Comments on: DOCTOR WHO 6×04: "THE DOCTOR'S WIFE"

By: The Unaffiliated Critic

The Unaffiliated Critic — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:41:05 +0000

In reply to Alex. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Alex. Yes, you're right of course: I missed that the first two or three times I watched the episode, and didn't notice it until other reviews pointed it out (long after I'd written this). And I'm actually glad I missed it; I don't think it hurts the episode by any means—it's still not messy or maudlin—but I do think it is a little unnecessary. Of course she loves him: has there ever been any doubt? I like River Song, though I'm having a hard time seeing how they can ever get River and the Doctor to where they were (from her perspective) in Silence in the Library. They would almost have to run off together to have off-screen adventures for a few hundred years between seasons for me to believe that level of intimacy. (But the TARDIS must approve of the relationship, considering how easily she flies for River?)

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:06:46 +0000

Very good review. One thing that isn't mentioned - and I find very few reviews mention this because, apparently, depending where you saw this episode you might not have actually heard this being said - I know I didn't on first viewing. And I think a lot of folks will discover it for the first time on DVD and Blu-ray. Although you state there is no "messy proclamation of love" in fact there is one - but the skill of Gaiman is so great he makes it work without really being messy. As the body if Idris dissolves - after the wonderful "Hello" line - the TARDIS is clearly heard whispering "I love you". And I think that, in my opinion, truly seals the deal in terms of the Doctor's relationship with what is now confirmed to be (after decades of implying) a living being. I'm worried it's going to make the whole River Song thing ring a bit hollow now, unless Moffat is very clever about it...