Doctor Who: Every Russell T Davies Episode Ranked From Worst To Best

Series 3’s eleventh episode purported to be standalone, but was secretly setting up the finale.

And while it only really works in the context of that finale, it’s a truly thrilling slice of Doctor Who.

The plot about human refugees seeking a new home is in itself hugely evocative, but of course the relief of their rocket finally taking off is immediately countered by the Master’s shocking return.

Bringing the Doctor’s best enemy back essentially as a mirror of himself was a brilliant move to throw viewers off the scent. And it was all set up so carefully, with the fob watch and the Face of Boe’s warning, that even an uninitiated viewer can appreciate what’s going on.

The only tragedy of it all is that Derek Jacobi only got to actually play the Master for about two minutes. But boy are those two minutes good.