The Parting of the Ways

Not to be confused with The Parting of the Cheeks.

The Parting of the Ways was the second and final part of the Series 1 finale, and the last time Eccleston would ever get decent writing or direction. Unfortunately, his irrational hatred of the writer, fear of Southerners, and belief that The Second Coming was a documentary, all led him to sensationally quit the series immediately after wrapping on Bad Wolf, necessitating a rushed climax featuring a kiss with Rose, a regeneration whose effects actually make sense for a change, and David Tennant sweating in a leather jacket and preparing to carry the franchise for the next 16+ years.

Plot

 * The Doctor fights the Daleks and dies
 * Jack fights the Daleks and dies
 * Rose pops back home to be a cow, then comes back to fight the Daleks
 * The 14th Doctor is assassinated by a crack squad of Dalek hitmen

Critical reception
The Parting of the Ways is usually considered good. Some fans claim Series 5's The Pandorica Opens and The Big Bang was better but they admitted their mistake after extensive psychiatric counselling.

Trivia
This episode is notable for serving as a continuation of Paterson Joseph's first ever Doctor Who role, as Rodrick the doomed winner of The Weakest Link.