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{{Infobox Story
{{Infobox Story SMW
| name      = The God Complex
| image          = The God Complex.jpg
| image          = God_complex_main_image.jpg
|series           = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]]
|series         = [[Doctor Who television stories|''Doctor Who'' television stories]]
| season number  = Series 6 (Doctor Who 2005)
| season number  = [[Series 6 (Doctor Who)|6]]
|series episode number = 11
| story number    = 221
| story number    = 222
| doctor          = Eleventh Doctor
| doctor          = Eleventh Doctor
| companions      = [[Amy Pond|Amy]], [[Rory Williams|Rory]]
| companions      = [[Amy Pond|Amy]], [[Rory Williams|Rory]]
| featuring      = [[Rita]], [[Gibbis]]
| featuring      =  
| enemy          = [[Minotaur (The God Complex)|The Minotaur]]
| enemy          = [[Minotaur (The God Complex)|Minotaur]]
| setting        = [[Prison ship (The God Complex)|Prison ship]]
| setting        = [[God Complex|Prison ship]]
| writer          = [[Toby Whithouse]]
| writer          = Toby Whithouse
|confidential= Heartbreak Hotel (CON episode)
|confidential     = Heartbreak Hotel (CON episode)
| director        = [[Nick Hurran]]
| director        = [[Nick Hurran]]
| producer        = [[Marcus Wilson]]
| producer        = [[Marcus Wilson]]
| broadcast date  = [[17 September (releases)|17 September]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]]
| broadcast date  = 17 September 2011
| network        = [[BBC One]]
| network        = BBC One
| format          = 1x50 minute episode
| format          = 1x50 minute episode
| production code = 6.11
| production code = 2.11
| prev            = The Girl Who Waited (TV story)
| prev            = The Girl Who Waited (TV story)
| next            = Closing Time (TV story)
| next            = Closing Time (TV story)
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| clip            = Exclusive Doctor Who Sneak Peek The God Complex
| clip            = Exclusive Doctor Who Sneak Peek The God Complex
| bts            = "The Most Monstrous Character" {{uc:exclusive dw}} Insider, Ep 11
| bts            = "The Most Monstrous Character" {{uc:exclusive dw}} Insider, Ep 11
}}
}}{{you may|The God Complex (reference book)|n1=the reference book of the same name}}
'''''{{StoryTitle}}''''' was the eleventh episode in the [[Series 6 (Doctor Who)|sixth series]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''. It marked the departure of [[Amy Pond]] and [[Rory Williams]] as regular companions after the Doctor decided it was best if they stopped travelling and remained safe. The [[Minotaur (The God Complex)|Minotaur]] in this episode is a rather warped and twisted mirror image of the Doctor himself; even its dying words were directed at him. The negative aspects of the Doctor's personality have been once again brought to the surface, having already given them a manifestation in ''[[Amy's Choice]]'' as the [[Dream Lord]]. His greatest fear is also revisited, but it was purposefully left unknown until ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'', in which it is revealed to be the [[Time Field|cracks in time]].
'''''The God Complex''''' was the eleventh episode of [[Series 6 (Doctor Who 2005)|series 6]] of ''[[Doctor Who]]''.
 
It marked the departure of Amy and Rory as regular companions after the Doctor decided it was best if they stopped travelling and remained safe. The Doctor's [[time field|greatest fear]] is also revisited, but is purposefully left ambiguous until ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]''.
 
This story refers back to the end of ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'', where the Doctor told Amy that knowing that he is just a madman with a box would one day save her life. However, all their adventures together had glamourised the Doctor in Amy's eyes, making him what she believed in the most. It also brought up Rory's initial opinion of the Doctor from ''[[The Vampires of Venice (TV story)|The Vampires of Venice]]'' again, as his suspicions are confirmed that companions ''do'' put themselves in danger to impress him.
 
This story also marks the first time since ''[[Journey's End (TV story)|Journey's End]]'' that the Doctor leaves his companions behind to protect them. Though unlike the previous scenario, the Doctor decides to stop while he's ahead of any potentially harmful outcomes and leave his companions to live out their lives in peace.


== Synopsis ==
== Synopsis ==
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== Plot ==
== Plot ==
A young [[police]]woman, [[Lucy Hayward]], roams the corridors of [[Prison ship (The God Complex)|what appears to be]] a [[1980s]] [[Earth]] [[hotel]]. Each room in the hotel possesses the manifestation of a fear, and each person who comes to the hotel must find his room — after which, he begins to "praise him". Lucy is the last of her companions. Lucy's room contains a giant [[gorilla]] that she once saw in a [[book]] when she was younger; screaming, she backs out of the room. Somewhere in the hotel, a creature awakens. As Lucy continues to write about her fear, she begins to "praise him", and stands in peace as she welcomes the creature to kill her.
A young [[policewoman]], [[Lucy Hayward]], roams the corridors of [[God Complex|what appears to be]] a [[1980s]] [[Earth]] [[hotel]]. Each room in the hotel possesses the manifestation of a fear, and each person who comes to the hotel must find their room — after which, they begin to "praise him". Lucy is the last of her companions. Lucy's room contains a giant [[gorilla]] that she once saw in a [[book]] when she was younger; screaming, she backs out of the room. Somewhere in the hotel, a creature awakens. As Lucy continues to write about her fear, she begins to "praise him", and stands in peace as she welcomes the creature to kill her.


Sometime later, [[the TARDIS]] lands in the same hotel. Once more, the TARDIS hasn't taken the Doctor where he wants to go, which in this case is the planet [[Ravenscala]]. The [[Eleventh Doctor]] is fascinated by their surroundings since, as he informs [[Amy Pond|Amy]] and [[Rory Williams|Rory]], the hotel is not really a hotel at all, but something that someone has made to look like a hotel. There are pictures on the walls of various humans and aliens, each bearing their names and fears. They are suddenly confronted by two Earth humans — [[Rita (The God Complex)|Rita]], a nurse, [[Howie Spragg|Howie]], a computer geek — and [[Gibbis]], a cowardly, mole-like alien from the planet [[Tivoli]].
Sometime later, [[The Doctor's TARDIS|the TARDIS]] lands in the same hotel. Once more, the TARDIS hasn't taken the Doctor where he wants to go, which in this case is the planet [[Ravenscala]]. The [[Eleventh Doctor]] is fascinated by their surroundings since, as he informs [[Amy Pond|Amy]] and [[Rory Williams|Rory]], the hotel is not really a hotel at all, but something that someone has made to look like a hotel. There are pictures on the walls of various humans and aliens including Lucy, each bearing their names and fears. They are suddenly confronted by two Earth humans — [[Rita (The God Complex)|Rita]], a nurse, [[Howie Spragg|Howie]], a computer geek — and [[Gibbis]], a cowardly, mole-like alien from the planet [[Tivoli]].


Rita carefully inspects the TARDIS trio, deducing that because their pupils are dilated, they have no idea what is going on either. The Doctor is immediately impressed by her cleverness and jokes to Amy that Rita will be replacing her as his [[companion]]. Rita explains to the Doctor and his companions that each room in the hotel contains "bad dreams", with Howie adding that the walls twist and move so that you never know where you're going or where you'll end up. This is confirmed when the Doctor tries to take everyone back to the TARDIS only to find that it has disappeared. When the Doctor asks Rita if there are any more people inside the hotel, Rita mentions [[Joe Buchanan|Joe]], who's a bit "tied up". When the Doctor asks what is keeping Joe occupied, Rita retorts, "No, I mean he's tied up."
Rita carefully inspects the TARDIS trio, deducing that because their pupils are dilated, they have no idea what is going on either. The Doctor is immediately impressed by her cleverness and jokes to Amy that Rita will be replacing her as his [[companion]]. Rita explains to the Doctor and his companions that each room in the hotel contains "bad dreams", with Howie adding that the walls twist and move so that you never know where you're going or where you'll end up. This is confirmed when the Doctor tries to take everyone back to the TARDIS only to find that it has disappeared. When the Doctor asks Rita if there are any more people inside the hotel, Rita mentions [[Joe Buchanan|Joe]], who's a bit "tied up". When the Doctor asks what is keeping Joe occupied, Rita retorts, "No, I mean he's tied up."


Rita, Howie, and Gibbis bring the Doctor and his companions to Joe's room, which is full of [[ventriloquist]] dummies. Joe has been tied up by the others inside the room because of his mental instability. Joe informs the Doctor that he is going to die in the hotel; the Doctor jokes, "They certainly didn't mention ''that'' in the brochure!" Trying to get through to Joe, believing him to be possessed by an eternal force, the Doctor learns that "he" is going to feast. He also warns the Doctor that the same thing will happen to him, but that he must first find his room — because there is a room in the hotel for everyone. Rather than leave Joe behind, the Doctor has his chair tied up to a cart so they can wheel him around the hotel while they search for the TARDIS or an exit. He warns the entire group to stay with someone else at all times, and avoid being drawn to a particular room.
Rita, Howie, and Gibbis bring the Doctor and his companions to Joe's room, which is full of ventriloquist dummies. Joe has been tied up by the others inside the room because of his mental instability. Joe informs the Doctor that he is going to die in the hotel; the Doctor jokes, "They certainly didn't mention ''that'' in the brochure!" Trying to get through to Joe, believing him to be possessed by an external force, the Doctor learns that "he" is going to feast. He also warns the Doctor that the same thing will happen to him, but that he must first find his room — because there is a room in the hotel for everyone. Rather than leave Joe behind, the Doctor has his chair tied up to a cart so they can wheel him around the hotel while they search for the TARDIS or an exit. He warns the entire group to stay with someone else at all times, and avoid being drawn to a particular room.


