Doctor Who Review: Death In Heaven - 10 Ways To Wrap Up A Series
3. The Path of The Penitent
Dannys final act is to save the child he once destroyed. His journey is that of the pilgrim seeking atonement for past misdeeds. He must experience pain himself before he can understand and find forgiveness for the wounds he inflicted. There is no last minute reprieve; Danny must sacrifice himself in order for the child to live. Clara cannot control this situation and she does not get what she wants. She will not be with Danny nor will she die. She must simply go on. Starting with the anniversary special and moving through series eight the Doctor is also the acolyte seeking redemption. He needed to be reborn into a new incarnation in order to leave behind the mantle of overwhelming grief and allow himself permission to seek a new path. He may never find Gallifrey and that pain will always be there. Yet while that fills him with sorrow and leads to anger it is not perhaps the burden it once might have been. The wound is there and it may never heal but it can be lived with.
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.
