This is one of the realest episodes of Doctor Who. It showcases why people who are depressed are often unrightly called selfish. You can show someone the universe, tell them they are an important piece of it and are loved by many, yet still, our monsters are blind to it. We stumble around in the dark treading an unknown world. Sometimes we find those we can speak to, who understand us. Sometimes we are seen as the enemy. Sometimes we see everyone else as the enemy. Sometimes we can know the future will be better and still have to battle our demons. Depression is a complex beast, almost alien. I love this episode. It's what brought me to Doctor Who. Tony Curran plays Van Gogh perfectly. And he really does look a lot like him it's uncanny. Helps to immerse you I think but his acting is phenomenal and without him this episode could have really missed.
I love how sensitively, yet devastatingly, they explore how depression is a hidden illness. To all those who may be affected or struggling - you're not alone and help is available x
Bill Nighy in an uncredited role as the museum guide is about the only non Dutch person I've ever seen to pronounce van Gogh correctly instead of mangling it to Go or Goff.
This is, hands down, my favorite episode of this show. I always said that if I ever had a time machine, my first stop will be to visit Van Gogh at the hospital in his last days. Not to "save" him (because of timey wimey reasons) but to let him know he matters, he is known and loved and his work is admired by so many. So when this episode aired, and I saw the scene in the museum, it moved me in a way i cannot even begin to describe in words. And if that wasn't enough - writing into the episode an invisible monster that only Vincent can see, much like mental illnesses, leaving him to deal with the monster alone, because others can't see it. If that's not the perfect way to depict dealing with mental illnesses, I don't know what is. And the good pile/bad pile speech in the end is just so damn important. Being there for someone who's dealing with mental issues MATTERS, adding to their pile of good things means EVERYTHING, even if it doesn't change the end result. THIS is how media should handle such delicate subjects. So yeah, this is the best episode of DW for me.
There are moments where a television show transcends its own framework and simply becomes instantaneously true art and stands on its own without any need from assistance of what came before or after. This is one of those moments. It’s not only top tier Doctor Who, it’s simply top tier everything because it hits everything so perfectly well and soars.
Oh this is a heartbreaker. An important episode as it touches on depression and suicide in such a great way. They DID help. They showed him he was loved and accepted. It might not have changed the outcome but I think they made a difference in his life. Sometimes you can’t change the outcome, sometimes all you can do is love the person.
This episode for me not only unlocked a love of Van Gogh, but a love of art. It aired when I was 10, and unlocked for me the idea that art isn't about representing reality exactly as it exists. For that, we have photos now. Art does something else, art shows you how the world looks through the eyes of others. 100 photos of the same landscape taken by different people will tell you exactly the same thing. 100 paintings of the same landscape by different people will tell you something about the lens through which 100 different people see the world.
This was true for me as well. I love art - I always have - but it was always the 'pure', realistic art. I didn't 'get' Van Gough'. This episode, when it first aired, somehow unlocked impressionism for me - especially the scene with the stars turning into 'The Starry Night' painting. Now Van Gough is one of my favourite artists.
Tempted to make a joke about the BBC finishing The Star Beast with the numbers of various suicide prevention organisations as millions of fans all realised "we thought Jodie's era was bad with the indentity politics. RTD 2.0 is going to be worse."
"The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant. And we definitely added to his pile of good things."
Also, Van Gogh had bipolar not depression so that's why his mood suddenly elevated one day and by all accounts there's a lot of speculation that the combination of having experienced the deepest bleakest darkness then suddenly being hit with the vivid colours and joie-de-vivre euphoria of mania might explain how he saw the world in such a unique, beautiful way
As something of an artist, and someone who has dealt with depression most of my life (including suicidal ideation; at 41, I've made it past the fabled 27, and Van Gogh's 37, so I must be doing something right), and suffered a ton of bullying in high school due to undiagnosed autism, this episode is incredibly personal to me. I never found it cheesy at all. Van Gogh's seeing his true legacy never fails to bring a tear to my eye. The episode was written by Richard Curtis, best known for Blackadder, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually, and many other productions, and this episode was up there with the rest of his work!
The Doctor's "good things vs bad things" speech is so understated but so beautiful. It's something I've come back to and reminded myself of more times than I can count.
This is one of the few episodes of TV that makes me cry every time I see it. The music, the good pile/bad pile speech, just the look on Vincent's face as he sees and hears what the future thinks of him. Just perfect.
There’re two people I’ve been waiting for quite a long time to react to this episode, Casual Nerd Reacts (obviously, lol) and Funnylilgalreacts, mostly because I really appreciate people who are not afraid to be vulnerable with their emotions. You did not disappoint. Thank you so much, dear sir, for letting it all out as you gave me the space to do the same. I’m both looking forward to, but also fear Funnylilgalreacts also reaching this episode, not only because once she does my two favorite Doctor Who rectors will have this episode in their rearview mirror, but more so because I expect this episode will absolutely destroy her as she’s such an overwhelmingly kind hearted woman and I know I’ll have to have a whole box of tissues available when her time comes. I did have to use quite a few tissues for your reaction as well. And I am sure I will be using more the further along you get into Doctor Who. Most people never equate sci-fi with bringing them to tears, but that is the magic of Doctor Who.
