The Doctor takes Clara to Akhaten for the Festival of Offerings, it takes place on one of the rings, starts when Queen of Years sings. But things begin to go wrong when a long dormant mummy starts to stir, then there's a chat between the Doctor and Clara and they concur, before acquiring transport with the Time Lord as chauffer. Before you know it the sun has not got its hat on, is not coming out to play, or to sing hooray, or to start a new day, or to remove everyone's fears and concerns and allay. Seat of your pants stuff for Clara, and the Doctor nearly gets his fingers burned too, from a sentient sun a bit like but not identical to that encountered in 42, but without 27 time locked doors to get through - phew.
25 Reviews
Deus ex machina endings are one thing, but...
ragingrei11 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This one's just a huge mess.
One moment it's a Disney fantasy. Another moment it's a Carl Sagan monologue. Then it's bits of the Silence, a Final Fantasy last boss, a second last boss, and last boss in final form.
One moment the Doctor is enjoying the religious rituals of the land, next he shows absolutely no regard for the societal fallout and dismay that should have happened (but apparently, magically, didn't) following the collapse of their religion and order.
The last boss dies because Clara makes a benign comment about "what should have been" -- as if all the people who made offerings in the past had no aspirations associated with their trinkets for the whole of their recorded history.
Then the Tardis translation stops working for the barking person.
And when they can't figure out what to do with a character, he just gets himself teleported out.
Ambition without substance.
One moment it's a Disney fantasy. Another moment it's a Carl Sagan monologue. Then it's bits of the Silence, a Final Fantasy last boss, a second last boss, and last boss in final form.
One moment the Doctor is enjoying the religious rituals of the land, next he shows absolutely no regard for the societal fallout and dismay that should have happened (but apparently, magically, didn't) following the collapse of their religion and order.
The last boss dies because Clara makes a benign comment about "what should have been" -- as if all the people who made offerings in the past had no aspirations associated with their trinkets for the whole of their recorded history.
Then the Tardis translation stops working for the barking person.
And when they can't figure out what to do with a character, he just gets himself teleported out.
Ambition without substance.
Great Story, Horrible Villain
pjgs20028 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
The Rings of Akhaten is a highly underrated Doctor Who story. Let me start out with the positives:
Matt Smith's Speech: The best part of the episode, and one of the best moments in the series
Visuals: The Rings of Akhaten had some awesome visuals and cinematography. It all looked like a movie, and it was visually stunning.
Resolution: Some people say it was Deus-ex-machina, but I thought it made perfect sense. It was introduced early on in the story, and it was executed awesomely.
There aren't many negatives, but there are two obvious downsides: The Villains- The Vigil were underused and not really threatening, and the Mummy was one of the worst villains we've had. It just looked over the top and just plain bad.
The Aliens: Yes, Doctor Who needs aliens, but almost all of the aliens in this episode were over-the-top in design, and that could be off putting to new viewers and fans alike.
Overall, The Rings of Akhaten is a great episode with a few downsides. 8/10
Matt Smith's Speech: The best part of the episode, and one of the best moments in the series
Visuals: The Rings of Akhaten had some awesome visuals and cinematography. It all looked like a movie, and it was visually stunning.
Resolution: Some people say it was Deus-ex-machina, but I thought it made perfect sense. It was introduced early on in the story, and it was executed awesomely.
There aren't many negatives, but there are two obvious downsides: The Villains- The Vigil were underused and not really threatening, and the Mummy was one of the worst villains we've had. It just looked over the top and just plain bad.
The Aliens: Yes, Doctor Who needs aliens, but almost all of the aliens in this episode were over-the-top in design, and that could be off putting to new viewers and fans alike.
Overall, The Rings of Akhaten is a great episode with a few downsides. 8/10
A Thousand Years Old, and Showing His Age
pro_crustes8 April 2013
It hurts to say this, but Doctor Who appears to be getting old. The series, I mean, not the character. We all know the character is ancient, which helps add credibility to the poignancy of his situation. But, the 2013 season is showing us that even a Time Lord, with all of existence as his canvas, ends up painting the same pictures, eventually.
The high point of this episode was, for me, a throw-away reference to the pre-21'st-century version of The Doctor (going all the way back to the original, actually, and good for you if you caught it). But, what disappoints about that tiny moment is that it seems like it might be the start of another arc that builds on the grand structure of the Doctor's backstory, yet that's not what happens.
What happens is, yet again, the Doctor coincidentally finds himself in yet another apparently mundane situation that, yet once more, turns out to implicate extraordinary forces, dangers, and events. When these things are ultimately explained to have some connection to the Doctor and his mysterious past, they make a kind of sense and also make a kind of promise (that this is all _going somewhere_, and we'll find it satisfying when we arrive). But, when the Doctor seems to encounter them by dumb luck, one tends to feel that, when the story is over, one pretty much ends up where one started. (If one is inclined to cosmic thinking, one also ends up wondering just how many other similar situations turned out differently in other parts of the universe, for lack of the Doctor's random-chance involvement.) Successful TV series often suffer from the problem that is eroding Doctor Who: they bring you back every week because you want to know the answers to the questions that make the whole thing so fascinating, yet once you get your answers, you may not ever come back. Doctor Who is avoiding the questions in, apparently, an effort to hold off giving us the answers. Watching retreaded stories like the first two 2013 episodes, when we would prefer to be getting closer to just what it is the Doctor means when he talks about his senses of guilt and loneliness at being the last Time Lord, is starting to feel like a waste of time.
