The Big Bang/The Pandorica opens is such a twisty turny finale and I' love it for that!

Deep Water/Death In'Heaven again great finale and that twist with missy gagged me first time i saw it.

Extremeis is defo the best of that three parter but not three parter thing

Gridlock is both camp and oddly dark undertones both work so well for the episode, i think this is where we see martha shine as a companion.

73 Yards is a modern day classic honestly should get more love in the fandom, if you love midnight you will love this ep

Yeah 73 Yards is one of my most re-watched Gatwa stories. Millie Gibson is great in it, also I like that it doesn't give you all the answers.

I kinda found 73 yards a little forgettable and the ending long winded. Gridlock I liked, the doctor scenes with that couple were great.

24 Face the Raven

Series 9 Episode 10

Doctor: 12th

Companion: Clara Oswald

Also featuring: Ashildr, Rigsy

First aired: 21st November 2015

Writer: Sarah Dollard

Series 9 really was a series of two halves, with episodes at both extremes of the quality scale. At times, it actually felt like whiplash - one of my bottom 5 episodes, Sleep No More, aired one week before this one! Summoned by Rigsy after he wakes up with a countdown tattoo on his neck, the Doctor and Clara discover a trap street in London that provides refuge to aliens, with Ashildr / Me in charge. However, when Clara tries to outsmart the system, she unleashes consequences not just for herself, but for the Doctor too. This episode is already a really intriguing concept without the final ~10 minutes or so - I love the idea of the trap street with aliens living in it, and it's undoubtedly the best outing for Ashildr too. It was great to see Rigsy again, I think he could've made a great companion even. The idea of the Chronolock and the Quantum Shade (the raven) is a great concept of keeping order in such a place, until of course we see Clara taking her biggest risk yet and getting the Chronolock moved onto her. Clara coming to terms with her fate was a masterclass in acting from Jenna Coleman, who managed to portray a range of emotions in just one scene, and her death was heartbreaking to watch - I didn't think they'd actually go there (even if it's sort of swerved with the events of Hell Bent). Major props to Peter Capaldi too, who delivered an incredible performance as an enraged, grieving Doctor ("the Doctor is no longer here, you are stuck with me"). A surprisingly significant episode on first watch that holds up really well, and sets the tone for the following episode perfectly, but more on that one still to come!

I re-watched Face the Raven today!

Great story, my one only complaint is the Clara's goodbye lasts forever... like there is a good 10 minute scene after the countdown reaches zero and the Raven is coming for her. Time for Clara and the Doctor to have a massive goodbye speech together, but I can let it go as the build up works well! Rigsy is great as a second companion and I really like the idea of the Trap Street too.

FTR is a fantastic episode the 4 leads were all really well played, as i already said Rigsy would of made a great companion or semi recurring character (and it might of given it just a tiny bit more shock value) Clara thinking she was invincible was bound to catch up with her eventually but that scene had me shook (and yes whatever happens with her is leading her back to this moment regardless so it wasn't really undone) the trap street was cleverly done too definitely one of the best it not the best episode from series 9 for me

23 The Day of the Doctor

50th Anniversary Special

Doctor: 11th

Companion: Clara Oswald

Also featuring: 10th Doctor, War Doctor, "Bad Wolf" Rose Tyler, Kate Lethbridge-Stewart, Osgood, The Curator

