What is the plot?

The episode "Cold War" begins with the TARDIS materializing on a Soviet submarine, the HMS Victory, in the Arctic during the Cold War in 1983. The Doctor and his companion, Clara Oswald, step out and are immediately confronted by the crew, who are startled by their sudden appearance. The Doctor, dressed in his usual attire, tries to explain their presence, but the crew is tense and suspicious, especially as they are in the midst of a critical mission.

As the crew members attempt to regain control, the submarine is suddenly rocked by an explosion. The Doctor quickly realizes that something is wrong and urges Clara to stay close. They learn that the submarine has been damaged and is now at risk of sinking. The crew, led by Captain Zhukov, is on high alert, fearing an attack from the West. Tensions rise as they try to assess the situation and maintain order.

The Doctor discovers that the explosion was caused by the awakening of a creature frozen in the ice, a Ice Warrior, which has been released from its slumber. The Ice Warrior, named Skaldak, begins to wreak havoc on the submarine, attacking crew members and causing chaos. The Doctor, understanding the gravity of the situation, tries to communicate with Skaldak, hoping to reason with him and prevent further violence.

As Skaldak moves through the submarine, the crew is terrified, and several members are killed in the ensuing chaos. The Doctor realizes that Skaldak is not just a mindless monster but a warrior with a sense of honor. He attempts to negotiate with Skaldak, explaining that they are not enemies and that he can help him return to his home. Skaldak, however, is filled with rage and a desire for revenge against those who have disturbed his slumber.

Meanwhile, Clara finds herself in a precarious situation as she is taken hostage by Skaldak. The Doctor, desperate to save her and the remaining crew, devises a plan to confront Skaldak. He uses his sonic screwdriver to create a distraction, allowing him to get closer to the Ice Warrior. The Doctor appeals to Skaldak's sense of honor, reminding him of the values of his people and the importance of not resorting to violence.

In a tense standoff, Skaldak reveals his intention to use the submarine's nuclear weapons to destroy the surface world, believing it to be the only way to reclaim his honor. The Doctor, realizing the catastrophic consequences of such an action, pleads with Skaldak to reconsider. He shares stories of peace and cooperation, trying to connect with the Ice Warrior on a deeper level.

As the situation escalates, the crew members are forced to make difficult decisions. Captain Zhukov, torn between his duty and the safety of his crew, ultimately decides to trust the Doctor's judgment. Together, they work to disable the nuclear weapons and prevent Skaldak from launching an attack. The Doctor's quick thinking and Clara's bravery play crucial roles in averting disaster.

In the climax of the episode, Skaldak is faced with a choice: to continue down a path of destruction or to embrace a new way forward. The Doctor's words resonate with him, and he ultimately decides to spare the crew and the world above. He retreats back into the ice, choosing to return to his slumber rather than unleash chaos.

The episode concludes with the Doctor and Clara leaving the submarine, reflecting on the events that transpired. The Doctor expresses relief that they were able to prevent a war and save lives. Clara, still shaken by the experience, shares her thoughts on the nature of fear and honor. They step back into the TARDIS, ready for their next adventure, leaving the submarine and its crew behind in the icy depths of the Arctic.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Cold War," the Doctor manages to convince the Ice Warrior, Grand Marshal Skaldak, to spare the crew of the submarine after a tense standoff. Skaldak, realizing that the war he was prepared to wage is no longer necessary, chooses to return to his slumber in the ice rather than destroy humanity. The Doctor and his companion, Clara, escape the submarine just before it sinks, and they leave the Ice Warrior to his fate, with a sense of respect for the ancient warrior's decision.

As the episode concludes, the Doctor and Clara are seen in the TARDIS, reflecting on the events that transpired. The Doctor expresses a sense of relief and contemplation about the nature of conflict and the choices made in moments of fear.


The episode "Cold War" reaches its climax in a series of tense and emotionally charged scenes.

As the submarine, HMS Victory, continues to be threatened by the awakening of the Ice Warrior, Grand Marshal Skaldak, the crew is in a state of panic. The Doctor, portrayed by Matt Smith, and Clara, played by Jenna Coleman, find themselves in a precarious situation. The Doctor, with his characteristic blend of confidence and urgency, takes charge, attempting to communicate with Skaldak, who is disoriented and furious after being awakened from centuries of slumber.

