The Best And Worst Episode Of EVERY Doctor Who Series

Worst: The Hungry Earth / Cold Blood

Series 5 only really has two bad episodes, and it was a close call between this and my dishonourable mention, but, on balance, this two-parter takes the cake. There are some interesting elements here, and I like how the Silurians aren’t really the villains of this piece - there are antagonists on both sides. What really brings this episode down, however, is just how much of a slog it is. It’s an awkward story that is too long for a single episode, but really doesn’t need two parts either, forcing us to spend way too much time with supporting characters who range from dull to straight up dislikable.

Dishonourable Mention: Victory of the Daleks

Best: Vincent and the Doctor

This was the hardest choice on the list, but despite some incredibly tough competition from both its opener and finale, the best episode of series 5 has to be Vincent and the Doctor. This is the most emotional resonant story the show has ever told, spending only as much time as it needs to on its antagonist and putting the spotlight firmly on Van Gogh, played to compelling perfection by Tony Curran. Both gallery scenes, before and after Vincent’s death, as well as the starry night scene, are amongst my favourite scenes in the entire show, and they all come pretty much one after the other. This episode is a masterpiece. 

Honourable Mention: The Eleventh Hour