TWWFTE, a promising start to a turbulent Jodie and Chibnall era, the companions were introduced well, just a shame other than Yaz they didnt get developed well, personally Grace would of made a better companion but would if of worked if Graham was bumped off instead or no Ryan maybe,

70 A Christmas Carol

2010 Christmas Special

Doctor: 11th

Companion: Amy Pond, Rory Williams

First aired: 25th December 2010

Writer: Steven Moffat

I actually wasn't that fond of this the first time round. I can't really remember how I watched it - perhaps it was difficult to focus on in the bustle of what family Christmases used to be like in my house - but I just know that for a while I didn't think much of this episode. Thankfully, time has changed that! With Amy and Rory stuck on a crashing ship, the Doctor has to convince the miserable Kazran Sardick to help save the ship, but it's a job that involves taking a look at the past, present and future. There's a load of really special moments in this episode. The Doctor's time spent with young Kazran observing the fish is magical, and their adventures with Abigail were fun to watch and would have made a great episode on their own! Michael Gambon is superb as an older Kazran, and I like the nods to the actual A Christmas Carol story, if any Doctor could suit a story like this it's the Eleventh Doctor. I do think the present and future sections feel a bit rushed after so much time is spent on the past, and it slightly loses some momentum, but it's an episode that's grown on me with repeated viewings, and also probably with age as I've grown to appreciate the character work that this episode does. Katherine Jenkins' singing feels a little shoehorned in but it's one of those things that I can overlook given it's a festive outing!

ACC, enjoyable episode nice christmas special in between 2 very story heavy 2 parters that both had a lot going on, was a very doctor who take on the original, Katherine was superb as abigail (even if at times it did feel like oh we have an opera singer we need to use the voice) Moffat did have a habit of writing great christmas episodes (TDTWATW aside)

A Chrismas Carol might be my fave christmas special, its perfect, very cool comcept episode plot wise and never loses the doctor who christmas charm in it

69 The Unicorn and The Wasp

Series 4 Episode 7

Doctor: 10th

Companion: Donna Noble

First aired: 17th May 2008

Writer: Gareth Roberts

Finally another series 4 episode departs, and it's the show's take on a murder mystery. The Doctor and Donna meet Agatha Christie at a garden party, but when Professor Peach is murdered in the library, what unfolds is eerily similar to the books she's famous for writing. I don't think this is a format the show ever needs to repeat, but for a one-off, it was really fun. Plenty of great comedy, with a particular shoutout to the scene where the Doctor's trying to expel the poison from his system...! It actually worked pretty well as a murder mystery too, with each of the suspects feeling pretty fleshed out, with some great twists in the final reveal. I also enjoy how they tied Agatha Christie's real life disappearance into the storyline, and I think Fenella Woolgar did a great job portraying her. Ultimately a "throwaway" episode with no substantial link to the series 4 arc, but it's a memorable and unique episode and it holds up on rewatches too.

TWWFTE isn't one of my faves, I think there are some good elements in the story, but its overly long and sags heavily in the middle.

ACC is a story which i've appreciated more overtime, it's a fun Christmas story!

TUATW is a good fun romp, with some good lines/ scenes. It sort of solid, fun, lightweight Who.

Edited November 9Nov 9 by ElectroBoy

The unicorn and the wasp is one of the most campest and funniest eps Doctor Who has ever made.

TUATW, a murder a mystery and agatha Christie 😲 definitely an enjoyable episode that you can easily watch without ever watching a single episode of doctor who before , was nice to have a one off episode in what was essentially a very arc heavy series and the doctor and donna actually spent most of the episode together 😲 was a great murder mystery episode and I agree that the kitchen scene was fantastically done

68 Spyfall

Series 12 Episode 1-2

Doctor: 13th

Companion: Yasmin Khan, Graham O'Brien, Ryan Sinclair

Also featuring: Spy Master, Najia Khan, Sonya Khan

First aired: 1st and 5th January 2020

Writer: Chris Chibnall

The highest series opener from Jodie Whittaker's era is the two-part blockbuster Spyfall, which began on New Year's Day 2020. The Doctor and her companions are summoned to MI6 following attacks on intelligence officers around the world. They're soon separated, embarking on high stakes missions surrounding Daniel Barton, a millionaire CEO, and the Kasaavin, a mysterious hologram-style lifeform, but their mission is compromised when an old foe of the Doctor's makes himself known. Spyfall felt like Chibnall had listened to the critiques of series 11 and had delivered something with high stakes, plenty of action, and a tangible threat. Part one is particularly strong, with great twists (didn't call Stephen Fry being offed so soon), plenty of intrigue, and a really fantastic cliffhanger that I didn't see coming! Of course, that brings us onto the Master. Sacha Dhawan is excellent in the role, even if his Master feels quite far removed from where we last left them with Missy. He's deliciously evil and Sacha sells it perfectly! Part two is strong too, it loses some momentum at times with the Ada Lovelace and Noor Inayat Khan plots, though I do really enjoy how Chibnall shone a light on a couple of significant yet overlooked women from history and was able to weave them into an already busy story. The companions are a good unit in part 2, even if they continue to lack individuality (beyond Graham's soft shoe shuffle, that's an all-timer x). The only ick for me really is the way the conclusion is basically letting the Nazis' racism ruin the Master's plan, which is just dodgy writing but it came across pretty badly! Otherwise, a brilliant start to series 12 and a definite sign that things were set to improve (which, on the whole, they did).

