The Angels Take Manhattan, Episode 5 of Doctor Who - Series 7 (not including the classic series), is probably the most anticipated episode of the entire season for the BBC science-fiction television show. Executive producer and lead writer Steven Moffat incorporates a few major returns and departures in this installment. We think we have a good idea of what's coming, but do we really?
First, we know this is the "final farewell" for "the Ponds" (Amy and Rory). Amy (Maiden name: Pond) - played by Karen Gillan and Rory Williams - played by Arthur Darvill are among the most popular companion characters the show has ever had. Personally, I can't believe we will never see them again, but we may only see them in a brief cameo-like appearance or two sometime in the future (or maybe in the past?). We can be sure though that there will be new companions acquired by the eleventh Doctor - played by Matt Smith.
The title name makes it obvious that they will be visiting the Manhattan area of New York City. The show has taken us there before. What may not be obvious, is that this is the first time it was actually recorded in the state of New York, and the second time ever in the United States.
Alex Kingston returns as River Song, for the first time since the last episode of Series 6. River was first introduced in Series 4, but was first revealed to be the daughter of Amy and Rory last year. She also became the wife of the Doctor the last time we saw her.
And what can I say about the villains in the story. The Weeping Angels have become almost iconic themselves, haven't they? Such a simple idea. I've known quite a few people who can be spooked by statues, under the right conditions. The makers of Doctor Who create the right conditions.
Guest stars for The Angels Take Manhattan include: Mike McShane (Whose Line Is It Anyway? - UK) as Grayle, Rob David (Gravity - 2010) as Sam Garner, Burnell Tucker ('Star Wars') as Garner 2, Ozzie Yue ('Silent Witness') as Foreman, and Bentley Kalu (Twenty Twelve) as Hood 1.
The official "Next Time" and stand-alone trailers for Episode 5, The Angels Take Manhattan, are below. The last one is a goodbye/tribute to "the Ponds". The episode airs tonight - September 29, 2012.
Doctor Who: S7 / Ep 5 - The Angels Take Manhattan (2012) Next
Doctor Who: S7 / Ep 5 - The Angels Take Manhattan (2012) Full
Doctor Who: The Last Days of the Ponds (2012)
***'Making Of' fan clips links to follow in the comments.***