The high point of this episode was, for me, a throw-away reference to the pre-21'st-century version of The Doctor (going all the way back to the original, actually, and good for you if you caught it). But, what disappoints about that tiny moment is that it seems like it might be the start of another arc that builds on the grand structure of the Doctor's backstory, yet that's not what happens.
What happens is, yet again, the Doctor coincidentally finds himself in yet another apparently mundane situation that, yet once more, turns out to implicate extraordinary forces, dangers, and events. When these things are ultimately explained to have some connection to the Doctor and his mysterious past, they make a kind of sense and also make a kind of promise (that this is all _going somewhere_, and we'll find it satisfying when we arrive). But, when the Doctor seems to encounter them by dumb luck, one tends to feel that, when the story is over, one pretty much ends up where one started. (If one is inclined to cosmic thinking, one also ends up wondering just how many other similar situations turned out differently in other parts of the universe, for lack of the Doctor's random-chance involvement.) Successful TV series often suffer from the problem that is eroding Doctor Who: they bring you back every week because you want to know the answers to the questions that make the whole thing so fascinating, yet once you get your answers, you may not ever come back. Doctor Who is avoiding the questions in, apparently, an effort to hold off giving us the answers. Watching retreaded stories like the first two 2013 episodes, when we would prefer to be getting closer to just what it is the Doctor means when he talks about his senses of guilt and loneliness at being the last Time Lord, is starting to feel like a waste of time.
Gets a 10 just for the monologue alone
keezo9uno21 July 2020
Cross With the Doctor
boblipton6 April 2013
Writer Neil Cross takes some time off from his great detective series LUTHER to write this, the first of two episodes for Doctor Who this year.
This being the second episode for new companion Clara Oswald -- sort of -- we leave the familiar locales of Earth to show the new companion the wonders of the universe. Of course there's a huge monster that threatens the fabulous alien world; however, just as last episode strove to take series two's THE IDIOT'S LANTERN and fill out the story, this one seems more of a gloss on that season's two-parter THE IMPOSSIBLE PLANET/Satan PIT.
This will not please some fans. Frankly, it doesn't please me particularly, since I consider those stories pretty weak. While these re-dos are stronger than the originals, there's enough annoyance lingering to make me wish they had tackled something else. Still, I understand Mr. Cross' impulse as a writer to fix a story that should have been better.
Part of the problem of writing a series like Doctor Who is that if you save the universe one week and a Dulwich curry shop the next, there's a feeling of anticlimax. My favorite writer from the original series, Robert Holmes, enjoyed the small stories and redeemed them by good humor and clever wordplay. The new series is chock full of jokes, so that reset is more problematic. Add in the issues in learning to write for the actor of the new companion and we are left with the season arc to provide some scaling.
So what do we have here? There's always going to be a threat that the Doctor must save something from. That's a basic thesis of the show. It's done decently here, better than the original, since what the monster this week feeds on is actually stories; Mr. Cross' meta-fictional statement is that the untold stories are far more numerous than the stories actually told; anyone who has tried to write a story as more than a series of standard plot points will recognize that. It's interesting, if not entirely satisfying.
We also get to see more of the new companion and see how the writers, directors and cinematographers use Ms. Coleman to advantage. She shows gumption and looks very cute peering out from around a corner, which, I don't doubt, will be used later in the series. Already I like her better than the frequently strident Amy Pond.
I have commented in earlier reviews that it's hard to be absolutely original in a fifty-year-old series. Changes have to be accretive rather than ground-breaking since the series must draw in new fans without upsetting old fans who get upset because something in this episode contradicts something that was broadcast almost half a century ago. All these factors make a straitjacket for the show's staff to work in. The result here is good, if not great.
This being the second episode for new companion Clara Oswald -- sort of -- we leave the familiar locales of Earth to show the new companion the wonders of the universe. Of course there's a huge monster that threatens the fabulous alien world; however, just as last episode strove to take series two's THE IDIOT'S LANTERN and fill out the story, this one seems more of a gloss on that season's two-parter THE IMPOSSIBLE PLANET/Satan PIT.
This will not please some fans. Frankly, it doesn't please me particularly, since I consider those stories pretty weak. While these re-dos are stronger than the originals, there's enough annoyance lingering to make me wish they had tackled something else. Still, I understand Mr. Cross' impulse as a writer to fix a story that should have been better.
Part of the problem of writing a series like Doctor Who is that if you save the universe one week and a Dulwich curry shop the next, there's a feeling of anticlimax. My favorite writer from the original series, Robert Holmes, enjoyed the small stories and redeemed them by good humor and clever wordplay. The new series is chock full of jokes, so that reset is more problematic. Add in the issues in learning to write for the actor of the new companion and we are left with the season arc to provide some scaling.
So what do we have here? There's always going to be a threat that the Doctor must save something from. That's a basic thesis of the show. It's done decently here, better than the original, since what the monster this week feeds on is actually stories; Mr. Cross' meta-fictional statement is that the untold stories are far more numerous than the stories actually told; anyone who has tried to write a story as more than a series of standard plot points will recognize that. It's interesting, if not entirely satisfying.
