Doctor Who: Recap of Season Two, Episode Six of the Interstellar Song Contest

May 17, 2025

Doctor Who Episode Review

In a recent episode that seemed poised to embrace the Eurovision spirit, Juno Dawson delivered a narrative featuring the Doctor (played by Ncuti Gatwa) and a character named Kid (Freddie Fox), possessing an icy heart, reminiscent of a remark made by a prominent antagonist.

Doctor Who often immerses itself in intergalactic conflicts, but this time, it ventured into darker themes, notably the resolve behind a large-scale terrorist event, prompting one of the most extreme responses from the Doctor we’ve seen yet.

The episode started off light-hearted but took a surprising turn later. It showcased a larger cast this season, which was a change from previous episodes. I found myself intrigued by the diverse group, especially those who were technically savvy about the space station and shared common predicaments.

As the story progressed, it tackled significant issues—capitalist greed in resource exploitation, subtle racism scattered among species, and the internal struggles of a character, Miriam Cheekley, who faced dire sacrifices to fit into society, highlighting an unbearable cost for acceptance.

This all unfolded amidst a colorful backdrop of the Eurovision contest. Depending on your enthusiasm for Eurovision, you may have varied opinions here. I was pleasantly surprised to see Rylan’s role wasn’t just a fleeting one; his self-deprecating humor was spot-on, and he certainly had fun with the character Dawson crafted for him.

However, it seems fair to say that the intergalactic contestants and their quirky future songs were as eccentric as those often seen in earthly events.

Can it be summed up in one sentence?

What happens when a Doctor who dives into Eurovision in space finds themselves amidst a terrorist crisis?

Living on the TARDIS

The previous season’s dynamic between Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and the Doctor was based on straightforward interactions that made them seem like genuine off-screen companions. Meanwhile, Belinda’s relationship with the Doctor felt more authentic; her astonished reaction upon witnessing his fury was striking, and the exchange of emotions added depth to their connection.

Then there’s the nostalgia of seeing Carol Anne Ford, who played the Doctor’s granddaughter in the original series, make an appearance. Last season teased a return, leading viewers to expect one thing only to discover it was something different. But could Susan’s inclusion hold special significance?

Fear Factors

The faceless robot guard is a classic trope in Doctor Who, but here, the real thriller was the Doctor himself. Ncuti Gatwa brought a unique charisma to the role, navigating between light-hearted charm and moments of intense gravitas, especially evident during his interactions and the prolonged scenes of distress.

Mysteries and Questions

Did you notice the Blue Captain Poppy from last week? Probably not. And the Flood Lady? She seems to have her own enigmatic plans unfolding behind the scenes.

Diving Deeper into the Vortex

Ford’s cameo didn’t quite break the record for the longest gap between appearances of a character in the same show, which remains a feat set by William Russell.
The character Rani, first introduced by Kate O’Mara in 1985, continues to resonate with fans.
When Archie Panjabi echoed classic lines from Tom Baker’s debut, it brought a nostalgic layer to the dialogue.
Sylvester McCoy’s Doctor once ventured into an Intergalactic Song Contest, a fun tidbit for long-time fans.
Graham Norton, known for his quirky updates, actually made previous appearances in the show, adding to a long history of crossovers.