This week brought us a highly divisive episode of Doctor Who, The Rings of Akhaten. Some are hailing it as the greatest episode of all time, saying Neil Cross is a visionary. Some are comparing it to “Fear Her” and wondering why such a sub par episode was allowed into our show.

We take a look at both sides and try to figure out not only why this is such a either-or story, but what it means for our favorite Timelord and his spunky new companion in the future.

Unrelated, listener Solai shared an observation with us that we wanted to share with all of you. If you’ve played Lego Star Wars, the new TARDIS interior may seem somewhat familiar to you.

photo Tardis_interior_dark_the_Snowmen

You’ve seen it. You can’t unsee it. You’re welcome.

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2 Thoughts on “The Rings of Akhaten”

  • Please allow me another attempt to state why this episode was amazing, or at the very least incredibly important in this particular series.

    “Hey, do you mind if I tell you a story, one you might not have heard?

    All the elements in your body were forged many, many million of years ago in the heart of a faraway star that exploded and died. That explosion scattered those elements across the desolation of deep space. After so, so many millions of years, these elements came together to form new stars and new planets and on and on it went. The elements came together and burst apart, forming shoes and ships and sealing-wax, and cabbages and kings. Until, eventually, they came together to make you. You are unique in the universe. There is only one Merry Galel and there will never be another. Getting rid of that existence isn’t a sacrifice, it is a waste.”

    Apart from the wonderfully elegant Sagan-esk speech that I love, The Doctor wasn’t just talking about Mary Galel. He was talking about Clara “Oswin” Oswald.

    “There’s always a way…cross my hearts.”

    ~Shooter Out

    • Shooter, I totally agree with you. This episode had some outstanding parts to it, and this was in the top 2. I loved his commitment to making Merry feel the magnitude of her choice despite the life threatening events happening not 10 feet from them. It was brilliant.

      That said, I still feel like this episode was a lot of great items trying to add up to a much bigger whole, and falling short. There are moments that I feel should stick with Whovians forever, but it just didn’t make a great completed item in my opinion. It gets a very solid, “meh.” Which compared to “Love and Monsters” and “Fear Her” is really damn good.

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