The Power of the Doctor - a rambling review of the 13th Doctor's final episode
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- čas přidán 22. 10. 2022
- Jodie Whittaker arrives at the end of the tenure. The final chance for Chris Chibnall to leave his mark on the franchise. How will it all end? Let's find out.
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My assumption was that the regenerating clothing was there specifically as a signal that there was something not quite right about this regeneration. I could have assumed maybe it was just a stylistic flourish they'd decided to do-but it feels very deliberate in light of the fact that the outfit *didn't* change earlier in the same story when it was the Master. That inconsistency feels like we were meant to notice it.
My initial fear was that it will turn out to be an illusion; that is, she really has regenerated into Ncuti, but he and we are seeing DT because some force wants us to. I was hoping that wasnt the case, as that would be cheating us of Ncuti's debut performance, but I've seen RTD quotes where he's outright calling DT "the fourteenth Doctor" and Ncuti "The Fifteenth Doctor", sooo...I dunno.
@@HandofOmega I read that David will be the 14th doctor for three episodes next year and then Ncuti will take over. I would rather have seen David longer than three episodes but ah well it is what it is.
@@prinzezze I'll charitably assume that McGann had other commitments that would have prevented him from doing a few episodes.
Yup. This is a weird, wrong regeneration. Signaled by the fact that the Doctor regenerated into a past form, *and* that somehow his clothes regenerated too.
My thought is that they just didn't want to show David Tennant in "drag" (even though Jodie's outfit is pretty sexless).
The moment I realised that “The Power of the Doctor” was her friends my heart melted and I was giddy with joy, the one thing the doctor has that the master doesn’t is someone to carry her back to the tardis and it was just so emotionally resonant I had a wonderful time
I'd sussed that out when the early leaks of Ace and Teagan coming back hit. It’s an extention of the end of Season 3's "Journey's End". Davros accuses the Doctor with the hypocrisy for making his companions into weapons. This gives us the flip side...some of his Companions may have a love hate relationship, but they are still devoted to him.
I adored the bit with 7 and Ace. Seven was "my" Doctor, and he's splendid to see him still unbroken.
Hear hear!
@@dashfatbastard 4's* not 3's.
I also noticed this and loved it. I have thought "so what does the title mean?" and then went "Oh! Ohhhhhhhhhhh"...
The true Power of the Doctor was the friends made along the way :')
I'm just so amazed that we got one of the ORIGINAL companions back. I can remember watching that very first episode live in my youth and getting to know Ian ... and there he still is, aged 97 and still immediately recognisable....
That's so cool to be able to recall that! I always wonder about that first generation of fans...like, did you know the first regerenation was coming or was that a complete surprise? How long did it take you to get used to it? Did you "grow out" of the show at a certain point and only get back into it later, or did you actually watch every episode up to the current day?
As to Ian, I loved seeing him, but kinda wish they'd given him a bit more to say...
I'm so glad they finally got him back before it was too late.
It was great to see him but would have been interesting to see the doctor actually meet him, meet one of their first companions
I've watched the show from that first episode. It was very emotional to see Ian! I've always watched the show, I've seen every episode. I never anticipated the first regeneration.....mind blown when that happened but soon got into the second doctor. I've got high hopes for the future of the series.
@@peterthompson1989 I think that would have broken all of us. In the best possible way, mind you, but I know I'd have been a sobbing, grinning mess if that had happened.
“I wish it was the finale of a better run of shows” is the truest statement I have heard all week.
Also: I like that while 13's final speech was nowhere near as elaborate as 11's or 12's, they still managed to sneak the obligatory line in there that makes you wonder if it's the Doctor or the actor/actress speaking.
9: "You were fantastic. And you know what? So was I."
10: "I don't want to go."
11: "I'll always remember when the Doctor was me."
12: "Doctor, I let you go."
13: "That's the only sad thing - I wanna know what happens next."
@@purefoldnz3070 That's the thing, people's views differ so some people will think that the line perfectly sums up what they love about her while others will think it's the definition of everything they hate about her
@Vesper F What was wrong with Capaldi??
@@purefoldnz3070 actually it was "That's the only sad thing - I wanna know What happens next" completed with Tag your it. It was a whole speech ppl are just focusing on the last 3 words
@@purefoldnz3070 because she had the extra time to sit on top of the TARDIS with Yaz and Ice Cream and reflect. During that conversation she accepted what was happening and realised she was ok with it
@@purefoldnz3070 because the rest of them had had their goodbyes with the Doctor Yaz hadn't. This was Yaz goodbye. Once done the Doctor asked to be alone for the rest
It was lovely seeing Ian!! William Russell will be 98 next month, so it was a big surprise to me that he showed up here. One of my favorite companion actors fun facts is that he is the father of Alfred Enoch, who was born when William was 64.
Who played Dean Thomas in Harry Potter!
(I love watching Alfred Enoch too from "How to get away with murder" to National Theatre Live 's "Coroilanus".) It was great but bitter sweet seeing William Russell especially since I'd just read on twitter that he died today.
@@julieharris4700 Might be fake those rumours.
I loved watching Alfred Enoch grow up in Harry Potter, and then seeing him in HTGAWM. It was interesting because the older he got, the more like his father he looked. Something in the eyes and the set of the chin. I'd love to see him in Doctor Who some day.
@@citrinedragonfly Maybe as a Companion?
Like Father, Like son...
Sacha Dawan made the episode to me. I hope RTD keeps him because I love watching him chew the scenery as the Master, he's the best thing to have come out of the Chibnall era imo.
I loved that we didn’t see him die or see his tardis exploded the camera just moves away
I thought he’s the worst master ever and really annoying in this episode imo
@@ryanturner9142 I can see why someone would think that the one thing I will say is he’s the only actor who seems to be really enjoying being in the dr who family over the last few years and had expressed interest in joining the show in the past
@@c17sam90 that is always a plus if they are enjoying themselves but I still prefer missy and John simm master more since they were less overdramatic and imo funnier
@@ryanturner9142 how was Simm not overdramatic?
Imo Dhawan's Master was probably the best part of the Chibnall era, and Simm's master one of the worst parts of the Davies era.
No fault of Simm's, but Davies' really seemed to have difficulty with the Master as a character. Lightning powers, really?
You're not the only one crying seeing 7 and Ace back together again.... This was the closure we never got to see in the Classic Era
Yes, and I would like some details on how they split up...Is this in continuity with Sophie Aldred's Ace novel? But yeah, 7 and Ace were the original proto Doc and Comp team that really set the pattern for what the new show would go on to do so well...
This is what was so strange the more emotional scenes were with old doctors and companions and the current Doctor and companion seemed to be pushed to back and their scenes don’t feel as strong
@@HandofOmega I thought it was tying into Love & War's ending czcams.com/video/kuwrtO_S4Wo/video.html (SPOILERS) , but have only listened to the big finish re-release and yet to read the VNA's or At Childhood's End so could be wrong
I was in bits
@@elliottnoad1270 the VNAs being referred to is a good thing.
My favorite aspect of the Whittaker Doctor is her inventor side, so I loved the nod with her fixing Vindor’s ship.
