Doctor Who: 8 Story Arcs Of The Revived Series Explained

1. Missy And The Nethersphere

That trick was Missy, who viewers first met earlier this year as a mystery wrapped in an enigma surrounded by a riddle in the Series 8 premiere Deep Breath. Over the following episodes she made countless other appearances with seemingly none of them bringing fans any closer to the revelation of her true identity. In true Doctor Who fashion, though, her identity had always been known. It just wasn't known that it was known - not knowingly, at least - which ultimately made it all the more exciting. It's no exaggeration to say that her reveal as the Master was one that ripped the stratosphere of the Doctor Who universe apart. While most instantaneously took to the idea of the renegade Time Lord's first female incarnation (the show is all about change, after all), others seemingly needed more convincing, while a minority have just taken it as the final nail in the coffin and given up on the series altogether. Their loss. Whether you loved it or loathed it, though, you can't deny that Missy's arc as a whole was executed to near perfection. After the Eleventh Doctor's timey-wimey tenure, Steven Moffat really took it back to basics for Michelle Gomez' introduction to the show's mythology. Her brief cameo appearances, in which viewers slowly but surely discovered more about her character and her association with the 'heavenly' Nethersphere, were scattered throughout Series 8 to tantalising effect. As such, by the time the series finale arrived, Doctor Who's legion of devotees were chomping at the bit to discover who she really as and that's ultimately down to her small but strong presence throughout its preceding episodes. She was kept her at the forefront of the mystery without ever deferring from each respective standalone adventure and fans were left on the edge of their seats as a result. In just the two full episodes in which she has thus far appeared, Missy has managed to firmly establish herself within the Doctor Who universe and with her return in Series 9 already on the cards, it looks like her detrimental foray into the depths of madness is only just beginning. Less was more in Missy's case throughout Series 8, and now more is exactly what people want. What do you think of this list? What have been your favourite story arcs of the revived series so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.