Doctor Who: Every Series 3 Episode Ranked From Worst To Best
3. Utopia
Utopia is, looking at it cynically, purely a set-up for the finale of the series. Some fans view it as the first of a three-parter, which is understandable. That being said, its setting is so vastly different that it deserves to be talked about separately... that and the fact it is utterly incredible.
The Doctor and Martha arrive at the end of the universe and come into contact with a now immortal Captain Jack Harkness. Curious, they explore the dark reaches of Malcassairo where humanity is prepping to leave this dying universe behind for a so-called Utopia.
What makes this episode so spectacular is how it unfolds its own self-contained plot and how that relates to everything else around it. The kindly Professor Yana, who intends to sacrifice himself so that humanity can live on, is plagued by a rhythmic drumbeat that gets louder as he comes into contact with The Doctor and the TARDIS.
When Martha discovers Yana's familiar stopwatch, established in previous episodes, things get to a fever pitch of drama that the show has not produced to this point. Yana is the chilling conclusion to the Face of Boe's originally more positive-sounding message to the Doctor that isn't alone. All of this comes together in one of the greatest reveals and cliffhangers in show history combined.
Whilst the ultimate payoff may fall flatter than hoped, the Master's re-introduction is a stone-cold classic.