Doctor Who: 9 Most Underrated Episodes Of The Revived Series
2. The Rings Of Akhaten (Series 7)
This is probably the least-loved episode on this list, having managed to chart ninth bottom in the Doctor Who Magazine 50th Anniversary Poll. Thats why it had to take this slot ahead of other potential candidates from Series 7. While some would argue that the likes of Dinosaurs on a Spaceship and The Angels Take Manhattan need more appreciation, this needs it much more. First and foremost is that speech by Matt Smith, set to the sound of Merrys song, a song so poignant they decided to bring it back to see the Eleventh Doctor off in The Time of the Doctor. Its hard to put into words just how good that moment is - its so good that it subsequently sparked a thousand memes, wrenched a thousand tears from the eyes of Whovians around the world and so good that older Doctos like Colin Baker have been asked to do their own versions of it at conventions. It showcases what makes Matt Smith just so good in the role, how behind his quirkiness, there is a brilliant range of emotion there, and it's debatably the best moment of Series 7. There are other smaller moments that slip under the radar, too. For all the - arguably deserved - criticism Claras character gets in Series 7, fans get some great moments with her here, specifically through her interactions with Merry. The scene in which she talks through Merrys fears, recounting her own tale when she thought her mum had left her behind, is genuinely heart-warming, and a good dash of personality for a character that audiences could have otherwise struggled to connect with. Emilia Jones gives a strong performance as Merry, both vital to the heart of the story as well as a relief given the show's past record of child actors. Merry is a hugely sympathetic character, too. with her fears and worries easy for viewers to relate to. And given the brilliant design of the admittedly underused Vigil, its understandable why shes so scared. Theyre a wonderful bad guy design and a real credit to the costume deparment.
