Event television is a term often associated with shows that spark widespread discussion, and few series achieve this better than Doctor Who. The series six premiere, “The Impossible Astronaut,” took this concept to a new level by seemingly killing off the Doctor himself within the first few minutes. This bold move, heavily teased in the lead-up to the season, immediately set the stage for what promised to be a thrilling and unpredictable run of Doctor Who series six.
Doctor Who Series Six cast featuring Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, and Alex Kingston.
The episode opens with the shocking assassination of a future incarnation of the Doctor (Matt Smith) by a mysterious astronaut. This dramatic opening throws the Doctor’s companions – Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill), and River Song (Alex Kingston) – into disarray. However, in true Doctor Who fashion, things are not as straightforward as they seem. The Doctor of the present timeline is alive and unaware of his apparent future demise, setting up a captivating paradox that drives the narrative of “The Impossible Astronaut” and hints at the complex storylines to come in Doctor Who series six. This premiere episode immediately grabs the viewer, delivering a punch to the gut and signaling a season packed with twists and turns.
The narrative quickly moves from this shocking opening to Washington D.C. in 1969, the year of the moon landing. President Richard Nixon is plagued by unsettling phone calls from a child named Jefferson, who ominously warns him about a spaceman lurking nearby. Summoned by these strange events, the TARDIS crew, along with cool and collected government agent Canton Delaware III (played with aplomb by Mark Sheppard), are drawn into a mystery that leads them to Cape Canaveral. Here, they discover that the impending moon mission is intertwined with a terrifying alien force known only as the Silence. This historical backdrop of the moon landing adds another layer of intrigue to the episode, seamlessly blending science fiction with real-world events, a hallmark of Doctor Who series six.
Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor contemplates the mysteries of Doctor Who Series Six.
Matt Smith continues to solidify his portrayal of the Eleventh Doctor in this episode. Despite a crowded TARDIS, each character is given ample opportunity to shine and contribute to the unfolding mystery. Smith masterfully embodies the Doctor’s eccentricities, seamlessly transitioning from light-hearted humor to moments of profound darkness. He portrays a Doctor burdened by unseen knowledge and wrestling with complex moral dilemmas. This duality, the cheerful exterior masking a deeper, more troubled interior, is a defining characteristic of Smith’s Doctor and is further explored throughout Doctor Who series six. His ability to switch between whimsical and intensely serious is a key strength, making his Doctor both relatable and enigmatic.
Amy Pond, who played a central role in Series 5, takes a step back from being the absolute center of the universe, yet still faces significant personal challenges. Her revelation of her pregnancy to the Doctor adds a new dimension to her character and raises intriguing questions about her future. This storyline provides a personal stake for Amy and introduces a potentially significant arc for Doctor Who series six. Will her pregnancy impact her adventures in the TARDIS, or will it lead to a more permanent departure by the season’s end?
Rory Williams also continues his character development, evolving beyond the initially skeptical boyfriend into a brave and resourceful companion. Arthur Darvill expertly portrays Rory’s growth, making him a likable and integral part of the TARDIS team. Despite his often-comedic reactions to danger, Rory consistently demonstrates courage and loyalty. “The Impossible Astronaut” showcases this evolution, highlighting his bravery and quick wit amidst the chaos.
The terrifying Astronaut villain in Doctor Who Series Six episode ‘The Impossible Astronaut’.
River Song, a recurring and enigmatic figure, is finally given more narrative weight in this episode. Her poignant conversation with Rory, where she speaks of her love for the Doctor and the tragic inevitability of a day when he will no longer recognize her, is a standout moment. Alex Kingston delivers a powerful and emotionally resonant performance, adding depth and mystery to River Song’s already complex persona. This scene hints at the larger, overarching storyline of Doctor Who series six and the intertwined destinies of the Doctor and River.
“The Impossible Astronaut” boasts a cinematic quality, particularly enhanced by its American setting. The visuals are striking, from the vast Utah desert to the iconic imagery of the 1960s. The opening Viking funeral scene, set against a stunning sunset, is particularly memorable, demonstrating the episode’s strong visual direction and production values.
Steven Moffat, the lead writer and producer, addresses criticisms of reusing familiar tropes by introducing a truly terrifying new monster: the Silence. While some viewers may find recurring elements predictable, Moffat consistently proves his mastery of creating genuinely frightening concepts. Doctor Who, at its heart, retains its roots as a show that can captivate and scare younger audiences. The Silence are a testament to this, tapping into primal fears and delivering a chilling new threat for Doctor Who series six.
The Silence, a chilling new monster introduced in Doctor Who Series Six, are creatures you instantly forget.
Resembling a disturbing cross between the Men in Black and Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” the Silence are visually unsettling and conceptually terrifying. Their ability to be instantly forgotten upon looking away creates a constant sense of unease and paranoia. The fleeting glimpses of the Silence throughout the episode are genuinely jump-inducing, making them one of the most memorable and disturbing creations in recent Doctor Who history. Their purpose and long-term impact on Doctor Who series six remain shrouded in mystery, adding to the anticipation for future episodes.
“The Impossible Astronaut” is a tightly packed and expertly crafted season premiere. Moffat skillfully juggles multiple plot threads, establishing the Doctor’s impending death, Amy’s pregnancy, and the deepening mystery surrounding River Song, all within a single episode. Toby Haynes’ direction is superb, and the balanced screen time given to each of the four main characters contributes to the episode’s success. While many questions remain unanswered, this premiere episode sets a high bar for Doctor Who series six, leaving viewers eagerly awaiting the next installment.
This episode makes it clear that Doctor Who series six will have significant and lasting consequences. Moffat appears to be crafting a narrative where the Doctor is more vulnerable than ever before, facing potentially his darkest and most challenging days. The introduction of the Astronaut and the Silence, coupled with the Doctor’s apparent death, immediately establishes a higher sense of stakes and danger. This shift away from the perception of the Doctor as invincible is a welcome development, adding depth and tension to the series.
“The Impossible Astronaut” is a thrilling and unsettling start to Doctor Who series six. The episode masterfully weaves together intriguing plot threads, introduces compelling new villains, and delivers genuine shocks. With its cinematic scope and strong character work, this premiere promises a dark, twisty, and unforgettable season for Doctor Who.
Rating: 8 out of 10
All Photos Credit: BBC America
