4. Destiny Is A Matter Of Choice Not Chance
Fate and free will are two concepts that Doctor Who writers love to explore. In last weeks Rings of Akhaten Neil Cross suggested that fate intervened in the form of a falling leaf in order to bring Claras parents together. Cold War, however, is saying that the choices we make, rather than chance determine our destiny. Skaldak must choose whether to give in to a desire for revenge or to show mercy and understanding for anothers panic-driven reactions. The fate of the earth hangs in the balance. The choice he makes will determine forever how is remembered as a hero or a genocidal maniac. The Doctor must choose whether to save himself and the others with him, or to forfeit the lives aboard the sub for the lives of all other human beings. It is not his own death that weighs most heavily upon him but the loss of those around him. They didnt sign up for this; he is making the choice for them. He is sacrificing their potential on the altar of his own sense of duty to the universe. He is indeed a soldier, a general, a grand marshal much like Skaldak. He commands his troops, and some of them will be lost to the cause. Clara must choose whether to become a hero and overcome her fear or whether to refuse to undertake the heros journey. This is a choice all companions must make and this episode illustrates this quandary beautifully. A hero must make decisions outside of their own self interest. Is your first priority to save yourself or save the universe?