Caught in the middle of a war, the Doctor is trapped when he steps on a landmine. 

One of the greatest strengths of Doctor Who can also work against it – let me clarify. Its scope is endless, meaning that we can pretty much go anywhere at any time, leaping between genres and embracing all manner of tones. The risk is that when an episode strays too far from your own personal preferences, you might feel that this ever-evolving show isn’t for you anymore. That was how I felt about the first two episodes of this new season, but erstwhile showrunner Steven Moffat’s cracker of a script has given me faith in the show again.

Boasting a wonderful high concept hook – what would happen if our bouncy new Doctor had to stand on one foot for fear of detonating the planet? – this is a lean 45 minutes that throws us right into the drama, and then some. Mr Moffat has always injected his Who stories with big science fiction ideas, and there’s plenty here to unpack, from the predatory war machines (no,  not Wotan) that will take a warrior off the battlefield if criteria are not met, to the horrific tech that converts the body into a complete funeral urn, with memorial projector.

Maybe it’s because the Doctor and Ruby were so joyful in their first couple of adventures that this sudden screech to a halt is so jarring. Ncuti’s Doctor is terrified, and even with Millie’s Ruby rising to the challenge with a couple of zingers, the stakes are real. The party is over (for now, anyway), and tough ideas about mortality and the futility of war are not shied away from.

On a technical level, the battlefield impresses, employing the latest LED technology to create an immersive experience. Murray Gold’s score underlines the considerably moments of drama, and at times the tension is unbearable. You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t go into details about the excellent supporting cast, but… there’s reasons.

How lucky we are that Steven was lured away from his lair inside a volcano (I’m assuming it’s a standard location where former showrunners plan world domination?) to share this cracking idea, and now with the prospect of his Christmas special to also look forward to, I’m feeling a bit more confident about my favourite TV show.

Verdict: Tense, witty and heart(s)felt, your first response is likely to immediately watch it again. 9/10

Nick Joy