vivdunstan

Onto a key episode, and one of my two all-time favourite Eleventh Doctor stories. My other favourite follows it immediately, so I'm interested to see how on this rewatch I rate them relative to each other - I often alternate between them as my absolute favourite, unable to settle firmly on just one. Given how significant the events of this episode are I'm going to put most of my discussion into spoiler space. This is an episode of many parts, some working better than others, and sometimes tonally a bit jarring. However it boils down to the power of love, and never before - not even in The Girl Who Waited - was Amy and Rory's love for each other clearer to see. The framing structure of the Melody Malone novel works well, and the New York setting is a fresh change, and a good combination with the returning Weeping Angels. But ultimately it's a tragedy, with an unavoidable ending, but with twists and turns galore on the way there. River and the Doctor's marriage is also contrasted with that of her parents. Lots of flirting and strong emotions on display, but often a lack of honesty, genuine communication and commitment. True emotion was too often sacrificed for wise cracks. Also a disturbingly angry Doctor at times. Another area where the story was weaker for me was River's interaction with her parents. But as a companion farewell it was a standout story. And still packs a punch on rewatch.