To those of us who grew up with the Classic series, where the explanation for the Doctor not being able to control the Tardis was 'well, the chameleon circuit doesn't work properly, so the navigation controls probably don't either', the line 'You never took me where I wanted to go...No, but I always took you where you NEEDED to go' was like the sun suddenly shining through dark rain clouds. Since its return, the show has given us a few genuine classics, and a couple of near masterpieces. For me, this is one of those episodes :)
@Crazy4Comics: Moffat was the first showrunner to approach Neil Gaiman. It was originally written for season 5. Rory wasn't in the first draft (he was missing from time then) It got pushed to the sixth season due to budget reasons.
Matt Smith is one of the few actors who can go from genuinely innocent silly child to the darkest eldest soul in the room...and being equally brilliant at both.
I know that the majority seem to favor Tennant, but I'd take Matt Smith over him any day. As you said, he could go from happy go lucky bumbler to intimidating badass on a dime. Wish he'd stuck around a bit longer.
There is a phenomenon that I see in Doctor Who that i do not see in any other multiple actor role or series. And that is this: The Doctor you first see when watching the show, becomes YOUR doctor. You always love every incarnation of the Doctor, (just some a little less than others) but there is something special about your first. For me, like a majority of Americans my age, Tom Baker was our doctor. And with a seven year run, T. Baker set the bar on popularity. If you look at other fandoms, (James Bond, Batman, Superman, Spider Man and Star Trek) you will find that most fans gravitate towards one. For Bond fans, Connery is the Alpha bond. With Craig as a solid second, with Moore and Brosnan in vying for third and fourth. Nobody cares much for Lazenby and Dalton was fine, but the movies he was in were mediocre. So in the end the Doctor is more or less loved, just some are loved a little less than others.
This episode was easily one of the very best episodes of the rebooted series. Fantastically written by Neil Gaiman, The Doctor finally gets to have a conversation with the one constant in his very long life. The final scene, where Idris-TARDIS says "Hello" had this 40-odd year old bloke shedding a few man-tears (and I wouldn't do that again till I saw Tom Baker - MY Doctor - in the 50th Anniversary episode). "The Doctor's Wife" (such an apt title) truly was a cornerstone episode that filled in so much backstory and mythology without alienating newer viewers. Fantastic, as Nine would say.
Matt crying at Idris saying Hello...I always cannot cope...I think your reaction was the perfect capture of how powerful that scene was. One of the best reactors ever!
Robert McGhin it’s like when guys have exceptionally strong relationship with their car. What if such a guy suddenly woke up to find their beloved car has turned into a beautiful woman?
Yes! And it´s always sad, when it´s over! That´s why the Doctor doesn´t like when things end! But everything ends... and that´s always sad... but everything begins again, too and that´s... always happy......BE HAPPY!
Holyshit I just got it. WE are the TARDIS. Were the ones that stole that mad man because we wanted adventure. We are the silent companions, always there always feeling his pains and joys. We've seen him at his best and at his worst, every time we've seen him reach the lowest of depth what is the one thing as viewers have wanted to do, all we ever wanted to do is say hello. The doctor will never be alone because he'll have the TARDIS and us. I've watched this episode when it first came out but seeing this through your eyes it finally came to me. So thank you so much. I mean really thank you doctor who is my favorite show ever and the fact that you're helping me love it even more is something I cannot repay in a comment. Thank you so much I'm a new viewer and I don't know what's going on in your life but just know that you'll always have the doctor....and the TARDIS :)
10:04 is a moment I love, mainly for the fact that Neil Gaiman knew that millions of kids would be watching his ep, and yet he still wrote a moment as messed up and horrifying as possible. xD
Exactly. I was raised on repeats of Classic Who, especially the early Tom Baker ones, and the violence and horror in those seriously freaked me out. Loved every second of it! xD
After all these years, only now does she get to say "Hello", oh god yep the tears are here, whew! Neil Gaiman is a wonderful writer - he nails the dark and emotional stuff. Great reaction, I'm crying, everything is fine.
Truly and honestly one of the best episodes of this show ever produced. A few things: 1) when there was a knocking at the door to the TARDIS in deep space, I thought someone would say it was River (who else would knock on the TARDIS door in deep space?); 2) Darville's performance as old crazy Rory was some of his best acting (and that makeup job was splendid); 3) My favorite line was Amy's after she realizes the TARDIS is in a woman. "Did you wish really hard?" I also loved "Still shutup!"
Superb reaction! Love this episode. William Hartnell who played the Original Doctor back in 1963 did say the show has a magic to it unlike other Science Fiction TV shows and that it would go on for a long time. He was so right. Your reaction is wonderful. Thank You. It will be well worth the wait for your next reaction.
This is a moment where we really get to see how much the tardis not only already ment to the doctor but adds a whole new level to it after the fact witch is why in later episodes the doctor talks to her a lot more and there is always a beep or a buzz or a whezz wherring sound in response because he over time re configured parts of her to let them speak to each other truly wonderful in my opinion
I love this episode. Great reaction. Hilarious that the Amy and Rory had a bunk bed this whole time. Sending you good vibes for whatever you're dealing with.
