Another series has passed por for me as I continue with my Doctor Who re-run in the lead up to Series 8, which airs later on in the year. Today, I will offer my opinions on the episodes which make up series 3; the series which marked the return of the Doctor's greatest enemy: The Master.

Smith and Jones
I have, and always will have, a soft spot for this episode, being it the very first I ever watched. It was the story which got me hooked to the show in the first place, and so it holds a special place in my heart. In my opinion, it is one of the best introductions for a new companion, as we are immediately delved into the life of highly intelligent Medical student Martha. Through her, it feels like we are being introduced to the bizzare world of The Doctor all over again. The concept of the Judoon police searching for the Plasmavore criminal through means of biological scanners is a great idea which offers a satisfactory threat to the Doctor, and to the humans in the hospital. This was linked nicely into the resolution of the story, which was paced and acted out beautifully.
Ranking: 9.5/10

The Shakespeare Code
The Doctor takes new TARDIS traveller Martha to see Shakespeare, at a time when alien witches are planning the destruction of Earth in an attempt to bring their species into reality. The idea of linking Shakespeare's way with words, with the lyrical-magic of the Carrionites made the story feel solid and structured, with no 'gaps' to complain about. The episode also gives us a suitable setting for the time period, along with eerie moods and chilling music. Unfortunately, the episode's tendency to involve stereotypical witchcraft and it's inability to keep the pacing top-notch lets it down slightly.
Ranking: 7/10

Gridlock
On the surface, Gridlock can seem like a mediocre sequel to the Face of Boe trilogy, but delving deeper, it contains some moving themes. The concept of the people of New Earth being trapped under the motorway, haunted por the spooky tales of monsters living in the fast lane, generates simple fears which evoke mais of an effect, than say, if the episode had tried to be overly clever in doing this. The story isn't full of action, but it hardly needs it, as the little moments like the cantar of 'Abide with me'; the Face of Boe's final words and the Doctor's story of Gallifrey give it all it needs to be something special.
Ranking: 8.5/10

Daleks in Manhattan/Evolution of the Daleks
A two-parter highly disliked por a lot of the fans, I don't find it to be nearly as bad as portayed. The only problems I have is the mediocre pacing (often a problem in a few episodes), as it does drag out just that little too much. Maybe if the story had just been one part it would have succeeded a lot more? Apart from this, the actual plot is great, and it suits with the Cult of Skaro's purpose: To think of new and crazy ideas to survive. The first part introduces the mystery of the disappearing people, and sets in motion the Daleks' master plan. The episode takes a while to get going, but once the revelation of Dalek Sec Hybrid is in motion, the cliffhanger leaves you wanting more.
Ranking: 6.5/10
The segundo part picks up the pace, and handles the growing plot points from the anterior part to a tee. Even though the human-side of the hybrid can detract from the evilness of the Daleks; I amor how this episode also shows the merciless nature of pure Daleks, as a character we have grown close to (Solomon) is killed tragically. The science behind the gene-splicing may be a bit iffy, but it is this plot device which showcases the heroic nature of the Doctor and the quick-thinking abilities of Martha, in order to cause the Daleks' destruction.
Ranking: 7/10

The Lazarus Experiment
After two 'only just satisfactory' episodes, the Lazarus Experiment gives Series 3 the kick it needs to set in motion the remainder of the series. This is another episode which I have a soft spot for, due to the fact that the Lazarus creature scared me half to death when I first watched it (baring in mind I was very young at the time). It always gives me a thrill to watch it even now, as the idea of changing your genes, and it awakening a version of us that evolution rejected long ago, is really rather sinister and creepy. This is blended well with religious concepts and some inspiring life truths spoken por our lonely Doctor.
Ranking: 10/10

42
The shortest episode título of New Who to date, but it certainly doesn't fall short when it comes to delivering a brilliant story. I feel that 42 is unfairly under-rated por fans, as I think that it is highly entertaining, containing most things a good Doctor Who story needs. With only 42 minutos until everyone dies, the threat is positively pulse-pounding. Basically, it keeps you on the edge of your assento right until the very end. The sun-possessed are very creepy, with their monstrous line: 'Burn with me!', and the stakes get even higher when the Doctor starts saying it too. The scene with Martha and Riley in the jettisoned escape pod is highly emotional, and reminds us that life with the Doctor isn't always fun. Fortunately, The Doctor saves the pair, leaving it up to Martha to save him and the rest of the crew from destruction. She manages it, just in time, proving that she truly is a great companion.
Ranking: 9/10

Continued in Part Two...