Fear is like a companion. A constant companion, always there. But thats ok. Because fear can bring us together. Fear can bring you home. - Clara Oswald
The Twelfth Doctor and Clara Oswald embarked on a journey which took them to the end of the universe itself in Steven Moffats most powerful Doctor Who script to date. When ghosts of past and future crowded into their lives, our heroes discovered what really happens when the Doctor is left alone and the results were critically acclaimed with audiences hailing the adventure as not only the best of the Twelfth Doctor era so far, but as one of the best in the shows entire 50 year history. But just what is it about Listen that makes it such a gripping and moving episode of Doctor Who, as well as a masterful piece of dramatic storytelling in its own right? As its core, Listen has a simple premise which highlights the minds own ability to scare itself, with the fundamentals of human fear being explained and even celebrated under the science-wiency rationale of the Doctor Who universe. As this episode brilliantly demonstrates, sometimes the TV set really does just switch itself off, but its this ideology contrasted with the episodes overriding supernatural essence which makes it one of the most conceptually pleasing episodes in the shows mythology, and one which has formed the centrepiece of fandom discussion since its original airing. Like in all episodes of Doctor Who, though, the episodes premise is just the tip of the iceberg and theres an entire plethora of timey-wimey events most notably Clara and Dannys fateful first date unravelling amidst a well-structed narrative which highlights Moffats ability to convey a story across a wide range of genres and eras. With stellar performances from its main and guest cast helmed by the wonderful direction of Douglas Mackinnon, the story boils down to a heartwarming meeting between Clara and the Doctor as a young child, an unexpected but universally adored insight into our troubled Time Lords formative, and still largely unexplored, years on Gallifrey. In addition, it added yet another dimension to the Doctors relationship with Clara in an episode which deserves multiple viewings and one which holds particular significance for showcasing Doctor Who's ability to leave a lasting impression on its audience, not only for its brilliantly realised scare factor. After all, fear makes a companion of us all. Do you agree with this ranking of Series 8? Share your views on the Twelfth Doctor's debut series in the comments.
Dan Butler is the Doctor Who Editor at WhatCulture.com. When he isn't writing his own articles or editing other people's, he can be found trawling the internet for gifs of Steven Moffat laughing. Contact him via dan.butler@whatculture.co.uk.
