🎄 Merry Christmas to those that celebrate 🎄 Thank you all so much for joining me on so many journeys during this past year. I hope to have many, many more with you all 💜I hope you have a wonderful day!
May you as well, and on into next year. We all could use a better new year. I often use “be better than you were yesterday” for an axiom of personal growth, however I’m hoping that somehow the world can be better than all its collective yesterdays…
I absolutely love how River talks to Rory at the prison like she would as a girl telling her father about her exciting birthday party. "It's my birthday! The doctor took me ice skating!"
Remember when the Doctor first met River in the library, he said "I point and laugh at archeologists". What's the first thing he does here when seeing the baby... he points at Melody and starts laughing. Amazing how you saw the Melody Pond - River Song connection so early, how you knew Melody was the girl in the astronaut suit who regenerated into a different form, how the baby was part Time Lord. You were so close to piecing everything together before the reveal.
I remember watching this for the first time as a 13 year old. Building up for 3 years of mystery surrounding River Song and that reveal was so mind bending. One of the best twists the show has ever done.
@@julesreacts you're one of the only reactors Ive watched that mentioned river song the second they heard melody's name! A part of you guessed without even knowing 🥰
Rivers timeline is fantastic when you get to see the full thing. I’m glad you picked up on the River->Pond, Melody->Song. Most reactors don’t notice. Also, River tells us right at the beginning that it’s her birthday. Hidden in plain sight this reveal was. We also had the quote “the only water in the forest is the river” from the episode the Doctors Wife. It’s come full circle now. The best thing this episode does is give us that moment with Lorena, she was a random kid the Doctor helped once off screen and we get to see how much of an impact the Doc can have on someone.
It's such a brilliant reveal! I never saw it coming. I didn't pick up on the birthday connection and it just seems so OBVIOUS now in hindsight 🤣 I just thought it was weird that the names sounded similar but that is as far as I got haha. It's just so bizarre.... River is Amy and Rory's daughter?!?
Don't forget that River is running in reverse. The River who Rory saw at the beginning of the episode did not wait around and go to Demon's Run later. She had already been there which is why she knew so much and could drop hints to Rory.
I've, also, always loved watching this episode over how pleased River looks to see her father on her birthday... Obviously, she can't tell him who he is to her but, you can see on her face how incredibly happy she is to see him. ❤
Not shown in the video, but the line "Good men don't need rules. Today is not the day to find out why I have so many." is one of my favorites both in this episode and in the whole series. I just love when the Doctor shows us his dark side. And Matt Smith just keeps nailing this role. I absolutely love his transition from him just being done with River hiding her identity, to him just giggling when he realizes who she is.
That's not the reason some lines don't make the edit 😊 I can only really show a portion due to copyright and as it's my first time watching, I have no clue what lines are famous/popular among the fan base. If I did, I'd leave them in!
It's always possible that the Doctor hadn't met the soldier girl as a child in the gamma forests yet, he is a time traveler, he doesn't always meet people in order as we see with River Song.
And, of course, that soldier girl is played by Christina Chong, who jumped sci-fi franchises and is currently playing Lieutenant La'an Noonien-Singh in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Want another twist? Here goes: Dorian gave a Time Vortex Manipulator to River, a device that was cut from the wrist of a handsome Time Agent. Dorian has a working relationship with the Headless Monks. The Headless Monks cut people's heads off and put them in boxes. The Face of Boe is a head in a box. Jack Harkness was a handsome Time Agent. Jack Harkness is the face of Boe. There you go. You're welcome.
I guessed it when the forest woman said she had embroidered "your daughter's name in the language of my people". Something clicked and I remembered what Idris had said about the only water in the forest. But I really wish I hadn't! Because the revelation was so epic and I feel like I missed out on a spine tingling experience. Some people are never satisfied!
So fun fact John Barrowman was suppose to be in this episode as Captain Jack and it would have been the explanation on why he became the face of boe cause the monks were gonna cut his head off. The only reason he wasnt in this episode was because of scheduling and Barrowman was busy. Also the person who plays Dorian the blue guy was also in series 5 too
@Venemofthe888 Oh my God... Imagine if he was in that episode... Jack flirting with River... Jack flirting with Madam Vastra and Jenny... He could even flirt with Strax if he's into Sontarans. Jack flirting with Amy, then Rory gets angry or annoyed, and while Jack might stop out of respect, I definitely think he might even flirt with Rory which might make Rory feel better about himself like every other person Jack's flirted with, and of course the Doctor will get annoyed with that. And if Jack gets decapitated by the Headless Monks, imagine the shock and horror of the Doctor when he realizes that confirms Jack really was the Face of Boe and that would be the beginning of his transformation. I think Jack being in this story would add the intensity to it, and even that episode was filled with intensity.
I remember the Doctor Who corner of the internet absolutely imploding when this came out. People had been theorising like mad about who River was for years- pretty much every theory had been throw at the wall like this point. I won’t say if any of your theorising about what comes next is correct, but I will say your memory about what’s happened so far is pretty accurate. Also, I apologise Jules, but when you mentioned how the name Melody Pond sounded a lot like River Song at the beginning I laughed so hard by boyfriend thought came running from the other room because he thought I was choking.
It makes me laugh too when I was so close to putting it together but missed it 🤣 it really wouldn't even be something I'd ever imagine being **something**! It was such an amazing twist!!
One thing that I never spotted until it was shown to me was a little hint earlier in this episode. The doctor once described himself as "a time traveller....I point and laugh at archaeologists " and when they had the family reunion in this episode, that was the first thing the doctor did to baby melody.
@@BooneBluemel Well you also need to consider that the 1st Doctor's companion was Susan, his granddaughter. So to be a grandfather he must have been a father at some point.
During the 90s (i think) there was a fan theory that our word for "man who heals people" comes from The Doctor saving everyone and theorised that if he went rogue, some cultures might see the word "doctor" as an evil being. About 20 years later the person who cane up with that theory became the showrunner (it was Moffat)
I simply couldnt stop myself from watching. What an awesome episode this was. So one quick note: This is not cannon, but I always interpreted the Doctor saying "of course I remember..." as the truth. He remembers her. He remembers running with her. And after she passes not only does he want to remember, but he wants to inquire as to who she was. To keep her memory alive. So he remembers, but he knew nothing more of her other than they ran. Now that she sacrificed herself, he wants to know more about her, to honor her. While Nr 11 is often touted as the Doctor that wants to forget... that references something else. I can not see the Doctor forgetting humans that have shared their adventures with him.
A fun feeling of watching someone watch what we have already watched, your future is our past. From River’s perspective, their future has already happened for in her past.
When they brought back Alex Kingston for her first Matt Smith episode, they swore her to absolute secrecy and told her about this twist. Watch the way she plays River in scenes with Amy; it was really subtle, but she knew that reveal was coming...eventually...and she put that into every line when they were on camera together.
