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.

[noodk]

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[pretty_angel]

A little late to the party but you don't seem to mind (at least that's what I gather from seeing you still engaging in the comment section.) Got here by -surprise!- some link on tumblr

[scifiunicorn]

I don't mind at all if people comment :)

I actually enjoyed it the first time I watched it, but once I actually started reading some of the criticisms of it, I realized that it really wasn't as great as everyone thought it was.

The characterization I unfortunately didn't touch upon as much, and I have to agree, I definitely can't see Nine acting that way. Some people say that their headcanon is that the Doctor was trying to run away with his feelings for Rose after School Reunion, which I can actually kind of see, but it still doesn't justify his behavior, or Rose's awful characterization.

[pretty_angel]

I admit, the first time I watched it I enjoyed the superficial aspects of the episode. But the characterisation always rubbed me the wrong way. I'm just a sucker for character driven stories, so there's that. I also watched Series 1 and 2 within a few days so the transition from Nine to Ten was just really jarring at that point. I suppose that might've been a factor as well. In the end it also took me a while to articulate what I found so completely wrong about it. So reading posts like yours really makes me go "YEAH THAT'S IT!" :D

[brennans]

This is late, and I probably won't get a reply, but I also want to sort of chime in with my wank theory... This episode is right after School Reunion, Sarah Jane Smith, etc. The Doctor gave a speech on how Rose could travel with him forever, but he'd have to watch her wither away, and die, and eventually move on... Because he goes on forever, the curse of a Time Lord. I always thought it was easier for him to throw himself into a romantic relationship with someone who he wasn't already so close to, because it would make it more easy to move on in the long run, etc. IDK I just don't like this episode, and not shocking Moffat wrote it.

[nastya_7712]

I completely agree with you. I've always don't like this episode and you are perfectly express my feelings.

Your article impressed me very much. Can I translate it into russian and post it in my blog?(all copyrights yours of course)