Doctor Who: 10 Best Episodes Of The Decade
7. The Magician’s Apprentice/The Witch's Familiar (2015)
Series 9 was the Twelve Doctor’s best series, and the opening two-part story was a terrific way for it to start.
Far from easing the audience into the series, ‘The Magician’s Apprentice’ and ‘The Witch’s Familiar’ sees the Twelve Doctor confront Davros and the Daleks on the planet Skaro. Sure, it’s not a good entry point for those who haven’t seen the show before, but such a bold opening is ideal for regular watchers of the show.
The other strength of these two episodes is how well the script balances the three leads. The Doctor, Clara, and Missy are all given plenty of time to shine. It’s especially interesting to witness Clara and Missy’s dialogue as they weave their way through the sewers of Skaro.
As for the Doctor, his conversations with Davros are well written throughout, making for some of the most intense dialogue of the series.
‘The Magician’s Apprentice’ and ‘The Witch’s Familiar’ are both ambitious for an opening story, but thankfully, the script and the performances are executed flawlessly.