The Best And Worst Episode Of EVERY Doctor Who Series

Worst: In The Forest of the Night

It says something about an episode when it’s difficult to even write a paragraph about it. 

Nothing really happens in this one, the plot meanders, and the threat is non-existent (and not in the Twice Upon A Time way where it actually works). Aside from being boring, this one is also lumbered with two further issues: the fact it decides to spend so much time with annoying school kids as the focus, and the fact that the Doctor’s moral of the week is ‘Don’t take your mental health medication, kids!’ - how on Earth no one caught this major misstep during production, I will never know.

Dishonourable Mention: Kill the Moon

Best: Mummy on the Orient Express

I just discussed the perfection of the monster-of-the-week formula, and this is another example. Jamie Mathieson showcases why he’s the most overlooked writer in NuWho (and in fact, the only episode that contends this one for the Series 8 trophy is also penned by him). This one is stunning - gorgeous setting, fantastic monster, and an extremely rich dynamic between Twelve and Clara that continues to build the best companion arc of the revival.

This episode doesn’t work with anyone but these two, it’s tailor made to slot into this series arc - something that the show should strive to more often.

Honourable Mention: Flatline