Actor involved in unusual countdown for debut of "Doctor Who" swan song
The resemblance between "Wish World" and last year's "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" on Doctor Who is undeniable, both being penultimate episodes, featuring the return of classic villains, and building suspense around mysteries that unfolded over the season. However, they both fall short, resembling redundant waiting games with little substance, save for a dramatic ending.
"Wish World" struggles even more than "The Legend of Ruby Sunday." While the latter had the element of surprise with Sutekh's return, "Wish World" delves into a realm its audience is already acquainted with - the Doctor encountering the returned Rani. This connection creates a disconcerting experience, not to mention the odd mechanics of how Doctor Who unfolds in anticipation of that big reveal.
In the titular world of "Wish World," contemporary Earth before its apparent destruction exists as a sideways version, ruled by Conrad, a seemingly benevolent dictator in a bone palace who decides the fate of the world with help from a magic baby. The Doctor and Belinda, now living as Mr. John Smith and his wife, find themselves trapped in a retro-modern nuclear family dream, as they grapple with the eerie heteronormative existence that is mostly there to address Conrad's prejudices against women, queer people, and disabled individuals.
Conrad's prejudices against disabled people create a hidden society, practically invisible to the rest of the world, except for Ruby Sunday. The pair teams up with Shirley and her friends in the disabled camp to unravel the mystery. Meanwhile, the Rani dwells in the bone palace, essentially biding her time, urging the Doctor to recognize her influence over the world and remember who he is.
The narrative takes a nosedive as the episode moves from unsettling vibes to an aimless countdown towards the Doctor's realization of the Rani's presence. The reliance on constant reminders of her returns takes away from the tension and mystery, replacing it with an audience that merely waits for the Doctor's epiphany, an event they've already anticipated.
To add a twist, the Rani's big ticking clock relies on the doubts of anyone questioning Conrad's reality, a plot point largely ignored for most of the episode. The grand reveal, which involves Omega, lacks impact due to its out-of-the-blue nature, leaving viewers confused because there has been no substantial buildup to it.
The only silver lining is that the impending destruction of Earth and reality happens before the cliffhanger. However, the Omega reveal falls flat, feeling like an afterthought when the episode had largely been about the Rani's yearning for the Doctor to recognize her. The moment is diminished by the reliance on anticipation throughout the runtime, undercutting any remaining tension.
In conclusion, "Wish World" fails to deliver on its potential, settling for a dull build-up to a now-anticipated reveal, leaving viewers waiting for next week's finale to decide if the episode's preparations were worth the effort. And if the Rani's return is indeed the key to Omega's, prepare for far-reaching consequences for Time Lords and Gallifrey alike.
- Gizmodo and io9 might question the future of Doctor Who, as "Wish World" has left many viewers anticipating the consequences of the Rani's return and its possible connection to Omega.
- In the realm of television-and-movies entertainment, "Wish World" could be seen as a missed opportunity, where the tension and mystery were often overshadowed by the relentless build-up to a dramatic reveal.
- As technology continues to shape the landscape of storytelling, shows like Doctor Who must strive to avoid falling into the trap of redundant waiting games, instead focusing on delivering substance and intrigue in every episode.
