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Doctor Who: Love and Monsters review - spoiler I LIKE IT!
Published: 14th January 2023, by Andrew Radbourne.
A random one today, my musing on Doctor Who: Love and Monsters from 2006. A contentious episode I enjoy
Greetings everyone,
Today we delve into a slightly controversial topic that was ignited by a conversation between a couple of YouTubers. Their conversation revolved around the renowned TV show, 'Doctor Who' with a spotlight on the episode: 'Love and Monsters,' which they confessed to considerably disliking.
Despite the polarizing opinions surrounding this episode, I've always held a special fondness for it. The fascinating divergence in views led me to craft this article, about the layered dimensions I appreciate in 'Love and Monsters.'
'Love and Monsters' is the tenth episode in the second season of Doctor Who. Originally airing in 2006, after nearly two decades, it could be seen as a relic. Consequently, the spoilers here are justified. Like universally acclaimed episodes such as 'Blink,' 'Love and Monster's' unique plot doesn't heavily feature the Doctor. Instead, it centres on Elton Pope, a young man whose life was briefly intersected by the Doctor during his childhood. We experience the Doctor's world from Elton's naive perspective.
Elton's story parallels the engaging narrative of 'Marvels,' a comic written from the viewpoint of a photographer chronicling the rise of superheroes within the Marvel Universe.
However, devoid of the heroic stature, Elton's interactions with the Doctor's world border on ordinary yet extraordinary. A Scooby-Doo-esque door scene featuring Elton, Rose, a monster, and the Doctor culminates with the Doctor questioning his link to Elton's past, a nostalgic emotional pivot from what initially appears to be a silly chase scene.
From childhood memories of the indomitable Doctor to real-life encounters with him, Elton's interest in the enigmatic Doctor grows. Ursula, another character equally mesmerized by the Doctor's exploits, pulls him into a group meeting regularly to discuss shared, intriguing theories about this figure of mystery. Their meetings reflect fandom culture, that in its uniqueness, fosters beautiful friendships among distinct misfits with mutual interests and highlights the robust community that sprouts from these connections.
However, things take a turn when Victor Kennedy gatecrashes their group. With his undisclosed motives, Victor reignites the mission to find the Doctor, leading to the mysterious disappearance of the group's members. With no luck locating the target of their investigations Victor directs them to Rose and several comedic scenes follow as Elton is entwined by Jackies cougarish desires.
This comedy abates for a moment and we get an insight into the tragedy of Jackie, the one left behind, waiting by the phone and hoping for her daughter's safe return.
Elton realises the moral compromise he's making but sadly too late as Jacked discovers he's looking for the Doctor and using her but still he asserts himself back at the meeting calling an end to proceedings.
More disappointments ensue as Elton and Ursula stumble upon Victor's alien identity, leading to Ursula's unfortunate absorption into Victor's body, leaving only her face. Despite its inherent silliness and cartoonish comedy, an undercurrent of deep character development runs continuously through these events, leaving the audience hooked.
Life gradually unstitches for Bridget, another member of the group, whose trek to London to find her drug-addicted daughter further thickens the narrative. To satisfy their awe of the Doctor, the group members fall prey to horrifying circumstances, hinting at the danger of their obsession with the majestic, yet destructive Doctor.
Despite the substantial criticisms regarding its comical Scooby-Doo-like elements, inconsistent plotline, and ridiculous-looking villain, the episode intricately weaves a tale of friendship, loyalty, and community. United by a shared obsession for the Doctor, the group's disparate members experience loss and love with memorable intensity, leaving a profoundly dark impression far more significant than the comic relief elements in the plot.
In conclusion, while 'Love and Monsters' might not top my list of favourite episodes, it undoubtedly merits more love than it usually receives. The narrative unfolds subtly, revealing layers of depth, emotion, and philosophy that can be interpreted differently by different viewers, a testament to the beauty of Science Fiction.