Thatvbit especially about how the "bad things don't invalidate the good things, or make them unimportant " has been quite helpful to me in making sense of my own chronic depression
To make a story about depression, mental illness and suicide that an eight year old can both understand and love is a hell of an achievement. This is truly remarkable television that lives up to the founding principles of the BBC as laid down by the first Director-General, Lord Reith: "to inform, educate and entertain"
the amazing ending tends to cause little discussion over the amazing scenes in the cafe and Vincent's home to make them look like his paintings brought to life. This ep just gets better and better with each rewatch. Living in Amsterdam for awhile we spent the day at the Van Gough Museum... and topped it off with this ep when we got home. Let's just say the tears flowed freely. Not just one of the best Doctor Who eps, but one of the best eps of television! btw the actor Tony Curran is also spectacular in Pillars Of The Earth, but to me he will always be Vincent.
This episode remains one of the best episodes of all time after so many years, something so good it's shown to even non-fans as an entry point to give doctor who a chance cause of the message and acting of Vincent.
Vincent And The Doctor is one of the most moving and beautiful episodes I’ve seen in the series. It tackles the theme of mental illness in such a sensitive way. This episode helped me to open up with my own struggles with depression.
No, man, there is nothing cheesy about it - this is one of the best episodes and everyone eeeveryone loves it. This is the episode I show to everyone for the first time if I want them to love the show and start watching it - and they usually become big Doctor who fans
Absolutely - I only noticed that on the second watch and that in itself made me cry. The I cried when the beast said it was scared and then died. The symbolism of Vincent's art defeating his depression, if only momentarily, was brilliant!
The description the art historian gives of Vinvent's art is the best way I've ever seen that put into words. A lot of artists take their pain and use their art to rip that pain out, and put it on the paper, or in the sculpture. But Vincent van Gogh - like the guy said - took his pain and used it to show the ecstatic beauty of the world. His pain brought beauty that will never fade.
Yay!! I've been looking forward to this! Being a longtime fan of Vincent van Gogh, and a fan of Doctor Who, I was excited when I heard this episode was coming out. And when I saw how it dealt with mental health issues I loved it even more. Because my best friend is bipolar, and I've seen how difficult it is for people to maneuver through some situations when one's own brain can be one's main antagonist. This episode handled it beautifully. Plus, Bill Nighy!!
Fighting something we can't see. Captures depression so perfectly. A wonderful piece of writing. The end never fails to bring a lump to the throat. The Doctor's final line was just beautiful: ""The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t always spoil the good things and make them unimportant...and we definitely added to his pile of good things."
There's a thing about the end that really moves me. It's not just that there aren't a bunch of new paintings because they saved him from committing suicide. Obviously, depression doesn't work that way. It's mentioned at the beginning that the last year of Van Gogh's life was his most prolific. That was the time after his encounter with the Doctor and Amy, and it might not have happened (and half those paintings in the D'Orsay might not exist) if he'd never met them -- and bowtie guy. They did save him, just not in the way Amy thought.
This is genuinely one of my all time favourite episodes of Doctor who. It really puts a focus on the importance of Mental health and how not every illness can be seen by the naked eye. The alien in this episode may come across as very goofy but it’s a beautiful metaphor for how only Vincent can see his depression and the pain he has endured. It goes to show how truly magnificent Van Gogh was as an artist, truly under appreciated and well ahead of his time. It makes you enjoy the story as a Whovian and as an artist/historian. The episode also portrayed Vincent very accurately (with a few details changed ofc). Glad you enjoyed the episode. Great reaction. Hope you enjoy more xx
I've visited almost all of Van Goghs known works, his homes, the landscapes he's painted. I'm fortunate to be Dutch like him so I have easier access to his work than most people I suppose. Anyways- as an artist myself, with autism and ptsd, I've always admired him and his work and life story has given me strength and inspiration
You only get to see this episode for the first time once. And it is a masterpiece! I’m so happy to see your reaction to this one, more than most others. Tony Curran’s sensitive portrayal of Van Gogh is heartbreakingly wonderful.
One of the -- if not the -- best episodes of Doctor Who in it's long, long history. Vincent and the Doctor is on everyone's top 10 list. Love, love, love it, and so glad you did, too.
Location report - The French Museum was actually the National Museum of Wales in Cathays Park, Cardiff - which does have a number of Van Gogh paintings....
There's a great rewatch bonus for this in that Watching the episode with the awareness that the Krafayis is blind helps explain some of the creature's behaviour throughout, like despite what the doctor's gadget says about it being a ruthless, merciless predator bent on attacking anything it finds it seems to hesitate in attacking the doctor when he's defenceless in the street and why it's chasing him slowly rather than charging full speed and why it's constantly knocking things over.
This is one of my favorite episodes of Doctor who of all time. It did add a little to my pile of bad things(the talks of depression and what it can result in.) But it added a lot to my pile of good things.
I end up crying at the end of this episode no matter how many times I see it, and I've seen it dozens of times. For the first time, I watched a show that understood my struggles with being bipolar.