Yup. I loved it so much that I didn't even mind that she suddenly magically had the same welding goggles from nowhere that she had in "The Woman who fell to Earth". Very cool.
I loved Graham's little companions anonymous meeting. Even though I didn't know every companion who was there it nearlt made me tear up.
Fans have joked about such a thing for years, nice to see it made canon! I was shocked to see Ian, the First (human) companion there, and I really would have liked him to be given some more substantial dialouge, but overall, nicely done!
@@HandofOmega I don't know if the idea existed before but the idea of companions getting together came to me when we saw Elton's group in Love And Monsters. It just seemed like something they'd do.
Happy ace week to ya
Did you notice that there was an empty chair, presumably for Sarah Jane?
@@irrevenant3 I assume it was for Ryan as it’s Grahams meeting and he was the missing Jodie companion, because I don’t think she’s the only dead companion to pay tribute to. Perhaps Wilfred if it is a tribute?
The Master’s self loathing shows up in the s12 finale, when he’s disappointed he didn’t die when he shrunk Ashad. I always liked that, glad that they kinda followed it up.
I think he's disappointed that he didn't die as missy
@@renanfalcao912 Interesting insight. I suspect you may well be right.
I wasn't as emotional with this finale as I normally am with regenerations because I didn't feel as connected to 13. I think that's in no way Jodie's fault, she was great. But the writing just wasn't there so I didn't connect with her as much as I have with previous doctors.
Yeah I feel the same, two seasons in with Whittaker and while I like her I don’t feel the emotional connection that I did with the others.
@@qs4177it's kinda bad that I was actually glad that she was going. Sucks but I honestly was tired of this doctor
I was so shocked to see Ian again. It just feels cathartic to have someone who traveled with the 1st Doctor talk to 13’s companion.
I did not recognise him while watching. But than read it was him that is so heartwarming. The very first ❤️❤️❤️❤️. I watched many of his episodes. He and Barbara were great
@@stephjovi Did you think Dodo was a good replacement for Susan? How shocked were you by the first regeneration, or did you already know that was happening? Have you consistenly watched the show since then, or did you miss some eps here and there?
(I really feel like some youtuber (hint, hint!) should seek out the first gen of Whovians and solicit their remembrances!)
@@HandofOmega I'm 41 and not British. I watched some classic who a few years ago. And still try to find some here and there. So definitely not first generation I first watched it around 2007 when it first aired on German TV. Susan was constantly screaming so I wasn't mad when she left.
@@HandofOmega Dodo wasn't a good replacement for anyone, but it was actually Vicki who came in after Susan left, with a special two-episode adventure ("The Rescue") that was basically all about introducing her as a new crew member. I mean, I've only seen this stuff on DVD. Power of the Daleks is Troughton's first story, and I think it's really well written, and well worth anyone watching, even though it's one of the missing stories, and the DVD is a cartoon reconstruction (which some people don't like). The extras on that DVD talk about how the BBC handled the first regeneration. Basically, they publicised the story by talking about the Daleks, and just not mentioning that they had recast the lead role, plus Power of the Daleks was actually the 3rd story in the 4th season, although in those early days the show had around 40-odd episodes per season, so was only off the air for 5 or 6 weeks each year, so the "season breaks" were less noticeable in the early years.
@@HandofOmega I've been watching since 1963 when I was 11.
Not gonna lie I was happy to just have a bloody fun story drenched in fan service rather than 90 minutes of Chibnall trying to clean up all his mistakes.
Agreed. I wouldn't have minded *one* line dedicated to clarifying whether the universe got somehow restored to it's pre-Flux state or not, though.
First cheer for me? When Ace greets the Doctor with 'Professor'.
I really enjoyed the heck out of this. I did love when the “Fifth Doctor” saying “Adric” and then “ brave heart”.
Also, "I missed you." And he said it back.
I didn't really understand why he said, "Adric" here. I know when 5 regenerated he said it as an apology/sadness at a companion's death, but I don't really understand the relevance here.
@@peytonmac1131 Tegan asked the Doctor what she would be thinking about. He said Adric. Adric was a youth who started traveling with the Fourth Doctor and Romana. And Adric died, trying to figure out a mathematical lock on a bomb on a spaceship, but the ship was actually traveling in time and was part of the event that killed the dinosaurs on Earth. That incident also involved the Cybermen. Does this make it clearer why Tegan would remember him? She originally wandered onto the TARDIS thinking it was a police box, only to eventually find the Doctor and Adric, and they traveled together (along with Nyssa of Traken) for some time. As if to add salt to Adric's death, he had been arguing with the Doctor and said he wanted to leave the TARDIS. It wasn't the last thing he said to the Doctor, but it was pretty darn close.
Chibnall's era of Doctor Who has always kind of struck me as ... how to put it? "Off its ADD meds" conveys the feeling pretty well. What was the deal with the paintings, other than giving a hint to the Doctor where to search? Why is Vinder even here? Random leaps in time, random gaps in the story...all the hallmarks of what made his run so frustrating are here (except the completely oh-God-get-off-my-f*cking-screen villains from Flux, thankfully). There are a metric ton of questions that haven't been answered...
And yet, this worked for me. Yes, it draws emotion in the cheapest possible ways, but I don't even want to imagine being the kind of grumpypants that doesn't get a kick out of seeing Sophie Aldred in that jacket, hefting that bat and going "Wicked!" I really liked this episode, and for the moment, I'm really interested to see where RTD takes this next year.
Yeah, this was Flux style all over again, but for just one ep, I honestly don't know why he even bothered. The paintings were just a way to get the Doctor's attention, much like how Missy once froze all air traffic in the sky, but to lure her into his trap; Vinder was there to...be willing to actually shoot the Master, I guess? What was the deal with the missing seismologists? Can't the Daleks figure out that sort of science for themselves? Did they even rescue them by the end?? Why can't the Daleks just openly conquer Earth, they've done it before? The Master borrows a page from early 2000s villains like Loki, Kahn, and the Joker, by letting themselves be captured as part of their plan...which was just to take out UNIT. But why, UNIT isn't capable of stopping an all out Dalek invasion...and they took themselves out anyway!
Ultimately, I agree with your conclusion, but we're all still riding high from, well, just having new DW in awhile, let alone having it actually land emotionally with us for once! Let's see how we still feel about it in a few days...
@@HandofOmega I'm guessing it was to stop the seismologists from figuring out that something was happening with Earth's volcanoes and warning people. Could have been better explained, though.
@@kylejones8289 Yeah, Chibnall episodes often have this really weird quirk where they overexplain stuff that doesn't need it, and fail to provide any explanation for stuff that does.
Fun fact. Jodie is the only Doctor to be in tenure during 2 British monarchs, 3 English Prime Ministers, she is the second longest serving Doctor in terms of on screen portrayal and the first Doctor to actually have 2 hearts inside them whilst being the Doctor cus Jodie was pregnant with her second child whilst filming this episode. Just some fun tid bits of trivia to wave Jodie off with. She has been great and I have enjoyed watching her as the Doctor and I wish her all the best in all her future endeavours both in acting and in life in general. And congrats to her on the recent birth of her second child. I saw it announced a few months ago.
