Doctor Who's Tragical History TourDoctor Who's Tragical History Tour
  • Nu-Who
    • Ncuti Gatwa
    • Jodie Whittaker
    • Peter Capaldi
    • Matt Smith
    • David Tennant
    • Christopher Eccleston
  • Tweeners
    • John Hurt
    • Paul McGann
    • The Master List
    • Regeneration X
    • The Mystery Guest
    • The Hand of Fear
  • Colo(u)r
    • Sylvester McCoy
    • Colin Baker
    • Peter Davison
    • Tom Baker
    • Jon Pertwee
  • Monochrome
    • Patrick Troughton
    • William Hartnell
  • Tour du Jour
    • On This Day
    • The House of Holmes
    • 50 for 50
    • The Randomizer
    • THT Rand-o-pix of the Day
    • The Feast of Steven
    • Tour Notz
    • The Watcher
    • Contact the Tour
X (Twitter) Instagram Tumblr RSS
Doctor Who's Tragical History Tour
X (Twitter) Instagram Tumblr RSS
  • Nu-Who
    1. Ncuti Gatwa
    2. Jodie Whittaker
    3. Peter Capaldi
    4. Matt Smith
    5. David Tennant
    6. Christopher Eccleston
    7. View All

    Who Told You There Wouldn’t Be Any Math?

    December 5, 2022

    The Next-iest of Doctors

    May 29, 2022

    Svelte 16

    May 8, 2022

    Who Told You There Wouldn’t Be Any Math?

    December 5, 2022

    B-Bye Bradley

    October 6, 2022

    Svelte 16

    May 8, 2022

    Now You Sea Devil, No You Don’t

    April 24, 2022

    E-Spaced

    August 4, 2023

    Svelte 16

    May 8, 2022

    The Dark Jacket Dimension

    November 13, 2021

    Bad Hair Month

    September 9, 2021

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    E-Spaced

    August 4, 2023

    Who Told You There Wouldn’t Be Any Math?

    December 5, 2022

    The Wedding of SMW

    August 27, 2022

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    Who Told You There Wouldn’t Be Any Math?

    December 5, 2022

    The Next-iest of Doctors

    May 29, 2022

    The Dark Jacket Dimension

    November 13, 2021

    The (W)hole Ruth

    January 31, 2020

    Ten Days Till the Tenthiversary of the Tenting of the Tenth

    December 22, 2019

    The Last ‘Last Christmas’ Specials Rankings #3

    December 24, 2018

    Toyz in the Good

    September 24, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Prelude

    September 8, 2023
  • Tweeners
    1. John Hurt
    2. Paul McGann
    3. The Master List
    4. Regeneration X
    5. The Mystery Guest
    6. The Hand of Fear
    7. View All

    Hurt So Good: A Doctor and His Umbrella

    April 27, 2023

    Who Told You There Wouldn’t Be Any Math?

    December 5, 2022

    Svelte 16

    May 8, 2022

    Ten’ll Get You Five

    September 4, 2020

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    McGann Before McGann

    May 26, 2023

    … And All That Yaz

    November 16, 2022

    Fivey at Forty: The First Companion Death of 1982

    March 16, 2022

    Toyz in the Good

    September 24, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Prelude

    September 8, 2023

    Ghost Re-Write

    November 16, 2021

    The (W)hole Ruth

    January 31, 2020

    Dup-topia

    January 29, 2020

    The Glue Guy

    June 24, 2018

    Doctor on Doctor ACTION!

    November 19, 2017

    The Wheel in Cheese

    August 10, 2014

    The Hurt Locker

    May 25, 2013

    Toyz in the Good

    September 24, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Prelude

    September 8, 2023

    Toyz in the Good

    September 24, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Prelude

    September 8, 2023
  • Colo(u)r
    1. Sylvester McCoy
    2. Colin Baker
    3. Peter Davison
    4. Tom Baker
    5. Jon Pertwee
    6. View All

    A Studio Film (or rather a film in the studio)

    June 9, 2023

    … And All That Yaz

    November 16, 2022

    Fivey at Forty: The First Companion Death of 1982

    March 16, 2022

    Roomba With a Prenumbra

    March 1, 2022

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    Hurt So Good: A Doctor and His Umbrella

