It kind of annoys me when people say they don't like this two-parter because it's so racist... it is set in 1913 England of course it was racist! Sure this is a fantasy, sci-fi drama but these elements of realism are what make this series dark & gritty. It actually makes viewers think & ask questions, perhaps a kid watching this would ask why the Doctor is treating Martha this way which can open up a conversation about race & history, isn't that important?
Best two parter I’ve seen since beginning this show.
1.
-I'm John Smith. That's all I want to be, John Smith!
With his life and his job. And his love. Why can't I be John Smith?
Isn't he a good man?
-Yes, yes, he is.
-Why can't I stay?
-But we need the Doctor.
-And what am I, then? Nothing? I'm just a story.
2.
-What exactly do you do for him? Why does he need you?
-Because he's lonely.
3.
-Falling in love? That didn't even occur to him?
-No.
-Then what sort of man is that?
4.
-The Time Lord has such adventures.
But he could never have a life like that.
5.
-He didn't just make himself human, he made himself an idiot.
-Same thing, isn't it?
This episode was pretty damn heavy!
That was much better than I remembered, and a great way to give Tennant something to completely different to do.
Shout by TshepisoBlockedParent2023-10-19T06:12:54Z
It's sad to say but Family of Blood has gone the way of Doomsday for me on rewatch. It's just impossible for to enjoy the way it was intended. When I look at this episode I do see a great performances from Tennant, I can appreciate the truly fresh central conflict that asks interesting questions about the Doctor. But I just can't love it like I feel I'm supposed to.
In the end you're supposed to feel a loss as the Doctor gives up a life of mundane joy and fulfilment for his lonely adventures as a Time Lord. But that moment is undercut by the fact that I don't like John Smith or his lady love Nurse Redford. Their clear and unrepentant racist treatment of Martha aggressively put me off the two and they never came back from it.
I still respect this episode. The Doctor's return was triumphant and his absolutely visous treatment of the Family of Blood was great to see. I even loved how Latimer's story was wrapped up. When I attempt to step away from my admittedly particular and uncomon biases can see the craft throughout this episode. But I just can't love it.