First Time Watching "Doctor Who" Season 1 Episode 9 REACTION | The Empty Child

[@McToaster11]

After France fell to the Nazis, the UK was the only major Allied power left in the war until the Germans invaded the Soviets. So the UK was alone for an entire year and things looked grim at the time.

[@finncullen]

Great reaction - you did miss the point about the Doctor's comments about the UK. He wasn't saying the UK beat the Nazis, he was saying they were the first ones to hold out against them. This was set during the Blitz before the US really entered the war, when the UK was pretty much under siege, always seven days from starving, and refusing to surrender. That's all he was saying - not that they were winning by themselves.

[@videoeditorbloke]

Just to add to the discussion about World War II - I don’t think they are trying to say the UK won the war or anything like that… it’s more that Germany invaded the rest of Europe, but the UK was the first country they couldn’t invade. The US entered the war 2 years into it, and certainly made a difference, but I don’t think the show is trying to rewrite real history at all by saying the UK stood up to Germany.

[@danic9304]

Not to mention the Russians did the most to beat Germany

[@mickylove76]

The USA held back on joining because it was scared of upsetting all the people of German ancestry and culture in the states. There were a huge amount of Nazi sympathizers. Much like today. They would have held out longer if Japan hadn’t provoked them, and waited until it could profit the most from the situation.

[@Lenkic13]

Agreed.

[@Akari-br7ci]

Well said

[@Andy-wl6xy]

Yes.

[@iansmith4023]

I'm enjoying your reactions; but I'm enjoying your post-episode discussions even more. Very intelligent, good humoured and interesting.

[@ROLANDSONOFSTEPHEN690]

Sup, Bruv. I've been really enjoying your reactions to the "Whoverse"! As a young black man born in 1971, it was odd for me to come up absolutely obsessed with science fiction and British TV. I was raised on Dr. WHO, The Tomorrow People, Red Dwarf, and other shows. Tom Baker was my favorite Doctor as a kid. So here we are. This re-up return of Dr. WHO had me pumped, and it did not disappoint. And this one was the first episode where the show became a must not miss! It's been a must watch since. Glad you guys are here! Let's Go!

[@cryptozoomauler5505]

I agree. Father's Day was a good episode but hindered somewhat by the low-budget sfx. This two-parter, they had a bigger budget, great story, great characters, and great ending - when they get to it on the next episode!

[@technofilejr3401]

I saw Doctor Who for the first time in the 1970’s then picked it up again in the 1980’s. Been a Whovian ever since.

[@alastairmabbott7075]

Yeah. As much as I enjoyed Dalek and Father's Day, the broadcast of The Empty Child was the moment I thought, "They've cracked it, they've worked out how to do Doctor Who for the 21st Century."

[@jeanine6328]

Just wanted to thank you guys again for reacting to Dr Who. And a special thank you for not making us wait too long between episodes.

[@nancyscogin7549]

I knew of the Blitz, but going to England and seeing monuments and such with pieces gouged out from the bombing, and on the way to Bath seeing the holes/depressions in the earth from bombs..it really was a gut punch to see. These people were under attack night after night yet kept calm and carried on. Much respect for them.

[@technofilejr3401]

The episode that introduces Captain Jack Harkness. Love this character and his arc on the show.

[@chrish7589]

actually, he appears in the episode before this one, although thousands of years older. hint you need to remember Jack's nickname whilst he was studying to be a time agent.

[@technofilejr3401]

@@chrish7589 Oh yeah. Good point 😉

[@technofilejr3401]

26:25 In America we haven’t had to fight for our national survival against foreign invaders since the War of 1812. That was the war in which the White House was burned to the ground. But the people of Britain had to fight to keep themselves from being invaded during the time period that this episode occurs. Everyone even civilians had to be involved in keeping the Nazis off their doorstep. The so called Battle of Britain was mainly fought in the air by the Royal Air Force. Imagine flying a combat mission over your own country to take out enemy bombers. That is amazing and terrifying to contemplate. But they held fast and the Germans stopped. To this day their efforts and sacrifices are still fondly commemorated by the British people.

[@cryptozoomauler5505]

Someone forgot the Alamo...and the Mexican-American War? I know that Texas started it, but the Mexicans were still invading . Like Pancho Villa later did to New Mexico with his marauding there.

[@littlemissmello]

It's interesting how every country has a different memory of how world war 2 (or other events) went. In my country the canadians are remembered as our saviours, I have friends in eastern europe who see the soviets as our saviours and the brits always think they did everything, and americans so often think of themselves as the saviours of all and everything. Truth is that it was a huge combined effort of different allied forces and local resistance movements and in the very end a last push to the end by the americans.