The body remembers. I don’t know where I saw this phrase first… but it’s very apt, sometimes even when we don’t remember difficult emotions, events and experiences… our body does. I felt that again with the scene of Amy’s unknowing tears. Also this episode ready did strike a cord when it was aired in the UK. There was a lot of talk about it. And the particular ending clip of Van Gogh hearing Bill Nighy explain his legacy is the most viewed clip on the bbc dr who channel with over 29 million views. It really struck a cord. To all those who battle daily… keep going… just like spring always follows winter… this too shall pass… just bunker down however you need and try to protect yourself with the very small everyday little joys and comforts of life and shelter till the storms pass. Always remember the phrase: ‘it will be alright in the end. If it’s not alright, it’s not the end.’💜
He also did it free. The BBC wouldn't have wanted to allocate the funds to get him on for a small role because Bill is pretty expensive, but he loves Van Gogh and knowing the episodes plot he wanted to do it and was happy to do it for nothing, it's really sweet.
An absolutely brilliant method of subtly dealing with depression and loss and with Rory who only the Doctor remembers. Quite likely my favorite of all the episodes.
As soon as season 5 started. I was dying to see your reaction for this episode! This is a top 10 favorite episode of Doctor Who for me. I love everything about it. And the final scenes at the museum 🥹 My favorite historical episode for sure! Vincent was a phenomenal character and now I wish he had travel with the Doctor and Amy. But as one bottled episode it’s just perfect
It's a beautiful episode, and rightly in with a shout of being called one of the greatest episodes of DW ever. Written by Richard Curtis, and a wonderful performance from Tony Curran, not just Doctor Who, but television in general doesn't get much better than this.
I love this episode and have been a long time lover of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings. Years ago I had an opportunity to see one of his paintings in real life. Extraordinarily beautiful in person. I cried.
This episode absolutely broke my heart & I’ve never wished for tv to be real more than that. Van Gogh is so special to so many & after being tormented by his own genius mind…there’s no one who deserves to know more than him. I’m crying now just typing this. Such a beautiful episode. Beautiful & sad.
This is one of my FAVORITE episodes in all of Dr. Who! Maybe it's because of my own personal traumas, but this episode is just SO well written and performed.... I'm SO glad that you are at this point, honestly! 4:30 - "Present Day" in the context of when it was filmed/aired. You'll get that occasionally with shows and movies that skip around a bit.
This is one my favorite episodes of Doctor Who as well! Especially in the 11th Doctor Matt Smith's era! It was great watching you react to it for the 1st time!
This is among the first episodes I show someone I try to convert to our mad world. I) The girl in the fireplace 2) Vincent 3) Blink 4) Forest of the dead/Silence in the Library By then I can just reel them in and go for Rose 😀
The thing about the pronunciation of Vincent's last name, is the Art Exhibit guy pronounces it the correct way, which very few people do Most people pronounce it as "Goff" or "Goh" when it SHOULD be as a scot might be joked about making an "och sound", I don't explain it the best but just listen to how the Art Exhibit guy says it near the start (he does change the pronunciation at the end which kind of undermines it but oh well he switched back again at the last mention he makes)
Oh this episode 🥲 I remember tuning in because I thought it was a part 2 but was knocked off my feet. As a creative, this one is near and dear to my heart!! 😢❤💔
So it’s going to be another echo of a constant refrain about this episode, but this is without a doubt my favourite historical episode… and sometimes my favourite episode of all time for so so many reasons… for every reaction I have to ubiquitously allude to the song Vincent, because it’s so perfect for him and this episode and more people should know of this song… - Starry, starry night Paint your palette blue and gray Look out on a summer's day With eyes that know the darkness in my soul Shadows on the hills Sketch the trees and the daffodils Catch the breeze and the winter chills In colors on the snowy linen land Now I understand What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen, they did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now Starry, starry night Flaming flowers that brightly blaze Swirling clouds in violet haze Reflect in Vincent's eyes of China blue Colors changing hue Morning fields of amber grain Weathered faces lined in pain Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand Now I understand What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen, they did not know how Perhaps they'll listen now For they could not love you But still, your love was true And when no hope was left in sight on that starry, starry night You took your life, as lovers often do But I could have told you, Vincent This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you Starry, starry night Portraits hung in empty halls Frameless heads on nameless walls With eyes that watch the world and can't forget Like the strangers that you've met The ragged men in ragged clothes The silver thorn, a bloody rose Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow Now I think I know What you tried to say to me And how you suffered for your sanity And how you tried to set them free They would not listen, they're not listening still Perhaps they never will
One thing I want to know is that they had this song in mind when they had Amy call the Doctor raggedy… or if it’s just one of the greatest coincidences.
This episode was written for and broadcast during a national mental health week. Dr Who occasionally does episodes to fit into specific national themes (like The Family of Blood was broadcast over our national poppy day which is the annual remembrance of armed forces who were lost during service; it is held on the anniversary of the end of WW1).
This kind of episode and the writing it takes for it to work as well as it does is why I’m so happy about the newest seasons of the show. Good writing is back on the menu!
Whenever I need a dose of pure Doctor character energy to cheer me up, this is the episode I watch (and often the next one). My favorite example of the Doctor’s empathic heart. 🥰
...at the 8:34 mark, when the Doctor activates that mirror gadget, it briefly shows the very first actor to play him, William Hartnell, followed by the second actor, Patrick Troughton. This would be the mid to late 60's.
