OKAY, I see why this slice of Classic Who is considered to be superior. I'd taken a short break from watching Doctor Who after the first serial of this season because the quarantine was getting to me and I spent the better part of a week and a half mainlining anime. When I dived back into the show, it was right when Philip Hinchcliffe had finished adapting material from the previous creative team and was now in full creative control, and it was like a punch in the gut but in the best way.

I think a big part of it was this is the point where Baker and Sladen really hit their groove in terms of their banter and onscreen chemistry. It made even moments that would've been dull transition in other stories feel vital and engaging. It also helps that this season's stories didn't shy away from embracing stakes and a high energy tone, and in some cases feel much darker than the show would've been willing to go before. And while there are some similarities in terms of basic setup, they all utilize enough unique elements that everything feels fresh and exciting.

Okay, I better just put all this stuff in the actual body of the review.

Like the previous twelve seasons, the serials are available to watch via streaming on Britbox. This season had six stories, and was interesting to rank considering under normal circumstances most of them would easily land in the top spot, so its possible I'll feel completely different about this ranking tomorrow.

( This isn't Earth. This isn't real wood. It's some kind of artificial material like plastic. These are not real trees. And you're not the real Sarah. )