As the group begins searching the hotel, each person begins throwing out his own theories as to what is happening and how they should act on it. Rory is powerless to keep Howie from finding his room, which contains a group of twenty-something girls who mock him for being nerdy and for his stutter. Howie begins to "praise him". Further up the hallway, Amy discovers pages of Lucy Hayward's diary, which the young woman dropped as the beast killed her. She doesn't have time to show the Doctor, however, as the beast can be heard approaching to kill Joe. Rory locates a fire exit, but it goes unseen by everyone else as they scatter into various rooms to hide from the predator. Rita inadvertently enters her own room with Joe to find her father lecturing her about her grades. She also begins to "praise him". Rory, Amy, Gibbis, Howie, and the Doctor enter another room containing two [[Weeping Angel]]s. Amy warns the others not to blink, but the Doctor quickly ascertains that the Angels are not real. He encourages her to set aside her fear, but Rory notes Gibbis' reaction — he hides in a closet — and suggests that maybe the Weeping Angels are not for any of them. The Doctor checks the corridor through the peephole, and finally gets a good view of their enemy: it's a [[Minotaur (The God Complex)|Minotaur]].
As the group begins searching the hotel, each person begins throwing out his own theories as to what is happening and how they should act on it. Rory is powerless to keep Howie from finding his room, which contains a group of twenty-something girls who mock him for being nerdy and for his stutter. Howie begins to "praise him". Further up the hallway, Amy discovers pages of Lucy Hayward's diary, which the young woman had dropped as the beast killed her. She doesn't have time to show the Doctor, however, as the beast can be heard approaching to kill Joe. Rory locates a fire exit, but it goes unseen by everyone else as they scatter into various rooms to hide from the predator. Rita inadvertently enters her own room with Joe to find her father lecturing her about her grades. She also begins to "praise him". Rory, Amy, Gibbis, Howie, and the Doctor enter another room containing two [[Weeping Angel]]s. Amy warns the others not to blink, but the Doctor quickly ascertains that the Angels are not real. He encourages her to set aside her fear, but Rory notes Gibbis' reaction — he hides in a closet — and suggests that maybe the Weeping Angels are not for any of them. The Doctor checks the corridor through the peephole, and finally gets a good view of their enemy: it's a [[Minotaur (The God Complex)|Minotaur]].


In Rita's room, the rope that is binding Joe to his chair comes loose and untied on its own, possibly through some sort of telekinetic energy. Joe runs into the corridor, smiling madly as he asks the Minotaur to come to him. It overpowers him and drags him away, though they are both chased by the Doctor. The Doctor is separated from Joe and the Minotaur in the winding labyrinth of corridors, but later stumbles across Joe's body. The Doctor tries to revive him, but finds that it's no use.
In Rita's room, the rope that is binding Joe to his chair comes loose and untied on its own, possibly through some sort of telekinetic energy. Joe runs into the corridor, smiling madly as he asks the Minotaur to come to him. It overpowers him and drags him away, though they are both chased by the Doctor. The Doctor is separated from Joe and the Minotaur in the winding labyrinth of corridors, but later stumbles across Joe's body. The Doctor tries to revive him but finds that it's no use.


The group returns to the hotel banquet hall with Joe's body, which the Doctor examines. Amy tries to comfort Gibbis by mentioning that she's met the Weeping Angels and thought the room was for her; however, she knows that the Doctor will find a way out of the mess they're in because he's never let her down, not even when she was a child and she thought he'd left her behind. Gibbis smugly mentions that since the Weeping Angels were for him, her room must still be somewhere in the hotel. The thought unnerves her.
The group returns to the hotel banquet hall with Joe's body, which the Doctor examines. Amy tries to comfort Gibbis by mentioning that she's met the Weeping Angels and thought the room was for her; however, she knows that the Doctor will find a way out of the mess they're in because he's never let her down, not even when she was a child and she thought he'd left her behind. Gibbis smugly mentions that since the Weeping Angels were for him, her room must still be somewhere in the hotel. The thought unnerves her.


The Doctor tells Rita that there is no medical explanation for Joe's death — his organs simply stopped, as though all of his faiths and fears were taken from him. Rita confesses that she believes the hotel is [[Jahannam]], the [[Muslim]]s' idea of [[hell]]. She is, however, completely unfazed by this and by the revelation that Gibbis is an alien. The Doctor tries to assure Rita that her theory is incorrect and that she is still alive, but to no avail. Amy recalls Lucy's diary pages and presents them to the Doctor, who reads them as Howie begins to praise the Minotaur. "Praise him." The Minotaur in question awakens at the words.
The Doctor tells Rita that there is no medical explanation for Joe's death — his organs simply stopped, as though all of his faiths and fears were taken from him. Rita confesses that she believes the hotel is [[Jahannam]], the [[Muslim]]s' idea of [[hell]]. She is, however, completely unfazed by this and by the revelation that Gibbis is an alien. The Doctor tries to assure Rita that her theory is incorrect and that she is still alive but to no avail. Amy recalls Lucy's diary pages and presents them to the Doctor, who reads them as Howie begins to praise the Minotaur. "Praise him." The Minotaur in question awakens at the words.


The Doctor promises not to leave Howie, who is afraid of being eaten, though Gibbis angers him by suggesting that perhaps the Minotaur would leave the rest of the group alone if they were to sacrifice Howie to him. Rita nobly offers to stay with Howie, but the Doctor rejects this and berates Gibbis, insisting that "no one else will die today." Theorising that the beast feeds on fear, the Doctor tells the others that they must do whatever they can to fight the fear off, and to dig deep, to find and embrace their faith. As Amy wonders what their next move is, the Doctor slyly explains that they're going to catch the monster.
The Doctor promises not to leave Howie, who is afraid of being eaten, though Gibbis angers him by suggesting that perhaps the Minotaur would leave the rest of the group alone if they were to sacrifice Howie to him. Rita nobly offers to stay with Howie, but the Doctor rejects this and berates Gibbis, insisting that "no one else will die today." Theorising that the beast feeds on fear, the Doctor tells the others that they must do whatever they can to fight the fear off, and to dig deep, to find and embrace their faith. As Amy wonders what their next move is, the Doctor slyly explains that they're going to catch the monster.


Using a speaker through which Howie's voice is projected, the Doctor lures the Minotaur into the hotel [[spa]], as Amy, Rita, and Rory lock the doors from the outside to trap it. The Doctor begins speaking to the Minotaur, who claims that the "warden" takes people and places them in the hotel, which houses "tailored-made hell" for each of its victims. Once confronted by their fear, the victims begin worshipping it. The Minotaur explains that it has lived for so long that it has forgotten its own name. As victims just keep on showing up and its instincts are too hard to resist, the creature has lived a long, miserable life, now consisting purely of instinct and routine. He wishes to end it, and at last get some peace.
[[File:The_Doctor_converses_with_the_Minotaur.jpg|thumb|The Doctor converses with the Minotaur.]]
Using a speaker through which Howie's voice is projected, the Doctor lures the Minotaur into the hotel spa, as Amy, Rita, and Rory lock the doors from the outside to trap it. The Doctor begins speaking to the Minotaur, who claims that the "warden" takes people and places them in the hotel, which houses "tailored-made hell" for each of its victims. Once confronted by their fear, the victims begin worshipping it. The Minotaur explains that it has lived for so long that it has forgotten its own name. As victims just keep on showing up and its instincts are too hard to resist, the creature has lived a long, miserable life, now consisting purely of instinct and routine. He wishes to end it, and at last get some peace.


Meanwhile, Gibbis keeps watch over Howie in the reception area, but Howie taunts Gibbis into releasing him. He freely roams the hotel, drawing the Minotaur — which escapes the spa by knocking Rory out — to him. The Doctor goes off in pursuit. Amy and Rita stay behind to look after Rory, but Amy finds herself drawn to Room 7 and opens the door. Rita is not quick enough to stop her from seeing what lies inside. Meanwhile, the Doctor locates Howie's body; the others arrive shortly after, with Gibbis claiming that Howie got free and overpowered him. The Doctor gives him an angered look of disapproval. Gibbis, guilty, chases after the group in hopes of forgiveness.
Meanwhile, Gibbis keeps watch over Howie in the reception area, but Howie taunts Gibbis into releasing him. He freely roams the hotel, drawing the Minotaur — which escapes the spa by knocking Rory out — to him. The Doctor goes off in pursuit. Amy and Rita stay behind to look after Rory, but Amy finds herself drawn to Room 7 and opens the door. Rita is not quick enough to stop her from seeing what lies inside. Meanwhile, the Doctor locates Howie's body; the others arrive shortly after, with Gibbis claiming that Howie got free and overpowered him. The Doctor gives him an angered look of disapproval. Gibbis, guilty, chases after the group in hopes of forgiveness.
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Later, Rory finds the Doctor admiring Howie's picture, which has been added to the wall alongside the others. Rory admits that he hasn't found his door yet, which the Doctor takes to mean that Rory isn't afraid of anything — something that Rory confirms, saying, "After all the time I spent with you in the TARDIS, what was left to be scared of?" The Doctor sadly notes that Rory spoke in the past tense. Later, they lay Howie's body out in the banquet hall next to Joe's.
Later, Rory finds the Doctor admiring Howie's picture, which has been added to the wall alongside the others. Rory admits that he hasn't found his door yet, which the Doctor takes to mean that Rory isn't afraid of anything — something that Rory confirms, saying, "After all the time I spent with you in the TARDIS, what was left to be scared of?" The Doctor sadly notes that Rory spoke in the past tense. Later, they lay Howie's body out in the banquet hall next to Joe's.


The Doctor meets Rita on the stairwell and informs her that he is close to getting them out of the hotel. When Rita wonders why the Doctor has made it his responsibility to save them — noting that he has quite a "God complex" — the Doctor sadly looks down to Amy, obviously guilty for bring her and Rory to a place where they are in danger. He invites Rita to travel with him once they escape the hotel and leaves her, but after he departs, she begins to "praise him" and goes off on her own.
The Doctor meets Rita on the stairwell and informs her that he is close to getting them out of the hotel. When Rita wonders why the Doctor has made it his responsibility to save them — noting that he has quite a "God complex" — the Doctor sadly looks down to Amy, obviously guilty for bringing her and Rory to a place where they are in danger. He invites Rita to travel with him once they escape the hotel and leaves her, but after he departs, she begins to "praise him" and goes off on her own.


