DOCTOR WHO 5x7 "AMY'S CHOICE" • REACTION & REVIEW 

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Genuinely don't get how some people are saying this episode is filler. It is literally one of the most important episodes which shows how Amy's character develops to being less selfish. Loved your reaction btw!

I don't have anything profound to say about this episode, despite it having a lot of fascinating meat to it. Quite simply, I really like what they did here, and it's an episode I enjoy watching. It's the sort of more interesting "non-standard" episode that the show has always had potential for but only occasionally attempts (and even less often succeeds at). That line from Amy, "Then what is the point of you?", and the way that Karen Gillan delivers it, is such a punch to the gut.

You talked about the doctor being self-aware in this episode which he was but I'm surprised you didn't touch on that line where he said something to the effect of "there is only one person in the universe that hate me as much as you do" Not only do we see him being self-aware but we also see with that line that despite how he projects outward on the inside he doesn't like himself very much.

so 11th was such a good way to circle back to the criticisms of previous doctors and show ppl that it's alright to love the previous seasons while also realising where the characters had flaws

One of my favorites! Such a clever episode with great performances all around. Glad you enjoyed it. Great reaction! (Oh! And Matt Smith knocked it out of the park for me from his first episode, but everyone is different)

Haven't researched it but I'm told each of the Dream Lords's different costume changes represent a specific callback to something in the doctor's past

I think the other commenters are trying to placate you when they say "it's supposed to be like that" because (maybe a little spoilery but...) this era of DW does something different in that the characters are actually quite self-aware of their faults and shortcomings (or become aware of them if they're already not) and then it actually _plays out what happens_ when those characters then try to *address* these faults and shortcomings. It's the most character driven era in DW imo and with how astute your gut reactions to some of those faults and shortcomings are... you're in for such a treat!

In his first episode, Matt Smith is with little Amelia acting all goofy and weird, and I was not sure at all about him. And then he suddenly gets serious for a moment and quietly says, "Must be a hell of a scary crack in your wall." That's when I first saw The Doctor underneath the new face.

I was so excited for your reaction to this episode! You didn't disappoint! Thank you for the great reaction. I always look forward to the post episode thoughts.

I really enjoy your discussion and analysis. I didn’t find Tennant as annoying as you did but I absolutely see where you are coming from and think I learn more from listening to your discussions.

dispite this being a filler episode i will say i love that its addressed Amy only wants Rory NOT The Doctor.

Glad to see you enjoyed this episode. For me Matt Smith clicked immediately because he was The Doctor I was introduced as a young kid so I had no one else to judge off, it was only about 5/6 years ago where I went back to see Eccleston and Tennants doctor after I started really getting into the show

When you guys are talking about the Doctor’s possible insecurities over something like his bow tie, it got me thinking. This episode does hint at an overall insecurity of “fitting in.” The Doctor is still, to a degree, a proud Time Lord. He also still is an alien species, the last of his, that spends so much of his time around other species, especially humans. It probably does do something to one’s identify and idea of belonging somewhere/anywhere.

Yalls discussions are always so great. I, ADORE, this episode. so so SO reflective, and such a fantastic character study of the Doctor. The depth of self-awareness and self-loathing, and the rare deep peek into the Doctor himself. Something raw, something vulnerable, an exposing of his flaws. And not only that, it's his own view. I love the Doctor's flaws, I love the peering behind the curtain. I'm sorry it was to such an annoying degree for you haha. There were and still are parts that are too much for me (like the blonde nightmare lol). I also watched Who not as a child and all in one go (so no nostalgia/child-mind goggles and I didn't have to wait. Just wanna put this here for others who're similar.), but my opinion was less annoyed and I liked a lot of what wasn't so fun for you. I also don't mind most of the romance, I'm a hopeless romantic, but also the.. excessiveness was, well, exhausting lol (and there were plenty of parts that would be so much better without it in this or that place/moment). But I love yalls reactions nonetheless. So in-depth, it really feels like your WATCHING the show and that's exciting to view. It's vindicating watching someone get annoyed at things I do even if I love it haha. Most of all I'm glad yall are still able to have fun with it.

Great review Phil! I’m always excited to see your reactions. Wish they were more frequent though haha, but anyways yeah. Without saying too much, I feel like you might enjoy Moffat’s era A LOT, as Moffat is the only showrunner that I feel understands who the Doctor’s character is supposed to be.

Season 5 was my first season of Doctor Who, so I suppose I had quite a unique introduction to the 11th Doctor. I didn't experience any adjustment period from Tennant to Matt Smith, and I think that may be why this is my favourite season, and why The Eleventh Hour is an episode I feel adamantly about the quality of. And, well of course there's going to be nostalgia mixed in there

i disagree personally, matt smith clicked instantly for me. but it is usually a sudden shock whenever a doctor changes. maybe if you rewatched the first few episodes you might change your mind on him in them, mainly bc he’s clicked for you now

Another great commentary! I have to say, I know this is a “filler” to some, but I'm always inclined to say it’s not just because of the importance in a lot that was addressed. I understand how it can be skipped in rewatch, but definitely so crucial the first time. We get to see so much insecurity and vulnerability from the Doctor. But we also see there that foundation of respect. In the end, he subconsciously, through the Dream Lord and consciously with himself, wanted/needed the choice to be Amy’s. And he respected it! She finally realized and settled that no matter what, being with Rory in some capacity will always triumph over being just with the Doctor. And I think the Doctor seemed not only to respect that but actually relieved by it? This episode gives me the feeling of the Doctor and Amy (and Rory) settling into an “I’m just looking for a [platonic] mate” energy that Ten and Donna had.

