The Impossible Astronaut (TV story): Difference between revisions

From Tardis Wiki, the free Doctor Who reference
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| number          = [[Series 6 (Doctor Who)|Series 6]]
| number          = [[Series 6 (Doctor Who)|Series 6]]
| story number    = 214a
| story number    = 214a
| doctor          = [[Eleventh Doctor]]<br>[[Eleventh Doctor|Future Eleventh Doctor]]<!-- Do not add spoilers for future episodes -->
| doctor          = [[Eleventh Doctor]]<br />[[Eleventh Doctor|Future Eleventh Doctor]]<!-- Do not add spoilers for future episodes -->
| companions      = [[Amy Pond]]<!-- To avoid spoiling the rest of the season, do not add that she is a Ganger --><br>[[Rory Williams]]<br>[[River Song]] (guest)<br/>[[Canton Delaware]] (guest)
| companions      = [[Amy Pond]]<!-- To avoid spoiling the rest of the season, do not add that she is a Ganger --><br />[[Rory Williams]]<br />[[River Song]] (guest)<br />[[Canton Delaware]] (guest)
| enemy          = [[Silent]]s<br/>The Impossible Astronaut <!-- Do not add spoilers for future episodes -->
| enemy          = [[Silent]]s<br />The Impossible Astronaut <!-- Do not add spoilers for future episodes -->
| setting        = <ul><li>[[England]]</li><li>[[World War II]]</li><li>[[Stormcage Containment Facility]]</li><li>[[Utah]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[22 April]] [[2011]]</li><li>[[White House]], [[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[8 April]] [[1969]]</li><li>[[Florida]], [[8 April]] [[1969]]</li></ul>
| setting        = <ul><li>[[England]]</li><li>[[World War II]]</li><li>[[Stormcage Containment Facility]]</li><li>[[Utah]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[22 April]] [[2011]]</li><li>[[White House]], [[Washington, D.C.]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[8 April]] [[1969]]</li><li>[[Florida]], [[8 April]] [[1969]]</li></ul>
| writer          = [[Steven Moffat]]
| writer          = [[Steven Moffat]]
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Narratively, it saw the reappearance of [[River Song]] with some insight into her back story. Yet again, questions of her trustworthiness were posed. Additionally, it built on the references of the [[Series 5 (Doctor Who)|previous series]] to "[[the Silence]]".
Narratively, it saw the reappearance of [[River Song]] with some insight into her back story. Yet again, questions of her trustworthiness were posed. Additionally, it built on the references of the [[Series 5 (Doctor Who)|previous series]] to "[[the Silence]]".


==Synopsis==
== Synopsis ==


Four envelopes, numbered 2, 3 and 4, each containing a date, time and map reference, unsigned, but TARDIS blue: who sent them? And who received the missing envelope numbered 1? This strange summons reunites the Doctor, Amy, Rory and River Song in the middle of the Utah desert and unveils a terrible secret the Doctor's friends must never reveal to him. Placing his life entirely in their hands, the Doctor agrees to search for, and figure out just who is Canton Everett Delaware the Third. What is the relevance of their only other clue: 'Space 1969'? Their quest lands them—quite literally—in the Oval Office, where they are enlisted by President Nixon to assist former-FBI agent Canton in saving a terrified little girl from a mysterious spaceman. <ref>http://doctorwho.bbcamerica.com/seasons/6/episodes/1</ref>
Four envelopes, numbered 2, 3 and 4, each containing a date, time and map reference, unsigned, but TARDIS blue: who sent them? And who received the missing envelope numbered 1? This strange summons reunites the Doctor, Amy, Rory and River Song in the middle of the Utah desert and unveils a terrible secret the Doctor's friends must never reveal to him. Placing his life entirely in their hands, the Doctor agrees to search for, and figure out just who is Canton Everett Delaware the Third. What is the relevance of their only other clue: 'Space 1969'? Their quest lands them—quite literally—in the Oval Office, where they are enlisted by President Nixon to assist former-FBI agent Canton in saving a terrified little girl from a mysterious spaceman. <ref>http://doctorwho.bbcamerica.com/seasons/6/episodes/1</ref>
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They find him unconscious. As they examine Canton, Amy tells the Doctor she is [[pregnant]]. They turn to see the astronaut, who lifts its faceplate. Despite River's warnings, Amy takes Canton's [[firearm|gun]] as the faceplate is fully lifted to reveal the little girl who called the President for help, and shoots her.
They find him unconscious. As they examine Canton, Amy tells the Doctor she is [[pregnant]]. They turn to see the astronaut, who lifts its faceplate. Despite River's warnings, Amy takes Canton's [[firearm|gun]] as the faceplate is fully lifted to reveal the little girl who called the President for help, and shoots her.


==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]] - [[Arthur Darvill]]
*[[River Song]] - [[Alex Kingston]]
* [[River Song]] - [[Alex Kingston]]
*[[Canton Delaware]] - [[Mark Sheppard]]
* [[Canton Delaware]] - [[Mark Sheppard]]
*Old [[Canton Delaware]] - [[William Morgan Sheppard]]
* Old [[Canton Delaware]] - [[William Morgan Sheppard]]
*[[Richard Nixon|President Richard Nixon]] - [[Stuart Milligan]]
* [[Richard Nixon|President Richard Nixon]] - [[Stuart Milligan]]
*[[Carl (The Impossible Astronaut)|Carl]] - [[Chukwudi Iwuji]]
* [[Carl (The Impossible Astronaut)|Carl]] - [[Chukwudi Iwuji]]
*[[Phil (The Impossible Astronaut)|Phil]] - [[Mark Griffin]]
* [[Phil (The Impossible Astronaut)|Phil]] - [[Mark Griffin]]
*The [[Silent]] - [[Marnix Van Den Broeke]]
* The [[Silent]] - [[Marnix Van Den Broeke]]
*[[Melody Pond|Little Girl]] - [[Sydney Wade]]
* [[Melody Pond|Little Girl]] - [[Sydney Wade]]
*[[Joy (The Impossible Astronaut)|Joy]] - [[Nancy Baldwin]]
* [[Joy (The Impossible Astronaut)|Joy]] - [[Nancy Baldwin]]
*[[Prison Guard (The Impossible Astronaut)|Prison Guard]] - [[Kieran O'Connor]]
* [[Prison Guard (The Impossible Astronaut)|Prison Guard]] - [[Kieran O'Connor]]
*[[Simmons (The Impossible Astronaut)|Captain Simmons]] - [[Adam Napier]]
* [[Simmons (The Impossible Astronaut)|Captain Simmons]] - [[Adam Napier]]
*[[Matilda (The Impossible Astronaut)|Matilda]] - [[Henrietta Clemett]]
* [[Matilda (The Impossible Astronaut)|Matilda]] - [[Henrietta Clemett]]
*[[Charles II]] - [[Paul Critoph]]
* [[Charles II]] - [[Paul Critoph]]
*[[Busboy]] - [[Emilio Aquino]]
* [[Busboy]] - [[Emilio Aquino]]
*Young Couple- Alexus Koors & Benjamin Wright
* Young Couple- Alexus Koors & Benjamin Wright


