Doctor Who season 6 episode 8 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
In 1938 Berlin, Mels, a friend of Amy and Rory, crashes the TARDIS into Hitler's office, inadvertently saving him. Mels, revealed as Melody Pond, regenerates into River Song and attempts to kill the Doctor, having been conditioned for this purpose. The Doctor, poisoned, is saved by River, who sacrifices her regenerations. Amy and Rory struggle with the revelation of their daughter's future. The episode explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the complexities of time-travel relationships.
Full Episode S06E08 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mels?
Mels is a friend of Amy and Rory who regenerates into River Song.
How does River Song first appear?
River Song first appears after Mels regenerates in Berlin, 1938.
What is the Teselecta?
The Teselecta is a time-traveling robot operated by a miniaturized crew, designed to punish war criminals.
Why does River Song try to kill the Doctor?
River Song was conditioned and brainwashed to kill the Doctor.
How does the Doctor get poisoned?
The Doctor is poisoned by River Song with a kiss.
What happens to Hitler in the episode?
Hitler is locked in a cupboard by Rory and largely ignored for the rest of the episode.
Do Amy and Rory know River Song is their daughter?
Yes, Amy and Rory learn that River Song is their daughter, Melody Pond.
How does River Song save the Doctor?
River Song saves the Doctor by sacrificing all her remaining regenerations.
What is River Song's purpose in the episode?
River Song's purpose is to fulfill her programming to kill the Doctor but she ultimately chooses to save him.
How are Amy and Rory miniaturized?
Amy and Rory are miniaturized by a ray to enter the Teselecta.
What is the Doctor's reaction to his impending death?
The Doctor tries to find a way to survive and save Amy and Rory.
What does the Teselecta do with war criminals?
The Teselecta extracts war criminals near the end of their timelines to punish them.
What is River Song's fate at the end of the episode?
River Song is taken to a hospital to recover after using her regenerations to save the Doctor.
Why does River decide to study archaeology?
River decides to study archaeology to find and learn more about the Doctor.
What is the importance of the Teselecta in Doctor Who lore?
The Teselecta introduces a method of time-travel justice and plays a role in the story of River Song and the Doctor.