Set in Norway in 2018, the episode involves the alien time traveller the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and her companions Graham O'Brien (Bradley Walsh), Ryan Sinclair (Tosin Cole), and Yasmin Khan (Mandip Gill) investigating the disappearance of a widower called Erik (Christian Rubeck) with the assistance of his daughter, Hanne (Ellie Wallwork).
They briefly encounter Ribbons, a deceptive alien who guides them through the zone only to become prey for flesh-eating moths when attempting to take the Doctor's sonic screwdriver.
Despite her enthusiasm at the prospect of speaking to a sentient universe, as the Solitract assumes the form of a talking frog with Grace's voice, the Doctor explains she cannot stay as they are unable to co-exist.
[12] The episode received an official total of 6.42 million viewers across all UK channels, making it the 22nd most watched programme of the week, and it had an Audience Appreciation Index score of 80.
The website's critical consensus reads, "Elevated by Bradley Walsh's comedically empathetic performance, 'It Takes You Away' overcomes most of its tonal incongruities to offer a compelling meditation on grief and guilt.