This story just gets better and better. I LOVED Athena's interactions with the Master. I was laughing at almost every line. This one in particular had me howling: “He’s really terrible at remembering birthdays,” said Athena. I love the contrast of this to the Master's big (and very true), point about love being his weakness. Athena doesn't see it as a weakness because she's experienced the positive side of that love and she's never really faced the potential loss of those she loves. The Master and the Doctor understand what's at stake. I think Athena does too, but I don't think she feels it. Not the way her father does. (Because he's lost a lot in his long life, and Athena has had a pretty happy life. With the exception of her mother's disappearance when she was small, of course).

Anyway the point is that I find this all fascinating, especially in light of the Doctor's statement to Matt in the scene following where he illustrates that weakness very clearly. It's not at all surprising and it's perfectly in character. He's always been like that with those he loves - look at the way he bent the rules for Rose in Father's Day as an example. Or what he did for Wilf in End of Time. The Doctor will go to great lengths to protect people he loves - it's his greatest gift, and his greatest curse. However, what the Master doesn't understand, is that though this can be a weakness, it can also be a great strength.

I suspect all manner of hell is about to break loose now that the Doctor has arrived unexpectedly at the High Council. I can't wait to see what's in store for us next!