2:30 honestly I watched this when it was aired I never and not since have I seen someone connect the abstract thought of melody pond having a connection to river song 😊
In the first series with the first doctor, he had a companion that was his granddaughter... Is River Song her grandmother? Would love for a writer to work that one out.
After getting the reveal about River Song and who she is; it's neat to re-watch the episode and pay attention to River's initial reaction to first realising that the person she spots in the hallway of the prison is Rory; it's one of happiness; as her father is here on her birthday; visiting her. But she quickly has to put her guard up and put an emotional distance between herself and Rory; as upon hearing him speak she realises where his timeline is in relation to her's. That the visit from Rory wasn't one of a father vising his daughter on her birthday; but rather one associate of the Doctor's coming to recruit a fellow associate to go on a mission.
colonel, not captain. one nice thing about that line, when he says at the end "you tell them your name" he meant that he'll tell the kids to "run away"
Merry Christmas Jules! "It's my birthday" - River Song. Alex Kingtson says she was aware of this plot twist from a very early point in portraying River. Moffat told her.
God I love this episode. Rory is epic in it, the baby melting away is gut wrenching, seeing all the old baddies mobilise is brilliant and the scene between the Doctor and River is awesome. Love how you noticed how similar the names Melody Pond and River Song are - one of the things I love about you as a reactor, Jules is how observant you are and how enthusiastically you immerse yourself in all the twists and turns of this crazy show. Happy Christmas, Jules and thank you for another year of being awesome - it is a joy travelling with you..
Thank you so much for being here, for always being positive and kind, and an absolute pleasure to have around. I appreciate you so much! I hope you've had a lovely Christmas and I wish you all the best for 2025 🎄💜🎄
Do you remember in the second episode of this season when River kills all the Silence and turns to Rory and says "My old man didn't see that, did he?" He did, cuz he was her dad the entire time and he was right there :p.
@@Trainer319 To be fair, I don't think either of them like it when river gets shooty... To be even fairer, I don't think River's enemies like it when she gets shooty
1:14 the range of emotions you went through here was great. Love this episode’s opening sequence 2:15 well done 20:06 this was such a cool moment first time I saw it One of my favorite episodes. Enjoyed your reaction to it.
23:45 Yes. In the old show and at least in the 9th Doctor's "Father's Day" and with Captain Jack it was said that time travellers could not meet themselves because potential paradoxes occurring.
River meeting Rory is SO emotional when you know the big reveal. Alex Kingston plays it beautifully! And Lorna Bucket is now La'an Noonien-Singh on Star Trek Strange New Worlds
So many amazing moments in this episode. 1. Rory's opening 2. The Doctor tricking Manton and the army into disarming themselves before the Doctor's army decloaks. 3. Colonel Runaway. When the Doctor wants to humiliate someone, geez. 4. Good men don't need rules. Amazing threat. 5. The way the Doctor flips from angry to happy when he realizes River is telling him she's the baby. 6. Amy and Rory realizing their family is far more complicated than anybody thought possible.
Amazing how quickly you caught the connection between River Song and Melody Pond (I know I didn't 😂). And I love that fake-out with "this man is your father" at the beginning. The Last Centurion 😍
The Doctor probably met Launa Bucket afterwards which is why he doesn’t remember her, he knows he met her and that without their first interaction she wouldn’t have been able to warn everyone
Merry Christmas Jules! Here we are...The best plot twist episode reveal. Heck this is like one of the top episodes for me. A little fun fact before we get into the reveal part, Captain Jack was meant to be in this episode, supposedly this is where he would have his head chopped off and become the Face of Boe, but John Barrowman(Jack's actor) was busy filming another project and unable to come in. Would have made this episode perfect but this episode is still really good despite it. First off Amy telling her daughter about the man that will save her and for a fleeting moment you are thinking it's the Doctor but then she says he's her father and then Rory comes in like an absolute badass to a bunch of Cybermen. Now to how this episode builds up the reveal of who River Song is, she mentions it's her birthday, how she looks excited to see Rory but has to hold it in because she can't tell him how important it was to see him on her birthday. Also remember something River said in the Forest of the Dead episode: 'I've seen whole army's turn and run away' And the Doctor tells the general to tell his men to run away. The Timelord cot is so cool, like super cool. I'm so mad you called it. I will not lie and say I was smart with calling that River Song was Melody Pond. But the whole reveal is just lovely.
Merry Christmas, Kana 💜🎄 It was such an incredible episode! Never in a million years would have I thought this was even something?! WHAAAAT?? Such a crazy twist 😱
You were supposed to think of The Doctor, while Rory, The Nurse who does know harm, is even older now. Neither Amy nor the title were speaking of The Doctor. Rory is the good man gone to war. And The Doctor is the demon, the dark legend, who runs away from his friends at the end. That is why he has so many rules. And so many have made faustian deals that can be called in.
2:06 and 19:54 This is one of the things I've been waiting for, that I would be excited to see your reaction, Jules. 18:53 to 19:37 Your face/reaction. I was feeling really excited and had a big smile on my face when I was listening to your thoughts at the end. This episode is one of my favorite Smith episodes and a bit of a jaw drop for me.
Isn't it epic?! NEVER would I have expected that to even be a thing. As much as I can make predictions and guess what might happen, NO WAY EVER could I guess this 😱 I'm so glad you enjoyed!! Thank you so much 💜
We really are barrelling through these, aren't we? It's been so fun to see your reactions to every episode so far and I'm glad we still have so much to go through! P.S You're really smart, I love seeing you piece things together!
I would not say I'm really smart haha I think I piece things together because I genuinely adore the show and the characters and pay attention. A lot of things I do miss though, there's just so much going on at times 😅
17:30 It's likely that he's never met Lorna before and only later seeks her out in her youth in order to orchestrate the event she described and thus make her the person who helped his friends today.
The Doctor *did* have a daughter in the old canon, but she got written out of existence by NuWho; so now he retroactively never did. There are *a lot* of retcons like that, if you look closely enough. And a lot more, in the more recent series; but I won’t spoil any of what’s to come for you. Though, actually, now he has a female clone of himself running around some place… but they just never bring her up again.
Needless to say, this is a key episode that ties the past together, but also explains some of the future that has been shown in previous episodes. (Clear as mud???) River's timeline is the definition of "wibbly-wobbly, timey-whimey" theory. There are separate Dr. Who sub-series that explains her life and times. You're doing great, Jules. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all that jazz.
