10 Memorable Post-Regeneration Moments In Doctor Who

The Christmas Invasion is an important episode. It was the first Christmas special of the new series, starting a tradition that lasted for ten seasons, and the first post-regeneration episode of modern Doctor Who.

Adding to this is the striking moment when the new Doctor, during a sword fight with a Sycorax, loses a hand. Watching the Tenth Doctor battle an alien for Earth, in pyjamas, is a pretty epic moment in itself. But to lose a hand, and then thanks to the power of regeneration, grow it back - is something you don’t forget. The scene is also significant for creating the idea that regenerative energy could heal a Time Lord even after they had changed. This allowed future writers to use it almost as a healing power, as demonstrated when the Eleventh Doctor heals River. Strangely though, in the original scene, the Tenth Doctor suggests this ability is limited to within 15 hours of regeneration. So, maybe it shouldn’t work after that? Nonetheless, the Doctor growing back his hand opened up the possibility, gave us more insight into the regenerative process and really was a brilliant moment.