Yes this is the Philip episode. This one in particular is one I knew you were going to enjoy the Dream Lord.

I assure you random snow in the middle of spring is not uncommon here. We had small bits of snow in April followed by warm weather just a week later 😂😂

this episode is 100% either my favourite or 2nd favourite episode of this season

This is one of my favourite episodes of Doctor Who and yet strangely enough it doesn’t merit an award for this series from me. I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that Philip will give it a medal though. 🤣 I strongly suspected that Philip would appreciate this dark introspection from the Doctor (although the Doctor does observe that the pollen feeds on everything dark and turns it against you, so just because the Doctor acknowledges (and possibly worries about) those interpretations of his behaviour, it doesn’t mean that they are true). Great cinematography, a strong story, a great role for Toby Jones to shine and lots of humour to balance some of the darker themes (I’ll admit I still laugh every time that elderly lady is knocked off the roof). I don’t see this as a ‘filler’ episode because it absolutely nails some very important character elements for the Tardis team. The Doctor is self aware and knows how negatively some of his actions can be perceived and also worries that those perceptions as to his motivations might be true; he doubts himself. Amy really does love Rory and realises that she has taken him for granted and not given him the attention he deserves. Rory really does love Amy and doesn’t want to let her down (did he go into nursing because she fantasised about a Doctor, did he also want to be a Doctor rather than a nurse? Is Amy’s pregnancy Rory’s fantasy or Amy’s, or the Doctor’s nightmare because it means ‘losing’ another companion?). I’m sure Amy has said “I love you.” to Rory before given their relationship status, what I think she means is that she has never led with it, she’s only ever said it ‘in response’ to him and never really told him how much and why she loves him. Glad you liked it!

I knew you would love this episode

We do have air conditioning in the uk (if you need it)but you would only need it for 3weeks each year.:-)

Season 5 episode 10 is when Smith really became the doctor for me. But he didn't just become the doctor, he became MY doctor. Not sure how far a long you two are but that episode is really when Who became one of my favorite shows to watch and I go back to it often. Also, when the dream lord is alone with Amy and he says that they are all alone and anything could happen, that always takes me back to season 1 episode 1 of new who where Rose's mom says the same thing while wearing a robe to the Doctor (Eccleston). Idk if it was done on purpose or not but I'd like to think it was because it's a cool call back to season 1.

this episode is a 10/10 for me

great episode. one of the best stand alone ones although it's very character heavy so not like a lot of the other ones. it's a very important episode unlike most other stand alones. dream lord is great. not much to say about it you covered the main details. 9/10.

Top episode it really is. One of my favourites for sure!

Hang on to your hats for the rest of the season...

the reason people get mad when you get annoyed with the doctor is because we hate when people talk bad about our favs (even when we know is true) and I agree with everything you said about the 10 Doctor in the past, he's last in my rankings of doctors but I don't think I'm with you with 11.

I'll say I accepted Matt as a Doctor almost immediately. It didn't bother me to get a new Doctor, even when Tennant was, and still is, my favourite. However, I didn't like this Doctor, for the same reasons you seem to like him XD For me, a childish man is not adorable or endearing, he's annoying. I just want to tell them to grow up! And in this case, it's worse, because he's over 900 years-old! On top of that, he seems to have forgotten a lot of the lessons he's already learnt. Some things are a bit too much, because he's been around humans for a really long time, in fact, humans have been his "favourites" for a long time, so why would he suddenly be so unaware of their nature? Him being quirky is fine, and I would like it, if not for the things I mentioned. Of course, saying things like this, usually gets me the kind of hate you were getting before XD I do agree with the whole Amy having never said I love you before. I know it's a trope, someone dying or leaving makes a character realize they loved them, but I don't like it.

Toby Jones is amazing, I agree. Have you ever come across Detectorists? He is so stellar in that show.

Yeah, if I remember right it took me a full series or more for me to really warm up to Matt. It was really on the re-watch of series 5 that I started to feel comfortable.

The doctors are written a certain way, Tennant being arrogant for example, it's just up to people if they like it. I like Tennant but some things were definitely annoying

Such a well-written episode. Poncho Boys. I could have done without the limerick.

I really don't think you would miss air con haha, really not needed. Also on that theme it being a nice spring day then snowing would not strike us as odd in this part of the world, it happens, like it did the other week or that time it snowed in July. As for for the episode its a really fun. insightful one that helps move the season in the right direction again. I like that we've now cemented Amy and Rory, who is still a complete delight so we can just move onto to other parts of the story and enjoy! Look forward to some of the brilliant episodes to come!

