The God Complex

"There's a room here for everyone."

Writer: Toby Whithouse 

Format: TV 

Broadcast: 17th September 2011

Series: 6.11

Featuring: Eleventh Doctor, Amy, Rory 

Synopsis 

The Doctor, Amy and Rory get trapped in what appears to be a 1980s hotel. But there, a Minotaur roams and he feasts on those who become subjected to their biggest fear, which lies behind one of the hotel room doors. 

Verdict 

The God Complex was a strong episode to continue the Series 6 rewatch of the modern era! An eery 1980s hotel that's actually alien is a fine place for a Doctor Who episode and I like the twist of each room containing your biggest fear. And of course there was a room for everyone, including the Doctor. I think it's a shame that we don't get to see what is inside the Doctor's room and it's also left a little ambiguous regarding whether the Weeping Angels were for Amy which is both fun and annoying. Rory seeing the exit because he didn't have any faith was a nice revelation when the Doctor came to working out what was actually happening at the alien hotel, and I also loved how it was Amy's faith in the Doctor that was keeping the Minotaur well fed. It was hunting for that and the Doctor had mistakenly ensured that Amy was only thinking of her belief in the Doctor. It was an emotional episode for sure and I loved the pictures on the wall depicting past victims befalling to the Minotaur. A Sontaran's biggest fear being defeat was magnificent, but also what was with the Silurian in a suit? I'm not sure that's an image on the wall I've noticed before and it was just a little odd to be honest! It was fun to see numerous species we've encountered before though. I thought Rita was a superb character and it was no surprise the Doctor took a shine to her and her intelligence. The fact she had to sacrifice herself at the end was a really emotional moment and the Doctor was genuinely upset. She deserved better. I thought the Minotaur as the means for being praised and the heart of the hotel was interesting for sure. It's a strange choice but I did love that we got a mention of them being related to the Nimon. That's the sort of continuity I'm after! There was a good sense of anticipation throughout the episode but that was broken nicely by the fears behind the door. Howie was a good little character and I thought his fear being a number of girls mocking him was a little harsh and sad. I thought the Doctor dealt with that nicely and with respect. The Doctor's relationship with the Tivolian was intriguing and I really didn't remember him being so harsh! David Walliams played the role very well and with a good sense of humour, and their entire concept of being a species that welcomed and even thrived on being conquered was just weird. But in a good way. The Doctor was less than impressed when he let the Minotaur ravage though. That was a strong Doctor moment. Speaking of Doctor moments though, the highlight of the entire episode for both Gemma and I was the hilarity in which the Doctor instantly takes a shining to Rita and tells Amy that she is fired! That was such good comedic value and happened so quick. Talk about an arrival! The true fate of the Minotaur and it just needing to be let go and not have anything to feed on was good and when he was all out of supply, the hotel vanished and all was put back. The Doctor would offer everyone a way home in the TARDIS to round things out nicely. The ending with the Doctor saving Amy and Rory and going off by himself is a little out of nowhere, but I do think this kind of thing would have been a fitting sendoff for them. Of course they'll be back for the finale though! Overall, a strong episode! 

Rating: 8/10