@@purefoldnz3070 For me, easily the worst portrayal was Seven in his first season. He was fine in his last two, mostly - I believe - because they reined the character in, making it easier for an actor of Sylvester's limited range. Even then, he struggled to convey anger convincingly, coming across as "amateur dramatic" and shouty.
@@purefoldnz3070 Being a "Shakesperian actor" isn't the same as being an actor who appears in secondary roles in the odd Shakespearian play. This is especially true when you're a comedian hired to play a jester/fool, which was the case with Sylvester McCoy as the Fool to McKellen's King Lear. I saw that production, and Sylv was great in it, but I also saw John Hurt in the same role, and he was vastly better.
Now, I'm not dissing Sylvester McCoy, whom we all love. I'm just saying that, if you want someone zany who does physical comedy really well, then McCoy is a brilliant choice. If you want someone who can do all that stuff, whilst also being able to portray a whole gamut of emotions convincingly, you need an actor with a much wider range.
the moment where yaz meets ace and tegan and gets hit by the realisation is brilliant. one of mandip's best moments and not marred by any awkward lines.
What doesn’t make any sense though is Yaz has seen Dan join so it’s not like she hasn’t seen other people travel in the Tardis.
@@c17sam90 Yeah, but she hasn't seen the *aftermath* of travelling with the Doctor: ie. being left behind and having to live through decades of mundane life without the Doctor.
@@c17sam90 Yeah, but Graham and Ryan chose to leave, whereas, based on what Ace and Tegan say, they didn't exactly.
@@klop4228 did Yaz really just think it would never end though
@@c17sam90 it's enough that she hoped it wouldn't end
This was definitely my favorite finale by Chibnall, and one of my favorite episodes from his era overall. Didn't change how I felt about anything that came before it, but at least the era ended on a high note.
In regards to Whitaker de-generating into Tennant, I think it was the best option available to RTD when presented with doing the 60th AFTER Whitaker was going to leave. The alternatives were having a new doctor star alone, which wouldn't feel like a climactic celebration of everything that came before, or having a multi-doctor story featuring the new doctor, which would be hard to follow and wouldn't give Ncuti the spotlight he deserves for his first real episode.
Technical point: Tennant is apparently canonically the 14th Doctor, and he definitely seems up-to-speed, so it's a new incarnation not a de-generation.
So much happened in this that it's hard to sort my thoughts on all of it, but damn Sacha Dhawan's Master was such a stand-out. I love how over the top he is, and while he's campy there's still great moments of characterization. Realizing because of the Timeless child reveal that he wouldn't be who he is without the doctor and that it's literally impossible for him to achieve "being the doctor" because he just is "less" (in his eyes). And that ties in perfectly with this insane plan of just hijacking the doctor's body. (I guess you could even argue that the Timeless Child thing is what undid Missy's progress who wanted to finally stand with the doctor but the found out that there's no way for them to be equal). I also loved his dynamic with Yaz and when I saw him running around as the doctor I thought I could watch a whole show of that, too.
He definitely did steal the show from the doctor a bit for me, but I'm not complaining. If I can get more of this master in the future I will gladly take it.
I thought it was out of character for the Master to want to be the Doctor and not wanting to be himself. The Master is supposed to think of himself very highly so much so that he should have dominion over everyone and everything as their master. Someone who thinks of themselves as being "less" doesn't call themselves something like "The Master" that just isn't backed up by previous Masters or Missy. So it felt like a betrayal of his character to me.
@@mummra4ever Personally I was okay with it - hijacking the Doctor's life from the inside seems like exactly the sort of power play he would make (and I loved "I am the Doctor and you will obey me!"). If it bugs you though, bear in mind that different incarnations of Time Lords have different personalities, so you can write that off as a quirk of this particular incarnation.
Something I liked was how the doctor went outside to regenerate. FINALLY has the doctor realized that exploding inside a super advanced space-time ship might not be such a great idea.
Yes! The Doctor has learned more control over when the regeneration kicks off and has/choses less control over the actual process, so it’s about time to start considering the poor Tardis. Unless the Tardis likes the energy and doesn’t mind the makeover?
@@andurilcuivie It seems like kind of a design flaw too. Time Lords regenerating inside their TARDISes is pretty foreseeable. I wonder if the newer models of TARDIS include the capacity to absorb it better...
I think the fact Tennant looked at his clothes directly. There has to be more to this regeneration.
idk,but I hate the fact that we didn't get Tennant wearing 13's costume
@@jvictor001 That's because something's off here. Clothes don't really change during regeneration
well duh
@@blackphoenix77 I like to think the 10th Doctor's fashion is so damn good it morphed with his biology and became a part of himself
True since they don't usually change clothes during regenerations
I’m so glad Jodie got to go out on such a strong note! In retrospect I really respect what she was trying to do as the Doctor. She was so venerable with none of the bluster past doctors used to mask their pain and insecurities. She didn’t always say the right thing but she listened and was always honest with her Fam. Even using that term Fam instead of companies showed that she was, for the first time since Susan, willing to be part of a family again, as well as all the joy and heartbreak that comes with being emotionally honest and venerable with someone.
The part that hit me hardest was definitely the little group at the end. While the Doctor takes her last quiet moments to herself, we see something that made me happier than almost any other meeting of companions than ever before; just them coming together and bonding over their shared experience, and being able to laugh and mourne in such a unique way but in a way that's so normal and human, not to mention I smiled when I saw Jo, joyfully chuckled when I saw Mel, and genuinely gasped when I saw Ian. These people, the friends and loved ones left behind, they are the power of the Doctor (which I'm also glad they opted not to literally spell out in the dialogue). And that was the perfect note to end on before having our last moment with 13, with a stunning view, beautiful use of her theme and the most wonderfully playful last line.
Chibnal's era has been a mess, but this special reminded me that he is capable of writing good Doctor Who. And it also left me very much sad to see Jodie Whiattaker leave the part and desperately wishing she'd had a better run of series
"Tag. You're it" Is such a great line. It's perfect for her Doctor.
There were a lot of good lines here, and yes, that was one of my faves!
it captures the childishness and carefree spirit of her doctor. loved it.
Really? I thought it was dumb and childish and shouldn't emotionally resonate with anyone like I couldn't understand how it would. People will defend it saying that Jodie's doctor and the doctor in general has always been a bit childish but previous writers (and apparently not Chibnall) knew that even Doctors who were particularly childish like Tom Baker and David Tennant couldn't have such childish last words to go out on and had to have something that would resonate with an audience. Even David Tennant's last words "I don't want to go" might sound kind of childish but that's in a good way of pulling on anyone's heart strings who is attached to his doctor. "Tag you're it" just isn't the same and not anywhere near as effective or memorable.
@@mummra4ever Idk what to tell you, but I've heard a lot of people praise that last line, so I think it did 'resonate with an audience. So, it's fine if you don't like it, but there is an audience besides that who did. Yes, it's different... it's not a poignant, sad goodbye or anything... But in my view, it fits her Doctor so well, and I can't see her last lines being anything else.