While the Doctor searches for the hotel security room, he stumbles across his own door, Room 11, and is hardly surprised by what he sees inside. Although it is not directly shown, its reflection glints in the corners of his eyes: a [http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/Time_Field familiar white light]. Unlike the others, who heard voices telling them to praise the Minotaur, the Doctor's will proves stronger, allowing him to not fall victim. He appears well aware that this was going to be the fear inside his room all along, and maintains his composure. The Doctor stares at it hauntingly- this fear has troubled him for so long he knows [[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|he will confront it again once and for all]]. He addresses it grimly, "Of course. Who else?" The Doctor quietly shuts the door to his room and tacks a "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on the knob. Rita continues wandering the hotel; when the Doctor finally locates the security room, he spots her on the footage and questions what she's doing. He uses one of the room phones to contact her, realising that she has begun to "praise him" and is now trying to keep everyone safe. Knowing that the Doctor cannot rescue her no matter what, she asks to die in private because she wants him to remember her the way she was — before she was robbed of her faith. As the Minotaur rounds the corner towards her, she hangs up on the Doctor, who heeds her last request and shuts off the security camera just as she is about to be killed.
While the Doctor searches for the hotel security room, he stumbles across his own door, [[Room 11 (The God Complex)|Room 11]], and is hardly surprised by what he sees inside. Although it is not directly shown, its reflection glints in the corners of his eyes: a [[Time Field|familiar white light]]. Unlike the others, who heard voices telling them to praise the Minotaur, the Doctor's will proves stronger, allowing him to not fall victim. He appears well aware that this was going to be the fear inside his room all along, and maintains his composure. The Doctor stares at it hauntingly- this fear has troubled him for so long he knows [[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|he will confront it again once and for all]]. He addresses it grimly, "Of course. Who else?" The Doctor quietly shuts the door to his room and tacks a "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on the knob.


The Doctor, devastated by Rita's death, destroys the hotel lobby in anger while the others listen. He begins to revise his theory, knowing that Rita wasn't afraid of her death and therefore the beast could not possibly feed on fear. Gibbis berates the Doctor for continuing to promise action without result; when Amy jumps to his defence, the Doctor realises the truth.
Rita continues wandering the hotel; when the Doctor finally locates the security room, he spots her on the footage and questions what she's doing. He uses one of the room phones to contact her, realising that she has begun to "praise him" and is now trying to keep everyone safe. Knowing that the Doctor cannot rescue her no matter what, she asks to die in private because she wants him to remember her the way she was — before she was robbed of her faith. As the Minotaur rounds the corner towards her, she hangs up on the Doctor, who heeds her last request and shuts off the security camera just as she is about to be killed.


The Minotaur feeds on faith, not fear. Howie believed in conspiracies, Rita was a devout [[Muslim]], Joe was a gambler who believed in luck, and Gibbis believes in the continued presence of invaders who will tell him what to do. The Doctor has inadvertently helped the Minotaur to thrive by insisting that his companions reject their fear and fall back on their faith, which the Minotaur then takes and converts into a consumable form. He tells a confused Rory that the TARDIS was pulled to the hotel — which is, in fact, an alien prison — because of Amy's faith in the Doctor. Amy suddenly begins to "praise him".
The Doctor, devastated by Rita's death, destroys the hotel lobby in anger while the others listen. He begins to revise his theory, knowing that Rita wasn't afraid of her death and therefore the beast could not possibly feed on fear. Gibbis berates the Doctor for continuing to promise action without result; when Amy jumps to his defence, the Doctor realises the truth; the Minotaur feeds on faith, not fear.


The group flees through the hotel as the Minotaur approaches to take Amy, and find themselves hiding in her room. The Doctor is astonished to see that Amy's fear is a vision of her seven-year-old self waiting for a Doctor that she believes will never return for her. Amy begins to feel the Minotaur changing her, and the Doctor suddenly insists that he can't save her. He laments having stolen her childhood and leading her to her death, which he claims to have always known would happen because it always does. Requesting that she forget her faith in him, he insists that he really is "just a madman with a box" as he'd told her all those years before, and that it's time to see each other as they really are. Calling her Amy Williams, he tells her that it's time for her to stop waiting and grow up. Though the Minotaur has broken into the room, it weakens as Amy's faith in the Doctor is dismantled.  
Howie believed in conspiracies, Rita was a devout [[Muslim]], Joe was a gambler who believed in luck, and Gibbis believes in the continued presence of invaders who will tell him what to do. The Doctor has inadvertently helped the Minotaur to thrive by insisting that his companions reject their fear and fall back on their faith, which the Minotaur then takes and converts into a consumable form. He tells a confused Rory that the TARDIS was pulled to the hotel — which is, in fact, an alien prison — because of Amy's faith in the Doctor. Amy suddenly begins to "praise him".
 
The Doctor, Rory, Gibbis and a slowly-possessed Amy flee through the hotel as the Minotaur gives chase, and find themselves hiding in her room. The Doctor is astonished to see that Amy's fear is a vision of her seven-year-old self waiting for a Doctor that she believes will never return for her. Amy begins to feel the Minotaur changing her, and the Doctor suddenly insists that he can't save her. He laments having stolen her childhood and leading her to her death, which he claims to have always known would happen because it always does. Requesting that she forget her faith in him, he insists that he really is "just a madman with a box" as he'd told her all those years before and that it's time to see each other as they really are. Calling her Amy Williams, he tells her that it's time for her to stop waiting and grow up. Though the Minotaur has broken into the room, it weakens as Amy's faith in the Doctor is dismantled.


The hotel disguise dissolves around them, revealing an automated alien prison cell. The prison floats through space, kidnapping people with belief systems so that their faith may be converted into food for the creature. Amy reminds the Doctor that because the hotel showed him a door, he must believe in something, though he neglects to tell her what this is. The dying Minotaur passes a message to the Doctor, expressing his pity for "an ancient creature drenched in the blood of the innocent", because "for such a creature, death would be a gift." The Doctor believes the Minotaur is referring to itself, but with its dying breath, the Minotaur suggests that it was referring to the Doctor. It subsequently dies, and the group prepares to leave in the TARDIS.
The hotel disguise dissolves around them, revealing an automated alien prison cell. The prison floats through space, kidnapping people with belief systems so that their faith may be converted into food for the creature. Amy reminds the Doctor that because the hotel showed him a door, he must believe in something, though he neglects to tell her what this is. The dying Minotaur passes a message to the Doctor, expressing his pity for "an ancient creature drenched in the blood of the innocent", because "for such a creature, death would be a gift." The Doctor believes the Minotaur is referring to itself, but with its dying breath, the Minotaur suggests that it was referring to the Doctor. It subsequently dies, and the group prepares to leave in the TARDIS.


After dropping Gibbis off, the TARDIS materialises in a neighbourhood in [[21st century]] [[London]]. Stepping outside, the Doctor presents Amy and Rory with keys to one of the houses in the row. While Rory steps inside to fetch champagne, Amy speaks to the Doctor privately, as she knows that he is leaving them behind. When she questions why, the Doctor explains that it's because she's still breathing; he doesn't want to wait until she's dead and he's left standing over their graves. After a tearful goodbye, the Doctor departs. Rory returns in time to see the TARDIS dematerialising, and wonders where the Doctor's gone. Amy merely replies that he is saving them.
[[File:The_Doctor_leaves_Amy_home.jpg|thumb|left|The Doctor says goodbye.]]
After dropping Gibbis off, the TARDIS materialises in a neighbourhood in [[21st century]] [[London]]. Stepping outside, the Doctor presents Amy and Rory with keys to [[Amy Pond and Rory Williams' house (The God Complex)|one of the houses in the row]], with [[Jaguar (car)|Rory's favourite car]] parked outside. While Rory steps inside to fetch champagne, Amy speaks to the Doctor privately, as she knows that he is leaving them behind. When she questions why, the Doctor explains that it's because she's still breathing; he doesn't want to wait until she's dead and he's left standing over their graves. After a tearful goodbye, the Doctor departs. Rory returns in time to see the TARDIS dematerialising, and wonders where the Doctor's gone. Amy merely replies that he is saving them.


"Amy's Theme" plays as she looks out of her bedroom window at the sky. At the same time, an equally sad Doctor looks around his now vacant time machine as he heads off to travel alone.
Amy looks out of her bedroom window at the sky. At the same time, an equally sad Doctor looks around his now vacant time machine as he heads off to travel alone.


== Cast ==
== Cast ==
* [[Eleventh Doctor|The Doctor]] - [[Matt Smith]]
* [[Eleventh Doctor|The Doctor]] - [[Matt Smith]]
* [[Amy Pond]] - [[Karen Gillan]]
* [[Amy Pond]] - [[Karen Gillan]]
* [[Rory Williams]] - [[Arthur Darvill]]
* [[Rory Williams|Rory]] - [[Arthur Darvill]]
* [[Amy Pond|Young Amy]] - [[Caitlin Blackwood]]
* [[Lucy Hayward]] - [[Sarah Quintrell]]
* [[Lucy Hayward]] - [[Sarah Quintrell]]
* [[Rita (The God Complex)|Rita]] - [[Amara Karan]]
* [[Rita (The God Complex)|Rita]] - [[Amara Karan]]
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* [[Joe Buchanan]] - [[Daniel Pirrie]]
* [[Joe Buchanan]] - [[Daniel Pirrie]]
* [[Gibbis]] - [[David Walliams]]
* [[Gibbis]] - [[David Walliams]]
* [[Teacher (The God Complex)|PE teacher]] - [[Dafydd Emyr]]
* [[Teacher (The God Complex)|P.E. teacher]] - [[Dafydd Emyr]]
* [[Minotaur (The God Complex)|The Creature]] - [[Spencer Wilding]]
* [[Minotaur (The God Complex)|The Creature]] - [[Spencer Wilding]]
* [[Rita's father|Rita's Father]] - [[Rashid Karapiet]]
* [[Rita's father]] - [[Rashid Karapiet]]
* [[Amy Pond|Amelia Pond]] - [[Caitlin Blackwood]]
* [[Gorilla]] - [[Roger Ennals]]
* [[Gorilla]] - [[Roger Ennals]]


