The Girl Who Waited

The Girl Who Waited is the tenth episode of the sixth series of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who, which was first broadcast on BBC One on 10 September 2011. The episode was written by Tom MacRae and directed by Nick Hurran.

Plot

The episode features the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), his companion Amy Pond (Karen Gillan), and her husband Rory Williams (Arthur Darvill). The trio lands on the planet Apalapucia, which is under quarantine due to a plague that is deadly to beings with two hearts, such as the Doctor. Amy is accidentally separated from the Doctor and Rory and ends up in a different time stream, where time moves much faster.

Amy spends 36 years alone, becoming a hardened warrior. When the Doctor and Rory finally find her, they are faced with a moral dilemma: save the older Amy or the younger Amy. The Doctor devises a plan to merge the two time streams, but it ultimately fails, and the older Amy sacrifices herself so that her younger self can live.

Production

"The Girl Who Waited" was filmed in early 2011. The episode was praised for its emotional depth and the performances of the main cast, particularly Karen Gillan. The set design and special effects were also highlighted as strong points of the episode.

Reception

The episode received positive reviews from critics and fans alike. It was noted for its exploration of complex themes such as love, sacrifice, and the passage of time. The performances of the cast, especially Karen Gillan, were widely acclaimed.

Cast

• Matt Smith as the Eleventh Doctor
• Karen Gillan as Amy Pond
• Arthur Darvill as Rory Williams

See also

• List of Doctor Who episodes (2005–present)
• Doctor Who (series 6)
• Amy Pond
• Rory Williams
• Eleventh Doctor

References in other media

The themes and events of "The Girl Who Waited" have been referenced in various Doctor Who spin-off media, including novels, audio dramas, and comic books.