Doctor Who Review: Listen - 10 Ways The New Doctor Is Revealed
8. The Doctor Is A Soldier Without A Gun
Soldiers are only killers if we turn them into one. They can be protectors, builders and yes, even healers. Sometimes it is necessary to fight in order to prevent a greater evil from occurring. We can be forced into defending ourselves but that does not mean we must turn into mindless monsters. Rupert makes a choice after meeting Clara and the Doctor. He clings to the tiny figure of the broken toy soldier without a gun. That is the one he reveres and passes along to his family. He chooses the unarmed man. The Doctor accepts the necessity of becoming a soldier but refuses to blindly follow orders. The need to bend others to our will at any cost is an impulse born out of misunderstood fear. Brutes are children who never grew up. This episode, perhaps this entire series, is about the Doctor finding, understanding, perhaps even forgiving the child within so that he may grow into a good man.
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.
