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The latest episode of the Temple of Geek’s Who Review Podcast dives deep into Doctor Who Season 2, Episode 8, “The Reality War.”
Spoilers Ahead!
Temple of Geek’s Who Review
Temple of Geek’s Who Review is a podcast dedicated to the British television series “Doctor Who”. Here we discuss news related to Doctor Who news, trivia, deep dives, and more.
Our Doctor Who-inspired podcast is hosted by Elizabeth “Lady of Time Cosplay” and Nate “Doc In The Box”. The series also features special guests from the Doctor Who community. You can stream the podcast on Spotify / iHeart Radio / Apple Podcasts / / Stitcher / Pandora/ YouTube and more.
Podcast Discussion Doctor Who, Season 2, Episode 8, “The Reality War”
In a recent episode of “Temple Geeks Who Review,” hosts Nate (Doc In the Box) and Elizabeth (Lady of Time) unpacked the season two finale of Doctor Who, titled “The Reality War.” The hosts, both self-proclaimed massive Doctor Who fans, dedicated the episode to a thorough, albeit lengthy, discussion of the Russell T. Davies-penned finale.
Overall Impressions and Initial Reactions
Both hosts acknowledged the “enormity” of the events in “The Reality War,” with Elizabeth noting how quickly spoilers for the episode spread online. She described her initial viewing experience as yelling at her TV loud enough to concern her mother, later admitting to crying during a second watch. Nate prepared extensive notes, likening his preparation to a “PowerPoint essay,” indicating the complexity and numerous points of discussion the episode offered. While expressing their deep love for the show, both hosts prepared listeners for a critical discussion, emphasizing that their critiques stem from this affection and not a place of negativity.
Elizabeth found the episode “okay” but weaker than the rest of the season, which she described as “absolutely fantastic.” Her main criticism was that the eight-episode season didn’t provide enough setup for the finale’s events. Nate echoed this sentiment, comparing the episode’s attempt to wrap up multiple plotlines to the “Spider-Man 3 treatment.”
Conrad and Omega Plotlines Fell Flat
A significant portion of the discussion centered on the return and portrayal of the classic Doctor Who villain, Omega. Elizabeth was “disappointed by how quick Omega was there and gone” and questioned his “giant CGI skeleton” appearance, which differed from his previous on-screen depiction in “The Three Doctors.” Nate found the design “creepy and cool” but also expressed surprise at Omega’s corporeal form, as he expected a being of “will and hatred.” Both hosts noted the underutilization of the character.
Conrad, despite his flaws, attempted to create a utopian world by giving everyone what he thought was a happy life, influenced by the Doctor’s words about wanting to feel “happy, safe, and loved.” However, both hosts agreed he remained largely an “asshole.”
New Plotline with Poppy and Belinda
The character of Poppy, the child of the Doctor and Belinda, also drew considerable commentary. Nate questioned the decision to make Poppy the same child from the “Space Babies” episode, feeling it would have had “deeper meaning” if she were a new, unknown child created by Conrad’s wish.
Belinda Chandra’s storyline and its conclusion were a point of confusion and critique. Nate struggled to rationalize how Poppy became Belinda’s human child and questioned if reality had been rewritten. Elizabeth felt Belinda’s ending was “not set up properly,” wishing for more insight into her thoughts on parenthood before this arc. She also felt Belinda’s character seemed “off” and underutilized even after being removed from the Wish World. Nate agreed, stating Belinda was underutilized and that the end of the season felt more like “Ruby’s season two arc.”
“Hosts Discuss “The Reality War” Standout Moments and Positive Aspects
The return of Anita from a previous special was initially a welcome moment for Nate. However, he was disappointed by her line about running “straight from that to Ricardo” after seeing the Doctor with Rogue, feeling it didn’t do her character justice and reduced her to a “doorstop” for the rest of the episode.
Despite their critiques, the hosts highlighted several moments they enjoyed. Elizabeth appreciated Ruby’s line to Kate Stewart, “Can I punch him? Yes, you can,” regarding Conrad. Nate pointed to the UNIT tower transforming into a “big Gatling gun” as an example of the “ridiculously campy” fun he loves in Doctor Who. Both hosts enjoyed Mel’s dramatic scooter entrance into UNIT headquarters, though Nate found the logistics amusing. The brief appearance of Anita was also initially a highlight, with Elizabeth jokingly wondering if a Marvel crossover was imminent before recognizing the “magic time hotel.”
The Regeneration and a New Face
The episode’s shocking conclusion – the Doctor’s regeneration – was a major focus. Elizabeth expressed heartbreak over Ncuti Gatwa’s departure, calling his portrayal a “joy to watch” and one of her favorite Doctors. Nate agreed, stating Gatwa had been “such a joy.” They discussed the brevity of his tenure, with Nate noting his two seasons totaled only three more episodes than Eccleston’s single season.
The appearance of Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor during the regeneration sequence was a positive for Nate. The hosts found the interaction between Gatwa and Whittaker sweet.
The subsequent reveal of Billie Piper as the apparent new Doctor drew mixed, though primarily critical, reactions regarding the execution. Elizabeth, while loving Piper as an actress, felt the way it happened was “distasteful” and “nostalgia bait.” Especially following a Doctor whose casting was considered “controversial.” Nate shared this sentiment, expressing concern about the show “moving backwards” instead of progressing. They noted the credits simply said “Introducing Billie Piper” rather than crediting her as “The Doctor,” leading to speculation about her actual role. Elizabeth theorized it might be a one-off for a Christmas special, given Piper’s working relationship with Russell T. Davies.
Season Reflections and Future Hopes
Elizabeth considered it one of the stronger seasons of Doctor Who overall, despite The Reality War’s shortcomings, which she largely attributed to the constraints of an eight-episode run. Nate also enjoyed the season up until the finale, primarily due to his feeling that Belinda was underutilized.
Looking ahead, Nate was unsure of the show’s direction, given the unresolved plot threads like the Pantheon, the potential return of Gallifrey, and the Timeless Child. Elizabeth hopes for the continuation of the show’s partnership with Disney. Both hosts remain intrigued to see what comes next, despite their reservations about certain creative choices.
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