, through dangerous adventures, through Rose’s family, and even through the Doctor’s own healing process. It wasn’t just a collection of episodes strung together with an alien of the week, it felt like one big story. Compare that to the first season of the new, new modern era, the one with Ncuti and Millie, and it's clear how important that was.



I am not trying to be negative here, but compare Rose and Space Babies. Compare the development of Rose and her family to that of Ruby’s. Compare the Doctor and companion relationship growth over time. Compare the two finales. They really are chalk and cheese.


Rose’s development was the standout aspect of Series 1, and it's easy to forget how magical it all was. Her relationships with her Mum and Mickey added something to the show. The Doctor changed Rose, and he changed Jackie and Mickey, and in turn, Rose changed the Doctor. Leading to his joyful everybody lives moment and his ultimate sacrifice to save Rose. Ruby and Fifteen didn’t get that. It wasn’t even close.



This isn’t anything against Ncuti or Millie, as they were both amazing. I also think they had a number of brilliant episodes, but we don’t go on a journey with them. There was no structure like we had with series 1, and it felt like we missed large chunks of their relationship. Eccleston had the good fortune of starring in a series that was well put together. Series 1's strong point is the series as a whole, not just a few brilliant episodes here and there.


I hope that made some sort of sense? Probably not.


Anyway, back to Christopher Eccleston.



He really was a perfect piece of casting. His Doctor was fun, serious, tormented, and fantastic. He was more human than any of the Doctors before him, and this made him more relatable to the modern audience. Eccleston, Piper and Russell T Davies gave Doctor Who a massive heart, and it helped the show take off to places people probably never imagined.


Christopher Eccleston himself is also a perfect human being to be given the role. He is honest, he fights injustice, and he is a great ambassador to the show even after all these years and all the issues that may have happened behind the scenes.



I still cannot believe there are people that would skip Nine altogether. Start with Nine, you will not be disappointed! The Ninth Doctor’s legacy is more than just one series. It is the successful rebirth of the most wonderful show on television. It is the reason we had Tennant, Smith, Capaldi, Whittaker, Tennant again, Gatwa, and now, it appears, Piper. It may have only been a one series stay, but it is the reason the show is still here today.






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© by Matty James

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