Dinosaurs on a Spaceship (Series 7, Episode 2)

Series 7, Episode 2 | 1 part | First broadcast: 8 September 2012 | Writer: Chris Chibnall | Director: Saul Metzstein

Cast

  • Matt Smith as the Doctor
  • Karen Gillan as Amy Pond
  • Arthur Darvill as Rory Williams
  • Mark Williams as Brian Williams
  • Riann Steele as Nefertiti

Summary

Investigating a derelict Silurian ark hurtling toward Earth, the Doctor assembles an unlikely team, Queen Nefertiti of Egypt, big-game hunter John Riddell, Rory’s bemused father Brian, and the Ponds, to explore a ship inexplicably overrun by living dinosaurs. As a ruthless profiteer threatens to destroy the vessel for salvage, the group must save both the ship’s prehistoric cargo and the Earth below from destruction.

Interesting Facts

  • This episode marks the first on-screen appearance of Rory’s father Brian Williams, who becomes an unexpectedly enthusiastic addition to the TARDIS crew.
  • The story blends historical figures, big-game safari tropes, and dinosaurs into a deliberately larger-than-life, pulp-adventure romp.
  • Nefertiti and Riddell are left together to explore time and space independently at the episode’s end, an unusually open-ended departure for guest characters.
  • The episode’s tone marks a lighter counterpoint heading into the emotionally heavier Ponds’ departure later in the season.

References

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