Doctor Who’s anniversaries have opened the door to some of the most exciting stories. Among the mesmerizing runs in the show’s history is Season 20, which stars Peter Davison’s Doctor. This classic release of Fifth Doctor serials is due to be released on Blu-ray on September 18th, leading fans to debate which of these stories is the greatest.
Doctor Who’s 20th Season contains a few of the series’ biggest thrills. Made to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary, these lively adventures contain many returning characters from its long history, ensuring that it would become a season adored by fans. IMDb users have delivered their verdict on the 20th-anniversary celebrations, which have become an unforgettable part of Doctor Who’s past.
7 The King’s Demons – 6.3
Episodes 21 And 22
The Master has long been one of the deadliest Doctor Who villains. The John Nathan-Turner era introduced Anthony Ainley as the Doctor’s scheming arch-nemesis, and one of his most notable stories is “The King’s Demons,” which sees the Fifth Doctor and his companions Tegan and Turlough foil the Master’s plan to prevent King John from signing the Magna Carta.
“The King’s Demons” is an enjoyable outing for the Doctor and his companions. Terence Dudley’s script introduces the Time Lord’s new companion Kamelion, who holds plenty of potential as a shape-shifting android. Sadly, the Master’s scheme makes no sense, as it involves Kamelion posing as King John to discredit him, while the real King is making a public appearance in London.
6 Terminus – 6.3
Episodes 13-16
Doctor Who’s companions have mostly remained loyal to the Doctor, but Turlough is a different story. “Terminus” follows his betrayal of the TARDIS crew. Doctor Who writer Steve Gallagher’s story involves the Fifth Doctor – who wears one of the Time Lord’s best signature outfits – and his companions boarding the space station Terminus after Turlough sabotages the TARDIS.
Steve Gallagher provides a gripping addition to Season 20’s Black Guardian trilogy. Mark Strickson delivers a great performance as the sinister Turlough, and Nyssa receives a noble departure, staying behind to help the Lazars onboard Terminus. This Doctor Who plot unfortunately suffers from a lot of unnecessary padding, featuring endless scenes of characters walking around corridors.
5 Arc Of Infinity – 6.9
Episodes 1-4
Doctor Who’s tenth season engrossed audiences with the debut of the megalomaniacal Time Lord Omega, and this grand and imposing antagonist makes his return in “Arc Of Infinity.” The story follows the Fifth Doctor, Tegan, and Nyssa’s attempts to stop Omega frpm breaking free from the antimatter universe.
Written by Johnny Byrne, “Arc Of Infinity” features one of the show’s best twists, which sees Omega reveal that he now bears the Doctor’s face. Colin Baker is also a commanding presence as Maxil, who arrests the Doctor on Gallifrey to prevent Omega from bonding with the Doctor’s biodata. While Omega’s costume is a disappointing downgrade from his intimidating appearance in “The Three Doctors,” “Arc Of Infinity” remains an electrifying Doctor Who adventure.
4 Snakedance – 6.9
Episodes 5-8
Tegan had a somewhat turbulent time as a TARDIS traveler, experiencing some of Doctor Who’s darkest escapades. Among her most traumatic experiences involved her being possessed by the Kinda twice. “Snakedance” features her second unwanted possession by this malevolent entity, following one of the best Doctors as he arrives on the planet Manussa with Tegan and Nyssa.
This Doctor Who serial is a worthy sequel to “Kinda” by writer Christopher Bailey. Martin Clunes is excellent in an early acting role as the Manussans’ incredibly spoiled prince Lon. Janet Fielding’s performance is equally impressive, showing Tegan’s mental struggles under the Mara’s control. Although “Snakedance” may lack the creativity of “Kinda,” it is still an extremely thought-provoking Doctor Who story.
3 Enlightenment – 7.8
Episodes 17-20
“Enlightenment” delivers a satisfying end to Doctor Who’s Black Guardian Trilogy, forcing Turlough to choose between handing over either the Enlightenment diamond or the Doctor to the Black Guardian. Writer Barbara Clegg’s Doctor Who offering is a wonderfully imaginative piece, depicting an intergalactic race between spaceships for the mysterious Enlightenment.
“Enlightenment’s” stunning imagery, which sees sailing ships from Earth floating in space, is truly ahead of its time, with films such as Treasure Planetlater capturing the same aesthetics. This Doctor Who serial also includes the glorious return of Cyril Luckham as the White Guardian, who is once again a striking presence.
2 Mawdryn Undead – 7.8
Episodes 9-12
Doctor Who’s 20th season introduced audiences to the Doctor’s deeply untrustworthy companion, Turlough. “Mawdryn Undead” is Mark Strickson’s first appearance as the character. Written by Peter Grimwade, it involves the Doctor dealing with the shrewd scientist Mawdryn after the TARDIS is thrown off-course by a warp ellipse.
Doctor Who’s “Mawdryn Undead” does an excellent job of establishing Turlough’s unruly behavior, through his decision to take a joyride in his maths teacher’s car. “Mawdryn Undead” also includes the exciting reunion between the Doctor and the Brigadier, even if the Brigadier’s sudden career change from UNIT’s steadfast commander to Maths teacher is strange.
1 The Five Doctors – 8.1
Episode 23
1983 saw Doctor Who celebrate its 20th anniversary, and its special episode to mark this momentous occasion did not disappoint. Penned by legendary Doctor Who writer Terrance Dicks, it shows the Fifth Doctor and his previous selves plunged into Gallifrey’s Death Zone, where they must stop Borusa from claiming immortality.
This celebratorystory acts as a love letter to Doctor Who, bringing together many fan favorites such as Sarah Jane and Susan Foreman. It also features cameos from many of the Time Lord’s most fearsome enemies, including the Daleks – who are considered one of the strongest Doctor Who characters – and the Cybermen. The banter between the Doctors is hilarious, and Anthony Ainley once again gives an electrifying portrayal of the Master.