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|3rdAD=Heddi-Joy Taylor-Welch
|3rdAD=Heddi-Joy Taylor-Welch
|AD=Michael Curtis
|AD=Michael Curtis
|AD2=Janine H Jones
|AD2=Jay Harley{{!}}Janine H Jones <nowiki>[Jay Harley]</nowiki>
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|SupervisingLocationManager=Iwan Roberts<!--new-->
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|ScriptEditor=
|ScriptEditor2=
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|AssistantScriptEditor=Emma Genders
|ScriptExecutive=Lindsey Alford
|ScriptExecutive=Lindsey Alford
|ScriptSupervisor=Elaine Matthews
|ScriptSupervisor=Elaine Matthews
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|KeyGrip=John Robinson
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|CameraAsst=Simon Ridge
|CameraAsst=Simon Ridge
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|ArtDeptCoOrdinator=
|ArtDeptCoOrdinator=
|ArtDeptProdManager=
|ArtDeptProdManager=
|AssociateDesigner=
|AssociateDesigner=James North
|ProductionBuyer=Ben Morris
|ProductionBuyer=Ben Morris (crew){{!}}Ben Morris
|SetDecorator=Julian Luxton
|SetDecorator=Julian Luxton
|PropsBuyer=Adrian Anscombe
|PropsBuyer=Adrian Anscombe
|PettyCashBuyer=Kate Wilson
|PettyCashBuyer=Kate Wilson (crew)
|StandbyArtDirector=Amy Pickwoad
|StandbyArtDirector=Amy Pickwoad
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|PropsChargehand=Rhys Jones (props)
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|AsstEditor=Becky Trotman
|AsstEditor=Becky Trotman
|AsstEditor2=
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|VFXProducer=Beewan Athwal
|VFXEditor=Cat Gregory
|VFXEditor=Cat Gregory
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|VisualFXProducer=Beewan Athwal
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|VisualFXSupervisor=
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|Thanks=
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|DedicatedTo=<!--This exact credit never actually used as of April 2010; left for future use-->
|DedicatedTo=<!--This exact credit never actually used as of April 2010; left for future use-->
|InMemoryOf=
|InMemoryOf=
|Note=
|Note=[[Jay Harley]] was credited under their [[T:ACTOR#Crediting trans people|deadname]] as [[assistant director]].
<!--There are note variables from Note2 to Note20, but these are probably only necessary for the odd case of "The End of Time".  This set of variables are the only ones which aren't automatically linked; it's just a freeform note field.  All Notes mass together in a single paragraph at the end of the table created by this template.  Thus, each individual note should be a full sentence ending with a period, and should have any links enclosed in [[brackets]].
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== References ==
== Worldbuilding ==
 
=== Locations ===
* The Doctor mentions [[Majorca]].
 
=== Cultural references from the real world ===
=== Cultural references from the real world ===
* Joe sings, "Here comes a candle to light you to bed, here comes a chopper to chop off your head". This is from the centuries-old nursery rhyme [[Oranges and Lemons]].
* One of the girls from Howie's room asks Howie, "What's 'loser' in K-K-K-[[Klingon (language)|Klingon]]?"
* One of the girls from Howie's room mentions the {{w|Klingon}}s.
* The 1980s hotel setting is similar to the one in {{wi|The Shining (film)|The Shining}}.
* A shapeshifting prison plucking individuals out of their lives is a similar premise to that of {{wi|Cube (film)|Cube}}.
* The Doctor runs back and forth through the shifting hallways and doors of the hotel, reminiscent of the chase scenes in Friz Freleng and  {{w|Scooby-Doo}} cartoons.
* A constantly changing maze, with a Minotaur on the inside, is reminiscent of the experimental novel ''The House of Leaves''.
* The room in which the Doctor talks to the Minotaur is called "The Pasiphaë Spa". According to Greek mythology, Pasiphaë had given birth to the Minotaur after falling in love with a bull.
* Godzilla's roar is heard.


=== Foods and beverages ===
=== Foods and beverages ===
* The Doctor now appears to enjoy [[apple]]s. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')
* The Doctor now appears to enjoy [[apple]]s.


=== The Doctor ===
=== The Doctor ===
* The Doctor says he led Amy "by her hand to her death", saying it always happens. It's a reference to how his companions always leave him if they do not choose to leave of their own will.
* The distinct sound of the [[Cloister Bell]] can be heard in the Doctor's room.
* The Doctor can speak to the Minotaur, but has difficulty translating some words.
* When entering his room, the doctor states it was obvious it was "him", and the Minotaur expresses his pity for "an ancient creature drenched in the blood of the innocent", because "for such a creature, death would be a gift." The Doctor believes the Minotaur is referring to itself, but with its dying breath, the Minotaur suggests that it was referring to the Doctor. Its possible the room and the Minotaur speech are referring to the War Doctor.
 
=== Individuals ===
* Amy's room number was 7, a reference to her age when she first met the Doctor. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'')
* The Doctor's room number was 11, a reference to being in his being eleventh incarnation to be named the Doctor.
* The Doctor says he has [[doctor]]ates in both [[medicine]] and in [[cheese]]-making.
* The Doctor says he has [[doctor]]ates in both [[medicine]] and in [[cheese]]-making.
* The Doctor calls Rory "Beaky", a reference to his [[nose]], similar to when he referred to him as "the Nose". ([[TV]]: ''[[The Impossible Astronaut]]'')
* One of the rooms had a [[clown]] inside of it; [[Sarah Jane Smith]] once feared clowns, as well as the Seventh Doctor's companion [[Ace]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Greatest Show in the Galaxy (TV story)|The Greatest Show in the Galaxy]]'').


=== Planets ===
=== Planets ===
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=== Species ===
=== Species ===
* The Minotaur is a distant cousin of the [[Nimon]].
* The Minotaur is a distant cousin of the [[Nimon]].
* A [[Sontaran]], a [[Silurian]], a [[Tritovore]], a [[Hoix]], a [[Catkind]], and a [[Judoon]] appear in photographs.
* A [[Halke|Sontaran]], a [[Silurian (The God Complex)|Silurian]], a [[Tritovore (The God Complex)|Tritovore]], a [[Hoix (The God Complex)|Hoix]], a [[Prin (The God Complex)|Catkind]], and a [[Judoon (The God Complex)|Judoon]] appear in photographs.
* One of the photos show [[Silver-Tear|Lady Silver-Tear]]'s fear was [[Dalek]]s.
* One of the photos show Lady [[Silver Tear]]'s fear was [[Dalek]]s.
* The [[Weeping Angel]]s are [[Gibbis]]' biggest fear, and Amy mentions having encountered them. Gibbis speculates that the Weeping Angel room may not have been his.
* The anthem of Tivoli is "[[Glory to Insert Name Here|Glory to <nowiki><Insert Name Here></nowiki>]]".
* The anthem of Tivoli is "[[Glory to Insert Name Here|Glory to <Insert Name Here>]]".
 
=== Religion ===
* Rita is [[Muslim]] and surmises that the hotel is [[Jahannam]].
 
=== Influences ===
 
* [[Toby Whithouse]] saw the episode as being tonally similar to ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapphire_%26_Steel Sapphire and Steel].''
* The notion of every person having their own version of Hell was partly inspired by [[Toby Whithouse]]'s work on ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Being_Human_(British_TV_series) Being Human]'', in which the third-season premiere had depicted characters consigned to Purgatory.
* The idea to have a Minotaur be the monster came from [[Toby Whithouse]]'s love for [[Greek mythology]].