It affected me, and I will certainly remember it.
@@alicec1533 Well I guess it's yet another thing I find myself disagreeing with a considerable amount of people on then. Then again while it might be appropriate for her doctor I think that's why it didn't really work for me since her doctor hasn't really resonated with me personally because I don't think the writing for her has been particularly strong for her sadly. Not that she would, in fairness, be the first doctor to have that problem like Colin Baker's doctor for example.
Ace coming back just made me wish we could have even more. Sophie Aldred has such a charisma.
Honestly, I'd watch a whole show of just ex-companions sitting and sharing stories.
The ultimate spinn off ❤️
I heard an interview where Sophie Aldred said she was wearing her original Ace jacket in this episode. Apparently when the show went on extended break, she requested and was allowed to have the jacket.
The meeting at the end was an interesting concept. Most of the companions of other Doctors have likely never met. I liked the line wherein they pondered "how many Doctors are there?". There is a lot of implication to that line.
Still really bugs me that Nu Who will acknowledge Ian Chesterton, but not Susan.
@@pious83 Susan might have been back on Gallifrey she might be on another planet who knows. Maybe she grew old with her hubby had half breed children and he's either in his late 80s or dead so she probably moved on. I'd love a Susan spinn off to see what she's up to. But it's complicated the way she ws left behind. Hey you're a women you met a guy, just met him but I'll abondan you on a planet that's not yours go get married have some half breed kids see what it's like to live with someone who ages way faster than you
@@stephjovi My issue isn't that she wasn't at the meeting. But Nu Who has yet to acknowledge her existence, at all. We've even been to Gallifrey for several big stories since the Revival. Yet the Doctor's own granddaughter hasn't been so much as referenced.
The Master disguised as Rasputin dancing to Ra-Ra-Rasputin was probably the best Doctor Who scene I've seen in years.
I do agree that knowing Tennant's run is limited, has not only made it more palatable, but excited to see what they do with it.
Yes I like that but I also expect some people complain that it should be a complete run and I am prepared to roll my eyes because it would be a disservice for Ncuti.
Honestly i kind of want him to flip between the regenerations that we saw at the edge instead of a 1 doctor thing
Like make it some specials and you could face some interesting conflict
I'm so happy that you liked this story so much! I know you've wanted to like Whittaker's run for so long. I just saw the special via Amazon Prime, and it was, for me, perfect and brilliant. So many in-jokes and references that didn't detract from the plot, but that made me smile. The Master's brief interactions with Tegan and Ace were brilliant! The Master in general was brilliant, as was the Doctor. And I also cried with Sylvester and Sophie. McCoy is *my* Doctor, and he and Ace are *my* team TARDIS, and so finding out finally how Ace left, and having her get to apologize and him get to apologize, it was so wonderful! I cried at the end as well, when I realized what Graham and Dan were doing, and saw just who was sitting there. I cried seeing Ian there, and hearing him speak. Getting William Russell back for that little cameo was so lovely! And Jo! And Mel! The only thing I think that would have made me cry more would have been for one of the Bannerman Road crew to be there, too. I know this won't be for everyone, but it was for you, and for me, and a lot of the fans of older Who as well as Whittaker's run, and it was FUN. We differ on opinions of the 13th Doctor's era, but I will agree that if more episodes had been structured as carefully as this one, it would have been a stronger era (I loved it and think it's good overall, so for me that would just be turning good into great). And Kate! And the parachuting into the TARDIS! There were so many moments that made me squee while watching.
I'm not too thrilled about the regeneration into Tennant, either, but what's making it work for me is the fact that the Doctor thinks something's wrong. They realize this isn't supposed to happen. So I'm assuming the 60th will focus on that, and then we'll get a proper 14th with Gatwa. But no downers! Not for me, not right now. I am happily celebrating that every companion in the Chibnall era left on their own terms (more or less), and accepted that it was time to move on. Companions chose to move on rather than having to be forced out. And the Doctor's final words were brilliant, and completely fitting for Whittaker. Such a beautiful end to a wonderful episode and wonderful run.
Once, I got to meet Sylvester McCoy, and I told him why I will always have fondness for his Doctor, because the day I met the person who would become my husband, he invited me to watch the final episode of "Remembrance of the Daleks". I was in the UK, and it was the very first airing. (Yes, I'm decrepit.) And there we were, sitting on a beanbag in front of a telly while Sylvester McCoy was covered in Christmas tree lights. I guess I owe that Doctor.
I loved this finale, I watched it twice already. The Master was very camp and his plan was such a wild combination of throwback ideas and high stakes (also like the idea that the entire timeless child revelation was something that shook him so hard that he felt inadequate and had so much self loathing in comparison to the doctor that he schemed to take their body Valeyard style)
I loved the older companions coming back, their dialog with their doctor/holograms. The regeneration was absolutely gorgeous! And seeing David back just makes me curious for what's next. (His clothes being changed makes me wonder if something else is interfering with this regeneration)
Wonderful time to be a Who fan, this
And by 'watched it twice already' do you mean 'watched the Rasputin scene on loop'? ;)
Oh no wait, that's me. 😅
Yes, the story is a mess, but every emotional beat works and there are so many good bits here:
I love that Chibnall let companions just leave.
There was no brain melting or forcing them to leave.
All the 13th's companions acted like grownups.
Wether on purpose or not, Chibnall gave us enough, that we can head canon away the timeless child, if we want (and I do want to)
I'm going to miss Jodi. Her era was hit or miss, as they all are, but she was a solid Doctor.
It was so nice to have a Doctor that liked being the Doctor.
RTD sometimes got away with plots that were a mess because his characters were strong enough to make you not care. This might be as close as Chibnall has ever got to pulling off the same thing.
This was definitely my favorite installment of Jodie's era, and I say that as someone who genuinely loved these seasons more than most. I, too, had several problems with how it was written over all, but I have had very positive emotions towards the whole thing so far, and this episode just blew me away. The pacing felt good, it kept me guessing (and guessing wrong), they didn't mash up the story too much by having the Daleks and Cybermen there because they focused so much on the master. It had me crying (especially because of Ace and Holo-7), and just seeing Ace again was already enough to have me overjoyed, as she is my favorite companion. 13's (second/third?) regeneration blew my mind, and it has left me with so many questions, but despite how much I love how it turned out, actually my favorite part of it was that it wasn't very sad. In fact, it was kind of happy, like it showed that She was really ok with it, and excited to see who she would be next, and it got me feeling the same way (aided by the fact that I had only seen the "14" 'th doctor by name, having avoided the announcement as much as possible until a mere few days before this episode). I thought the acting was well brill all around, and I will say the Master's portrayal here really sold to me this incarnation. Up until now I have had wavering feelings about it, but it just worked so well here, and everything he did made me uncomfortable and I *loved it*! I also loved his mis-matched Doctor outfit, and the whole idea of him making the Doctor forcefully regenerate into him, for several reasons but especially this: When playing the role of the Doctor, much like how Missy was making fun of him way back when, he sought to imitate her, by taking a companion with, by "going on an adventure" or saving a civilization or something, because that's how he really saw her, but he really missed the point of what the Doctor was really doing. The Master has never really understood the Doctor's reason for seeking friendship, nor what it really meant to have made a friend, even when they tried to (in the case of Missy it really was going quite well, but there was obviously still some kind of disconnect with actual friendship), barring, of course, the Doctor and the Master's relationship itself. And that the Doctor would make friends everywhere she went, that she couldn't even help it, being the reason the Master's plan failed like that was so poetic and wonderful. And the other Doctors showing up as holograms and in their collective regeneration mindscape, bantering all the while? I mean, I'd always loved to imagine that sort of situation going on in their head, and was so wonderful to actually see! Wow, I loved this episode so much!
