The Twelfth Doctor (played by Peter Capaldi) is one of my favorite Doctors. Season 8 started out a little rocky, but season 9 was -- in my opinion -- one of the best seasons ever in Doctor Who. There are so many great Capaldi Era episodes, but these five hold a special place in my heart.
Warning: Spoilers ahead!
1. Heaven Sent (Season 9, Episode 11)
"Heaven Sent" was phenomenal. The story was like a puzzle. We were only shown pieces until the very end, where it all came together. The way the episode was filmed contributed to this- the short flashes and sequences that didn't line up until the end.
Peter Capaldi was amazing in "Heaven Sent." As the only actor in the episode (except the little boy at the end), he carried the weight of the story on his shoulders. Acting alone in a piece is often terribly hard and many actors don't like doing it. However, Capaldi was able to do it.
2. The Husbands of River Song (2015 Christmas Special)
When I heard River Song (Alex Kingston) was coming back for an episode, I was elated. I was also a tad worried about how Kingston would mesh with Capaldi. I needn't have been worried. The episode was basically a rom-com, which was a nice change from the dark themes that had filled season 9. Kingston and Capaldi had great chemistry, just as Kingston and Matt Smith (the Eleventh Doctor) had together.
I also realized while watching this episode that before this episode River's story hadn't been completely tied up. Not only that, but I also realized that while the previous incarnation of the Doctor had loved River, he'd never told her this or expressed it in any way. This episode remedied both of those.
3. The Witch's Familiar (Season 9, Episode 2)
The best part of this episode for me was the character interactions. Clara (Jenna Coleman) and Missy (Michelle Gomez) were HILARIOUS together. In contrast, the interactions between the Doctor and Davros (Julian Bleach) were surprising and even heartbreaking at times. The Doctor talking to the Daleks while in Davros' chair was so much fun to watch.
I think this episode balances comedy with character exposition wonderfully. Everyone has character development in this episode -- even the Daleks!
4. Hell Bent (Season 9, Episode 12)
Ah yes, the season finale (a.k.a. the final episode with Jenna Coleman as Clara Oswald *cries*). Again, the best part of this episode for me was character interactions -- especially between the Doctor and Clara. The acting is beautiful and heartbreaking and the story doesn't come together until the end (much like "Heaven Sent") and when it does you get this surge of emotions before the episode wraps up.
5. Last Christmas (2014 Christmas Special)
I honestly wasn't expecting much from this Christmas special. I saw the trailer and thought the whole Santa thing was stupid. Especially because the Eleventh Doctor had talked about meeting "Father Christmas" before, so why wouldn't Twelve recognize him?
This episode ended up being great. Steven Moffat took everything people criticize about his work -- such as plotholes and a confusing storyline -- and uses it to his advantage. Last Christmas is basically a combination of "Alien" and "Inception" and it's amazing.
