Doctor Who: Ranking The Christmas Specials

Now, from this point onwards, the rest of the specials on this list are all pretty good. But, an episode had to fill this slot and that episode is The Next Doctor. The first of Ten's solo specials, this is a story that has some good and bad points in equal measure.

Firstly, David Morrissey plays a wonderful part as Jackson Lake, and the entire mystery surrounding his case of mistaken identity is a definite highlight, as is his makeshift 'Doctor's kit' which consists of his own companion, a hot air balloon and an actual screwdriver. The decision to set a Christmas special in the past was well overdue at the time of airing and was a refreshing switch up (though in the times since, us Whovians have most certainly had our fill of Victorian London...)

What lets this episode down its antagonists, with the Cybermen being used in a slightly odd way. Firstly, the Cybershades look more than a bit silly - strapping a Cyberman face on a black ball of fluff does not suddenly make said ball of fluff intimidating, it just makes the Cybermen less scary. Secondly, the Cyberking, whilst aesthetically quite cool, pops up out of nowhere and is a bit ridiculous.

All in all though, this is a fun romp with some sweet moments.