Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor in Doctor Whois a truly memorable version of the character, but some of his episodes stand out more than others. Capaldi portrayed the Twelfth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Whofor 4 years, making his debut in the 2013 50th anniversary special “The Day of the Doctor” and bowing out in the 2017 Christmas special “Twice Upon a Time.”
Capaldi takes center stage in several of Steven Moffat’s best Doctor Who episodes, and despite his already well-established career, the actor is now an even bigger star worldwide thanks to his portrayal of the Twelfth Doctor. From his hilarious remarks to his biggest losses, Peter Capaldi’s best episodes of Doctor Who are what makes the Twelfth Doctor so iconic.
“Dark Water” / “Death In Heaven”
Season 8, Episodes 11 & 12
The Twelfth Doctor and Missy standing with Cybermen in Doctor Who
The season 8 two-part finale “Dark Water” and “Death in Heaven” are iconic episodes for several reasons. Not only do we meet the first female incarnation of the Master in Doctor Who, Missy (Michelle Gomez), but the Doctor also reunites with the Brigadier in Cyberman form, who helps save the day.
Capaldi provides both a dramatic and comical performance as the Twelfth Doctor in these episodes. His reaction to discovering Missy’s true identity is brilliant, and as usual, he has plenty of quirky and intelligent remarks. It’s also incredibly powerful to witness the Doctor ponder his own mortality and dwell over whether he’s a good man or not, which is only intensified by Missy’s presence.
“The Pilot”
Season 10, Episode 1
The Twelfth Doctor and Bill staring at each other in Doctor Who
“The Pilot” sees the Doctor as a university professor on Earth, which leads him to meet Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) and take her on as his latest companion and mentee. This episode is a great palate cleanser, and while it doesn’t actually begin a new era of Doctor Who, it’s a perfect installment to introduce new viewers to the show.
Capaldi’s rapport with Mackie is apparent from their initial scenes together, and it’s clear that the Doctor and Bill’s relationship will differ greatly compared to past companions. Capaldi’s back and forth with Matt Lucas’ Nardole is fantastic, too, and it’s a refreshing change of pace to see the Doctor with two very different traveling companions for the first time in a while.
“The Husbands Of River Song”
Christmas 2016
The Twelfth Doctor and River on Darillium in Doctor Who
“The Husbands of River Song” is Capaldi’s best Doctor Who Christmas special by far, which sees his Doctor cross paths with his wife, River Song (Alex Kingston). Despite Kingston primarily starring as River Song opposite Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor (and, briefly, David Tennant’s Tenth), she and Capaldi are amazing together, and they feel like a very natural pairing.
The return of Doctor Who’s River Song does create a small plot hole, as Steven Moffat establishes that the Eleventh Doctor takes her to Darillium in the minisode “Last Night.” However, by suspending your disbelief, this really doesn’t matter, and it’s worth it to see Capaldi and Kingston’s characters bicker and fall in love all over again.
“Under The Lake” / “Before The Flood”
Season 9, Episodes 3 & 4
The Twelfth Doctor running in Doctor Who
“Under the Lake” and “Before the Flood” make up one of Doctor Who’s most underrated stories, and feature some of Capaldi’s best moments as the Doctor throughout the show. There is brilliant deaf representation through the character of Cass, and the Doctor’s interactions with her demonstrate just how layered this incarnation of the Time Lord is.
Capaldi doesn’t stop in these episodes, quite literally. Barely a moment goes by before the Doctor offers yet another comical quip, starts an incoherent ramble, or sprints off to save the day. Capaldi’s performance in the scene with the Doctor facing the Fisher King is particularly strong, and it proves why he’s such a great actor.
“Deep Breath”
Season 8, Episode 1
The Twelfth Doctor and Clara in a restaurant in Doctor Who
“Deep Breath” is Capaldi’s first full episode as the Doctor, and he undoubtedly nails his debut performance, reassuring audiences that his version of the Time Lord will be an entertaining one. The Twelfth Doctor’s official introduction is hilarious, and while there is always concern that a preexisting companion won’t gel as well with a new Doctor, he and Clara (Jenna Coleman) are fantastic together.