This episode was fun and fine until…that end- from Vincent seeing his future success, to the final museum walk. It turned a fun historical to a masterpiece. And it shows how clinical depression or bipolar is an illness, beyond our ability to fix without grace bigger than we are. It’s a very powerful episode and the doctor’s final speech makes me cry, and it’s true I don’t think any doctor who fan found this cheesy. And for a fan of Van Gogh’s work, this episode is a masterpiece. The sets are his paintings. So much is fairly accurate. Just a fantastic episode on so many levels.
Episodes like this, the Zygon two-parter in Series 9, Heaven Sent, and The Doctor Falls all deal with mature themes with such care and brilliance that they stand as not just the best of Doctor Who, but some of the best _television._
I am so excited you got to this episode. It’s one of my favorite episodes and I genuinely think it’s one of the best New Who. This and Blink are also two of my go tos for introducing new viewers to the show. Not only great stories but good entry points because, being semi-standalones they’re not too lore heavy.
This is probably my favourite Who episode. Beside the fact that this episode is beautifully written and progresses the plot perfectly and all these things. Van Gogh happens to be my favourite (?) painter - he's certainly top 3! They truly managed to capture the essence, and tragedy, and beauty of that man in just these 45 minutes! The scene where he explains what he sees in the night sky and then it blends into a starry night-ish vision? - it's nothing less than perfection! It truly made me appreciate Van Goghs paintings even more than before. And Tony Curran is the perfect Van Gogh! His portrayal is just so full of empathy, and sadness, and sensibility, and vulnerability, and love, and joy in seeing the beauty of the world. Seriously, I love all the Van Gogh movies, but THIS is MY Van Gogh!
Thank you Chris always, for reacting to the Doctor. In the same way that Blink is one of the very best episodes of Who ever, Vincent and the Doctor is one of the most emotionally beautiful. Despite the small moments that copyright lets you share from the show I was still brought to tears by the heart of this episode. Finally, RORRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYY! ❤
"He's fighting something we can't see." THAT sums up the episode perfectly.
Oh wow I never realised that double meaning
This is one of the realest episodes of Doctor Who. It showcases why people who are depressed are often unrightly called selfish. You can show someone the universe, tell them they are an important piece of it and are loved by many, yet still, our monsters are blind to it. We stumble around in the dark treading an unknown world. Sometimes we find those we can speak to, who understand us. Sometimes we are seen as the enemy. Sometimes we see everyone else as the enemy. Sometimes we can know the future will be better and still have to battle our demons. Depression is a complex beast, almost alien. I love this episode. It's what brought me to Doctor Who. Tony Curran plays Van Gogh perfectly. And he really does look a lot like him it's uncanny. Helps to immerse you I think but his acting is phenomenal and without him this episode could have really missed.
Sums up life as well. We are all battling something all by ourselves.
The moment they took vincent to the museum is when this went from a really good doctor who episode to one of the greatest episodes of television ever
This is what time travel should be used for, if it is ever invented.
If only we tell Vincent he is remembered or tell Oscar Wilde we think him brilliant.
I still cry rewatching that scene in the museum.
Especially since the Doctor knew the outcome. It was just a kind gesture for no reason
I love how sensitively, yet devastatingly, they explore how depression is a hidden illness. To all those who may be affected or struggling - you're not alone and help is available x
Well, help is unfortunately NOT available. The health care systems are extremely crappy.
@@Okini_Hasa its not even health care, its wallet care, for them..... all they wanna do is fill you full of pills and call it good.
This one is so well regarded by a lot of Doctor Who fans - one of the best examinations of a famous historical figure in the shows history.
Not just the character, but also the theme of mental health.
This episode by itself has fans of it that aren’t Whovians… it’s a great episode of television period.
Tony Curran as Vincent is perfect casting. Gives a great performance and looks exactly like Vincent does in his self portraits.
And then you watch Daredevil, and his character there is a fantastic villain.
He’s a fabulous actor!
I think it's fun that he and Bill were both in Underworld.
This was written by famed British writer/director Richard Curtis, who lost his sister to suicide.
Some other things by Richard Curtis: Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually, The Boat That Rocked, About Time, Yesterday and Bridget Jones' Diary.
Bill Nighy in an uncredited role as the museum guide is about the only non Dutch person I've ever seen to pronounce van Gogh correctly instead of mangling it to Go or Goff.
THANK YOU
I might be remembering it wrong but I think he also did it for free because he's a fan of Van Gogh's work
This is, hands down, my favorite episode of this show.
I always said that if I ever had a time machine, my first stop will be to visit Van Gogh at the hospital in his last days. Not to "save" him (because of timey wimey reasons) but to let him know he matters, he is known and loved and his work is admired by so many.
So when this episode aired, and I saw the scene in the museum, it moved me in a way i cannot even begin to describe in words.
And if that wasn't enough - writing into the episode an invisible monster that only Vincent can see, much like mental illnesses, leaving him to deal with the monster alone, because others can't see it. If that's not the perfect way to depict dealing with mental illnesses, I don't know what is.
