Doctor Who review: Conflict Theory explores the Sixth Doctor and Peri on a deep level
By James Aggas
The Sixth Doctor and Peri need help in their relationship, and only Sigmund Freud can help them, in the brilliant Doctor Who story Conflict Theory.
Out of all the episodes from Doctor Who: The Sixth Doctor and Peri Volume 1, Conflict Theory was definitely the one I was most looking forward to. Because it was written by arguably one of, if not the best writer for this particular duo: Nev Fountain.
Nev Fountain is a consistently fantastic writer in his own right, no matter which Doctor, companion, or even villain he writes for. His stories are often hilarious, bonkers, clever, and character-focused. Conflict Theory definitely features all of these.
Having the Doctor and Peri undergo therapy is both a simple and brilliant idea. Both characters have their flaws, and this episode recognizes that fact. But more importantly, it’s clear that Fountain wants to explore each of their flaws in full. When the two travelers are forced to confront some very real personal truths, they have to ask themselves: is it possible for them to continue traveling together? Or have they reached the end of the road?
Colin Baker’s and Nicola Bryant’s characters of the Sixth Doctor and Peri are explored in a fresh way with this episode.
(Photo credit: Doctor Who/Big Finish Productions.
Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)
More from Winter is Coming
- For All Mankind finally gives us information in Episode 405, “Goldilocks”
- Watch a stunning VFX breakdown of The Wheel of Time season 2
- Of course Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon) thinks Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen) should rule Westeros
- Confirmed: The Last of Us season 2 will air in 2025
- Final season of Star Trek: Discovery will have “a lot of action, a lot of adventure, a lot of fun”
Psychological analysis
One thing that leaps out about this story – beyond the in-depth character exploration, that is – is how it’s told. Both the Doctor and Peri are telling a pair of Sigmund Freuds (it makes sense in the story) about one of their recent adventures. So essentially, we get a strong non-linear aspect to this particular episode.
Not only does this kind of storytelling provide a fresh way of telling the audience your average Six and Peri adventure. But it also helps to deepen the level of character exploration for both of them. For example, the Doctor reveals that someone died during their last adventure. Someone with an extremely important name that reveals a lot about the Doctor and the many relationships he’s shared with his companions…
Conflict Theory is a great way of rounding off this box set. It’s a story that combines humor and excellent ideas with fresh character exploration of the Sixth Doctor and Peri – exactly what you’d expect from a Nev Fountain story. While I’ve enjoyed the box set overall, Conflict Theory definitely stands out as its strongest entry.
Next. Why I won’t be dating outside the fandom. dark
Do you want more stories of the Doctor and his companion being examined on a more psychological level? Should the Doctor even be examined by a psychiatrist in the first place? If you’ve listened to Nev Fountain’s stories before, what’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.