==Crew==
== Crew ==
{{wales crew
{{wales crew
|1stAD=Martin Curry
|1stAD=Martin Curry
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== References ==
== References ==
===[[:Category:The Doctor|The Doctor]]===
=== [[:Category:The Doctor|The Doctor]] ===
*An older Eleventh Doctor, who is eleven hundred and three years old, begins to [[Regeneration|regenerate]], but is killed before the process completes.
* An older Eleventh Doctor, who is eleven hundred and three years old, begins to [[Regeneration|regenerate]], but is killed before the process completes.
*The younger Doctor states his current age is nine hundred and nine.
* The younger Doctor states his current age is nine hundred and nine.
*The Doctor says that he is late for a [[Aeroplane|biplane]] lesson in [[1911]] but gets confused and wonders if it is actually knitting.
* The Doctor says that he is late for a [[Aeroplane|biplane]] lesson in [[1911]] but gets confused and wonders if it is actually knitting.
*The Eleventh Doctor still dislikes [[Alcohol|wine]].
* The Eleventh Doctor still dislikes [[Alcohol|wine]].
*The Doctor claims that two of the American founding fathers mentioned in the girl's message fancied him, although he does not identify which two.
* The Doctor claims that two of the American founding fathers mentioned in the girl's message fancied him, although he does not identify which two.
*In [[The Wedding of River Song]], it is shown that the Doctor was actually the Teselecta in his form.
* In [[The Wedding of River Song]], it is shown that the Doctor was actually the Teselecta in his form.


===Music===
=== Music ===
*When The Doctor, Amy, Rory and River are in the diner before going to Lake Silencio, "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele is playing in the background.
* When The Doctor, Amy, Rory and River are in the diner before going to Lake Silencio, "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele is playing in the background.




===[[:Category:Films from the real world|Films]]===
=== [[:Category:Films from the real world|Films]] ===
*Amy Pond and Rory Williams watch a Laurel & Hardy film, ''The Flying Deuces'', on television.
* Amy Pond and Rory Williams watch a Laurel & Hardy film, ''The Flying Deuces'', on television.
*This story shares numerous similarities with the 1988 John Carpenter film ''They Live, ''in which the primary protagonist discovers a hidden alien race living amongst humans, using subliminal messages to influence their development.
* This story shares numerous similarities with the 1988 John Carpenter film ''They Live, ''in which the primary protagonist discovers a hidden alien race living amongst humans, using subliminal messages to influence their development.
*The Doctor refers to River Song as Mrs. Robinson - a character from the 1967 film ''The Graduate''.
* The Doctor refers to River Song as Mrs. Robinson - a character from the 1967 film ''The Graduate''.


===[[:Category:Fashion and clothing|Fashion and clothing]]===
=== [[:Category:Fashion and clothing|Fashion and clothing]] ===
*The Doctor wears a [[fez]] in a Laurel & Hardy film, ''The Flying Deuces''.
* The Doctor wears a [[fez]] in a Laurel & Hardy film, ''The Flying Deuces''.
*The eleven hundred three year old Doctor wears a [[Stetson]] hat, and proclaims that "Stetsons are cool". As with the [[fez|last time]] he tried to adopt headgear, it is promptly dealt with by River Song's gun.
* The eleven hundred three year old Doctor wears a [[Stetson]] hat, and proclaims that "Stetsons are cool". As with the [[fez|last time]] he tried to adopt headgear, it is promptly dealt with by River Song's gun.




===[[:Category:Foods and beverages|Foods and beverages]]===
=== [[:Category:Foods and beverages|Foods and beverages]] ===
*The Doctor thought wine would taste more like 'the gums', referring to wine gums.
* The Doctor thought wine would taste more like 'the gums', referring to wine gums.
*The Doctor asks for twelve [[Jammy Dodger]]s.
* The Doctor asks for twelve [[Jammy Dodger]]s.


===[[:Category:Years|Years]]===
=== [[:Category:Years|Years]] ===
*The Doctor states that the year 1482 is full of glitches, but also says 1969 is 'easy'. It seems some years are harder to travel to than others.
* The Doctor states that the year 1482 is full of glitches, but also says 1969 is 'easy'. It seems some years are harder to travel to than others.


===[[:Category:TARDIS|TARDIS]]===
=== [[:Category:TARDIS|TARDIS]] ===
*The Doctor makes the TARDIS invisible when he materialises in the Oval Office. The Doctor states that this causes a huge drain on the TARDIS energy. When he tries to re-enter the TARDIS, he smashes into it.
* The Doctor makes the TARDIS invisible when he materialises in the Oval Office. The Doctor states that this causes a huge drain on the TARDIS energy. When he tries to re-enter the TARDIS, he smashes into it.
*The Doctor also manages to land the TARDIS silently.
* The Doctor also manages to land the TARDIS silently.
*The Doctor claims that the TARDIS scanner cannot be activated when the TARDIS is invisible. This is later shown to be false, as River makes adjustments inside the TARDIS and operates the scanner, as the Doctor's later dialogue indicates he had expected her to do.
* The Doctor claims that the TARDIS scanner cannot be activated when the TARDIS is invisible. This is later shown to be false, as River makes adjustments inside the TARDIS and operates the scanner, as the Doctor's later dialogue indicates he had expected her to do.


