After Billie Piper’s shocking return toDoctor Who, fans should rewatch these eight fantastic episodes starring the actor. Ncuti Gatwa took on the leading role in the sci-fi show for two seasons, but theend ofDoctor Whoseason 15saw the Doctor regenerating into a surprising but familiar face: Billie Piper.
The actor previously appeared as Rose Tyler, Bad Wolf, Cassandra possessing Rose, and The Moment, making her one of theactors who have played three or more characters inDoctor Who. While waiting to hear about the status ofDoctor Whoseason 16, fans might want to revisit these eight great episodes that feature Billie Piper.
8“Father’s Day”
Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 9
One of the episodes that focuses almost exclusively on Rose’s character growth is “Father’s Day,” which explores Rose Tyler’s deep-seated sorrow over her father’s death. Of course, the character-driven episode also includes a bit of timey-wimey nonsense in the story as well, with Rose trying to save her dad’s life and the reapers showing up.
The episode expands Rose Tyler’s background, specifically honing in on her familial relationships. However, it also shows how close the Doctor and Rose have gotten. They feel just as much like family in this episode as Rose and her parents.
Additionally, “Father’s Day” is worth rewatching because Billie Piper delivers a compelling performance as Rose works through the stages of grief, facing the impossible challenge of choosing between her father’s life and the safety of the universe. The moment when she holds her dying father is absolutely tear-jerking.
7“Doomsday”
Doctor Who Season 2, Episode 13
Although it’s not her final performance inDoctor Who, “Doomsday” pushes a pause button on Billie Piper’s run as Rose Tyler. Luckily, the season 2 finale is an epic send-off for Revival Who’s first companion. She and the Doctor go up against the Daleks and the Cybermen simultaneously, two ofDoctor Who’s most epic villains.
The fact that Rose is more active in the action alongside the Doctor proves that she’s grown as a companion and character. The difference between her confidence and drive in theDoctor Whocompanion debut, “Rose,” and the sendoff, “Doomsday,” is stark. It’s exciting to see her take charge in small moments.
The episode is also notable because it’s the heartbreaking ending (at least temporarily) to the love story of the Doctor and Rose. They at least get a proper goodbye when the Doctor appears to Rose as a hologram. It’s truly one of the best companion send-offs inDoctor Who.
6“Dalek”
Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 6
Although “Dalek” is considered one of the Ninth Doctor’s standout episodes inDoctor Who, it is also a great one for Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler. There’s a big difference between the Ninth Doctor’s reaction towardDoctor Who’s most dangerous enemy and Rose’s behavior.
While the Doctor is understandably cruel to one of the aliens that destroyed his home, Rose offers the Dalek empathy, not knowing the true horrors it could cause. She has no idea about the alien race’s history. When she puts her hand on the Dalek, it heals itself and accidentally absorbs her compassion, which is a fun twist.
Billie Piper’s shining moment of “Dalek” is when she stops the Ninth Doctor from killing the alien. Had she not stepped in, there’s no question Nine would’ve murdered it. This is a concrete example of the positive influence that Rose has on the Doctor.
5“The Impossible Planet” / “The Satan Pit”
Doctor Who Season 2, Episodes 8 & 9
“The Impossible Planet” and “The Satan Pit” are two parts of one overarching narrative, and it’s one of the better story arcs for Rose and the Doctor’s relationship. The two are separated and come back together, and their unification is absolutely heartwarming.
Rose kisses the Doctor’s helmet, as if she’s kissing their forehead. The Doctor nearly tells Rose that they love her when they’re apart, but decides that “She knows.” On top of that, Rose had no intention of leaving the Doctor in the pit.
Ultimately, although it’s controversial for the Doctor to have a romance with their companion, it’s easy to see the love that Rose and the Doctor have for each other in this episode. On top of that, there’s nothing more amusing and badass than watching Billie Piper’s Rose tell the Beast to “Go to hell.”
4“The Day Of The Doctor”
Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special
Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary special helped fill in the gaps between Classic Who and Revival Who, telling the story of the War Doctor on the last day of the Time War. To honor all that has come before, they bring together major cast members fromDoctor Who, including Billie Piper.
“The Day of the Doctor” gives her the chance to play a very different type of role than she did in pastDoctor Whoepisodes. She is The Moment, the human personification of the weapon that the War Doctor will use to end the Time War.
The entity speaking to the War Doctor feels a bit more like Bad Wolf than Rose Tyler, but she’s also a bit of something else entirely. There’s an unhinged feeling to The Moment. Ultimately, Billie Piper’s scene stands out as one of the most memorable from the 50th anniversary special.
3“The Empty Child”
The two-part adventure, “The Empty Child” and “The Doctor Dances,” is aDoctor Whoepisode that captures the show’s essence, bringing together the Ninth Doctor, Rose Tyler, and Captain Jack Harkness for a historically driven story. The story centers on the German Blitz and the terrifying children in gas masks. The question “Are you my mummy?” will forever give me chills.
However, “The Empty Child,” specifically, is more of a shining episode for Rose Tyler. It’s an entertaining episode to revisit for its story alone, but it’s also a great one for Rose Tyler because she meets Captain Jack Harkness, the roguish time traveler from the 51st century.
Many people theorize that Billie Piper doesn’t play the Sixteenth Doctor and is, instead, playing Bad Wolf.
While I’m not a JackRose shipper, “The Empty Child” almost convinces me that they should be a couple. Jack and Rose have great chemistry and bounce off each other exceptionally well. Of course, like Harkness always does, he has tricks up his sleeve that get him, the Doctor, and Rose into trouble.
2“The Stolen Earth” / “Journey’s End”
Doctor Who Season 4, Episode 12 & 13
Doctor Whobrings Rose Tyler to the forefront of the story again in the two-part story arc at the end of season 4. “The Stolen Earth,” the first episode, gives more attention to Rose. Her growth sinceDoctor Whoseason 2 is notable, and it’s exciting to see that she has become even more of a badass.
On top of Rose reuniting with the Doctor, the two-part story also allows her to work together with other entertainingDoctor Whocharacters, including Jack Harkness, Donna Noble, and Martha Jones. The group has a fantastic dynamic despite having very different personalities. It feels like a true celebration of David Tennant’s era as the Tenth Doctor.
Plus, “Journey’s End” givesRose Tyler and a version of the Doctor a happy endingthat still allowsDoctor Whoto continue without Billie Piper. The Meta-Crisis Doctor was a clever way to let the fan-favorite couple get together. For fans who really enjoy these two, their story continues in the Big Finish audio stories. I’m particularly chuffed that the Meta-Crisis Doctor has a piece of TARDIS coral to grow their own spaceship.
Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 12 & 13
The last great Billie Piper story arc that fans might want to revisit after her shocking return inDoctor Whois “The Parting of the Ways.” This is probably the most relevant one toNcuti Gatwa’s shocking regeneration into Billie Piper.
Many people theorize that Billie Piper doesn’t play the Sixteenth Doctor and is, instead, playing Bad Wolf. (I personally hope she plays the 16th Doctor instead of Bad Wolf.) If that’s true, “The Parting of the Ways” will be more important than ever.
On top of that, the writing of the episode is excellent, allowing Billie Piper to truly shine in her role. Rose, Jack, and the Doctor are once again together in aDoctor Whoepisode, creating an entertaining dynamic. There’s also something beautiful about the fact that one ordinary woman saved the world.
