This story is all-around beautiful. The connection between capitalism and the cycles of violence in war is beautiful. The acting is beautiful, especially with how much goes into the facial expressions. The pointlessness of all three deaths is beautiful in its tragedy: all of them could have lived. There was no reason for them to be in danger at all, unlike the usual type of self-sacrifice done to protect someone in this show. And yes, obviously Ruby doesn't stay dead, but I still think her death matters here. It was unexpected and random and unnecessary, and reminds the Doctor just how much of the universe is like that.

It also feels very classic of this episode to take place (almost) entirely in one spot. An entire story takes place and the Doctor is maybe 20 feet from the tardis. (Maybe the least running he's ever done tbh). And the contrast of that with the gorgeous space effects just add to the beauty of this episode.

A fun and silly story about the Doctor being old and sad, speaking baby, and relearning hope. And also the cybermen are there. I do like the shop setting as a backdrop for both humor and turning the everyday creepy. The cybermat is appropriately goofy for something that first appeared as a tube with googly eyes. I don't even particularly mind the Doctor-taken-for-gay jokes because he is equally confused about and oblivious to all romantic implications.

It's nothing mind-blowingly impressive, just a light story, which is fine. I don't like Amy being a famous model, though. If they had to do that an author would tie in better later, but they didn't have to do it at all.

My favorite characterization of Leela ever! Not only does she get to be smart and capable as well as strong and violent, she gets to know the basics of technology she’s previously encountered (it’s a low bar, yes, but this one does it well). She learns quickly, notices vital information, and plays an active role in the plans. The Doctor even respects her opinion and thoughts!

I really enjoyed the glimpse into Time Lord culture and politics. The bird people were fun. But, most especially, I liked the characterization is Nyssa!

This is one of my favorite historical episodes, and the closest Doctor Who has come in a very long time to a pure historical. Yes, there are aliens present, but other than serving as a red herring they have no effect whatsoever on the events of the story. And yet their presence is beautiful, observing and honoring people who otherwise would have no one to do it. (It's so small compared to the themes here I almost forgot to mention it, but I also enjoy it when scary-looking aliens aren't actually the bad guys)

I love the way the romance, personal feelings, and daily life coexist with the large historical events that are taking place. I love the personal connection to Yaz and her tangible feelings on the matter. All the characters feel real and deep and meaningful. It explains exactly why her family lives in Sheffield now in a very sweet moment.

The whole story is so tragic and lovely I cry every time I watch it, especially at the end when we see Umbreen again in the present day with the added context of her life, but she still hasn't lived a bad life. She's still been happy and loved. This is my ideal serious Doctor Who episode, honestly.

I love this story! It's funny and the tone is goofy, but the intrigue is also interesting enough to keep you curious and concerned. The side characters are great—Borusa and the politicians are suitably aloof and uncaring, Andred is delightfully chaotic, and Rodan is believably clever yet sheltered. Leela gets to be a leader. a few small things bother me, like the Doctor's hypocritical use of a horrifying gun and the ridiculous set design that looks like a cross between a claustrophobic basement and a preschool, but they're mostly easy to overlook.

My only big issues—and the reason it gets 4 stars instead of 5—are the Sontarans and Leela's exit. This is an incredibly clever plot to take over Gallifrey, but it's also an extremely out of character one for the straight-forward soldiers that Sontarans usually are. And, of course, Leela deserved better than to be thrown at the first man who didn't insult her. I'm a huge Gallifrey fan so glad she lived to return, but killing her off would have been more in character. Even having her just leave in a huff over the Doctor not taking her seriously would have been better.

One of the funniest stories in the entire series! It's cheesy, but in the best possible way (as with most Douglas Adams work). I laugh every time K-9 says Romana should make contact because "She is prettier than you are, Master" and when she offers the locals jelly babies, which she got "From the same place you do—your pocket." The trappings of traditional piracy add a wonderful layer of extra silliness (there's a literal plank to walk!), as do the Captain's wonderful costume and incredibly appropriate overacting.

The plot itself has more elements than it strictly needs—a hollow planet that crushes and mines smaller planets is very clever, as is a dying ancient monarch using said planets to rejuvenate herself, and even the overdramatic puppet Captain secretly creating a mechanism with which to destroy her, but by the time you get to the naturally psychic resistance cult who've lost their powers it's getting to be a bit much—but it's such a fun ride it hardly matters.

I love Romana's clever and self-important characterization, and the contrast with the Doctor highlighted when she doesn't hesitate to pick up a gun and shoot a guard. My favorite bit, though, has to be the main fight sequence, which is between Avitron the robot bird and K-9 the robot dog, culminating in K-9 depositing the "dead" bird proudly in the Doctor's hand. This is the best of the show's ridiculousness.