== Story notes ==
== Story notes ==
* At the time of the script read-through, [[Lucy Hayward]]'s name was "Lucy Miller". ([[CON]]: ''[[Heartbreak Hotel]]'') It was ostensibly changed so as to avoid conflict with [[Lucie Miller]], the long-term audio [[companion]] of the [[Eighth Doctor]].
* At the time of the script read-through, [[Lucy Hayward]]'s name was "Lucy Miller". ([[CON]]: ''[[Heartbreak Hotel]]'') It was ostensibly changed so as to avoid conflict with [[Lucie Miller]], the long-term audio [[companion]] of the [[Eighth Doctor]].
* Rita becomes the latest in a line of characters who are invited to become companions by the Doctor, only to die soon after.
* As had happened with other people before her, Rita is invited to become companions by the Doctor, only to die soon after.
* [[David Walliams]] previously played [[Quincy Flowers]] and [[Ned Cotton]] in [[AUDIO]]: ''[[Phantasmagoria]]''.
* The Doctor fears that he will either get Rory and Amy killed or have to watch them die. These themes were also touched on in ''[[The Vampires of Venice (TV story)|The Vampires of Venice]] ''and ''[[School Reunion (TV story)|School Reunion]]''.
* The Doctor fears that he will either get Rory and Amy killed or have to watch them die. These themes were also touched on in ''[[The Vampires of Venice]] ''and ''[[School Reunion]]'' respectively. Both episodes were also written by [[Toby Whithouse]].
** Both of these episodes were also written by [[Toby Whithouse]].
* The Doctor's room number was 11, a reference to the fact that [[Matt Smith]] is the [[Eleventh Doctor]] and that this story is the eleventh of the 2011 series. A similar "11' reference occurred in the eleventh episode of series 5. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Lodger (TV story)|The Lodger]]'')
* Until the beginning of series 11, this was the last episode to feature the Doctor's companions explicitly living full-time aboard the TARDIS. When Amy and Rory rejoin the Doctor later in the season and again in Series 7, they only travel with him part-time, and successor companions [[Clara Oswald]], [[Nardole]] and [[Bill Potts]] are never depicted as full-time occupants of the TARDIS; though Clara is given a bedroom on the TARDIS and Nardole once emerges in his pyjamas, neither are outright stated to live aboard it.
* As is routine for post-2005 ''Doctor Who'', a "NEXT TIME" trailer for the [[Closing Time (TV story)|next episode]] is shown at the end of the episode.
* This was originally meant to be the sixth episode of [[Series 5 (Doctor Who 2005)|Series 5]], but [[Steven Moffat]] decided that the labyrinth at the heart of the narrative was too much like [[Maze of the Dead|the Maze of the Dead]], so [[Toby Whithouse]] submitted ''[[The Vampires of Venice (TV story)|The Vampires of Venice]]'' instead. It was then meant to be the tenth episode of season six before being swapped around with ''[[The Girl Who Waited (TV story)|The Girl Who Waited]].''
* [[Toby Whithouse]] wanted to illustrate examples of faith beyond the purely religious; hence Joe was associated with luck, and Howie with conspiracy theories. He also intended to include a prominent and sympathetic character who would exhibit a more traditional faith in God. Although Whithouse was not particularly religious himself, he hoped to buck the often cynical trend in modern fiction of portraying devout individuals in a strictly negative light. He considered having this character be a Christian, but he eventually decided that it would be more interesting to portray a different religion, and opted to make Rita a Muslim.
* Early drafts included an additional human character called Edward, a conservative blowhard who placed his faith in authority. To provide more variety, Edward evolved into Gibbis, who exhibited more extreme and comical versions of the same traits.
* Gibbis was originally conceived as a largely unpleasant figure, but this element was gradually toned down.
* Amy's room was specified as Number 7, reflecting her age when she first met the Doctor at the start of ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]''.
* A late change came when executive producer [[Beth Willis]] voiced her concern that the story relied too heavily on abstract concepts and would be visually repetitive. To take better advantage of the hotel setting, [[Toby Whithouse]] and [[Steven Moffat]] developed the idea that there would be a room in the hotel for each of the trapped individuals, containing their specific worst nightmares.  
* [[Toby Whithouse]] was more pleased with this episode than his previous ones, as the tone was darker which he was "more comfortable" writing.
* The episode formed Block Six of season six along with ''[[The Girl Who Waited (TV story)|The Girl Who Waited]].''
* The portraits on the wall of the hotel consisted of a mix of doctored publicity photos for monsters and new pictures taken of BBC Wales staffmembers. The latter included [[Beth Willis]], producer [[Marcus Wilson]] (“Royston Luke Gold”) and petty cash buyer [[Kate Wilson (crew)|Kate Wilson]] (“Lady Silver-Tear”).
* The first line of dialogue [[Toby Whithouse]] wrote was the Doctor's translation of the Minotaur's words: "An ancient creature, drenched in the blood of the innocent, drifting in space through an endless shifting maze. For such a creature, death would be a gift".
* For the scene where the Doctor, Amy and Rory find Joe, [[Toby Whithouse]] wanted to include something "big and bold" and noted that there was "something macabre about ventriloquist dummies".
* The Minotaur costume was constructed by [[Millennium FX]] on a body cast of actor and former kickboxing champion [[Spencer Wilding]]. Although Wilding stood two metres tall, the Minotaur was given additional height by building up the hoof-like feet. The complex headpiece featured twelve points of movement, requiring two operators to control. Some aspects of [[Toby Whithouse]]'s description were omitted from the final design, such as an armoured breastplate and a helmet which the Minotaur was to remove as he lay dying.
* This was [[Caitlin Blackwood]]'s last appearance as Amelia Pond, although [[Let's Kill Hitler (TV story)|''Let's Kill Hitler'']] was made later.
* [[Toby Whithouse]] originally envisioned Amy and Rory's new home as an idyllic [[cottage]], reflecting the fairytale theme which [[Steven Moffat]] had woven throughout their adventures.
* Many members of the crew were brought in to operate the ventroloquist dummies, most of them having to lie underneath them on the floor.
* [[David Walliams]] was asked to guest-star in the episode in an email and he agreed, having been a fan of the show.
* [[Matt Smith]] called [[David Walliams]] "hilarious" and found it hard to take him seriously, as when he was in his prosthetics for the part he resembled a giant mole.
* [[David Walliams]]' prosthetics took about two hours to apply. He felt the make-up was not limiting to his acting, finding it "quite expressive".
* It was [[Steven Moffat]]'s idea to set an episode in labrythian hotel, having often found himself disconcerted by the experience of staying in a hotel in the past. 
* [[Steven Moffat]] was eager to avoid the cliche of an eerie old Victorian establishment, and so [[Toby Whithouse]] drew upon dreadful family holidays of his youth and instead opted for a tacky Eighties hotel.  


=== Ratings ===
=== Ratings ===
* UK Overnight: 5.2 Million
* UK Overnight: 5.2 Million
* UK Final: 6.77 Million
* UK Final: 6.77 Million<ref>[http://guide.doctorwhonews.net/info.php?detail=ratings&type=date Doctor Who Ratings - UK final]</ref>


=== Myths ===
=== Myths ===
* The room with young Amelia is the room containing the Doctor's fear. ''False. This myth originates from numerous reviews and interpretations of the episode, however the sign on the door clearly says #7, not #11, nor is the Do Not Disturb sign visible on the door handle.''
* The room with young Amelia is the room containing the Doctor's fear. ''False. This myth originates from numerous reviews and interpretations of the episode, however the sign on the door clearly says #7, not #11, nor is the Do Not Disturb sign visible on the door handle. In addition, ''The Time of the Doctor'' revealed that the Doctor's fear room contained the time crack seen throughout Series 5.''
* The clown glimpsed in one of the rooms is the Doctor in make-up. ''False. This myth originates from online discussion of the season trailer which included a brief glimpse of the clown, which bore superficial resemblance to the Doctor during the very brief shot. A related myth was that the clown would be the character played by David Walliams.''
* The clown glimpsed in one of the rooms is the Doctor in make-up. ''False. This myth originates from online discussion of the season trailer which included a brief glimpse of the clown, which bore a superficial resemblance to the Doctor (or, rather, Matt Smith) during the very brief shot. A related myth was that the clown would be the character played by David Walliams.''
* The "exit" door presented to Rory in the hotel illusion possibly led to the airlock for the prison ship. If he opened it, Rory would have been sucked out into the void of space and killed. ''This is unconfirmed.''
* The "exit" door presented to Rory in the hotel illusion possibly led to the airlock for the prison ship. If he opened it, Rory would have been sucked out into the void of space and killed. ''This is unconfirmed.''


=== Filming locations ===
=== Filming locations ===
* Seabank Hotel, Porthcawl (Lobby, Bar, Stairwell)
* Seabank Hotel, Porthcawl (Lobby, Bar, Stairwell)
* Upper Boat Studios (Corridors, Rooms)
* Upper Boat Studios (Corridors, Rooms)


=== Production errors ===
=== Production errors ===
{{Discontinuity}}
{{Discontinuity}}
* As the group climbs the stairs (all six of them), the edge of the TARDIS was visible. (To see this, look to the mid-right of the screen in this shot. The TARDIS' bottom can just be seen) (11:15)
* Lucy Hayward opens the door to room 214, then room 215, then room 214 again. The room has a different fear each time despite the fears of past residents remaining once the victim is gone.
* When the Doctor and the gang enter the room containing the ventriloquist dummies, a boom mic is visible in the reflection of the mirror behind the bar (07:16).
* During the scene with blinking lights, one of the Weeping Angel's praying hands moves for exactly 3 frames as the light goes out. It's possible this was done deliberately as a subliminal effect.
* The Doctor claims that the windows have brick walls on the other side, but many have the reflection of the sun on them.
* After The Doctor discovers Joe's body, the latter's eyes move slightly, despite his being deceased.
* When the minotaur bursts into Amelia's room, Rory literally disappears. He's seen riding the door as it flies back, and then vanishes. Assuming he is knocked unconscious, he would have to be physically attached to the door in some way to not push it closed as he falls to the floor.
* When the minotaur bursts into Amelia's room, Rory literally disappears. He's seen riding the door as it flies back and then vanishes. Assuming he is knocked unconscious, he would have to be physically attached to the door in some way to not push it closed as he falls to the floor.
* Lucy Hayward opens the door to room 214, then room 215, then room 214 again.