== Story notes ==
== Story notes ==
*This episode had the working title '''The Year of the Moon'''<ref>http://doctorwhotv.co.uk/series-6-titles-and-date-16375.htm</ref>
* This episode had the working title '''The Year of the Moon'''<ref>http://doctorwhotv.co.uk/series-6-titles-and-date-16375.htm</ref>
*This is the first two-part opening episode of the revived series, and the first since ''[[Attack of the Cybermen]]''.
* This is the first two-part opening episode of the revived series, and the first since ''[[Attack of the Cybermen]]''.
*A prequel for this story was released on the official BBC website.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/dw/news/bulletin_110325_01/The_Prequel_Has_Landed</ref>
* A prequel for this story was released on the official BBC website.<ref>http://www.bbc.co.uk/doctorwho/dw/news/bulletin_110325_01/The_Prequel_Has_Landed</ref>
*The monsters in this episode were said to be "the scariest monsters yet".<ref>http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/s7/doctor-who/news/a289472/smith-teases-scary-who-monsters-for-us-eps.html</ref>
* The monsters in this episode were said to be "the scariest monsters yet".<ref>http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/cult/s7/doctor-who/news/a289472/smith-teases-scary-who-monsters-for-us-eps.html</ref>
*The episode was dedicated to [[Elisabeth Sladen]], who passed away four days before the episode's initial broadcast. The dedication was shown before the episode on BBC1 and Space, and after the episode on BBC America. The dedication was omitted from the DVD and Blu-ray release.
* The episode was dedicated to [[Elisabeth Sladen]], who passed away four days before the episode's initial broadcast. The dedication was shown before the episode on BBC1 and Space, and after the episode on BBC America. The dedication was omitted from the DVD and Blu-ray release.
*The version supplied for broadcast in the United States and Australia is the first episode of ''Doctor Who'' to have a voiceover introductory sequence before the main titles, with the voice of Amy explaining her relationship with the Doctor.
* The version supplied for broadcast in the United States and Australia is the first episode of ''Doctor Who'' to have a voiceover introductory sequence before the main titles, with the voice of Amy explaining her relationship with the Doctor.
*While the local date and time when the [[Eleventh Doctor|Doctor]] is killed is the evening of the 22nd April, 2011, the local date and time in Britain (a 7-hour difference from Utah) would be two minutes after midnight on 23rd April, as [[DW]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler]]'' establishes the point of death as 5:02pm local time. Thus, this is the third story in the revived series whose airdate coincides with in-story events (the first being [[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'' on December 25, 2009, and the second being [[DW]]: ''[[The Big Bang]]'' on June 26, 2010).
* While the local date and time when the [[Eleventh Doctor|Doctor]] is killed is the evening of the 22nd April, 2011, the local date and time in Britain (a 7-hour difference from Utah) would be two minutes after midnight on 23rd April, as [[DW]]: ''[[Let's Kill Hitler]]'' establishes the point of death as 5:02pm local time. Thus, this is the third story in the revived series whose airdate coincides with in-story events (the first being [[DW]]: ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'' on December 25, 2009, and the second being [[DW]]: ''[[The Big Bang]]'' on June 26, 2010).
*The attempted [[regeneration]] in this episode occurs in front of six witnesses, the greatest number in the revived series ([[Amy Pond]], [[Rory Williams]], [[River Song]], [[Canton Delaware]], the [[astronaut]], and a [[Silent]]).
* The attempted [[regeneration]] in this episode occurs in front of six witnesses, the greatest number in the revived series ([[Amy Pond]], [[Rory Williams]], [[River Song]], [[Canton Delaware]], the [[astronaut]], and a [[Silent]]).
*This is the first episode of the revived series to feature a regeneration (albeit an unsuccessful one) outside the TARDIS.
* This is the first episode of the revived series to feature a regeneration (albeit an unsuccessful one) outside the TARDIS.
*The sequence with the Doctor inserted into the Laurel and Hardy clip is a reference to the 1992 American Academy Awards. Host Billy Crystal was digitally added into the same clip and was depicted dancing alongside Laurel and Hardy. In this version, the Doctor begins to dance with Laurel and Hardy at the end of the clip, standing in the same spot that was occupied by Crystal.
* The sequence with the Doctor inserted into the Laurel and Hardy clip is a reference to the 1992 American Academy Awards. Host Billy Crystal was digitally added into the same clip and was depicted dancing alongside Laurel and Hardy. In this version, the Doctor begins to dance with Laurel and Hardy at the end of the clip, standing in the same spot that was occupied by Crystal.
*The repeated phrase "Space: 1969" is a reference to the British science fiction series "Space: 1999", which is set on the Moon.
* The repeated phrase "Space: 1969" is a reference to the British science fiction series "Space: 1999", which is set on the Moon.
*The Doctor asks the Secret Service agents for a SWAT team. The first SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team had only been established the year before in 1968 (by Darryl Gates in Los Angeles) and it's possible the agents might not have even known what the Doctor was talking about.
* The Doctor asks the Secret Service agents for a SWAT team. The first SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team had only been established the year before in 1968 (by Darryl Gates in Los Angeles) and it's possible the agents might not have even known what the Doctor was talking about.
*The idea of tunnelling out of a German POW camp is based on an actual incident that occurred during World War II, immortalised in the film ''The Great Escape'' and parodied in the television series ''Hogan's Heroes''.
* The idea of tunnelling out of a German POW camp is based on an actual incident that occurred during World War II, immortalised in the film ''The Great Escape'' and parodied in the television series ''Hogan's Heroes''.
*Joy asks if the Silent is wearing a ''[[Star Trek]]'' mask. ''Star Trek'' was cancelled the same year this story takes place, with the last episode airing on June 3, 1969.
* Joy asks if the Silent is wearing a ''[[Star Trek]]'' mask. ''Star Trek'' was cancelled the same year this story takes place, with the last episode airing on June 3, 1969.
*The Doctor calls River Song "Mrs. Robinson", referencing the character from the film ''The Graduate''. Mrs. Robinson is notorious for having an affair with a younger man, so the nickname may be the Doctor's way of teasing Song about their relationship and the fact that physically she appears to be older than he is. Oddly enough, the Doctor doesn't recognise the reference when River Song calls him 'Benjamin' (her affair) in [[Let's Kill Hitler]]
* The Doctor calls River Song "Mrs. Robinson", referencing the character from the film ''The Graduate''. Mrs. Robinson is notorious for having an affair with a younger man, so the nickname may be the Doctor's way of teasing Song about their relationship and the fact that physically she appears to be older than he is. Oddly enough, the Doctor doesn't recognise the reference when River Song calls him 'Benjamin' (her affair) in [[Let's Kill Hitler]]
*[[William Morgan Sheppard]] is the real life father of [[Mark Sheppard]].
* [[William Morgan Sheppard]] is the real life father of [[Mark Sheppard]].
*The Silents bear a slight resemblence to The Gentelemen from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
* The Silents bear a slight resemblence to The Gentelemen from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.


