Doctor Who: EVERY Series Opener Ranked Worst To Best

The Twelfth Doctor’s third series opener felt like a direct reaction to his second – a stripped-back affair with the sole purpose of introducing new companion Bill Potts.

There’s the odd reference to the show’s past, such as the Doctor’s sonic pen pot, his photos of River and Susan, and the Daleks! But none of it gets in the way.

And there’s loads for new viewers to latch onto, from Pearl Mackie’s bubbly Bill to Matt Lucas’ bumbling Nardole, to the new university setting – a perfect fit for Peter Capaldi’s Doctor.

The plot is basic, but works well enough. And the idea of Bill having to leave her possessed potential girlfriend behind in order to save the day is wonderfully bittersweet.

The weakest part is the third act. Although it’s nice to see other planets and the Dalek/Movellan war, it all feels a bit random. There’s a sense that Moffat has written himself into a corner slightly by having to integrate Bill’s “Friend from the Future” introduction scene, which was released a year prior upon the announcement of Pearl Mackie's casting.

Still, this is a confident opener overall, with much to enjoy (and another clever title!).