Demons run when a good man goes to war... Congratulations Jules, you've reached another milestone! Back in the day there was so much build-up behind the mystery of River, and there were so many theories going around, so this big reveal was huge. The fact that the split nature of the season was heavily emphasised and this was heavily promoted as the mid-season finale made it all feel so much more epic. Remember, we had a break before the next episode, leaving us plenty of time to marinate in that cliffhanger. I still remember visiting my friends down south and watching it with them, it felt like such an event. This was the first time we'd seen the Doctor's name in Old High Gallifreyan, but since then it's become incredibly popular as a tattoo, etc. I had it on my last phone's case. I'm honestly so impressed that you made the Melody connection so early on. You really are good at this. I know I never joined those dots, because I remember when River pointed to the bassinet I thought the twist was going to be that River's a future incarnation of the Doctor (I remember that theory floating around a lot). This episode does such a great job of drawing elements together from across the Eleventh Doctor era thus far, but there's still half a season to go, with a lot of questions and answers still to come. I'm looking forward to next week and one of the most unique titles in Doctor Who history.
Hey Ashley! I hope you had a lovely Christmas break 🎄 it was relaxing, a bit too hot, and over too quickly! Thank you so much for the kind words! I often laugh to myself at what I thought Doctor Who was before I started watching. How wrong I was 😅 I adore it so much. Enjoy your weekend 💜
This episode hit me like a train when I first watched it. In fact, it still does. This was a great video! I'm just sad I'm caught up now and have to wait for the next episode. ❤
One tidbit that I don't think was already mentioned in the comments - Doctor, the word for healer, "we got that word from you" - I love love love that idea. Also, Moffat wrote this idea in some fanfic forum in '95: "...perhaps our earthly use of the word “doctor” meaning healer or wise man is direct result of the Doctor’s multiple interventions in our history as a healer and wise man. In other words, we got it from him." I just love that he had the chance to write it into the show
I still don't know what is written in the cot that makes the Doctor suddenly change his attitude toward River and being confident about the future of the baby.
"I've seen whole armies turn and run away, and he'd just swagger off back to his Tardis, and open the door with a snap of his fingers." - River Song And now we've seen those things too! The reveal of River's identity in this one is crazy! And Rory facing down the legions of the Cybermen was awesome! We also get the introduction of a few new allies for The Doctor in Madame Vastra, Jenny, and Strax! Strax in particular is a favourite of mine, just about as friendly as a Sontaran gets!
Steven Moffat had planned the revelation about River Song "for a long time"; when creating Amy, he chose "Pond" for her last name to create a link. He intended for the "answer to be as complicated as the question".
Oh mate ... you have dragged me back on Christmas Day to the times when Dr. Who was still very, very, good. I don't know whether to hug you or curse you for reminding me of what was :D EDIT: Oh and, as ever, quick wits and insight on almost instantly picking up on the important story threads
Merry Christmas to you Jules. Thank you for choosing to post one of my favourite episodes today, i know in comments last week you weren't certain if you should today.
You can almost hear River catching herself, stopping herself from calling Rory Dad. I don't know what it says about me, but River telling Rory no one can ever tell Stevie Wonder, a blind musician, that he was in Victorian London is for me one of the funniest lines in the history of the show. Technically, Dorium (big blue guy) didn't die, he just, erm, lost a lot of weight?! :P And lastly, when River says she hdn't seen the cot in a very long time, she meant her lifetime; she saw it briefly when Amy was holding her before it became known the baby was a flesh avatar, and didn't see it again until that moment. You may recognize the actress playing Lorna Bucket, the soldier doing needlepoint while waiting at the beginning who joined to meet the Doctor again, as Christina Chong, currently serving on the USS Enterprise (no suffix) as security officer La'an Noonien -Singh in Star Trek, Strange New Worlds. Descendant of Khan, survivor of a Gorn breeding colony, kicking ass all over the quadrant. It is reveals such as the one we had at the end of this episode that keep me watching the show after nearly 50 years and the Wilderness years. We don't need them in every episode, or even every season, but just the occasional shocking surprise does wonders. I still remember the chills I felt when I first watched this episode, and my one of my biggest regrets is never being able to see things such as this for the first time again. A part of me wouldn't mind losing my experiential memory, precisely so I can see them again "for the first time." :D
Can't tell you how long I've been waiting to see your reaction to this episode, it was worth the wait and such a brilliant episode, the colonel runaway speech was amazing from the doctor lol
@julesreacts Madame Vastra's hiss when the Doctor shows his true rage to Colonel Runaway was a nice touch and just empathizes how many levels of rage the doctor has
Fun Fact: the good man in the title isn't the Doctor, but Rory. Additionally, the finale of season 5, The Big Bang, that title didn't actually refer to the Doctor rebooting the universe, but Melody being concieved.
The show started with his grandaughter. The American movie revealed something of his parentage. He mentioned a brother to Martha, but the Doctor lies; could've been referring to the Master, for all we know. The woman, the day the timelords returned, was either his mother or his wife, depending on who you ask. I don't think we've had any clues about the rest of his family, but I barely remember anything from classic Who.
This episode is one of my favorites because it is one of the few times that we see the 11th Doctor's anger come out. I'm sad that you cut it out because his quote about good men having rules is the best in the entire show. It gives us a glimpse of who the Doctor once was.
Jules at the start: "That is something I love about this show. It always surprises me with the unexpected." Me thinking: "Oh boy! Prepare for a bombshell."
I have to point something out to you as a lot of people missed it. When 10 first met River he said he laughs and points at archaeologist's and when 11 gets on the tardis in this episode after he finds out who river was he laughs and points at her 😂
11:17 In Season 4, in 'Silence in the Library,' the Doctor says to River, 'I point and laugh at archaeologists.' And here he is, doing that very thing.
Before I saw this comment, I was thinking to myself that this possibly might be the worst episode to introduce someone to the show because it's so different from the regular stories. It's a climax meaning you enter without any context or attachment, and it's left open-ended with so many random characters involved. What were you thinking when the baby suddenly turned into the flesh without seeing the flesh episodes?
This is one of my top 5 favorite episodes, when Rory faces down the cybermen is so epic. good on you for figuring out the baby's identity so fast. one of the things I love in this episode is how it perfectly illustrates how the Doctor is both loved and feared, so many rose up against him, yet even more came to his aid when he called. is this the end of the twists and turns? Welllllllll...........
Rory was amazing! I love this episode too. I honestly never would have guessed River is their daughter... absolutely nuts! I hope you've had a lovely week, Charlie 💜🎄
well-done Jules for working that out at the start there where hints at the start, but its so hidden that you don't pick it up right away, the next episode we had to wait for months for. merry Christmas Jules
As it’s Christmas, a time of reflection turns out my mum from 2004 to 2011 recorded every Xmas special. on vhs I presume for her god son who is Australia people don’t understand how much more it’s appreciated more in oz than the states😊
@@julesreacts yes I’ve also got afew rarer who collectibles imported from oz people don’t realise that Australia loves who nearly as much as Britain ☺️
I finished this episode a scant five minutes before I had to go somewhere. I was late, because I spent ten minutes yelling, 'NO F#@KING WAY!!' at my TV.