First aired: 23rd November 2013

Writer: Steven Moffat

Arguably the biggest event episode of the modern show's run, The Day of the Doctor marked a milestone 50 years of Doctor Who. The timelines of three Doctors converge - the 11th, the 10th, and another incarnation, one that later incarnations tried hard to forget. Together, they are faced with an enormous choice about the Time War, and how to end it, risking the whole of Gallifrey in the process. This episode did everything it needed to, and made for an excellent celebration of 50 years of the show. The comedy between all three Doctors was top notch, and a special shoutout must go to John Hurt, who excellently embodied the role of an older, more to-the-point Doctor, and notably one who was carrying the burden of the Time War on his back. I loved the twist of Billie Piper playing the Bad Wolf version of Rose, as the form chosen by the Moment, rather than an expected return as the real Rose. Clara also has her best episode yet, keeping all of the Doctors in check, and her quiet moment with the War Doctor was lovely. The Zygons were an inspired choice of enemy, too - a classic villain, but not one we'd seen in the modern show. And, to top it all off, after a small cameo from incoming Doctor Peter Capaldi, a surprise appearance from Tom Baker as the Curator, which gives me goosebumps every time I hear his voice. A phenomenally ambitious episode that hits every mark it needs to, and perfect for the event it marked!

TDOTD is a great anniversary episode, all 3 doctors were used effectively (wouldn't of minded 1 or 2 spin off episodes of the war doctor R.I.P John hurt) Billie was used well without ruining the Rose Arc, I think my only niggle with this one was Unit was underused and kind of just there, could also argue that Jenna Coleman was kind of a background character here considering her role reveal in TNOTD maybe she should of done more, honorable mention to Tom Baker as the curator did not see that coming (not a bad thing about this episode but I think some of the effects were spoiled because Matt Smith regenerated in the very next episode)

Otherwise a great anniversary special that can be enjoyed on its oown or a rewatch

Edited Tuesday at 14:484 days by 777666jason

15 hours ago, 777666jason said:

honorable mention to Colin Baker as the curator did not see that coming (not a bad thing about this episode but I think some of the effects were spoiled because Matt Smith regenerated in the very next episode)

Tom Baker 😉

Although Colin Baker has played the Curator in a couple of Big Finish stories.

Similarly Jon Hurt did a few War Doctor boxsets with them before his death, although I can't remember any of them being any good.

Just now, ElectroBoy said:

Tom Baker 😉

Although Colin Baker has played the Curator in a couple of Big Finish stories.

Similarly Jon Hurt did a few War Doctor boxsets with them before his death, although I can't remember any of them being any good.

I had Tom in my head but for some reason I switched to Colin at the last minute 🤣🤣 was late id had a couple pints and was annoyed about something 🤣🤣

22 The Well

Season 2 Episode 3

Doctor: 15th

Companion: Belinda Chandra

Also featuring: Mrs. Flood

First aired: 26th April 2025

Writer: Russell T Davies & Sharma Angel-Walfall

Another Doctor drops out of the running as the 15th Doctor's highest placed episode features here, and it's a very respectable position for such a recent episode. The Doctor and Belinda join a group on a mission to the planet 6767, who are sent to investigate the loss of contact from its mining colony. Inside, they find every mirror is broken, and only one remaining survivor, but the most terrifying discovery for the Doctor is in the history of the planet itself. This episode was already one I was excited for, as so little was known about it beforehand. The tension was strong from the start, and Rose Ayling-Ellis delivered a knockout guest performance from the beginning, with some strong commentary on the treatment of deaf people and how easily it is to leave them out of conversations. I had seen whispers of the Midnight connection beforehand, but it still gave me goosebumps when the word "Midnight" was uttered on screen - what an exciting episode to give a sequel to! This episode manages to portray the Midnight entity in a new way, whilst still revealing next to nothing about what it is. It's definitely the creepiest episode of Ncuti Gatwa's tenure, and whilst it couldn't quite live up to the original episode, I still enjoyed this one thoroughly, and it's a keen reminder of just how great Doctor Who can be under RTD.

I loved that episode and being the sequel to one of my top 15 episodes made it even better.

Edited Tuesday at 19:444 days by Henessy Lake

Oops, a bit to catch up on x

breathes

Utopia/Sound of The Drums/Last of the Timelords - First two parts are stunning, no notes, John Simm was both terrifying and hilarious as the Master and none have matched him. The first one a great creepy space setting and the second one an epic political thriller, sadly, it couldn't stick the landing, the Doctor as Dobby looks dodgy, the singing at the end is cheesy and it's just a bit of a drag having the two separate stories, saying that it's nowhere near as bad as some other finales, and the Doctor really is in true danger here which we don't see often.

