The Doctor Who episode “Vincent And The Doctor,” broadcast in June 2010, remains a standout for its unique blend of historical fiction, emotional depth, and insightful commentary on mental health. Watched and revisited by fans, including myself in November 2021, this episode transcends typical monster-of-the-week narratives to deliver a powerful and poignant story.
Alt text: Tony Curran as Vincent van Gogh in Doctor Who episode Vincent and the Doctor, expressing vulnerability and brilliance.
Tony Curran’s portrayal of Vincent van Gogh is central to the episode’s success. He masterfully captures Van Gogh’s brilliance and vulnerability, making him utterly believable. Curran avoids caricature, presenting a historical figure as a deeply relatable person, grappling with the fear of isolation even amongst new friends. This nuanced performance sets it apart from simpler historical cameos often seen in television.
What truly distinguishes “Vincent and the Doctor” within the Doctor Who universe is its innovative storytelling. Unlike typical episodes where the monster is the primary threat, here, the monster, a Krafayis, is dispatched relatively early. Its death, surprisingly, evokes sadness, prompting the Doctor’s insightful line: “Sometimes, winning… winning is no fun at all.” The episode’s core lies in exploring Vincent’s mental illness and artistic legacy. The narrative culminates in two emotionally resonant scenes: Vincent’s breathtaking explanation of his world view, visually manifested as the night sky transforming into “Starry Night,” and the subsequent visit to a modern art gallery. This gallery scene elevates a song by Athlete into a moment of genuine emotional resonance, highlighting the power of art to convey deep feeling.
The gallery scene is particularly moving. Vincent’s genuine excitement at simply visiting a Parisian art gallery, oblivious to the profound impact awaiting him, is palpable. Karen Gillan’s subtle performance as Amy, anxiously observing Vincent’s reaction, is equally compelling. Bill Nighy’s uncredited cameo as Dr. Black delivers a powerful mission statement for art: transforming pain into beauty. This scene’s emotional weight is universally acknowledged as a highlight of the episode.
Beyond its emotional core, “Vincent and the Doctor” is also genuinely funny, largely due to Matt Smith’s comedic talents. His Doctor’s absurd attempts to fight an invisible monster with a chair, hilariously misdirected, provide levity. His impatience with real-time events and dry humor, exemplified by the “concentrate, Pablo” line, are perfectly delivered. The line “NOT THAT FAST! But pretty fast,” is a classic example of Smith’s comedic timing.
The Doctor’s concluding “good things/bad things” lesson offers a genuinely helpful, albeit simplified, message about managing depression. Visually, the episode is stunning, adding to its overall impact. The extent of Richard Curtis’s writing contribution to the final script remains a point of fan curiosity.
Further observations on “Vincent and the Doctor”:
- The title itself, “Vincent and the Doctor,” while perhaps a nod to “Vincent & Theo,” feels slightly awkward, possibly an attempt to shoehorn “the Doctor” into episode titles.
- The concept of a giant chicken monster, initially humorous, becomes genuinely menacing due to the episode’s tone. The Krafayis’s death, impaled by a flying easel, is surprisingly sad rather than comical, a testament to the episode’s skillful execution.
- The episode subtly addresses the aftermath of Rory’s death without making it the central focus. The Doctor’s protectiveness of Amy, Vincent’s perceptive observation of her sadness, and the Doctor’s accidental slip of calling Vincent “Rory” are poignant touches, a more nuanced approach compared to Russell T Davies’s more overt emotional displays.
- The TARDIS adorned with posters and the Parisian police sirens contribute to the episode’s authentic French atmosphere. The detail of passersby watching football on a mobile TV firmly grounds the episode in 2010.
- Small details enhance the narrative: Vincent’s dislike for sunflowers, subverting expectations; the whimsical accent choices (Dutch Holland portrayed with a Scottish accent, a Bristolian barkeep); and the visual storytelling of Vincent’s shadow and his paintbrush-as-weapon moment, reminiscent of a Western standoff.
- A brief glimpse of William Hartnell, the First Doctor, is a recurring motif in this series, subtly addressing the new Doctor’s acceptance. Matt Smith’s performance quickly dispels any doubts about his portrayal.
- Bill Nighy’s uncredited role is widely recognized. His understated comedic timing, particularly the “Is that Vincent Van Gogh? No, that’d be ridiculous” head shake, is perfectly executed.
- While not directly Doctor Who related, the episode serves as a reminder of the profound impact of experiencing Van Gogh’s paintings in person. Their vibrancy and texture are often lost in reproductions. Attending a Van Gogh exhibition is highly recommended.
- The poignant fact of Van Gogh’s short life, dying at 37, adds another layer of melancholy to the episode.
“Vincent and the Doctor” is more than just a Doctor Who episode; it’s a thoughtful exploration of art, mental health, and the enduring power of human connection, solidified as a fan favorite for its emotional resonance and unique narrative approach.
