Doctor Who: The Interstellar Song Contest – season two episode six recap
For an episode that started out like a joyfully camp romp into the world of Eurovision, Juno Dawson turned in a script that truly had ice in its heart, in just the way the Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) told Kid (Freddie Fox) that the Time Lord now had ice in his hearts.
Doctor Who stories often feature alien invasions, conquest, destruction and the desire for revenge, but they have seldom so bleakly painted the determination to carry out a mass casualty terrorism event. That in turn provoked one of the most extreme reactions we have ever seen from the lead character.
It was all quite an abrupt turn tonally, in an episode that felt fun but thin for the opening act. It had a larger ensemble cast to play with than some other stories this season, although it was fortunate that, separated, both the Doctor and Belinda (Varada Sethu) found themselves trapped with somebody who turned out to have technical expertise working bits of the space station.
The episode tackled several big themes at once – the rapacious capitalist exploitation of a planet to harvest a product, widely held dismissive and racist attitudes to an entire species, the pain of Miriam-Teak Lee's character having to endure mutilation in order to fit in and participate in society, and the Doctor's judgment that none of these things in turn could justify the actions of someone with a 'cold filthy heart' that just likes to kill.
Before all that was the colour rush of watching the contest unfold. Your mileage may have varied here depending on how big a fan of Eurovision you are. Who could have guessed that Rylan would have more than a brief cameo? His self-deprecating persona was perfect for the part Dawson wrote for him, allowing him to roll with the jokes about his teeth and his career.
But perhaps the hardest thing to make believable was that any of the alien interstellar contestants and their songs from the future were as outlandish as some of the creations we have seen over the years on Earth at the real event.
What if Doctor Who did Eurovision in space, but in the middle of a terrorist attack?
Last season's interactions between Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and the Doctor relied on the audience taking at face value that they had become best buddies off-screen. The relationship between Belinda and the Doctor has been much more convincing. She looked genuinely taken aback when she witnessed the Doctor going into rage mode for the first time, and he was only ultimately held back when he saw his actions reflected in her expression.
And then there was Carole Ann Ford, who played William Hartnell's first Doctor's granddaughter in 1963 in the show's very first episode, seemingly on board the 15th Doctor's Tardis. Last season had teased a return for her, only to bait-and-switch the viewer that it was SUtekh not SUsan all the clues had been pointing to. But there Susan was. What can it all mean?
The faceless robot guards were a classic Doctor Who background trope, extras deployed to deliver a bit of firepower but no real thrill. It was the Doctor who was by far the most frightening thing here. Gatwa has clearly had swagger, style and charisma to carry off the lighter side of his character, but here for the first time he was really able to flex being the oncoming storm, the Time Lord Victorious, the one thing you never put in a trap. In both his conversation with Kid over the video link, and the subsequent extended torture scene, Gatwa passed this Doctorly character test with flying colours.
Is it reading too much into the fact that last week out of the blue we saw Poppy, the captain from Space Babies, and this week the product driving the narrative was Poppy Honey? Probably. And there was dear old Mrs Flood, actively surveilling our heroes and clearly readying to put her dastardly bigeneration plan into action.
Ford's appearance won't have taken William Russell's world record for longest gap between appearances as the same character in the same show. She reprised her role as Susan in 1983's The Five Doctors. Russell set the record when he appeared in The Power of the Doctor in 2022, 57 years after his character, Ian Chesterton's initial departure.
The Rani, originally played by Kate O'Mara, first appeared as a renegade Time Lord in 1985's The Mark of the Rani.
When Archie Panjabi said she was the definite article, she was echoing Tom Baker's words in his 1974 debut story, Robot, where, newly-regenerated, he told Harry Sullivan 'You may be a doctor, but I'm the Doctor. The definite article, you might say.'
In 2002, Sylvester McCoy's Doctor and Bonnie Langford's Mel visited the Intergalactic Song Contest in an expanded media audio adventure called Bang-Bang-a-Boom!
Graham Norton got to deliver the news of Earth's destruction in hologram format. He has previously made not one but two unscheduled Doctor Who appearances. First, a BBC One sound error added a cheering crowd and his hot mic voice to the tense opening of Rose in 2005. Second, an overlaid cartoon promo of him generated 5,000 complaints for ruining the cliffhanger of The Time of Angels in 2010. He got exterminated for it.
Wish World is already upon us, part one of the season finale. See you then!