Mummy on the Orient Express - My second favourite of Season 8, Clara and the Doctor's relationship following Kill the Moon is dealt with well and the mummy scenes are really well done and effectively scary, a further good use of the 'countdown to doom' scenario the show sometimes uses.

The Angels Take Manhattan - I think this was just when the Angels were starting to get a bit overused, but thankfully this was their last appearance for a while and this does still paint them as a serious threat (Statue of Liberty Angel is iconic, but probably not for the reasons they were hoping). Very effectively emotional climax and dark as anything which was brave for the show.

Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel - This was my introduction to the Cybermen and I think it's still pretty good, the harrowing scenes where the Cybermen get their memories back and one person pining for their love is powerful and shows how they as a concept are actually a lot more tragic and scary than the Daleks, the Parallel world is an interesting concept as well and though the tech looks a bit dated now, it looked alright for the time.

The Zygon Invasion/The Zygon Inversion - I'd have this higher, Capaldi's speech is one of the biggest highlights of the show and was really the 'I Am The Doctor' moment that convinced us all. Excellent social commentary throughout as well that still feels very relevant ten years on.

The God Complex - More of a debt owed to The Shining which is a very good thing indeed, The show doesn't always do horror that well especially in standalone episodes, but this one really worked.

Last Christmas - I think this is the Christmas special that works best as a genuinely unsettling tale rather than a cheesy adventure, it's indeed a typically Moffat script but it works really well, love Nick Frost as Santa as well.

The Fires of Pompeii - I think this one works really well as a more serious tale after Partners in Crime, and I really like the message of letting history happen however heartbreaking it is and Donna challenging the Doctor's views, it turns what could've been a throwaway episode into one with real heart, also notable for Peter Capaldi and Karen Gillan appearing pre-main characters!

Asylum of the Daleks - I think this one has a great emotional payoff and that reveal is really effective, don't remember a whole lot else about it but a unique idea perhaps not fully coming together in the conclusion.

Dot & Bubble - Pretty much a Black Mirror episode, but also one of the most unique and standout of Fourteen's run, it does a lot of things that Doctor Who had never done before including a really unlikeable protagonist and people in the wrong that don't learn a lesson, I think the show of late can be too on the nose, but in here the racism and privileged commentary is subtly done and works well.

The Haunting of Villa Diodati - My favourite in Jodie's run, the Frankenstein setting is inspired and something you wonder why the show didn't try before, the Lone Cyberman (though he turned out to have terrible pay off) is very creepy here, Jodie's speech is probably the closest she came to really feeling at home in the role.

Rosa - I liked this at the time, but I've soured to it a bit. It isn't as effective an edutainment as Demons.... While the performances are great and the structure very interesting and still very good as a sort of basic history lesson to younger viewers, I think they ruin it by adding a space racist who is just completely inconsequential and also simplifying Rosa Parks' role in the Civil Rights movement, I just think they could've explored this in a bit more depth. Also that use of Rise Up makes me vomit x

The Girl Who Waited - Love this one, terrifying concept and a brilliant character building moment for Amy, Rory and the Doctor. No one could do these dark concepts quite like Moffat.

Partners In Crime - The chemistry between Tennant and Tate is definitely the best thing about this, very funny if ridiculous episode too even if the threat is zero, basically what Space Babies should've been.

The rest to follow x

TW pretty decent episode overall Rose Ayling-Ellis was expertly cast definitely MVP of the episode it also really highlighted flaws in society when it comes to deaf people, it was nice to finally have a sequel to Midnights even if it wasn't quite as good overall definitely one of the strongest episodes of RTD2 if not quiet my best

Face The Raven - great companion exit led episode albeit shame it undoes a lot of it in the season finale.

Day Of The Doctor - this is just a fans dream episode of epic proportions really isn't it.

The Well - like 73 Yards, a modern day Who classic, I love when doctor who plays with the horror and the unknown and this episode, being what it is a sequel to, is another shining example of that. I love how it commentates on how Deaf people are treated too.

