"The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa the bad things don’t always spoil the good things or make them unimportant."
Episode #217: Vincent and the Doctor.
Companions: The 11th Doctor and Amy Pond.
Air Date: 5th June 2010.
While taking Amy to several peaceful locations, the Eleventh Doctor's trip to a museum takes turn for the worse: his interest is caught by a painting of a church by Vincent van Gogh. What troubles the Doctor is that there's a face in the church's window; it's not a nice face, it's a curious, shadowed, creepy face with a beak and nasty eyes. The Doctor knows evil when he sees it and this face is definitely evil; it may pose a threat to the one who painted this face into the church. Only one thing will calm the Doctor's nerves: a trip in the TARDIS to 1890 so the Doctor can find out from the artist himself.
Vincent and the Doctor is a very unusual story. At first glance it is both science fiction and a good historical story. In that regard is reminds me of the old historical adventures designed to teach the younger viewers. Although some elements of this story are slightly different than the real world truth we have an episode that gives us some insight into one of history's more loved classical artists. However, the science fiction story of an invisible space alien monster running around doesn't actually do much to further the story.
The true strength of this story to me comes at the very end when the Doctor takes Vincent to the modern day and shows him his works on display for all to enjoy. The curator speaks volumes about Vincent's impact and how he will always be remembered. I'm no art expert or fan but this speech does tend to bring a tear to the eye.
No comments:
Post a Comment