There are many things about the God Complex that I wasn't expecting. That's part of the advantage of avoiding spoilers. I was expecting the Minotaur. After all, he's been in all the promo pictures. But I wasn't expecting the Horns Of Nimon reference. Nor was I expecting another nod to Curse Of Fenric. I mean, twice in one season? Who knew?
But of course the main thing that I think no one was expecting was the way it ended.
I mean of all the things to do part way through a series, writing out the companions? And just before we're entering finale time? Audacious. Well, almost. I don't think they're quiet as gone as they could be, but then that's what makes this particular parting work quite well. There's always the potential for the characters to return. Particularly since they're on the cast list for the remaining episodes and Christmas special. But shush, I'm trying to enjoy the moment.
Anyway, what can we say about the story here? Well, we could say "It's fucking good". Because, basically, it is. This is, in my humble opinion, a classic slice of Doctor Who. We have it all. Big concept ideas, scary set pieces, a slow and effective reveal of the monster, darkness, death, nightmares, great characters and a fair degree of tragic ambiguity. It's a fantastic thing you get from time to time in Doctor Who, where the monster is defeated but you can't help but feel sorry for it. Obviously this was tried in last years Vincent & The Doctor, but I think it's even better realised here.
There's just so much to enjoy here. The atmosphere is nicely creepy and claustrophobic. The detail shown in the photos of the complexes former victims is great fun. All done in the school photo style, but there's a Silurian, a Tritovore, and what could be either a Hoix or maybe a Weevil. Spot the prop is always a fun game to play.
I think it's the central idea here that really captures my imagination. What if you had an advanced society that actually did have a god, but they didn't want or need it any more. What would they do with it? Imprison it forever in space seems to be the answer, but you do have to wonder what sort of society thinks it's okay to feed other people to the beast. But then that's atheists for you, we're arrogant and have no morals after all.
I suppose, if one was feeling churlish there are maybe a couple of points that could be criticised. Firstly there's the gorilla of course. But honestly, how much of the budget are you going to blow on a 5 second appearance? The there's the abruptness of the creatures death at the end, which did come on a bit sudden. But I'm not an expert on the feeding cycles of ancient alien mind parasites with a death wish, so I'm not even going to bring the subject up.
An interesting swan song for the Ponds (although is it really?) and a somewhat unexpected turn for the Doctor, as he's being forced to grow up a bit. Not that it'll last mind you, as Matt Smiths Doctor is just far too much FUN, but it's nice to see him really developing those darker edges and practising his serious face.
Which he's going to need pretty soon. One more episode and then it's time to die.
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