Season 2
Episode 1: The Robot Revolution
Episode 2: Lux
Episode 3: The Well
Episode 4: Lucky Day
Episode 5: The Story and the Engine
Episode 6: The Interstellar Song Contest
Episode 7: Wish World
Episode 8: The Reality War
Season 1
Episodes 1 & 2: Space Babies / The Devil's Chord
Episode 3: Boom
Episode 4: 73 Yards
Episode 5: Dot and Bubble
Episode 6: Rogue
Episode 7: The Legend of Ruby Sunday
Episode 8: Empire of Death
Christmas special: Joy to the World
60th anniversary specials
Special 1: The Star BeastSpecial 2: Wild Blue YonderSpecial 3: The GiggleChristmas special: The Church on Ruby Road
Flux / Series 13
Chapter one: The Halloween ApocalypseChapter two: War of the SontaransChapter three: Once, Upon TimeChapter four: Village of the AngelsChapter five: Survivors of the FluxChapter six: The VanquishersNew Year's Special: Eve of the DaleksSpring special: Legend of the Sea DevilsBBC centenary special: The Power of the Doctor
Series 12
Episode 1: Spyfall part oneEpisode 2: Spyfall part twoEpisode 3: Orphan 55Episode 4: Nikola Tesla's Night of TerrorEpisode 5: Fugitive of the JudoonEpisode 6: PraxeusEpisode 7: Can You Hear Me?Episode 8: The Haunting of Villa DiodatiEpisode 9: Ascension of the CybermenEpisode 10: The Timeless ChildrenNew Year's special: Revolution of the Daleks
Series 11
Episode 1: The Woman Who Fell to EarthEpisode 2: The Ghost MonumentEpisode 3: RosaEpisode 4: Arachnids in the UKEpisode 5: The Tsuangra CondundrumEpisode 6: Demons of the PunjabEpisode 7: Kerblam!Episode 8: The WitchfindersEpisode 9: It Takes You AwayEpisode 10: The Battle of Ranskoor Av KolosNew Year's special: Resolution
Series 10
Episode 1: The PilotEpisode 2: SmileEpisode 3: Thin IceEpisode 4: Knock KnockEpisode 5: OxygenEpisode 6: ExtremisEpisode 7: The Pyramid at the End of the WorldEpisode 8: The Lie of the LandEpisode 9: Empress of MarsEpisode 10: The Eaters of LightEpisode 11: World Enough and TimeEpisode 12: The Doctor Falls2017 Christmas special: Twice Upon A Time
Series 9
Episode 1: The Magician's ApprenticeEpisode 2: The Witch's FamiliarEpisode 3: Under The LakeEpisode 4: Before The FloodEpisode 5: The Girl Who DiedEpisode 6: The Woman Who LivedEpisode 7: The Zygon InvasionEpisode 8: The Zygon InversionEpisode 9: Sleep No MoreEpisode 10: Face The RavenEpisode 11: Heaven SentEpisode 12: Hell Bent2015 Christmas special: The Husbands of River Song2016 Christmas special: The Return of Doctor Mysterio
Series 8
Episode 1: Deep BreathEpisode 2: Into The DalekEpisode 3: Robot of SherwoodEpisode 4: ListenEpisode 5: Time HeistEpisode 6: The CaretakerEpisode 7: Kill The MoonEpisode 8: Mummy on the Orient ExpressEpisode 9: FlatlineEpisode 10: In the Forest of the NightEpisode 11: Dark WaterEpisode 12: Death In Heaven2014 Christmas special: Last Christmas
Series 7
Episode 1: Asylum of the DaleksEpisode 2: Dinosaurs on a SpaceshipEpisode 3: A Town Called MercyEpisode 4: The Power of ThreeEpisode 5: The Angels Take Manhatten2012 Christmas special: The SnowmenEpisode 6: The Bells of Saint JohnEpisode 7: The Rings of AkhatenEpisode 8: Cold WarEpisode 9: HideEpisode 10: Journey to the Centre of the TardisEpisode 11: The Crimson HorrorEpisode 12: Nightmare in SilverEpisode 13: The Name of the Doctor50th Anniversary special: The Day of the Doctor2013 Christmas special: The Time of the Doctor
Series 6
Episode 1: The Impossible AstronautEpisode 2: Day of the MoonEpisode 3: The Curse of the Black SpotEpisode 4: The Doctor's WifeEpisode 5: The Rebel FleshEpisode 6: The Almost PeopleEpisode 7: A Good Man Goes To WarEpisode 8: Let's Kill HitlerEpisode 9: Night TerrorsEpisode 10: The Girl Who WaitedEpisode 11: The God ComplexEpisode 12: Closing TimeEpisode 13: The Wedding of River Song2011 Christmas special: The Doctor, The Widow and the Wardrobe
Series 5
Episode 1: The Eleventh HourEpisode 2: The Beast BelowEpisode 3: Victory of the DaleksEpisode 4: The Time of AngelsEpisode 5: Flesh and StoneEpisode 6: The Vampires of VeniceEpisode 7: Amy's ChoiceEpisode 8: The Hungry EarthEpisode 9: Cold BloodEpisode 10: Vincent and the DoctorEpisode 11: The LodgerEpisode 12: The Pandorica OpensEpisode 13: The Big Bang2010 Christmas special: A Christmas Carol
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Snoop Dogg plans to open burger truck at iconic UK football stadium - and even wants to serve fans himself
