‘Asylum of the Daleks’ scares up surprises for ‘Doctor Who’

Doctor Who: Asylum Of The Daleks - Screening — LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 14: Matt Smith attends the preview screening of the first episode of the new series of Dr Who at BFI Southbank on August 14, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images)

By, Heather Maloney

Spoilers are a common occurrence for many popular returning shows, however many large plot points for the series seven premiere of “Doctor Who” were successfully kept close to the vest. Leaked pieces of information and expertly edited trailers allowed for many surprising moments in Saturday’s “Asylum of the Daleks”.

Jenna-Louise Coleman’s “Doctor Who” debut

While set and promotional pictures appeared to verify that the new companion would make her debut during the Christmas 2012 episode, Whovians were surprised to see Jenna-Louise Coleman appear in the premiere episode as Oswin. This appearance leads to many questions about how the new companion will fit back into the show going forward. Many are amazed how this appearance remained a secret. After multiple screenings, fans and media helped to keep this a closely guarded secret.

Trouble in paradise for Amy and Rory

The episode begins with a shocking revelation; Amy and Rory are getting a divorce. While this seems unthinkable, viewers spend the hour with the Doctor trying to figure out what happened. Shortly before the episode aired on BBC One, head writer and show runner Steven Moffat announced via Twitter, “One hour to go! Doctor!! Daleks!! Divorce!! Soufflé Surprise!! (Or is that just me?)”

Daleks as they have not been seen since the classic series

Are the Daleks asking the Doctor for help? Stranger things have happened in the world of “Doctor Who”. In addition to the lack of extermination, the Daleks possess the ability to use humanoids as secret agents by secretly turning them into a Dalek for the first time since the classic series. Fans were also treated to a new view of Skaro; the planet where the Daleks originate from. During the events on the Asylum planet, the Doctor is erased from the Daleks’ memories. What will this mean going forward for the Daleks and the Doctor?

While fans of “Doctor Who” will watch the new episode repeatedly to try and decipher all of the secrets hidden within, many are excited at what is yet to come with the new series. Steven Moffat said it best on his twitter page, “Daleks? I’m over Daleks! Now I’m all about DINOSAURS!! On a SPACE SHIP!!!!”