Filler episode. “The Lodger” was pleasant, and warm, but filler nonetheless. It really was this year’s “Love and Monsters”. To be honest, I watched while doing a bevy of other things, so perhaps I missed something of great magnitude, but I think the big WOW of the episode was the teaser for the next episode.

Now before I start talking about the next episode, let me just say, “WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE END OF THE SERIES IS UPON US?!?!?” I can’t believe there are only two episodes left. I won’t even discuss the “specials (which weren’t)”, but for the last few years, I’ve been sitting here tapping my finger on the desk thinking, “Just wrap this up so I can go on with my life” as time went by. By the time the last two episodes of S2, 3, and 4 arrived, I was ready to get it over with. I do NOT feel that way this time. I feel like we’ve been given just a taste of this new experience, and I want more. A lot more. *sigh*

On to the preview: The Pandorica. Still don’t know what it is, why it’s important, or what it holds. Old faces are back, which I personally look forward to seeing. I’m not claustrophobic, but there’s something non-threatening in all the empty space in the cave. I’m certain that it’s all very, very threatening, which will no doubt make me feel foolish for thinking there’s enough space to maneuver out of harm’s way. Heh.

My one big hope is that the next two episodes are not striving to be the epicness of all epicocity (i.e. Journey’s End). There appear to be many elements coming together, and with a title like “Big Bang” we’re sure to have some big things happening, but as long as it stays confined to our Doctor and his companions, I’m ok with that.

I’m starting with my thoughts on this week’s Doctor Who episode “Vincent and The Doctor” and working backward. Call it a timey-wimey privilege. First off, I’d like to say that I recently made it dry-eyed through two very moving awards ceremonies and a touching graduation ceremony; what I did not make it dry-eyed through was this episode. I was vaguely familiar with the life of Vincent van Gogh, and though the show may have taken liberties with the portrayal of his daily life, I was floored by my own reaction to the episode. The writing, the visuals, and the excellent, excellent acting were beyond anything I expected from this one. I appreciated the shades of “The Shakespeare Code” (another favorite of mine) and how Vincent was tied in with the “villain” of the episode. I was not quite prepared for the Starry Night scene, and nothing, NOTHING could have prepared me for the “visit” Vincent took with The Doctor and Amy. I was so genuinely overjoyed and saddened simultaneously that I was nearly immobile for the rest of the episode. I freely admit to having tear-soaked sleeves. I think I’m not the only one. That one scene was instantly added to my top ten scenes of all time, quite possibly the top five. I love this show, guys.

Moving back: I may be the only viewer who thought the crack was sealed for the rest of this series. I don’t know why I thought it was, and I was actually a bit surprised to see it again. The shock of the events at the end of “Cold Blood” was nearly overridden by the opening of the crack, but I’m not disappointed that it’s still relevant. The Doctor, always so brave, reaching into the crack to pull out “shrapnel” was frightening enough, but when the collected fragment was revealed, I let out an audible gasp and my heart raced. This isn’t good. No, it’s not good at all. 😮 Seems to me that The Doctor and Amy are due for some serious treachery in the remaining episodes. Whoa. I’ll definitely be watching on the edge of my seat!

This week’s Doctor Who episode, “Amy’s Choice”, was one of my favorites so far. Although what we saw was a bit confusing (or rather, confused), the overall storyline gave us a chance to see deep into our Doctor’s mind. This Doctor is not quirky. He is not happy-go-lucky. He is not satisfied. What he is, is badly damaged. When the Ninth Doctor appeared, we got a good look at the guilt, regret, and loneliness. Ten all but hit us over the head with the constant reminders of the same. This is different. Eleven has internalized all of the trauma and seems to be trying to heal through continuing on. On paper, it seems cliche and boring. Eleven, however, gives haunting flinches and gazes that subtly remind us that all is not well.

This episode did two much needed things in a very simple way. It used “dreams” to allow us to wrap up the issue of Amy’s choice and to remind us that our Doctor is carrying his demons heavily. I’m enjoying the season possibly even more than Nine’s because I honestly do not know what to expect from The Doctor, and that is a very good feeling.