The giggle fantastic episode in its own right just a shame it basically confirmed we wernt getting any suprise cameos in these specials (minus Ncuti appearing halfway through) did enjoy all the other nods to the past such as the clara, Amy, and Bill puppets (more bill love is always welcome) cant decide if I prefer the SUL or Rasputin dance sequence from the previous best but it was expertly done and NPH was a fantastic casting choice, shame it was a game of catch that defeated him, and are we ever gonna get a resolution to that gold tooth hand tease 😂😂

AOL/WW3, personally farting aside the Slatheen are severely under appreciated and im glad they got much more time to shine over on the SJAs, penelope forde was a casting genius move as Harriet Jones glad it led to her returning a few more times, Jackie stole the show as always, definitely worth a rewatch from time to time and a fun pair of episodes sandwich between 2 strong but heavy episodes

64 The Husbands of River Song

2015 Christmas Special

Doctor: 12th

Companion: River Song

Also featuring: Nardole

First aired: 25th December 2015

Writer: Steven Moffat

In bronze position as far as Christmas specials go is this fun outing from Steven Moffat. The Doctor, living reclusively and alone, is reeled into an actual surgical procedure for King Hydroflax, the husband of... River Song! A fun adventure ensues as River does not realise who the Doctor is, unaware that he was granted a fresh regeneration cycle and has faces she was unaware of. It's a silly episode in many parts, from River's many husbands, to Nardole becoming part of the Hydroflax suit, to the Doctor delivering a BAFTA-worthy performance as he pretends to be surprised by the interior dimensions of the TARDIS. Greg Davies delivers just the right level of hammy in his portrayal of Hydroflax, whose detached head also serves up some great physical comedy. The real centrepiece of this episode though is the connection between the Doctor and River, and River knowing she's coming to the end of her time with someone she admires so much. It's the cherry on top of a strong arc, and I think there's an immense amount of chemistry between Alex Kingston and Peter Capaldi - you wouldn't think it's their only outing together. All of these somewhat overshadow the actual plot, but I don't mind that in an episode that hits every emotional beat that it needs to, and the result is an infinitely rewatchable outing that was perfectly suited to Christmas Day.

THORS a brilliant episode with a fantastic supporting cast , glad that matt lucas as Nardole impressed so much he came back as a companion (even if he ended up being relegated to third wheel) there was a lot going on but it was so fun , agree that capaldi and Kingston chemistry was so great shame this was the only episode they had together, did like the fact it finally gave us closure on the singing towers of derillium (even if they were teased multiple times in dvd extras) overall an enjoyable episode that was greatly suited to the christmas environment

63 Eve of the Daleks

2022 New Year Special

Doctor: 13th

Companion: Yasmin Khan, Dan Lewis

First aired: 1st January 2022

Writer: Chris Chibnall

Sorry I'm being so slow with this, I totally lost my rhythm due to a foot injury that's finally (basically) fine after 2 months, and it's been hard to regain it! Rest assured this will not be left unfinished, even if it takes forever and I guess I have a deadline of next Christmas now too

New Year's Day 2022 kicked off the final leg of Jodie Whittaker's tenure as the Doctor, with the first of three standalone specials airing that evening. The Doctor, Yaz and Dan find themselves in a time loop, which closes by one minute every time they relive it. To make matters worse, they're trapped with Daleks, as well as two civilians who present their own complex relationship. I really enjoy the concept of this episode, Groundhog Day style, and it makes it feel really claustrophobic, presenting a new take on the "base under siege" style episode in a sense. I love that Yaz finally opens up to Dan about her feelings towards the Doctor, though I'd have preferred to see it seeded in previous episodes rather than only coming to light near the end, feeling a little more like fan service than anything else (not that I don't love it!). Speaking of Dan, I enjoy how he confronts the Dalek, it made for some great comedy, as does Aisling Bea's Sarah. Adjani Salmon is also a great addition to the guest cast, though I think the writing went a bit overboard in how weird they made Nick that it doesn't entirely ring true that he and Sarah would end up together. That's only a small issue though and it's an episode I thoroughly enjoy watching, another great example of Chibnall understanding the classic villains well.