We also get to see more of the new companion and see how the writers, directors and cinematographers use Ms. Coleman to advantage. She shows gumption and looks very cute peering out from around a corner, which, I don't doubt, will be used later in the series. Already I like her better than the frequently strident Amy Pond.
I have commented in earlier reviews that it's hard to be absolutely original in a fifty-year-old series. Changes have to be accretive rather than ground-breaking since the series must draw in new fans without upsetting old fans who get upset because something in this episode contradicts something that was broadcast almost half a century ago. All these factors make a straitjacket for the show's staff to work in. The result here is good, if not great.
Worth watching
garcapolis15 July 2021
When did The Doctor start becoming intolerant?
leeanne-654-1700878 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Dr who has always been so tolerant of other cultures. Sure he would criticize them if it came to the taking of lives or extreme oppression, but he would never mock 'the other'. In Rings of Akhaten, even though there initially appears to be no major harm in their deity worship, the Doctor mocks 'the other' from the start. His prejudice and anger are also evident . Actually, this Doctor, or should I see the current crop of writers of this series, seem far more judgemental about many things. It seems as though this Doctor is being a bit too small minded and becoming too much of a little god and judge himself, arbitrarily ruling as it affects him or his sensibilities. I love Matt Smith in this role, and It is not him as The Doctor' that I am having difficulty with, just the way the character is being written up nowadays. Please don't make The Doctor intolerant.
It's good and bad at the same time
laura-bonaventura128 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
While watching this episode I was like "wow" and then "oh no" every 1-2 minutes. There are really some great things, some Doctor Who stuff that I will always love and some others that are not working at all. One of them is Matt Smith. OK, the lines are not amazing, but what if there was Tennant there? I like Matt Smith, I really do, I think he actually saved the day most of the times since he started, but here he's simply not believable. On the other side Jenna Coleman does a good job, her acting is not terrific, but after Karen Gillan she seems Meryl Streep. The story is not bad (still I did not really understand the singing purpose besides making a musical): I got the impression they're finally looking back into the good old days of Nu Doctor Who in order to catch the audience again. Following this path it's easy to make bad copies (as for the previous episode) but some mistakes are needed if they want to succeed and I hope they do 'cause I still love this show.
The Doctor's most underrated adventure?- List: Good vs. Bad
SmithMoviesInk11 September 2013
Warning: Spoilers
It's safe to say that this episode left a whopping great split of opinions between viewers, half thinking it was wonderful and half thinking it was awful. I myself am closer to the "Wonderful" side, but i admit, this episode had its flaws. To save typing out a long, painful to read review, i'll just make a good old list of the good and bad points.
Bad: (1)This episode suffers from a severe case of the disease i call U.U.M.S- "Under-used monster syndrome". BRING BACK THE VIGIL! (2)With the exception of Merry, the supporting cast is painfully under- developed. (3) At points, the editing seems quite messy- especially near the middle. (4) Some of the dialogue can be a bit simple and childish, but i think that this is redeemed later on in the episode. (5) Sentiment saves the day. Yeah, The planet should have stayed defeated after it consumed the Doctor's memories.
Good: (1) Neil Cross has created a superb world here, With the direction and effects helping to enhance that. The cinematography and the way this episode is directed is excellent, and The amount of detail put into the costumes and extras' prosthetics is stunning! In my mind, this is one of the best looking Doctor Who episodes so far. (2) Awesome monsters. Yes, they are under-used, but the vigil have a stunning look, the mummy is awesome and... a GIANT EVIL DEATH PLANET! (3) This is one of the only episodes in the series that shows Clara as a true character, not a plot device. (4) Beautiful music by Murray Gold. "The Long Song"- Need i say more? Also, check out "Merry Gejelh". (5) No matter how big their part was, all of the supporting cast did a great job. Even the young girl who played Merry gives an outstanding performance for her age- something which is rather rare. (6) I do believe the good and bad points are tied now? well, there's still one more point to add. Two words- THAT. MONOLOGUE. Beautifully written, Amazingly acted. This is Matt Smith's shining moment from all of series 5-7. It proved that he is more than worthy to play the Doctor. David Tennant, eat your heart out.
I hope that from this list, haters can see why people like me enjoyed this episode, and lovers can see why some hated this episode. When i think about it, it's really down to what you look for in a Doctor Who episode.
Bad: (1)This episode suffers from a severe case of the disease i call U.U.M.S- "Under-used monster syndrome". BRING BACK THE VIGIL! (2)With the exception of Merry, the supporting cast is painfully under- developed. (3) At points, the editing seems quite messy- especially near the middle. (4) Some of the dialogue can be a bit simple and childish, but i think that this is redeemed later on in the episode. (5) Sentiment saves the day. Yeah, The planet should have stayed defeated after it consumed the Doctor's memories.