[@SarahRNeill]

WWII started in 1939, and we didn't enter the war until December 1941. This story is set during the Battle of Britain, before America joined the Allies.

[@davidmichaelson1092]

For China, WW II started earlier.

[@deemo7868]

My love of Capt. Jack lead me to Torchwood, another fun show.

[@michaelfinlay6341]

When Dr. Constantine says that he was a father and grandfather before the War, and then he wasn't. The Doctor says 'I know the feeling.' The Doctor's first companion in Classic Who was his granddaughter, Susan. It is assumed that the Doctor's children are long, long, since dead.

[@R_SENAL]

If not before the show began (for all but Susan obvi) then at least via the Time War.

[@lox5962]

You have to also consider that all civilians were part of the war effort. Everyone was on rations until 1954, with a lot of the food going to the soldiers etc. The men of fighting age went into the armed forces, those too young, old or unable to fight were in the home guard. Most women worked in the factories turning out planes, tanks, ammunition etc Or on the land growing food, as mechanics and ambulance drivers etc which included Queen Elizabeth when she was of age. All on rations which continued until 1954, when meat was finally de rationed. Rations for 1 adult for 1 week? 1 egg, 2 ounces each of tea and butter, an ounce of cheese, eight ounces of sugar, four ounces of bacon and four ounces of margarine. Clothes, soap etc were also rationed and civilians did not get any petrol(gas to Americans). Before the end of the war, Britain was making more planes etc then America. That’s what it took to stay in the war. We never said we won it because we know that without the commonwealth countries, the pilots of Poland, the Russian sacrifices etc, American, Indian volunteers, we would have fallen. Hitler didn’t want to fight Britain, because he admired the country and Britain could have stayed out and carved the world up between Germany and Britain but chose not to, at huge cost. Britain didn’t beat Hitler, but gave the world time to.

[@danic9304]

She defo said 'Spock'

[@772Dinoman]

It’s in the script and subtitles- such a fun one liner 😂

[@clickonmike]

I think Jack being American, is a call back to the American Volunteers of the RAF. They fought for England before the US entered the war. Jack wearing an RAF uniform is a give away.

[@mickylove76]

He flat out says it himself.

[@arnothill]

They fought for -England- Britain

[@kathyk5319]

Britain went to war against Germany in 1939 to defend the balance of power in Europe and safeguard Britain's position in the world. The United States didn't enter the war until Pearl Harbor in 1941.

[@technofilejr3401]

16:43 Torchwood was awesome and it also had some interesting social commentary. It’s literally the other side of Doctor Who. The Doctor saves the Earth from aliens invaders. Torchwood saves the Earth from human greed, stupidity and sometimes aliens. As one Torchwood character said “Jack I used to wonder why your Doctor doesn’t come help us in times like this. But now I don’t wonder anymore. You said The Doctor truly cares about the human race. But in times like this he is ashamed of us and turns his face away from us.”

[@kiorili]

THAT season....

[@danic9304]

Tbf - wirh regard to Barrowman (Captain Jack) he's actually Scottish American - moved to the US as a kid but still has family in Scotland and up until quite recently used to do the Christmas Pantomime in Glasgow every year - and this was the role that put him on the map as a screen actor (as opposed to musical theatre) so I doubt he broke the budget :p

[@joepegel]

Barrowman said that he could easily switch between Scottish and American accents, and he learned an English accent when he became an actor in the UK. Captain Jack wasn't originally written as an American, but Barrowman thought Jack's personality was more American than British so he asked the director if he could try playing him that way. They both thought the character worked better that way, so Captain Jack became an American.

[@pjlightning1995]

fyi, Britain and its allies said 'no' two years before America decided to join the party, and if Japan hadn't bombed Pearl Harbour, America would have never got involved at all. And boy did you charge for the help too. We didn't finish paying for it until 2006. There's no revisionist history in that episode. There's a fair bit in your comments.

[@davidmichaelson1092]

To be fair, America funneled a lot of aid to Britain and the Soviet Union. Of all people, Stalin admitted that the Soviet Union could not have held out against Germany without America's aid. America also aided China, which is why Japan attacked us. But yes...we did not get actively involved until Pearl Harbor.

[@arnothill]

This two-parter is beloved by many fans. It’s fascinating to see you both try to put together the plot points to predict what is going on in The Empty Child. Of course it will all become clear, and you’ll then think "Yeah, why didn’t I see that?" Steven Moffat, he’s a genius writer 99% of the time. He’s penned many of the best Who eps. I’m almost jealous that you’ve both got that experience to come. Gotta love it. BTW, it was Great Britain who was at war, take care not to conflate England with the whole country.😉

[@kyrauniversal]

11:50 That part hits The Doctor hard. In the first series, the official Season 1, back in 1963, The Doctor originally traveled with his granddaughter, Susan. She went to The Time War later on. He's never forgotten and never forgiven himself.