=== Ratings ===
=== Ratings ===
*8.86 million. (43.3% market share)
* 8.86 million. (43.3% market share)
*Viewership for the episode on [[BBC America]] was 1.3 million, breaking the station's previous viewership record which had been set by the premiere of ''[[The Eleventh Hour]].'' <ref>http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/861725-doctor-who-breaks-bbc-america-records-after-1-3-million-tune-in</ref>
* Viewership for the episode on [[BBC America]] was 1.3 million, breaking the station's previous viewership record which had been set by the premiere of ''[[The Eleventh Hour]].'' <ref>http://www.metro.co.uk/tv/861725-doctor-who-breaks-bbc-america-records-after-1-3-million-tune-in</ref>
*The episode was the most recorded show in UK history with 4.1 Million viewers
* The episode was the most recorded show in UK history with 4.1 Million viewers


=== Myths ===
=== Myths ===
*We will see River Song as a child.<ref>http://tardisspoilers.blogspot.com/2010/10/will-we-see-river-as-child.html</ref> ''This was been proven true in [[A Good Man Goes to War]] and [[Let's Kill Hitler]].''
* We will see River Song as a child.<ref>http://tardisspoilers.blogspot.com/2010/10/will-we-see-river-as-child.html</ref> ''This was been proven true in [[A Good Man Goes to War]] and [[Let's Kill Hitler]].''
*The second episode will air the day after the first.<ref>http://doctorwhotv.co.uk/new-series-6-trailer-air-date-rumours-15879.htm</ref><ref>http://tardisspoilers.blogspot.com/2011/03/talk-of-air-dates.html</ref><ref>http://tardisspoilers.blogspot.com/2011/03/double-who.html</ref> ''This has been proven false.''
* The second episode will air the day after the first.<ref>http://doctorwhotv.co.uk/new-series-6-trailer-air-date-rumours-15879.htm</ref><ref>http://tardisspoilers.blogspot.com/2011/03/talk-of-air-dates.html</ref><ref>http://tardisspoilers.blogspot.com/2011/03/double-who.html</ref> ''This has been proven false.''
*Overnight figures for BBC was 6.4 million making this the least watched series opener since the [[2005]] relaunch. ''The Daily Mail and other places were comparing the overnight-only ratings of this episode to the full consolidated BARB ratings for the previous season openers, which include people watching time-shifted playback and recordings (such as with Sky+). The consolidated figures were 8.86 million, which compares favourably to other series openers.''
* Overnight figures for BBC was 6.4 million making this the least watched series opener since the [[2005]] relaunch. ''The Daily Mail and other places were comparing the overnight-only ratings of this episode to the full consolidated BARB ratings for the previous season openers, which include people watching time-shifted playback and recordings (such as with Sky+). The consolidated figures were 8.86 million, which compares favourably to other series openers.''


=== Filming locations ===
=== Filming locations ===
*[[Valley of the Gods (Earth)|Valley of the Gods]], [[Utah]], [[United States of America]].
* [[Valley of the Gods (Earth)|Valley of the Gods]], [[Utah]], [[United States of America]].
*Eddie's Diner, Cardiff Bay
* Eddie's Diner, Cardiff Bay


=== Production errors ===
=== Production errors ===
*While the Doctor appears in the Laurel & Hardy film, Rory's shifts through the pages of the history book which appear underneath the screen imply the film footage was overlaid on the actual shot.
* While the Doctor appears in the Laurel & Hardy film, Rory's shifts through the pages of the history book which appear underneath the screen imply the film footage was overlaid on the actual shot.
*When the Doctor approaches the astronaut he leaves the picnic with a wine bottle in his hand. In the next shot the bottle is gone.
* When the Doctor approaches the astronaut he leaves the picnic with a wine bottle in his hand. In the next shot the bottle is gone.
*During the Doctor's death scene, someone is visible by Canton's car.
* During the Doctor's death scene, someone is visible by Canton's car.
*When the Doctor is shot the second time during his regeneration cycle, the regeneration energy just cuts off. It does not fade away like during a normal regeneration.[[File:Shadow-impossible-astronaut.jpg|thumb|180px|Production Error - the figure by Canton's car.]]
* When the Doctor is shot the second time during his regeneration cycle, the regeneration energy just cuts off. It does not fade away like during a normal regeneration.[[File:Shadow-impossible-astronaut.jpg|thumb|180px|Production Error - the figure by Canton's car.]]
*When Amy is talking to the agent outside of the toilet, a boom mic can be seen over his shoulder.
* When Amy is talking to the agent outside of the toilet, a boom mic can be seen over his shoulder.
*When the Doctor exits the TARDIS control room he opens the right door but when he walks out to the Oval office he goes out the left.
* When the Doctor exits the TARDIS control room he opens the right door but when he walks out to the Oval office he goes out the left.
*One of the Mission Patches on the Astronaut's space suit is an anachronism; the "Vitruvian Emblem" was first used during the Space Shuttle missions of the early Eighties.
* One of the Mission Patches on the Astronaut's space suit is an anachronism; the "Vitruvian Emblem" was first used during the Space Shuttle missions of the early Eighties.
*The Secret Service agents all carry revolvers, which were more commonly in use during the period. However by 1969 the Secret Service had transitioned to the semi-automatic Colt M1911.
* The Secret Service agents all carry revolvers, which were more commonly in use during the period. However by 1969 the Secret Service had transitioned to the semi-automatic Colt M1911.
*There are two African-Americans on the president's detail. The first African American Secret Service agent assigned was Abraham Bolden in 1961, but such appointments were comparatively rare until some years later.
* There are two African-Americans on the president's detail. The first African American Secret Service agent assigned was Abraham Bolden in 1961, but such appointments were comparatively rare until some years later.
*When Amy and Rory get off the bus, it drives away and then, when the Doctor and Amy hug, the bus is nowhere to be seen.
* When Amy and Rory get off the bus, it drives away and then, when the Doctor and Amy hug, the bus is nowhere to be seen.
*In the scene when the Silent gets ready to kill Joy, electricity can be seen flying into his body, but on the mirror next to him the electricity cannot be seen.
* In the scene when the Silent gets ready to kill Joy, electricity can be seen flying into his body, but on the mirror next to him the electricity cannot be seen.
* Canton Delaware offers another example of British usage by American characters. Referring to the TARDIS ability to travel in space and time and to be bigger on the inside, he asks "How long have Scotland Yard had this?" An American would have said "How long has Scotland Yard had this?"
* Canton Delaware offers another example of British usage by American characters. Referring to the TARDIS ability to travel in space and time and to be bigger on the inside, he asks "How long have Scotland Yard had this?" An American would have said "How long has Scotland Yard had this?"


