5. Leaving Old Amy
Bring on the pain! So this was a big episode for the Ponds, a look at how deeply they cared for each other and the effects the Doctor had on their lives. It was about Amy, the Girl Who Waited, and her relationship with the two most important men in her life. And it was about Rorys relationship with the woman who defined his life. It was also about the relationship that defined the Doctor from day one, a relationship which gave him the joy of family back, and which weighed on him terribly by showing him the effect he could have on others, by accident. The Doctor lies, in this episode. He lies big time. He tells Rory and Amy that he can save old and young Amy, but he knows from the beginning its a lie. He doesnt know which Amy will come through the doors, but he knows hell have to leave one of them to a terrible fate. So he lies. We dont know the Doctor has lied until the last second, when he looks out of the Tardis and he and Amy see each other. What happens in this moment is an incredible bit of acting, as for the first time both the Doctor and Amy come face to face with each other. They really see each other. The Doctor sees all hes done to Amy, and Amy sees the truth, sees that hes going to leave her behind. Again. Regret, loss, resolve. Its a hard cocktail of emotions to express, and Smith pulled it off perfectly. An encounter between the Doctor and the Dream Lord.