    April 27, 2023

    … And All That Yaz

    November 16, 2022

    B-Bye Bradley

    October 6, 2022

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    The Inevitable Adric

    July 14, 2023

    The Box(ing) Day of Delights

    December 26, 2022

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    Destiny of the Costume Closet

    September 1, 2023

    The Inevitable Adric

    July 14, 2023

    Hurt So Good: A Doctor and His Umbrella

    April 27, 2023

    McGann Before McGann

    May 26, 2023

    The Warrior Before Time

    May 19, 2023

    Purple Shag Carpet

    May 11, 2023

    Hurt So Good: A Doctor and His Umbrella

    April 27, 2023

    Toyz in the Good

    September 24, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Prelude

    September 8, 2023
  • Monochrome
    1. Patrick Troughton
    2. William Hartnell
    3. View All

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    When Patrick (almost) Met Ian

    August 25, 2023

    When Patrick Met Verity

    August 11, 2023

    More For Letts

    July 25, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    When Patrick Met Verity

    August 11, 2023

    The TARDIS whirled on it’s way again…

    December 23, 2022

    Invasion of The Invasion

    December 17, 2022

    Toyz in the Good

    September 24, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (54→49)

    September 20, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — (60→55)

    September 15, 2023

    60 for 60 — The Prelude

    September 8, 2023
  • Tour du Jour
    • On This Day
    • The House of Holmes
    • 50 for 50
    • The Randomizer
    • THT Rand-o-pix of the Day
    • The Feast of Steven
    • Tour Notz
    • The Watcher
    • Contact the Tour
Doctor Who's Tragical History TourDoctor Who's Tragical History Tour
50 for 50

50 for 50 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — #8

By -- DSWOctober 2, 201303 Mins Read
Share
Twitter Tumblr

Having reached this far in the countdown without any conflicts, two now come along at once, requiring me to skip over The Mind of Evil and The Caves of Androzani to land on sixth place in my personal Top 50 – a story about an artist, which is itself a work of art.

One of the most important secrets of Doctor Who’s longevity and success must be that it’s the only show in TV history with this unique ability to transport you to a completely unexpected place from week to week, sometimes familiar yet futuristic, sometimes historic and alien, often threatening – but always different. Vincent and the Doctor is completely different and surprising, leading us into an exploration of the mind of a tormented man, as Richard Curtis tackles the subject of depression sublimely in this poignant piece of drama.

Tony Curran seems to be born for the part, putting in a landmark performance as the long-suffering Dutch painter, and the ambiance of the Croatian filming locations adds to the beauty of scenes specially created to mimic some of van Gogh’s paintings. It’s a very special moment when, as Vincent, Amy and the Doctor lie under the stars, the night sky transforms into stunning van Gogh style swirls and the Doctor makes the insightful remark that nothing he has ever seen is as beautiful as the things Van Gogh sees. Vincent’s awareness of hidden truths that others can’t perceive is a major theme of the story, and this extends not only to the pitiful Krayafis monster but also to Amy’s inner sadness due to the ‘death’ of Rory which has been obscured from her memory by that bothersome crack in the universe.

The Krayafis is blind, lost, lonely and confused and a clever metaphor for Vincent’s isolation and depression. The real monster, however, is the demon of mental health illness which for many people can never be tamed or eradicated and which is capable of taking a life. In Vincent’s case, although his life was hugely enriched by his encounter with the time travelers and the love that he developed for Amy, this sadly didn’t change anything for him in the end.

Some viewers may not have warmed to the utterly sentimental scene where Vincent is taken to the modern day Musée d’Orsay and overhears the curator (played so impeccably by Bill Nighy) telling visitors that van Gogh was probably the greatest painter of them all. I suspect however that the majority, like me, will have struggled to hold back a small tear at this point – even upon repeat viewings!

Vincent and the Doctor can only be described as one of the most creatively beautiful and touching stories that we’ve seen, and is a thoroughly worthy holder of our #8 spot. — Alan

Alan’s actual #8 — The Mind of Evil
Andy’s #8 — The Caves of Androzani
David’s #8 — The Sea Devils
Steve’s #8 — Genesis of the Daleks

Which story will be lucky #7 in our countdown?  Lucky for all of us we’ll find out … next week.

