REVIEW: Doctor Who The Interstellar Song Contest Falls Flat and Lacks Depth

Published: Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 7:45 am

Doctor Who's "Interstellar Song Contest" Review: A Missed Opportunity

The latest episode of *Doctor Who*, "The Interstellar Song Contest," aimed for a Eurovision-inspired spectacle, but according to this review, it ultimately fell flat. The episode, which aired on the same day as the actual Eurovision Song Contest, attempted to blend the show's signature blend of sci-fi with a parody of the popular music competition. However, the reviewer found the episode's execution lacking depth and originality.

The review criticizes the episode's reliance on overused sci-fi tropes, particularly space racism, and a rushed plot that failed to allow key moments to resonate. The reviewer points out that the episode's pacing was too frantic, sacrificing character development and emotional impact for the sake of action. The inclusion of real-life personality Rylan as a cryogenically frozen host was deemed "profoundly stupid" and a distraction.

While the reviewer appreciated some visual elements, such as the silent depiction of mass casualties in space, the episode's twists and reveals were deemed predictable and rushed. The villain's motivations, rooted in a familiar tale of oppression and revenge, lacked a unique angle. The Doctor's emotional arc, culminating in a moment of violence, felt unearned due to the rushed narrative.

Despite praising Ncuti Gatwa's performance as the Doctor, the reviewer concluded that the episode's ambition was undermined by its execution. The episode's attempt to deliver a meaningful message about unity through music, a common theme in Eurovision, failed to connect due to the preceding lackluster story. However, the review did highlight the final few minutes, which addressed the seasonal arc and set the stage for the upcoming finale, as a positive aspect. Overall, the review suggests that "The Interstellar Song Contest" had the potential to be a fun and wacky episode but ultimately missed the mark due to its rushed pacing and lack of depth.

Keywords: Doctor Who, Interstellar Song Contest, Eurovision, review, Ncuti Gatwa, Rylan, sci-fi, space racism, plot, pacing, episode, television, BBC, science fiction, critique, analysis, television show, entertainment.

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