As the latest series of Doctor Who wraps up, viewers were treated to some extraordinarily dramatic moments. Central to this finale was Ncuti Gatwa‘s portrayal of the Doctor, alongside his companion Ruby Sunday, played by Millie Gibson. The emotional depth and the intensity of the show were on full display in the concluding episode, “Empire of Death”.
The terrifying reveal of Sutekh
Sutekh, a sinister character whose only previous onscreen appearance came in 1975’s Pyramids of Mars
, returned to wreak havoc once more. This moment was not just a nod to the long-time fans but also signaled a terrifying reveal that set the tone for the entire episode. As planets withered under his wrath, it became clear how imposing Sutekh’s return was.
An emotional farewell
The series finale also brought poignant farewells. At a crucial moment, the Doctor parts ways with Ruby Sunday in an emotional scene that encapsulates the heartache of their journey together. According to sources, it was during this scene that the Doctor leaves Ruby behind to live her life away from the TARDIS
. This departure mirrors past companion goodbyes and underscores the show’s recurring theme of transient relationships.
Ruby Sunday meets her birth mother
One of the significant revelations within the episode was Ruby Sunday finding her birth mother. After navigating countless perils, this personal discovery was a touching subplot that added a layer of depth to Ruby’s character development. The relationship dynamics explored here offered a fresh perspective on familial bonds through Ruby’s narrative arc.
A bittersweet memory
The Doctor, portrayed by Ncuti Gatwa, exhibited tremendous range throughout this season’s run. But it was his vulnerability in the final scenes that stood out most vividly. After sorting through complex emotional layers, he ultimately decides to let Ruby go, stressing once again that being a Time Lord comes with heavy emotional burdens.
Past goodbyes revisited
The dynamic between companions and the Doctor has always been central to the series. Reflecting on historical goodbyes like those with Amy (Karen Gillan) and Rory (Arthur Darvill), or Clara Oswald (Jenna Coleman), provides context for viewers about how each farewell uniquely affects the Doctor.
Martha Jones’ journey
The exit of Martha Jones, played by Freema Agyeman, stands as another memorable departure in the series. Although she was an ordinary med student initially caught up in extraordinary circumstances, Martha’s decision to leave left an indelible mark on both fans and the Doctor himself.
A legacy continued
Ncuti Gatwa’s tenure as the Doctor has cemented his place in Doctor Who history. His nuanced performance brings both new and long-time fans an acute portrayal of a character perpetually caught between duty and emotion.
Follow Us
