The sounds of the 2012 London Olympics, the scent of blooming roses, and the eerie drawings of a little girl. Time to pull back the curtain on "Fear Her" – one of the lesser celebrated, yet utterly intriguing stories from the RTD years.
A Simple Setting, A Profound Message
"Fear Her" was a curious piece. It landed in our laps with little fanfare, sandwiched between the legendary (a-hem) "Love & Monsters" and the two-part season finale. But much like the quieter child in a boisterous family, it had its moments of profundity. Set in a single London street, the episode reminded us that sometimes, the most extraordinary things happen in the most ordinary places.
Drawing Fear
The conceit of the episode is chilling: a little girl, Chloe Webber, with the power to trap people in her drawings. The concept treads the thin line between innocent childhood creativity and unbridled paranormal power. It's this juxtaposition that gives "Fear Her" its unique flavor.
As Whovians, we've seen planets explode and galaxies crumble. But seeing a loving father trapped in a child's scribble? That's a new kind of horror. It speaks to a primal fear: the loss of agency, the theft of existence, all at the whim of a child's hand.
The Isolus – A Lonely Child
Behind Chloe’s powers is the Isolus, an alien entity as lonely as the child it befriends. The parallelism is beautiful. Here we have two lonely beings, finding solace in each other, even if their method of coping brings harm to others.
Russell T Davies always had a knack for making us empathize with the 'villains'. The Isolus isn't evil. It's just lost, far from its family, seeking warmth in the cold void of space.
The Doctor and Rose - A Dynamic Pair
The Tenth Doctor and Rose Tyler. Arguably one of the most iconic pairs in 'Doctor Who' history. In "Fear Her", we witness the strength of their bond. From light-hearted banter about the Olympic torch to the more serious moments of confronting Chloe and the Isolus, their partnership shines.
It's also worth noting the subtleties of David Tennant's performance. The way he interacts with Chloe, understanding her loneliness, mirrors his own solitude as the last Time Lord. Rose, as ever, serves as his anchor, reminding him of the humanity he champions.
Societal Commentary
"Fear Her" might seem a straightforward tale, but beneath the surface, there’s commentary on societal issues. Chloe's past, marked by an abusive father, touches on the shadows that lurk in seemingly normal households. It's a brief, but significant nod, reminding viewers that monsters aren't always extraterrestrial. Sometimes, they're much closer to home.
The Olympic Spirit
The episode culminates at the 2012 Olympics, a beacon of unity and hope. The Doctor carrying the Olympic torch is symbolic. It represents his role in the universe: a bearer of light, pushing back the darkness. It's a moment of triumph, not just for the Doctor, but for humanity. For in celebrating together, in that collective joy, we find our strength.
Conclusion: Beyond the Lines
"Fear Her" might not be the crown jewel of the RTD era, but it's a gem in its own right. It's an exploration of loneliness, the bonds that form because of it, and the lengths one might go to alleviate it.
To dismiss it as just another filler episode would be a disservice. Like a child's drawing, it's the emotion behind it, the raw, unfiltered expression, that truly matters. And in "Fear Her", that emotion is palpable, resonating long after the credits roll.
For isn't that the magic of 'Doctor Who'? To take the mundane, the everyday, and infuse it with wonder, horror, and ultimately, hope. "Fear Her" does just that, reminding us to look beyond the lines, and see the story they tell.
No comments:
Post a Comment