Kill the Moon

File:Kill the moon.jpg

Kill the moon

Kill the Moon is the seventh episode of the eighth series of the British science fiction television series Doctor Who. It was first broadcast on BBC One on 4 October 2014. The episode was written by Peter Harness and directed by Paul Wilmshurst. In "Kill the Moon", the Twelfth Doctor (played by Peter Capaldi) and his companion Clara Oswald (played by Jenna Coleman), along with a schoolgirl named Courtney Woods (played by Ellis George), find themselves on the Moon in 2049, where they discover that the Moon is an egg that is about to hatch.

Plot

The episode begins with the Doctor, Clara, and Courtney landing on the Moon in 2049 to find that it has gained significant mass, causing high tides on Earth. They encounter a group of astronauts led by Captain Lundvik (played by Hermione Norris), who are on a mission to destroy the Moon with nuclear bombs, believing that its increased mass will soon cause catastrophic tides on Earth. As they explore, they discover that the Moon is actually an egg containing a giant creature. The Doctor leaves the decision of the Moon's fate to Clara, Courtney, and Lundvik, emphasizing that it is a pivotal moment for humanity. After much deliberation, Clara decides to save the creature, and the Moon hatches into a beautiful winged creature that leaves behind an egg that becomes the new Moon.

Themes and analysis

"Kill the Moon" explores themes of responsibility, the morality of making life-and-death decisions, and the consequences of those decisions. The episode challenges the characters and the audience to consider the value of a single life against the potential risk to many. It also delves into the Doctor's role as a guide rather than a decision-maker in his companions' lives, highlighting the growth of Clara's character as she takes on the monumental decision herself.

Reception

"Kill the Moon" received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Some praised the episode for its bold narrative and the performances of the cast, particularly Jenna Coleman. Others criticized it for its scientific inaccuracies and the perceived implausibility of the Moon being an egg. Despite the mixed reception, the episode was noted for its dramatic tension and the ethical dilemmas it presented.

Legacy

While "Kill the Moon" remains a divisive episode among the Doctor Who community, it is remembered for its ambitious storytelling and the way it addresses complex themes. It has sparked discussions about the role of science fiction in exploring ethical questions and the responsibilities of those who have the power to make world-altering decisions.

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