The Time of Angels

While the return of an old Who-villain didn't quite work in last week's "Victory of the Daleks", the comeback of the Weeping Angels in this episode is brilliant. First introduced in the season 3 episode "Blink", the Angels again warrant a tantalizing 40 minutes, firmly reasserting their position as the most terrifying creatures of the revived series. Being the first half of a two-parter, it is too early to tell if the plot will match Blink's delightful ingenuity, but it certainly had me on the edge of my seat again for the whole length of the episode.

Another return is that of River Song, the Doctor's future wife, first seen in season 4's "Silence in the Library", and another of Steven Moffat's brainchilds. It seems Moffat has a fondness for strong sassy female characters. In itself there is nothing wrong with this, but the combined forces of River and companion Amy Pond do have the potential to become something of an overdose. Overall River's presence is interesting for the greater story of the Doctor, with some plot revelations hinted at (perhaps for the second part) but as a character she doesn't add much to the episode, especially with Amy already filling the role of the feisty female. This never actually becomes disturbing, however, with every minute filled with action and suspense that will make your heart race like any classic Doctor Who episode, which is what The Time of Angels is.

After Victory of the Daleks, I was somewhat cautious of what the series' future might hold. However, after this episode, my faith has been totally restored. This is, without a doubt, the best episode I've seen so far, since the show's revival in 2005. Brilliantly written, incredibly clever, genuinely terrifying, and a complete joy to watch.

The highlight of this episode, I can't decide; whether it's the Doctor himself, the perfectly cast River Song (played by Alex Kingston), or the Weeping Angels. The Doctor becomes far less bumbling in this episode, and transforms into a much more self-confident, trustworthy character. River also makes a welcome return, bringing to light a chemistry between herself and the Doctor which, for lack of a better word, is brilliant. Like an old married couple, and it's a joy to behold when the Doctor meets his match. River is just as intelligent and as accomplished as himself.

The Weeping Angels, on the other hand, are the opposite. In their debut episode, Blink, they were by far the most frightening creatures in the entire history of Doctor Who. Now, although I was doubtful of it actually being possible, they've become much worse. They gain additional abilities and tricks up their sleeves which make them the ideal villain for a darker-toned episode like this.

On a final note, the production values in this episode are far better, thereby making it a well-conceived episode in a technical light, also.

I seriously recommend this to anybody who's ever taken a shine to Doctor Who, or science fiction in general. This episode is an absolute gem.

Flowing back to the current time line, River Song is so elegant, divine, with a tearful cherub, a tormenting seraph, whose only intent's to consign.

Winding up on Alfava Metraxis, Amy Pond comes to terms with a near miss, but while she's petrified, she is not ossified, let's move on, and for now, we can dismiss.

Venture into the Maze of the Dead, Weeping Angels do not fear to tread, soon with lights blinking out, army clerics in doubt, The Aplans missing a second head.

River Song is back, her return is big, bold and wonderfully over the top, as it should be, hallucinogenic lipstick, red high heels, guns, shades (a STRAIGHT man has written this?) The Doctor takes Amy to a museum and discovers a message left by River, simply 'Hello Sweetie, together with some co ordinates.' River was on board a ship, but has given the Doctor her location, she escapes into the TARDIS. River requests the Doctor to follow the Ship she's just left, as there was something nasty on it. They land on Alfava Metraxis next to the crashed ship, the scene is a disaster. Only one survivor, a Weeping Angel. River is joined by warrior monks, Amy stares at an image of the Angel, but something worrying happens, as an image of an angel itself becomes an Angel, she has something in her eye. All go into the maze of the dead, a fabulous cavern adorned with fabulous statues, the Angel is hidden somewhere inside, or is it?

The video effects of the Weeping Angel looks so good, very iconic. Amy's staring at the Angel is so creepy.

Big story, big effects, big everything, it's just brilliant. Nice to finally have a follow up to Blink. After the atrocious Victory of the Daleks, this has been a huge return to form, I honestly cannot highlight a fault. A humdinger of a cliffhanger too, could not wait for the conclusion.

By far this is the best episode of the new series so far.

After last weeks VERY disappointing Dalek episode on seeing the Weeping Angels were back i immediately got my hopes up for this episode. I wasn't disappointed.

I don't care if people call me a wuss, but i found the Angels extremely sinister and without spoiling it, the one scene with Amy and the Angel made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

Let's hope this has raised the bar now and the new series continues to be on a par with this.

Matt Smith and Karen Gillan are doing a great job in their roles, the chemistry between them is great.

Blink was an amazing piece of television, a premise for this. No more Star Wars rip offs like previous weeks, this was far more original.

Each character had their part and each truly shone. Reminds you what Doctor Who is about and why it sets the standard for any other sci-fi show in the world.