Vincent and the Doctor

[matthewwolff]

I think this was probably the best episode yet this series. Beautifully designed gorgeous shots. The way it so delicately and yet firmly flirted with such a problem like mental illness, while still keeping it in line with the family type program that it is.

Comments

[irishkate]

I have always wanted to be able to show Vincent what people thought of his work after he died. I don't think it would have any impact on how long he lived but I would love to give him the certainty that he was right. So in this point the show did for me something I have always wanted to do and I loved it. I loved almost everything about Vincent in this episode.

As a story though it sucked. And the discussion of depression made me want to hit the TV. But as an emotional tribute to Vincent, it was wonderful.

[matthewwolff]

I think it's important to remember that this wasn't so much a discussion of depression as one on bipolar disorder. For me, the scene where Vincent goes from normal to deep sadness to excited creativity pretty well illustrates this. Given that the show is Doctor Who after all, I thought it was a wonderful form for that discussion.

[irishkate]

That is kind of my problem with the episode tho. The shown bits were excellent but the things the doctor says in response tended to make me want to hit him.

Unfortunately I can't remember the words - I think I blocked them out. The performance by Vincent was excellent and I loved the portrayal of him.

[matthewwolff]

Of course, the Doctor is always awkward about that kind of outburst of emotion, I can't imagine him being able to handle it well.... Was it the "no more coffee for you," remark?

[jblum]

Bravo. Mind if I link to this?

[matthewwolff]

Link away. :)

[jvowles]

We don't always get the sort of Doctor Who that we'd prefer, or the kind we like the best. But the longevity of the show, and for many of us, our deep love of it, is rooted in the fact that we frequently get the sort of Doctor Who that we need, or the sort that we didn't expect.

I would rather have a show that can soar to the heights sometimes, and risk the valleys and bogs, and that can surprise and delight and scare and reward me, than a show that was reliably decent all the time, but wasn't able to leave me truly moved -- choking back bittersweet tears or leaping to my feet and punching the air.