Doctor Who Series 7, Episode 5 Review: The Angels Take Manhattan

What did you think of this episode?

• Sonic!
• Good!
• Bumpy-wumpy!
• Exterminate!

The Angels Take Manhattan marks the emotional end of Amy and Rory's journey in the Doctor Who universe, and the episode certainly hits hard when it comes to its final moments, but did it hit hard enough in the build up, find out in my review.

First up, can I just say, the Weeping Angel babies are a nice addition. Creepy mother hubbards!!!

The Weeping Angels are pretty well used here, not at their terrifying best, but good nonetheless. The setting of New York in the 1930's is atmospheric, adding to the gravity of the situation.

I also loved the use of the book, the dangers of reading ahead, and using the chapters to lead the way - plus upset the Doctor.

"He went to get coffee and turned up in a book. How does that happen?"

However, while I appreciated the episode in general, and the build up and flourish of Amy and Rory’s farewell, there were some aspects that didn’t quite sit right with me. River Song, though an integral part of the story and the Pond's in general, felt like she overshadowed Amy and Rory’s final moments. River's presence - as is often the case - diverted the attention away from what I was watching the episode for.

I always felt like once it was revealed that River was Amy and Rory's daughter her character was a bit spoilt, the mystery had gone, and I wasn't invested anymore.

"Sorry I’m late, honey. Traffic was hell."

As for Amy and Rory’s relationship, I’ve always struggled to fully buy into it. Amy's behaviour often came across as cruel, the amount of times she told people and Rory to 'shut up' was grating and Rory just took it and was far too wet. The times Arthur Darvill shone were when he was fighting back against Amy or the Doctor being a dick, and the times when Karen shined was when she was playing the lost, little girl that never quite grew up.

I say it all the time, but Amy tried to shag the Doctor the night before the wedding, she also tried to snog him on her wedding day, in front of Rory and everyone there. Not cool Amy, not cool!

Still, the episode’s emotional punch hit hard for those who were invested in Amy and Rory’s story, and it was certainly a fitting, though bittersweet, end for them.

This gave me Wilf knocking four times vibes - the battle was won, everyone was alright and then wham! Bringing Amelia back was a nice touch, and that final scene is so good. I just feel like the episode could’ve benefited from a little more focus on the Ponds themselves, rather than the added drama of River’s involvement. Oh and I really didn't buy the Statue of Liberty!!!

RATING: Sonic!

BEST LINE: "Hello, old friend. And here we are. You and me, on the last page. By the time you read these words, Rory and I will be long gone. So know that we lived well and were very happy. And above all else, know that we will love you always. Sometimes I do worry about you though. I think once we’re gone you won’t be coming back here for awhile. And you might be alone. Which you should never be. Don’t be alone, Doctor. And do one more thing for me. There’s a little girl waiting in a garden. She’s going to wait a long while, so she’s going to need a lot of hope. Go to her. Tell her a story. Tell her that if she’s patient, the days are coming that she’ll never forget. Tell her she’ll go to see and fight pirates. She’ll fall in love with a man who’ll wait two thousand years to keep her safe. Tell her she’ll give hope to the greatest painter who ever lived. And save a whale in outer space. Tell her, this is the story of Amelia Pond. And this is how it ends."

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