Snoop Dogg plans to open a burger truck at an iconic UK football stadium. American rapper, 53, real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, has taken an interest in Celtic Park - the home of Scottish Premiership team Celtic, in the Parkhead area of Glasgow. World away from his California roots - Snoop has spoken in the past of his love for the team saying he was inspired by Ryan Reynolds' transformation of Wrexham. He has told The Sunday Mail: 'I would love to bring a pop-up burger [van] to a sports stadium to show fans that food at stadiums can be good. 'It's got to be Celtic Park, man. The secret to a good burger is the love in the preparation. The ground beef has got to be mixed with some secret spices, then add a good quality cheese and some maple-cured bacon. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'The Celtic fans are gonna love it, and to make sure they are just right, Snoop is going to be serving them himself.' He cheekily added: 'Am I going to bring my burgers to Rangers as well? Nah, I think we will give that a miss.' He also claims to have spoken to famous chef Gordon Ramsay about the possible business opportunity. Last October Snoop revealed his plans to invest in Celtic, taking inspiration from Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Hollywood duo took over Welsh side Wrexham for just short of £2million in November 2020, when they were in the fifth tier of English football and had been for nearly 15 years. But they earned promotion to League Two two seasons later in winning the National League, and they secured a consecutive promotion the year after to take their spots in League One. And it seems the club's owners' work is rubbing off on millionaire rapper Snoop Dogg. Speaking to the Daily Record, the 53-year-old, real name Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, has outlined his desire to become involved with sport, and in particular Celtic. 'I love what Ryan has done with Wrexham,' he said. 'It's just a great story. 'Investing in a sports team has been something I have been looking at for a long time. 'If the chance came to invest in Celtic, I would be crazy not to take a look at it. 'I have watched so much soccer in Europe but I have never seen fans like the Celtic fans. There is something so special about them. 'There is a reason why their fans are talked about across Europe. The best players and coaches in the world tell you there is nowhere like Celtic Park and I want to be a part of that. 'Their mascot is a hound. You couldn't make that up. Snoop Dogg becomes Hoopy the Hound – that's gotta be a match made in heaven. The headlines write themselves.' Snoop has been pictured in a Celtic shirt in the past, also saying the club are 'his boys' in a previous interview.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Jess Wright looks sensational in skimpy khaki bikini as she shows off collection of stylish beach looks on family holiday in Marbella
Jess Wright looked sensational as she showed off a range of stylish beach looks from her family holiday to Marbella on Saturday. Taking to Instagram, the TOWIE star, 39, flaunted her incredible figure in a skimpy khaki bikini and shades. She also modelled a plunging white swimsuit complete with ruffle shoulder detailing. Pairing the look with stylish shades, white sandals and a straw beach bag the star looked ready to hit the pool. Jess, who is currently holidaying with her brother Mark and Michelle Keegan, also showcased her array of beach cover ups. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Opting for all leopard print she paired a sexy swimsuit with a floaty cover up in the same print. She also threw on a stunning white and blue summer co-ord which she paired with a simple white bikini. Jess captioned the clip: 'Morning. This season, I'm loving @fandfclothing Swimwear! It's all about making a splash with statement prints and pops of colour! 'Whether you're dreaming of sunny escapes or poolside vibes, F&F has got you covered with bold, feel-good fashion that's affordable and perfect for every shape and mood. Ready to turn heads wherever you go!' Jess is currently on holiday at the swanky £300-a-night SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel with her husband Will and their son Presley, two, as well as Mark and Michelle's baby daughter Palma, three months, and the rest of their family. Michelle put on a radiant display on Sunday, as she shared a slew of snaps modelling looks from her Very collection during the family holiday to Marbella. And she gave her followers a glimpse into the lavish trip, while flaunting her sensational figure in a number of summer dresses. The couple welcomed t heir first child together on March 6 and then announced the news on their respective Instagram pages a week later. She also threw on a stunning white and blue summer co-ord which she paired with a simple white bikini Back in April Jess revealed the parenting advice she gave her brother and his wife after they welcomed their baby daughter. Mark's sister has wasted no time imparting some wisdom, drawing on her own experience with son Presley, two. The TOWIE star told OK! 