[@yzolakitchi]

Ah .. the sweet pain of a cliff-hanger episode 😁Had forgotten how Captain Jack was first introduced. Torchwood rocks. 🥰

[@RightTurnClyde]

It's not revisionist history. There was a long period between the fall of France and America's entry into the war where Britain stood alone. This is set in that period, so it's accurate

[@technofilejr3401]

22:01 This episode or the second part had truly amazing writing. Rose is a young girl born in London in the 1980’s. She is witnessing her city being attacked by the Nazis. This is stuff that she read about in history books. Then there is Nancy who is experiencing these attacks as her current events. Won’t say more.

[@playlistb3795]

This story was the point that Doctor Who really sunk its claws into me.

[@OldManFerdiad]

Fun easter egg that turns into a continuity conundrum: the hospital shown is Albion Hospital, the same sign and same exterior as where The Doctor met the Space Pig in Aliens of London. However, in the script this should be in the East End/Limehouse region of London, not Westminster or Southbank as suggested in Aliens of London.

[@Pidcaso]

i love your reactions lads! about the rose episode (1x8) you're both very right about losing parents

[@HuntingViolets]

Connie Willis, author of the Oxford Time Travel series, has a duology set in this era, _All Clear_ and _Blackout._

[@itscrossbow7637]

This episode is deemed one of the best episodes of doctor who also it introduces Captain jack one of the best characters in the show

[@dalbhuie_youtubeaddedanumber]

As many have said below, it's NOT revisionist history. Yes America did what Americans do, They turned up late for the war and made a profit out of everyone else fighting. In WW1 which ran from 1914 to 1918 they entered in April 1917. Until then they made a vast profit selling arms to France , Russia and the UK . In WW2 Germany invaded Poland in September 1939 which saw the UK, Australia, New Zealand and India declare war in the morning. Later that day France and a week later South Africa also declared war. Meanwhile American isolationists such as Charles Lindburgh argued it was not Americas war. America again did what Americans do and stayed out so they could make a vast profit selling Arms. Russia had the Ribbentroph peace plan with Germany, which saw it supply vast resources of coal and ores to germany and invaded Poland from the East. When France surrendered on the 22nd June 1940, Britain was alone against Germany. Germany with it's ally Italy and propped up by a Russia that did anything to avoid war, was indeed Alone in actually taking the fight to germany and facing the prospect of imminent invasion, against an enemy who had rolled across every opponent. Sure America supplied Briatin with arms under a hugely costly lend lease programme, which completly bankrupted the British Empire and took us from 1939 to 2006, thats 67 years to pay for. To surmise, it's not revisionist history, it's America being America and having a inward looking and very poor education system.

[@JonCombo]

They picked up Suez Canal and Panama Canal and other trade routes as a payment for aid. They considered joining Germany at one point too.

[@siegeperilous]

This episode introduces Stephen Moffat, the writer who will inherit the mantle of Head Writer in Series Five, and, in the meantime, write the Hugo Award winning episodes in Series 1, 2, & 3. So if you like this story…

[@chrish7589]

Hi guys, I'm enjoying your reaction, I remember my first time. A small bit of trivia for you. Dr Who always puts Easter eggs in almost every episode, some yes are references to the past but others relate to the future. the last episode you watched dropped an Easter egg for Cpt Jack but if you look back at it now you won't see it, you probably won't realize it for a few more seasons. As a matter of fact, I didn't realize it myself until I re-watched the series, but he is there. lol enough hints. good luck.

[@qa1327]

This two part episode is great. Kids can make good, creepy, monster like characters. Love the Capt Jack character. Great reaction as usual.

[@jennifermorris6848]

This story is very Pre-Torchwood Captain Jack. In a way this is part of the origin story you are missing from the Captain Jack saga so a lot of what you know about him is not part of his story or character yet 😉.

[@IsiahBradley]

WOW!!! I made my lunch just in time for this!!!! THANKS!!!!! And yes, there is a Whoinverse!!!! P.S. for your graphic: there is no question mark in the title (although some Doctors have been known to wear question marks).

[@HuntingViolets]

As mentioned in this episode, a lot of children were sent to the country because of the bombings in London.

[@elliedo01]

This is one of the better two parters in the whole series. Can’t wait for the second part.

