Doctor Who: Every Series 2 Episode Ranked Worst To Best

The Christmas Invasion is technically a Series 1 episode, but as the springboard for Tennant’s arrival, we decided to put it here instead.

With the Doctor recovering after absorbing the time vortex, humanity is helpless as an alien invasion begins. The Sycorax have a cool name, a great look, and quite a brilliant plan - using blood control to command a third of the world to stand on the roofs of buildings, presenting the ultimatum: surrender, or they die.

With a new generation of fans experiencing the jitters of not knowing how much they might like the latest regeneration of the Doctor, audiences could relate to Rose’s conflicted emotions. And, throughout it all, we have flashes of brilliance from Tennant: wild, untamed energy and spectacular comedic timing. Naturally, of course, it’s the final act where he shines.

Blasting out of the TARDIS (in a dressing gown no less), the Doctor spins off a stunning monologue about the situation before him, as well as the unpredictable nature of regeneration. He has a sword fight with the Sycorax leader, and we even have a surprise move from the returning Harriet Jones, who destroys the fleeing Sycorax ship.

This episode is not just reassurance that things are going to be fine, it's a statement of intent: the Tenth Doctor has changed this show forever.