Spectacle is a good word to describe this one, as it happens. It’s sadly ironic that in the week after it’s announced that The Mill is shutting down its television effects department, that some more of its striking visual work should be showcased on primetime BBC One. But striking it most certainly is. There are quite a few moments in this episode that are just glorious to look at, and while one or two parts of the effects work aren’t quite as convincing a bit later on, at its best, The Rings Of Akhaten is big, cinematic widescreen television. Cross plays very much on the different culture of the world, with a religious subtext to it all. And while the constraints of the episode running time do seem to curtail him a little (the wrap up, for instance, feels rushed, and not quite up to the level of the setup), it’s a solid Who debut for him here, that bodes well for his second story, the upcoming Hide. However, in truth, it’s not the story itself that stands out about The Rings Of Akhaten (accepting that it does have something to say). As well as the visuals, this is also an episode where, for more than one reason, the musical work of Murray Gold is brought to the fore, and woven intrinsically into the adventure. A standalone audio CD release of this episode alone would be worth having. Read our spoiler-filled review of The Bells of Saint John, here. Follow our Twitter feed for faster news and bad jokes right here. And be our Facebook chum here.
