Doctor Who: EVERY Fifteenth Doctor Episode Ranked Worst To Best

14. The Interstellar Song Contest

Rylan and his wonderful teeth captured something that had been missing in Doctor Who for a while: modern, knowing, fun! 

Russell T. Davies' first run on Doctor Who was marked with cameos, modernism, and dialogue that aged the second it was spoken. It was, frankly, part of the charm. Moffat and Chibnall's tenures let that aspect fade away, though Rylan's small role (and let's not forget Graham Norton's first official appearance in the franchise) snapped the show back into a timely position. 

However.

The Interstellar Song Contest received criticism for its muddled handling of its message. While the contest was sponsored by an evil corporation, thus allowing the audience to sympathise with the Hellions' plight, Freddie Fox's Kid walked a dangerous line of being too one-note for the audience to engage with. This, coupled with his dastardly plan, resulted in the Doctor's rage - a series first for Gatwa's incarnation - losing the power of that moment in a story that didn't quite seem to know what to do with itself.

And then there's...

One cannot discuss this episode without discussing Carole Anne Ford and Susan Foreman. Returning to the show after 42 years (not counting Dimensions In Time), this appearance should have been a grand sign of things to come. However, at present, Susan did nothing more than call to the Doctor as he floated in space (something they've done several times since the revival) and encourage him not to give up.

After series one teased her return and deliberately didn't deliver, this felt like a moment telegraphed for some time. Surely, surely, it was a sign of more things to come. Well, if the rumours are true and Susan was intended to be a part of The Reality War's finale, this now serves as a symbol of what could have been. 

Carole Ann Ford will always be welcome on our screens as Susan. Someday, she might come back. Yes, someday.