17 hours ago, JosephStyles said:

The Doctor and Belinda join a group on a mission to the planet 6767,

RTD bang on trend with the planet numbering 🤣

21 The Impossible Planet / The Satan Pit

Series 2 Episode 8-9

Doctor: 10th

Companion: Rose Tyler

First aired: 3rd and 10th June 2006

Writer: Matt Jones

At this point I'm splitting hairs, because every story left in the running really is top notch in my eyes. The Doctor and Rose quickly become stranded on Sanctuary Base 6, situated on the planet Krop-Tor, which is in orbit around a black hole. The defying of physics is enough to intrigue the Doctor, but danger quickly follows when the base's slave race, the Ood, become possessed by none other than the devil. This episode is an excellent blueprint of a "base under siege" style story. It's claustrophobic, it's exciting, and there's some superb side characters that it becomes really sad to see die. The Doctor and Rose adjusting to the idea of having to remain stranded is some great character drama that we don't often see, and foreshadows the series 2 finale pretty well. Each side character feels suitably developed, from Zach's struggle to adapt to leadership, to the great conversation Ida and the Doctor have by the side of the pit, to Mr Jefferson and his eventual sacrifice. Not to mention the shot of Scooti floating through space - superb yet horrifying! The Ood are an instantly iconic design, and they're terrifying in this episode, especially when chasing Rose and co through the vents! Superb two-parter with high stakes and plenty of breathing space to make the entire story feel real.

TIP/TSP pair of great episodes enjoyd pretty much all of it apart from the ood slaves (which thankfully got corrected later on) shout out Will Thorp as Toby expertly cast stole the 2 episodes for me definitely one of the stronger parts of series 2

Fugitive of the Judoon - So I was so happy to have an episode I properly enjoyed from this era for once, however a lot of it rests on mystery and intrigue for the timeless child arc which turned out to be...rubbish, so in retrospect I don't know if it holds up as well, but I do give credit that this is easily the best threat, intrigue and build-up in the series, I particualrly love the Lighthouse scenes, some beautiful shots there.

Flatline - Close between this and Mummy... but this just takes it for my favourite of S8, I think the threat is really well done and creepy and it allows for Clara to show some autonomy.

Boom - Having Moffat back after so long was quite refreshing, this had a great concept and I think initially really builds up that brilliant sense of suspense and testing the Doctor and Ruby, he still got a bit caught up in himself with the conclusion though, the parent power bit was sickly x

Oxygen - Classic Doctor Who space horror episode that works really well and ends with real consequences for the Doctor, haven't revisited it in a while but its one of the best of the season.

The Power of the Doctor - This special was a total mess with just about everything thrown at the wall and not everything sticking, yet it felt appropriate for Chibnall and I do respect that he knew what his strengths were after the Timeless Child disaster. It's a lot of fun, the Master dancing to Rasputin with the Dalek and Cyberman looking at each other in disbelief is iconic, the multiple Doctors and the companions support group at the end is a great touch and the regeneration scene honestly made me quite sad that Jodie didn't get better writing as it was really well done, a grand old mess x (original companion William Russell as Ian showing up aged 97 is absolutely amazing too, was his last appearance before his death </3)

The Pandorica Opens/The Big Bang - This was...a lot but I did enjoy the scope and did set the tone for the timey wimey arc that was to come, it definitely felt like the new showrunner had arrived.

Dark Water/Death in Heaven - Love the first part, Missy is brilliant, sadly second part doesn't really deliver for me, the threat just really dissipates and the graveyard scene goes on and on, I never liked Danny Pink either so him having such a big part made me lose interest.

Village of the Angels - The best part of Flux and one I thought could've been even better if not part of that mess. It was really refreshing having the angels back, and they are still really terrifying. I did like the story of the missing girl too, they all added up to give a really effective psychological horror, and a very intriguing cliffhanger, just a shame it was completely undone next episode!