Why was this episode called "The Power of the Doctor"?
What happened to Rasputin?
What was the deal with the paintings being altered *and* disappearing?
And most importantly, does the Mona Lisa still have "THIS IS A FAKE" written on its canvas?
Also, was the Doctor-Master's celery real?
The Power of the Doctor is her friends, its never explicitly stated but I mean, the Doctors companions save the day in this one when The Doctor is out and are responsible for The Masters defeat ultimately.
The paintings don't go missing, they get taken down for touch ups because Rasputins face is on them but the museums won't tell people that hence Aces conversation with the museum person at the beginning and the defacing of the paintings themselves? Well considering Kate calls the Doctor in only due to the paintings and the seismologists going missing and The Doctor is key to The Masters plan, I would say The Master defaced them so The Doctor would take notice and try to help so he could kidnap her and do the forced regeneration.
To quote 10… “WHAT??”
I can testify to how well the old doctors and companions interactions were: i've never seen any episode with Ace or Tegan, but both of those made me get choked up. I have no emotional attachment to any of those actors except that I know their roles in the show, but man, I knew that if I'd seen any of their episodes, I would've been crying, for sure.
"Why is Jo Martin's TARDIS a police box?"-I assume she landed in 1960s Britain and the chameleon circuit got stuck. :)
They did Ryan dirty.
i wanna bet chibnall asked him to come back, but due to tosin's schedule he probably wasn't able to.
He could have shot a Cyberman with the gun the Doctor gave him and said, "Haha, Call of Duty mate" in his wooden acting.
Sarah Jane was introduced in 2006 to me and got me to watch classic. So I’m really hoping that both Teagan and Ace will do that for this era of new who
A small thing: I'm absolutely delighted that Ace said, "Last time I saw you, you were half-cat."
"A man's allowed to experiment" was a great comeback to that, too. xD
My prediction is that a running theme of the 'Tenteen Doctor', however long he's around, is going to be about hour 'you can't go home again', I think it maybe just a way for Russell to make a statement that he cannot approach the show the exact way he did before.
Technically, this is his THIRD run as the Doctor, as 10, 11 AND 14! Apparently, RTD is now calling Ncuti 15...
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Seriously.
Hate to be *that guy*, because I didn't... Sadly. Tried to go in with an open mind, I swear. Like, I wasn't focussed on the hang-ups of wrapping stuff up. In fact... I think the reason why a lot of this didn't work for me, was because of that, almost? Like I didn't really care for the lack of closure, because half the stuff I didn't *care* about in the first place - and by that same token, I didn't... Really care about any of the appearances in this episode itself.
The classic era stuff I'm unfamiliar with; the Chibnall era stuff I've always wanted to like, but pretty much all of the characters have been so flat that I can't care either. Thus, it was kind of just watching people run around in chaos...? I think if I did care about one or the other, maybe this would have made it enjoyable to me but... Ultimately, it doesn't work when half the people you're unfamiliar with, and the other half are kinda just cardboard cutouts to you (sorry, that's a bit harsh, but yeah) because what you're kind of left with is a really messy story. Like a really messy one... Lots of just random ideas that surface but aren't really explored within the episode to any satisfactiory conclusion, that keep intercutting each other. And a lot of those ideas WERE interesting (the Master forcing her regen? cool!) but not explored properly: just raised, then dropped, or sustained but not developed, which just felt frustrating to me.
I liked Sacha's performance, though. I wish there could have been more focus on him, personally. Also liked Yaz's goodbye, actually. She really grew on me, and I feel like that's partially just the *idea* of her rather than the actual character but yeah.
(... ALSO, mentally? I know I'm trying not to touch the Tennant thing. It pisses me off that he's "14", regardless of how they play it, but I'm gonna try to keep an open mind because I do want to put my faith into whatever RTD's vision is - maybe it'll be worth it, in the end. Do hope so! Ncuti looks bloody great in the teaser.)
My husband and I had the exact same reaction. I think there's plenty of ideas that were loose ends from previous episodes that could have played into this episode's story and strengthened the motivations for a lot of the unexplored ideas that seemingly came out of nowhere. They could have been grounded in the setup that we already have but is not fleshed out enough to be good, but alas, we just had all of those dropped for good and just more unexplored ideas.
I think David being back before Ncuti is good... I think it's cool that we'll get to see Davis allow His Doctors to pass teh torch to each other
It was great to see Paul McCann again. In fact it's always great to see Paul McGann. But the fact he was included in such a significant episode further cements right's status in the canon, although he's always been there for me.
Should have been cements his status in the canon🙄
I loved this episode. For whatever reason, the whole personality of Jodie Whittaker’s Doctor just clicked with me in this episode (I just watched it last night). She’s honestly in my top ten Doctors now.
I enjoyed this one probably more than any other 13 episode. Ace getting her goodbye was the cherry on top.
I'd kinda expected the re generation would give us a shock return of Donna - just imagine the reactions - but hey, more 10 will do fine.
On the head as always!
Really enjoyed that, I hope it doesn't fade with time
as someone who has only seen the new era, i got teary eyed at the classic companions and doctors reuniting, such a great moment
*Chibnall:* "I told you Mr. Baker, I sent you the email, I gave all the living Classic Doctors the invite, you gotta check the spam folder!"
Are we going to talk about how Jo Martin appears as a hologram but not as part of the merge Doctor consciousness and what that implies?
Given how many other Doctors don't appear as part of the merged consciousness (including multiple who are alive and available) I would say that anything you think it implies about her it also implies about a ton of others. Which is why I feel it implies nothing.
@@CouncilofGeeks That would be fine if she didn't appear in the episode at all like the other alive Doctors who didn't appear, but she did which makes it even more confusing to me.
Chibnall already stated in DWM that the mystery of the timeless child and the fobwatch wasn't ever going to be answered. He added it in to "add mystery in the show", his words not mine.
It'll never be brought up, RTD won't mention it again.
I find it so funny that I’ve only watched one full episode of Doctor Who in my life but I ran to watch your review 😂
I love the idea that the power the Doctor has is their companions-very cool. Does anyone else want to see an Ace and Graham Defend the Earth miniseries? Also want to see more Jo Martin-Moffat could write a time paradox episode that ends up making her from the future instead of the past.
Personally I'm happy to just imagine further Ace and Graham adventures. The nebulous possibilities seem better than anything they could put to screen.