[@MeatballCereal]

I love how Doctor Who can be all goofy and silly and then out of nowhere hit you with lines like "before this war started, i was a father and a grandfather. Now I am neither." Fffffuuuuuu... 😯😭

[@HuntingViolets]

You should watch _Torchwood_ in conjunction with _Doctor Who_ but not yet. After series three, I think. There is a guide somewhere. I'll see whether I can find it.

[@Which-Craft]

This episode is the introduction of Jack Harkness, and the spinoff Torchwood is later. This show tells how Jack "happened".

[@jennifermorris6848]

Oh you are in the back half. This two parter is great. The shot of the doctor’s scarred hand is often missed as he is talking right at the moment he mentions the scar at the back of the hand.

[@shaharadegan9993]

Great reaction❤ Can’t wait for the next😊

[@davidmichaelson1092]

Torchwood: Children of Earth was brilliant. And devastating!

[@evelynmejiaantillo6062]

Hello I was just wondering will you be reacting to the mini episodes of doctor who as well?

[@nupefromdaville]

Mini episodes?

[@elektrasgf]

@@nupefromdaville yeah, there are a lot of minisodes. especially in the Matt smith era.

[@nupefromdaville]

@@elektrasgf okay. When we get to the Matt Smith era we will search those out so that we don't miss anything. Thanks!

[@binrotheheretic8174]

​@@nupefromdavilleErrm - the first one is actually 'Born Again' (it's on YT) and sits between ep13 of series 1 and the christmas invasion special. Theres also 1 at the end of series 3 but for the moment the important one is Born Again.

[@R_SENAL]

@@nupefromdaville Yeah, if someone else didn't say, I would've but between most seasons of the show there is a Christmas Special that isn't always counted in the Season numbering but essential for continuity/story beats. After Season 1 episode 13 you'll get your first one "The Christmas Invasion" and should be watched before Season 2.

[@lelmdrWHO]

Jack Harkness is one of my favorite fictional characters!

[@Andy-wl6xy]

Britain was fighting the war for 2 years before America joined in. Everything the Doctor said was true.

[@swanchamp5136]

It's definitely not revisionist history, America only joined because of Pearl Harbor, the UK stood alone for quite a while. You even had some people in the US siding with the Germans (guess who they were) and having marches. During D day the UK offered special landing craft to the US but they said no and lost more troops than they needed to before even reaching the beaches. Churchill during the blitz would often dodge his security and go to the roof of a building watching London during air raids, the balls on the man. He wasn't perfect by far and did some terrible things too but was in the right place at the right time.

[@sallyatticum]

My fave post show comment to date on this episode.

[@Stuart_Cox1969]

21:10 Sorry, but your history is very one sided, and very different from reality, America came in after a couple of years, but Russia took Berlin at great cost to them, and are often credited as the winners of WW2, just like capture the flag in video games, to quote a line from a future Dr Who episode, "Think about it. Americans with the ability to rewrite history? You've seen their movies", some fans will recognize this line, no spoilers please, and your "bomb dropping" wasn't over Europe, that was Japan, Capt. Jack (John Barrowman) is actually from Glasgow, Scotland.

[@ripleyjlawman.3162]

Americans always revise history to make themselves look better, this would of course be no different.

[@stevenskogen3624]

Not even a second into the video. Just wanted to take a moment to say thank you.

[@Which-Craft]

OH yes, she did, in fact, say "Spock". :)

[@space1999]

You need to watch the movie "the darkest hour" the uk was alone for a year against the greatest war machine the world had ever seen up to then.... hitler had empathy for the british and saw them as the same as germans (northern European) on many occasions he tried to make peace and offered to end the daily bombing and destruction of the country but even then the british said no. There were some amongst them that would have gladly joined the germans but despite all, this tiny country said no....as a side note, after the war they discovered nazi plans to invade the usa starting with new york.. they were going to launch this from the conquered britain...

[@pjlightning1995]

It was definitely 'Spock' (ie Spock, the character in Startrek, not Dr Spock who was a real person and a real Dr, and nothing at all to do with any kind of science fiction.)

[@ftumschk]

Indeed, Dr (Benjamin) Spock was a famous pædiatrician, and author of best-selling books on childcare.

[@somthingbrutal]

ask your selves how often do american war movies or tv series mention or show the UK, Russia and the rest of the Allies,and the odd times they just hijack something another country did ( U-571), for example the British and Australians also fought in the pacific on land and at sea. it's just the way everyone makes this stuff. the British empire did stand alone for a while after the fall of France and Before the invasion of Russia

[@max410bery]

I BEG Y'ALL to watch Hazbin Hotel! I would LOVE to watch your commentary on that with what you guys talk about for this show.

