10 Criminally Underrated Doctor Who Stories

7. Nikola Tesla’s Night Of Terror

doctor who tesla
BBC

Hidden in the middle of the extremely polarising Series 12 lies Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror, an electrifying episode which never really gets the attention it deserves. The plot is nothing to write home about, concerning an alien invasion of scavenger scorpions known as the Skithra, but it’s solid, simple Doctor Who, and sometimes that’s just what you need.

This episode stands out because of its excellent production values. The recreation of Gilded Age New York is remarkable, with immersive sets and fantastic costume design selling the illusion and giving the episode a premium quality. The script is tightly written too, managing to juggle the Doctor and her three companions as well as a number of side characters.

But Goran Višnjić is the highlight here. His pitch-perfect performance honours the real-life Tesla and ensures that he stands out as an actual character rather than merely a caricature like some other historical figures in Doctor Who. His bitter rivalry with Thomas Edison makes for some sparky scenes, and his camaraderie with fellow inventor The Doctor really lets Jodie Whittaker demonstrate her acting chops. Perhaps, like Tesla himself, this episode will receive its well-earned recognition in years to come.

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Patch is a pop culture enthusiast and purveyor of puns. He writes about media in a vague attempt to justify the alarming amount of time he spends consuming it. Nobody's convinced... but nobody's told him that yet. He spends his spare time working on Portal 2: Desolation, an ambitious fan-made sequel to Valve's beloved puzzle games.