Ncuti Gatwa’s first season as the Doctor comes to an end in the Doctor Who Season 1 finale, “Empire of Death.” This episode, part of a two-part story arc written by showrunner Russell T Davies and directed by Jamie Donoughue, finds the Doctor in the aftermath of Sutekh’s reveal. Facing the death and destruction Sutekh has unleashed across the universe. The Doctor has lost his TARDIS to Sutekh, setting the stage for an episode filled with action, suspense, and mystery.
Ncuti Gatwa’s first season as the Doctor concludes in the Doctor Who finale, “Empire of Death.”
Ncuti Gatwa is incredible as the Fifteenth Doctor. His high energy is reminiscent of the Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith), but his fun and outgoing nature is entirely his own. He also embodies the kindness exhibited by the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) and is arguably the most empathetic and emotionally available of all the Doctors. The season did not shy away from showcasing Ncuti’s Doctor as deeply in touch with his emotions, and more open and honest with his companions than previous incarnations.
Ncuti Gatwa delivers a brilliant performance. His comedic timing is impeccable, constantly eliciting smiles from the audience. His singing throughout the season is joyful, and he beautifully portrays raw emotion. Ncuti’s acting showcases his impressive skills and range. In the series finale “Empire of Death,” he runs the gamut of emotions, whiplashing between hope, grief, anger, and joy.
A Doctor who is slow to Anger
This Doctor is slow to anger, but when angered, he does not allow it to consume him. There were a few instances where he was tempted by his rage, such as in the episode “Rogue” when he believed Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) had been killed. We also witness him reluctantly end Sutekh’s life in “Empire of the Death,” stating clearly that doing so went against his beliefs and principles, but he felt he had no other choice.
One interesting aspect of this season of Doctor Who was how infrequently the Doctor came up with ideas to save the day. This isn’t necessarily good or bad, but it felt different. He’s almost pacifistic at times, allowing events to unfold without intervening decisively. In “Rogue,” it’s bounty hunter Rogue (Jonathan Groff) whose technology and plan the Doctor used to entrap the Chuldur. And it was Rogue who sacrificed himself to save Ruby.
For example, in “Empire of Death,” Mel (Bonnie Langford) saves the Doctor after Sutekh reveals Susan and Harriet as his harbingers. She dragged him out and whisked him away on the motorcycle. And it was the second TARDIS, the Memory TARDIS, that they escaped in, seemingly providing the Doctor with clues and a whistle to summon his original TARDIS and defeat Sutekh. In “73 Yards,” Ruby, alone and without any advanced technology, managed to save the world. The Doctor was more reactive than proactive.
This isn’t to say the Doctor never used his alien technology or ancient wisdom. He did, just not as often as we’re accustomed to seeing. In “The Church on Ruby Sunday,” the Doctor uses his alien technology and knowledge to save the day. There were the smart gloves, referenced again in “Empire of Death.” In “Boom,” the Doctor used his faith in a father’s love and knowledge of the Villengard weapons systems to save the planet. So there are plenty of instances showcasing the Doctor’s genius. However, it does feel like this season chose to highlight the bravery and capabilities of his companions.
The story of Ruby Sunday has a Heartwarming End
The season seemingly wraps up the story of Ruby Sunday, revealing her parentage and reuniting her with her birth and adoptive mothers. It’s heartwarming and refreshing to see a companion depart the TARDIS without trauma, a rare occurrence in the world of Doctor Who. However, the lack of explanation regarding Ruby’s abilities to create snow and conjure Christmas music leaves viewers wanting more. Did Sutekh’s proximity or interest in Ruby’s birth mother trigger these manifestations? Did Ruby absorb some of Sutekh’s power? Can she still do so?
The scenes with snow and music imply a connection between these manifestations and Ruby’s emotions, always appearing when she is in danger or sad. When the Doctor, Ruby, and Mel time travel to 2046, Mel is already possessed by Sutekh. As Ruby uncovers the truth about her mother, the snow and music intensify. Suggesting a deeper connection between Ruby, Sutekh, and her unknown abilities. A possessed Mel stands in an ice pond, seemingly freezing it over, while the Doctor, standing next to her, remains unaffected.
The fun of Doctor Who lies in its whimsy and fantastical nature. We embrace the magic and suspend our disbelief. This season encourages us to believe that Ruby’s longing for her birth mother, the magic of her Christmas Day birthdate, and her proximity to the TARDIS or possibly Sutekh have manifested a magical force around her. This longing conjured snow and a Christmas carol. It’s a fun and whimsical idea, suggesting that the wishes and desires of seemingly ordinary humans can invoke magic.
Sutekh finally destroyed
Sutekh, a powerful Osirian and recurring Doctor Who antagonist, first appeared in the classic era episode “Pyramids of Mars.” Imprisoned by his brother Horus for trying to destroy the universe, Sutekh manipulates events to break free, only to be thwarted by the Doctor. His story continues in comics and audio dramas, where he escapes his fate, possesses his son Anubis, and forges alliances with other god-like beings. Despite these efforts, he repeatedly faces defeat and imprisonment. Sutekh’s surprising return in this Doctor Who season, where he is revealed to be entwined with the TARDIS, raises questions about his escape and motives.
The memory of Ruby’s mother ultimately defeats him. He cannot kill the Doctor until he uncovers the identity of Ruby’s mother, but the reason remains unclear. Perhaps Sutekh mirrors the Doctor Who fandom: we obsessively discuss the show online, desperately seeking clues about what comes next. Maybe Sutekh also craves a good mystery. After countless adventures with the Doctor, he believes he has seen and knows everything, yet Ruby Sunday’s mystery eludes him. He despises this world enough to destroy it, but not before he uncovers the drama surrounding Ruby. It’s similar to how we often mock celebrity gossip yet secretly indulge in it. Sutekh’s love of gossip may be his downfall. What is this sordid tale and why was Ruby abandoned? And like most gossip, the truth proves more mundane than he expected. Yet the attention he gives it amplifies its power, much like the Kardashians.
The Mystery of Mrs. Flood
Mrs. Flood is a mysterious recurring character in the latest season of Doctor Who. First appearing as a neighbor to the Sunday family, she quickly demonstrates a surprising knowledge of the Doctor and the TARDIS. She anticipates upcoming threats, such as Sutekh, and even hints at possessing knowledge of how events will conclude.
In a striking move, she directly addresses the audience, revealing her knowledge and dropping cryptic hints about the future. Her dialogue features references to deities and challenging a “maker,” suggesting a connection to higher powers or a cosmic role. Her appearance in the last moments of the series finale and knowledge evokes memories of Romana I, a past companion of the Doctor, and potentially the White Guardian, a powerful entity in the Doctor Who universe.
The mystery surrounding Mrs. Flood injects significant intrigue into the season. Her connection to past characters, foreknowledge of future events, and god-like references raise numerous questions about her true identity and intentions. This season’s reference to the classic era could pave the way for the return of old enemies and story arcs. Doing so could solidify Mrs. Flood’s pivotal role in the unfolding narrative.
All this to say, she was one of the more intriguing characters this season. No doubt the time between seasons will have fans debating who she might be. Perhaps her story will unfold over a few seasons, similar to River Song’s, as we unravel the mystery around her. It will be exciting to see if we get a trailer for the second season during this year’s summer cons.
I thought it was an awful finale and I was so looking forward to it. A total cheese fest. Very dull.