Doctor Who: Empire Of Death Review - 7 Ups & 5 Downs

I absolutely adore the incorporation of the Memory TARDIS from Tales of the TARDIS into this episode - though, according to RTD's episode commentary, it was actually the other way around: the Memory TARDIS was created for this episode and then the idea was revisited for the spinoff. I'll admit, it got a gasp out of me seeing the set making the jump into the main show.

I also really appreciate that we can now canonically place the pre-flashback scenes from the Pyramids of Mars episode of 'Tales' into the timeline of this episode.

The visual of the Memory TARDIS is absolutely gorgeous, brimming with detail and packed with 60 years' worth of easter eggs in every single shot. Console units and roundels from various TARDISes through the years, a draw full of sonic screwdrivers used by previous Doctors and props from a plethora of episodes. I particularly enjoy the use of a mini version of Jodie Whittaker's TARDIS interior as a little campfire of sorts, and the various items of clothing from Doctors past that are strewn about the place.

Those shots of Mel fondly stroking ol' Sixie's technicolour dreamcoat and snuggling up to Sylvester's question mark jumper are lovely little ways of having Mel reconnect with her own Doctors without the need of any cameos, and are really touching little moments.

It's not revealed what becomes of the Memory TARDIS, but I like Russell's explanation in the episode commentary that it drifts off and seeks out the echoes of past Doctors and companions as an in-universe explanation for the other episodes of Tales of the TARDIS that aired around the 60th anniversary.