I remember liking the first part of Spyfall, but then felt the second part was a bit all over the place.

However I rewatched a couple of months ago and really enjoyed it! Definitely a standout of the Whittaker era, also Dhawan is great as the Master.

Shame Stephen Fry was killed off so early on though!

Really enjoyed spyfall, yes Sachas master does feel like a bit of an undo of missys arc but we dont know for sure that he follows Missy chronologically (will we ever find out 😅) but otherwise he puts a great spin on the character and wouldn't mind seeing his incarnation again, overall though a strong start to whittaker season 2 and definitely agree it did look like he had taken some criticism on-board (shame it didnt stick with the rest of the season though )

To be honest I don't think I've gone back to Spyfall much (if at all) since it was broadcast but I remember my jaw dropping at the cliffhanger. Definitely benefitted from us maybe not expecting a Master return so soon (and especially now, I think it was too soon despite how great Sacha was).

67 Resolution

2019 New Year Special

Doctor: 13th

Companion: Yasmin Khan, Graham O'Brien, Ryan Sinclair

First aired: 1st January 2019

Writer: Chris Chibnall

In lieu of a Christmas special in 2018, we got a New Year special for 2019, which turned out to be the only episode broadcast for the entire year. Two archaeologists accidentally uncover a dangerous mutant creature, which assumes control of one of them, taking the Doctor on a race to stop it before it restores its true Dalek form. After a more back-to-basics approach in series 11, I was thrilled to have a high stakes Dalek adventure immediately afterwards, and I have to give it to Chibnall, he made the Daleks scarier than they'd felt since series 1 in my view. The power of one single Dalek being underestimated is always a great direction to go in, and both in mutant form and its new casing, this Reconnaissance Dalek was a fantastic threat (with a cool design for its makeshift armour too). The episode's brought down somewhat by the unnecessarily long scene between Ryan and his dad, which isn't at all interesting given how exciting the rest of the episode is, but once again I think that ties into the general problem with the companions in Chibnall's era. The episode also suffers a little from there being too many characters, all standing around while the Doctor saves the day, but it's a minor critique because I still had a thoroughly good time watching the episode and it's one of the most rewatchable episodes of Chibnall's era (also the first of his three major Dalek episodes to fall, with all three of them being among his top episodes in my opinion!).

Resolution was definitely welcome after his refusal to use old monsters in jodies first series, (not a completely bad thing though) after the daleks kept getting bigger and bigger and still getting wiped out it was nice to get back to basics of a singular dalek posing a big threat, definitely one of the best from chibnall just a shame as the only episode of the year

66 The Giggle

60th Anniversary Special 3

Doctor: 14th

Companion: Donna Noble, Melanie Bush

Also featuring: 15th Doctor, Sylvia Noble, Shaun Temple, Rose Noble, Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, Shirley-Anne Bingham, Colonel Ibrahim

First aired: 9th December 2023

Writer: Russell T Davies

Finally, we lose a 14th Doctor episode! Of course, there are only three in the first place, but this is a respectable showing nonetheless for the "worst" episode of 14's short tenure. Arriving back on Earth, the Doctor and Donna are immediately thrown into chaos as every human thinks they're right. Together, they meet the Toymaker, keen to settle an old score with the Doctor. I think there's some really fantastic ideas throughout this episode - the best part is the Doctor and Donna making their way through the Toymaker's domain, I love how creepy and trippy it is, and the giggle itself is a great hook. The Toymaker's Spice Up Your Life routine is quite frankly iconic, and also horrifying at the same time - the UNIT soldiers being turned into seemingly conscious balls is terrifying! There's also room for some great character moments as Donna tries to get to grips with what the Doctor's experienced since she last saw him, and I really love the Doctor and Mel's reunion, too - David's expressions feel so genuine as a fan himself. The bigeneration I'm still in two minds on (), I think the concept needs some tweaking really (I'd like confirmation that when 15's position in the timeline comes after 14's entire lifespan, and not just that they're split permanently now), but I really did like seeing David and Ncuti interacting with each other. The game of ball didn't quite hit as hard as it should have for a climax, but again, minor critique as I still thoroughly enjoyed the episode, a great finale to an epic trio of specials - but more on those to come!

The Giggle is great, although agreed the game of ball/ catch I think its slightly anti-climatic. I know its meant to undercut things as its just catch... but I think it could've been a bit more.

The routine to Spice Up Your Life though in the middle is great. As is the 'Well That's Alright Then! scene.