What do you mean about Jo Martin? Why would you want a paradox episode that makes her from the future instead of the past? That would fit basically nothing we've learnt about her.
I feel like part of the reason he never ended up doing anything with The Timeless Child arc was literally because of the intense and immediate backlash from a huge swath of the people who watch Doctor Who. Most people, even diehard fans, really REALLY hated it as a plot element and part of the Doctor's backstory. It ruins the mystery of the Doctor and turns them into a completely different character and it also exists as a bastardization hybrid of the Brain of Morbius plot hook and the Cartmel Masterplan from Classic.
I mean, we could also theorize that he was told to shelve the idea from the higher ups at the BBC following the episode's release and reception - but we'll likely never know if that was the case.
A retcon that I’d really like to see in the future is the idea that The Master is the Timeless Child. I feel like it would really complicate their relationship in an interesting way. The Doctor’s entire existence is owed to the awful things that were done to this child. It could also be a neat way to retroactively make the continued reappearance of The Master “work better” from a logistical point of view.
I actually thought it was cool that the Timeless Child tied back to the Brain of Morbius thing, but thematically yeah it really sucks. Flux and this did build on the fact that the Doctor had a life before Hartnell (this one to a lesser extent, albeit), but I agree that it's probably better off left as one of those huge sci-fi retcons that never resolves because it's dumb lol. Into the bin with the Paradigm daleks and the eye-goop monsters
I just realized that, in addition to TTC, the whole fuss over Time is also never resolved, either...Didn't Time tell the Doctor that she was going to die soon, with no hope of regeneration or something like that? But yeah, TTC is worse than a bad idea, it *actively damages* the DW property, which is why I disagree when some say it should just be ignored. This is FAR greater than the Doc being half-human, this NEEDS to be actively retconned away, in order for the show to work as it once did...unfortunately, I think RTD will probably feel the need to not step on another showrunners' toes, and will, at best, just ignore it.
I haven't even watched any classic who, and the little scenes with Ace, Tegan and their doctors got me emotional
(Also, sorry for implying that you don't exist on Twitter just now, my bad😅)
7 and Ace's era is great... if you've never seen classic who be prepared for the low production value but you'd love their chemistry
I think you have summed up how most of us probably felt. I did feel good after all these years, and I too enjoyed jodies final line.
I never watched classic who, but I still loved seeing all the faces. I loved the interactions between Tegan and Ace and their respective doctors. I loved how clearly emotionally loaded it was for them. You didn’t have to know anything about classic who in order to enjoy those moments and to feel the weight of them. I LOVED that we got to see Jo Martin again. This is my favorite episode from Chibnall’s run 😂😂😂 it was so so so bad, and this last farewell doesn’t make up for that, but I’m glad to see all of them go out in such an amazing way
When Rasputin said "We could call this the Master's Dalek Plan - or the Daleks' Master Plan" I was hoping he'd found the lost episodes...
I cried SO much when the classic companions returned (especially when they got closure with their Doctors)! It was definitely as you said a cheap move but it absolutely worked. And I actually liked the writing in those scenes as well! Completely surprised and I think it was the best part of the special (although overall, pretty great as well!)
Just as an aside, you may know of the mess in Britain at the moment choosing a new prime minister. Boris Johnson coming back was being considered, I saw a tweet which was just a picture of Johnson with the words "Doesn't he look tired?".
If you liked Ace and Tegan in this, I recommend both of their Dalek episodes, or Earthshock for Tegan and Curse of Fenric for Ace.
If you've never checked out classic Who, they're great places to start!
I watched the seventh Doctor at the time but I've never gone back to watch all the Original Who but definitely feel like I want to
Vera has done a review of Earthshock and I remember her mentioning that she's not a massive fan of The Curse of Fenric.
I totally loved Tegan in this, it's totally her.
I recommend ghost light as well for Ace, it tackles her trauma and it’s overall a great serial
Thanks!
The Master taking over the Doctor's body, "rewriting" it so to speak, reminds me of when The Master rewrote whole of the Earth in The End of Time.
Honestly I think one thing I adore about this special is that pretty much all the fan service was actually set up to be tied into the story.
Example, I loved how in the doctor’s sub conscious the first one she meets is her first incarnation (Harnell’s doctor,) and then the 8th. (paul McGann.).
While I’m not super familiar with the with the 6th and 7th doctor. What I love is its fan service but thematically its set up beautifully since those points were incredibly important for The Doctor’s life. I always hated mindless fan service so them actually setting it up to have a place is honestly awesome!
I really enjoyed this. I didnt really care that the Timeless Child stuff wasn't dealt with - as you said, it would have muddied the already packed plotlines. Everything was dealt with nicely, and Jodie's doctor bowed out in a great way. I would hope that we get some kind of explanation as to why we had the David Tennant regeneration (maybe something to do with the fob watch hidden in the Tardis?) - but not overly worried if it doesn't. Nice little surprises all the way through - LOVED Tegan and Ace, and also liked that the companions weren't killed off, possibly leaving the door open (Hello RTD!!) to bring them back at some point. Sasha's Master was insidious and crazy - and I loved that!! Also kinda unhinged (more than before we could say) Is this the last we see of the Master?? What say you? All in all - an enjoyable finale. Well worth the extra 24 hour wait in Australia.
I adored this episode. I was smiling all the way throughout. It was a great romp and a really great conclusion. And what a loveletter to the show, past and present. All the little moments, the returning characters, and the big stuff, like the Master’s wacked out plan. I LOVE this incarnation of the Master. I hope to see him return, but part of me thinks that he’ll regenerate after the ordeal he put his current body through.
"Doctor Whoever-you-are: tag! You're it." was a beautiful line to end on!
Yes yes yes!
I just finished the episode and raced here to hear your thoughts, and YES!
Since the 11th doctor i didn't really enjoyed the show (yes, I know you loved Capaldi, i didn't. There were some good episodes but it didn't really affected me like it used to), but this episode really stroke a chord. I tried to avoid spoilers, so I don't know what was kept secret and what was known, but seeing the old doctors AND the old companions.... MAN THAT WAS GOOD!
And of course the last bit caught me by surprise. I knew Tennant is coming back for the 60th, had no idea this is how it will go down. Talking about a jaw dropped! Loved it!
In an earlier vid you mentioned you were concerned that in this episode we will see Ncuti and than immediately afterwards we'll see Tennant again, which will be unfair for any new doctor, and that was a very solid point. At least now Ncuti's doctor will not be overshadowed by Tennat, so that's a clever way to avoid it...
Anyway - Yes yes yes!!
Loved this episode, loved your (sort of) reaction to it (as always). Yes!
After seeing both yours and Jessie Gender's reviews on this episode, I kind of want to see you two talk about it. You both have so similar and yet so different takes but somehow still arrive in the middle.
