2. "Dinosaurs On A Spaceship"
When not completely ignored, "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship" gets its share of criticism from the Who community. Written by Chris Chibnall, author of ho-hum episodes such as "The Hungry Earth" and "42," fans have pointed out the episode's weak points: outlandish plot holes (even too much for a Whovian to suspend their disbelief), a complex and slightly nonsensical cast of characters, and the rapid, ridiculous resolution. But to all the criticisms I say: so what? "Dinosaurs on a Spaceship" is one of my favourites because it is probably the most fun episode in all of Nu Who. Sure, the plot is outlandish Queen Nefertiti squaring off with emotionally sensitive robots and Rory's dad flying a spaceship away from a nuclear bomb while still nursing his bewilderment at the Doctor, all while the Doctor rides on a Triceratops. But this insanity is precisely why it works. This filler episode is lighthearted, silly, and a jolly good romp through time and space with the Time Lord. Both Rory and Amy are given brilliant moments, revealing their ability to take control in complex situations, and Matt Smith's Doctor is allowed, perhaps for the first time since his regeneration, to spend the entire adventure in a state of whimsical, childlike play. The dialogue in this episode is superb, making it one of, if not the funniest episode in the Who canon. Add an all-star guest cast to a great script and it truly becomes one of the most enjoyable 42 minutes of Doctor Who.