1. In episode 2, The Doctor needs to pass through the blades of the giant fan blocking the controls in order to restore the shield to the station where the crowd is watching “The End of the World”. Jabe, descendant of Trees, tells him, “Stop wasting time, *pause* Timelord,” and we hear the spiritualistic Doctor theme as he controls time and makes it through, thus saving most of the people on the station, though sadly, not Jabe.

2. In episode 2 (again), Rose expresses her surprise at the appearance of the manager of the station: “He’s blue.” Her earnestness and openness to having met a blue person was refreshing. A bonus here: The Doctor momentarily geeks out and dances to “Tainted Love”.

3. In episode 3, The Doctor advises Rose to dress appropriately for the Dickensonian times, and when she does, he notices, and I mean, really notices. Oh, and it’s Christmas; always a plus.

4. Episode 6 we see The Doctor’s pain, fury, loss, guilt, loneliness, and power in “Dalek”. Without Nine’s intensity, the Daleks could have been seen as silly robotic vacuum cleaners that pose no real threat. Nine’s seriousness lent itself nicely to the story and provided levity to the appearance of his old enemy.

5. The most bittersweet episode of the entire show: “The Parting of the Ways”. The Doctor kisses Rose. Sure, it was to transfer the essence of the TARDIS from her to him, but it was a kiss, and it was right. Unfortunately, it led to The Doctor’s regeneration (something I still haven’t come to terms with), but all-in-all, it was just right.