Doctor Who: 10 Best Multi-Part Stories In Nu Who

This story caused some controversy on release with some viewers feeling that the show had pushed its dark edge too far; the episode opens with the death of Danny Pink, Clara’s love interest who had been built up over the season. Clara takes a dark turn and literally attempts to take the Doctor hostage, stealing all of the TARDIS keys and blackmailing him to fix it.

This leads them to the strange 3W, a “after care” organisation that takes care of the dead. Here we reach the bone of contention; the revelation that the dead continue to feel the pain of their physical bodies in the afterlife. We hear the terrified voice of one man begging; “Don’t cremate me.” Whilst this could be too controversial for some viewers, it is undeniable that it sent a chill down the spine and makes Dark Water one of the darkest episodes in Who history.

The episode caps off with one final twist; the revelation that Missy is in fact The Master, regenerated into a female form. The follow up, Death In Heaven, ups both the emotional and physical stakes with an action packed sequence where the Doctor falls from a plane and the heart-wrenching moment Clara comes face to face with now Cyber-converted Danny Pink. Controversial, yes, but this season finale is one of the best multi-part stories in the show’s history.