We find ourselves in familiar territory on this weeksDoctor Who.
But lets do as River Song would advise and not skip aheadjustyet.
In a literal race against the clock, the Doctor surprisingly agrees with Chinas decision to attack the pyramid.
Credit: Simon Ridgway/BBC America
He instructs Russia and America to do so as well.
Because a coordinated attack will show that the Earth is united against this threat.
But that doesnt work.
Simon Ridgway/BBC America
The pyramid literally pulls a plane out of the sky, and a submarine out of the water.
So then they go to Plan B: Negotiation.
However, thats unsuccessful as well.
The monks use this to model the Earths future as they attempt to stop a catastrophe.
And because his agreement came from a place of fear instead of love, hes disintegrated.
(Looks likesomeonereadHow to Win Friends and Influence People.)
Plan C is agreeing to a three-country truce.
But when that doesnt work the Doctor realizes this whole pyramid deal has been one big misdirect.
It isnt World War 3 thats going to end the world.
Its a bacteria-related mistake.
Therefore it must be on a watch list.
(Last weeks solution was emailing.
So I guess the moral is Never underestimate simple technological functions, kids.)
So they decide to go give their consent.
The Doctor sends Bill with them, while he and Nardole follow his latest idea.
Their plan works as the monk creatures turn the feed of the lab theyaremonitoring back on.
(The sonic screwdriver can only tell him what the combination might be.
It cant enter it.)
Good news though: the Doomsday Clock is reversing itself.
But thats not the main thrust of this weeks hour.
And somewhere unnoticed, in silence or in darkness, it has already begun.).
(And because hes a gift from River.)
But his potential loss is a good reminder of how integral hes become to this trio.
I especially enjoyed seeing Bill and Nardole consult each other on the Doctors behavior.
Though I guess well find out next week now that theyre in charge.
Not to mention the countless number of times hes saved us.)
As for the monks takeover, Im actually excited about it.
Itll also be fun to see the Doctor go up against such a powerful foe.
(Unless it was meant to be a misdirect about what would cause the Doctors regeneration.)
But for now, Im glad the Doctor can see.
Noteveryoneis suited for adventures in time and space.
Lastly, as Ive noted in previous recaps, this seasons themes seem to be more political than ever.
And this episode was no different, especially with Bill commenting that the President is too orange for her.
It couldnt be out of fear or strategy.
We, or at least Bill, had to totally want it.
Its an interesting use of global domination as a metaphor, and I think it actually worked.
In any case, next weeks episode looks exceedingly interesting.
Its only a shamewecant speed up our clocks to get there.
