In “The Legend of Ruby Sunday,” showrunner Russell T. Davies brilliantly navigates through the maze of fan theories surrounding Doctor Who, particularly those sparked by the tantalizing Susan Foreman name-drop in “The Devil’s Chord.” Right from the outset, Davies demonstrates his masterful storytelling by addressing these theories head-on, leading viewers on a suspenseful journey culminating in the dramatic revelation of “The One Who Waits” in the episode’s climactic moments. This revelation not only answers some lingering questions but also opens up a new realm of mysteries for fans to ponder.
Emotionally, “The Legend of Ruby Sunday” is a roller coaster ride, balancing tender moments with heart-pounding sequences, effectively setting the stage for what promises to be a spectacular finale. The dynamic between the Doctor, portrayed by the charismatic Ncuti Gatwa, and Ruby, played by the compelling Millie Gibson, takes center stage as they navigate their way through UNIT in preparation for the season’s epic two-part conclusion.
The episode brings a host of familiar faces back into the fold, blending nostalgia with fresh surprises. Jemma Redgrave shines in poignant scenes opposite Gatwa’s Doctor, while Michelle Greenidge provides steadfast support for Ruby amidst the finale’s twists and turns, albeit with a longing for more substantial material akin to Jackie Tyler’s iconic moments. Yasmin Finney’s return adds a delightful layer of intrigue, bridging connections to past companions like Rose, portrayed with warmth and charm in interactions with Ruby.
Bonnie Langford’s return as classic companion Mel Bush injects the episode with renewed vigor, giving her character more depth and purpose beyond her ’80s origins of running and screaming. Her involvement underscores Davies’ commitment to honoring Doctor Who’s rich history while propelling the narrative forward with fresh energy.
Overall, “The Legend of Ruby Sunday” not only satisfies with its narrative twists and character dynamics but also sets the stage for a finale that promises to be nothing short of breathtaking. Davies’ intricate plotting and character development ensure that each moment counts, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the culmination of this compelling season.
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In a whirlwind entrance at UNIT, the Doctor and Ruby waste no time in embracing Rose Noble warmly, setting off a lively chain of events. Amidst the flurry of reunions, fans of David Tennant get a charming nod to Donna and the enigmatic Fourteen, hinting at previous encounters at the Noble household, firmly establishing this Doctor’s longstanding ties with Rose. Introducing Ruby to Rose adds a delightful new dynamic to the Doctor Who universe, quickly solidifying them as a favorite duo.
New and returning UNIT agents also join the fray, including the dashing Colonel Ibrahim and fresh faces like the precocious Morris Gibbons and the enigmatic Harriet, whose mysterious introduction hints at deeper connections to the unfolding narrative, reminiscent of Maestro’s enigmatic role.
The Doctor wastes no time in recapping the sightings of the mysterious Susan Twist, weaving in references to unseen adventures, even playfully nodding to a Star Trek homage with Twist’s transformation akin to a Borg encounter. On Earth, Twist masquerades as Susan Triad, a billionaire tech genius, with Davies injecting humor through the S. Triad/TARDIS anagram revelation, cleverly pieced together by the Doctor amid UNIT’s vigilant surveillance efforts. Davies doesn’t shy away from satirical jabs, subtly poking fun at figures like Elon Musk, adding a layer of contemporary humor that resonates with the audience.
Ruby posits the theory that Twist could be the Doctor’s long-lost granddaughter, prompting a crash course in regeneration—a quintessential moment for any companion. Gatwa’s Doctor vows to maintain this incarnation for an extended tenure, a reassuring note following his stellar debut season in the role.
Delving deeper into Twist’s secrets, Mel’s covert mission reveals surprising insights, notably Twist’s unexpectedly pleasant demeanor amidst her clandestine activities. However, as one mystery finds partial resolution, the Doctor swiftly redirects focus to the lingering enigma of Ruby Sunday’s origins, fueled by Morris’s astute questions about the interconnectedness of these elusive women.
The narrative takes an unexpected turn as the Doctor navigates the delicate balance of revisiting pivotal moments in Ruby’s past without triggering catastrophic paradoxes. Harriet’s perspective on recent technological advancements adds a touch of realism, underscoring the evolving complexity of their investigation. Ruby’s revelation of crucial CCTV footage sets the stage for a pivotal discovery, sending her and Rose on a mission to uncover vital clues.
Back at the Sunday residence, Carla is brought up to speed on UNIT’s unfolding drama, her inclusion adding familial depth to the adventure. Greenidge’s portrayal continues to impress, enriching the storyline with Carla’s supportive presence.
Yet, amidst the camaraderie, a shadow of foreboding descends with the unsettling behavior of Mrs. Flood, their quirky neighbor turned mysteriously sinister. Anita Dobson’s portrayal teases with nuanced shifts from warmth to menace, casting a looming threat over Cherry Sunday. As tension mounts and London’s skies darken ominously, Mrs. Flood’s cryptic warnings hint at imminent danger, leaving viewers on edge.
With stakes escalating and mysteries deepening, “The Legend of Ruby Sunday” delivers a compelling blend of emotional depth, humor, and suspense, setting the stage for an electrifying season finale that promises to leave a lasting impact on Doctor Who enthusiasts everywhere.
