[initial reactions] Doctor Who 12x07 - Can You Hear Me?

[grimorie]

I find it so hilarious that the reason Thirteen hasn’t been doing emotional talks with other people... is because she’s deliberately trying not to be left one on one with people because she doesn’t know what to say.

It’s another reason why she probably has a group than a one on one companion because she knew from experience eventually she’d be drawn into one. It’s like once she knows things are going to get intensely personal or emotional she could throw Graham towards them.

This time though, Graham was looking to talk to the Doctor personally and Thirteen... just doesn’t.

I kind of love it.

Usually women are always the one who have emotional wisdom and maturity in shows but the Doctor... is still the Doctor. And the Doctor, with the exception of Twelve, who had to be forced to talk because Clara expected nothing less, and River pushed the final meter for Twelve, is emotionally constipated.

And just because the Doctor is a woman now doesn’t mean she’s suddenly enlightened emotionally.

It really does seem the bolstering talk she got from the team really helped her push aside her grief and everything on her plate.

But also, Thirteen rushing head long into something, not stopping to ask if she should be doing something and runs right into a trap. Oops.

Also, LOL at Thirteen basically kind of dragging immortals --

“You immortals. So entitled. So spoiled. You never clean up after yourselves.”

Speaking as one of the immortals, who doesn’t clean up after themselves. And whose fights with their ex best friend, ex lover ruins lives and planets. Also, Time Lords in general.

Quite a self-drag there too, isn’t it?

BTW, I am so glad the TARDIS is back arguing with the Doctor. I love when they get into spats.

Yaz

We get more insight to Yaz -- and Sonya. So it turns out, it’s Sonya who also takes care of Yaz, when they’re not fighting. And she does try to become the people she looks up to, first the officer who helped her and now trying to emulate the Doctor but she’s impatient and immediately wants to get to the best stuff.

And, there is one aspect of the Doctor Yaz is like, and that’s the penchant for running away.

Also, apparently bullying in school got too bad and ‘some other stuff’. Despite the running away too, I think it also makes clear while she likes some space she doesn’t actually want to be alone. Solitary.

Plus, Mandip Gill’s ability to look like a sullen teenager is amazing.

Ryan

I think this is the first time Ryan realized that his time away from his life also meant time away from people who matters to him. And because of his dad, I don’t think he ever wants to be that person, he wants to be solid and dependable but the kind of life the Doctor lives isn’t made for solid and dependable.

Also, I feel there’s some foreshadowing there with his nightmare about the Earth on fire. I also honestly did not think the Dregs were coming back, but yes they are nightmare material so, valid.

Graham

Graham’s fear is understandable tied together with how he still blames himself for Grace’s death. And it’s also understandable why he wanted to share with the Doctor, not only because she’s a doctor, but because it’s something he can share with a peer.

Unfortunately, the Doctor is both socially awkward and emotionally constipated but I think Thirteen saying that out loud helped lighten the mood...

The enemies of the week had a potential to be more interesting, if this was a two parter or a longer story because they’re interesting and does call back to the other immortal elements of the Whoverse: Eternals, Guardians and them.