Doctor Who season 14 concluded with an epic confrontation between Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor and the formidable Sutekh, setting the stage for numerous discussions in the wake of the explosive finale. Following an astonishing revelation that Sutekh had been dormant within the Doctor’s TARDIS since the iconic 1975 episode “Pyramids of Mars,”the season finale opens with Sutekh initiating a cataclysmic plan to annihilate all life in the universe. Although he initially seems to prevail, both the Doctor and Ruby Sunday devise a strategy to counteract Sutekh’s impending genocide that echoes the infamous Thanos of the Marvel universe.
The Fifteenth Doctor discovers a surprising chance to entrap Sutekh, realizing that the villain has possessed Mel’s body. By leveraging Sutekh’s intense curiosity about Ruby Sunday’s mother, the Doctor manages to ensnare the dreaded being, leading to the collapse of the so-called Empire of Death. As Sutekh meets his end in the Time Vortex, Ruby uncovers the name of the woman from the church on Ruby Road, ostensibly wrapping up her own narrative arc.
Who Is Mrs. Flood In Doctor Who?
Mrs. Flood Is Still A Big Mystery Heading Into Doctor Who’s Next Season
A significant enigma remaining after season 14 is the true identity of Mrs. Flood. Her role in the finale, “Empire of Death,”which showcases a chilling encounter with Cherry Sunday, casts her in the light of a potential antagonist, and indicates her familiarity with Sutekh’s impending resurgence.
In the closing scenes, donning a striking white outfit, Mrs. Flood evokes speculation that she may be the White Guardian, a figure from the Fourth Doctor’s era. As the finale progresses, Flood disintegrates alongside Sutekh’s Death Wave but not before alluding to her “true name”and expressing unfulfilled plans. This dramatic reveal hints that she may emerge as a pivotal figure in the upcoming season, possibly even the principal antagonist.
“Empire of Death”strongly suggests that Flood embodies a godlike presence, as her assertive taunt to Cherry Sunday implies a confrontation with divine authority. Flood’s reference to her “plans”underscores her proactive role rather than that of a mere spectator in the cosmic tableau involving the Doctor, hinting at a grudge that has yet to fully unfold.
The Truth Behind Ruby’s Mother Explained (& Why She Was Important)
Annoying Anticlimax Or Terrific Twist?
One narrative thread that received closure in season 14 is the identity of Ruby Sunday’s biological mother. The reveal demonstrates that Louise Miller, who gave birth to Ruby at 15, is an ordinary person with no extraordinary connections to the series lore. Due to her difficult family circumstances, Louise chose to place Ruby for adoption, ultimately leading to a naming choice that resonates through the series.
Cosmically speaking, Louise Miller held no grand power, yet due to the beliefs of the Doctor, Ruby, and Sutekh, she emerged as a significant figure in their narrative. This concept reflects the idea that belief can shape reality, akin to wars and faith shaping lives throughout history. As long as the characters considered Louise significant, she became so.
However, the show’s explanation of Ruby’s mother lacks coherence. “Empire of Death”does not adequately discuss why Ruby’s memories manifest as physical snow or how Louise escaped detection previously, suggesting that belief itself may hold the answer but still leaving fundamental questions unresolved.
Susan Twist Was Playing Sutekh’s Angels Of Death
Every Planet Gets A Twist, Thanks To Sutekh
In season 14’s penultimate episode, “The Legend of Ruby Sunday,”the true nature of Susan Twist’s character is established, culminating in the finale “Empire of Death.”Sutekh harnessed his extraordinary abilities to forge a living entity and manipulate the TARDIS’ perception filter to integrate Susan Twist’s incarnations within various timelines.
Each time the TARDIS traveled, a new Susan Twist character was placed within those settings, prepared for activation upon Sutekh’s anticipated return. He refers to these Susans as his “angels of death,”yet none possessed knowledge of their true purpose. Importantly, the identities of the Susans were authentic, with genuine lives created through Sutekh’s manipulation of reality, offering them real narratives despite being technically fabricated.
Furthermore, one of these Susans seems poised for future appearances in season 15, with Kate Lethbridge-Stewart offering her a job at UNIT, the familiar organization that protects Earth.
For instance, in the “Space Babies”episode, the Doctor lands on Baby Station Beta in the year 21506, where Sutekh places a Susan character. The TARDIS crafts for her a backstory as the station’s former communications officer, Gina Scalzi, complete with a lineage and employment narrative.