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
* The distinct sound of the [[Cloister Bell]] can be heard in the Doctor's room.
* This is not the first time the Doctor has deliberately caused one of his companions to lose faith in him in order to save them. The [[Seventh Doctor]] emotionally devastated Ace by labelling her, among other things, an "emotional cripple" during his battle with Fenric. This was necessary in order for her to briefly abandon her belief in him, allowing the [[Ancient One]] to defeat Fenric. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Curse of Fenric (TV story)|The Curse of Fenric]]'')
* This is not the first time the Doctor has deliberately caused one of his companions to lose faith in him in order to save them. The Doctor emotionally devastated Ace by labelling her, among other things, an "emotional cripple" during his battle with Fenric. This was necessary in order for her to briefly abandon her belief in him, allowing the [[Ancient One]] to defeat Fenric. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Curse of Fenric]]'')
* A [[Rubik's cube]] is seen again. The Doctor threw one away while talking to [[George Thompson|George]], seemingly having difficulty in solving it. ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors (TV story)|Night Terrors]]'') This time, he succeeds.
* A [[Rubik's cube]] is seen again. The Doctor threw one away in [[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors]]'' when talking to George when he could not solve it. This time, he succeeds.
* Amy has previously encountered the Weeping Angels. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of Angels (TV story)|The Time of Angels]]''/''[[Flesh and Stone (TV story)|Flesh and Stone]]'', [[PROSE]]: ''[[Touched by an Angel (novel)|Touched by an Angel]]'')
* There is a [[goldfish]] in the hotel. In ''[[Bad Night (TV story)|Bad Night]]'', the Queen had been turned into a goldfish.
* The Minotaur's final words were a prophetic statement delivered both to and about a long-lived traveller, similar to the last words of the [[Face of Boe]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock (TV story)|Gridlock]]'')
* Amy has previously encountered the Weeping Angels. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of Angels]]''/''[[Flesh and Stone]]'', [[PROSE]]: ''[[Touched by an Angel]]'')
* The [[Third Doctor]] had been made to view images of that which he most feared due to {{Delgado}}'s [[Keller Machine]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Mind of Evil (TV story)|The Mind of Evil]]'') In that case, he saw images of many of his enemies, as well as a world consumed by fire, based on his having recently witnessed such. ([[TV]]: ''[[Inferno (TV story)|Inferno]]'')
* The Minotaur's final words were a prophetic statement delivered both to and about a long-lived traveller, similar to the last words of the [[Face of Boe]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Gridlock]]'') It also foreshadowed the Doctor's death. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Impossible Astronaut]]'')
* The Doctor says the minotaur is beautiful when he first sees it. The [[Tenth Doctor]] previously made this comment about the [[Lupine Wavelength Haemovariform]] and a [[Clockwork Droid]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Tooth and Claw (TV story)|Tooth and Claw]]'', ''[[The Girl in the Fireplace (TV story)|The Girl in the Fireplace]]'') Amy says the exact same thing later when the minotaur begins to take over her mind.
* In [[AUDIO]]: ''[[The Holy Terror]]'', the [[Sixth Doctor]] similarly visited [[Eugene's World|a world]] designed to imprison an individual, namely [[Eugene Tacitus]].
* The Doctor refers to the minotaur as a distant cousin to the [[Nimon]]s, a race he encountered in his [[Fourth Doctor|fourth]] ([[TV]]: ''[[The Horns of Nimon (TV story)|The Horns of Nimon]]'') and [[Eighth Doctor|Eighth incarnations]]. ([[AUDIO]]: ''[[Seasons of Fear (audio story)|Seasons of Fear]]'')
* The [[Third Doctor]] had been made to view images of that which he most feared due to {{Delgado}}'s [[Keller Machine]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Mind of Evil]]'') In that case he saw images of many of his enemies, as well as a world consumed by fire, based on his having recently witnessed such. ([[TV]]: ''[[Inferno (TV story)|Inferno]]'')
* The [[Second Doctor]] encountered a fictional [[Minotaur]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Mind Robber (TV story)|The Mind Robber]]'') and the Third Doctor encountered the real historical figure, which was a transformed [[human]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time Monster (TV story)|The Time Monster]]'')
* The Doctor says the minotaur is beautiful when he first sees it. The [[Tenth Doctor]] previously made this comment about the [[Lupine Wavelength Haemovariform]] and a [[Clockwork Droid]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Tooth and Claw (TV story)|Tooth and Claw]]'', ''[[The Girl in the Fireplace]]'') Amy says the exact same thing later when the minotaur begins to take over her mind.
* Early on when meeting her, the Doctor said to Amy that he was definitely a "madman with a box", and that understanding this could save her life. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'') Here, he uses those exact words to save her from the minotaur.
* The [[Second Doctor]] encountered a fictional [[minotaur]], ([[TV]]: ''[[The Mind Robber]]'') and the Third Doctor encountered the real historical figure, which was a transformed [[human]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time Monster]]'')
* This is not the first time that the Doctor has offered to take on as a companion a [[Martha Jones|medical student]] who has impressed him by being level-headed and clever in a [[Royal Hope Hospital|crisis]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones (TV story)|Smith and Jones]]'')
* The Doctor said to Amy at the end of [[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'' that he was definitely a "mad man with a box" and that understanding this could save her life. Here, he uses those exact words to save her from the minotaur.
* One of the rooms contains what appears to be a cross [[physical education|Physical Education]] [[Teacher (The God Complex)|teacher]]. Rory mentions having had a sadistic PE teacher. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor's Wife (TV story)|The Doctor's Wife]]'')
* This is not the first time that the Doctor has offered companionship to a [[Martha Jones|medical student]] who has impressed him by being level-headed and clever in a [[Royal Hope Hospital|crisis]]. ([[TV]]: ''[[Smith and Jones]]'')
* This is also not the first time the Doctor has shown attachment to a female he had just met, who then dies shortly thereafter. [[Astrid Peth]] died saving the [[Tenth Doctor]] and like Rita, she was invited to travel with the Doctor and become a companion before her untimely death. ([[TV]]: ''[[Voyage of the Damned (TV story)|Voyage of the Damned]]'') Similarly, the [[Ninth Doctor]] extended an offer to [[Lynda Moss]] to travel with him after liberating her on the [[Satellite Five|Game Station]], but she was ultimately exterminated in the ensuing battle against the [[Dalek Emperor]]'s fleet. ([[TV]]: ''[[Bad Wolf (TV story)|Bad Wolf]]'' / ''[[The Parting of the Ways (TV story)|The Parting of the Ways]]'')
* One of the rooms contains what appears to be a cross Physical Education teacher. Rory mentions having had a sadistic PE teacher. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Doctor's Wife]]'') However, the room is not his, as the Doctor says that the prison was showing him a way out because he has no faith to feed upon.
* The [[Seventh Doctor]] previously used his faith in his companions to repel an attack of [[Haemovore]]s; as the Eleventh did not succumb to the fear in his room, however, it is unknown if this is the faith on which the Minotaur would have fed. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Curse of Fenric (TV story)|The Curse of Fenric]]'')
* This is also not the first time the Doctor has shown attachment to a female character that dies in the same episode as her introduction. Astrid Peth died saving the Doctor and like Rita she was invited to travel with the Doctor and become a companion before her untimely death. The Doctor was strongly affected by both deaths. ([[TV]]: ''[[Voyage of the Damned]]'') Similarly, the [[Ninth Doctor]] extended an offer to [[Lynda Moss]] to travel with him after liberating her on the [[Game Station]], but she was ultimately exterminated by Daleks in the ensuing battle against the [[Dalek Emperor]]'s fleet. ([[TV]]: ''[[Bad Wolf (TV story)|Bad Wolf]]'' / ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'')
* Rory tries to fend off the monsters with a mop. ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors (TV story)|Night Terrors]]'')
* Rory tries to fend off the monsters with a mop. ([[TV]]: ''[[Night Terrors (TV story)|Night Terrors]]'')
* The Doctor says that eventually, if his companions choose to continue to travel with him instead of willingly leaving, he'll have to be at their graves. This comes to pass in ''[[The Angels Take Manhattan]]''.
* It is eventually revealed what the Doctor's room contained - a [[Time Field]] [[crack]] from when the universe exploded. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'')
* Rory's shout of "No, it's okay, we're nice!" when confronted by those remaining in the hotel brandishing objects as weapons towards the TARDIS trio is echoed by the Doctor when the punishment troop aims guns at him ("Don't shoot, I'm nice!") in ''[[Nightmare in Silver (TV story)|Nightmare in Silver]]''.
* It is eventually revealed what the Doctor's room contained - a [[Time Field]] [[crack]] from when the universe exploded. ([[TV]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour (TV story)|The Eleventh Hour]]'', ''[[The Time of the Doctor (TV story)|The Time of the Doctor]]'')


== Home video releases ==
== Home video releases ==
[[File:Series6.2DVD.jpg|thumb|Series 6, part 2 DVD cover]]
[[File:Series6.2DVD.jpg|thumb|Series 6, part 2 DVD cover]]
This episode, along with the rest of the second half of series 6, was released on DVD and Blu Ray on the [[10 October (releases)|10 October]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]].


The episode was later released in the complete series 6, which included the first and second half of the series, was released on DVD and Blu Ray on the [[21 November (releases)|21 November]] 2011.  
=== DVD & Blu-ray releases ===
 
* ''The God Complex'' was released in Series 6 Part Two on DVD and Blu-Ray in region 1/A on [[8 November (releases)|8 November]] [[2011 (releases)|2011]], in region 2/B on [[10 October (releases)|10 October]] 2011 and in region 4/B on [[3 November (releases)|3 November]] 2011.
* The episode was later released in the Complete Sixth Series boxset on both DVD and Blu-ray, in region 1/A on [[22 November (releases)|22 November]] 2011, in region 2/B on [[21 November (releases)|21 November]] 2011 and in region 4/B on [[1 December (releases)|1 December]] 2011.
 
=== Digital releases ===
 
* In the United Kingdom, this story is available on [[BBC iPlayer]].


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b014vy02 ''The God Complex'' at the official ''Doctor Who'' website]
* {{locguide|godcomplex|The God Complex}}
{{dwrefguide|who_tv66.htm|The God Complex}}


== Footnotes ==
== Footnotes ==
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[[es:The God Complex (historia de TV)]]
[[ru:Комплекс Бога]]
[[Category:Doctor Who (2005) television stories]]
[[Category:Doctor Who (2005) television stories]]
[[Category:Series 6 (Doctor Who) stories]]
[[Category:Series 6 (Doctor Who) stories]]
[[Category:2011 television stories]]
[[Category:2011 television stories]]
[[Category:Eleventh Doctor television stories]]
[[Category:Weeping Angel television stories]]
[[Category:Weeping Angel television stories]]
[[Category:Stories set on Earth]]
[[Category:Television stories set on Earth]]
[[Category:Stories set in 2011]]
[[Category:Stories set in 2011]]
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[[es:The God Complex]]
[[ru:Комплекс Бога]]

Latest revision as of 20:26, 3 November 2024

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You may be looking for the reference book of the same name.

The God Complex was the eleventh episode of series 6 of Doctor Who.

It marked the departure of Amy and Rory as regular companions after the Doctor decided it was best if they stopped travelling and remained safe. The Doctor's greatest fear is also revisited, but is purposefully left ambiguous until The Time of the Doctor.

This story refers back to the end of The Eleventh Hour, where the Doctor told Amy that knowing that he is just a madman with a box would one day save her life. However, all their adventures together had glamourised the Doctor in Amy's eyes, making him what she believed in the most. It also brought up Rory's initial opinion of the Doctor from The Vampires of Venice again, as his suspicions are confirmed that companions do put themselves in danger to impress him.

This story also marks the first time since Journey's End that the Doctor leaves his companions behind to protect them. Though unlike the previous scenario, the Doctor decides to stop while he's ahead of any potentially harmful outcomes and leave his companions to live out their lives in peace.

Synopsis[[edit] | [edit source]]

The Eleventh Doctor, Amy, and Rory investigate a hotel of horror where repeat business is low but the body count is high, where a mighty monster stalks the corridors and the rooms hold visions of angels, apes, and creepy clowns. Who — or what — has brought them to this place? Can the Doctor solve the mystery before the residents check out in grisly style?