In a dimly lit control room, the Doctor confronts Skaldak, who is clad in his imposing armor, a relic of a bygone era. The Ice Warrior's deep, resonant voice echoes through the submarine as he expresses his desire for vengeance against humanity for the perceived betrayal of his kind. The Doctor, understanding the gravity of the situation, tries to reason with Skaldak, appealing to his sense of honor and the futility of war. The tension escalates as Skaldak prepares to unleash his weapon, a powerful energy blast, on the crew.

Meanwhile, Clara, caught between the two powerful beings, feels the weight of the moment. She watches the Doctor, her trust in him unwavering, but she also senses the danger that looms over them all. The stakes are high, and the emotional turmoil is palpable as the Doctor races against time to find a solution that will save everyone.

In a pivotal moment, the Doctor reveals the truth about the Ice Warriors' history and their noble past, reminding Skaldak of the honor that once defined his people. The Doctor's words resonate with Skaldak, who begins to reconsider his path of destruction. The Doctor's empathy and understanding shine through, showcasing his ability to connect with even the most fearsome of foes.

As the confrontation reaches its peak, Skaldak ultimately decides against annihilating the crew. Instead, he chooses to return to the ice, where he can rest once more, a decision that reflects his internal struggle between rage and honor. The Doctor, relieved yet contemplative, acknowledges Skaldak's choice, recognizing the complexity of the Ice Warrior's character.

In the final moments, the submarine begins to sink, and the Doctor and Clara make a narrow escape, racing through the corridors as water floods in. They reach the TARDIS just in time, and the Doctor reflects on the encounter, pondering the nature of conflict and the choices that define individuals. Clara, still processing the events, stands by the Doctor, their bond strengthened by the shared experience.

As the TARDIS dematerializes, the episode closes with a sense of resolution. The Doctor and Clara are left to contemplate the fragility of peace and the importance of understanding one another, even in the face of fear and hostility. The fate of Skaldak remains ambiguous, but his choice to spare humanity leaves a lasting impact on the Doctor, who continues to navigate the complexities of time and morality.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In "Cold War," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes with the Doctor, Clara, and the crew of the submarine having dealt with the immediate threat of the Ice Warrior, Skaldak. The story wraps up with the Doctor reflecting on the events that transpired, and the focus remains on the resolution of the plot without any additional scenes or teasers after the credits. The episode ends on a note of contemplation about the nature of fear and the consequences of war, but there are no further scenes to extend the narrative beyond the main storyline.

What creature is the Doctor facing in the episode 'Cold War'?

In 'Cold War', the Doctor faces the Ice Warrior, a reptilian alien species that has been frozen in ice for centuries. The specific Ice Warrior featured in this episode is named Skaldak.

How does the Doctor initially react to the Ice Warrior's awakening?

When the Ice Warrior, Skaldak, awakens, the Doctor is initially cautious and intrigued. He recognizes the historical significance of the Ice Warriors and is concerned about the potential for violence, showing a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

What role does the submarine play in the story?

The submarine, named HMS Victory, serves as the primary setting for the episode. It is a Cold War-era nuclear submarine that becomes trapped under the ice, creating a tense atmosphere as the crew must deal with the threat of the Ice Warrior while also managing the dangers of their environment.

How does Clara's character develop during the episode?

Clara shows bravery and resourcefulness throughout 'Cold War'. She becomes a key figure in trying to communicate with Skaldak and understanding his motivations, demonstrating her growth as a companion who is willing to confront danger and seek peaceful resolutions.

What is the significance of the Doctor's decision to spare Skaldak's life?

The Doctor's decision to spare Skaldak's life is significant as it reflects his deep-seated belief in the value of life and the possibility of redemption. This choice highlights the Doctor's moral compass and his desire to avoid unnecessary violence, even in the face of a formidable enemy.

Is this family friendly?

"Cold War," the eighth episode of Doctor Who's seventh series, contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

  1. Violence and Threats: The episode features scenes of violence, including the threat of death and physical confrontations. The presence of a dangerous creature creates a tense atmosphere.

  2. Tension and Fear: The overall tone of the episode is suspenseful and can be frightening, particularly with the creature's menacing presence and the claustrophobic setting of a submerged submarine.

  3. Death and Sacrifice: Themes of sacrifice and the potential for loss are present, which may be emotionally challenging for younger viewers.

  4. Intense Situations: Characters face life-and-death situations, which can evoke feelings of anxiety and fear.

  5. Mature Themes: The episode touches on themes of war and conflict, which may be complex for younger audiences to fully understand.

These elements contribute to a narrative that, while engaging, may not be suitable for all children or sensitive viewers.