Chris Chibnall, the former showrunner of Doctor Who, has ignited speculation regarding a potential connection between the Doctor’s mysterious origins and a figure from the past — the Master. During his controversial era, Chibnall introduced the Timeless Child retcon, fundamentally altering the Doctor’s identity by revealing that the character is not a Time Lord but rather an entity from another universe, whose regenerative abilities were appropriated by the Time Lords.
The Master uncovered this shocking truth during his recent ventures into the Matrix, the repository of Time Lord knowledge. Outraged by this revelation, he committed an act of genocide against the Time Lords, showing the depth of his fury. Now, five years later, Chibnall has hinted at another potential link that could illuminate the Master’s rage even further.
The Timeless Child Introduced a Master Parallel
A Surprising Twist in the Timeless Child Tale
In a series of flashbacks, the Master utilized the Matrix to illustrate his narrative to the Doctor. He recounted how Tecteun, a Gallifreyan explorer, discovered the Timeless Child at a mysterious gateway, believing her to originate from another universe. It was only after a traumatic encounter with a Gallifreyan child, who attempted to push her off a cliff, that her ability to regenerate was revealed.
In an appearance on the Who Knew? podcast, Chibnall acknowledged that the boy in question could be interpreted as a parallel to the Master. However, he left the nature of the connection ambiguous, simply confirming the intention behind the character without clarifying if he is indeed the Master himself.
Wait, Could This Actually Be a Past Version of the Master?
A Shocking Rewrite of the Villain’s History
If this interpretation holds true, it would imply that both the Doctor and the Master predate the Time Lords by billions of years. The Timeless Child retcon establishes that the Doctor is extraordinarily ancient, potentially placing the Master in a similar timeline, making him one of Tecteun’s earliest subjects. Consequently, the Master might also have undergone memory alterations, similar to the Doctor, using a Chameleon Arch at some point in his existence.
This concept opens the door to profound implications, particularly when reflecting on the Master’s recurring plotlines surrounding his regenerations. The quest for immortality, first introduced in “The Deadly Assassin,”showcases the Master’s relentless pursuit of unlimited regenerations, making each instance of his desperation more poignant, especially when viewed under the light of having had his own regenerative capabilities stolen.
If the Master Knew the Timeless Child, His Reaction Makes More Sense
Understanding the Master’s Outrage
The Master’s reaction to the Timeless Child revelation initially seemed exaggerated, even for his character. However, if he believed he had been personally deceived about his origins, this would provide a more compelling rationale for his emotional response. His anger would stem not merely from jealousy of the Doctor’s significance but from a profound sense of betrayal regarding his own identity.
This interpretation adds layers to the Master’s complicated narrative, particularly in light of his ongoing struggle with mortality and the repeated toll it takes on him. If the Master had spent much of his life yearning to reclaim an immortality that was rightfully his, it would contextualize the depths of his suffering and the lengths he has gone to restore it.
Although the Chibnall era does not confirm the identity of the boy outright, it cleverly leaves this possibility as a subtext. This adds a fascinating layer to the Master’s character that fans may find compelling. While it’s unclear if this storyline will be revisited, it certainly raises valuable questions about the lasting impact of the Timeless Child retcon on both the Doctor and the Master within Doctor Who.