The classic show loves a good cliffhanger. In fact, it loved them so much that in one particular story, Dragonfire, the Seventh Doctor got stuck in a quite literal cliffhanger for plot reasons that are debated to this day. But when the show returned in 2005, the cliffhangers seemed to have vanished. Adventures were wrapped up in 45 minutes, meaning that there was no space for the traditional sting music to signify a week long wait to discover just how the Doctor was going to get out of this particular mess. Which is not to say there are no cliffhangers in the modern show. Some episodes run over two and sometimes three parts. But the fact of the matter is, the show is less reliant on the hook of the cliffhanger for viewers to return. These multi part stories feel like events, now, rather than just something to be taken for granted. It has changed the format of the show beyond recognition, and yet has resulted in some incredible, tightly constrained stories. And those cliffhangers that do remain? Some of them make that week long wait absolutely interminable. And viewers wouldn't want it any other way... What did you think of this list? Are there any other ways Doctor Who is now completely unrecognisable? Join the conversation in the comments section below. Happy 10th anniversary, NuWho!