And the good pile/bad pile speech in the end is just so damn important. Being there for someone who's dealing with mental issues MATTERS, adding to their pile of good things means EVERYTHING, even if it doesn't change the end result.
THIS is how media should handle such delicate subjects.
So yeah, this is the best episode of DW for me.
There are moments where a television show transcends its own framework and simply becomes instantaneously true art and stands on its own without any need from assistance of what came before or after. This is one of those moments. It’s not only top tier Doctor Who, it’s simply top tier everything because it hits everything so perfectly well and soars.
No matter how often I've watched this episode, the last part always has me in tears. Just beautiful.
My sentiments exactly. I couldn't have said it better. This is my all time favorite Dr. Who episode for all the same reasons.
Oh this is a heartbreaker.
An important episode as it touches on depression and suicide in such a great way. They DID help. They showed him he was loved and accepted. It might not have changed the outcome but I think they made a difference in his life. Sometimes you can’t change the outcome, sometimes all you can do is love the person.
Beautifully said! ❤️
This episode for me not only unlocked a love of Van Gogh, but a love of art.
It aired when I was 10, and unlocked for me the idea that art isn't about representing reality exactly as it exists. For that, we have photos now. Art does something else, art shows you how the world looks through the eyes of others. 100 photos of the same landscape taken by different people will tell you exactly the same thing. 100 paintings of the same landscape by different people will tell you something about the lens through which 100 different people see the world.
This was true for me as well. I love art - I always have - but it was always the 'pure', realistic art. I didn't 'get' Van Gough'. This episode, when it first aired, somehow unlocked impressionism for me - especially the scene with the stars turning into 'The Starry Night' painting. Now Van Gough is one of my favourite artists.
This was the only Doctor Who episode to end with the BBC adding a hotline number, for those going through mental problems and considering to end it.
Tempted to make a joke about the BBC finishing The Star Beast with the numbers of various suicide prevention organisations as millions of fans all realised "we thought Jodie's era was bad with the indentity politics. RTD 2.0 is going to be worse."
"The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant. And we definitely added to his pile of good things."
Also, Van Gogh had bipolar not depression so that's why his mood suddenly elevated one day and by all accounts there's a lot of speculation that the combination of having experienced the deepest bleakest darkness then suddenly being hit with the vivid colours and joie-de-vivre euphoria of mania might explain how he saw the world in such a unique, beautiful way
As something of an artist, and someone who has dealt with depression most of my life (including suicidal ideation; at 41, I've made it past the fabled 27, and Van Gogh's 37, so I must be doing something right), and suffered a ton of bullying in high school due to undiagnosed autism, this episode is incredibly personal to me. I never found it cheesy at all. Van Gogh's seeing his true legacy never fails to bring a tear to my eye. The episode was written by Richard Curtis, best known for Blackadder, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually, and many other productions, and this episode was up there with the rest of his work!
Ok there Willem Dafoe (you know I'm something of an artist myself)
@canadian__ninja I'm not joking, and no pun was intended. There are only a finite number of ways to say one thing.
@@canadian__ninja also, I frankly don't appreciate you making light of it.
The Doctor's "good things vs bad things" speech is so understated but so beautiful. It's something I've come back to and reminded myself of more times than I can count.
You're not crying, I'm crying.
Everyone’s crying
This is one of the few episodes of TV that makes me cry every time I see it. The music, the good pile/bad pile speech, just the look on Vincent's face as he sees and hears what the future thinks of him. Just perfect.
There’re two people I’ve been waiting for quite a long time to react to this episode, Casual Nerd Reacts (obviously, lol) and Funnylilgalreacts, mostly because I really appreciate people who are not afraid to be vulnerable with their emotions. You did not disappoint. Thank you so much, dear sir, for letting it all out as you gave me the space to do the same. I’m both looking forward to, but also fear Funnylilgalreacts also reaching this episode, not only because once she does my two favorite Doctor Who rectors will have this episode in their rearview mirror, but more so because I expect this episode will absolutely destroy her as she’s such an overwhelmingly kind hearted woman and I know I’ll have to have a whole box of tissues available when her time comes. I did have to use quite a few tissues for your reaction as well. And I am sure I will be using more the further along you get into Doctor Who. Most people never equate sci-fi with bringing them to tears, but that is the magic of Doctor Who.
I’m also really looking forward to her reaction to this episode along with the 12th Doctor’s second and fourth Christmas specials
OH GOD funnylilgal is gonna be a WRECK after seeing this
This episode gets me EVERY TIME!!! 😢😢😢 The "pile of good things" quote is one of my all-time favorite DW quotes!
Thatvbit especially about how the "bad things don't invalidate the good things, or make them unimportant " has been quite helpful to me in making sense of my own chronic depression
To make a story about depression, mental illness and suicide that an eight year old can both understand and love is a hell of an achievement. This is truly remarkable television that lives up to the founding principles of the BBC as laid down by the first Director-General, Lord Reith: "to inform, educate and entertain"
the amazing ending tends to cause little discussion over the amazing scenes in the cafe and Vincent's home to make them look like his paintings brought to life. This ep just gets better and better with each rewatch. Living in Amsterdam for awhile we spent the day at the Van Gough Museum... and topped it off with this ep when we got home. Let's just say the tears flowed freely. Not just one of the best Doctor Who eps, but one of the best eps of television! btw the actor Tony Curran is also spectacular in Pillars Of The Earth, but to me he will always be Vincent.