Short Hops:
  • 50 for 50 -- Top Ten Ruminations
    50 for 50 -- Top Ten Ruminations
  • These are a WHO of my Favorite Things #3
    These are a WHO of my Favorite Things #3
  • 50 for 50 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — #34
    50 for 50 — The Greatest Stories in Doctor Who History — #34
50 for 50 Matt Smith The Caves of Androzani The Sea Devils The Mind of Evil Genesis of the Daleks Vincent and the Doctor
Share. Twitter Tumblr
Previous ArticleThe Un-Birdable Lightness of Benton
Next Article New Teething … That’s Weird
Countdown to the 60th
THT Rand-o-Pix of the Day
Gallery Gateway

The Paul McGann Galleries

Who is The Mystery Guest?

The Peter Capaldi Galleries

The Patrick Troughton Galleries

The Tom Baker Galleries

Ncuti Gatwa -- Who Not Who!

The David Tennant Galleries

John Hurt -- Who Not Who!

The Peter Davison Galleries

The Jodie Whittaker Galleries

The Jon Pertwee Galleries

The Christopher Eccleston Galleries

The William Hartnell Galleries

The Matt Smith Galleries

The Colin Baker Galleries

The Sylvester McCoy Galleries

Last Ten Updated Galleries
  1. → Flux - Chapter 5: Survivors of the Flux
  2. → An Adventure in Space and Time
  3. → Smith and Jones
  4. → The Long Game
  5. → Genesis of the Daleks
  6. → Time-Flight
  7. → The Time Warrior
  8. → The Greatest Show in the Galaxy
  9. → Anthony Ainley -- Who Not Who!
  10. → Lalla Ward -- Who Not Who!
THT on Instagram
Tour Categories
  • Series 14 (1)
  • Tour Updates (442)
  • New Who for You (167)
  • Roundel Roundabouts (224)
  • Tangential Tardis (43)
  • HD Re-classic-ation (31)
  • Modern Recap-itulation (42)
  • Classic Capitology (101)
  • Who Not Who! (31)
  • Xmas Marks the Spot (83)
  • 60 for 60 (3)
  • 50 for 50 (58)
  • Off the Reservation (16)
  • Ncuti Gatwa (3)
  • Jodie Whittaker (45)
  • Peter Capaldi (86)
  • Matt Smith (117)
  • David Tennant (112)
  • Christopher Eccleston (36)
  • John Hurt (14)
  • Paul McGann (27)
  • Sylvester McCoy (39)
  • Colin Baker (37)
  • Peter Davison (62)
  • Tom Baker (96)
  • Jon Pertwee (63)
  • Patrick Troughton (64)
  • William Hartnell (76)
  • Richard E Grant (7)
  • Jo Martin (3)
  • Series 13 (16)
  • Series 12 (13)
  • Series 11 (9)
  • Series 10 (21)
  • Series 9 (17)
  • Series 8 (25)
  • Series 7 (17)
  • Series 6 (20)
  • Series 5 (14)
  • Series 4 (25)
  • Series 3 (9)
  • Series 2 (15)
  • Series 1 (19)
On This Day in Doctor Who History
  • September 24
    • 1977: The Horror of Fang Rock [4]
    • 1966: The Smugglers [3]
    • 2011: Closing Time
  • September 25
    • 1976: The Masque of Mandragora [4]
    • 1965: Galaxy 4 [3-- [Air Lock]
  • September 26
    • 2015: The Witch's Familiar
  • September 27
    • 2014: The Caretaker
    • 1975: Planet of Evil [1]
    • 1980: Meglos [1]
    • 1986: The Mysterious Planet [4]
    • 1989: Battlefield [4]
  • September 28
    • 1968: The Mind Robber [3]
    • 1987: Time and the Rani [4]
  • September 29
    • 1979: City of Death [1]
    • 2012: The Angels Take Manhattan
  • September 30
    • 1978: The Pirate Planet [1]

Random Thoughts
Room Without a View
By -- DSWJune 20, 2010 Tour Updates 2 Mins Read
Chance Encounter
By -- DSWOctober 30, 2021 Tangential Tardis 2 Mins Read
20/20 Hindsight
By -- DSWNovember 23, 2017 Roundel Roundabouts 2 Mins Read

  • x
  • instagram
  • tumblr
  • rss

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.