Doctor Who: EVERY Steven Moffat Episode Ranked Worst To Best

20. Asylum Of The Daleks

Doctor Who Asylum of the Daleks
BBC Studios

Opening Series 7 with the Ponds on the verge of divorce was certainly not what fans were expecting when they tuned in to Asylum of the Daleks, but that wasn't even the biggest surprise in the episode.

It had already been announced that Jenna Coleman would be the next companion following the departure of Amy and Rory, but what we didn't know was that she'd appear before that departure actually happened. It was an amazing rug-pull from Moffat – not only was the next companion introduced earlier than expected, but she was seemingly killed off before she even fulfilled that role!

Another interesting element to this episode was the choice to show a weakness in the Daleks. It's refreshing to see the pepper pots from a different perspective and explore a vulnerable side to them, in the form of the "insane" Daleks, and the fear that the other Daleks have for them.

While I'm lower on The Girl in the Fireplace than most people, I'm definitely much higher on Asylum of the Daleks. But for me, it's quite good – an entertaining and unique Dalek story!

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Ellie has been part of the WhatCulture team since 2021 where she began as a freelance presenter for the WhoCulture channel. As a diehard Whovian with a BA (hons) degree in Drama and Acting, this role was the perfect opportunity for her to combine her screen presence training with her extensive Doctor Who knowledge. From there, she branched out to various other WhatCulture channels, including TrekCulture, and became a full time Content Producer/Video Presenter in 2023. Ellie is now a regular fixture on both WhoCulture and TrekCulture and has become a well respected public figure within both fandoms, building up a substantial following across her social media platforms and being given the opportunity to represent the channels and the wider communities at several industry events. Her favourite Doctor Who character is River Song and her favourite Star Trek character is Captain Janeway - which tells you everything you need to know about how she approaches her role within a generally male dominated field.