Doctor Who: EVERY Series Opener Ranked Worst To Best

Up next is the most recent season opener – which, thankfully, was infinitely better than Space Babies.

The two stories actually share many of the same beats, from a twist concerning the nature of the villain, to the theme of technology taking things too literally. Except, in this case, it actually works.

Part of this can be attributed to the fact that it’s a clean, fresh start (as opposed to a story that picks up where the previous year’s Christmas special left off).

However, it’s also much pacier and more visually appealing. Just look at the opening scenes, which see Belinda whisked off to an alien world before the credits have even rolled, or the explosive showdown between the robots and the rebels, or the eventual reveal of the AI – sorry, AL – Generator. Which, though big and daft, is also kinda scary.

There are also some more creative examples of exposition, such as the x-ray blanket being used to reveal the Doctor’s two hearts.

It’s not the most groundbreaking story ever. But it’s undoubtedly a solid opener, and given last year’s attempt, that's really good to see.