And now we know the other reason that the S5 had the title that it did. River actually telegraphed the twist ahead of time - “it’s my Birthday.” Quite clever. I think that River couldn’t intervene at Demon’s Run less because she couldn’t be in the same place as herself as a a baby and more because the Doctor had to fall for Kovarian’s trap, and get away with Melody. Her involvement could have jeopardised that.
there is a Lot going on in this episode so I dont mind if you missed it but the best part about "when did this child begin?" is if you remember two episodes ago we found out that Amy and Rory's room had bunk beds until the remodel at the end of The Doctor's Wife :p
What a character arc Rory's had! Lived thousands of years, died multiple times. Now he's a hero. Love it! 🙂 Merry Christmas Jules and family :-) You've got to show us your family someday!
I'm so glad you decided to upload after all despite it being Christmas Day, as I know you weren't sure about that. It was a great day to round off a big day here in the UK, including the latest Doctor Who Christmas special followed by Wallace and Gromit. This is a particularly big one for you to react to with a lot going on, not least the reveal about River When you mentioned the similar name sat the start I wondered whether you'd gotten it already so it's nice that you didn't. Some of the guest characters are very memorable as well like Vastra and Jenny (the Silurian and her maid, implied to be lovers) and Strax the Sontaran. The one quibble I have with it is the importance it places on the Doctor when it comes to how he's seen in the wider universe. While it makes sense that over the centuries the Doctor would gain at least something of a notoriety among regular enemies like the Daleks and Cybermen, otherwise I prefer the Doctor to be just a time lord wandering around and not this being of legend or terror throughout the universe. I don't think Moffat is the only writer/showrunner to do this but given the previous season's finale it does seem to be a part of his big vision for the show. As it happens the 'we get our word for Doctor from his name' thing was a fan theory he had in the 90's and he clearly enjoyed making it canon now. Actually while his run on the show is my favourite of the revival so far, he does sometimes indulge himself a bit too much as a fan to demonstrate why having someone like that in charge of a show or franchise has its negatives. Oh and a bit of trivia on Lorna Bucket, or at least her actress, Christina Chong.Given her role on Strange New Worlds if it wasn't for having a minor deleted role in the Force Awakens she'd have joined a very small club of people who have appeared on Doctor Who, Star Wars and Star Trek. I think only two actors have done so, including Simon Pegg who you saw as the Editor in the Long Game way back in Eccleston's season.
'It always surprises me'. Oh you have no idea... And Rory? From bumbling sidekick to husband, father, caped badass, soldier and protector, calling out an entire Cyber Legion and taking on a squad of Headless Monks, all to save his family. I'm a man, and I want his babies! Great reaction to great episode, not many people would have got the connection there, you sure you don't have a time head?
🎄 Merry Christmas to those that celebrate 🎄 Thank you all so much for joining me on so many journeys during this past year. I hope to have many, many more with you all 💜I hope you have a wonderful day!
May you as well, and on into next year. We all could use a better new year. I often use “be better than you were yesterday” for an axiom of personal growth, however I’m hoping that somehow the world can be better than all its collective yesterdays…
Merry Christmas!
You too, Jules.
Wishing you a very Happy cat-filled Christmas Juliette. Thanks for all the unparalleled Doctor Who content.
🎄Merry Christmas Juliette
During The Doctor's Wife, the TARDIS says "The only water in the forest is the river!"
I didn't make that connection, but yes that makes sense!
@@julesreacts to be fair jules i didnt realize that until this rewatch lol
@@julesreactsyou did notice the line when she said it, I guess you just forgot to remember it. 😂✌😁
"Would you like me to repeat the question" has to be the most badass line by a Doctor's companion in 60 years of the show.
My number 1 is still ‘You are tiny. I can see the whole of time and space. Every single atom of your existence and I divide them’
I mean, River has a pretty good one later.
Won't say it because spoilers.
But remember what her job is.
@ is it ‘I’m a blank, I blank blank blank’
That may be the most badass, but the best line a companion has ever said is yet to come. “It’s me. Nardie!”
Mine is " is descending!", but we aren't there yet.
I absolutely love how River talks to Rory at the prison like she would as a girl telling her father about her exciting birthday party. "It's my birthday! The doctor took me ice skating!"
Remember when the Doctor first met River in the library, he said "I point and laugh at archeologists". What's the first thing he does here when seeing the baby... he points at Melody and starts laughing. Amazing how you saw the Melody Pond - River Song connection so early, how you knew Melody was the girl in the astronaut suit who regenerated into a different form, how the baby was part Time Lord. You were so close to piecing everything together before the reveal.
Then does it again before leaving in the TARDIS.
Seriously, she needs a round of applause for making the Melody Pond/River Song connection that early! Way to be on top of it! 👏
Honestly that is so funny with the point and laugh thing! I'd forgotten about that as it wasn't a line I tucked away at all 🤣
Jules does have an amazing sense of perception, no question about that.
I remember watching this for the first time as a 13 year old. Building up for 3 years of mystery surrounding River Song and that reveal was so mind bending. One of the best twists the show has ever done.
I would NEVER have guessed!!
it took me like 10 minutes when i first saw it to comprehend it all
Same
@@julesreacts you're one of the only reactors Ive watched that mentioned river song the second they heard melody's name! A part of you guessed without even knowing 🥰
Rivers timeline is fantastic when you get to see the full thing. I’m glad you picked up on the River->Pond, Melody->Song. Most reactors don’t notice. Also, River tells us right at the beginning that it’s her birthday. Hidden in plain sight this reveal was. We also had the quote “the only water in the forest is the river” from the episode the Doctors Wife. It’s come full circle now. The best thing this episode does is give us that moment with Lorena, she was a random kid the Doctor helped once off screen and we get to see how much of an impact the Doc can have on someone.
It's such a brilliant reveal! I never saw it coming. I didn't pick up on the birthday connection and it just seems so OBVIOUS now in hindsight 🤣 I just thought it was weird that the names sounded similar but that is as far as I got haha. It's just so bizarre.... River is Amy and Rory's daughter?!?
Don't forget that River is running in reverse. The River who Rory saw at the beginning of the episode did not wait around and go to Demon's Run later. She had already been there which is why she knew so much and could drop hints to Rory.
I've, also, always loved watching this episode over how pleased River looks to see her father on her birthday... Obviously, she can't tell him who he is to her but, you can see on her face how incredibly happy she is to see him. ❤
@@SwiftFoxProductions She so obviously just wanted to gush about her man to her dad ❤️
Not shown in the video, but the line "Good men don't need rules. Today is not the day to find out why I have so many." is one of my favorites both in this episode and in the whole series. I just love when the Doctor shows us his dark side. And Matt Smith just keeps nailing this role. I absolutely love his transition from him just being done with River hiding her identity, to him just giggling when he realizes who she is.
@Mercure250 yeah, I was really disappointed that she edited that out :(
Sorry... not everything can be in the edit but I guess that's why I also have full reactions as well ☺️☺️
@@werk62I understand the feeling, but I also get that she has to save some of the good stuff for Patreon.