Good: (1) Neil Cross has created a superb world here, With the direction and effects helping to enhance that. The cinematography and the way this episode is directed is excellent, and The amount of detail put into the costumes and extras' prosthetics is stunning! In my mind, this is one of the best looking Doctor Who episodes so far. (2) Awesome monsters. Yes, they are under-used, but the vigil have a stunning look, the mummy is awesome and... a GIANT EVIL DEATH PLANET! (3) This is one of the only episodes in the series that shows Clara as a true character, not a plot device. (4) Beautiful music by Murray Gold. "The Long Song"- Need i say more? Also, check out "Merry Gejelh". (5) No matter how big their part was, all of the supporting cast did a great job. Even the young girl who played Merry gives an outstanding performance for her age- something which is rather rare. (6) I do believe the good and bad points are tied now? well, there's still one more point to add. Two words- THAT. MONOLOGUE. Beautifully written, Amazingly acted. This is Matt Smith's shining moment from all of series 5-7. It proved that he is more than worthy to play the Doctor. David Tennant, eat your heart out.
I hope that from this list, haters can see why people like me enjoyed this episode, and lovers can see why some hated this episode. When i think about it, it's really down to what you look for in a Doctor Who episode.
The Ring of Meh
A_Kind_Of_CineMagic18 February 2019
This story seems to split the audience. I see some say they hate it and equal numbers who say they love it while others like me are in between and just indifferent to it. I find it rather underwhelming but not bad.
There are a bunch of positives: It has superb acting from Matt Smith and a very good performance from Jenna Louise Coleman.
It features a nice insight into Clara's backstory and a decent attempt at thoughtful ideas.
It has an effectively executed couple of scenes of emotion and a pleasant sight of a host of different aliens in another world.
Unfortunately I feel there is an over emphasis of the singing of songs to appease a powerful parasite that inhabits a star. This yet again repeats a Moffatt era trope of magical resolutions through the power of love/thoughts. It is a trope found in Victory of the Daleks, The Lodger, The Big Bang, A Christmas Carol (even featuring similar singing to 'save the day'), Closing Time, The Doctor the Widow and the Wardrobe, The Snowmen and a few others. It is repetitive and uninspired in my opinion and I feel this story bogs down in that unimpressive aspect of the story with an overly convenient and hard to believe resolution.
There are also some dodgy scenes such as the Doctor interacting with a barking alien which I find daft and childish plus what I find very poor scenes of the Doctor and Clara travelling on a space scooter. The scooter scenes look rubbish I think and beg the question as to how there is breathable atmosphere.
For me the focus on the little girl who personally I find a bit uninteresting and not brilliantly created is also unhelpful for getting me engaged in the story.
The acting of the two leads and some of the better ideas and scenes hold this off from being a bad episode but it is not a very good one either in my view.
My Rating: 6/10.
My Series 7 Episode Ranking: 11th out of 14.
There are a bunch of positives: It has superb acting from Matt Smith and a very good performance from Jenna Louise Coleman.
It features a nice insight into Clara's backstory and a decent attempt at thoughtful ideas.
It has an effectively executed couple of scenes of emotion and a pleasant sight of a host of different aliens in another world.
Unfortunately I feel there is an over emphasis of the singing of songs to appease a powerful parasite that inhabits a star. This yet again repeats a Moffatt era trope of magical resolutions through the power of love/thoughts. It is a trope found in Victory of the Daleks, The Lodger, The Big Bang, A Christmas Carol (even featuring similar singing to 'save the day'), Closing Time, The Doctor the Widow and the Wardrobe, The Snowmen and a few others. It is repetitive and uninspired in my opinion and I feel this story bogs down in that unimpressive aspect of the story with an overly convenient and hard to believe resolution.
There are also some dodgy scenes such as the Doctor interacting with a barking alien which I find daft and childish plus what I find very poor scenes of the Doctor and Clara travelling on a space scooter. The scooter scenes look rubbish I think and beg the question as to how there is breathable atmosphere.
For me the focus on the little girl who personally I find a bit uninteresting and not brilliantly created is also unhelpful for getting me engaged in the story.
The acting of the two leads and some of the better ideas and scenes hold this off from being a bad episode but it is not a very good one either in my view.
My Rating: 6/10.
My Series 7 Episode Ranking: 11th out of 14.
Matt Smith Has Grown His Beard
Camel139 April 2013
Fellow sci-fi fans might be familiar with that phrase - "Growing A Beard" It's a reference to Star Trek The Next Generation, and it refers to the moment when the series found it's strength and became something impressive, which was coincidentally around the same time clean-shaven Cmdr. Riker grew a beard, hence the phrase.
Well, it's taken him some time, but Matt Smith has without a doubt grown his beard with "The Rings Of Akhatan." There's no denying he had enormous shoes to fill. David Tennant is still, IMHO, the best Doctor there ever was. Smith, while a fine actor, a fine Doctor, was never quite as compelling as Tennant was in his most brilliant moments. Until now.
With a powerful monologue he speaks one simple, clear message in so many words: "I AM THE DOCTOR!" And he delivers it with all the passion, chaos and sorrow that is the essence of this legendary character. You actually see the tears streaming down his cheeks as he proudly asserts that this legend belongs to him. Choirs serenade him as he stands firm yet alone, in the face of one of the most daunting foes imaginable, and demonstrates that it takes a special man to be The Doctor. When he played the role, Chris Eccleston once admiringly referred to Britain's standing up to the evil and vastly stronger Nazi Germany as: "A mouse in front of a lion." That's the image I saw when I watched Matt Smith's silhouette giving this speech before this week's villain, and it was such a "Doctor" thing to see.
