I just had a moment. After whining about it for years (and getting some tips from folks here ), I just realized that this episode is available on iTunes.
It is such a wonderful episode. So VERY Moonlightish, in so many ways, I think. And just amazingly romantic, while remaining very true to the Dr. Who feel. I loved it. Sooooo much.
that final letter? I needed a whole box of tissues, I swear... and I wanted to kick the Doctor for leaving the fireplace. He should have KNOWN what would happen. I was screaming, "NO, DON'T LEAVE!!!" but did he listen? No! Idiot.
I've now watched my very first -- and probably last -- episode of Doctor Who. I mean, what's the point after that? Everything else will pale by comparison.
I have a friend who's far more of a "Whovian"...and she says that episode was sort of a microcosm of the season. It touched on all the themes of the season, a major one of which was leaving Companions behind...
Spoiler:
And yes, the Doctor was an idiot. Madame de Pompadour should have gone down in history as an enigma...a woman who, at the height of her power and beauty, simply vanished into thin air!