EOTD was a great episode a refreshing idea that we hadn't seen before in new who, the shock of the doctor getting exterminate in the first few minutes was up there with the astronaut, was also a great way to finish the "dalek trilogy" another showcase of why Dan was just so much better than Ryan and Graham, echo the Yaz comment like it should of been planted sooner overall one of the better chibnall episodes

62 Smith and Jones

Series 3 Episode 1

Doctor: 10th

Companion: Martha Jones

Also featuring: Francine Jones, Clive Jones, Tish Jones, Leo Jones

First aired: 31st March 2007

Writer: Russell T Davies

The new series of Doctor Who had quickly had to deal with the departure of its lead actor, with Christopher Eccleston choosing to leave after just one series. It was another year before the show was faced with losing a companion, when Billie Piper chose to make series 2 her last as Rose Tyler. This was a pretty integral change to the show, as though the Doctor is the main character, the companion, more than ever, had been the audience's eyes, asking the questions on our behalf, and being even a tiny bit relatable. All eyes were on Russell T Davies for the series 3 opener as the 10th Doctor met his next companion, Martha Jones, when the hospital she worked at was transported to the moon by galactic police, the Judoon. Together, they must track down who, or what, the Judoon are after, before everyone in the hospital is put at risk. It's an episode I love rewatching because it hits every beat it needs to. Martha's instantly likeable, from the many phone calls she receives in the opening scene from her chaotic family ("hi Martha, HIIIIIIII"), and I love how we see her bravery and heroism right from her first episode. The Judoon are memorable villains, even if they weren't the primary antagonist of the episode - shoutout to Anne Reid who gives a delightfully camp performance as Florence Finnegan, aka a Plasmavore. It's definitely one of my favourite companion introductions, but despite Martha being my favourite companion, it's actually lower the lowest of the three main companion intro episodes of RTD1.

The one word I have for them eps is Underrated af

Martha is one of my least fave companions of the tenth Doctor, but I do really like her entry episode

Can forgive your lack of taste prior for Eve of the Daleks showing up so high tbqh x

As much as I love Martha as a companion and she is it is the weakest of the 3 companion introduction of the RTD era (i don't count the runaway bride for Donna 🤣 ) that doesn't mean it's a bad episode at all, in fact it's a great episode, Rose was always going to be a tough act to follow but I agree Martha was instantly likeable the judoon served their purpose and the big bad wasn't overly complicated it didn't need to be, it's been mentioned before but RTD really did well with fleshing out the families of the companion, a great episode for casuals that's not overly complicated

61 The Star Beast

60th Anniversary Special 1

Doctor: 14th

Companion: Donna Noble

Also featuring: Sylvia Noble, Shaun Temple, Rose Noble, Shirley-Anne Bingham

First aired: 25th November 2023

Writer: Russell T Davies (from a story by Pat Mills & Dave Gibbons)

The return of Russell T Davies as showrunner had me excited from day one. He led my favourite era of the show, and even recreating some of the colourful, character-led magic that made series 1-4 so good would have been enough for me. Sure enough, his comeback episode did more than that, bringing back David Tennant to play a new, temporary incarnation of the Doctor, as well as Catherine Tate to reprise her role as Donna Noble, which piqued my excitement even more. The Star Beast is a busy episode, but it succeeds in almost every way for me. It's exciting, action-packed, and still finds time to deal with some of the character drama around Donna's return, and 14's face looking exactly like 10. Along the way, we meet the Meep, who's instantly memorable thanks to the practical and CGI teams who brought it to life as well as Miriam Margolyes, who voices it excellently! I think the only real issue with this episode is some clunky dialogue - revealing Rose Noble's deadname was, I believe, done for good reasons (to show the level of nastiness trans people have to endure), but that could probably have been achieved without such a thing (I did adore the scene between Sylvia and Donna where the former wonders if she's doing too much - a realistic discussion and a great way to show someone who is trying to do things the right way for someone they love). Rose's dialogue in general is a bit cliché, but the message is positive and accepting, and the day Doctor Who stops being "woke" is the day I'll be switching off. It was great to revisit Donna's story, and start the journey towards a happier ending for her character.