== Continuity ==
== Continuity ==
{{discontinuity}}
{{discontinuity}}
*River Song shoots the Doctor's headwear. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Big Bang]]'')
* River Song shoots the Doctor's headwear. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Big Bang]]'')
*Amy mentions [[fish finger]]s and [[custard]] ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')
* Amy mentions [[fish finger]]s and [[custard]] ([[DW]]: ''[[The Eleventh Hour]]'')
*The Doctor requests [[Jammie Dodger]]s and a [[fez]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Victory of the Daleks]]'', ''[[The Big Bang]]'')
* The Doctor requests [[Jammie Dodger]]s and a [[fez]]. ([[DW]]: ''[[Victory of the Daleks]]'', ''[[The Big Bang]]'')
*The Doctor says that time isn't a straight line. ([[DW]]: ''[[Blink]]'')
* The Doctor says that time isn't a straight line. ([[DW]]: ''[[Blink]]'')
*The Doctor again asks River whom she murdered. ([[DW]]: ''[[Flesh and Stone]]'')
* The Doctor again asks River whom she murdered. ([[DW]]: ''[[Flesh and Stone]]'')
*The Doctor again expresses his dislike of wine, despite drinking it. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Lodger (TV story)|The Lodger]]'').
* The Doctor again expresses his dislike of wine, despite drinking it. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Lodger (TV story)|The Lodger]]'').
*River Song suspects that she will one day meet [[Tenth Doctor|a Doctor]] who hasn't met her yet, and it will be the death of her. ([[DW]]: ''[[Silence in the Library]]'' / ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
* River Song suspects that she will one day meet [[Tenth Doctor|a Doctor]] who hasn't met her yet, and it will be the death of her. ([[DW]]: ''[[Silence in the Library]]'' / ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
*As of this episode, River and the Doctor are each aware of how the other (apparently) dies, though neither will say so ''to'' the other. ([[DW]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
* As of this episode, River and the Doctor are each aware of how the other (apparently) dies, though neither will say so ''to'' the other. ([[DW]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'')
*River Song says "I hate you" to the Doctor and he replies "No, you don't". ([[DW]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'', ''[[Flesh and Stone]]'' )
* River Song says "I hate you" to the Doctor and he replies "No, you don't". ([[DW]]: ''[[Forest of the Dead]]'', ''[[Flesh and Stone]]'' )
*The attempted TARDIS is seen again. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Lodger (TV story)|The Lodger]]'')
* The attempted TARDIS is seen again. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Lodger (TV story)|The Lodger]]'')
*The Doctor looks at the front and then back of his hands before he is about to regenerate. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'', ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')
* The Doctor looks at the front and then back of his hands before he is about to regenerate. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Parting of the Ways]]'', ''[[The End of Time (TV story)|The End of Time]]'')
*The TARDIS has previously been made invisible, and the Doctor has previously operated the scanner while it was. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Invasion]]'')
* The TARDIS has previously been made invisible, and the Doctor has previously operated the scanner while it was. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Invasion]]'')
*The Doctor has landed the TARDIS silently before. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Dalek Invasion of Earth]]'')
* The Doctor has landed the TARDIS silently before. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Dalek Invasion of Earth]]'')
*The danger of the Doctor's body being used as a commodity was seen in [[EDA]]: ''[[Alien Bodies]]''.
* The danger of the Doctor's body being used as a commodity was seen in [[EDA]]: ''[[Alien Bodies]]''.
*Rory pokes the Doctor and asks him "How can you be here?", much as the Doctor did to him. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Pandorica Opens (TV story)|The Pandorica Opens]]'')
* Rory pokes the Doctor and asks him "How can you be here?", much as the Doctor did to him. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Pandorica Opens (TV story)|The Pandorica Opens]]'')
*The Doctor says "Brave heart, Canton", referencing the catch phrase "Brave heart, Tegan", used by the Fifth Doctor.
* The Doctor says "Brave heart, Canton", referencing the catch phrase "Brave heart, Tegan", used by the Fifth Doctor.
*In the Oval Office, the Doctor refers to [[Canton Delaware|Canton Delaware III]] as "Canton Three". This is a similar naming convention to the one used by [[Liz Ten]] for herself and earlier ruling members of the Royal Family. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Beast Below]]'')
* In the Oval Office, the Doctor refers to [[Canton Delaware|Canton Delaware III]] as "Canton Three". This is a similar naming convention to the one used by [[Liz Ten]] for herself and earlier ruling members of the Royal Family. ([[DW]]: ''[[The Beast Below]]'')
*The Doctor says, "Human beings. I thought I'd never get done saving you" at the picnic, which echoes his line in ''[[Time of Angels]]'': "You're like rabbits! I'll never get done saving you!"
* The Doctor says, "Human beings. I thought I'd never get done saving you" at the picnic, which echoes his line in ''[[Time of Angels]]'': "You're like rabbits! I'll never get done saving you!"
*When sitting at the President's desk, the Doctor says "Mister President" in the exact same manner as [[Ramón Salamander]] (played by [[Second Doctor]] actor [[Patrick Troughton]], a large inspiration for the [[Eleventh Doctor]]). ([[DW]]: ''[[The Enemy of the World]]'')
* When sitting at the President's desk, the Doctor says "Mister President" in the exact same manner as [[Ramón Salamander]] (played by [[Second Doctor]] actor [[Patrick Troughton]], a large inspiration for the [[Eleventh Doctor]]). ([[DW]]: ''[[The Enemy of the World]]'')