That's not the reason some lines don't make the edit 😊 I can only really show a portion due to copyright and as it's my first time watching, I have no clue what lines are famous/popular among the fan base. If I did, I'd leave them in!
@@julesreacts apparently YT hid my comment so only you can see it, but thanks for the reply. 😅
It's always possible that the Doctor hadn't met the soldier girl as a child in the gamma forests yet, he is a time traveler, he doesn't always meet people in order as we see with River Song.
And, of course, that soldier girl is played by Christina Chong, who jumped sci-fi franchises and is currently playing Lieutenant La'an Noonien-Singh in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Came here to say this. Imagine meeting a little girl in the forest knowing that one day she will die helping you.
Want another twist? Here goes:
Dorian gave a Time Vortex Manipulator to River, a device that was cut from the wrist of a handsome Time Agent.
Dorian has a working relationship with the Headless Monks.
The Headless Monks cut people's heads off and put them in boxes.
The Face of Boe is a head in a box.
Jack Harkness was a handsome Time Agent.
Jack Harkness is the face of Boe.
There you go. You're welcome.
My god you were quick getting the connection of how Melody Pond sounds a lot like River Song😍
The words are too similar to ignore but that's as far as I got 😅
Literally the first person I've EVER seen get that straight away.
Came here to say the same thing.. I was like WHAT?!? HOW?!? BRILLIANT!!!
I guessed it when the forest woman said she had embroidered "your daughter's name in the language of my people". Something clicked and I remembered what Idris had said about the only water in the forest. But I really wish I hadn't! Because the revelation was so epic and I feel like I missed out on a spine tingling experience. Some people are never satisfied!
@@stargazer1682 You're such a bore. What does anyone have to gain from making a reaction more artificial.
So fun fact John Barrowman was suppose to be in this episode as Captain Jack and it would have been the explanation on why he became the face of boe cause the monks were gonna cut his head off. The only reason he wasnt in this episode was because of scheduling and Barrowman was busy.
Also the person who plays Dorian the blue guy was also in series 5 too
@Venemofthe888
Oh my God... Imagine if he was in that episode...
Jack flirting with River... Jack flirting with Madam Vastra and Jenny... He could even flirt with Strax if he's into Sontarans.
Jack flirting with Amy, then Rory gets angry or annoyed, and while Jack might stop out of respect, I definitely think he might even flirt with Rory which might make Rory feel better about himself like every other person Jack's flirted with, and of course the Doctor will get annoyed with that.
And if Jack gets decapitated by the Headless Monks, imagine the shock and horror of the Doctor when he realizes that confirms Jack really was the Face of Boe and that would be the beginning of his transformation.
I think Jack being in this story would add the intensity to it, and even that episode was filled with intensity.
I remember the Doctor Who corner of the internet absolutely imploding when this came out. People had been theorising like mad about who River was for years- pretty much every theory had been throw at the wall like this point. I won’t say if any of your theorising about what comes next is correct, but I will say your memory about what’s happened so far is pretty accurate.
Also, I apologise Jules, but when you mentioned how the name Melody Pond sounded a lot like River Song at the beginning I laughed so hard by boyfriend thought came running from the other room because he thought I was choking.
It makes me laugh too when I was so close to putting it together but missed it 🤣 it really wouldn't even be something I'd ever imagine being **something**! It was such an amazing twist!!
One thing that I never spotted until it was shown to me was a little hint earlier in this episode. The doctor once described himself as "a time traveller....I point and laugh at archaeologists " and when they had the family reunion in this episode, that was the first thing the doctor did to baby melody.
12:15 in The Doctor's Daughter, in series 4, The Tenth Doctor told Donna
"I've been a father before, lost all that a long time ago."
Rule 1, the Doctor lies. Time Lords do not have children, as Time Lords are not born, they're loomed.
@@BooneBluemel Well you also need to consider that the 1st Doctor's companion was Susan, his granddaughter. So to be a grandfather he must have been a father at some point.
@SmithDoe sure, but Juliette doesn't know that
@@alexsimpkin5620 eu nonsense
You know whats also interesting. Without Donna being there in the runaway bride River wouldnt exist at all
During the 90s (i think) there was a fan theory that our word for "man who heals people" comes from The Doctor saving everyone and theorised that if he went rogue, some cultures might see the word "doctor" as an evil being. About 20 years later the person who cane up with that theory became the showrunner (it was Moffat)
I simply couldnt stop myself from watching. What an awesome episode this was.
So one quick note:
This is not cannon, but I always interpreted the Doctor saying "of course I remember..." as the truth. He remembers her. He remembers running with her.
And after she passes not only does he want to remember, but he wants to inquire as to who she was. To keep her memory alive.
So he remembers, but he knew nothing more of her other than they ran. Now that she sacrificed herself, he wants to know more about her, to honor her.
While Nr 11 is often touted as the Doctor that wants to forget... that references something else. I can not see the Doctor forgetting humans that have shared their adventures with him.
11:16 "I am a time traveler, I point and laugh at archeologists." The Doctor in Silence in the Library to River Song.
@@RAP7ORv hmmm🤔
I gotta say, connecting the two names so easily was quite impressive!
I really like it when reactors pay attention! Bravo, Jules! ;-]
Thank you!! The names were just too similar not to stand out!
you solving the River/Pond Melody/Song connection within the first minutes of the episode was the highlight for me!
I was soooo close 🤣
A fun feeling of watching someone watch what we have already watched, your future is our past. From River’s perspective, their future has already happened for in her past.
When they brought back Alex Kingston for her first Matt Smith episode, they swore her to absolute secrecy and told her about this twist. Watch the way she plays River in scenes with Amy; it was really subtle, but she knew that reveal was coming...eventually...and she put that into every line when they were on camera together.
I am really looking forward to watching River's scenes again, knowing what I know now!!
2:30 honestly I watched this when it was aired I never and not since have I seen someone connect the abstract thought of melody pond having a connection to river song 😊
same! I was shook 🤣
This is one of my most favorite episodes of all time. This season is one I return to again and again.
Oh this? This is a Christmas GIFT!
I am so glad you think so 🎄🐱 Enjoy!
In the first series with the first doctor, he had a companion that was his granddaughter... Is River Song her grandmother? Would love for a writer to work that one out.
After getting the reveal about River Song and who she is; it's neat to re-watch the episode and pay attention to River's initial reaction to first realising that the person she spots in the hallway of the prison is Rory; it's one of happiness; as her father is here on her birthday; visiting her. But she quickly has to put her guard up and put an emotional distance between herself and Rory; as upon hearing him speak she realises where his timeline is in relation to her's. That the visit from Rory wasn't one of a father vising his daughter on her birthday; but rather one associate of the Doctor's coming to recruit a fellow associate to go on a mission.
She also knew this was the day Rory would find out who she is, not just the Doctor.
That is AWESOME. Imagine watching it all again with the knowledge of who River is! It's just crazy!!