This episode remains one of the best episodes of all time after so many years, something so good it's shown to even non-fans as an entry point to give doctor who a chance cause of the message and acting of Vincent.
Vincent And The Doctor is one of the most moving and beautiful episodes I’ve seen in the series. It tackles the theme of mental illness in such a sensitive way. This episode helped me to open up with my own struggles with depression.
I love this personification of depression into a monster only you can see. Pretty accurate.
Brilliant actually
No, man, there is nothing cheesy about it - this is one of the best episodes and everyone eeeveryone loves it. This is the episode I show to everyone for the first time if I want them to love the show and start watching it - and they usually become big Doctor who fans
It's not often talked about, but I find it amazing Vincent's Weapon in slaying the monster is an easle
As opposed to what... A paint brush
@ as opposed to gun, a knife or a stick
At Yravis_1997. What an arsey comment. Also can't tell if you actually understood the point the OP was making.
Absolutely - I only noticed that on the second watch and that in itself made me cry. The I cried when the beast said it was scared and then died. The symbolism of Vincent's art defeating his depression, if only momentarily, was brilliant!
Creativity can be a weapon against depression.
The description the art historian gives of Vinvent's art is the best way I've ever seen that put into words. A lot of artists take their pain and use their art to rip that pain out, and put it on the paper, or in the sculpture. But Vincent van Gogh - like the guy said - took his pain and used it to show the ecstatic beauty of the world. His pain brought beauty that will never fade.
Yay!! I've been looking forward to this! Being a longtime fan of Vincent van Gogh, and a fan of Doctor Who, I was excited when I heard this episode was coming out. And when I saw how it dealt with mental health issues I loved it even more. Because my best friend is bipolar, and I've seen how difficult it is for people to maneuver through some situations when one's own brain can be one's main antagonist. This episode handled it beautifully. Plus, Bill Nighy!!
Fighting something we can't see. Captures depression so perfectly. A wonderful piece of writing. The end never fails to bring a lump to the throat. The Doctor's final line was just beautiful: ""The good things don’t always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don’t always spoil the good things and make them unimportant...and we definitely added to his pile of good things."
A combo of depression with bipolar highs and lows
There's a thing about the end that really moves me. It's not just that there aren't a bunch of new paintings because they saved him from committing suicide. Obviously, depression doesn't work that way. It's mentioned at the beginning that the last year of Van Gogh's life was his most prolific. That was the time after his encounter with the Doctor and Amy, and it might not have happened (and half those paintings in the D'Orsay might not exist) if he'd never met them -- and bowtie guy. They did save him, just not in the way Amy thought.
Novikov self-consistency principal. Like in Pompeii. UNlike many, many other episodes (esp Fathers Day).
One of the finest episodes of television ever.....
Bill Nighy (Davy Jones!) delivered a great performance in the museum too!
I live in Australia and travelled to France March last year to see all those paintings in the Musée D'Orsay. It was just so overwhelming 😢❤
This is genuinely one of my all time favourite episodes of Doctor who. It really puts a focus on the importance of Mental health and how not every illness can be seen by the naked eye.
The alien in this episode may come across as very goofy but it’s a beautiful metaphor for how only Vincent can see his depression and the pain he has endured.
It goes to show how truly magnificent Van Gogh was as an artist, truly under appreciated and well ahead of his time. It makes you enjoy the story as a Whovian and as an artist/historian. The episode also portrayed Vincent very accurately (with a few details changed ofc). Glad you enjoyed the episode. Great reaction. Hope you enjoy more xx
I've visited almost all of Van Goghs known works, his homes, the landscapes he's painted. I'm fortunate to be Dutch like him so I have easier access to his work than most people I suppose. Anyways- as an artist myself, with autism and ptsd, I've always admired him and his work and life story has given me strength and inspiration
This portrayal of Vincent was so perfect it got featured on our Australian version of 60 minutes!
You only get to see this episode for the first time once. And it is a masterpiece! I’m so happy to see your reaction to this one, more than most others. Tony Curran’s sensitive portrayal of Van Gogh is heartbreakingly wonderful.
One of the -- if not the -- best episodes of Doctor Who in it's long, long history. Vincent and the Doctor is on everyone's top 10 list. Love, love, love it, and so glad you did, too.
the museum scene with Vincent will never not make me teary
Location report - The French Museum was actually the National Museum of Wales in Cathays Park, Cardiff - which does have a number of Van Gogh paintings....
There's a great rewatch bonus for this in that Watching the episode with the awareness that the Krafayis is blind helps explain some of the creature's behaviour throughout, like despite what the doctor's gadget says about it being a ruthless, merciless predator bent on attacking anything it finds it seems to hesitate in attacking the doctor when he's defenceless in the street and why it's chasing him slowly rather than charging full speed and why it's constantly knocking things over.
The most beautiful episode, so moving. The Last scene with Billy Nightly, I cry each time. Thank you for your reaction and, yes, we don't forget Rory.
