The Empty Child/Doctor Dances is perhaps my favorite story of Season One.

Yeah, it took me a bit to warm up to Eccleston. I think because he doesn't come in and let you gradually accept him. He just comes IN, and MAKES you accept that he's The Doctor. And, I love that his goofyness is merely a facade for a deeper pain (I won't SPOILERS it for anyone who hasn't seen Season One yet).

As for Rose, I understand where you're coming from. Romana, Leela, Ace, K-9, and Liz Shaw have been the most "useful" companions. But, I guess the common consensus is that women like Sarah-Jane and Rose are the "best" companions for The Doc. Just dumb enough to ask "what?", but, just smart enough to keep up with him when needed. And, I thought the actress did a great job, personally. But, yeah, there were times when she got a bit tired for me. Sometimes I was wanting more focus on The Doctor, and less on the Perils of Pauline-Rose, you know?

I can understand your dislike of 'Father's Day'. It's very, very un-Who like. However, I'll take soap-opera pathos over RTD's overly silly 'Whedon-esque' moments of flamboyance (burping trashcans, farting aliens, constant gratuitous homosexual innuendo, etc.). That's just me.

Glad you likes it. Give Tennant a shot. He grows on you...