For me, Jo Grant's depature is THE best companion departure in the whole show. I'd even go so far as to say that The Doctor leaving without saying goodbye and seeing his silhouette drive away in contrast to Jo's happiness is the most moved I've ever been by an episode of Doctor Who - and I say that as someone who grew up on New Who! New Who likes to *tell* us that The Doctor doesn't like endings. This scene shows us that more than words ever could.
We’ve had sad companion departures before, but I feel this story is the first full on emotional gut punch of the series. I simply adore The Green Death.
Well-done, as always, Chris. I appreciate your thoughtful insights. Glad to see you’re a fellow long-term vegetarian. As you pointed out, showing that the vegetarian meal wasn’t a big deal is another example of how this era of Who was ahead of its time. And arguably, with the last scenes, still is.
I love this story so much. To the point I struggle to watch it cause the context of how close that group were, the actors leaving and obviously losing Delgado. That story has so much more weight to it for what it is. Just amazing.
Perfect example of old who having an adventure with a message if you want to see it. New stuff seems to have a message with an adventure built into it. I enjoy the old much more.
That ending even now still gets me. It's power is in what's not said. The Doctor could if easily stopped it or changed her mind like he done in similar situations during her time with him. But realised there are some fights you cannot win and have to let go (like a father letting their only Daughter go into the world) It's a bittersweet departure. As for Yates never liked the character always preferred Benton.😂
Ah, The Green Death. This one terrified me as a kid with the maggots, thrilled me with the Doctor's actions, and broke my heart in those final moments. That ending remains one of the most emotionally devastating things I have felt from a series, and it is from their phenomenal chemistry along with Pertwee's pitch perfect subtlety. That wry smile, his downing the drink, and then just walking out. Perfection. So perfect in fact that Moffet and Gatis directly referenced it in Sherlock for an equally emotional parting.
What about the dissapearing Elgin? (Tony Adams fell ill and his character just dissapears...a new character, introduced without fanfare,says the remaining Elgin lines)🎩
For me, Jo Grant's depature is THE best companion departure in the whole show. I'd even go so far as to say that The Doctor leaving without saying goodbye and seeing his silhouette drive away in contrast to Jo's happiness is the most moved I've ever been by an episode of Doctor Who - and I say that as someone who grew up on New Who!
New Who likes to *tell* us that The Doctor doesn't like endings. This scene shows us that more than words ever could.
Agree 100%
We’ve had sad companion departures before, but I feel this story is the first full on emotional gut punch of the series. I simply adore The Green Death.
Well-done, as always, Chris. I appreciate your thoughtful insights.
Glad to see you’re a fellow long-term vegetarian. As you pointed out, showing that the vegetarian meal wasn’t a big deal is another example of how this era of Who was ahead of its time. And arguably, with the last scenes, still is.
This story is absolutely excellent. Probably one of the best ever companion departures too. Really well done. Top 5 Pertwee for sure.
The Green Death was popularly known as "The one with the giant maggots" for a decade or so by The Great British Public
Oh man, what a great ending, and a perfect way to cap off Pertwee's strongest season!
everything said: agree 500%
I love this story so much. To the point I struggle to watch it cause the context of how close that group were, the actors leaving and obviously losing Delgado. That story has so much more weight to it for what it is.
Just amazing.
Perfect example of old who having an adventure with a message if you want to see it. New stuff seems to have a message with an adventure built into it. I enjoy the old much more.
It is a very special story on lots of counts and Jo’s departure is immensely touching and it was my first memory of the show.
That ending even now still gets me. It's power is in what's not said. The Doctor could if easily stopped it or changed her mind like he done in similar situations during her time with him. But realised there are some fights you cannot win and have to let go (like a father letting their only Daughter go into the world)
It's a bittersweet departure. As for Yates never liked the character always preferred Benton.😂
Great overview
Ah, The Green Death. This one terrified me as a kid with the maggots, thrilled me with the Doctor's actions, and broke my heart in those final moments. That ending remains one of the most emotionally devastating things I have felt from a series, and it is from their phenomenal chemistry along with Pertwee's pitch perfect subtlety. That wry smile, his downing the drink, and then just walking out. Perfection. So perfect in fact that Moffet and Gatis directly referenced it in Sherlock for an equally emotional parting.
A beautiful essay, thank you.
What about the dissapearing Elgin? (Tony Adams fell ill and his character just dissapears...a new character, introduced without fanfare,says the remaining Elgin lines)🎩