Autocorrect strikes again LOL.
This is one of my favorite episodes of Doctor who of all time. It did add a little to my pile of bad things(the talks of depression and what it can result in.) But it added a lot to my pile of good things.
not me casually waiting for this guys reactions to come out every week...
I end up crying at the end of this episode no matter how many times I see it, and I've seen it dozens of times. For the first time, I watched a show that understood my struggles with being bipolar.
I've watched this episode dozens of times, and I still can't help but sob when they go to the museum. Every time. It's so good.
The body remembers. I don’t know where I saw this phrase first… but it’s very apt, sometimes even when we don’t remember difficult emotions, events and experiences… our body does. I felt that again with the scene of Amy’s unknowing tears.
Also this episode ready did strike a cord when it was aired in the UK. There was a lot of talk about it. And the particular ending clip of Van Gogh hearing Bill Nighy explain his legacy is the most viewed clip on the bbc dr who channel with over 29 million views. It really struck a cord.
To all those who battle daily… keep going… just like spring always follows winter… this too shall pass… just bunker down however you need and try to protect yourself with the very small everyday little joys and comforts of life and shelter till the storms pass. Always remember the phrase: ‘it will be alright in the end. If it’s not alright, it’s not the end.’💜
That scene at the end... 😭😭😭
It was so unexpected to me! 😭
I believe the speech at the end was Bill Nighy genuine thoughts on Vincent
I hope so. It certainly felt true.
He also did it free. The BBC wouldn't have wanted to allocate the funds to get him on for a small role because Bill is pretty expensive, but he loves Van Gogh and knowing the episodes plot he wanted to do it and was happy to do it for nothing, it's really sweet.
A great episode. The emotions are real. Listening to Vincent talk about seeing the stars only adds to his already incredible works.
That scene with Vincent in the museum has me crying every single time.
This episode DESTROYED me.
I saw a comment somewhere that said the scene at the museum has its own fan base. It’s so perfectly done, I agree
An absolutely brilliant method of subtly dealing with depression and loss and with Rory who only the Doctor remembers. Quite likely my favorite of all the episodes.
This episode was a work of art. Heart wrenching, no matter how many times I watch it.
I've been following you for years, and seeing you cry at such a beautiful idea made me weep, too. The if only of this show is golden.
I’ve seen this episode at least 20 times and I sob at the end every freaking time!
As soon as season 5 started. I was dying to see your reaction for this episode! This is a top 10 favorite episode of Doctor Who for me. I love everything about it. And the final scenes at the museum 🥹
My favorite historical episode for sure! Vincent was a phenomenal character and now I wish he had travel with the Doctor and Amy. But as one bottled episode it’s just perfect
It's a beautiful episode, and rightly in with a shout of being called one of the greatest episodes of DW ever. Written by Richard Curtis, and a wonderful performance from Tony Curran, not just Doctor Who, but television in general doesn't get much better than this.
I love this episode and have been a long time lover of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings. Years ago I had an opportunity to see one of his paintings in real life. Extraordinarily beautiful in person. I cried.
This episode absolutely broke my heart & I’ve never wished for tv to be real more than that. Van Gogh is so special to so many & after being tormented by his own genius mind…there’s no one who deserves to know more than him. I’m crying now just typing this. Such a beautiful episode. Beautiful & sad.
This is one of my FAVORITE episodes in all of Dr. Who! Maybe it's because of my own personal traumas, but this episode is just SO well written and performed....
I'm SO glad that you are at this point, honestly!
4:30 - "Present Day" in the context of when it was filmed/aired. You'll get that occasionally with shows and movies that skip around a bit.
It's not the most beloved episode of doctor who for no reason
This is one my favorite episodes of Doctor Who as well!
Especially in the 11th Doctor Matt Smith's era!
It was great watching you react to it for the 1st time!
This is among the first episodes I show someone I try to convert to our mad world.
I) The girl in the fireplace
2) Vincent
3) Blink
4) Forest of the dead/Silence in the Library
By then I can just reel them in and go for Rose 😀
THAT is a strong playlist.
The thing about the pronunciation of Vincent's last name, is the Art Exhibit guy pronounces it the correct way, which very few people do
Most people pronounce it as "Goff" or "Goh" when it SHOULD be as a scot might be joked about making an "och sound", I don't explain it the best but just listen to how the Art Exhibit guy says it near the start (he does change the pronunciation at the end which kind of undermines it but oh well he switched back again at the last mention he makes)
This is one of my favorite episodes of Doctor Who. I very much enjoyed watching your reactions to it. Thank you! ❤
Oh this episode 🥲 I remember tuning in because I thought it was a part 2 but was knocked off my feet. As a creative, this one is near and dear to my heart!! 😢❤💔
So it’s going to be another echo of a constant refrain about this episode, but this is without a doubt my favourite historical episode… and sometimes my favourite episode of all time for so so many reasons… for every reaction I have to ubiquitously allude to the song Vincent, because it’s so perfect for him and this episode and more people should know of this song…
-
Starry, starry night
Paint your palette blue and gray
Look out on a summer's day
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul
Shadows on the hills
Sketch the trees and the daffodils
Catch the breeze and the winter chills
In colors on the snowy linen land
Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen, they did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now
Starry, starry night
Flaming flowers that brightly blaze
Swirling clouds in violet haze
Reflect in Vincent's eyes of China blue
Colors changing hue
Morning fields of amber grain
Weathered faces lined in pain
Are soothed beneath the artist's loving hand
Now I understand
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen, they did not know how
Perhaps they'll listen now
For they could not love you
But still, your love was true
And when no hope was left in sight on that starry, starry night
You took your life, as lovers often do
But I could have told you, Vincent
This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you
Starry, starry night
Portraits hung in empty halls
Frameless heads on nameless walls
With eyes that watch the world and can't forget
Like the strangers that you've met
The ragged men in ragged clothes
The silver thorn, a bloody rose
Lie crushed and broken on the virgin snow
Now I think I know
What you tried to say to me
And how you suffered for your sanity
And how you tried to set them free
They would not listen, they're not listening still
Perhaps they never will
One thing I want to know is that they had this song in mind when they had Amy call the Doctor raggedy… or if it’s just one of the greatest coincidences.