I have seen at least 1 or 2 episodes of each classic doctor (obviously I have seen more but at least 1 and 2 well not many) and when I saw David Bradley I started to scream with excitement but when mcGan came out I was almost crying because just a week ago I started listening to his stories on Big finish (at least the ones I find on Spotify) and he became my favorite doctor with Smith and yes, he needs at least a mini series or something in live action
I've always said that he should get a miniseries...but I hadn't realized till now just how much he's visibly aged past how he looked in his previous performances. Unfortantly, I'm afraid they've left it too long, and that time has now passed...
I cried a little bit when 7 and Ace were talking to each other. I was 13 in 1987 and watched them at the time. What a moment. Chibnall smashed this one out of the park. 👍🏻👏🏻
I'm so glad you enjoyed this episode as much as I did I was a bit annoyed things in his era got left but like you said it was worth it for this episode the best of this era thank you for the video as always
honestly as a noob to the classic series i will say i did enjoy the moments with Tegan and Ace with their respective Doctors, i felt like with just those scenes alone i really got to know them, and that's sort of the important thing to have in such a huge episode with these characters, maybe i didn't tear up but i did smile as they where happening
I haven't gotten around to watching classic era Who yet, but the stuff with Ace and Tegan definitely still got me going. Like I knew who they were, and had a vague knowledge of how their departures went, but the acting, and how emotional they were making the moment made me cry.
a lovely review thank you
18:26 "I had detached from the baggage of this era."
30:20 "I'm feeling a way that I wish I felt more during this era, during this run."
This right here. This explains why I enjoyed this episode so much. I was talking to my girlfriend shortly after this episode finished and I remember saying that this was the first time in a very long time that I was having legitimate fun watching Doctor Who again. Now of course there are other reasons, Sacha's Master being one of my favorites and a highlight, the sweet (albeit somewhat cheap) nostalgia tugs, the revisiting of the Cyber Masters (which I still think is a really cool concept), etc. But the fact that it's almost completely untethered from the Timeless Child, the lost memories, Division, and all this other needless baggage that weighed this era way the hell down, and instead just tried to have a fun finale with some neat concepts, it really made me happy. Was it messy? Sure. But let's be honest, Doctor Who is pretty messy on the regular. This was really good, credit where credit is due. At the very least, I can say this era had a good bookend.
Also, side note, can we talk about how the Daleks plan in this episode was such a Classic Who style plan? Like, using volcanos to wipe out humanity? They even have a cartoonishly big drill! It just really felt like a Classic Who idea and I love it for that.
How long before Ashildr/Me or Captain Jack find their way to one of the support group meetings?
The one thing I found kind of amusing about the regeneration scene is how shallow it makes Yaz look. At the very end The Doctor is like I’m going to change now and Yaz is like bye and Doctor is like bye. And all of this is code for “Yaz you don’t fit into our plan for next year so bye”.
That was so odd! Nothing says Yas *has* to leave, plenty of companions have traveled with two Doctors...I felt like I missed something!
@@HandofOmega it’s because she isn’t coming back they had to write her out and if she had seen the new Doctor and went bye it would have made her look so shallow and stupid to an extent she couldn’t see it. What I would say doesn’t work is the ice cream that should have been the Fam. And they all decide to leave at once to give The Doctor space because the Doctor says I need to be alone.
I've hardly seen any classic who (or big finish) but those moments still felt impactful for me. You can tell when something means something, even if you're not entirely sure why - and that can be emotionally impactful.
One of the first things I told my friend after I watched this episode was, "I enjoyed my favorite thing again, I'm so happy."
this episode has kinda given me a new found appreciation for this era and I kinda finally understand what Chibnal was going for. because the thing he he wasn't super focused on story, it focused more on the relationship of the doctor and her companions. this doctor is like a friend who has alot of baggage and is very closed of because of it. she still cares and loves them as much as all the other companions but she holds them at arms length so she can focus on them being able to keep going. I think it also speaks that she is the only new who doctor to not have a companion exit the tardis under horrible circumstances. this is one of the first regenerations that is more of a quite moment and it really matches this doctor. the ice cream chat with Yaz i think is this doctors definding moment. I know we give chibnal shit for the whole timeless child thing but it's not as if it was his original idea. and this also gave me a new appreciation for the Dhawan Master. I used to hate him as it felt like they were just ignoring the Missy arc. but now I understand him. the Master is like an addict and this was his relapse, but at the same time all the anger and rage from finding out about the Doctor. I think it speaks that he wanted to be the Doctor. because the Missy arc is still in him, there is a part of him thats ashamed of what he's don't, he doesn't want to be him anymore. I've seen this doctor as like the modern version of the 6th doctors era. a jumbled mess with bad episodes and pretty different kind of doctor. but just like the 6th doctors era I think now I can appreciate what this series was going for. I never thought I'd say this but... well done Chibnal
I agree with the first part of your message (it's no that the second part is bad, it's just that I've loved the Master for this era since the beginning ^^). After watching this episode I thought "I think I finally understand who this Doctor truly is. This is it". I also thought the minimalistic regeneration was extremely well done, fitted for this character and what this episode needed. I also noticed that all the companions had survived and since I didn't always appreciate how death was handled in Doctor Who before, I thought that was a nice decision. This era still has its faults but this episode made me very happy and emotional and especially gave me a lot to think about.
@@nady2296 Iagree. Sasha is on of the best parts of this era but Missys my favorite and I didn't like that the Master's back to there old thing without a good explanation for it. and I used to think he was a glaring Simm ripoff. but boy was I wrong
That scene between 7 and ace was my favourite scene (along with the master dancing to ra ra rasputin, if they hadn't have done that I'd have been disappointed), it got their relationship so well, they went with the falling out option (the time war kind of prevented the other option) but I like that 7 was like a parent who even though they fell out he was always proud of ace and never stopped loving her as his adopted daughter and had one last word of wisdom when they made up. I'm so glad that they did ace really well as she is my favourite companion and her and 7 are my favourite companion pairing.
Master dancing to Ra Ra Rasputin >>>>> Master dancing to Here Comes the Drums, don't @ me
Ace and Tegan are both on my Top Five Companions list, and I was sooo looking forward to seeing them both.
@@WiloPolis03 The Dalek and Cyberman sharing a 'what the hell is happening?' side eye just made the scene
It was a lot to take in, but by the halfway point I felt more invested. I like that they finally did something with the idea of "visiting old favorites." I feel like I missed a lot, so I'm going to watch it again. Overall, I really liked it!
