The late journalist Herb Caen once wrote, “The only thing wrong with immortality is that it tends to go on forever.” He may have been speaking about the dangers that come with a long career of fame and life the public eye, but when looking upon the next appearance of the now-immortal Viking child Ashildr, the quote is altogether ominous. Being given a perspective on time’s rigors that only the long-lived can attain, she not only loses her identity, but a great deal of her amassed memories and, if the Doctor is correct, a large part of her spirit in the journey. With all that loss, however, she may also have gained a razor-sharp insight into the Doctor’s own time-worn culpability:
ASHILDR: So what’s wrong with Clara, then?
DOCTOR: There’s nothing wrong with her.
ASHILDR: Why haven’t you made her immortal?
DOCTOR: Well, look how you turned out.
ASHILDR: She’ll die on you, you know. She’ll blow away like smoke.
DOCTOR: Save your breath.
ASHILDR: How old are you, Doctor?
DOCTOR: Older than you.
ASHILDR: And how many have you lost? How many Claras?
This week, we take a long look at Catherine Tregenna’s contribution to Series 9, and the unusual follow-up episode that is “The Woman Who Lived”. We discuss the unusual nature of this second chapter in the Ashildr story, the true nature of the Hybrid theory, the many differences in construct, pace, and plot that this episode demonstrates from its predecessor, and of course, Jack Harkness. Because honestly — Jack Harkness.
News Links:
- ‘Vanity Fair’ Writes a Favorable Article (For All the Wrong Reasons)
- Will We See Ashildr’s Return?
- Moffat Defends (and Yet Puts a Finite Span on) Sonic Sunglasses
- Capaldi Will Remain The Doctor At Least Through Series 10
- David Tennant And Catherine Tate Are Back On Big Finish
- K9 Coming To Theaters In 2017
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Yay! GPR After Dark &trade: returns! And now, because of it, I may go see that new Star Wars film. I had planned to skip it (based on Eps I, II, & III) but that may change. Thanks. I think.
I fully support this decision. Just remember, if it turns out to be anything less than stellar, we get to call him “Jar Jar” Abrams until the end of time.
Jay, if you bring a laser pointer to my zoo, I will have security follow your ass around. You will not attempt to make my cats any more pissy than they already are. :p
I make no promises. There are new lion cubs that need to be played with after all.
Jay has never been tranquilized by anything other than a strong Moscow Mule before. We’re willing to see this experiment carried out…because science.
Well lucky for you your tiny laser won’t do shit to the lion exhibit and they aren’t mine so whatever. Just don’t fuck with my giraffes or ele and we’re good. We both know the cheetahs are assholes and won’t notice. I just can’t be friends with someone who is going to exhibit one of the top 5 douche bag zoo guest moves. (You know you’re the only way I can watch the show right now so…empty threat. What have you done to me?) I can’t believe I listen to a podcast and comment.
Keir: I’ll get it on video and share if we have to tranq him. Because science.