How Many Episodes In Season 10 Of Doctor Who

Okay, let's talk Doctor Who. Specifically, Season 10. Ready for some timey-wimey fun?
The Official Number (and Why It's Wrong)
Officially, Season 10 has 12 episodes. We all know that, right? Itβs plastered all over the internet. Case closed? Not so fast, my friends!
Twelve sounds like a good number. It feels...complete. But hear me out. I think we've been hoodwinked! (Or should I say, "River Song-ed"?)
Must Read
Here's My (Probably Unpopular) Opinion
I'm going to say it: Season 10 really only has 11 episodes. Gasp! Clutch your sonic screwdrivers! I know, I know, heresy.
What happened to that missing episode? Let me explain. It's all about perspective, you see. It's all about how you view things.
The Case of the Missing "Pilot"
Episode 1 is "The Pilot." It introduces us to Bill Potts, played by the wonderful Pearl Mackie. It also features that cool puddle monster.

But...is it really a proper episode? Think about it. Doesn't it feel more like a super-sized introduction?
I see "The Pilot" as more of a prologue. A delicious appetizer before the main course. A really, really long trailer. Prove me wrong!
Why Does This Matter? (It Probably Doesn't)
Okay, so maybe it doesn't really matter. But hear me out! The pacing of Season 10 feels different without "The Pilot" factored in.

Suddenly, the season feels tighter. More focused. Like a perfectly crafted mini-series. It feels more compact and fast paced.
Eleven episodes! It just feels right. Like a perfectly aligned TARDIS console. Am I the only one who thinks so?
The "Lie" of the Land
Think about other shows. Sometimes, a "pilot" episode is made well before a series is greenlit. It's a sales pitch. A proof of concept.
Could "The Pilot" have been conceived differently? Was it, perhaps, a holdover from an earlier plan? The possibilities are endless!
![All Doctor Who Episodes in Chronological Order [Infographic]](https://149842070.v2.pressablecdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/All-Doctors-in-Order.jpg)
I'm not saying Steven Moffat was trying to trick us. He's far too clever for that (probably). He likely had his reasons.
My Final (Possibly Delusional) Thoughts
So, there you have it. My theory. My unpopular opinion. My quest to re-categorize Season 10 of Doctor Who.
Do I expect everyone to agree? Absolutely not! This is just a bit of fun, after all. It's all just timey-wimey stuff!

But next time you watch Season 10, try skipping "The Pilot." See how it feels. Maybe, just maybe, you'll understand my madness. Just remember The Doctor will always know the truth.
Plus, 11 is a cool number. Think of Eleven Doctors before Peter Capaldi. Coincidence? I think not! It's destiny!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to argue about this on Reddit. Wish me luck. And remember: Reality is flexible. Especially when Doctor Who is involved!