With this splendid performance Matt Smith has well and truly proved he belongs in this role. If there was still any doubt, there can be no more. This man is the rightful heir to David Tennant's sonic screwdriver. Long live The Doctor.
Well, it's taken him some time, but Matt Smith has without a doubt grown his beard with "The Rings Of Akhatan." There's no denying he had enormous shoes to fill. David Tennant is still, IMHO, the best Doctor there ever was. Smith, while a fine actor, a fine Doctor, was never quite as compelling as Tennant was in his most brilliant moments. Until now.
With a powerful monologue he speaks one simple, clear message in so many words: "I AM THE DOCTOR!" And he delivers it with all the passion, chaos and sorrow that is the essence of this legendary character. You actually see the tears streaming down his cheeks as he proudly asserts that this legend belongs to him. Choirs serenade him as he stands firm yet alone, in the face of one of the most daunting foes imaginable, and demonstrates that it takes a special man to be The Doctor. When he played the role, Chris Eccleston once admiringly referred to Britain's standing up to the evil and vastly stronger Nazi Germany as: "A mouse in front of a lion." That's the image I saw when I watched Matt Smith's silhouette giving this speech before this week's villain, and it was such a "Doctor" thing to see.
With this splendid performance Matt Smith has well and truly proved he belongs in this role. If there was still any doubt, there can be no more. This man is the rightful heir to David Tennant's sonic screwdriver. Long live The Doctor.
Really?
scottyent3 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The only reason this episode gets some points is because the world that was created was very interesting, and I was happy to be back in such a bizarre and far off place.
That being said...seriously? Did the episode really end like that?
The whole....this is a huge planet monster thing, OK, I was willing to accept that. Then there's the inevitable, oh no...the Doctor has no plan and seems to be facing an impossibly powerful enemy. Pretty standard at this point. The joy is in seeing how he gets out of it.
When he started offering up his memories and his experiences I figured OK, this is possible. He has seen a ridiculous amount of things, experiences, etc etc. Fine, I accept this shorts out the huge demon planet.
BUT THEN.... No. It doesn't. The planet comes back, so apparently everything The Doctor said about his experiences and history and memories was just useless. All of that did not satisfy this monster planet... so what will?
A leaf. Really? Really? I just can't believe it. This random object that has a back story much luck any other object might, apparently defeats the monster because of the infinite possibilities of what might have happened to her mother? Give me a break.
I felt like I was watching a play, and the main actor forgot the lines, and someone just jumped in with some random object trying to bring focus on that...and the main actor looks at it and just goes, uhhh, yes! yes! Exactly! This great object will save us all!
Also seemed like improv in that regard. Just unbelievably unnecessary, a "twist" that didn't need to happen and made this just a positively dumb episode. Instead of making the doctors history and memories this awe inspiring gigantic thing, it made it seem like oops no, not that big just kidding... but here is a LEAF.
That being said...seriously? Did the episode really end like that?
The whole....this is a huge planet monster thing, OK, I was willing to accept that. Then there's the inevitable, oh no...the Doctor has no plan and seems to be facing an impossibly powerful enemy. Pretty standard at this point. The joy is in seeing how he gets out of it.
When he started offering up his memories and his experiences I figured OK, this is possible. He has seen a ridiculous amount of things, experiences, etc etc. Fine, I accept this shorts out the huge demon planet.
BUT THEN.... No. It doesn't. The planet comes back, so apparently everything The Doctor said about his experiences and history and memories was just useless. All of that did not satisfy this monster planet... so what will?
A leaf. Really? Really? I just can't believe it. This random object that has a back story much luck any other object might, apparently defeats the monster because of the infinite possibilities of what might have happened to her mother? Give me a break.
I felt like I was watching a play, and the main actor forgot the lines, and someone just jumped in with some random object trying to bring focus on that...and the main actor looks at it and just goes, uhhh, yes! yes! Exactly! This great object will save us all!
Also seemed like improv in that regard. Just unbelievably unnecessary, a "twist" that didn't need to happen and made this just a positively dumb episode. Instead of making the doctors history and memories this awe inspiring gigantic thing, it made it seem like oops no, not that big just kidding... but here is a LEAF.
Best Speech In Doctor Who History
iliketrains-6710125 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Matt Smith is a brilliant actor who pulls off his doctor brilliantly even with the struggles of trying to succeed to David Tennant.
The Rings Of Akhaten shows how emotional Matt can get and how much he loves doing it. When he spoke in that final scene it seems like he was speaking for all of the doctors incarnations not just his and that scene was a really emotional and heart-warming moment that would almost make anyone cry.
Fair play to Steven Moffat, he may write some bad scripts but he does write some very good lines and Matt makes them come to life and show how much the Doctor would do to save the lives of everyone around him which is what makes the episode worth watching, along with the very good characters and music and the CGI of the planet and setting, this episode is so worth a watch for anyone interested in Doctor Who.
The Rings Of Akhaten shows how emotional Matt can get and how much he loves doing it. When he spoke in that final scene it seems like he was speaking for all of the doctors incarnations not just his and that scene was a really emotional and heart-warming moment that would almost make anyone cry.
Fair play to Steven Moffat, he may write some bad scripts but he does write some very good lines and Matt makes them come to life and show how much the Doctor would do to save the lives of everyone around him which is what makes the episode worth watching, along with the very good characters and music and the CGI of the planet and setting, this episode is so worth a watch for anyone interested in Doctor Who.