== [[Eleventh Doctor - Timeline|Timeline]] ==
== [[Eleventh Doctor - Timeline|Timeline]] ==
Line 517: Line 517:
Released as Series 6 Part 1 with ''[[Day of the Moon]]'', ''[[The Curse of the Black Spot]]'', ''[[The Doctor's Wife]]'', ''[[The Rebel Flesh]]'', ''[[The Almost People]]'' and ''[[A Good Man Goes to War]]'' on 11 July 2011.
Released as Series 6 Part 1 with ''[[Day of the Moon]]'', ''[[The Curse of the Black Spot]]'', ''[[The Doctor's Wife]]'', ''[[The Rebel Flesh]]'', ''[[The Almost People]]'' and ''[[A Good Man Goes to War]]'' on 11 July 2011.


==External links==
== External links ==
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010tb7q BBC - BBC One Programmes - '''''The Impossible Astronaut''''']
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010tb7q BBC - BBC One Programmes - '''''The Impossible Astronaut''''']


==Footnotes==
== Footnotes ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{DWTV}}
{{DWTV}}
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[[fr:The Impossible Astronaut]]
[[fr:The Impossible Astronaut]]
[[ru:Невозможный Астронавт]]
[[ru:Невозможный Астронавт]]
[[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]]

Revision as of 18:01, 5 November 2011

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The Impossible Astronaut was the first episode of the sixth series of Doctor Who. This story is perhaps most notable as the first opening two-parter of the BBC Wales series. Behind the scenes, it was notable for the significant amount of location filming with cast and crew travelling to Utah in the United States of America.

Narratively, it saw the reappearance of River Song with some insight into her back story. Yet again, questions of her trustworthiness were posed. Additionally, it built on the references of the previous series to "the Silence".

Synopsis

Four envelopes, numbered 2, 3 and 4, each containing a date, time and map reference, unsigned, but TARDIS blue: who sent them? And who received the missing envelope numbered 1? This strange summons reunites the Doctor, Amy, Rory and River Song in the middle of the Utah desert and unveils a terrible secret the Doctor's friends must never reveal to him. Placing his life entirely in their hands, the Doctor agrees to search for, and figure out just who is Canton Everett Delaware the Third. What is the relevance of their only other clue: 'Space 1969'? Their quest lands them—quite literally—in the Oval Office, where they are enlisted by President Nixon to assist former-FBI agent Canton in saving a terrified little girl from a mysterious spaceman. [1]


Plot

In the 17th century, Charles II bursts into a room, demanding of Matilda, the Eleventh Doctor’s whereabouts. By her stands "My Mysterious Doctor", a painting of the Time Lord. She asks "Doctor Who?". An audible sneeze comes from beneath her skirt and the king lifts its hem with his sword to find the Doctor naked underneath, saying it is not as bad as it seems.

In 2011, Amy Pond and Rory Williams are in their kitchen. Amy reads an account of the Doctor, imprisoned in the Tower of London without trial on the order of the king. Rory is not certain that it is the Doctor until Amy reads that he was seen flying from the tower two days later on a sphere. Rory now believes it is the Doctor. She reads of the Doctor taking part in a World War II breakout from a POW camp, which doesn't end well in the flashback.

Amy ponders whether the Doctor is being deliberately ridiculous to gain their attention. Rory is distracted and doesn’t see the Doctor waving at the camera in a Laurel and Hardy film. Amy goes through her mail and finds a letter in a TARDIS-blue envelope. There is no name in the letter but it has a map reference, a time and a date. In Stormcage Containment Facility, River Song receives an identical letter. The prison goes on alert when a guard warns that she is packing to go to a planet called America.

Rory and Amy arrive in Utah where they are greeted by the Doctor. River arrives shortly after, shooting off the Doctor's hat. In a café, the Doctor and River compare diaries. They have both “done” Easter Island and met Jim the Fish. The Doctor says that they're going somewhere new and different: space in 1969.

They picnic by a lake. The Doctor tries wine, spits it out, and mentions in passing that he's eleven hundred three years old, about two hundred years older than the last time Amy and Rory saw him. Amy sees a figure watching them from a distance. As she turns away, she forgets about him. Behind them an elderly man pulls up in his car and waits. From the water an astronaut rises, wearing an Apollo 11-style space suit.

File:Dining on the sand.jpg
The Doctor dines with his friends.

The Doctor tells his friends not to interfere and goes to meet the astronaut. Out of earshot, the Doctor announces he knows who is within the suit. The astronaut shoots him twice, initiating his eleventh regeneration, but fires again before the transformation can begin. The Doctor truly dies. The astronaut retreats into the water, unfazed by the bullets River Song fires.

The elderly man approaches and hands the grieving trio a gas can; he, too, was invited here. They perform a Viking-style funeral, burning the Doctor’s body aboard a boat to prevent his corpse being studied. The man shows them he too has an envelope: number four. Rory and Amy have three and River has two. His name is Canton Everett Delaware III, and they will be seeing him again soon though he won't see them again.

