Ep 7. The Rings of Akhaten

The Doctor returns to his companion Clara's present-day London to take her on a trip to explore the universe. After landing on a planet called Akhaten, they discover a civilization of aliens who worship a god-like creature called the Grandfather. The Doctor and Clara become embroiled in a tangled web of corruption and deceit as they try to discover the source of the Grandfather's power and free the enslaved people of Akhaten.

The episode is a visually stunning journey through an alien world, with vibrant colors and intricate sets bringing the civilization of Akhaten to life. The Doctor and Clara must navigate through the crowds of worshippers, dodge exotic aliens, and avoid the dangerous creatures that roam the planet. They soon discover that the source of the Grandfather's power is a series of rings that contain the memories and emotions of generations of Akhaten's inhabitants.

As the Doctor and Clara delve deeper into Akhaten's secrets, they learn that the rings contain the memories of billions upon billions of beings throughout the universe, linked together in a vast network of emotion and experience. The sheer scope of the rings' power is staggering, and the weight of their responsibility is crushing.

The Doctor and Clara must work together to rescue the enslaved people of Akhaten and stop the Grandfather before he can absorb the memories of countless beings. Along the way, they encounter a young girl named Mary who has been entrusted with the task of singing a sacred song to the Grandfather to keep him asleep. The pressure of this responsibility proves too much for Mary, and she flees, leaving the fate of the universe in the hands of the Doctor and Clara.

The episode is a masterful exploration of the themes of memory, emotion, and the interconnectedness of all things. It boldly delves into the mystical and spiritual aspects of the Doctor Who universe, challenging both the characters and the audience to contemplate the limits of their own understanding. The performances of Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman are superb as always, with their charming banter and dynamic chemistry on full display.

Overall, The Rings of Akhaten is a stunning and thought-provoking episode of Doctor Who that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled. It is a testament to the show's enduring ability to explore profound ideas and complex themes while still delivering thrilling action and adventure.