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Doctor Who Season 2, Episode 6, “The Interstellar Song Contest,” takes the Doctor and Belinda on a quest that begins as a fun diversion but quickly escalates into a high-stakes battle for survival, leaving audiences with plenty to discuss. The episode, penned by Juno Dawson, known for her work on Big Finish stories, was lauded as a “surprisingly heavy-hitting episode” for what was initially perceived as a potentially very camp outing.
Review: Doctor Who, Season 2, Episode 6, “The Interstellar Song Contest”
The Temple of Geek’s Who Review podcast, hosted by Nate (aka Doc in the Box) and Elizabeth (aka Lady of Time Cosplay), recently delved into Doctor Who Season 2, Episode 6, “The Interstellar Song Contest.” This Doctor Who-inspired podcast series is dedicated to discussing all things related to the long-running British science fiction television series, including the latest episodes, classic series, and spinoffs.
A Mix of Camp and Darkness
The episode masterfully balances a campy, fun premise. The interstellar song contest is reminiscent of Eurovision with surprisingly dark and emotionally resonant themes. Reviewers noted that “very few shows can do an episode where the lives of three trillion people are at stake, but still have it be so camp and fun.” Highlighting Doctor Who’s unique ability to blend contrasting tones effectively. While moments of levity and Eurovision-inspired spectacle were present, the narrative delved into heavier subjects, subverting initial expectations.
Ncuti Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor continues to impress. Nate and Elizabeth praised his ability to convey a wide range of emotions. His performance in a scene where the Doctor confronts the antagonist, Kid, was described as showing the character “engulfed with rage” and foregoing tears for “just revenge,” showcasing a darker, more intense side. This was seen as a testament to Gatwa’s acting, swiftly making him a favorite for some.
The Interstellar Song Contest: Standout Performances and Moments
Varada Sethu, as Belinda, also received positive mentions for her performance. Particularly in a moment where her character breaks down after being stranded, a very human reaction to her extraordinary circumstances. Her incredulous reaction to discovering a planet was invaded for a honey substitute was another highlighted moment.
The character Cora was praised as fascinating, and the actress’s performance was lauded. Especially in conveying the heartbreak of her backstory, having her horns involuntarily cut off, and her efforts to defend her people, the Hellions. Her powerful song, performed in a beautifully crafted Hellion language, and the accompanying montage of her planet’s ruin, was a standout, emotionally beautiful scene.
Guest stars also made an impact. Rylan, playing a cryogenically frozen Eurovision host, provided comedic moments, including a memorable exchange about the word “awe.” Graham Norton’s appearance, delivering exposition about Earth’s fate, was also noted as a funny touch. The supporting characters Mike and Gary, a couple working at the song contest, were appreciated for their realistic dynamic and character evolution.
Thematic Depth: Manufactured Racism
A significant theme explored was “manufactured racism.” The episode depicted how a corporation destroyed the Hellion planet and then blamed the Hellions themselves, creating stereotypes to make them look bad. Kidd’s line, “I’m only doing the things you expect of me,” was a poignant moment highlighting this. The episode was recognized for handling this complex real-world parallel with care, given the time constraints of a television episode. A powerful moment of change occurred when, after Cora’s song, a “regular tech guy,” Gary, was the first to applaud, sparking a wave of acceptance, demonstrating that change can start with ordinary individuals.
Production and Visuals
The episode was visually impressive, with particular praise for the costume and makeup departments. The elaborate designs for the various alien species and contestants contributed significantly to the spectacle of the interstellar song contest. The set design, including a Looney Tunes “Martian Marvin” poster Easter egg, also garnered positive comments.
Big Reveals and Future Implications
“The Interstellar Song Contest” was packed with significant reveals that have major implications for the rest of the season. The appearance of Susan, the Doctor’s granddaughter, on screen created an “oh, shit” moment for viewers, with many getting emotional. There is ongoing speculation about whether Belinda is Susan. With various clues pointing in that direction, such as Belinda knowing what a TARDIS is and her line, “Well, then let’s go home.”
The episode concluded with a shocking end-credits scene revealing the return of the Rani, another classic Doctor Who villain, after decades off-screen. This reveal, with the line “Let battle begin,” has set the stage for a dramatic continuation. Theories are already forming about the Rani’s plans, her connection to Miss Flood, and whether the order of Miss Flood’s appearances has been non-linear. There’s also speculation about the character Conrad and if he might be the Master.
The episode’s ending, with the Doctor and Belinda arriving on May 24th right before an explosion, provided a brilliant cliffhanger, perfectly setting up the season finale. Overall, “The Interstellar Song Contest” is ambitious storytelling with emotional depth and strong performances. The shocking twists promise an exciting conclusion to the season.
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.
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