You are very quick at getting what most fans didn't at the time.
"We are not fools" they say as the disarm themselves always gives me a laugh
In fairness, not getting into a fight with the Doctor IS usually the smartest choice someone can make. 🧠
I am equal parts aggravated and impressed that you figured out River's identity befote the prologue was even over!
It is something I never, ever expected!!
for the fucking sake this episode makes me cry every single time... and I am machine so it is impossible, but still it does
Captain Runaway! Matt Smith shines in this scene. This Doctor is generally so goofy and fun but is so chilling when his dark side comes out.
colonel, not captain.
one nice thing about that line, when he says at the end "you tell them your name"
he meant that he'll tell the kids to "run away"
Merry Christmas Jules!
"It's my birthday" - River Song.
Alex Kingtson says she was aware of this plot twist from a very early point in portraying River. Moffat told her.
At least SHE knew and all of us were clueless 🤣
God I love this episode. Rory is epic in it, the baby melting away is gut wrenching, seeing all the old baddies mobilise is brilliant and the scene between the Doctor and River is awesome. Love how you noticed how similar the names Melody Pond and River Song are - one of the things I love about you as a reactor, Jules is how observant you are and how enthusiastically you immerse yourself in all the twists and turns of this crazy show. Happy Christmas, Jules and thank you for another year of being awesome - it is a joy travelling with you..
Thank you so much for being here, for always being positive and kind, and an absolute pleasure to have around. I appreciate you so much! I hope you've had a lovely Christmas and I wish you all the best for 2025 🎄💜🎄
Amy: "Melody Williams" is a geography teacher. "Melody Pond" is a superhero.
Well, archeology, but basically right on both counts.
Omg just love River Song, I remember this reveal all those years ago and 😮 so worth it one of my favorite fictional characters ever
Do you remember in the second episode of this season when River kills all the Silence and turns to Rory and says "My old man didn't see that, did he?" He did, cuz he was her dad the entire time and he was right there :p.
HAHAHA!! WOW! That is awesome 😅
FYI: she says "my old fella" in that scene and it was in reference to the Doctor.
@@Trainer319 To be fair, I don't think either of them like it when river gets shooty...
To be even fairer, I don't think River's enemies like it when she gets shooty
Her name in the language of the forest.
Melody = Song
Pond = River
1:14 the range of emotions you went through here was great. Love this episode’s opening sequence
2:15 well done
20:06 this was such a cool moment first time I saw it
One of my favorite episodes. Enjoyed your reaction to it.
23:45 Yes. In the old show and at least in the 9th Doctor's "Father's Day" and with Captain Jack it was said that time travellers could not meet themselves because potential paradoxes occurring.
Once again our girl figures out the twist moments into the beginning of the show. This is why I love watching (rewatching) the show with J-Bird.
Awww thank you!! The names were just so similar. I didn't realise what it meant, but I was partway there!
River meeting Rory is SO emotional when you know the big reveal. Alex Kingston plays it beautifully!
And Lorna Bucket is now La'an Noonien-Singh on Star Trek Strange New Worlds
OMG I need to rewatch when she meets Amy and Rory!!!!
Bravo... Not many people spot that connection in the name before the reveal.
You're a pleasure to watch as always.
Thank you 💜
So many amazing moments in this episode. 1. Rory's opening
2. The Doctor tricking Manton and the army into disarming themselves before the Doctor's army decloaks.
3. Colonel Runaway. When the Doctor wants to humiliate someone, geez.
4. Good men don't need rules. Amazing threat.
5. The way the Doctor flips from angry to happy when he realizes River is telling him she's the baby.
6. Amy and Rory realizing their family is far more complicated than anybody thought possible.
Amazing how quickly you caught the connection between River Song and Melody Pond (I know I didn't 😂). And I love that fake-out with "this man is your father" at the beginning. The Last Centurion 😍
As to the Marines girl, it is of course entirely possible that the doctor did not meet her yet, so he could not remember however hard he tried...
The words sounded similar to me but that's as far as I got 🤣 I was soooo close!
The Doctor probably met Launa Bucket afterwards which is why he doesn’t remember her, he knows he met her and that without their first interaction she wouldn’t have been able to warn everyone
Merry Christmas Jules!
Here we are...The best plot twist episode reveal.
Heck this is like one of the top episodes for me.
A little fun fact before we get into the reveal part, Captain Jack was meant to be in this episode, supposedly this is where he would have his head chopped off and become the Face of Boe, but John Barrowman(Jack's actor) was busy filming another project and unable to come in. Would have made this episode perfect but this episode is still really good despite it.
First off Amy telling her daughter about the man that will save her and for a fleeting moment you are thinking it's the Doctor but then she says he's her father and then Rory comes in like an absolute badass to a bunch of Cybermen.
Now to how this episode builds up the reveal of who River Song is, she mentions it's her birthday, how she looks excited to see Rory but has to hold it in because she can't tell him how important it was to see him on her birthday.
Also remember something River said in the Forest of the Dead episode: 'I've seen whole army's turn and run away'
And the Doctor tells the general to tell his men to run away.
The Timelord cot is so cool, like super cool.
I'm so mad you called it.
I will not lie and say I was smart with calling that River Song was Melody Pond.
But the whole reveal is just lovely.
Merry Christmas, Kana 💜🎄 It was such an incredible episode! Never in a million years would have I thought this was even something?! WHAAAAT?? Such a crazy twist 😱
I so wished when Strax said ‘I am a nurse’ to Rory that he’d of said something like ‘so am i’
I love this episode so much.
I love the reveal of River Song as Amy and Rory's daughter.
I cried so hard.
Remember that scene when Rory tried to recruit River? She said "It's my birthday".
Nice little foreshadowing.
Yes! I didn't pick that up 🤣
You were supposed to think of The Doctor, while Rory, The Nurse who does know harm, is even older now. Neither Amy nor the title were speaking of The Doctor. Rory is the good man gone to war. And The Doctor is the demon, the dark legend, who runs away from his friends at the end. That is why he has so many rules. And so many have made faustian deals that can be called in.
2:06 and 19:54 This is one of the things I've been waiting for, that I would be excited to see your reaction, Jules.
18:53 to 19:37 Your face/reaction.
I was feeling really excited and had a big smile on my face when I was listening to your thoughts at the end.
This episode is one of my favorite Smith episodes and a bit of a jaw drop for me.
Isn't it epic?! NEVER would I have expected that to even be a thing. As much as I can make predictions and guess what might happen, NO WAY EVER could I guess this 😱 I'm so glad you enjoyed!! Thank you so much 💜
We really are barrelling through these, aren't we? It's been so fun to see your reactions to every episode so far and I'm glad we still have so much to go through!
P.S You're really smart, I love seeing you piece things together!
I would not say I'm really smart haha I think I piece things together because I genuinely adore the show and the characters and pay attention. A lot of things I do miss though, there's just so much going on at times 😅
"Melody Pond" from Murray Gold. 😅
Now we can finally name the track.
