Doctor Who review: River Song goes undercover as a nun (again) in Abbey of Heretics
By James Aggas
Just as she did in Doctor Who series Doom Coalition, River Song goes undercover as a nun to find a mysterious book in Abbey of Heretics.
After the dark Nordic Noir style mystery of opening episode Colony of Strangers, we get something rather different with Abbey of Heretics, the second story from the Doctor Who spin-off box set The Diary of River Song: Series 7.
First of all, while there is a mystery that River needs to investigate, that’s not what drives the story. At least, not entirely. Instead, the real intrigue is essentially the historical and political setting of the story.
It’s the 12th century, and England is at war. On the surface, the abbey seems to be unaffected by the conflict. But there is conflict within, particularly between two nuns who share very different views.
More from Winter is Coming
- For All Mankind finally gives us information in Episode 405, “Goldilocks”
- Watch a stunning VFX breakdown of The Wheel of Time season 2
- Of course Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon) thinks Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen) should rule Westeros
- Confirmed: The Last of Us season 2 will air in 2025
- Final season of Star Trek: Discovery will have “a lot of action, a lot of adventure, a lot of fun”
Internal politics
Lizbeth Myles explores a lot with her episode. There are a lot of interesting and fleshed out characters in Abbey of Heretics. Particularly Sister Magdalene and Sister Ursula. The former has some extremely strong views about the church and the dangers of too much knowledge.
Sister Ursula, who looks after the Abbey’s library, is more open-minded. Too open-minded, as far as Sister Magdalene is concerned. The conflict between these two very different characters is great to listen to, particularly in how it pushes each of them further into taking desperate action.
Naturally, River is given plenty to do in this story. With a mysterious book to find, a strange sickness spreading and even a “ghost” lurking in the abbey, there’s a great deal for her to investigate. Myles handles her brilliantly, particularly in how she places River directly in the middle of Magdalene’s and Ursula’s ongoing conflict. It’s also great to hear River acting undercover as a nun again. (The previous time it happened was in Eighth Doctor box set Doom Coalition 3.)
Like Colony of Strangers, there are a few twists and turns in Abbey of Heretics. But it’s the characters, the historical setting and the politics that really make this story a fantastic listen. Another great episode from the latest series of The Diary of River Song.
Next. Spoiler review: Orphan 55. dark
Which Doctor Who stories do you enjoy that explore religion? Which do you enjoy that focus on internal politics? Let us know in the comments below.