Clara's first trip into space
Tweekums7 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
As the episode opens we see that The Doctor has been taking an interest in Clara since before she was even born; he was there when her parents first met, he bumped into her when she was a child and he was there when her mother was buried. Back in the present The Doctor asks Clara where and when she would like to go; she has no idea at first but eventually says 'somewhere awesome'
he takes her to the Rings of Akhaten. Here they don't use money for currency; they demand items that were somehow precious to their owner; something Clara initially doesn't like but when she has to help a young girl she parts with something of real value to her. The young girl is Merry; The Queen of Years whose duty it is to learn all the songs and poetry of her people before being sacrificed to an entity she refers to as 'Grandfather'. When Clara learns of the girl's fate she insists that The Doctor helps to save her; if he is to do so he may have to sacrifice everything!
After many earthbound adventures it was great to see The Doctor and his companion back in space; on an alien world populated by strange creatures. Some of the creatures were comic and others were creepy enough to make the danger seem real even though we know The Doctor and Clara are unlikely to come to any real harm. The story itself was enjoyable even if it wasn't a classic; Clara is proving to be a fine companion; Jenna-Louise Coleman is proving to be a fine addition to the cast. Young Emilia Jones was good as Merry; cute without being overly precocious. The episode wasn't without faults of course; the effects for the 'space-moped' weren't great and the ending was a little bit corny although I must remember that the series is meant to be for all ages not just adults. Overall I'd say this was a decent episode; I hope we see more episodes set somewhere other than Earth fairly soon.
After many earthbound adventures it was great to see The Doctor and his companion back in space; on an alien world populated by strange creatures. Some of the creatures were comic and others were creepy enough to make the danger seem real even though we know The Doctor and Clara are unlikely to come to any real harm. The story itself was enjoyable even if it wasn't a classic; Clara is proving to be a fine companion; Jenna-Louise Coleman is proving to be a fine addition to the cast. Young Emilia Jones was good as Merry; cute without being overly precocious. The episode wasn't without faults of course; the effects for the 'space-moped' weren't great and the ending was a little bit corny although I must remember that the series is meant to be for all ages not just adults. Overall I'd say this was a decent episode; I hope we see more episodes set somewhere other than Earth fairly soon.
A great episode
gridoon202421 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The best "Doctor Who" episode in a long time - perhaps since the "Girl Who Waited". First of all, it affected me on an emotional level - it made me cry. But it's also refreshingly otherworldly: we need episodes like this more often, to remind us that the Doctor is an alien, and that he is just as comfortable in alien worlds around thousands of other alien races as he is around humans. There is a wonderful intro on Earth, filling us in on Clara's past, beautiful bonding moments between Clara and the Queen of Years, intelligent dialogue about the uniqueness of each existence and the infinity of possibilities, and of course a speech that must rank as one of Matt Smith's most defining moments as the Doctor. I am a fan of Steven Moffat, but how this episode (which was written by Neil Cross) can have a lower IMDb rating than Moffat's comparatively mundane "The Bells of Saint John" is beyond me. *** out of 4.
Battle of the gods, er, aliens
dkiliane2 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
For Clara's first space adventure, the Doctor whisks her off to an alien marketplace on a planet called Ahkaten where it's people are in preparation for a ceremony involving the young Queen of Years to lull the "Old God" of Ahkaten to continue his slumber.
This is a very strong episode thematically. And of course the acting, cinematography, etc are also top notch. It tackles the importance of story and memory as both personal and cultural continuity, especially as relating to religious traditions. Religious themes are espoused directly as the ceremony is part of the culture's worship, and while the Doctor at first acts as benign bystander, calling the foundation for their beliefs "a nice story, as good as any" his battle against the "Old God" can be seen as a battle against religion, or perhaps even as putting himself up as a god, above their god, above their religion. And as old and as powerful as he is, it is difficult not to make deific comparisons. Of course, the Doctor ultimately loses, actually.
The argument here is that ordinary experiences outweigh religious/cultural traditions. The personal memories, symbolized by Clara's leaf, is "the most important leaf in human history" as it means not only the memories of her parents and all the circumstances required for them to come together and conceive Clara, but also all the days and memories she will never form wth her mother, since she was taken from her so abruptly (as the fan theory goes during the masacre by the Autons in the series premiere "Rose"). Even the Doctor's several regenerated lifetimes couldn't satiate the "Old God" Who in reality was a massive planet-sized cosmic parasite that feeds off the memories of others...but Clara's leaf COULD with its infinite potential for ordinary personal memories, and the loss of her mother associated with it. Possibly a little anti-religion, but It is a touching concept, nonetheless. 8.5/10
This is a very strong episode thematically. And of course the acting, cinematography, etc are also top notch. It tackles the importance of story and memory as both personal and cultural continuity, especially as relating to religious traditions. Religious themes are espoused directly as the ceremony is part of the culture's worship, and while the Doctor at first acts as benign bystander, calling the foundation for their beliefs "a nice story, as good as any" his battle against the "Old God" can be seen as a battle against religion, or perhaps even as putting himself up as a god, above their god, above their religion. And as old and as powerful as he is, it is difficult not to make deific comparisons. Of course, the Doctor ultimately loses, actually.