17:30 It's likely that he's never met Lorna before and only later seeks her out in her youth in order to orchestrate the event she described and thus make her the person who helped his friends today.
The Doctor *did* have a daughter in the old canon, but she got written out of existence by NuWho; so now he retroactively never did. There are *a lot* of retcons like that, if you look closely enough. And a lot more, in the more recent series; but I won’t spoil any of what’s to come for you.
Though, actually, now he has a female clone of himself running around some place… but they just never bring her up again.
Needless to say, this is a key episode that ties the past together, but also explains some of the future that has been shown in previous episodes. (Clear as mud???) River's timeline is the definition of "wibbly-wobbly, timey-whimey" theory. There are separate Dr. Who sub-series that explains her life and times. You're doing great, Jules. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and all that jazz.
Awww thank you! All that jazz indeed haha 🎄😊
Demons run when a good man goes to war...
Congratulations Jules, you've reached another milestone! Back in the day there was so much build-up behind the mystery of River, and there were so many theories going around, so this big reveal was huge. The fact that the split nature of the season was heavily emphasised and this was heavily promoted as the mid-season finale made it all feel so much more epic. Remember, we had a break before the next episode, leaving us plenty of time to marinate in that cliffhanger. I still remember visiting my friends down south and watching it with them, it felt like such an event.
This was the first time we'd seen the Doctor's name in Old High Gallifreyan, but since then it's become incredibly popular as a tattoo, etc. I had it on my last phone's case.
I'm honestly so impressed that you made the Melody connection so early on. You really are good at this. I know I never joined those dots, because I remember when River pointed to the bassinet I thought the twist was going to be that River's a future incarnation of the Doctor (I remember that theory floating around a lot).
This episode does such a great job of drawing elements together from across the Eleventh Doctor era thus far, but there's still half a season to go, with a lot of questions and answers still to come.
I'm looking forward to next week and one of the most unique titles in Doctor Who history.
Hey Ashley! I hope you had a lovely Christmas break 🎄 it was relaxing, a bit too hot, and over too quickly!
Thank you so much for the kind words! I often laugh to myself at what I thought Doctor Who was before I started watching. How wrong I was 😅 I adore it so much.
Enjoy your weekend 💜
This episode hit me like a train when I first watched it. In fact, it still does. This was a great video! I'm just sad I'm caught up now and have to wait for the next episode. ❤
Merry Christmas, Whovians! When they revealed who Melody Pond was, I felt so stupid LOL the layers on this one. And a damn good intro!
I honestly did NOT see that coming!! It was such an odd surprise 🤣
"We're the thin, fat, gay Anglican Marines. Why would we need names too?" 🤣
One tidbit that I don't think was already mentioned in the comments - Doctor, the word for healer, "we got that word from you" - I love love love that idea. Also, Moffat wrote this idea in some fanfic forum in '95:
"...perhaps our earthly use of the word “doctor” meaning healer or wise man is direct result of the Doctor’s multiple interventions in our history as a healer and wise man. In other words, we got it from him."
I just love that he had the chance to write it into the show
I like how "the only water in the forest is the river" has been repeated since last season, this build up was amazing
I completely forgot about that and if I'm perfectly honest, I don't know what it means 🤣🤣
I still don't know what is written in the cot that makes the Doctor suddenly change his attitude toward River and being confident about the future of the baby.
"I've seen whole armies turn and run away, and he'd just swagger off back to his Tardis, and open the door with a snap of his fingers." - River Song
And now we've seen those things too! The reveal of River's identity in this one is crazy! And Rory facing down the legions of the Cybermen was awesome! We also get the introduction of a few new allies for The Doctor in Madame Vastra, Jenny, and Strax! Strax in particular is a favourite of mine, just about as friendly as a Sontaran gets!
17:50 The lightning is just River teleporting using the Time Vortex Manipulator
Rory is the boy friend your mother always wanted for you.
He so is 🥰
Steven Moffat had planned the revelation about River Song "for a long time"; when creating Amy, he chose "Pond" for her last name to create a link. He intended for the "answer to be as complicated as the question".
Oh mate ... you have dragged me back on Christmas Day to the times when Dr. Who was still very, very, good. I don't know whether to hug you or curse you for reminding me of what was :D
EDIT: Oh and, as ever, quick wits and insight on almost instantly picking up on the important story threads
I hope you had a lovely Christmas break 🎄☺️
Merry Christmas to you Jules. Thank you for choosing to post one of my favourite episodes today, i know in comments last week you weren't certain if you should today.
Obviously by now you know why i love this one.
Happy holidays, Jon 🎄
You can almost hear River catching herself, stopping herself from calling Rory Dad. I don't know what it says about me, but River telling Rory no one can ever tell Stevie Wonder, a blind musician, that he was in Victorian London is for me one of the funniest lines in the history of the show. Technically, Dorium (big blue guy) didn't die, he just, erm, lost a lot of weight?! :P And lastly, when River says she hdn't seen the cot in a very long time, she meant her lifetime; she saw it briefly when Amy was holding her before it became known the baby was a flesh avatar, and didn't see it again until that moment.
You may recognize the actress playing Lorna Bucket, the soldier doing needlepoint while waiting at the beginning who joined to meet the Doctor again, as Christina Chong, currently serving on the USS Enterprise (no suffix) as security officer La'an Noonien -Singh in Star Trek, Strange New Worlds. Descendant of Khan, survivor of a Gorn breeding colony, kicking ass all over the quadrant.
It is reveals such as the one we had at the end of this episode that keep me watching the show after nearly 50 years and the Wilderness years. We don't need them in every episode, or even every season, but just the occasional shocking surprise does wonders. I still remember the chills I felt when I first watched this episode, and my one of my biggest regrets is never being able to see things such as this for the first time again. A part of me wouldn't mind losing my experiential memory, precisely so I can see them again "for the first time." :D
Can't tell you how long I've been waiting to see your reaction to this episode, it was worth the wait and such a brilliant episode, the colonel runaway speech was amazing from the doctor lol
I'm so glad you enjoyed 😊😊
@julesreacts Madame Vastra's hiss when the Doctor shows his true rage to Colonel Runaway was a nice touch and just empathizes how many levels of rage the doctor has
Fun Fact: the good man in the title isn't the Doctor, but Rory.
Additionally, the finale of season 5, The Big Bang, that title didn't actually refer to the Doctor rebooting the universe, but Melody being concieved.
OH YEAH.... I thought it meant the Doctor as the good man. I see now that it is Rory!!
The show started with his grandaughter. The American movie revealed something of his parentage. He mentioned a brother to Martha, but the Doctor lies; could've been referring to the Master, for all we know. The woman, the day the timelords returned, was either his mother or his wife, depending on who you ask.
I don't think we've had any clues about the rest of his family, but I barely remember anything from classic Who.
I actually think the wpman covering her eyes might have been his daughter, Susan's mother.