65 Aliens of London / World War Three

Series 1 Episode 4-5

Doctor: 9th

Companion: Rose Tyler

Also featuring: Mickey Smith, Jackie Tyler, Harriet Jones

First aired: 16th and 23rd April 2005

Writer: Russell T Davies

I feel like this one is a bit of a "hear me out" moment as I've seen plenty of distaste for it over the years, so hear me out...!! The Doctor takes Rose back home for a visit only to find a whole year has passed, but they don't get to rest for long before a spaceship crashes into Big Ben and lands in the River Thames. As the Doctor's taken to Downing Street as an "expert" in aliens, he, Rose and Harriet Jones (MP for Flydale North x) uncover the truth behind the acting Prime Minister. Now, let's get it out of the way, the farting is obviously a very juvenile aspect of this story and it tends to be the focal point of discussion about it, but there is so much to enjoy beyond that. The character drama is on top form, with Jackie grounding the show in reality, providing very believable reactions to Rose returning, and to learning the truth about the Doctor. Mickey being accused of murdering Rose during her absence adds another layer to the increasingly complex relationship he and Rose have, though I love the Doctor's growing respect towards Mickey by the end of the story and the manner in which he declines a trip in the TARDIS. The core storyline is rich in commentary on politicians and their true motives, and there's plenty of tension and excitement throughout both episodes, I find. It's one of the best examples of why RTD1 worked so well, packed full of character drama and likeable, realistic side characters, with memorable villains that make a statement without spelling it out. There's still another Slitheen episode to come, too...!

Probably one of my least villians of the series but do highly enjoy that episode around them

The Giggle the lowest of the Fourteen episodes it's a toss up between that and The Star Beast for me, but I think I'd rate The Star Beast the lowest (despite the incredible character moments with 14 and Donna; extending into WBY too).

Aliens of London / World War Three appearing this high is making your Moff era hatred even worse hen x

Oh, it's been a while, let's catch up x

Hell Bent - I find this ultimately a disappointing follow-up to Heaven Sent, although anything would struggle after that tbf. The exit for Clara just really takes away from that emotion gathered in Face the Raven, and it just leaves me a bit cold, I get that it's a bit dark having her just die, but I found that worked better than what we got. I don't recall the rest of the episode too much tbh, that ending just soured it too much.

The Pilot - Pretty enjoyable opener, really like Bill and I think the new dynamic is established well. The threat feels quite minimal, but the different forms it takes made it much more interesting. The Daleks definitely felt shoehorned in though.

Deep Breath - This one's all about Capaldi and Coleman's chemistry, the division between them when they usually get on like a house on fire was very refreshing and they really sell it well and this is where Clara really started to come into her own, and the call from Eleven I found very touching. The threat itself didn't feel particularly memorable, but fun enough.

The Time of the Doctor - All over the place is a good way to describe it really, but there are moments of that emotional brilliance and Smith gives it his all. The effects on the regeneration weren't the best, but otherwise a good send off.

Time Heist - I don't remember this one that well, but I do recall it being a lot of fun, was nice to see the show take on the heist genre.

The Woman Who Fell to Earth - Good opener and sadly not indicative at all of the season that we got. I think Ryan and Graham were established well although it's a shame that's all they got until a half-hearted callback at the end. Jodie really sold it well and Tzim-Sha was fine as an opener and definitely shouldn't have been brought back.#

A Christmas Carol - I definitely need to revisit this now we're getting to the time of year, I remember really liking it, I think Moffat was really great at giving some much more thoughtful and emotional Christmas specials than the romp we usually got.

The Unicorn and the Wasp - Filler, but not bad filler as S4 was pretty elite all the way through, not great CGI on the wasp, but the format of the episode was fun.

Spyfall - I think I really liked this at the time because the Master appearing wasn't expected and it actually felt like an interesting villain for once, I think it's a mixed bag as it does build tension well at the cliffhanger, and I liked the focus on the WWII women, but everything else feels underbaked and too rushed in the finale. Not entirely sure how I feel about the Doctor using the Master's race against him with the Nazis too, that feels like an area they shouldn't go.

Resolution - Not really a fan, again it was nice to see a classic villain, but it's just not as threatening when there's just one and it's made of car parts, the fact it was defeated by Ryan's bloody dad is ridiculous too, who was extremely pointless given he was never brought up again.

The Giggle - Definitely the weakest of the specials, there was some fantastic stuff in there, like the Toymaker's domain and the villain himself was well played and camped up, but I just didn't like the bi-generation, and I particularly don't like that 14 was just left there while 15 went on, that felt like pure spin-off bait for Disney, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's just quietly swept under the rug.

Aliens of London/World War Three - A bit generous, but tbf I don't think this is as bad as I remembered. I think the character chemistry and the political commentary is actually very strong, it's just a shame that the aliens themselves look so awful and fart all the time, it just cheapens the experience when we're supposed to believe these are the big bads.