Thank you for the “Vincent” words.
This episode always makes me cry. Such an amazing episode.
This episode was written for and broadcast during a national mental health week. Dr Who occasionally does episodes to fit into specific national themes (like The Family of Blood was broadcast over our national poppy day which is the annual remembrance of armed forces who were lost during service; it is held on the anniversary of the end of WW1).
That scene makes me cry to this day
This kind of episode and the writing it takes for it to work as well as it does is why I’m so happy about the newest seasons of the show. Good writing is back on the menu!
Hands down, Matt Smith's best episode. Years later and it still makes me cry every time.
Who’s cutting those onions?!? 😭
What an episode!
Whenever I need a good cry, I think of this episode.
Such a beautiful, beautiful episode.
Van Gogh hugging his greatest admirer and the poor guy doesn't even realize it - also two actors from the Underworld movies embracing.
Whenever I need a dose of pure Doctor character energy to cheer me up, this is the episode I watch (and often the next one). My favorite example of the Doctor’s empathic heart. 🥰
...at the 8:34 mark, when the Doctor activates that mirror gadget, it briefly shows the very first actor to play him, William Hartnell, followed by the second actor, Patrick Troughton. This would be the mid to late 60's.
I've been waiting for this one! 😍
The wait is over!!
@CasualNerdReactions 😊
Oh ive been waiting for this!
This episode was fun and fine until…that end- from Vincent seeing his future success, to the final museum walk. It turned a fun historical to a masterpiece. And it shows how clinical depression or bipolar is an illness, beyond our ability to fix without grace bigger than we are. It’s a very powerful episode and the doctor’s final speech makes me cry, and it’s true
I don’t think any doctor who fan found this cheesy.
And for a fan of Van Gogh’s work, this episode is a masterpiece. The sets are his paintings. So much is fairly accurate. Just a fantastic episode on so many levels.
Episodes like this, the Zygon two-parter in Series 9, Heaven Sent, and The Doctor Falls all deal with mature themes with such care and brilliance that they stand as not just the best of Doctor Who, but some of the best _television._
I am so excited you got to this episode. It’s one of my favorite episodes and I genuinely think it’s one of the best New Who. This and Blink are also two of my go tos for introducing new viewers to the show. Not only great stories but good entry points because, being semi-standalones they’re not too lore heavy.
My favorite episode. ; I cry every single time.
I don’t watch many of these reactions, but I love your empathy.
🤛😎👍✌️🤟🤙
The Doctor does remember Rory because he is a Timelord.
I knew you’d love this episode ❤
Love the addition of the bowtie when you said "This is cool". 😂
This episode always brings me to tears.....
Stary, stary night
Paint the colours grey and blue
Never has there been somebody
As beautiful as you...
I love the attention to detail in some frames of this episode they made exactly like the original paintings
This is probably my favourite Who episode. Beside the fact that this episode is beautifully written and progresses the plot perfectly and all these things. Van Gogh happens to be my favourite (?) painter - he's certainly top 3! They truly managed to capture the essence, and tragedy, and beauty of that man in just these 45 minutes! The scene where he explains what he sees in the night sky and then it blends into a starry night-ish vision? - it's nothing less than perfection! It truly made me appreciate Van Goghs paintings even more than before.
And Tony Curran is the perfect Van Gogh! His portrayal is just so full of empathy, and sadness, and sensibility, and vulnerability, and love, and joy in seeing the beauty of the world. Seriously, I love all the Van Gogh movies, but THIS is MY Van Gogh!
Thank you Chris always, for reacting to the Doctor. In the same way that Blink is one of the very best episodes of Who ever, Vincent and the Doctor is one of the most emotionally beautiful. Despite the small moments that copyright lets you share from the show I was still brought to tears by the heart of this episode.
Finally, RORRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYY! ❤
4:25 yeets amy into the opening credits 😂😂. Poor amy pond.
Even watching this Episode four Times it still brings tears to my eyes
Not just their legacy, but that they truly mattered...
The opening is Vincent painting the scene.
Such an amazingly strong episode!
So fantastic.
his is hands down one the truly great episodes of Doctor Who