In a thrilling twist for long-time fans, Richard E. Grant’s Doctor has made a surprising return to Doctor Who. This return in the form of a holographic cameo has left the fandom buzzing and wondering where exactly this version fits into the Doctor‘s many lives. Previously seen in the 2003 online adventure Scream of the Shalka, Grant’s animated Doctor was intended to follow Paul McGann’s Eighth Doctor but was later overshadowed by Christopher Eccleston’s portrayal during the 2005 revival.
Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday‘s seemingly peaceful visit to a Regency-era ball in season 14’s episode titled Rogue unexpectedly turns chaotic when they encounter shape-shifting aliens and are attacked by bounty hunter Rogue, played by Jonathan Groff. At the climax, when facing imminent danger from Groff’s laser pistol, the Doctor triggers a holographic display showcasing past incarnations, including Grant’s rendition.
This revelation questions Grant’s place in the canonical timeline of Doctors. Paul Cornell humorously commented on Instagram with a promotional image of the animated adventure and a nod to Grant’s line from Withnail and I.
It’s still ambiguous as to where Grant’s version fits within the Time Lord’s intricate lore. While some speculate he might be a pre-William Hartnell incarnation or akin to Jo Martin’s Fugitive Doctor, his tragic past involving Gallifrey raises more questions about his exact placement.
Connecting to Classic Storylines
The latest hologram inclusion is not an isolated case of Davies’ creativity with continuity. Neil Patrick Harris’ Toymaker in the 60th Anniversary Special also altered established retcons, merging old and new narratives seamlessly. One fan even speculated: I sense that this is a tease about the return of a First Doctor villain that has been theorized about by fans. I look forward to this
.
A Fun Twist for Fans
Though initially disregarded by Davies due to his dislike for how Scream of the Shalka portrayed the Time Lord, Grant’s Doctor is now part of the official canon. Despite raising myriad questions about deeper lore, it’s an engaging addition that resurrects a forgotten gem from the so-called Wilderness Years.
The Return of Familiar Faces
This isn’t just about Grant’s holographic inclusion. The Regency-era episode isn’t complete without mentioning Indira Varma shedding light on her character, the Duchess of Pemberton. The grandiosity and drama draw parallels with immersive historical experiences like ‘The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience‘. With guests vying for attention amid elegance and potential threats, it’s no surprise this episode stands out in Season 14.
A Look Ahead
The return of Grant leaves open possibilities for revisiting his character down the line. As Paul Cornell pointed out: The explicit references to cosplay and fandom within this season finale only added to the meta nature of the series
, suggesting that fans might see more such nostalgic characters brought back with new vigor.
The future seems rich with narratives waiting to intertwine past adventures with present journeys. New episodes drop every Friday on Disney+ and BBC iPlayer, ensuring that fans worldwide remain captivated by every twist and turn.
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