As well as being a great visual, it's a handy metaphor for the show's newfound disregard for the so-called fourth wall — in the modern Whoniverse, fictional characters acknowledging their audience is becoming increasingly standard.

Other TV shows may break the fourth wall by talking directly to the audience. Doctor Who just blew it to smithereens — and it's been a long time coming.

A flashy but shallow premiere, “The Robot Revolution” offers sparks of potential in its new TARDIS duo, but fails to do much else.