Many count “Love & Monsters” among the all-time worst episodes of Doctor Who.
But because of its odd format, “Love & Monsters” highlights qualities unique to the franchise.
You dabbled with aliens, declares creature that had been posing as an alien hunter named Victor Kennedy.
Now meet the genuine article.
Its hard to put into words just how upsetting that genuine article is.
Comedian Peter Kay makes his character even more upsetting by bearing his teeth and sticking out his tongue.
The Abzorbaloff design came from a child who won a contest through the long-running kids showBlue Peter.
The episodes disgusting monster and odd tone has put off viewers for nearly 20 years.
At the same time, members start disappearing.
Love & Monsters isnt really about the Doctor and his amazing adventures.
Rather, its about the connections people form with one another, despite apparent differences.
But LINDA allows them to see one another as people, their differences notwithstanding.
If we could simply see past our petty distinctions and work together, wed live much better lives.
But the episode isnt about those who get to run off with the Doctor and witness amazing sights.
Its about everyone else.
Elton finds her in a laundromat while supposedly working undercover to gather information about Rose for Mr. Kennedy.
Instead, Davies directs all the jokes at Elton, goodhearted jabs at his shortcomings as a spy.
Its not just that shes lost her daughter to some amazing time-traveler with a magic blue box.
Its that her entire identity has been reduced to her connection to the Doctor.
Its a fair complaint, as Love & Monsters awkwardly wedges humor next to horror.
However, that uncomfortable fit only underscores the episodes theme about the legacy of the Doctor.
The Doctors adventures are often delightful and breathtaking.
The aftertaste is always there, no matter how delightful the solution or bombastic the score.
Intentional or not, Love & Monsters captures that feeling with its sense of humor.
Take an early scene in which Elton watches the Doctor and Rose chase an alien monster through various doorways.
However, Zeff also provides an in-universe reason for the lost time by taking Eltons point-of-view.
In short, the gag happens because of Eltons trauma response.
No, those two elements should not work together.
And they dont fit smoothly, as the gag undercuts the trauma and vice versa.
But it does work to show the complexity of living in a world in which the Doctor intercedes.
Even when its fun adventure, its not all fun adventure.
The Doctor always leaves something behind.
Turns out Ive had the most terrible things happen… and the most brilliant things.
Sometimes, I cant tell the difference.
Its hard to find a better summation forDoctor Whoas a franchise.
The dabbling in aliens brings plenty of brilliant moments for these new fans.