Upon Sutekh’s revelation, Scalzi transforms into an “angel of death,”unleashing devastation across the planet Pacifico del Rio. The collective impact of Sutekh’s “Susan army”distorts history and affects lives and realities the Doctor had no prior links to, even erasing concepts such as knowledge itself.
Sutekh’s capacity to extend his influence over time and space, revising history with each encounter, was foreshadowed in the 60th-anniversary episode “The Giggle,”where the Toymaker discussed warping the protagonist’s timeline. Sutekh, being superior in the Pantheon hierarchy, logically wields greater power, facilitating the deployment of sleeper Susans across varied timelines.
Once Sutekh’s Death Wave is reversed, the Susans return to their normal lives, as suggested in “Empire of Death.”Specifically, Susan Triad finds herself in line for a role at UNIT, emphasizing her qualifications derived from her origin as a philanthropic technologist with a knack for innovation. This could lead to significant advancements in the TARDIS technology, as long as Colonel Ibrahim can manage her caffeine intake.
How The Doctor Defeats Sutekh In “Empire Of Death”
A Rope, A Spoon, A Glove & A Whistle Bring Down The God Of Death
The Fifteenth Doctor’s method for vanquishing Sutekh evolves throughout “Empire of Death.” In the initial escape from UNIT headquarters aboard the Memory TARDIS, the Doctor is at a loss as to how to confront the deity of death. Only after improvising with a spoon to fix the time machine does a rudimentary strategy begin to take shape when the Doctor glimpses memories of Ruby’s mother.
The pivotal breakthrough occurs when the Doctor discerns that Sutekh has taken over Mel’s body, revealing his voracious desire to uncover the truth about Ruby. This insight allows the Doctor to play on Sutekh’s curiosity, leading Ruby to within striking distance of the monstrous entity, ultimately capturing him with a molecular leash. Notably, the Doctor utilizes an intelligently designed glove from a previous Christmas special to hold this leash, emphasizing the micro-level grip on their foe.
The introduction of a whistle adds another layer to the Doctor’s toolkit, drawing on long-standing traditions in the show of sound-based devices, particularly those communicating with the TARDIS.
Before delivering Sutekh’s final blow, the Doctor reverses the casualties inflicted by the God of Death, employing Sutekh’s powers against him. As the very essence of Sutekh brings life back to all that had perished, the Doctor inadvertently revives Gallifrey and its Time Lords, hinting at a possible return of the Time Lords in future arcs.
Is Sutekh Really Dead After Doctor Who Season 14’s Finale?
Don’t Count Sutekh Out
Sutekh’s descent into the Time Vortex gives the impression of finality as he seems to dissolve into nothingness. However, questions linger about whether the God of Death can truly be vanquished, even by the immense power of the Time Vortex. Future seasons of Doctor Who could easily concoct a narrative to facilitate Sutekh’s return.
Interestingly, “The Giggle”may have already hinted at a means for Sutekh’s potential escape, involving the split TARDIS given to David Tennant’s incarnation by Gatwa’s Doctor. This may allow for a fragment of Sutekh to exist within that alternate time-traveling vessel.
Why Ruby Leaves The TARDIS At The End Of Doctor Who Season 14
Ruby’s Time As Doctor Who’s Companion Comes To An End… Maybe
The finale of Doctor Who season 14 sees the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday parting ways, though the reasons behind their separation remain somewhat ambiguous. Unlike previous companions who experienced partings fueled by anger or romantic interests, Ruby appears eager to continue her adventures, only to finally realize that her time alongside the Doctor has reached its conclusion.
The narrative suggests that Ruby’s life is transitioning as she seeks to reconnect with her biological parents, indicating a renewed focus on family and a conclusion to her own journey through time. This mirrors the story arc of Susan, who, after finding love, shifted her focus away from the TARDIS. On a deeper level, Ruby may have initially joined the Doctor’s expeditions due to an emotional void from her mysterious upbringing; her connection to the Doctor diminishes now that her personal history is being addressed.
Will Millie Gibson Return In Doctor Who Season 15?
