BWW Recap: The Doctor Runs Into 'The Woman Who Lived' on DOCTOR WHO

The Doctor faced the consequences of his actions in "The Woman Who Lived." While searching for an alien artifact in the 17th century, he runs into Ashildr, now going by "Me." Still alive and very alone, is angry with The Doctor for making her immortal and then just leaving her behind.

Me has lost so much, including her children, and her immortality has left her to become a lady who is also "The Nightmare," a feared highwayman. She constantly has to remind The Doctor that the girl he knew is gone, and that it's all his doing. Me finds herself involved with a lion man called Leandro, who as far as bad guys go, was very boring and not very scary. This episode's plot wasn't very exciting, but it was saved by the darker, season arcs brought up during the episode.

This episode brought to light the other side of The Doctor's exploits. Since he usually helps people and then immediately leaves, we often forget that the people he leaves behind have to go on living without him, and Me does not mind reminding The Doctor of that fact. She tells him how he's made quite an impact on the world, which is how she learned so much about him over time. Since The Doctor often fails to realize what happens after he's gone, Me promises to take care of those he leaves behind throughout history, calling herself "The Patron Saint of the Doctor's Leftovers."

Me also brings up a constant message in this season: the fate of his companions. She asks him, "how many Claras" had he lost in his travels, and though she meant all of his companions over time, that phrasing brings up the main theme of this season: how will The Doctor lose Clara? It has become very evident that their parting will not be a peaceful one, a la Martha Jones, and every chance they get they like to remind us that we'll be getting our hearts broken come the finale. At the end of this episode, Clara returns from her teacherly duties to go on an adventure with The Doctor, and she tells him she isn't going anywhere, but the look The Doctor gives her says otherwise. I only wonder if he knows what is going to happen, which is why he's always trying to protect her, or if it's just a feeling he has. Either way, it isn't going to be good. And to top it all of, before they say goodbye, Me tells The Doctor, "enemies are never a problem. It's your friends you have to watch out for," which echos something Missy said in the beginning of the season that "a friend inside an enemy, an enemy inside a friend." These can't be coincidences, and with the Zygons returning next episode, these quotes could hold some true to life meanings.

I can't finish this recap without first mentioning how great Maisie Williams was in her guest stint as Ashildr/Me. Just from "The Girl Who Died" to this episode, you can really see how much her character has evolved, and Maisie's acting did an incredible job at portraying that pain and loss over those 800 years. This episode would've been incredibly boring if not for her captivating portrayal as Me and for her great chemistry with Capaldi. It's sad she will never be a companion, but being immortal at least means she'll be back!

Two more things I must mention: one, The Doctor brought up Captain Jack Harkness!!! (I wanted to use more than 3 exclamations, but I worried I would look super unprofessional). I used to live for the days when Captain Jack would be mentioned, or even return, and as one of my top three favorite characters of all time on DOCTOR WHO, just the mention of his name got me insanely excited. As The Doctor's only other immortal friend, besides Me that is, it made sense that he'd mention Jack to Me, but I only hope one day we get a Twelve/Jack/Me interaction, because I know that would be amazing. Especially with The Doctor being older, I could only guess that his patience for Jack has worn incredibly thin. Ah, a girl can dream. Secondly, those darn sonic sunglasses are back. Why, Moffat, why? Just give it up and bring back the screwdriver!

Quotes from "The Woman Who Lived"

-The Doctor: "You seemed fine" Me: "In a leper colony"

-Me: "Ungrateful peasants"

-The Doctor: "You're the liability, I never have this trouble with Clara."

-The Doctor: "No puns!"

-The Doctor: "This is banter, I'm against banter."

-The Doctor: "What happened to you?" Me: "You did, Doctor. You happened."

-Me: "You've had an impact on this world, you've made waves."

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Zygons return in next week's episode of DOCTOR WHO, so make sure to check back here for my recap of DOCTOR WHO! Also leave your comments on tonight's episode below, or tweet me at @kaitmilligan!

Photo Credit: © BBC WORLDWIDE LIMITED

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