Doctor Who: The Day Of The Doctor Review - 8 Steps On The Road To Recovery

6. The Choice

Day Of The Doctor1

What if you could revisit the worst day of your life and change the outcome? "The Moment" is more than a weapon €“ it's the pivoting point of decision €“ that place where a path was set. While I'm quite intrigued at the possibilities a saved Gallifrey represents, I have to wonder if it weakens the Doctor as a character. There are times in a life when hard choices must be made and it's a humbling day when one finds out not everyone can be saved. Maybe that's the day we truly grow up. But now the Doctor has been given a reprieve and while I can see how the wish fulfillment is tempting, I hope it doesn't lead to a superficial Doctor. For while sweetness and joy and wonder are a huge part of who this character is, the power of that emotion is diminished if we have no darkness to contrast with. While the "Bad Wolf" interface in the form of Rose Tyler is the voice of the weapon, Clara is the voice of the people. It's fitting that she is a teacher now €“ her arc as the impossible girl has brought her to a place of wisdom. She is the conscience of the Doctor, the one to whom he turns to when he needs to hear the advocate for the child left alone in the wilderness.
Contributor
Contributor

Mary Ogle is the author and illustrator of “Orangeroof Zoo” a whimsical tale of magical realism told through the pages of a coloring book for adults. Working as a professional artist in the digital medium, Mary’s commissions have included everything from fine art to fan art, book cover design, illustration and book layout. Find more of Mary’s work at www.maryogle.com. Mary currently finds inspiration in the Ojai Valley, residing in a snug little cottage with a recalcitrant cat.