River, Rory and Amy return to the café to find letter one on a table. The Doctor emerges from a side door, alive and well. He greets them happily, oblivious to their astonishment until a furious River slaps him. His companions eventually realise this version of the Doctor is younger by some two hundred years, invited by his older self, just the same as they, and is unaware of what they have just witnessed. They tell him they have been "hired" by someone he trusts the most and it involves the year 1969 and a man named Canton Everett Delaware III.

They return to the TARDIS. River tells Rory and Amy they cannot tell the Doctor of his upcoming death, while the Doctor is reluctant to obey a mysterious summons. Amy manages to get the Doctor to oblige them by swearing on Fish fingers and custard.

They travel in the TARDIS to 1969 to land in the Oval Office after switching the TARDIS to make it invisible and silent. The Doctor emerges alone and listens to President Richard Nixon and a young Canton Delaware discuss the president being called by an unknown person every day. The Doctor makes notes as a recording of a call is played. Nixon speaks with a young child. When the President asks the child its name, the response is “Jefferson Adams Hamilton”.

Canton and Nixon become aware of the Doctor's presence, and the Secret Service is called in. They overwhelm the Doctor and the TARDIS becomes visible per his request. He proposes to sort out the mysterious calls and claims to be an undercover agent from Scotland Yard. Canton tells the Doctor he has five minutes to solve the mystery.

Amy sees the mysterious creature again as it stands in the hallway, a few feet from her. Rory blocks her vision and she again forgets what she has seen. She feels ill and asks to go the toilet. She enters to find the alien waiting for her. As she looks at it, she remembers the previous sightings. A woman emerges from one of the cubicles and sees the alien. She thinks it one of her co-workers wearing a Star Trek mask. She looks at Amy and forgets the alien is there, then looks again and repeats the same words, before looking back to Amy and forgetting again. She looks at the alien a third time. This time, she stops herself from repeating the same phrase, remembering the previous sightings. The alien kills her with electricity, tells Amy the woman's name was Joy, and cryptically instructs Amy to “tell the Doctor what he must know, and what he must never know”. Amy exits and immediately forgets - but not before taking a photo of the alien on her cell phone. She returns to the Oval Office.

File:Doc in Oval Office.jpg
The Doctor dissects the problem.

The Doctor announces success. Nixon answers another of the mysterious calls while the Doctor, his companions, and Canton leave in the TARDIS. The Doctor tells the others that Jefferson, Adams, and Hamilton are three of America’s founding fathers, and that "Jefferson Adams Hamilton" isn't the name of the little girl calling, but of three streets that intersect near where she is calling from; the girl had been trying to tell the President where she was, not who she was. He asserts that the only junction in the United States of those three street names is five miles from Cape Kennedy.

Rory explains to a stunned Canton that the TARDIS is bigger on the inside. They search a building at the junction, unaware of the astronaut’s presence. Amy suggests to River they neutralise the astronaut now to prevent it killing the Doctor in the future. River tells Amy that it doesn’t work that way as nature of time travel is very complicated.

River discovers a tunnel leading down through a drain. She heads down and finds a secret tunnel filed with the mysterious aliens, and quickly runs up to warn the Doctor. She forgets they are there and goes to take another look with Rory. This time, the tunnel is empty and River opens a locked room, entering a large cavern. In the centre sits a structure akin to a TARDIS console.

The astronaut approaches the Doctor and Amy.

They set off an alarm and Rory checks if anything is coming. He sees many of the aliens but forgets as soon as he turns to warn River. She uses one of her devices. The tunnels cover the Earth and have been there for hundreds of years. Electricity crackles behind Rory and something approaches him.

Canton and Amy discuss the former agent's FBI career; he was kicked out for “attitude problems” as he wanted to get married. Amy hears the little girl calling and runs to the Doctor; Canton runs past them and they follow.

They find him unconscious. As they examine Canton, Amy tells the Doctor she is pregnant. They turn to see the astronaut, who lifts its faceplate. Despite River's warnings, Amy takes Canton's gun as the faceplate is fully lifted to reveal the little girl who called the President for help, and shoots her.

Cast

Crew

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.
          

Rhys Jones is credited as a "Prop Chargehand" rather than a "Props Chargehand".


References

The Doctor

  • An older Eleventh Doctor, who is eleven hundred and three years old, begins to regenerate, but is killed before the process completes.
  • The younger Doctor states his current age is nine hundred and nine.
  • The Doctor says that he is late for a biplane lesson in 1911 but gets confused and wonders if it is actually knitting.
  • The Eleventh Doctor still dislikes wine.
  • The Doctor claims that two of the American founding fathers mentioned in the girl's message fancied him, although he does not identify which two.
  • In The Wedding of River Song, it is shown that the Doctor was actually the Teselecta in his form.

Music

  • When The Doctor, Amy, Rory and River are in the diner before going to Lake Silencio, "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele is playing in the background.


Films

  • Amy Pond and Rory Williams watch a Laurel & Hardy film, The Flying Deuces, on television.
  • This story shares numerous similarities with the 1988 John Carpenter film They Live, in which the primary protagonist discovers a hidden alien race living amongst humans, using subliminal messages to influence their development.
  • The Doctor refers to River Song as Mrs. Robinson - a character from the 1967 film The Graduate.

Fashion and clothing

  • The Doctor wears a fez in a Laurel & Hardy film, The Flying Deuces.
  • The eleven hundred three year old Doctor wears a Stetson hat, and proclaims that "Stetsons are cool". As with the last time he tried to adopt headgear, it is promptly dealt with by River Song's gun.


Foods and beverages

  • The Doctor thought wine would taste more like 'the gums', referring to wine gums.
  • The Doctor asks for twelve Jammy Dodgers.

Years

  • The Doctor states that the year 1482 is full of glitches, but also says 1969 is 'easy'. It seems some years are harder to travel to than others.

TARDIS

  • The Doctor makes the TARDIS invisible when he materialises in the Oval Office. The Doctor states that this causes a huge drain on the TARDIS energy. When he tries to re-enter the TARDIS, he smashes into it.
  • The Doctor also manages to land the TARDIS silently.
  • The Doctor claims that the TARDIS scanner cannot be activated when the TARDIS is invisible. This is later shown to be false, as River makes adjustments inside the TARDIS and operates the scanner, as the Doctor's later dialogue indicates he had expected her to do.