Another possibility, certainly.
ITS HERE. THE EPISODE!
This episode is one of my favorites because it is one of the few times that we see the 11th Doctor's anger come out. I'm sad that you cut it out because his quote about good men having rules is the best in the entire show. It gives us a glimpse of who the Doctor once was.
The entire series had me wondering who River was. I had so many conspiracies in my head. This was a wild reveal
Jules at the start: "That is something I love about this show. It always surprises me with the unexpected."
Me thinking: "Oh boy! Prepare for a bombshell."
YES 🤣🤣
Merry Christmas Jules! Your present from Mr Moffat this year is one hell of a plot twist.
Merry Christmas Juliette. Well done on your prediction on River Song being Melody Pond in the beginning there. Very clever. 😄 👍
I didn't actually realise in the beginning, though 😅 the names were just weird as they were so similar. What a crazy reveal!
You were quicker than most of us!
It's so funny how I sort of got it in the beginning and then didn't think any more of it. SO CLOSE 🤣
@@julesreacts We should call that the Moffat Effect. THE NUMBER OF TIMES he's done that to me...
I have to point something out to you as a lot of people missed it. When 10 first met River he said he laughs and points at archaeologist's and when 11 gets on the tardis in this episode after he finds out who river was he laughs and points at her 😂
Yeah, there's been a few comments about that! I totally forgot that part as it was a long time ago haha
11:17 In Season 4, in 'Silence in the Library,' the Doctor says to River, 'I point and laugh at archaeologists.'
And here he is, doing that very thing.
ooo i forgot this was today! what a lovely Christmas treat!!!
This was the first episode of Doctor Who I ever saw, on the repeat right before the premiere of the next episode!
What an awesome place to start!
Before I saw this comment, I was thinking to myself that this possibly might be the worst episode to introduce someone to the show because it's so different from the regular stories. It's a climax meaning you enter without any context or attachment, and it's left open-ended with so many random characters involved.
What were you thinking when the baby suddenly turned into the flesh without seeing the flesh episodes?
@@chestty455 I knew it was full of sci fi nonsense going in, so I didn't really think much of it, haha
This is one of my top 5 favorite episodes, when Rory faces down the cybermen is so epic. good on you for figuring out the baby's identity so fast. one of the things I love in this episode is how it perfectly illustrates how the Doctor is both loved and feared, so many rose up against him, yet even more came to his aid when he called. is this the end of the twists and turns? Welllllllll...........
Rory was amazing! I love this episode too. I honestly never would have guessed River is their daughter... absolutely nuts!
I hope you've had a lovely week, Charlie 💜🎄
Oh I've been looking forward to this reaction episode for so long this episode is insane
rory having the most badass scene on all of old and new Doctor who.....
well-done Jules for working that out at the start there where hints at the start, but its so hidden that you don't pick it up right away, the next episode we had to wait for months for.
merry Christmas Jules
Yes!! That little hint that something is not quite right and then the bombshell ending 😱
You are such a wizard for guessing that reveal! Incredible! ❤❤
The names were so similar!! What an incredible twist 😱
As it’s Christmas, a time of reflection turns out my mum from 2004 to 2011 recorded every Xmas special. on vhs I presume for her god son who is Australia people don’t understand how much more it’s appreciated more in oz than the states😊
Awww that is sweet 💜
@@julesreacts yes I’ve also got afew rarer who collectibles imported from oz people don’t realise that Australia loves who nearly as much as Britain ☺️
I finished this episode a scant five minutes before I had to go somewhere. I was late, because I spent ten minutes yelling, 'NO F#@KING WAY!!' at my TV.
BAHAHA!! I love that!!
happy christmas well done for spotting the link it was way beyond me at the time
Happy Christmas to you too, James!
And now we know the other reason that the S5 had the title that it did.
River actually telegraphed the twist ahead of time - “it’s my Birthday.” Quite clever.
I think that River couldn’t intervene at Demon’s Run less because she couldn’t be in the same place as herself as a a baby and more because the Doctor had to fall for Kovarian’s trap, and get away with Melody. Her involvement could have jeopardised that.
It's long established that it's dangerous for a time traveler to cross their own timeline for that very reason, the potential paradox it can create.
there is a Lot going on in this episode so I dont mind if you missed it but the best part about "when did this child begin?" is if you remember two episodes ago we found out that Amy and Rory's room had bunk beds until the remodel at the end of The Doctor's Wife :p
I'm sure they could still use the bunk beds if they tried 🤭
What a character arc Rory's had! Lived thousands of years, died multiple times. Now he's a hero. Love it! 🙂 Merry Christmas Jules and family :-) You've got to show us your family someday!
Awww Merry Christmas to you, too! I hope you had a great time 💜
I'm so glad you decided to upload after all despite it being Christmas Day, as I know you weren't sure about that. It was a great day to round off a big day here in the UK, including the latest Doctor Who Christmas special followed by Wallace and Gromit. This is a particularly big one for you to react to with a lot going on, not least the reveal about River When you mentioned the similar name sat the start I wondered whether you'd gotten it already so it's nice that you didn't. Some of the guest characters are very memorable as well like Vastra and Jenny (the Silurian and her maid, implied to be lovers) and Strax the Sontaran.
The one quibble I have with it is the importance it places on the Doctor when it comes to how he's seen in the wider universe. While it makes sense that over the centuries the Doctor would gain at least something of a notoriety among regular enemies like the Daleks and Cybermen, otherwise I prefer the Doctor to be just a time lord wandering around and not this being of legend or terror throughout the universe. I don't think Moffat is the only writer/showrunner to do this but given the previous season's finale it does seem to be a part of his big vision for the show. As it happens the 'we get our word for Doctor from his name' thing was a fan theory he had in the 90's and he clearly enjoyed making it canon now. Actually while his run on the show is my favourite of the revival so far, he does sometimes indulge himself a bit too much as a fan to demonstrate why having someone like that in charge of a show or franchise has its negatives.
Oh and a bit of trivia on Lorna Bucket, or at least her actress, Christina Chong.Given her role on Strange New Worlds if it wasn't for having a minor deleted role in the Force Awakens she'd have joined a very small club of people who have appeared on Doctor Who, Star Wars and Star Trek. I think only two actors have done so, including Simon Pegg who you saw as the Editor in the Long Game way back in Eccleston's season.
'It always surprises me'. Oh you have no idea... And Rory? From bumbling sidekick to husband, father, caped badass, soldier and protector, calling out an entire Cyber Legion and taking on a squad of Headless Monks, all to save his family. I'm a man, and I want his babies! Great reaction to great episode, not many people would have got the connection there, you sure you don't have a time head?
I'm so glad you enjoyed, Gav 😊 this was such a great episode!! I don't think I have a time-head, or at least I hope not 🤣
Love this ep.
It is one of the few where you actually see the monster that calls himself the Doctor peak out from under the promises.