Meanwhile, Mel dons her spy persona and deftly snags a DNA sample from Susan amidst her seemingly candid discussion about her modest upbringing, adding yet another layer to her complex human facade. Zooming back to UNIT, we arrive just in time to witness a poignant moment of reflection between Kate and the Doctor. Their conversation delves into the intricacies of family, touching upon her father and his granddaughter, while the Doctor candidly admits to the unpredictable nature of Time Lord life, confessing his uncertainty about the identity of his children’s mother. Aware of the peril and turmoil that follow in his wake, the Doctor expresses genuine concern, yet Kate offers a reassuring counterpoint, emphasizing the joy and wonder he also brings.
Mel returns with her crucial DNA findings, confirming Susan’s human origin, despite all signs pointing to a more enigmatic truth lurking beneath the surface. Rose and Ruby rejoin the scene with the CCTV tape in hand, injecting a brief moment of levity as the Doctor humorously inquires about UNIT’s development of a time window—something he had explicitly warned against, yet predictably, it’s just a few floors down.
Descending into the time window chamber, reminiscent of a Star Trek Holodeck with its grid of lights, the Doctor and Ruby prepare to delve into pivotal moments from Ruby’s past. As they embark on their journey through time, tension mounts with the introduction of a guard—a character who, in classic Star Trek fashion, immediately seems marked for an unfortunate fate. Positioned on opposite sides of the glass, the rest of the team stands vigilant at their control stations.
Guided by Ruby’s heartfelt recollection of the night she was born, accompanied by an unexpected snowfall induced by Ruby’s whimsical touch, they activate the tape, transporting themselves into the glitchy, monochromatic recording. The nostalgic VFX pays homage to ’90s aesthetics, contrasting Ruby and the Doctor’s vivid presence against the grayscale backdrop.
However, despite their efforts to glean new insights, the Doctor and Ruby find themselves unable to alter the past or uncover fresh revelations. Emotions run high as Ruby’s heartbreak becomes palpable, tears streaming down her face in the face of yet another missed opportunity to uncover her mother’s identity. Mysterious and hooded, Ruby’s mother gestures towards an unseen entity, leaving everyone—including Kate—unsettled.
Against Kate’s counsel and his own better judgment, the Doctor dispatches the guard to investigate behind the TARDIS, a decision driven by his insatiable curiosity. Yet, this act of curiosity proves fatal as the guard disappears amidst a swirling vortex of ominous darkness, leaving UNIT reeling with uncertainty about the creature’s origin and its temporal implications.
As tensions escalate and the time window reaches its climax, chaos ensues, culminating in a violent shutdown that leaves the guard’s lifeless body as the chilling aftermath. Kate’s disappointment and disillusionment with the Doctor’s actions speak volumes, underscoring the consequences of his relentless pursuit of knowledge, even at the cost of lives.
Amidst revelations and setbacks, “The Legend of Ruby Sunday” sets the stage for a gripping season finale, where unanswered questions loom large, and the line between curiosity and peril becomes increasingly blurred.
Having exhausted their initial investigative approach, the Doctor makes a decisive move by requesting Mel to accompany him to confront Susan at Triad headquarters. However, upon their arrival, the Doctor experiences a rare moment of vulnerability, overwhelmed by the unintended consequences of his well-intentioned actions. In a role reversal from their past dynamic, Mel steps up to deliver a much-needed pep talk, encouraging the Doctor to confront the fallout head-on.
The encounter with Susan at Triad proves underwhelming for those expecting a poignant family reunion, as the Doctor searches in vain for connections that simply aren’t there. Susan, however, injects a touch of humor with a playful “doctor who?” quip before the Doctor dismantles her carefully constructed facade. As Susan hurriedly flees to address the world via live television, the Doctor’s unsettling reminder of their shared history leaves her visibly shaken.
Back at UNIT headquarters, the investigation takes a dramatic turn as they discover alterations in the recorded footage after its passage through the time window. Amidst the swirling chaos, they locate the TARDIS, emitting its signature groaning sound across time. Kate’s astute observation about an unseen presence lingering around the TARDIS sets off alarms, prompting urgent evacuation orders for non-essential personnel.
The urgency escalates rapidly as Susan’s televised appearance falters, overtaken by a sinister voice and a chilling transformation. Concurrently, Harriet Arbinger becomes a vessel for an array of malevolent entities, from familiar foes like the Trickster to ominous newcomers such as Sutekh, the god of Death. The time window unexpectedly activates, whisking Ruby back to the pivotal night of her birth, accompanied by haunting echoes of the Master’s theme.
As Susan morphs into a skeletal visage of Sutekh and the dark cloud coalesces into the fearsome winged form of the ancient deity, the stage is set for a confrontation of cosmic proportions. Sutekh, originally introduced in the classic serial “Pyramids of Mars” as a nemesis to the fourth Doctor, reemerges with a menacing presence that threatens all in its path. Carla’s moniker for the creature, “the Beast,” resonates with the Doctor’s previous encounters, hinting at deeper connections to Doctor Who lore.
The episode culminates in a gripping cliffhanger, leaving our heroes on the brink of cataclysmic peril as they confront Sutekh in various guises. The uncertain fate of Carla, Cherry, and the looming threat posed by Mrs. Flood adds layers of tension and uncertainty, underscoring the stakes of the impending showdown.
“The Legend of Ruby Sunday” effectively sets the stage for the climactic conclusion in “Empire of Death,” weaving together disparate storylines and thematic elements from throughout the season. As fans brace for the culmination of Davies’ narrative arc, the anticipation for an epic resolution to this two-part saga remains palpable.
