Favourites from the Infernoverse! - Five

The PETER DAVISON Era - 1981 to 1984

1. 'The Caves of Androzani' - Peter Davison's swansong, bumped up to first because, well - it's obscenely good. Stunning direction, a fantastic script from Robert Holmes, atmospheric locations and sets and first and third cliffhangers that will never fail to amaze. A hopelessly dark and wonderfully human adventure that outstrips all of its contemporaries, in an unforgettable way.

2. 'Earthshock' - one of my very favourite Doctor Who stories, and the first I ever watched. A cracking plot, consistent design work, the surprise return of an old foe, a striking and harrowing tragedy - simply everything Who needs to be, if sometimes a little vanilla. Great for those who have never experienced the classic show before.

3. 'The King's Demons' - why do I like this so much? Because it's harmless - a fun interlude into the middle ages with the Master, swordfights and the introduction of creepy Kamelion. Don't go looking for anything groundbreaking, just a satisfying little jolly. And atmospheric location work to boot.

4. 'Snakedance' - a sequel to the perplexing 'Kinda', featuring the same villain. Great performances all round, praise especially to Janet Fielding as Tegan and the Mara. Look out for a young Martin Clunes, an exciting toga, some enchanting set and prop design and a knockout first cliffhanger. Drops a little towards the end, and spends too long in the same cell.

5. 'The Five Doctors' - some very questionable decisions in this feature-length special, but a fun time all the same. Watch for Patrick Troughton, Jon Pertwee and Nicholas Courtney and the Cybermen scenes. Nicely shot, scripted well enough - an inescapably well-meaning and watchable anniversary adventure.