Ever since we caught a glimpse of his eyes in the 50th anniversary special, Peter Capaldi has been bringing an extreme level of intensity to Doctor Who. Last season that intensity was focused on deciding whether or not he was good. This season that intensity is focused on doing good and helping others, regardless of the consequences.
“The Girl Who Died” was the most self-contained episode of the season, yet even it is to be continued. I enjoyed the episode and the Home Alone antics to defeat the Maya. However, I’m much more intrigued to see how the Doctor makes decisions from here on out.
Here are some other thoughts I had while watching “The Girl Who Died.”
Gods Never Actually Show Up
False gods are a common science fiction trope. C3PO was a god to the Ewoks and “God” really needed a spaceship in Star Trek V. Another false god shows up in “The Girl Who Died,” which led the Doctor to say, “Gods never actually show up.” I love Doctor Who, but that statement is opposed to all of the truths I hold most dear. My God showed up when he rescued the Israelites from slavery, he really showed up in the incarnation and he still shows up today. I couldn’t disagree more with the Doctor because our God is a God who shows up; it is what he does. Sometimes it takes faith and the right perspective to see how God shows up, but he always does.
Engaged/Disengaged
I’m going to be disappointed when Jenna Coleman leaves Doctor Who. Of the companions I’ve experienced, she’s definitely near the top of my list. I love how Clara’s character has grown, going from the Impossible Girl to someone who very much has the Doctor’s ear. She’s also grown in her ability to appropriately engage and disengage. When she talk to “Odin,” Clara wasn’t phased when he said all the Vikings had been turned into goo; she disengaged and probably appeared very cold to Ashildr. However, when the village was threatened, Clara chose to engage, encouraging the Doctor to stay and save the village. Being too disengaged makes us aloof; being too engaged can be emotionally unhealthy. We can learn from Clara’s example and find the right balance.
A Good Death
A good death is the best anyone can hope for.
There are some great quotes about death out there. In Braveheart William Wallace says that every man dies, not every man really lives. Klingons are fond of saying today is a good day to die. And the Doctor is responsible for the quote above. Quotes like these are inspiring, they make us want to make the most of a day and stab the English with a giant sword. However, as a follower of Jesus, death isn’t the end and I’ve got more to hope for than a good death. I’ve got hope for my life, not just for my death. I’m all for being inspired to make the most out of each day, but hoping in life is more inspiring than hoping in death.
I’m excited for next week’s episode; I’m sure it will have plenty to say about life and immortality. I’ve enjoyed this season so far, but I am beginning to dread Jenna Coleman’s departure.
What did you think of “The Girl Who Died?”
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