Hawthorne and Benton share a fragile moment
Plot Beats
The narrative micro-steps within this event
Hawthorne checks on Benton's well-being after an unseen event, and both admit to being shaken.
Hawthorne offers Benton a drink, signaling shared anxiety and gratitude amid the chaos.
Who Was There
Characters present in this moment
Shaken but composed; her vulnerability is tempered by a steadfast resolve to maintain stability amid chaos.
Hawthorne stands in the Cloven Hoof bar, her usual composed demeanor slightly frayed as she checks on Benton’s well-being. She pours two stiff drinks, one for herself and one for Benton, her hands steady despite the tension in the air. Her dialogue is minimal but deliberate, admitting to being shaken—a rare moment of vulnerability for the village’s white witch. She engages in a quiet, vulnerable exchange with Benton, her offer of a drink serving as both a practical comfort and a symbolic gesture of solidarity.
- • To offer Benton emotional and practical support in a moment of shared crisis.
- • To acknowledge her own fear and humanize herself in front of Benton, fostering trust.
- • That shared humanity can bridge the gap between her role as the village’s white witch and Benton’s role as a UNIT soldier.
- • That even in moments of extreme danger, small acts of kindness can strengthen alliances.
Recovering but wary; his gratitude and acceptance of Hawthorne’s gesture reveal a moment of trust and shared humanity amid the chaos.
Benton, still recovering from his earlier confrontation with the Master’s cult, stands in the Cloven Hoof bar, his posture reflecting a mix of wariness and exhaustion. He responds to Hawthorne’s concern with a measured tone, reciprocating her inquiry about his well-being. When Hawthorne pours him a drink, he accepts with quiet gratitude, his acceptance signaling trust in her and a momentary lowering of his guard. His dialogue is sparse but meaningful, reflecting his resilience and the unspoken bond forming between them.
- • To maintain his composure and professionalism despite the escalating crisis.
- • To acknowledge Hawthorne’s gesture of solidarity, reinforcing their alliance.
- • That Hawthorne’s offer of a drink is a genuine gesture of support, not just a social nicety.
- • That their shared vulnerability in this moment can strengthen their ability to face the Master’s threat together.
Sergeant Benton is briefly mentioned in Yates’ dialogue as he departs, with Yates cautioning Benton not to ‘cop it like …
The Third Doctor is not physically present in this event but is referenced indirectly through Yates’ departure to pursue Jo …
Objects Involved
Significant items in this scene
The two stiff drinks poured by Hawthorne serve as a symbolic and practical gift, representing a moment of human connection amid the crisis. They function as a tangible gesture of solidarity, offering both comfort and a brief respite from the tension. Benton’s acceptance of the drink signifies trust and mutual reliance, while the act of pouring underscores Hawthorne’s role as a caretaker in the village. The drinks are consumed in silence, their presence amplifying the weight of the unspoken fears and the fragility of the alliance forming between Hawthorne and Benton.
Location Details
Places and their significance in this event
The Cloven Hoof bar serves as a fragile sanctuary in this moment, a neutral ground where Hawthorne and Benton can briefly lower their guards amid the escalating crisis. The bar’s warm, dimly lit atmosphere contrasts sharply with the chaos outside, creating a pocket of relative safety. The wooden counters and tables, usually bustling with village life, now host a tense but intimate exchange between Hawthorne and Benton. The bar’s role here is multifaceted: it is a place of refuge, a site for the formation of alliances, and a reminder of the normalcy that the Master’s influence threatens to erase.
Organizations Involved
Institutional presence and influence
UNIT’s influence is felt indirectly in this event through the presence of Benton and Yates, both of whom are UNIT personnel. Yates’ departure to pursue Jo into the cavern reflects UNIT’s proactive approach to crisis management, even as it strains the organization’s resources and testing its protocols. Benton’s role as a recipient of Hawthorne’s gesture highlights the human element of UNIT’s operations, where trust and alliances with local figures like Hawthorne become critical to mission success. The organization’s goals are implied in Yates’ instructions to inform the Doctor of Jo’s departure, underscoring UNIT’s reliance on the Doctor’s expertise to counter the Master’s threat.
Narrative Connections
How this event relates to others in the story
"Yates and Jo decide to head out on their own, putting themselves at risk. This echoes the Brigadier's worry about the Doctor who also faces difficult circumstance by being cutoff from the group."
Brigadier and Benton Discuss Doctor’s AbsenceKey Dialogue
"HAWTHORNE: You all right?"
"BENTON: More or less. How about you?"
"HAWTHORNE: Shaken, I'll admit."
"BENTON: Thank you."