As discussed in my review, tonight’s penultimate episode of Doctor Who season 11, titled “It Takes You Away,” was one of the most high-concept of the run – and when I say high-concept, I mean totally bonkers. And it seems that Whovians everywhere have no idea what to make of it.
Essentially, the episode saw a sentient universe called the Solitract collide with ours, luring folks into its world by taking the forms of their deceased loved ones. When the time came for the Doctor to have her big showdown with the entity, she went face to face with… a frog sitting on a chair in a wide void. Oh, and it talked like Grace, the late wife of Bradley Walsh’s character, Graham.
That’s not quite as barmy as it sounds because the Solitract had previously impersonated Grace and spoken about her love of frogs but yes, it’s still pretty bizarre. And as you can imagine, the fan reaction to the scene ran the gamut.
Some instantly knew that the episode had spawned an iconic moment that would live on in Whovian history, as this Tweet shows us:
https://twitter.com/MatthewRimmer/status/1069309090822791169
Others, meanwhile, couldn’t get their head around what had happened.
so much happens in doctor who but the thing that confuses us the most is a frog that talks like grace #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/qtuqZNnif9
— mollie sex ed spoilers (@earpscorp) December 2, 2018
I mean if you told me the Doctor was doing this gesture to a frog on a chair I probably would have laughed and called you mad but here we are #DoctorWho pic.twitter.com/4pT4vok2ls
— Dominic G. Martin (@DominicJGM) December 2, 2018
Alternatively, some fans just thought the presence of the frog was ridiculous. As one pointed out, this was the perfect time for the Solitract to take the form of someone from the Doctor’s past, giving us a welcome cameo from a former star of the show.
Honestly don't know what to make of tonight's #DoctorWho. There were great bits – the dead people – average bits – the bog-standard sci-fi creature between the portals – and ludicrous bits – who thought the frog a good idea? What do we think?
— Rob Keeley M.A. (@RobKeeleyAuthor) December 2, 2018
Really, reeeeaaally thought The Doctor would see River Song, or even an old companion…it was literally the perfect chance. But no, we get a frog 🙄 #DoctorWho #Drwho pic.twitter.com/L9uyc7CE2D
— 🩺 J 🎮 (@DrJayPlays) December 2, 2018
On the other hand, some Whovians loved the ending, warts and all, and suggested that maybe every episode of Doctor Who would be better if it finished with a talking frog sitting on a chair.
Name me one #DoctorWho story that wouldn't be improved by ending with a talking frog in a chair.
I'll wait. pic.twitter.com/kMHVCT4ttL
— Benjamin Cook (@benjamin_cook) December 2, 2018
“It Takes You Away” definitely didn’t end up where we were expecting, you have to give it that. In fact, “It Blows You Away” probably would have been a more accurate title.
Anyways, be sure to catch the Doctor Who season 11 finale, “The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos,” next Sunday. Though honestly, however it concludes the run, it’ll surely be a disappointment when compared to the talking frog.