Much of the discussion about this episode is going to be about the big reveals that we get, not one, but two: Carole Ann Ford is back after 42 years as Susan on our tv screens. Mrs. Flood is the Rani (they finally couldn't resist), and she bi-generates which also zero people saw coming. Even without these reveals, I think this episode stands on its own. I am not doubting Juno Dawson again.

The entire atmosphere of the titular song contest is incredibly well-realized and just fun. The episode starts with Rylan walking out of cryogenic suspension asking what year it is and rolling out to do another show. I'm American so I barely know about Eurovision and don't care, but I respect all large events like it that bring people so much joy. This is is summed up perfectly in the interaction where Gary explains to Mike what the contest is about.

Our next storyline is about the fate of Hellia. The only thing missing is the Corporation getting its comeuppance, though we don't meet anybody actually responsible for Hellia's destruction. The scene of the massive crowd of people getting sucked into space was actually terrifying, one of the more unsettling things in show history. In response for Hellia being destroyed, the terrorists want to kill three trillion innocent people. That is obviously a horrific ludicrous response and they are harshly treated by the Doctor. How is killing galaxies of innocent people supposed to hold the Corporation to account? Since we never actually meet this Corporation we can only assume the beautiful final song helps spark a movement against them that isn't about murder. Unlike Kerblam! there is no the 'Corporation is good actually', they are unambiguously evil, but slaughter of innocent trillions in protest is unambiguously evil too.

Centering this episode is just a phenomenal performance by Ncuti Gatwa. He is so excited to be at the song contest, but when he thinks Belinda is dead, we see an angry iciness in him we've never seen before. Belinda is actually horrified, and I think she lets him off the hook way too soon for essentially torturing one of the terrorists for a minute. I think this episode might be some of his best work, and the fact that he sees his granddaughter telling him to stop and keeps going anyway? That's dark.

We're setting up a big whopper of a finale. I suspected Susan had to be back, you couldn't start that plot thread last season and then just drop it. I did not expect Mrs. Flood to be the Rani, but it's funny they finally did it. I really liked the new Rani, but it's a bit sad to see Mrs. Flood just getting ordered around by her now. Does this mean Big Finish can use Siobhan Redmond again?

Overall, I want to commend Juno Dawson for a great episode that has me very excited for this finale.