The argument here is that ordinary experiences outweigh religious/cultural traditions. The personal memories, symbolized by Clara's leaf, is "the most important leaf in human history" as it means not only the memories of her parents and all the circumstances required for them to come together and conceive Clara, but also all the days and memories she will never form wth her mother, since she was taken from her so abruptly (as the fan theory goes during the masacre by the Autons in the series premiere "Rose"). Even the Doctor's several regenerated lifetimes couldn't satiate the "Old God" Who in reality was a massive planet-sized cosmic parasite that feeds off the memories of others...but Clara's leaf COULD with its infinite potential for ordinary personal memories, and the loss of her mother associated with it. Possibly a little anti-religion, but It is a touching concept, nonetheless. 8.5/10
Possibly the worst episode to date
matt-deverill21 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was very weak. I liked the introduction of the exotic planet for Clara and how it was all portrayed and the angry speech the Doctor Gives towards the end is very encouraging.
...I feel bad for Matt Smith. I think he is an excellent Doctor, however the writing and script he has to work with is poor. The recent episodes feel super pre-water shed. Other than the speech I mentioned earlier we have witnessed no dark or angry, almost crazy scenes with the Doctor. Just a goofy and foolish script with too many awkward "banter" scenes where the characters are trying to be funny (Prime example this episode is the whole barking scene with that dog type alien).
...Also, why did they buy the scooter with the ring rather than using the Tardis to catch the young Queen of Years?
...I feel bad for Matt Smith. I think he is an excellent Doctor, however the writing and script he has to work with is poor. The recent episodes feel super pre-water shed. Other than the speech I mentioned earlier we have witnessed no dark or angry, almost crazy scenes with the Doctor. Just a goofy and foolish script with too many awkward "banter" scenes where the characters are trying to be funny (Prime example this episode is the whole barking scene with that dog type alien).
- Remember David Tenants first episode when he sword fights on that ship, he is SUPER MAD, super powerful and so driven... I LOVE it. - Remember the banter between David Tennant and Katherine Tate... that wasn't awkward or totally cringe.
...Also, why did they buy the scooter with the ring rather than using the Tardis to catch the young Queen of Years?
The Rings of Akhaten
MrFilmAndTelevisionShow12 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode in my view was an amazing gem, not talked about like an episode containing Dalek's, Cybermen or Weeping Angels, this one off episode however had everything a Doctor Who episode should have, a great companion, characteristic Doctor moments, a great supporting character, memorable plot, and great acting and story writing. This episode had it all. Bravo to the creators.
I'm still haunted by the 'waaaakkke uppppp,'
Sleepin_Dragon8 September 2015
The Doctor tries to discover more about Clara,he takes her on her first adventure in Space (if only he hadn't) he takes her to Akhaten (Hull would have been more fun!)
I liked, the sequence with the leaf, Clara's parents, that was sweet. Dor'een was random but fun. I really liked the vigil, more then reminiscent of the characters from Underworld. The story seemed right for Clara, showed a nice side to her character, couldn't really have pictured Amy acting the same. The acting is particularly good, and some of the effects are really good.
I disliked the story in general, I remember watching it and thinking 'what was that all about?' it just didn't quite hit the mark, the ending totally sucked. I can see what they tried to do, but they didn't quite manage it. 5/10
I liked, the sequence with the leaf, Clara's parents, that was sweet. Dor'een was random but fun. I really liked the vigil, more then reminiscent of the characters from Underworld. The story seemed right for Clara, showed a nice side to her character, couldn't really have pictured Amy acting the same. The acting is particularly good, and some of the effects are really good.
I disliked the story in general, I remember watching it and thinking 'what was that all about?' it just didn't quite hit the mark, the ending totally sucked. I can see what they tried to do, but they didn't quite manage it. 5/10
A Complete Waste of Space
simonrosenbaum24 April 2013
As somebody else has already stated this is a horrible horrible episode where as usual your expected to feel unearned connections and emotions. Last week's episode had a great build up but a too quick unsatisfying ending this week there was no great build up just a long drawn out ending filled with terrible po faced blustering dialogue.
If you can't give us a satisfying adventure over 45 minutes which is what seems to be happening recently then please go back to well thought out original stories that last at least two episodes so that the story and the emotional depth can be built more organically and honestly. If that can't be done then I really don't see the point of doing them anymore,not if we get episodes as empty as this one.
If you can't give us a satisfying adventure over 45 minutes which is what seems to be happening recently then please go back to well thought out original stories that last at least two episodes so that the story and the emotional depth can be built more organically and honestly. If that can't be done then I really don't see the point of doing them anymore,not if we get episodes as empty as this one.
The Rings of Akhaten
studioAT19 August 2023
It's when you watch episodes like this that you become increasingly frustrated/disapointed with that they did with the character of Clara in the second half of her tenure on 'Doctor Who' aka The Capaldi years.
Here she's bright, she's funny, she's engaging, and a darn sight better here than how she would become. In Moffat we trusted...maybe not.
All the 'Impossible Girl' stuff is nice, but other than that this is a thin episode indeed, and the great speech that Matt Smith delivers really papers over the cracks.
I don't know if this was a budget saving episode, but it certainly feels like it.
