[Illusionist Lynx]

Originally Posted by Megan

There's a difference between being an elitist about something and having high standards. I, who would probably be considered part of Danny's "elitist sect," have seen only a select number of both old series and new series episodes (only the ones that Danny has been kind enough to show me). In fact, I was exposed to the new series before the old series, so I can't even say my dislike of some of the new series stuff is just residual bias from adoring the old series. I am not a die-hard enough fan to be angry with the new series for trying to be different and to distinguish itself from the old series. Not having enough knowledge of the series as a whole, I don't often have the luxury of tearing an episode apart for its inconsistencies. However, I can, as an intelligent viewer, distinguish between that which is conceptually interesting and thoughtful and that which is obvious, cheesy, and virtually unwatchable. I found Turn Left to be the latter. The writing was poor, the acting was melodramatic, the concept on which the episode was centered is old, tedious, and obvious, and it served to establish basically nothing except that OMFG surprise! The Doctor is important! Apparently RTD thought we needed a reminder that the Doctor is important. The title of the goddamn show couldn't give you a hint? He's the protagonist. It kinda comes with the territory.

Danny and the other members of our "elitist sect" may be really hardcore Doctor Who fans, but we are first and foremost thoughtful viewers of the show who have the ability to determine whether an episode is good or bad on its own and also whether it is good or bad in the context of the entire series. When rating the episodes, both possibilities are taken into account. From my observations, an episode is rated highly if it succeeds in being a good episode on its own in addition to being a relevant addition to the series. Turn Left was given a -2 because, in our humble opinion, it failed on both counts.