The tenth series of Doctor Who has come to a close with two episodes called “World Enough and Time” and “The Doctor Falls.” Since the show-runner Steven Moffat is leaving, it should come as no surprise to learn that it has had important consequences for the franchise as a whole, particularly since the actor who plays the Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi is leaving as well.
What Did We Learn from the Season 10 Finale?
The finale saw the Twelfth Doctor responding to a distress call from a Mondasian ship along with his companions as well as the current incarnation of the Master. There, they encounter the Mondasian Cybermen, which they are forced to defeat if they wish to save the survivors on the ship. As usual, the Twelfth Doctor prevails, but in doing so, he is forced to pay a price.
For example, Bill is shot by the pilot of the ship before being converted into a Cyberman by humanoid figures who claim that they can save her. Fortunately, she manages to hold onto her personality, meaning that she is capable of contributing to the final victory in spite of her new and unwelcome state. Better still, Bill is rewarded by being converted into the same sort of existence as Heather, who has been monitoring her the entire time, meaning that the series ends with her in a body that can shape-shift into her old appearance as well as a chance to explore the universe with her new companion.
Meanwhile, the current incarnation of the Master, Missy, meets up with one of her past incarnations, with the result that she is forced to choose between either returning to her previous path or continuing on her present path. In the end, she chooses to side with the Twelfth Doctor when he asks her to help, but she does so much too late, with the result that she is shot by her predecessor after having stabbed him. It remains to be seen what will happen to the Master as the franchise continues, but it seems probable that the character will return in one way or another.
As for the Doctor, he manages to defeat most of the Mondasian Cybermen by creating an explosion with assistance from his companions. He survives, with the result that Bill and Heather move him to the TARDIS so that they can say their goodbyes before leaving. As the Twelfth Doctor wakes, he begins to undergone regeneration even though he is determined to suppress it, which is when he meets David Bradley making an appearance in the role of the First Doctor. What will happen remains to be seen, but it is sure to prove interesting.
What Can We Expect from the Future?
At the moment, we know that Steven Moffat will be replaced by Chris Chibnall as the show-runner for Doctor Who. For those who are unfamiliar with the name, Chibnall is an English TV writer who can claim some significant successes to his name, as shown by his status as head writer on Torchwood as well as the much more recent Broadchurch. As a result, it seems clear that he will be bringing plenty of expertise and experience to his new role, which should come as welcome news to those who are nervous about the change of leadership.
Unlike the show-runner, we know nothing about who will be replacing Peter Capaldi in the titular role of Doctor Who. There are rumors that Phoebe Waller-Bridge will be the one to take up the position, which would be an interesting change of pace from previous choices. However, we won’t know for sure until more information is released to us, though we can expect to see the transition from the Twelfth Doctor to the Thirteenth Doctor not too far in the future.
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