Doctor Who: EVERY Regeneration Story Ranked Worst To Best

The Eleventh Doctor’s era is unique in that it always had an endpoint.

Sure, there was definitely some making-it-up-as-we-go-along along the way. But from the moment Steven Moffat wrote the line “Silence Will Fall” into The Eleventh Hour, the countdown was on to this incarnation’s final battle.

And the result is... somewhat messy. The whole naked thing is plain stupid, the Silence showing up again after being absent for all of Series 7 feels weird, and Tasha Lem should have just been River Song!

But the ambition should be applauded. And underneath it all, The Time of the Doctor is pretty damn special.

Eleven’s legendary final battle is refreshingly low-key, and there’s some really affecting stuff in there – from the scenes of him entertaining the children of Trenzalore, to his physical transformation into an older man (which, in turn, neatly foreshadows the arrival of Twelve).

In addition, the return of the crack in time is a properly jaw-dropping moment. And the way it ties into more recent events (the return of Gallifrey) is very very smart.

Also, the regeneration scene itself is hands down one of the best ever. “I will always remember when the Doctor was me.” Plus Murray Gold on top, top form. Chef’s kiss!