"Doctor Who" Engages in an Unusual Countdown Approach as the Series Approaches Its Conclusion
The parallel worlds of "Wish World" and "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" share some striking similarities with the penultimate episodes of their respective seasons of Doctor Who. Both episodes revolve around the return of a classic Doctor Who villain and the resolution of a season-long mystery. However, they both falter, transforming into aimless waiting games with little substance, merely counting down to a dramatic cliffhanger.
"Wish World" struggles more than "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" due to the audience's familiarity with the return of the Rani, a villain the Doctor encounters in this episode. The surreal vibe of "Wish World" is captivating, presenting a contemporary Earth as a sideways dimension controlled by an overtly heteronormative dictator called Conrad.
Conrad's world is ruled by a magic baby and a magic wunderkind, setting the tone for a retrograde, heteronormative existence where women, queer individuals, and disabled people face discrimination. Ruby Sunday, an unaffected character, teams up with Shirley and her friends to investigate this oppressive society.
"Wish World" squanders its intriguing premise when it shifts focus from developing the plot to building tension between the Doctor and the Rani. The audience already knows the Rani's identity, eliminating any suspense or mystery, leaving viewers as mere spectators waiting for the climactic confrontation.
To add another twist, the Rani's countdown to May 24 is powered by the collected doubts of individuals who question Conrad's reality, including the Doctor himself. This revelation, though dramatic, comes across as sudden and strange, as it lacks proper setup within the episode's narrative.
Despite the episode's weak storytelling, it manages to outdo "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" by placing the Earth's devastating destruction before the cliffhanger. The introduction of Omega, a legendary Time Lord, suggests a big narrative shift for Doctor Who, setting the stage for the "Reality War" storyline, with potential consequences for Gallifrey and the Doctor.
In conclusion, "Wish World" could have been a captivating episode, filled with intrigue and suspense. Instead, it lacks tension due to the audience's familiarity with the Rani and the sudden appearance of Omega. The storytelling seems hurried, leaving room for improvement in the upcoming season finale, "The Reality War."
While we eagerly await the final episode of the season, stay tuned for the latest news on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who. Don't forget to check out Russell T Davies' Instagram for potential hints about the upcoming season finale.
- The technological aspects of the futuristic television shows 'Wish World' and 'The Legend of Ruby Sunday' on platforms like io9, Gizmodo, and movies-and-tv sections of entertainment websites, could benefit from improved storytelling and character development, as both shows falter in their penultimate episodes.
- 'Wish World' potentially offers intriguing commentary on contemporary societal issues, such as heteronormativity, discrimination, and the potential consequences that question reality can have, but its narrative seems hurried and lacking in tension.
- In the realm of entertainment, the upcoming season finale of Doctor Who, titled 'The Reality War', promises potential consequences for Gallifrey and the Doctor, offering fans something to look forward to amidst updates on Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and other exciting programs.
