Every Doctor Who Christmas Special Ranked From Worst To Best

Twice Upon A Time is a curious episode. Originally, it was never meant to exist, with Steven Moffat and Peter Capaldi set to bow out after the Series 10 finale. But upon hearing that current showrunner Chris Chibnall didn't want to begin his reign with a Christmas special, Moffat produced one final story to bridge the gap between Doctors.

As a result, it's hard to shake the feeling that Twice Upon A Time is simply a placeholder, and that definitely holds it back if you're someone who keeps up with behind-the-scenes news. But if you can look past that, you'll find a sweet, funny episode with a magnificent final regeneration scene (the Doctor bounding around the TARDIS, talking about pears and commanding his future self to just be kind, is a perfect encapsulation of the character's madcap, yet stoic essence), and a satisfying swansong for Moffat and his star man.

Other than Capaldi's departure, part of the episode's appeal was the appearance of David Bradley as the First Doctor, a role the actor could play in his sleep. Lovably blunt and with a funny, beady-eyed stare, he adds to the magical charm that permeates the episode, delivering waves of intense nostalgia in the process.

It's ultimately lightweight, a far cry from Moffat's most complex, thoughtful story, but Twice Upon A Time is a delightful treat for Doctor Who fans, and really, who's complaining that we got even more Capaldi goodness than we would have initially?