Yeah people acting like adding a trans character was making the show 'woke' like Doctor Who has ever been played straight.

Especially since the reboot starting in 2005 and even in the classic era though not as openly.

Like are these people saying this even watching the same show or do they just block it out.

Anyway this episode, oh I loved The Meep. Doctor Who and Donna have such a great friendship, was great to see them back together.

60 The Runaway Bride

2006 Christmas Special

Doctor: 10th

Companion: Donna Noble

Also featuring: Sylvia Noble, Geoff Noble

First aired: 25th December 2006

Writer: Russell T Davies

From Donna's comeback episode, to her very first! The cliffhanger of Doomsday introduced us to "the bride", later known to be Donna Noble, as played by Catherine Tate. Donna found herself in the TARDIS against her will, and, quite frankly, against the Doctor's will too. They're forced to work together to figure out why Donna appeared in the TARDIS, leading to a heartbreaking discovery for Donna at a secret base below the Thames. This is the highest placed RTD1 Christmas special, and the second highest overall, with just one Moffat special to come, and it's an episode I love to revisit. It ticks every box - action, drama, light and shade, and a big name casting providing a layered performance, even if Donna's best moments were largely still to come. Of course, Donna in this episode is much more selfish, but I enjoy the scenes between her and the Doctor a lot, and even if this had been Donna's only episode, the progression is still visible and impressive. The Empress of the Racnoss is a memorable villain, and the twist of Lance being in cahoots with her was one I didn't see coming the first time round - superb! Lots of memorable visuals through this episode too, from the Pilot Fish Santas approaching the Doctor at the cash point, to the TARDIS chasing the taxi through the air, and there's plenty of memorable quotes too - "pockets"! This is the blueprint for a Christmas special in my books.

59 Revolution of the Daleks

2021 New Year Special

Doctor: 13th

Companion: Yasmin Khan, Graham O'Brien, Ryan Sinclair, Captain Jack Harkness

Also featuring: Grace O'Brien

First aired: 1st January 2021

Writer: Chris Chibnall

The highest New Year special drops out next, and it's a direct sequel to 2019's special Resolution. Overseen by dodgy businessman Jack Robertson, the UK rolls out new "defence drones" to manage difficult public situations such as riots, but to those who know better, the design is more than just a little familiar...! Meanwhile, the Doctor is stuck in prison, until a familiar face arrives to rescue her! There's a lot happening in this episode and I love the spectacle of it. It works fantastically as a sequel to Resolution, I love the look of the defence drone Daleks and how they mirror the reconnaissance Dalek. Captain Jack is a great addition to the episode too and it was fun to get him back for a full episode after the tease of Fugitive (shame Barrowman's ruined any chance of future returns), and one of my favourite scenes of the episode is his discussion with Yaz about life with the Doctor. Love the solution of using the "spare" TARDIS to trap the Daleks, a great conclusion to a thrilling episode. Graham and Ryan have a lovely exit but, in true Chibnall style, neither felt hugely useful throughout the episode in the lead up to it...!

I think i've only watched Revolution of the Daleks maybe twice?

I found it a slog both times - I just found it overly long and the action grinds to a halt halfway through. Good to have Jack back and also Ryan exiting, but can't say its one of my faves.

