Doctor Who: Every 11th Doctor Episode Ranked Worse To Best
11. The Crimson Horror
Mark Gatiss may have not been the most consistent writer during his period penning Doctor Who episodes, a particular low being The Idiot’s Lantern, but he redeems himself here. The Crimson Horror is pure fun, from the scene-stealing villain of the week Diana Rigg to the playful interactions between the Pasternoster Gang.
The plot may be fairly standard, the Doctor inspects a seemingly idyllic town with supernatural occurrences, but it utilises its setting. Set in Yorkshire, the Northern characters and backdrop are a refreshing change to the usual London-based adventure we get. Chris Chibnall may have even been inspired by this episode to set Jodie Whittaker’s adventures up North in Sheffield…
Aside from a brilliant mother-daughter dynamic between real-life mother and daughter, Rigg and Rachael Stirling, the highlight is Mr Sweet. This elusive character is kept from our view for the majority of the episode until we see the parasitic slug-like creature feeding from Rigg’s chest at the end. Disgusting and classic Doctor Who.