Doctor Who, series 10, episode 12 – The Doctor falls

About 20 years ago, in another science fiction series, Dellen was tested just to convince Kosh that she was the right person in the right place in the war that was following. The inquisitor wanted to know if the Minbari ambassador was ready to fight and die, even alone and without anyone knowing about that. Delenn passed that test with Sheridan’s help, and later they would become one of the most interesting couples in Babylon 5.

The last episode of season 10 reminded me about the episode from 2 decades ago: the Doctor also passed the test, and, further more, he also needed his friends to survive a war he mostly won.

The children he protected from the Cybermen were saved, with Nardole’s help – he stayed there to took care of them. Bill Pots became the Cybermen, with the personality mostly intact, and she stood next to the Doctor until the end. She had an unexpected help to save herself and the Time Lord, and after that she continued her trip through the Universe, as Clara Oswald and Ashildr did in the last series finale. I don’t think we’ll see them (too soon) in Doctor Who.

Master-Missy’s suicide was one of the strangest moment in the series (at least the new ones), and not such unexpected. Missy won’t return, but we could meet again the Master: he was considered gone / dead / without return before but he found his way back to stand with / against the Doctor.

The Time Lord wins the battle, but not without self sacrifice, and the regeneration started in spite his opposition. The Doctor falls only to meet the first Doctor, the original one: David Bradley, the one who played William Hartnell in the anniversary episode An adventure in space and time.

Some would say that episode directed by Rachel Talalay based on a story written by Steven Moffat is an emotional episode, others would say it’s the best episode for Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat’s departure (they will leave the show after series 10 / Christmas special episode). And they would not be (very) wrong.

Cast: Peter Capaldi (The Doctor), Pearl Mackie (Bill), Matt Lucas (Nardole), John Simm (The Master), Michelle Gomez (Missy), Rosie Boore (Gazron), David Bradley (The Doctor), Nicholas Briggs (Cybermen – voice), Simon Coombs (Rexhill), Stephanie Hyam (Heather), Briana Shann (Alit), Samantha Spiro (Hazran).