Millie Gibson’s Doctor Who Future Is Uncertain
Discussions about Millie Gibson’s future in Doctor Who have sparked considerable intrigue, both prior to and during the airing of season 14. Her character, Ruby Sunday, either seemed primed for longevity given the tradition of first companions in new eras of Doctor Who, or conversely at risk of abrupt departure as rumors circulated regarding her replacement by Varada Sethu.
RTD himself substantiated claims that both Gibson and Sethu would share companionship roles in season 15, but the emotional farewell scene at season 14’s conclusion complicates this narrative. Given the BBC’s official stance, it seems likely that we will see Millie Gibson in the upcoming season, albeit possibly in a reduced capacity as Sethu takes over as a more central companion.
How Doctor Who’s Ending Sets Up Season 15
Some Subtle Teases Can Be Found
The finale “Empire of Death”may signal the end of Ncuti Gatwa’s initial season as the Doctor, but it remains enigmatic in terms of what lies ahead for season 15. While it preserved some surprises, the finale did leave subtle threads tantalizingly open for speculation regarding the Doctor’s future.
A major hint comes from the unsettling moment at the end of the episode, where Mrs. Flood directly engages with the audience, ominously predicting that the Doctor’s journey will culminate in horror. This moment reframes viewers’ expectations, suggesting that the Doctor is entangled in a much larger cosmic conflict than previously understood. Could this be an early warning for the darker themes to come in the next season, or part of a broader narrative strategy employed by Russell T Davies?
Furthermore, despite Ruby’s apparent departure, her storyline with the Doctor appears incomplete. The emotional bond forged throughout season 14 could still evolve, especially with the introduction of a new companion named Belinda, portrayed by Varada Sethu, indicating a period of transition within the TARDIS.
Add to this the 2024 Christmas special, “Joy to the World,”which reintroduces the Doctor in festive fashion but offers only cursory glimpses into season 15’s plans. Fans were quick to notice a peculiar briefcase associated with Villengard—an entity with rich historical resonance in Doctor Who lore—hinting at deeper narratives at play moving forward.
In true RTD style, the closing of season 14 serves not only to conclude a pivotal chapter but also discreetly paves the way for new conflicts and adventures to come. While avoiding major cliffhangers, it sets up an atmosphere of suspense and excitement, leaving viewers eager for what is to follow.
How The Doctor Who Season 14 Ending Was Received
A Divisive Finale For Ncuti Gatwa’s First Season As The Doctor
“Empire of Death”debuted as a high-stakes finale that resonated across the audience spectrum, leading to a barrage of reactions both from fans and critics. True to the tradition of monumental Doctor Who episodes, responses varied widely.
Overall, the reception leaned positive. Critics lauded “Empire of Death”for its intense action and gripping narrative, with some reviews extolling its execution. For instance, Empire Online writer Jordan King celebrated the finale, emphasizing its blend of blockbuster appeal and deep character development, noting:
“Deftly balancing blockbuster spectacle with heartfelt, character-driven storytelling, ‘Empire Of Death’ sees Davies stick the landing with a Doctor Who finale that takes big swings and rarely misses.”
Similarly, Den of Geek critiqued its emotional depth positively, stating:
“It gives the Doctor and Ruby a massive challenge to solve, an iconic villain to beat, and lots of big emotions.”
To many, the marriage of enigma, action, and emotion epitomizes the spirit of Doctor Who. However, the finale did not win universal acclaim. On Doctor Who TV, one of the fan community’s leading platforms, the episode faced harsh criticism:
“Overall, “Empire of Death” falls at the last hurdle with its nonsensical storytelling and unsatisfactory resolutions to the plot and the major mysteries. While there were some strong performances from the core cast, the overall narrative feels rushed and disjointed. The sheer amount of story issues and the failure to provide meaningful consequences undermine the emotional weight and potential impact of the story.”
Despite the divided opinions, a wave of appreciation flowed for the finale from outlets like The Guardian, which praised Ncuti Gatwa’s portrayal, describing the finale as “radiant” and underscoring the emotional depth with a declaration that “Ncuti Gatwa is the new golden age of Doctor Who.”
In summary, “Empire of Death” has made its mark as a bold, divisive, and unforgettable conclusion to season 14, generating an ongoing dialogue among fans and critics alike. Whether celebrating or scrutinizing the finale, it’s unequivocal that Doctor Who has reclaimed its place at the cultural forefront, igniting conversations and speculation about its future.