Doctor Who – The Complete First Series

Like a lot of Americans, The Doctor always meant Tom Baker to me, but Christopher Eccleston, had he had a longer time in the role, could easily have displaced Baker for me. Not only was Eccleston’s ninth doctor a wonderful mix of whimsy and tragedy, he also benefited from what has to be the best-written Doctor Who series to date.

While “Doctor Who” has always had its moments of screenplay greatness, never has a single season had so many grace notes, including the tear-jerker “Father’s Day,” the horror and pathos of “The Empty Child” and “World War III” and the epic science fiction of “Bad Wolf.”

The only clunker — and it’s enough of a clunker to cost it a star with me — is the terrible decision to include far-future versions of contemporary British game shows and their version of Extreme Makeover in the penultimate episode. Forget this not holding up well in 10 years, this already feels dated and stupid.

But the special effects really are (almost) comparable to contemporary American science fiction shows like “Battlestar Galactica” (which has the same problem with alien/futuristic people wandering around in contemporary clothes that “Dr. Who” does). Coupled with solid acting (even from pop star Billie Piper) and top-drawer writing, this season of “Dr. Who” is a winner for fans old and new.

Strongly recommended for fans of science fiction television shows.

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