10 Smartest Villain Plans In Doctor Who

The Monks are, without a doubt, the most duplicitous race to ever stage an invasion of Earth.

For one thing, they had a lot of practice, using a highly sophisticated simulation of the planet to determine the optimum time and place to strike.

For another, they rule not through force, but through a contract of consent. Once they’ve secured that consent – by, for example, posing as saviours in the face of a genuine natural catastrophe, and framing their dominion as the least worst option – there’s no going back.

The Monks had used this strategy to conquer a multitude of planets, and Earth was no exception (the catastrophe in question being the accidental creation of a deadly bacteria). Fast forward six months, and they’ve subjugated the planet’s population. For a time, it seems even the Doctor has fallen under their spell.

Ultimately though, Bill is able to corrupt the Monks’ propaganda with memories of her mother. But if it wasn’t for that, their reign might never have ended.

What’s more, unlike most villains on this list, the Monks escaped with their lives – and, arguably, in a stronger position than they were in before. It’s surely only a matter of time before they strike again.