Story notes

  • This episode had the working title The Year of the Moon[2]
  • This is the first two-part opening episode of the revived series, and the first since Attack of the Cybermen.
  • A prequel for this story was released on the official BBC website.[3]
  • The monsters in this episode were said to be "the scariest monsters yet".[4]
  • The episode was dedicated to Elisabeth Sladen, who passed away four days before the episode's initial broadcast. The dedication was shown before the episode on BBC1 and Space, and after the episode on BBC America. The dedication was omitted from the DVD and Blu-ray release.
  • The version supplied for broadcast in the United States and Australia is the first episode of Doctor Who to have a voiceover introductory sequence before the main titles, with the voice of Amy explaining her relationship with the Doctor.
  • While the local date and time when the Doctor is killed is the evening of the 22nd April, 2011, the local date and time in Britain (a 7-hour difference from Utah) would be two minutes after midnight on 23rd April, as DW: Let's Kill Hitler establishes the point of death as 5:02pm local time. Thus, this is the third story in the revived series whose airdate coincides with in-story events (the first being DW: The End of Time on December 25, 2009, and the second being DW: The Big Bang on June 26, 2010).
  • The attempted regeneration in this episode occurs in front of six witnesses, the greatest number in the revived series (Amy Pond, Rory Williams, River Song, Canton Delaware, the astronaut, and a Silent).
  • This is the first episode of the revived series to feature a regeneration (albeit an unsuccessful one) outside the TARDIS.
  • The sequence with the Doctor inserted into the Laurel and Hardy clip is a reference to the 1992 American Academy Awards. Host Billy Crystal was digitally added into the same clip and was depicted dancing alongside Laurel and Hardy. In this version, the Doctor begins to dance with Laurel and Hardy at the end of the clip, standing in the same spot that was occupied by Crystal.
  • The repeated phrase "Space: 1969" is a reference to the British science fiction series "Space: 1999", which is set on the Moon.
  • The Doctor asks the Secret Service agents for a SWAT team. The first SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) team had only been established the year before in 1968 (by Darryl Gates in Los Angeles) and it's possible the agents might not have even known what the Doctor was talking about.
  • The idea of tunnelling out of a German POW camp is based on an actual incident that occurred during World War II, immortalised in the film The Great Escape and parodied in the television series Hogan's Heroes.
  • Joy asks if the Silent is wearing a Star Trek mask. Star Trek was cancelled the same year this story takes place, with the last episode airing on June 3, 1969.
  • The Doctor calls River Song "Mrs. Robinson", referencing the character from the film The Graduate. Mrs. Robinson is notorious for having an affair with a younger man, so the nickname may be the Doctor's way of teasing Song about their relationship and the fact that physically she appears to be older than he is. Oddly enough, the Doctor doesn't recognise the reference when River Song calls him 'Benjamin' (her affair) in Let's Kill Hitler
  • William Morgan Sheppard is the real life father of Mark Sheppard.
  • The Silents bear a slight resemblence to The Gentelemen from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Ratings

  • 8.86 million. (43.3% market share)
  • Viewership for the episode on BBC America was 1.3 million, breaking the station's previous viewership record which had been set by the premiere of The Eleventh Hour. [5]
  • The episode was the most recorded show in UK history with 4.1 Million viewers

Myths

  • We will see River Song as a child.[6] This was been proven true in A Good Man Goes to War and Let's Kill Hitler.
  • The second episode will air the day after the first.[7][8][9] This has been proven false.
  • Overnight figures for BBC was 6.4 million making this the least watched series opener since the 2005 relaunch. The Daily Mail and other places were comparing the overnight-only ratings of this episode to the full consolidated BARB ratings for the previous season openers, which include people watching time-shifted playback and recordings (such as with Sky+). The consolidated figures were 8.86 million, which compares favourably to other series openers.

Filming locations

Production errors

  • While the Doctor appears in the Laurel & Hardy film, Rory's shifts through the pages of the history book which appear underneath the screen imply the film footage was overlaid on the actual shot.
  • When the Doctor approaches the astronaut he leaves the picnic with a wine bottle in his hand. In the next shot the bottle is gone.
  • During the Doctor's death scene, someone is visible by Canton's car.
  • When the Doctor is shot the second time during his regeneration cycle, the regeneration energy just cuts off. It does not fade away like during a normal regeneration.
    File:Shadow-impossible-astronaut.jpg
    Production Error - the figure by Canton's car.
  • When Amy is talking to the agent outside of the toilet, a boom mic can be seen over his shoulder.
  • When the Doctor exits the TARDIS control room he opens the right door but when he walks out to the Oval office he goes out the left.
  • One of the Mission Patches on the Astronaut's space suit is an anachronism; the "Vitruvian Emblem" was first used during the Space Shuttle missions of the early Eighties.
  • The Secret Service agents all carry revolvers, which were more commonly in use during the period. However by 1969 the Secret Service had transitioned to the semi-automatic Colt M1911.
  • There are two African-Americans on the president's detail. The first African American Secret Service agent assigned was Abraham Bolden in 1961, but such appointments were comparatively rare until some years later.
  • When Amy and Rory get off the bus, it drives away and then, when the Doctor and Amy hug, the bus is nowhere to be seen.
  • In the scene when the Silent gets ready to kill Joy, electricity can be seen flying into his body, but on the mirror next to him the electricity cannot be seen.
  • Canton Delaware offers another example of British usage by American characters. Referring to the TARDIS ability to travel in space and time and to be bigger on the inside, he asks "How long have Scotland Yard had this?" An American would have said "How long has Scotland Yard had this?"

Continuity

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.

Timeline

For the present Doctor, Amy and Rory

For the future Doctor

For adult River Song

For young Melody

For the astronaut at the lake

Home video releases

Series-6-part-1-dvd-cover.jpg

Released as Series 6 Part 1 with Day of the Moon, The Curse of the Black Spot, The Doctor's Wife, The Rebel Flesh, The Almost People and A Good Man Goes to War on 11 July 2011.

External links

Footnotes