I was surprised the return of the 10th Doctor's control room didn't draw much of a comment/reaction. Not criticising but it's one of my favourite bits of the episode
I literally only just noticed that watching this reaction lmao. I've seen this episode so many times and I was always too caught up in the story to notice where they are. Was kind of mind blowing right now😄😄
I'm glad you enjoyed it - I know sometimes with the fan favourites that a lot of people have praised you have found they don't quite live up to expectations (I suppose I'm remembering particularly your reaction to The Girl in the Fireplace, which I think you enjoyed but not as much as some others). So I'm pleased you found that this one lived up to its reputation. For me, I think it may well be the best episode of the entire Matt Smith era.
this episode did something really special in making the TARDIS go from a set/framing device/occasional plot device to a character we've had so much history with and we hate to see go. every time the TARDIS acts on its own from now on I can see Idris fiddling with the controls for the doctor, it's wonderful
I just love how emotionally invested you are in this show now. And how it's more than just a show it's an experience. Even your timey Wimey intro by mistake at the end / beginning its like it was meant to be. The TARDIS knew 😀
I think most of us can agree that before the episode aired, its title didn't inspire much confidence. Good god how wrong we were (that ending still gets me). A tragic tale of the Doctor's oldest and most faithful companion :( By the way, I have no idea why, but that part with the old Rory shouting in Amy's face f*cking terrifies me. It shouldn't, and yet it does...
I think it depends on the context of your fandom. To some people, "The Doctor's Wife" seemed like a reference to a fairly well-known behind-the-scenes story from the 1980s (when the title was placed on a list of forthcoming stories in the production office as a deliberate red herring to try and trace the source of a leak), so it never seemed as if it would *really* be literally what it said.
I love the guy, "Uncle." He's so funny. I love that line, "Fear me, I killed them all." "I always take you where you need to go." Such a beautiful episode. I'm so glad you loved it!
My favourite episode! And an amazing reaction as always, that last scene always gets me too. I remember going into it thinking it was just going to be a filler episode at the time and then...wow. It just blew me away. ❤️
SOMEONE HOLD ME IT'S FINALLY HERE!!!!!! My favourite episode ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think this episode coming on the back of black spot sums Doctor Who up, from the sublime to the ridiculous and back again. TBH given the tools you have at your disposal as a writer for a show with such lore. legacy and wide ranging possibilities coming up with dross like, "The black Spot," should be a criminal offence but "kill the Moon" was far worse still. This episode though gets it spot on, a threatening monster, space, time travel themes, adventure, the doctor being "The Doctor" and nice story and plot with wit and sentiment.
DAMMIT SESS, YOU MADE ME CRY. By just looking at your face and hearing that scene, it brought out all those feelings again. But yeah, I love this episode to bits. The TARDIS is amazing, her and the Doctor's relationship is so sweet and touching, it has great Amy and Rory stuff and the Doctor's darker and angry moments have such an impact because you understand why he is so upset. Then again, it is written by one of my favorite writers of all time, Neil Gaiman. He has such a way with words. (Another tv show is currently airing based on one of his most famous books, American Gods.) And yeah, take the time you need. We love your Doctor Who reactions, and you, but that you feel good and that you sort out whatever is going on is much more important. I hope your going away time is nice and relaxing and that you have a great time. :)
Great reaction. Thank you. This is definitely one of my top 10 DW episodes; it helps cement the appreciation of the TARDIS as not just a vehicle, but a (normally) silent character ... and a permanent companion (ironic, given the "live for the now" message). Have a great time on your break (assuming that's appropriate) and 'see' you when you get back.
I've had everything crossed all week that you would like this one! I love it and I'm really pleased for everyone else who does too. It's beautiful and incredibly poignant at the same time. The fragility of life and what it means to live in the moment. I loved that Amy's mental image for "delight" was her wedding day. She has to stop being the girl who waited for the Doctor and live for what she has now (The pretty one)! A load of the shows history was expanded on for us Whovians to appreciate which was great. Then the Doctor being sassy was fun too! I love all that you do. This was really special. Thank you!
That's Neil Gaiman all over. Brilliant and funny and sad and dark and beautiful and horrible and...ugh. Lures you in with wonderful stuff and then kicks you right in the feels.
Glad you like the storyline -- it's a favorite of many fans, including me. And by now, someone's probably informed you that this episode was penned by a guest writer, the famous Neil Gaiman, Who has written such works as American gods, Coraline, and the Sandman. In fact, the televised Version of American gods is on starz right now. You may want to add that series to your reaction videos :-)
this is one of my all-time favorite episodes. it always makes me cry... but it's amazing. Neil Gaiman is absolutely brilliant! I wish he'd write more episodes of Doctor Who.
