Post by Kestrel on Sept 8, 2021 3:15:17 GMT
I feel like this is one of those stories that comes very close to being excellent, but just doesn't quite make it. And that's all down to Tegan, I think. It's very interesting to see an older, middle-aged Tegan (especially one whose life hasn't exactly turned out well after leaving the TARDIS, which definitely comes across as better/more interesting than the companion non-exits we got in the Moffat era). I like that she just returns to her life, and lives it, growing and changing and moving on--even if it's not necessarily a happy life, it is a life. And, therefore, infinitely more interesting than what happens to all of the companions who leave the Doctor only to continue living the same "companion lifestyle" offscreen.
But the thing is... Tegan's characterization here leaves a lot to be desired. She,comes across as extremely bitter for most of the story, only to do a heel-face-turn at the end, insisting that she's not really that upset, and was just having a bad day. And... I don't really buy that, did you? She was just too angry. It lent the impression that a Tegan, at the end, was lying to the Doctor--placating him so that he would leave. And if that's the case, the Doctor comes across rather poorly for taking her words at face value and making no effort to repair their relationship. And it really could be interpreted either way--there's simply not sufficient characterization or development for me to firmly conclude either way.
That issue aside, I think this was a very good "companion send-off" story, and one that definitely benefited from focusing on the characters without being sidetracked by campy villains or perfunctory monsters.
And then there's that weird bit at the end where Tegan reveals that she's dying soon, and refuses any treatment. Why, exactly? It reminds me of Mel saying she "doesn't like pills" in Red. What's going on here? These attitudes seem dangerously anti-science and anti-health. And in this particular case, Tegan's refusal could easily be read as her being so depressed and dissatisfied with her life that she's effectively choosing suicide.
Ultimately I'm not sure what to think. And, honestly? I really love that ambiguity. How about y'all? What did you think of this one? Is this the exit Tegan deserved?
But the thing is... Tegan's characterization here leaves a lot to be desired. She,comes across as extremely bitter for most of the story, only to do a heel-face-turn at the end, insisting that she's not really that upset, and was just having a bad day. And... I don't really buy that, did you? She was just too angry. It lent the impression that a Tegan, at the end, was lying to the Doctor--placating him so that he would leave. And if that's the case, the Doctor comes across rather poorly for taking her words at face value and making no effort to repair their relationship. And it really could be interpreted either way--there's simply not sufficient characterization or development for me to firmly conclude either way.
That issue aside, I think this was a very good "companion send-off" story, and one that definitely benefited from focusing on the characters without being sidetracked by campy villains or perfunctory monsters.
And then there's that weird bit at the end where Tegan reveals that she's dying soon, and refuses any treatment. Why, exactly? It reminds me of Mel saying she "doesn't like pills" in Red. What's going on here? These attitudes seem dangerously anti-science and anti-health. And in this particular case, Tegan's refusal could easily be read as her being so depressed and dissatisfied with her life that she's effectively choosing suicide.
Ultimately I'm not sure what to think. And, honestly? I really love that ambiguity. How about y'all? What did you think of this one? Is this the exit Tegan deserved?