Oh my! When I saw your review come up I swallowed hard, nervous and dove in. I don’t agree a lot of what you have said during the thirteenth Doctor era. But you summed it up - I have rolled with it. So rather like the surprise to you of enjoying the story, I thoroughly enjoyed your review. So glad Thasmin and the timeless child were put in a box, tied with a bow and thrown into the vortex. I loved the call backs, old Doctors and companions- IAN! Sasha was brilliant - call backs to Aunt Vanessa and Kate's father being an idiot - viscous and so funny. the Boney M Rasputin number and Dalek/Cybermen looking at each other had me in stitches. His multi Doctor outfit was brilliant down to the recorder. I think Yaz had her best ever episode and probably so did Jodie. It built up to the bittersweet farewell on top of the TARDIS. I will say this was the most beautiful regeneration ever and the brilliant 13th dr theme. if nothing else the Chibnall era has looked gorgeous. Final lines were fitting and, no, clothes regenerating is not new - 1st to 2nd did it and Bakers boots changed to Davisons shoes. Good to see in the trailer that Gatwa is wearing Tennant shirt and tie. Here’s to the 60th. I so wanted the first part to be on New Years Day. Good look here’s to the future and may all your gripes be little ones 😅
When I indignantly (and, turns out, mistakenly) pointed out on twitter that the Doctor's clothes regenerating into new clother along with them "never happened before" , I got well-actuallied and indeed, Tom Baker apparently regenerated new shoes, and William Hartnell regenerated a whole new outfit when turning into Patrick Troughton...this was, however, the first ever on-screen regeneration aaaaand it wasn't even called regeneration at the time! So there! * crosses arms and pouts *
Haven’t watched yet(the review), but I enjoyed it in spite of itself. This version of the master is incredibly engaging.
I just came here after watching Jessie Gender’s review, in which she wonders how you were going to feel about the episode. Both you and her surmised my feelings quite well. Basically “what!?” like Tennant says. A mess of an episode but enjoyable. I’m not familiar with classic Who, but I can tell how important those moments with the old companions are, and I’m always happy to see fans get enjoyment out of franchises they love. That regeneration scene, on a cliff at sunset, what beautiful cinematography, something positive that did come out of Chibnall’s era, even as it lacked in writing and lore, the show had never looked this gorgeous. I love Tennant, he will always be my Doctor, but this stunt better pay off. I’m a bit cautious about it. Still, like you said, we already know who the next Doctor is, so we know this is temporary. As always, I want to like Doctor Who, like you, so I’ll wait and see. I will miss Jodie, and always be sad for what her era could’ve been with better writing.
Vera... Thank you for a great review of the episode.
I admit that I do not always share all of your opinions, but in this case, your comments almost exactly echo my own thoughts and feelings on this Finale.
Without getting too much into the "Chibbers-bashing"... I just wish he could have produced more episodes like this.
At first, I was a bit put off by the frenetic pace, and it really felt like he was going to try to shoehorn too much in... in the end, for me, he got away with it (but it was a fine line).
I think your point about "not addressing the loose ends" was exactly right... if he didn't have the time to do it properly, he was right not to attempt it at all... That is something that future story writers could come back to.
For me, the "Power of the Doctor" has always been their ability to inspire, and encourage... and help people to get to their own solutions... so the episode not only had exactly the right title... it was also absolutely the right message for any particular regeneration's finale.
At first, I felt the same way as you, about Dan's exit... I believed that "The Power of the Doctor" rested with the companions (and Dan seemed a bit of a waste in this episode). However, I think it did make sense in the context of the whole episode. I do, however, feel that Dan was a bit wasted throughout his time - but that's a separate thing.
Regarding the "distance" we may have felt, regarding Jodie's Doctor, I have rationalised it this way:
Accepting the "Timeless Child" situation, and Jo Martin's Doctor being immediately before Hartnell's incarnation, we have a situation where Jodie's Doctor has regenerated into being female, after hundreds of years of being male (and not having any memory of being anything else). Maybe her character was written in such a way, to give substance to the idea that it was a big change for the Doctor, and not just the audience!? And so, she had a lot to process, personally (including the Timeless Child stuff itself), without all the other hubbub that was going on during the "adventures".... making her even more distant towards the companions (and the audience).
The real World reason for a "regeneration" back to DT, seems to be to grab back audience figures. I shared your concerns about it happening, in terms of the story.
Not only do I agree that as a short term thing, it might be ok... I also think that the whole "forced regeneration" and subsequent "degeneration" could be used, in story, to explain it... also, bearing in mind that it looks like the "Celestial Toymaker" will be around in the near future... maybe he has had something to do with it (including the regeneration of the clothes, too!?!?)... Perhaps it's all some kind of illusion - and in fact, the Doctor did regenerate into Ncuti after all, but is being made to think otherwise!?!?
Anyway - thanks again for a great video!
Chibnall gets an A for effort on this one, but there are plot holes that pulled me out of the episode. I don't know why a third of it was set in Siberia. The fact that the weird alien disguised itself as a little girl is an unnecessary detail. I don't think Vinder really needed to be in this episode, and I think it might've been better that Graeme didn't show up until the end.
On the other hand, Sacha Dhawan is owning his part once again. Mandip Gill is acting her arse off towards the end. The lone Cyberman is still cool. Jodie was actually better in the part than ever before, and the episode was very energetic overall.
I thought it was a mixed bag, but I'll tip my hat to the fact that Chibnall blew his creative load on it.
Shame Polly couldn’t appear, I feel like she was the only other classic companion they didnt Show Where the actor is still alive and they’d still be on Earth in Contemporary Times. As well as Benton & Yates actually.
He doesn't "become" the doctor, though. He just gets her clothes. He's still the master, he still has his personality and thoughts and memories.
As I said on Tumblr, I was entertained, underwhelmed and disappointed at the same time. I also had a feeling that the Timeless Child nonsense wasn't going to be brought up; I doubt that it'll ever be mentioned again.
Just seeing the classic doctors back was enough
I LOVE McGann "I don't do robes"
I commented yesterday that one thing about Chibnall's writing is that never sits on the peak of the bell curve.
I loved the moment when the hologram-doctor talked to Tegan and mentioned Adric
I was worried as well about Power of the Doctor. And I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it and how much it reminded me of the old days with Russell T. Davies as the showrunner. But that had me thinking. In The Writer's Tale, RTD writes about how during his tenure as showrunner, some of the scripts that came in would need some work, and he would do rewrites as a ghostwriter, not putting his name on the episode unless the rewrites were so intensive that he would be required to receive a writing credit. Since RTD is taking over Doctor Who, and this episode reminded me so much of his style of episode when he worked on the show, I just can't help but think he's a ghostwriter on this script but has allowed Chibnall to have sole credit since this is his swansong. I have no way to prove this, and I'm sure everyone involved, if it's true, will take that secret to the grave. But if it is true, that certainly explains a lot. As for me, I'm not emotionally invested in the idea that Chibnall couldn't have written that script without Davies' help. If he did, I'm glad he was able to give that gift to Jody on their way out. But I suppose I would rather believe Chibnall couldn't have written a script like that on his own than believe he had the ability to write scripts like that the entire time and simply chose not to.
He *might* have done that, especially since it's for an episode transitioning to his era. But the episode felt very Chibnall to me in execution. I suspect that the similar feels are mostly down to (1) Chibnall has never been afraid to reference the show's history in building his stories (some people find this derivative, I mostly just find it an appropriate inclusion of the show's setting and style), and (2) It's a big, epic end-of-era finale looking back on the modern era so far so hits similar beats to _Journey's End_.
They've confirmed that it's going to be a series of specials with Gatwa taking over at the end of 2023
I'm not pleased with Chibnall's performance. Why couldn't we have more of this type of writing from him? He did nothing in the first season, then wanted to make something large, then do nothing with it. He had so much potential to write a terrific story and squandered it. Having stated that, This episode was fantastic.