A Recap of the Turbulent "The Interstellar Song Contest" Episode of Doctor Who

This week’s episode of Doctor Who, "The Interstellar Song Contest," was marked by a plethora of events that were as questionable as they were plentiful. The episode’s attempt to tackle a myriad of themes, from genocide to the morality of revenge, resulted in a narrative that was both jarring and disjointed.

A Eurovision-Inspired Setting with a Dark Twist

The episode takes place in a futuristic, interstellar setting inspired by the Eurovision Song Contest. However, the festivities are marred by a horrific incident in which 100,000 people are sucked into space, only to be later revealed as having survived the ordeal. This event sets the tone for a complex exploration of the consequences of violence and the morality of revenge.

A Tone that Struggles to Find its Footing

One of the primary issues with "The Interstellar Song Contest" is its tone, which veers wildly between campy humor and graphic violence. The episode’s inability to strike a balance between these two extremes results in a narrative that feels disjointed and unsure of itself. This tonal inconsistency is particularly evident in the Doctor’s characterization, as he shifts from a lighthearted, comedic figure to a vengeful, almost cruel, individual.

A Messy Allegory with Unclear Intentions

The episode’s allegory, which draws parallels between the fictional genocide of the Hellions and real-world conflicts, is murky and open to interpretation. While the episode attempts to convey a message about the cyclical nature of violence and the importance of finding alternative solutions, its execution is hindered by a lack of clarity and nuance. The Doctor’s actions, in particular, are problematic, as they seem to justify violence as a means of achieving justice.

A Hypocritical Message

The episode’s message, which appears to condemn violence as a necessary evil, is hypocritical given the Doctor’s own history of perpetuating violence in the name of justice. This inconsistency undermines the episode’s themes and raises questions about the morality of the Doctor’s actions.

A Note on the Context of the Episode’s Release

The episode’s release coincides with the actual Eurovision Song Contest, which has been marred by controversy and protests in recent years. While the episode’s script was written over a year ago, the production team had ample opportunity to reconsider the narrative in light of current events. Instead, the episode’s release serves as a reminder of the show’s struggles to engage with progressive values in a meaningful way.

The Return of the Rani

The episode’s final reveal, which introduces the villainous Rani, is a highlight of the episode. The Rani’s campy charm and over-the-top personality make her a compelling addition to the show. However, the handling of her return is marred by the episode’s overall tonal messiness and the feeling that her reveal is a distraction from the episode’s more pressing issues.

Conclusion

Ultimately, "The Interstellar Song Contest" is an episode that struggles to find its footing. While it attempts to tackle complex themes and ideas, its execution is marred by a lack of clarity, nuance, and consistency. The episode’s tone is disjointed, and its message is hypocritical and unclear. Despite the excitement of the Rani’s return, the episode’s flaws outweigh its redeeming qualities, making it a disappointing addition to the Doctor Who franchise.

Looking Ahead

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