'Obviously now we've got Palma who is going to fit right in. She's adorable! They all absolutely love spending time with each other and Palma is an angel. She's so beautiful and sweet. The boys love her and are very gentle with her. 'It's lovely seeing [Mark and Michelle] as parents, I knew they would be incredible parents and they are. 'We're always with each other anyway and we tell each other little bits - there's always room to help each other out when you have babies. It's all such new territory.' Jess was speaking at a charity event in aid of Presley, who was born with a life-threatening heart condition. Michelle, 37, was also there to cheer on Mark, 38, who was hosting the night to raise money for Brompton Fountain, which supports the treatment and care of seriously ill children at Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, credited with saving little Presley's life. He was diagnosed with a congenital heart disease called Bicuspid Aortic Valve when he was a baby.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
ANDREW PIERCE: Celebrate Mrs T! Just what would grumpy Ted say?
The feud between Ted Heath and Margaret Thatcher, who ousted him as Tory leader, was one of the most long-running and rancorous in politics. So what a nice surprise to learn that the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation, set up to promote his memory, is to honour the Iron Lady. Next month they will mark the centenary of her birth with a tribute at the Sarah Thorne Theatre in Broadstairs, the genteel seaside resort in Kent where Heath was born in 1925. There will be a discussion chaired by Iain Dale, who has written a new biography of her. The panel on July 20 includes John Redwood, who ran Mrs T's Downing Street policy unit, Virginia Bottomley, who served in her government, and veteran MP Roger Gale, who – as a former TV producer – advised the Iron Lady on how to conduct herself when parliament was televised in 1989. Steve Nallon, the voice of Maggie for Spitting Image, will also be on the panel. Michael MacManus, who worked for Heath and Thatcher, said: 'I don't think my fellow trustees ever expected to stage an event celebrating Mrs T, but I think it's a great departure.' Truss could make a dram out of a crisis Much mockery of 49-day PM Liz Truss after she promoted an Irish whiskey brand alongside bare-knuckle fighter Dougie Joyce, once jailed for punching a pensioner. Sir Roderic Lyne, our former ambassador to Russia, suggests Truss might follow the example of Alec Douglas-Home after his 14 months in No 10: 'Perhaps she could take up salmon fishing like Douglas-Home. It goes down very well with a wee dram.' What a bunch of heels Labour MPs were cock-a-hoop after Prime Minister's Questions last week amid suggestions they had discovered Kemi Badenoch's 'Achilles heel'. They claimed they could see the Tory leader had forgotten to remove a 'bargain sale' label from the sole of one her shoes. Quipped one Labourite: 'She must know she's on the way out and will soon lose that nice extra salary as Opposition leader. She's already cutting back on essentials!' But is this yet another Labour dirty trick? The Tory leader's office certainly thinks so. The footwear was from M&S, said a source. And there was no such 'bargain' tag upon them. Flushed with Labour's surprise success in last week's Scottish Parliament by-election, party insiders know who to thank for victory over the SNP. 'Virtually every Labour MP came up to campaign in Hamilton. The only one who didn't was Keir Starmer – so it definitely was Keir 'wot won it',' sniped one. Labour historians noted that the Govan shipyard, where Starmer outlined his defence strategy last week, was earmarked for closure by the Heath Tory government in 1971. It was saved after a 'work-in' organised by Communist union leaders Jimmy Airlie and Jimmy Reid. Lefty Labour MPs grumble that the massive expansion in defence spending, which will benefit the Govan yard, will be paid for by trimming benefits – the sort of cuts those Communist diehards would have fought to resist. Labour MP Markus Campbell-Savours may now sport a Trotskyite beard, but he wants reform of the House of Lords to be delayed. Young Markus should perhaps have declared a family interest. His father Dale, a former Labour MP, is now a life peer. The status quo suits the Campbell-Savours family just fine. Meanwhile, peers are feathering their nests. Last week they increased their hotel expenses allowance from £103 to £125 a night. That's well above the rate of inflation.
