Doctor Who: Ranking The Christmas Specials

From one regeneration story to another. Time Of The Doctor is very difficult to rank. The story has so much potential, but unfortunately it does feel like a series' worth of plot condensed into a single hour (it's rumoured that Moffat expected to have Matt Smith for one more series, hence the last minute rush).

With what time it has, it does manage to tie up Moffat's mess of loose ends (the exploding TARDIS, the Silence, the question, Trenzalore, and the cracks in time) in a surprisingly satisfying, albeit slightly rushed way, all whilst simultaneously giving Eleven the send-off he deserved. For that, it deserves commendation.

Aside from the above criticisms, the episode is brilliant. It gave a Doctor that was often described as an old man in a young man's body the opportunity to just be an old man. There was no better way for Eleven to go out than dying of old age, spending his years defending a quaint little town from every single iconic villain he'd previously faced, and Smith puts in a brilliant final performance.

The scene where he breaks the regeneration limit on top of the clocktower is goosebumps-inducing, and his final goodbye in the TARDIS is perhaps the greatest regeneration scene in the history of the show, It's an absolute tear-jerker thanks to Amy's return, but it also features a hopeful and optimistic message, celebrating Eleven's tenure whilst priming the audience for a dramatically different incoming Doctor (RTD take notes...).

Of course, Eleven's death is overshadowed by an even more heart-breaking farewell to a much beloved character. RIP Handles.