Honestly, I would bet that the people who complain about your reactions to annoying stuff are people who stopped by for a single reaction they wanted to see, got mad that it wasn't like they wanted, and left an angry comment, never to come back. I doubt addressing the issue will sway any of those people, since a lot of those people probably skip the commentary post-episode too.

Ah, The Dreamlord. One of my favourites villains from this series. I love how he's a perfect reflection of the Doctor stripped away of his mannerisms and charm. Condescending, demeaning and patronising with an air of superiority randomly appearing where he's not expected and messing with reality. You get the sense that this is the Doctors Timelord upbringing as the most "civilised civilisation" in the universe getting the better of him. Tbh I would have loved to see this guy go up against Tennants Doctor with Rose. Look, I did a scene and everything: Tennant: Well, you look like some sort of harmonic psychic resolution, am I right or am I right, huh? Dreamlord: Do you have to draw out your 'Wells' so much? It sounds like you're swallowing a frog. God, look at you. Spiky hair, pinstripe suit, hands in pockets. Sideburns, really? Did you grow those yourself or did you skin a ferret first. Tennant: Stop with the act right now, I'm asking nicely! Dreamlord: Talk about acts yourself, Casanova. You look like a substitute teacher for a secondary school Drama class. And, speaking of which, don't you think you're a bit old for her? Really, the attack of the sideburns and the blonde menace, you should start a film franchise. Rose: Oi, I'm warning you creep, leave us alone! Dreamlord: Us? And you're so important because?... I thought as much... (Also I have a little fan theory that the Doctor placed the psychic pollen in the TARDIS himself and created a dream state where Amy was driven to choose Rory as the Doctor realised how infatuated she was on him. Thats what the look in the reflection of the console was by the Dreamlord at the end)

I agree with your thoughts on the dream lord pretty much exactly, I would have loved for him to be a brand new villain, however I also love the fact that he is the Doctor and this gives us an insight into how the Doctor views himself. (EDIT: THIS NEXT LINE IS NOT TRUE. I'VE BEEN CORRECT) One thing to note as well was this was written by Moffat the then new showrunner, so the dream lords words can also be seen as subtle commentary of Moffat's views on the RTD era of doctor who. I've always interpreted the dream lord to be speaking the truth of how the doctor thinks, or at least thinks in the back of his head from time to time Yeah when it comes to regeneration, the doctor fundamentally stays the same (ie morally good/ethical person, believes violence as a last resort not first solution etc etc) but their appearance and personality as well as likes/dislikes (like with food) can be rather different. You mention star trek, so if you have watched deep space nine then I see regeneration being like the trill hosts being changed but the symbiote remains the same As for the "whats the point of you" I've never liked that line, I get that its meant to reflect Amy's perception of her imaginary friend but I've still never felt comfortable with it

What we learned from this episode... The Doctor thinks that he is an intergalactic Wag. He is way more self aware than we thought!

I know its thought if as "filler" but its anbessentially episode since it explores the three characters on the tardis and helps define their ongoing relationship with each other. This is not just a filler monster of the week. Really good episode.

So I binged these reactions until this one, i got some little nitpicks here and there...the guy on the left, you should rewatch this reaction and focus on yourself..maybe you'll notice how happy you seem when people criticize the doctor(i only finished watching doctor who 10 days ago) EVERYTIME. it never ends, maybe I'll be less annoyed if the guy on the right criticized you as much as you do doctor and his solutions to problem(present your alternatives). My guy(right) is too soft spoken and easily agreeable to you( you got all the power, maybe you need a Donna like character too who will challenge you...who cares if you actually like your companion now. I, the 'viewer' would enjoy it more if atleast you were aware enough to be Meta about it and kept the same company as you prefer for others.( boy i can't wait for someone to read this and find me annoying) PS - that is Meta.

I think the reason we get angry at you and yes I admit I get annoyed to sometimes is the way you presecieve it is different to us uk folk who it is a institution to us and most of the time we love It no matter what, thank you for your views which I do not have to agree with but that's okay

For me the reason you harping on the doctor's ego and predatory nature was annoying even though i knew this episode was coming is pretty simple. The vast majority of doctor who viewers, myself included, just went along with the doctor and allowed ourselves to succumb to his charm. So this episode pulled the veil back for us and this was the first time we realized how toxic he was. So i guess in a way you picking up on the doctor's toxicity so soon was almost like a spoiler and it also made me at least feel like you weren't fully invested in the show. I know that last bit isnt true its just that it came off like you didnt enjoy the title character which isnt always a good sign ya know?

Hate this episode. An obvious villain, an unfunny comedy, and a look at fantasy/reality that has been done both before and better elsewhere. For me, the whole story was about as subtle as a brick Having said that, I'm glad there are people like you who enjoy it and appreciate it as much as I dislike it.

This story is fantastic! Such a simple premise, yet it's used brilliantly for a dissection of all three characters by exploring and challenging their relationships, and probing at their true desires. On top of that, the Dreamlord makes for such an enticing and watchable villain...Toby Jones was a fantastic choice to play him. The twist that they were choosing between two dreams is such a satisfying subversion. And the cut after Rory says "He's Mr Cool" to the Doctor running like an idiot kills me every time.