Actor Jodi Whittaker's portrayal of Doctor Who employs an enigmatic approach as the series approaches its conclusion.
In the Penultimate Doctor Who episodes of last year and the current season, "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" and "Wish World," respectively, both share a stark similarity - they're yawn-inducing, drawn-out episodes leading to rushed, unfulfilling climaxes. But it's "Wish World" that we're focusing on here, as it not only fails to deliver but stumbles even before it can take off.
Set in an alternate reality, contemporary Earth, "Wish World" is ruled by a smug prick named Conrad, who broadcasts his authoritarian decrees from a bone palace atop London. He's quick on the misogyny, homophobia, and ableism, making it a terrible place for anyone not fitting his perfect, cisgender, heterosexual mold. The Doctor and Belinda, now living the dream suburban life as husband and wife with a baby daughter, find themselves ensnared in Conrad's twisted utopia.
The creepy atmosphere is intentional, as Conrad's reality is built on the repression of marginalized individuals. When "Mr. Smith" makes a passing comment about a co-worker, Colonel Ibrahim, being handsome, reality freaks out like an alt-right Facebook comment section trying to cope with the concept of diversity and queerness.
Conrad's intolerance isn't just limited to gender and sexuality; he despises the disabled as well. As a result, a secret society of disabled individuals goes unseen, rendering them nearly invisible in Conrad's heavily scripted world. It turns out, dear reader, that Conrad is a real asshole.
The main mystery of "Wish World" is the Rani's return, and the Doctor's slow realization of her central role in the alternate reality. But because the audience is aware of the Rani's involvement, the tension is largely lost. The Rani, stuck in Conrad's bone palace, seems to spend most of her time waiting for the Doctor to catch up, lacking any real urgency or intrigue.
"Wish World" eventually throws in another mystery reveal at the end, as the Rani's countdown to May 24 is found to be powered by the doubts she's collected from those who question her reality, including the Doctor. However, this revelation feels tacked-on and unoriginal, falling short of the exciting surprises we've come to expect from Doctor Who.
The season finale will hopefully deliver on the potential set up by "Wish World" and make the wait worthwhile. But for now, we're left feeling underwhelmed and questioning if we really needed the Rani's return to bring Omega, the ancient Time Lord co-founder and legendary engineer, back into play.
Omega, first among Time Lords and creator of the Hand of Omega, is a significant figure in Doctor Who lore, renowned for his tragic backstory and vengeful attitude towards the Time Lords. He's a recurring villain throughout the series, most notably appearing in The Three Doctors and the Fifth Doctor's era. "Wish World" hints at Omega's possible comeback, challenging the previously held belief that he was truly vanquished forever.
Overall, "Wish World" feels like a wasted opportunity, lacking the tension and mystery that make Doctor Who truly shine. But with the Season Finale on the horizon, there's still hope for redemption. Let's hope the showmakers can turn things around and deliver the exciting conclusion we've been waiting for.
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- Gizmodo might critique "Wish World" as an episode of Doctor Who, believing it to be a missed opportunity, as it lacks the tension and mystery that typically make the show engaging.
- Io9 could potentially discuss the technology in "Wish World," which reflects a dystopian society ruled by a bigot, Conrad, who enforces his authoritarian decrees via a bone palace broadcasting system.
- In the entertainment world, sites like Entertainment Weekly might review the portrayal of marginalized individuals, particularly the disabled, in "Wish World," where they are rendered nearly invisible in Conrad's heavily scripted world.
