We're halfway through the series now and things are heating up in the world of Class. When we last left off April had gone to the planet of the Shadow Kin to kill Corikanus and reclaim her heart. More allusions to Buffy are abound this week as April gets to wield blades and face the Corikanus in one-on-one combat. The whole fight is good but the ending is a bit predictable. The whole thing of killing an alien to become ruler of their species was done better and more fun in The Tenth Doctor's debut, The Christmas Invasion.
Ram gets to support April throughout this episode. It is more of a sidekick role but since Ram has already proven himelf in The Coach with the Dragon Tattoo, this is acceptable. His best moment comes when he and April have an interesting conversation about the nature of faith. Ram puts forward a more positive slant than is usually shown in sci-fi shows. It's a welcome change from the old cliches.
Back on Earth, Miss Quill, Charlie and Matteusz are faced with their own problem. the Governors, who want Charlie to use the Cabinet of Souls as a weapon against the petals. If Charlie tries to use the Cabinet then it will destroy the Rhodian souls and everyone on Earth. The bit where Miss Quill punches Charlie is very reminiscent of the time Spike let his chip fire off in Buffy.
Tanya spends more time on the sidelines. This time she is forced to mediate between Ram and April's parents. So far she is still a character who is less interesting in herself than in the way she relates to the world around her. The parents themselves get a bit of development, having to adapt to their children's views in the new world. April's father finally gets a moment to pull April back from the brink.
The Shadow Kin's planet, the Underneath, was fairly well realised, with its rocky surfaces and blue sun. The effect of the petals eating humans was also pulled off well. The scene of a man slamming into glass, bleeding from the petals, was very effective and chilling.
With the plot about April;s heart resolved, and the intervention of the Governors, it feels like we're entering a new period of the show.
7/10
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