Review: Doctor Who, Season 1 Finale, “Empire of Death”

Spoiler Alert! In this episode of the Temple of Geek Podcast, hosts Nate and Elizabeth dive into the season finale of Doctor Who, “Empire of Death.” Join them as they share their thoughts, analysis, and theories about the episode’s highs, lows, and everything in between.

Temple of Geek’s Who Review (Podcast)

Calling all Whovians! Temple of Geek’s Who Review is your one-stop shop for all things  Doctor Who. Join hosts Elizabeth “Lady of Time Cosplay” and Nate “Doc In The Box” as they delve deep into the world of the Doctor. This Doctor Who-inspired podcast tackles the latest news, trivia, and in-depth discussions about the show.

The series also features special guests from the  Doctor Who community. You can stream the podcast on Spotify / iHeart Radio / Apple Podcasts / Stitcher / PandoraYouTube and more.

Doctor Who, Season 1 Finale, “Empire of Death” Recap

In “Empire of Death,” the Doctor (Ncutie Gatwa) confronts his ageless enemy, Sutekh the Destroyer, who has unleashed a deadly wave of dust threatening to annihilate all life in the universe. The Doctor, Ruby, and Mel barely escape the initial onslaught, but their world lies in ruins, with loved ones like Kate Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) seemingly lost to the dust.

The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Mel (Bonnie Langford) in Doctor Who “Empire of Death”

Meanwhile, Sutekh, desperate to discover Ruby’s mother’s identity, uses Mel as bait to lure the Doctor and Ruby back. This sparks a desperate race against time, with the Time Window tablet offering cryptic clues. Eventually, the Doctor, Ruby (Millie Gibson), and Mel (Bonnie Langford) uncover the truth about Ruby’s parentage, a revelation with significant consequences.

Ultimately, the Doctor must confront Sutekh and find a way to reverse the devastating effects of the dust, restoring life to the universe. However, this confrontation leads to a moral dilemma for the Doctor, forcing him to question his principles and the true meaning of victory.

While the episode resolves the ongoing mystery of Ruby’s mother and features Sutekh’s defeat, it also leaves many unanswered questions and explores themes of loss, memory, and the enduring nature of hope. The ending is bittersweet, with the Doctor acknowledging the sacrifices made and the enduring impact of Sutekh’s actions.

“Empire of Death” Review

In a spoiler-filled episode of the Temple of Geek Podcast, hosts Nate and Elizabeth dissect the Doctor Who season finale, “Empire of Death.” While both enjoyed the episode, they also found it slightly underwhelming, noting missed opportunities. Firstly, they delve into the episode’s structure and pacing, speculating that it was initially planned as a three-part finale. Secondly, they analyze the Doctor’s emotional state and actions, drawing comparisons to his previous incarnations.

Furthermore, they critique some plot points, such as the explanation for Sutekh’s mind control and the inconsistent level of detail in explanations. Additionally, they discuss the revelation of Ruby’s ordinary mother and its implications, along with theories about the identity of Miss Flood. They also explore the significance of Sutekh’s presence throughout the Doctor’s timeline and potential future storylines involving the Pantheon of Time Lord gods.

Kate Lethbridge Stewart (Jemma Redgrave) in Doctor Who’s “Empire of Death”

Moreover, the hosts express excitement for the upcoming Christmas special and season two, highlighting standout moments like the emotional scene between Ruby and her mother. They also share theories and predictions for the future, including the possible return of Romana and the exploration of the Doctor’s origins. While expressing their love for David Tennant, they hope his return to the show isn’t rushed.

In conclusion, the hosts reflect on the season as a whole, acknowledging its role in setting up future storylines and its appeal to new fans. They briefly touch on the potential for a UNIT spin-off and the return of Osgood.

Join Nate and Elizabeth for a lively and insightful discussion of the Doctor Who season finale!

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