Doctor Who: Ranking The New Who Openers From Worst To Best

After having such a low key, and calm first series as show-runner, it was rather surprising to see how much Chris Chibnall lifted the breaks come Series 12. Borrowing ideas, and concepts, from previous show-runners, Chris Chibnall wanted things to feel familiar, whilst also putting his own spin on things. It was also nice to see Jodie Whitaker have a bit of fun, particularly with all the spy stuff, ultimately going undercover to solve a global conspiracy.

Fundamentally, the first half is a neat build up to the greater mystery, which happened to be right under everyone's noses for a huge chunk of the runtime. Just when you thought things were bad enough (what with creatures from another dimension trying to invade), you have the shocking reveal that O was in fact The Master in disguise. Talk about a well kept secret, and Sacha Dhawan really gives it his all, crafting a manic, ruthless, and calculating rendition of the classic arch-nemesis.

What made this addition even greater was how well Jodie Whitaker bounced off Sacha Dhawan, with them quickly establishing a clear, and distinct rivalry that felt fierce, whilst also capturing that age old friendship, just to make things that bit more complicated. It was also fun to see Spyfall Part 2 go in a completely different direction. through its incorporation of time travel, with The Master chasing the Thirteenth Doctor throughout history, whilst his schemes unravelled in the present, as Yaz, Ryan, and Graham went on the run.

There's just so much to like about this story. Sure, it has its flaws, but it's definitely Chris Chibnall's best work within his current era. And the bombshell that The Master left on the Thirteenth Doctor's doorstep was absolutely mind-blowing, and delivered a punch that really established the new direction of the show, particularly with how The Doctor's relationship with The Master would unfold.