Why I don't Like "The Girl in the Fireplace" Part 1: Problematic Themes

[scifiunicorn]

The Girl in the Fireplace. Any Doctor Who fan, even a casual viewer, knows about this episode. It's often considered the best episode of series 2. Written by Steven Moffat, it received critical acclaim, is a favorite of most Doctor Who fans, and even won a Hugo for Best Dramatic Presentation in Short Form. So, what's the problem? Well, a lot,

Comments

Wonderful article

[lir1983]

I think this article is absolutely fantastic and touches on so many of the problems in the episode. I personally had no problem with the way Rose was portrayed in this episode, but I completely agree with the description you have of how Rose grew as a character over time. It's the same thing as I've been saying ever since I tried to analyze her character in order to write a fanfic.

The one thing I would add, however, is that part of the reason I hated that episode is that the Doctor seems over the top out of character, and not just for the fact that he's essentially cheating on Rose. Honestly, would he have really gotten drunk and abandoned Rose and Mickey on a space ship where they were in danger? I can't see any version of the Doctor doing that under any circumstances with any companion. It is this type of situation that makes me really dislike Moffatt's writing in Doctor Who. I have no idea why anyone would ever like this episode, let alone give it awards.

Re: Wonderful article

[scifiunicorn]

Thank you so much.

Yes, that episode was terribly out of character. The Doctor was a misogynistic dick, and he completely abandoned his companions when he knew they were in danger. Moffat likes to write a Doctor reminiscent of James Bond, a womanizer who charms and uses women and then abandons them whenever he feels like it. With Moffat, women become disposable, flat archetypes intended to please the male gaze and provide the comic relief with their "womanly emotions and irrationality".

Re: Wonderful article

[whosintheattic]

That's because to Moffat, the female companions are just something pretty for the male viewers to look at. It's a modernized version of the same male-centric sci-fi shenanigans that have been going on since the dawn of film. It's a step backward from the RTD era in my opinion.

I would personally trade the budget and glitz for characterization and story ANY DAY.

Re: Wonderful article

[scifiunicorn]

Ugh, same. I haven't watched any of the new episodes with Clara, because honestly, I really don't care who she turns out to be. The show doesn't have the same emotional depth and complexity that it used to.

Re: Wonderful article

[kilodalton]

Honestly, would he have really gotten drunk and abandoned Rose and Mickey on a space ship where they were in danger? I can't see any version of the Doctor doing that under any circumstances with any companion.

Too true!! Especially since Mickey was a BRAND NEW companion on his very first trip. It would be bad enough doing that to a veteran companion, but to someone who has never been outside their own time/planet before ... ?