Watching TEOT with a fan who didn't see the regeneration coming

[lostmoon71]

The flurry of postings seems to have quieted, just as I have returned home from end-of-the-break travels to see family.  I watched the episode right away and tried to keep up with other people's posts, but have had no time until now to sit and write about it myself.  But still, even at this relatively late date, I find myself wanting to process

Comments

[altariel]

I am *amazed* he didn't know Ten was regenerating! How brilliant!

[lostmoon71]

I know! I was amazed too. Partly because I didn't think I'd be able to keep the secret for so long, and partly because it seemed to me like it was so obvious. I guess his experience was strongly influenced by prior season finales: it always looks like there's no way the Doctor could wriggle out of a situation and he always does. Except this time he didn't. *sniff*

[karenor]

I don't remember the exact wording and I'm not about to rewatch right now, but I believe the President (I'm still having a bit of trouble reconciling him as Rassilon) said the two dissenters were to stand in the position of the Weeping Angels as punishment. I don't think they literally are connected with him

[lostmoon71]

I was very surprised that he didn't figure out that something HUGE was afoot. As we talked about it later, though, it became pretty clear that he was putting the knock four times prophesy of death into the same category as the prophesy of a companion's death in Journey's End: it did happen, but not quite the way we'd been expecting. After we'd watched Part I, I asked him what he thought was going to happen and he said "Well, we know the Doctor will come out alright; he always does." Fortunately I was washing dishes and he couldn't see my face as he was drying; I'm sure I would have given it away right then and there.

I'm sure you're right about the Weeping Angels. I can't figure out how to make any direct connection. But it's sorta fun to puzzle over.

I had Silence in the Library on in the background last night as I did some other work. I enjoyed it and I'm determined to be optimistic. (Even as I'm very, very sad.)

[kae_nine]

I'm still not coming round on the idea that Ten's gone (yet I've been trying to get used to the idea ever since David announced his upcoming departure). Maybe you've seen on my LJ that my review wasn't as enthusiastic as yours - I had big issues with the episode, particularly Donna actually, which was my big disappointment, but also the Jack scene, because I expected so much more. Ah well.

I wish I'd seen your husband's face as Ten regenerated, though! Wow, not knowing must have made it all the more poignant (I fretted throughout the episode waiting for it to happen, and maybe that spoiled my enjoyment as well...)

I'm with karenor on Steven Moffat, but I'm trying to keep as much of an open mind as I can. :)

[lostmoon71]

I'm with you on Donna. She deserved so much more. And I think we're meant to feel that: that this is the best possible version of settling she might have--but it's still VERY clearly settling for a life that's much smaller, much less fulfilling than she might have had.

As for Jack, well, I suspect I will become less content with that particular ending as I watch more of Torchwood. In fact, what really moved me to tears was not the interaction itself: but the abrupt shift to the music and setting. I knew it was going to be Jack, and I knew he was going to break my heart. The actual scene didn't have such a strong effect; just the anticipation of it. But it's always good to see Captain Jack's smiling face. :)

[kae_nine]

I think you're gonna love Children of Earth when you get to it. It's one of the most powerful pieces of writing (and acting) I've ever seen. Can't wait to read your reaction, too! :)