So add on a couple of stars for the speech, but it's still not great.
Here she's bright, she's funny, she's engaging, and a darn sight better here than how she would become. In Moffat we trusted...maybe not.
All the 'Impossible Girl' stuff is nice, but other than that this is a thin episode indeed, and the great speech that Matt Smith delivers really papers over the cracks.
I don't know if this was a budget saving episode, but it certainly feels like it.
So add on a couple of stars for the speech, but it's still not great.
RTD Inspired With All The Faults Of That Regime
Theo Robertson6 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Wanting to show his new companion Clara The Doctor transports her to the Rings of Akhaten , an asteroid belt inhabited by different and exotic races . Here meets Mary who is The Queen Of Years who is unknowingly to be sacrificed
This instantly reminded me of the show when it was produced by Russell T Davies as it concentrates on the both the companion and the companion;s background who is then shown the wonders of the Universe in all its exotic and vicious beauty . The problem is there's an element of having seen this all before . The impact of Clara seeing the different alien species on the rings seems like a complete carbon copy of The End Of The World , the second story from season one . One wonders if using some many costumes and masks has affected the episode budget since in some parts the episode effects are somewhat poor especially the scene where The Doctor , Clara and Merry are standing in front of a starscape background . Of course in the context of the episode it is supposed to be a drawing of a starscape but in the scenes it's not then it's not much more convincing than back projection
But regardless of the production values it's the storytelling that makes or breaks the show and this episode shows the same flaws as the RTD era - the ill thought out resolution , the best example would be the resolution to the clifhangar of The Stolen Earth where the Doctor saves himself regenerating by his hand and the Moffat era in no different . How does the Doctor save the say ? He gets everyone to sing a song . Wow that's just like killing Cybermen with love like in last years rubbish from Gareth Roberts . What's wrong Mr Moffat ? Are you getting other writers to produce rubbish so you're one trick pony ideas look like Tolstoy in comparison ? Just for the record a story should have a beginning , middle and end - not a beginning , middle and a daft idea that appears from absolutely nowhere
In short this is a slightly mediocre episode . It's entertaining enough and is better than last weeks episode but that's not saying much . Anyone tuning in wanting to see 45 minutes of disposable television will not be disappointed but for those of us wanting a bit more will find the episode a bit too disposable . It says a lot when the best part of the episode is the Next Time Trailer featuring Ice Warriors which leaves me to fear the resolution will involve a sea shanty that turns the Ice Warriors in to ice cubs . It is after NuWho and not DOCTOR WHO
This instantly reminded me of the show when it was produced by Russell T Davies as it concentrates on the both the companion and the companion;s background who is then shown the wonders of the Universe in all its exotic and vicious beauty . The problem is there's an element of having seen this all before . The impact of Clara seeing the different alien species on the rings seems like a complete carbon copy of The End Of The World , the second story from season one . One wonders if using some many costumes and masks has affected the episode budget since in some parts the episode effects are somewhat poor especially the scene where The Doctor , Clara and Merry are standing in front of a starscape background . Of course in the context of the episode it is supposed to be a drawing of a starscape but in the scenes it's not then it's not much more convincing than back projection
But regardless of the production values it's the storytelling that makes or breaks the show and this episode shows the same flaws as the RTD era - the ill thought out resolution , the best example would be the resolution to the clifhangar of The Stolen Earth where the Doctor saves himself regenerating by his hand and the Moffat era in no different . How does the Doctor save the say ? He gets everyone to sing a song . Wow that's just like killing Cybermen with love like in last years rubbish from Gareth Roberts . What's wrong Mr Moffat ? Are you getting other writers to produce rubbish so you're one trick pony ideas look like Tolstoy in comparison ? Just for the record a story should have a beginning , middle and end - not a beginning , middle and a daft idea that appears from absolutely nowhere
In short this is a slightly mediocre episode . It's entertaining enough and is better than last weeks episode but that's not saying much . Anyone tuning in wanting to see 45 minutes of disposable television will not be disappointed but for those of us wanting a bit more will find the episode a bit too disposable . It says a lot when the best part of the episode is the Next Time Trailer featuring Ice Warriors which leaves me to fear the resolution will involve a sea shanty that turns the Ice Warriors in to ice cubs . It is after NuWho and not DOCTOR WHO
Two major problems here
warlordartos14 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The first not being so bad is the way the alien races were shown, it looks a little too much like the beginning on Turn Left. Luckily the middle of this episode was more entertaining than Turn Left. The second problem being that didn't make up for the ending.
It seems to be Moffats weakness making stories into fairytales. Like killing Cybermen with love, stopping a bomb going off by convincing the bomb that it's human; or singing it all better in this case.
This is really starting to make the episodes boring as it seems to happen at least twice a season now. I put up with it in the Christmas Specials as the spirit of Christmas fixing it, while still a cheap finish at least half makes sense but in normal episodes PLEASE STOP IT.
It seems to be Moffats weakness making stories into fairytales. Like killing Cybermen with love, stopping a bomb going off by convincing the bomb that it's human; or singing it all better in this case.
This is really starting to make the episodes boring as it seems to happen at least twice a season now. I put up with it in the Christmas Specials as the spirit of Christmas fixing it, while still a cheap finish at least half makes sense but in normal episodes PLEASE STOP IT.
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