BBC One (UK), BBC America (US), August 27
The Doctor, Amy and Rory visit the Third Reich, with unexpected consequences…
Don’t let anyone spoil the fun of experiencing this episode for you by giving away who does what to who: it’s one of the barmiest 50 minutes ever broadcast under the Doctor Who banner that will threaten tears of both joy and sadness, and is much closer to the traditional season opener than The Impossible Astronaut.
It’s got everything: a historical cameo, plot revelations and lots of them, laugh out loud comedy (Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill excel themselves reacting to certain incidents), new monsters, a sly Star Trek send-up, some unexpected reappearances, a possible new companion, and an assuredness about it that pulls the viewer along for the ride.
Silurians creator Mac Hulke once said, “All you need for television is an original idea – it doesn’t necessarily have to be your original idea,” and Moffat takes inspiration from the most unlikely sources for one of the key components of the episode. As the Doctor points out, “I didn’t see that coming!” and neither does the viewer.
Verdict: You’ll certainly not see anything else like this on British television – or indeed anywhere – this year… at least until the season finale! Insanely enjoyable fun. 8/10
Paul Simpson
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