Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:45:28 — 78.4MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | iHeartRadio | RSS
In this Episode of Temple of Geek’s Who Review, hosts Nate and Elizabeth found Doctor Who Season 2, Episode 7, “Wish World,” to be an exposition-heavy first part of the two-part season finale. Leaving them with more questions than answers and a sense of unease about the concluding episode.
Temple of Geek’s Who Review
Temple of Geek’s Who Review is a podcast dedicated to the British television series “Doctor Who”. Here we discuss news related to Doctor Who news, trivia, deep dives, and more.
Our Doctor Who-inspired podcast is hosted by Elizabeth “Lady of Time Cosplay” and Nate “Doc In The Box”. The series also features special guests from the Doctor Who community. You can stream the podcast on Spotify / iHeart Radio / Apple Podcasts / / Stitcher / Pandora/ YouTube and more.
Podcast Discussion & Review – Doctor Who, Season 2, Episode 7, “Wish World”
The seventh episode of Doctor Who’s latest season, “Wish World,” written by Russell T. Davies, served as the setup for the anticipated season finale. But left podcast hosts Nate and Elizabeth from Temple of Geek’s Who Review feeling somewhat underwhelmed. Nate described the episode as “kind of lackluster” and stated he was indifferent to this episode when judged as a standalone piece. Especially when compared to the first season’s two-part finale setup. He felt the pacing was “all over the place or rushed”. Elizabeth echoed these sentiments, admitting that while she enjoyed it, it wasn’t her favorite of the season. She felt it was a little bit weaker than any other Doctor Who two-parter she’d seen.
A primary concern for both hosts was the episode’s heavy reliance on exposition. Elizabeth noted, “it just mostly it just felt very exposition-heavy for whatever is going to happen in the next episode,” adding there was “a lot more tell than show in this episode than there has been in the past.” This approach left numerous plot points confusing or underdeveloped on a single viewing.
The TARDIS Team and The Rani’s Team
There are a ton of questions remaining for this season. Particularly around why certain characters seem so important. Especially regarding the significance of Conrad and why the Rani specifically chose him to make wishes. Then there is the peculiar nature of the “Wish God” being a baby, the mechanics of the wish power, the timeline of events, and the creation of the pocket universe within a mysterious Bone Castle.
The hosts found Conrad’s motivations and the specific “isms” (sexism, ableism, but notably not racism) present in his wished-for world perplexing. The Rani’s shift from a traditionally science-focused character to one embracing myth and magic was felt to be somewhat strange by Elizabeth. Although Nate suggested her experimental nature might explain this transition. Her Missy-like traits, including her mannerisms and the whimsical cruelty of her wishes (turning people into violets and ducks), were also highlighted.
Nate felt that Belinda was overshadowed by Ruby and relegated to a “compliant housewife” role in the wished reality. He wished Belinda had been more prominent in driving the story forward. Elizabeth, however, found it deliberate that Belinda’s family was only introduced within this “fake world.”
Ruby’s inclusion felt somewhat forced, designed to sow doubt in the Doctor, thereby taking away from Belinda’s screen time. Mrs. Flood’s developing frustrations with the Rani and her ambiguous motivations sparked interest. Could she play a pivotal role in the finale?
The Rani’s Need for Doubt and The Return of Omega
The Rani’s intricate plan to fuel her machine with doubt, specifically targeting the Doctor’s Time Lord doubt by placing him in an uncomfortable, manufactured reality, was a central theme. Nate theorized that many of the unsettling elements, including the societal “isms” and even the reappearance of Rogue on a television screen, were deliberately designed to maximize the Doctor’s discomfort and thus, his doubt. The episode culminated in the significant reveal of the Rani’s intention to bring back Omega, a foundational figure in Time Lord history, adding another major thread to the already complex narrative. This led to speculation about who might serve as a vessel for Omega, with Conrad being a prime candidate.
Will The Season Finale be able to answer all the Wish World Questions?
Although both hosts criticized “Wish World” as a standalone episode, they acknowledged that its ultimate success depends intrinsically on the concluding part. A significant concern, however, is that the finale might attempt to resolve an excessive number of plot threads. There is the answer to Poppy’s significance, the ongoing mystery surrounding Susan, the Rani’s full plan, and the newly introduced Omega. The season finale risks an unfulfilling “Spider-Man 3” scenario when it comes to resolution.
When it came to standout moments, Nate admitted he struggled to recall specific lines or performances, feeling he was mostly “waiting for something to happen.” Elizabeth, however, did appreciate the casting of both Ranis and a particular line from Mrs. Flood: “Would I lie? Oh yes, I would, but not this time, darling.” The surprise cameo by Jonathan Groff as Rogue was also a highlight for her.
The Who Review hosts ultimately characterized “Wish World” as a “very exposition-heavy” and “incomplete story,” arguing it functions more as a prelude than a satisfying entity in itself. The success of both the episode and the season now heavily relies on the finale to provide compelling answers and a cohesive conclusion to its myriad mysteries.
Join the Conversation!
What did you think? Stay connected with us on social media for more pop culture discussions and updates. You can find us on Bluesky, TikTok, and Instagram. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for additional content.
Thank you for tuning in to the podcast. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you next time. Let us know your thoughts! Be sure to join us on our Discord Server for discussions about film and television at Temple of Geek!
