Doctor Who series 15 (or 40 depending on how you count): Episode 8, The Reality War by Russell T Davies.
What to say about the end of the season before the episode is shown? Bad Wolf has been quiet. Not about the ending but the future (sic) of ‘Doctor Who’. Considering they are recording a year ahead with each season, then next year’s season has to have been recorded by now, with maybe catching up on the special effects at the moment. So why fret?
I believe addressing sexuality in the series is a necessary step. One of the British national newspapers thinks this might be a contributing factor to the reduced television viewing figures. It hasn’t been too obtrusive, but I can understand some parents might be reluctant to let their sprogs watch it or think they have to answer certain questions. Frankly, it would be easier just to leave “Doctor Who’ asexual, even in this day and age.
So we have the season finale, about to run at 70 minutes. The Ranis will have ample time to resolve the Doctor’s issues. Unlike the Master, this Time Lady is less evil but an amoral scientist, just doing things because she can and not worrying about the consequences. This time, she’s on modern-day Earth, so watch out for spoilers.
Ah! An explanation from the start of why they couldn’t get into 23rd May. The Rani are also searching for another Time Lord, Omega. Anita, the manager, is back, too. Hmmm… Time Lords are infertile. I need to think on that one. What about Susan? It isn’t like the Gallifreyans haven’t come back before. Come to think of it, there are Time Lords and standard Gallifreyans, so presumably they aren’t or weren’t, or why would Leela choose that option?
Considering the build-up, the Rani’s plot didn’t get much more elaborate, but she can return. The real problem is all but Ruby have forgotten Poppy, who has disappeared. It takes Ruby a lot of convincing that Poppy was there and to find her. Oooh! Look who came back. Yah!
What can I say, apart from a whoop! at the regeneration as being a total surprise. Your attention is on this episode all the way through, but it’s all a spoiler. Russell T brings back elements from all the Gatwa generation, except the various gods of whatever, but because he switches from the Rani’s plot to Poppy’s plot, time is out of kilter. The changing ensures the pace isn’t all one pace throughout and is alert throughout the episode. Your final words here are When does the next season start?’ This is not only a brilliant ending for Ncuti Gatwa, but it also creates an opportunity for a new Doctor to take centre stage.
The Unleashed is interviewing Ncuti Gatwa. Little actress Sienna-Robyn Mavanga-Phipps as Poppy is a scene-stealer, even as herself and is predicted to be a future regeneration when an adult. You also learn what a standby customer does.
Selecting photos from this episode is tough. So few to choose from, so have a look at the fixed clock.
I’m still in a state of shock. I believe the Whovians will spend the next few months analysing the clues to piece together the story and uncover any hidden secrets that Russell T may have left. I’m still wondering why Omega came back as a monster and why the Rani was directing giant skeletons other than for them to become cannon fodder for UNIT guns.
Come to think of it, how can Omega be the father of the Time Lords when they acquired the regeneration ability from an early regeneration doctor? Considering how the rogue Time Lords are popping up, can the Meddling Monk be far behind? We have no idea what he might look like and still have a TARDIS.
GF Willmetts
31 May 2025