Plot[[edit] | [edit source]]

A young policewoman, Lucy Hayward, roams the corridors of what appears to be a 1980s Earth hotel. Each room in the hotel possesses the manifestation of a fear, and each person who comes to the hotel must find their room — after which, they begin to "praise him". Lucy is the last of her companions. Lucy's room contains a giant gorilla that she once saw in a book when she was younger; screaming, she backs out of the room. Somewhere in the hotel, a creature awakens. As Lucy continues to write about her fear, she begins to "praise him", and stands in peace as she welcomes the creature to kill her.

Sometime later, the TARDIS lands in the same hotel. Once more, the TARDIS hasn't taken the Doctor where he wants to go, which in this case is the planet Ravenscala. The Eleventh Doctor is fascinated by their surroundings since, as he informs Amy and Rory, the hotel is not really a hotel at all, but something that someone has made to look like a hotel. There are pictures on the walls of various humans and aliens including Lucy, each bearing their names and fears. They are suddenly confronted by two Earth humans — Rita, a nurse, Howie, a computer geek — and Gibbis, a cowardly, mole-like alien from the planet Tivoli.

Rita carefully inspects the TARDIS trio, deducing that because their pupils are dilated, they have no idea what is going on either. The Doctor is immediately impressed by her cleverness and jokes to Amy that Rita will be replacing her as his companion. Rita explains to the Doctor and his companions that each room in the hotel contains "bad dreams", with Howie adding that the walls twist and move so that you never know where you're going or where you'll end up. This is confirmed when the Doctor tries to take everyone back to the TARDIS only to find that it has disappeared. When the Doctor asks Rita if there are any more people inside the hotel, Rita mentions Joe, who's a bit "tied up". When the Doctor asks what is keeping Joe occupied, Rita retorts, "No, I mean he's tied up."

Rita, Howie, and Gibbis bring the Doctor and his companions to Joe's room, which is full of ventriloquist dummies. Joe has been tied up by the others inside the room because of his mental instability. Joe informs the Doctor that he is going to die in the hotel; the Doctor jokes, "They certainly didn't mention that in the brochure!" Trying to get through to Joe, believing him to be possessed by an external force, the Doctor learns that "he" is going to feast. He also warns the Doctor that the same thing will happen to him, but that he must first find his room — because there is a room in the hotel for everyone. Rather than leave Joe behind, the Doctor has his chair tied up to a cart so they can wheel him around the hotel while they search for the TARDIS or an exit. He warns the entire group to stay with someone else at all times, and avoid being drawn to a particular room.

As the group begins searching the hotel, each person begins throwing out his own theories as to what is happening and how they should act on it. Rory is powerless to keep Howie from finding his room, which contains a group of twenty-something girls who mock him for being nerdy and for his stutter. Howie begins to "praise him". Further up the hallway, Amy discovers pages of Lucy Hayward's diary, which the young woman had dropped as the beast killed her. She doesn't have time to show the Doctor, however, as the beast can be heard approaching to kill Joe. Rory locates a fire exit, but it goes unseen by everyone else as they scatter into various rooms to hide from the predator. Rita inadvertently enters her own room with Joe to find her father lecturing her about her grades. She also begins to "praise him". Rory, Amy, Gibbis, Howie, and the Doctor enter another room containing two Weeping Angels. Amy warns the others not to blink, but the Doctor quickly ascertains that the Angels are not real. He encourages her to set aside her fear, but Rory notes Gibbis' reaction — he hides in a closet — and suggests that maybe the Weeping Angels are not for any of them. The Doctor checks the corridor through the peephole, and finally gets a good view of their enemy: it's a Minotaur.

In Rita's room, the rope that is binding Joe to his chair comes loose and untied on its own, possibly through some sort of telekinetic energy. Joe runs into the corridor, smiling madly as he asks the Minotaur to come to him. It overpowers him and drags him away, though they are both chased by the Doctor. The Doctor is separated from Joe and the Minotaur in the winding labyrinth of corridors, but later stumbles across Joe's body. The Doctor tries to revive him but finds that it's no use.

The group returns to the hotel banquet hall with Joe's body, which the Doctor examines. Amy tries to comfort Gibbis by mentioning that she's met the Weeping Angels and thought the room was for her; however, she knows that the Doctor will find a way out of the mess they're in because he's never let her down, not even when she was a child and she thought he'd left her behind. Gibbis smugly mentions that since the Weeping Angels were for him, her room must still be somewhere in the hotel. The thought unnerves her.

The Doctor tells Rita that there is no medical explanation for Joe's death — his organs simply stopped, as though all of his faiths and fears were taken from him. Rita confesses that she believes the hotel is Jahannam, the Muslims' idea of hell. She is, however, completely unfazed by this and by the revelation that Gibbis is an alien. The Doctor tries to assure Rita that her theory is incorrect and that she is still alive but to no avail. Amy recalls Lucy's diary pages and presents them to the Doctor, who reads them as Howie begins to praise the Minotaur. "Praise him." The Minotaur in question awakens at the words.

The Doctor promises not to leave Howie, who is afraid of being eaten, though Gibbis angers him by suggesting that perhaps the Minotaur would leave the rest of the group alone if they were to sacrifice Howie to him. Rita nobly offers to stay with Howie, but the Doctor rejects this and berates Gibbis, insisting that "no one else will die today." Theorising that the beast feeds on fear, the Doctor tells the others that they must do whatever they can to fight the fear off, and to dig deep, to find and embrace their faith. As Amy wonders what their next move is, the Doctor slyly explains that they're going to catch the monster.

The Doctor converses with the Minotaur.

Using a speaker through which Howie's voice is projected, the Doctor lures the Minotaur into the hotel spa, as Amy, Rita, and Rory lock the doors from the outside to trap it. The Doctor begins speaking to the Minotaur, who claims that the "warden" takes people and places them in the hotel, which houses "tailored-made hell" for each of its victims. Once confronted by their fear, the victims begin worshipping it. The Minotaur explains that it has lived for so long that it has forgotten its own name. As victims just keep on showing up and its instincts are too hard to resist, the creature has lived a long, miserable life, now consisting purely of instinct and routine. He wishes to end it, and at last get some peace.

Meanwhile, Gibbis keeps watch over Howie in the reception area, but Howie taunts Gibbis into releasing him. He freely roams the hotel, drawing the Minotaur — which escapes the spa by knocking Rory out — to him. The Doctor goes off in pursuit. Amy and Rita stay behind to look after Rory, but Amy finds herself drawn to Room 7 and opens the door. Rita is not quick enough to stop her from seeing what lies inside. Meanwhile, the Doctor locates Howie's body; the others arrive shortly after, with Gibbis claiming that Howie got free and overpowered him. The Doctor gives him an angered look of disapproval. Gibbis, guilty, chases after the group in hopes of forgiveness.

Later, Rory finds the Doctor admiring Howie's picture, which has been added to the wall alongside the others. Rory admits that he hasn't found his door yet, which the Doctor takes to mean that Rory isn't afraid of anything — something that Rory confirms, saying, "After all the time I spent with you in the TARDIS, what was left to be scared of?" The Doctor sadly notes that Rory spoke in the past tense. Later, they lay Howie's body out in the banquet hall next to Joe's.

The Doctor meets Rita on the stairwell and informs her that he is close to getting them out of the hotel. When Rita wonders why the Doctor has made it his responsibility to save them — noting that he has quite a "God complex" — the Doctor sadly looks down to Amy, obviously guilty for bringing her and Rory to a place where they are in danger. He invites Rita to travel with him once they escape the hotel and leaves her, but after he departs, she begins to "praise him" and goes off on her own.

While the Doctor searches for the hotel security room, he stumbles across his own door, Room 11, and is hardly surprised by what he sees inside. Although it is not directly shown, its reflection glints in the corners of his eyes: a familiar white light. Unlike the others, who heard voices telling them to praise the Minotaur, the Doctor's will proves stronger, allowing him to not fall victim. He appears well aware that this was going to be the fear inside his room all along, and maintains his composure. The Doctor stares at it hauntingly- this fear has troubled him for so long he knows he will confront it again once and for all. He addresses it grimly, "Of course. Who else?" The Doctor quietly shuts the door to his room and tacks a "DO NOT DISTURB" sign on the knob.

Rita continues wandering the hotel; when the Doctor finally locates the security room, he spots her on the footage and questions what she's doing. He uses one of the room phones to contact her, realising that she has begun to "praise him" and is now trying to keep everyone safe. Knowing that the Doctor cannot rescue her no matter what, she asks to die in private because she wants him to remember her the way she was — before she was robbed of her faith. As the Minotaur rounds the corner towards her, she hangs up on the Doctor, who heeds her last request and shuts off the security camera just as she is about to be killed.

The Doctor, devastated by Rita's death, destroys the hotel lobby in anger while the others listen. He begins to revise his theory, knowing that Rita wasn't afraid of her death and therefore the beast could not possibly feed on fear. Gibbis berates the Doctor for continuing to promise action without result; when Amy jumps to his defence, the Doctor realises the truth; the Minotaur feeds on faith, not fear.

Howie believed in conspiracies, Rita was a devout Muslim, Joe was a gambler who believed in luck, and Gibbis believes in the continued presence of invaders who will tell him what to do. The Doctor has inadvertently helped the Minotaur to thrive by insisting that his companions reject their fear and fall back on their faith, which the Minotaur then takes and converts into a consumable form. He tells a confused Rory that the TARDIS was pulled to the hotel — which is, in fact, an alien prison — because of Amy's faith in the Doctor. Amy suddenly begins to "praise him".

The Doctor, Rory, Gibbis and a slowly-possessed Amy flee through the hotel as the Minotaur gives chase, and find themselves hiding in her room. The Doctor is astonished to see that Amy's fear is a vision of her seven-year-old self waiting for a Doctor that she believes will never return for her. Amy begins to feel the Minotaur changing her, and the Doctor suddenly insists that he can't save her. He laments having stolen her childhood and leading her to her death, which he claims to have always known would happen because it always does. Requesting that she forget her faith in him, he insists that he really is "just a madman with a box" as he'd told her all those years before and that it's time to see each other as they really are. Calling her Amy Williams, he tells her that it's time for her to stop waiting and grow up. Though the Minotaur has broken into the room, it weakens as Amy's faith in the Doctor is dismantled.

