Doctor Who: The Power Of The Doctor Review - 5 Ups & 7 Downs

This is a big up - in fact, it would be a double up, were that allowed. Not only is this scene the shining highlight of the episode, but also one of the greatest moments of Chibnall’s era.

Yes, this episode saw the return of some classic Doctors, and it was wonderful. David Bradley reprised his role as Doctor Uno; Peter Davison returned as Five for the first time since Children In Need’s Time Crash; Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy made their NuWho debuts; and, remarkably, Paul McGann appeared in an actual episode of Doctor Who for the first time ever - a fact that should not be true, but sadly is.

The way this scene is executed - with the prior incarnations serving as manifestations of the Doctor’s dying consciousness after she is forcibly ejected from her body - is the perfect way to honour these sorely underrated Doctors in a way that feels more like a tribute than fan service. The moment isn’t overblown, or drawn out, and it hit our cold hearts just right.

The precious seconds we get with these Doctors gives each of them a moment to shine, with Eight’s refusal to wear a robe and Seven’s chastising of him being a particular highlight. And while we're here, a message for the BBC: give McGann a special, you cowards!

To top it all off, Five and Seven get bonus scenes with their respective companions - two scenes that weren’t needed, but were more than welcome. Having these two couples share the screen again in these callback-laden exchanges was really special, and we’re so glad that the episode found time for them, brief as they were.