8. Amy's Choice
This episode never fails to satisfy. Appearing half way through Series 5, it gave the fans a well needed exploration of where Amy's loyalties lay when it came to the choice between her boyfriend and her best friend. Simon Nye takes full advantage of the science-fiction set up for the story and literally forces Amy to choose between a home on the TARDIS (representing the Doctor) and a home in Leadworth (representing Rory). It's a simple story-telling device but one that when combined with the surreal promise of dream-worlds is highly effective. The highlight of this episode is unquestionably The Dream Lord. I have high hopes that he is going to return in one of the last two Matt Smith episodes because the confrontation between the two characters is intense and just so memorable. There is enough gravitas surrounding the conversations between them to make this episode feel as though it could be a series finale. The episode blends humour with the drama beautifully. Not only are the Dream Lord's many quips darkly hysterical but the back-and-forth between the leads is very entertaining too. This is an episode with its tongue firmly planted in its cheek and it deserves to be remembered for a long time to come.