Extremis - I think the monks three parter being such a let down has dulled this one and made me blank it from my memory a bit, I do need to revisit it as I do think the monks were really scary at first and it certainly set things up well.

Gridlock - I for one am pleased to see this so high up, I think it's a really great and more thorough exploration of the characters and features of New Earth than was done before, it's social commentary has held up well.

73 Yards - Unquestionably the best of Gatwa's era, as a psychological study of one's greatest fears coming true and taking over your life, it's incredibly powerful, the gradual isolation of Ruby and her having no idea why with even her own mother regarding her with total contempt is chilling, and how she learns to live with it adds a surprisingly hopeful touch, I did find the politician plot at the end a bit silly for such a hard-hitting episode and a lot of it seems to hinge on the mystery of Ruby which turned out to be nothing, but as a stand-alone somewhat metaphorical experience, it's amazing, Calum shush xx

Face The Raven - The heartbreaking conclusion of this was somewhat robbed by that convoluted conclusion to Hell Bent, but still really good. I love the gothic aesthetic and the build-up to that moment is great.

The Day of the Doctor - Aww, this'd be in my top 10, I love everything about this - I think it got the tone just right, Tennant and Smith obviously have brilliant chemistry, John Hurt was an amazing choice for the War Doctor and there's so many chills moments like Tom Baker's cameo and the TARDIS moment, and it's cool they went with a less obvious choice of villain. A mix of fun sci-fi and timey wimey stuff which works well, as a long-time fan, it was everything I loved about the show.

The Well - The correct top 2 for Gatwa's era, though I'd have them the other way round. The Midnight creature is still absolutely chilling and I love that it had it get away again, the mind games on the crew and the use of Rose Ayling-Ellis' character was great, I don't think it necessarily needed to exist, but it's one of those rare cases where more of the same isn't too bad.

The Impossible Planet/The Satan Pit - The original Doctor Who space horror and one of the earliest episodes I remember loving, the Ood are terrifying when corrupted and the tension is built really slowly and I agree that the characters are really developed so you're quite sad to see them go, rather than the total cannon fodder we sometimes get. I think the devil is still very scary too and the conversation tense, this one really set the standard for future space episodes and I can see why.

20 Bad Wolf / The Parting of the Ways

Series 1 Episode 12-13

Doctor: 9th

Companion: Rose Tyler, Captain Jack Harkness

Also featuring: Mickey Smith, Jackie Tyler

First aired: 11th and 18th June 2005

Writer: Russell T Davies

The bar for New Who finales was set high in the first series, in terms of scale, stakes, and character drama. The Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack wake up in TV game show studios, except the prize of winning the game is to survive. Behind this is the Game Station, the new name of Satellite 5, but the real controllers are located in a vast array of ships elsewhere, much to the Doctor's horror. The game show element does date the episode, but as someone who remembers the reality TV landscape of 2005, it's really nostalgic, and the Doctor on Big Brother in particular provides some great comedy (not to mention the Anne Droid!!). The reality of what the game shows lead to is horrifying though, and explained superbly by Lynda "with a Y", a true companion who never was (and her death scene is one of the most scary in the show's history IMO). Rose's "death" felt real because of the reactions from the Doctor and Jack (even if I'd seen series 2 before I watched this for the first time lol x), and the subsequent reveal of the Daleks always brings me goosebumps. One of the best parts of this story is the Doctor addressing the Daleks for the first time - the terror, the anger, and the determination to save Rose, and humanity, all served as part of an acting masterclass from Christopher Eccleston. Of course, this was also Eccleston's final episode as the Doctor, and what a way to go, even if it was much too soon. In the lead up to that, we also see fantastic acting from Billie Piper, as Rose desperately tries to return to the Doctor, unable to face the idea of returning to her normal life. So many ingredients that make RTD1 so great, with a strong supporting cast (the love for Lynda, the hate for Roderick, not to mention Elaine the Pain!!), and an excellent send-off for a deeply underrated Doctor.