Doctor Who: The Best Episodes From Each Modern Series

Sam Mendes has spoken how his impressive opening "one-shot" scene from Spectre inspired him to use that directorial approach for 1917. For Steven Moffat, Listen acted like a precursor - a very informed precursor - to Heaven Sent in many ways.

We're immersed straightaway in a sinisterly otherworldly atmosphere, with the Doctor engaged in a Sherlockian soliloquy about whether we're ever really alone when we're enjoying some me time. Moffat imaginatively plays on that fear - along with our basic fears of what might be lurking the dark, and what might be lurking under our bed - then heightens them.

The suspenseful scene where the Doctor, Clara, and Rupert turn their backs on the scary bedspread harks back to The Impossible Planet where the demonic voice tells Toby: "Don't turn around." Although Clara and Danny's awkward first date comes a pretty close second for suspense - we all know how nerve-racking those situations are.

There are many takeaways from this episode. Clara hasn't half been intrinsic to the Doctor's life - giving him a symbolic unarmed toy soldier. Providing him reassuring words - never cruel or cowardly - for when he returns to the barn for that near fateful day. There's definitely a bootstrap paradox at work there. Blokes can pick up some useful "dad skills" by telling their wee ones that fear is a superpower. However putting them to sleep with the merest touch might need some refining. But most importantly, we now know who takes our mug of coffee!