The hotel disguise dissolves around them, revealing an automated alien prison cell. The prison floats through space, kidnapping people with belief systems so that their faith may be converted into food for the creature. Amy reminds the Doctor that because the hotel showed him a door, he must believe in something, though he neglects to tell her what this is. The dying Minotaur passes a message to the Doctor, expressing his pity for "an ancient creature drenched in the blood of the innocent", because "for such a creature, death would be a gift." The Doctor believes the Minotaur is referring to itself, but with its dying breath, the Minotaur suggests that it was referring to the Doctor. It subsequently dies, and the group prepares to leave in the TARDIS.

The Doctor says goodbye.

After dropping Gibbis off, the TARDIS materialises in a neighbourhood in 21st century London. Stepping outside, the Doctor presents Amy and Rory with keys to one of the houses in the row, with Rory's favourite car parked outside. While Rory steps inside to fetch champagne, Amy speaks to the Doctor privately, as she knows that he is leaving them behind. When she questions why, the Doctor explains that it's because she's still breathing; he doesn't want to wait until she's dead and he's left standing over their graves. After a tearful goodbye, the Doctor departs. Rory returns in time to see the TARDIS dematerialising, and wonders where the Doctor's gone. Amy merely replies that he is saving them.

Amy looks out of her bedroom window at the sky. At the same time, an equally sad Doctor looks around his now vacant time machine as he heads off to travel alone.

Cast[[edit] | [edit source]]

Crew[[edit] | [edit source]]

General production staff

Script department

Camera and lighting department

Art department

Costume department

Make-up and prosthetics

Movement

Casting

General post-production staff

Special and visual effects

Sound



Not every person who worked on this adventure was credited. The absence of a credit for a position doesn't necessarily mean the job wasn't required. The information above is based solely on observations of the actual end credits of the episodes as broadcast, and does not relay information from IMDB or other sources.
          

Jay Harley was credited under their deadname as assistant director.


Worldbuilding[[edit] | [edit source]]

Locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

Cultural references from the real world[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • One of the girls from Howie's room asks Howie, "What's 'loser' in K-K-K-Klingon?"

Foods and beverages[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Doctor now appears to enjoy apples.

The Doctor[[edit] | [edit source]]

Planets[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The Doctor had intended to take Amy and Rory to Ravenscala.

Species[[edit] | [edit source]]

Religion[[edit] | [edit source]]

Influences[[edit] | [edit source]]

Story notes[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • At the time of the script read-through, Lucy Hayward's name was "Lucy Miller". (CON: Heartbreak Hotel) It was ostensibly changed so as to avoid conflict with Lucie Miller, the long-term audio companion of the Eighth Doctor.
  • As had happened with other people before her, Rita is invited to become companions by the Doctor, only to die soon after.
  • The Doctor fears that he will either get Rory and Amy killed or have to watch them die. These themes were also touched on in The Vampires of Venice and School Reunion.
  • Until the beginning of series 11, this was the last episode to feature the Doctor's companions explicitly living full-time aboard the TARDIS. When Amy and Rory rejoin the Doctor later in the season and again in Series 7, they only travel with him part-time, and successor companions Clara Oswald, Nardole and Bill Potts are never depicted as full-time occupants of the TARDIS; though Clara is given a bedroom on the TARDIS and Nardole once emerges in his pyjamas, neither are outright stated to live aboard it.
  • This was originally meant to be the sixth episode of Series 5, but Steven Moffat decided that the labyrinth at the heart of the narrative was too much like the Maze of the Dead, so Toby Whithouse submitted The Vampires of Venice instead. It was then meant to be the tenth episode of season six before being swapped around with The Girl Who Waited.
  • Toby Whithouse wanted to illustrate examples of faith beyond the purely religious; hence Joe was associated with luck, and Howie with conspiracy theories. He also intended to include a prominent and sympathetic character who would exhibit a more traditional faith in God. Although Whithouse was not particularly religious himself, he hoped to buck the often cynical trend in modern fiction of portraying devout individuals in a strictly negative light. He considered having this character be a Christian, but he eventually decided that it would be more interesting to portray a different religion, and opted to make Rita a Muslim.
  • Early drafts included an additional human character called Edward, a conservative blowhard who placed his faith in authority. To provide more variety, Edward evolved into Gibbis, who exhibited more extreme and comical versions of the same traits.
  • Gibbis was originally conceived as a largely unpleasant figure, but this element was gradually toned down.
  • Amy's room was specified as Number 7, reflecting her age when she first met the Doctor at the start of The Eleventh Hour.
  • A late change came when executive producer Beth Willis voiced her concern that the story relied too heavily on abstract concepts and would be visually repetitive. To take better advantage of the hotel setting, Toby Whithouse and Steven Moffat developed the idea that there would be a room in the hotel for each of the trapped individuals, containing their specific worst nightmares.
  • Toby Whithouse was more pleased with this episode than his previous ones, as the tone was darker which he was "more comfortable" writing.
  • The episode formed Block Six of season six along with The Girl Who Waited.
  • The portraits on the wall of the hotel consisted of a mix of doctored publicity photos for monsters and new pictures taken of BBC Wales staffmembers. The latter included Beth Willis, producer Marcus Wilson (“Royston Luke Gold”) and petty cash buyer Kate Wilson (“Lady Silver-Tear”).
  • The first line of dialogue Toby Whithouse wrote was the Doctor's translation of the Minotaur's words: "An ancient creature, drenched in the blood of the innocent, drifting in space through an endless shifting maze. For such a creature, death would be a gift".
  • For the scene where the Doctor, Amy and Rory find Joe, Toby Whithouse wanted to include something "big and bold" and noted that there was "something macabre about ventriloquist dummies".
  • The Minotaur costume was constructed by Millennium FX on a body cast of actor and former kickboxing champion Spencer Wilding. Although Wilding stood two metres tall, the Minotaur was given additional height by building up the hoof-like feet. The complex headpiece featured twelve points of movement, requiring two operators to control. Some aspects of Toby Whithouse's description were omitted from the final design, such as an armoured breastplate and a helmet which the Minotaur was to remove as he lay dying.
  • This was Caitlin Blackwood's last appearance as Amelia Pond, although Let's Kill Hitler was made later.
  • Toby Whithouse originally envisioned Amy and Rory's new home as an idyllic cottage, reflecting the fairytale theme which Steven Moffat had woven throughout their adventures.
  • Many members of the crew were brought in to operate the ventroloquist dummies, most of them having to lie underneath them on the floor.
  • David Walliams was asked to guest-star in the episode in an email and he agreed, having been a fan of the show.
  • Matt Smith called David Walliams "hilarious" and found it hard to take him seriously, as when he was in his prosthetics for the part he resembled a giant mole.
  • David Walliams' prosthetics took about two hours to apply. He felt the make-up was not limiting to his acting, finding it "quite expressive".
  • It was Steven Moffat's idea to set an episode in labrythian hotel, having often found himself disconcerted by the experience of staying in a hotel in the past.
  • Steven Moffat was eager to avoid the cliche of an eerie old Victorian establishment, and so Toby Whithouse drew upon dreadful family holidays of his youth and instead opted for a tacky Eighties hotel.

Ratings[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • UK Overnight: 5.2 Million
  • UK Final: 6.77 Million[1]

Myths[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The room with young Amelia is the room containing the Doctor's fear. False. This myth originates from numerous reviews and interpretations of the episode, however the sign on the door clearly says #7, not #11, nor is the Do Not Disturb sign visible on the door handle. In addition, The Time of the Doctor revealed that the Doctor's fear room contained the time crack seen throughout Series 5.
  • The clown glimpsed in one of the rooms is the Doctor in make-up. False. This myth originates from online discussion of the season trailer which included a brief glimpse of the clown, which bore a superficial resemblance to the Doctor (or, rather, Matt Smith) during the very brief shot. A related myth was that the clown would be the character played by David Walliams.
  • The "exit" door presented to Rory in the hotel illusion possibly led to the airlock for the prison ship. If he opened it, Rory would have been sucked out into the void of space and killed. This is unconfirmed.

Filming locations[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • Seabank Hotel, Porthcawl (Lobby, Bar, Stairwell)
  • Upper Boat Studios (Corridors, Rooms)

Production errors[[edit] | [edit source]]

If you'd like to talk about narrative problems with this story — like plot holes and things that seem to contradict other stories — please go to this episode's discontinuity discussion.
  • Lucy Hayward opens the door to room 214, then room 215, then room 214 again. The room has a different fear each time despite the fears of past residents remaining once the victim is gone.
  • During the scene with blinking lights, one of the Weeping Angel's praying hands moves for exactly 3 frames as the light goes out. It's possible this was done deliberately as a subliminal effect.
  • After The Doctor discovers Joe's body, the latter's eyes move slightly, despite his being deceased.
  • When the minotaur bursts into Amelia's room, Rory literally disappears. He's seen riding the door as it flies back and then vanishes. Assuming he is knocked unconscious, he would have to be physically attached to the door in some way to not push it closed as he falls to the floor.

Continuity[[edit] | [edit source]]

Home video releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

Series 6, part 2 DVD cover

DVD & Blu-ray releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • The God Complex was released in Series 6 Part Two on DVD and Blu-Ray in region 1/A on 8 November 2011, in region 2/B on 10 October 2011 and in region 4/B on 3 November 2011.
  • The episode was later released in the Complete Sixth Series boxset on both DVD and Blu-ray, in region 1/A on 22 November 2011, in region 2/B on 21 November 2011 and in region 4/B on 1 December 2011.

Digital releases[[edit] | [edit source]]

  • In the United Kingdom, this story is available on BBC iPlayer.

External links[[edit] | [edit source]]

Footnotes[[edit] | [edit source]]