Thankfully, we finally get an answer about why Peter Capaldi plays two characters in Doctor Whoin this episode. Capaldi is so talented that despite it being obvious it’s him in both roles, it’s easy to suspend your disbelief, especially as the Twelfth Doctor and Caecilius from “The Fires of Pompeii” are such different characters.
“Mummy On The Orient Express”
Season 8, Episode 8
The Twelfth Doctor facing the mummy in Doctor Who
“Mummy on the Orient Express” is one of the best episodes for those who enjoy the Twelfth Doctor and Clara’s friendship. Capaldi has plenty of monologues and rambles in this episode, and he does a particularly good job in scenes opposite the titular monster. The actor is renowned for his facial expressions, and the Doctor’s reactions are nothing short of brilliant in this episode.
This adventure is full of suspense, fear, mystery, and the odd comical moment. “Mummy on the Orient Express” is a great standalone episode with a murder mystery twist, and while the Doctor still leads the investigation, it’s fun to see him share the spotlight with Clara, rather than have his companion fall to the wayside.
“Face The Raven”
Season 9, Episode 10
The Twelfth Doctor, Clara, and Rigsy standing together in Doctor Who
“Face the Raven” is an iconic Doctor Who episode, which features one of Capaldi’s best performances in the show. For the majority of the episode, the Doctor demonstrates his typical behavior, showing off his genius and trying to find a way to fix the Chronolock problem.
However, Capaldi’s most notable moments come right towards the end. The Doctor’s reaction to learning Clara has saved Rigsy by taking the Chronolock from him is astounding.
Capaldi takes the Doctor down a slightly darker path in these scenes, especially when Clara succumbs to the Shade, which is one of the most powerful moments in Doctor Who’s modern era. Clara’s death in Doctor Whois a shocker, and while Coleman is great in this scene, Capaldi is even better.
“World Enough And Time” / “The Doctor Falls”
Season 10, Episodes 11 & 12
The Twelfth Doctor standing with Cyberman Bill in Doctor Who
Even with Doctor Who titans Michelle Gomez and John Simm (reprising his role as the Saxon Master) nearby, Capaldi still dominates the screen in the season 10 finale two-parter “World Enough and Time” and “The Doctor Falls.” While there are a lot of distractions in these episodes, like when Missy’s Doctor Who timeline exactly begins canonically, it’s hard not to focus on the Doctor.
Capaldi is incredible in these episodes, and despite having never starred opposite Simm in Doctor Who before this, it works brilliantly. This proves that not only is Capaldi a natural as the Doctor, but Simm is also a fantastic Master, and both actors slip into their roles with complete ease. Capaldi is also especially strong in his scenes with the Cyber-converted Bill, too.
“Listen”
Season 8, Episode 4
The Twelfth Doctor looking confused in Doctor Who
“Listen” is a fascinating episode of Doctor Who, which delves further into the Doctor’s psyche as a youngster. The episode differs from the typical installment of Doctor Who’s modern era, and while the Doctor is still the Doctor, Capaldi also brings something new to the table.
It’s incredible and a little eerie to see the Doctor’s interest in a perfectly hidden creature grow into a full-blown obsession, and Capaldi brings this side of the Time Lord to life beautifully. Capaldi is still funny, too, and the Doctor dealing with the aftermath of Clara’s first date with Danny results in some great comical moments from both him and Coleman.
“Listen” is a heart-thumping watch from start to finish, and it’s undoubtedly one of Capaldi’s strongest episodes. However, there is one other that stands as his best episode of Doctor Who.
“Heaven Sent”
Season 9, Episode 11
The Twelfth Doctor touching a wall in Doctor Who
There aren’t many Doctor Who viewers who deny that “Heaven Sent” is an amazing episode, let alone disagree that it sees Peter Capaldi at his very best. “Heaven Sent” only features one character, the Doctor, which means that Capaldi has nobody to bounce off of, but this doesn’t stop him from providing one of the most powerful performances of his career.
Doctor Who’s “Heaven Sent” delves into themes of grief and loss, and it’s heartbreaking to watch the Doctor spend centuries stuck in the castle, living through an endless cycle in an attempt to escape. Doctor Whoaudiences will forever remember the image of Capaldi’s Doctor punching through the Azbantium wall, his monologues, and the look of pain sprawled across his face throughout.
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