Suranne Jones, who played Idris/Human TARDIS in this episode, is one of our most well-loved actresses in the UK. She's brilliant and has had an extensive acting career so far, including Doctor Foster and Gentleman Jack. Her first major role was as Karen Phillips (later McDonald) in Coronation Street, which is our longest-running TV soap opera in the UK. She was in Coronation Street from about 2000/2001 to 2004. Karen was mental as a character, so playing a human carnation of the TARDIS would have been second nature for Suranne. :')
Rewatching this one, same, crying. I love Suranne Jones as an actor. If you have an opportunity, watch Scott and Bailey (British type Cagney and Lacey) the idea for the show was dreamt up between Suranne Jones and Sally Lindsay whilst they were both in Coronation Street. It's set in Manchester, North West England, and is quite gritty. But well worth a good binge on a rainy Sunday!
The Eye of Orion appeared in The 5 Doctors and is the most peaceful calming place in the whole universe It looks like the Welsh countryside ...because it is lol
Yes, as you will have noted by now Sesska, the Dr. can go from a kind of childish delight to extremely terrifying with barely a pause in-between sometimes. His childish delight at the wonders of life, the Universe & the creations within it, particularly (the Human Race). Extremely terrifying when he feels the need to punish someone (Human Nature 2-parter) or he utters words like "it would make anyone dangerous god knows what it will do to me" !! At 1.11, The Last Time Lord has mail from an old friend (Hope), we originally saw the Time Lord message system used by the 2nd Dr. in Classic Who. At 1.45, as long suspected proof the tardis is alive. :)) At 2.39, his (hope is increased), I can well understand your reaction, I think we all were questioning (The Last Time Lord) tag at that point. It seemed unlikely but you could hope. At 5.48, the Dr. forcibly separated from his box definitely an OMG moment. :) I love that conversation at 6.51-7.09 & loved your reaction to it also. :) At 7.10-7.42, as mentioned by Adam Darren, was carried out by the only other children`s program to have been going over 50 yrs, in fact a couple of years longer than Dr.Who & without any breaks. The two programs have always had a strong bond, one of my Dr.`s companions (Peter Purves) went on to be a presenter of that program, Blue Peter. Great to hear that conversation @ 7.47-8.15, you will find Sesska, that you will re-examine all that went before in a new light after this episode, as well as watching for signs from now on. Lol :) e.g. (Is that why Sarah-Jane was dropped off where she was ??) Mischievous miss !! Lol :) Sesska, your face when "House (not the M.D.)" was messing with Amy & Rory, priceless !! At 10.17, almost your worst fear confirmed another priceless reaction. Sesska, is it now official that Rory is the pretty one ? :) At 12.02, Amy in the dark again like the Time of Angels 2-parter. You might not know, but, the tardis is supposed to have several console rooms, other than the main one we usually see. At 15.47, a story for another day. Then 15.56-20.56, as I said your reactions were priceless & so in tune with the majority of fans who watched it before you.(The Dr. & the Tardis, definitely the original Never Ending Story ) At 19.52, Amy has gained an insight of them both. At 19.59, Rory`s interesting question is cut short. Like the rest of us, you`ll never be able to look at the Tardis in the same way again now, Sesska. :) At 21.37, I agree Sesska, she certainly brought the necessary ethereal element to her character, IMO. Dr.Who makes us think about things on many different levels, that we might never of considered on our own. Which is just part of the reason that viewers fall in love with the program, if it is given sufficient chance to show them. Have a lovely time & take care Sesska, as other`s have said your reactions enable us to revisit & enjoy these episodes all over again. :))
This is when you realise: The War Doctor suffered alone with no companions during the war? No, the TARDIS was there. Nine suffered alone before meeting Rose? No, the TARDIS was there. Ten died alone? Nope, the TARDIS was there. Eleven suffered for all those years alone after Amy and Rory left? Nope, the TARDIS was there. The TARDIS was ALWAYS there, making sure he got to where he NEEDED to get to to be healed. For several thousands years she’s been a doctor... to the Doctor. She’ll always be there, always love him, always forgive him for what he’s done in the war. She’ll be his most beloved companion for all eternity. And, the fact that she is able to start a TARDIS console on her own implies that she COULD have left that repair shop on her own, whenever she wanted - she was there deliberately, waiting, for the Doctor to show up, because she could see all of Time and Space at once and knew the adventures to come...
Love the strangeness of Aunty and Uncle in this - absolutely no reason at all for them to be played like that, but I think their oddness really helps cut the tension and keeps the first half light. This ep is also filled with continuity nods back to the old series- but it doesn't feel dragged down by it - another stroke of genius by Neil Gaimen. Can never decide which is my favourite line from this one - everything from "Biting's excellent. It's like kissing only there's a winner", "Your my thief .. Why would I give you back?", "Fear me, I killed all of them" or "Did you wish _really_ hard" are all up there. And then there's the Doctor completely failing to grasp why Amy and Rory don't think bunk beds are the Best Thing Ever! Love this story. And, yes, Suranne Jones is a brilliant actress.