[@cameronallan3034]

She said give me some spock

[@A7bz3LOT4AL0B]

Captain Kirks long lost son

[@joshuajoshua2732]

Captain Jack Harkness the character is american but his actor in real life John Barrowman is actually a scotsman this is his first ever appearance and this came out before "Torchwood" which i'm not a massive fan of the best of that show was the third series "Children of Earth".

[@jeanine6328]

I always thought she said Spock too.

[@andrewgwilliam4831]

She did.

[@ftumschk]

She does. In fact, Spock gets name-checked several times in this episode.

[@jeanine6328]

@@ftumschk I caught it later. Mr Spock was awesome… Dr Spock, not so much. Lol

[@peternolan5501]

I'm still sad they cut the line after the "Don't you ever get tired of Doctor? Doctor who?" line: "I prefer 'Doctor Who?' to Star Trek, thanks," as too on the nose,

[@josearroyo8008]

Are you my mummy?

[@nekobat1962]

No she said Spock. As in Mr Spock

[@kihyahouston387]

Yes she said give me some Spock

[@sarahcoleman9912]

Captain Jack!!!!

[@petrichor3947]

Hay America you just stood on the side lines till December 1941 and cashed in the help had to be paid for. Australians, Canadians, Indians, New Zealanders, Russia, Poland, China and just a few others. We had Britain’s back helping Britain win the Battle of Britain, and the fighting of the African front and the rest of the Mediterranean campaign. I think there was a little push back and America’s had a little help in the Pacific not that they would know any more these days.

[@cassidyuk]

Just keep watching. You ain't seen nothing yet.

[@UserName-vb4lg]

Lol are you guys serious that you don’t think the uk had to deal with nazis on their doorsteps two years before the us got into ww2? Are you serious. Come on.

[@jennifermorris6848]

As the spouse of a retired veteran who served for 20+ years, I think we are very blessed to have the comfort to sit in judgement of our own government and specifically the military.

[@nupefromdaville]

I am a veteran of 9 years in the service and a lifelong military brat who has lived all over the world and seen my fair share. Military episode hit different for me.

[@sarahcoleman9912]

How does he know Captain Jack but has never watched Dr.Who? Did he watch Torchwood? Weird order.

[@legendary7708]

She said Spock.

[@nzrockboi]

Jack's not american, you'll find out more in an upcoming season. The actor John isn't american either, he spent time living there but he's scottish. The f**ked up thing is I've heard John use american OR scottish accents just chatting on women panel shows.....why the hell do u need to use both accents for every day use and not one or the other??

[@R_SENAL]

...because it's fun to play with accents? That's my excuse.

[@lynnejamieson2063]

I would imagine that he does it because both accents are normal and natural to him. I’m sure he’s even said that he will unconsciously just switch to his Scottish accent if someone he’s speaking with has one as even when he adopted a US accent in his youth to avoid being picked on at school. He still spoke in his native Scottish accent when speaking to family members. So the switch has been a part of his life for decades.

[@davidcole7788]

couldnt you just laugh? you always belly laugh when its not even a laughing matter. watch your friend he laughs when its funny but he doesnt belly laugh at all. i really enjoy every other part of your reactions but your unnessecery laughing is making it hard to watch, sorry but i will continue towatch and subscribed.

[@ftumschk]

His belly-laughing is genuine. Different people react in different ways.

[@jankyteeth6213]

What heck kind of comment Is this. Anyone can belly laugh anytime these guys want to, even if it’s nothing but subtle excuse for piece of commentary. These guys are uploading and expressing their thoughts for you in public. The least you could do is thanking them for uploading these to give you their thoughts while avoiding copyright

[@R_SENAL]

It's not performative, I see it as genuine. I know from streaming on Twitch myself that sometimes, especially when you have good viewership, you have an electric feeling as you react to something, so you may be slightly heightened, but it isn't disingenuous.

[@lololee24]

Torchwood has 5 seasons it was renewed and aired on a prime cable channel for 1 season. It was really good but the last episode ended on a cliffhanger because the show was canceled, which upset a lot of viewers including myself. The season centered around Jacks blood. On the series finale Jack had to use his blood to give someone on his team a blood transfusion. Jack and I think 2 other characters from the Original BBC America show returned for the new show which I believe was shot in America.

[@binrotheheretic8174]

I think you're misremembering - touchwood only had 4 seasons on TV (i have the DVD's) - the first 3 will have been BBC America and only number 4 was a co-production with STARS. All 4 went out on the BBC (2 on BB3, 2 on BBC1) here in the UK. But most importantly please remember no spoilers.

[@lostgatherer]

it's whoniverse. if you search for it there's even an MCU like promo for it.