As we draw the curtains on this exploration, I invite you to engage with this analysis. Whether you share my sentiments or possess a contrary viewpoint, I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for reading!
Today we delve into a slightly controversial topic that was ignited by a conversation between a couple of YouTubers. Their conversation revolved around the renowned TV show, 'Doctor Who' with a spotlight on the episode: 'Love and Monsters,' which they confessed to considerably disliking.
Despite the polarizing opinions surrounding this episode, I've always held a special fondness for it. The fascinating divergence in views led me to craft this article, about the layered dimensions I appreciate in 'Love and Monsters.'
'Love and Monsters' is the tenth episode in the second season of Doctor Who. Originally airing in 2006, after nearly two decades, it could be seen as a relic. Consequently, the spoilers here are justified. Like universally acclaimed episodes such as 'Blink,' 'Love and Monster's' unique plot doesn't heavily feature the Doctor. Instead, it centres on Elton Pope, a young man whose life was briefly intersected by the Doctor during his childhood. We experience the Doctor's world from Elton's naive perspective.
Elton's story parallels the engaging narrative of 'Marvels,' a comic written from the viewpoint of a photographer chronicling the rise of superheroes within the Marvel Universe.
However, devoid of the heroic stature, Elton's interactions with the Doctor's world border on ordinary yet extraordinary. A Scooby-Doo-esque door scene featuring Elton, Rose, a monster, and the Doctor culminates with the Doctor questioning his link to Elton's past, a nostalgic emotional pivot from what initially appears to be a silly chase scene.
From childhood memories of the indomitable Doctor to real-life encounters with him, Elton's interest in the enigmatic Doctor grows. Ursula, another character equally mesmerized by the Doctor's exploits, pulls him into a group meeting regularly to discuss shared, intriguing theories about this figure of mystery. Their meetings reflect fandom culture, that in its uniqueness, fosters beautiful friendships among distinct misfits with mutual interests and highlights the robust community that sprouts from these connections.
However, things take a turn when Victor Kennedy gatecrashes their group. With his undisclosed motives, Victor reignites the mission to find the Doctor, leading to the mysterious disappearance of the group's members. With no luck locating the target of their investigations Victor directs them to Rose and several comedic scenes follow as Elton is entwined by Jackies cougarish desires.
This comedy abates for a moment and we get an insight into the tragedy of Jackie, the one left behind, waiting by the phone and hoping for her daughter's safe return.
Elton realises the moral compromise he's making but sadly too late as Jacked discovers he's looking for the Doctor and using her but still he asserts himself back at the meeting calling an end to proceedings.
More disappointments ensue as Elton and Ursula stumble upon Victor's alien identity, leading to Ursula's unfortunate absorption into Victor's body, leaving only her face. Despite its inherent silliness and cartoonish comedy, an undercurrent of deep character development runs continuously through these events, leaving the audience hooked.
Life gradually unstitches for Bridget, another member of the group, whose trek to London to find her drug-addicted daughter further thickens the narrative. To satisfy their awe of the Doctor, the group members fall prey to horrifying circumstances, hinting at the danger of their obsession with the majestic, yet destructive Doctor.
Despite the substantial criticisms regarding its comical Scooby-Doo-like elements, inconsistent plotline, and ridiculous-looking villain, the episode intricately weaves a tale of friendship, loyalty, and community. United by a shared obsession for the Doctor, the group's disparate members experience loss and love with memorable intensity, leaving a profoundly dark impression far more significant than the comic relief elements in the plot.
In conclusion, while 'Love and Monsters' might not top my list of favourite episodes, it undoubtedly merits more love than it usually receives. The narrative unfolds subtly, revealing layers of depth, emotion, and philosophy that can be interpreted differently by different viewers, a testament to the beauty of Science Fiction.
As we draw the curtains on this exploration, I invite you to engage with this analysis. Whether you share my sentiments or possess a contrary viewpoint, I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for reading!
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