Doctor Who Randomized Rewatch: The Time of Angels

DW "The Time of Angels"

Classic Doctor Who is built on cliffhangers. And to agree with Misery's Annie Wilkes on one point, there is an art to good cliffhangers in serial storytelling. "The Time of Angels" ends with one of my favorites in the series, to the point where in college I would watch the last couple minutes of this episode on a loop. Backed into a corner, the Doctor gives one of his best grandstanding monologues, ending with the punctuation of a bang.

The rest of the episode leading up to that end is excellent as well, filled with efficient setpieces (the spectacular rescue of River in the TARDIS, Amy and the screen-based Weeping Angel) and effective ensemble dynamics (Alex Kingston lights up the screen as River and Iain Glen gives gravitas to the paradoxical character of Father Octavian). "The Time of Angels" was the first episode recorded for Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, so the ease of their performances is remarkable.

Of course Steven Moffat wanted to bring back his Weeping Angels, the monsters that made such a big splash in "Blink". He also trots out a previous trick he came up with, having Bob's re-animated consciousness hauntingly linger on, just as victims' dying thoughts were looped in the "Silence in the Library" story. But Moffat one-ups that here, keeping Bob conversational with the Doctor, relaying the taunts of the Angels with a deliberately flat intonation. "I died in fear", he bluntly and casually informs the Doctor, enraging the trapped Time Lord.

Something I'm of two minds about is the sound editing and music that gives a sting to virtually every Angel or Angel statue appearance in the episode. It heightens the horror stakes, but it also feels obvious, like it's the consequence of aiming your horror at a family audience. I can forgive it, but it is the one criticism I have here.

"The Time of Angels" is a fresh, exciting Doctor Who nightmare that rollicks along like a ghost train with a full head of steam. However off-the-rails parts of the Eleventh Doctor's era would eventually jump, in this episode at least everything is cooking with gas. 10/10.