58 Rogue

Season 1 Episode 6

Doctor: 15th

Companion: Ruby Sunday

Also featuring: Carla Sunday

First aired: 8th June 2024

Writer: Kate Herron & Briony Redman

I'll be honest, I was sceptical of an episode that was making no real secret of channelling Bridgerton. Period dramas bore me to tears! Thankfully, in true Doctor Who style, the setting was just the backdrop and this episode was packed full of many ingredients that I love about the show. The Doctor and Ruby, at a ball in 1813, meet another time traveller who goes by the name of Rogue, but while the Doctor and Rogue focus on each other, they almost miss the obvious - shape-shifting creatures "cosplaying" as humans. The Chuldur were an interesting, unique concept for a villain and yet, probably felt like the most "traditional" threat of season 1, by being an actual present alien threat with no link to the Pantheon. Rogue was a great character too, and I loved the chemistry between him and the Doctor. I'd love to see that picked up properly, especially with the tease in Wish World, though I guess it's less likely with Ncuti no longer at the helm. Nonetheless, an episode that exceeded my expectations, with some great twists (Ruby herself cosplaying as a Chuldur was a great move, even if it put her and ultimately Rogue in danger!). I'd definitely love to see Kate Herron and Briony Redman writing for the show again one day!

TSB was a great episode to open the 60th episodes to open the 6oth anniversary episodes was great to see all the nobles back , Catherine tate and David Tennant just work so well together was another nice touch, the star beast wasn't the best of baddies but then again that story was more secondary to the doctor Donna story , Rose was a great character shame they kept teasing her returning ro do nothing with her after this, also will we ever find out who the boss is 🤣 my only the line from Donna that the doctor wouldn't understand as he wasn't a woman, he was literally a woman a few hours before

TRB another great christmas episode which injected some much needed fun after the series 2 ending was fun to see the dangers of being on his own after such a traatic event would do to the doctor , the Racnoss was pretty cool too, I'm glad we only had shouty Donna for 1 episode though that would of been overkill if her character returned like that 🤣🤣

ROTD, was glad to see Jack back again proper (annoying borrowing ruined anymore returns or even a torchwood return 😪), in a way was nice Graham and Ryan left as they were really pointless characters at this point was a satisfying end to the trilogy

ROGUE a nice period episode (although not much of a fan of Downtown Abbey style dramas) Rogue was a great character, shame he was teased as really important to the doctor because realistically Jonathon Groff wasn't gonna be available regularly overall though great episode definitely 1 if the better of SEASON 1

The Runaway Bride is pure fun from start to finish, ecen if it wasnt the dull scope of what we know now of rhe character of Donna.

The other 3 are super strong eps too.

57 The Interstellar Song Contest

Season 2 Episode 6

Doctor: 15th

Companion: Belinda Chandra

Also featuring: Mrs. Flood, The Rani, Susan Foreman

First aired: 17th May 2025

Writer: Juno Dawson

From one Ncuti pre-finale episode to another, The Interstellar Song Contest has the most tedious discourse possible on social media, but to me, it's always been a quality episode. As the quest to get Belinda home continues, the TARDIS lands at the Intestellar Song Contest, and both the Doctor and Belinda are keen to stick around. Quickly, though, the contest is thrown into disarray when the Hellion race seek their revenge on the contest's sponsor. I'm really glad the risk of this episode airing between the football and Eurovision actually paid off, because it was the perfect slot for it, providing a camp warm-up to Eurovision with Rylan Clark and Graham Norton starring as themselves, and some insane yet perfectly tailored to Eurovision song choices (Dugga Doo ). Freddie Fox excelled as Kid, a complex villain, but it was Ncuti Gatwa who gave the best performance as the Doctor unleashed his hidden rage on Kid in a lapse of judgement. My only real qualm with this is that it wasn't touched on more - I'd have liked to see Belinda even more taken aback by it than she actually was. The supporting cast were strong and likeable, and I loved the Susan teases, and I hope we can still pick up on those even though Ncuti's era is over.

All together now...

When I first saw that epi in the trailer, I didnt excpect s song contest episode to be so dark but it is so good from start to finish, highlighttt! (Tbf most kf the season are highlights)