Allons-y, Whovians!
The TARDIS has touched down in a world brimming with fantastical wishes and dangerous bargains in “Wish World,” the seventh episode of Doctor Who’s electrifying Series 15. But as we all know, miracles come at a price, and this week’s adventure is a potent reminder that even the most heartfelt desires can twist into nightmares.
Susan’s Return: A Curveball with Unanswered Questions
Continuity and Confusion
The surprise appearance of Carol Anne Ford as Susan Foreman in “Wish World” undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the “Doctor Who” fandom. For longtime viewers, her return after decades away is a nostalgic treat, a direct link to the show’s earliest days. Ford’s performance as the iconic granddaughter is undeniably charming, evoking the spirit of the original series. However, for newer viewers unfamiliar with Susan’s history, the episode throws a curveball. The sudden introduction of a major character with a complex backstory without adequate context might leave them confused and disengaged.
This lack of context creates a jarring disjuncture between established continuity and the episode’s present narrative. The suddenness of Susan’s appearance, coupled with the lack of explanation for her reappearance, leaves viewers with more questions than answers. This disconnect can be frustrating for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
Unanswered Questions and Frustration
While Susan’s return is undeniably a significant event, “Wish World” fails to adequately address its implications. The episode drops the bombshell of her presence without delving into the reasons behind her reappearance or its potential consequences for the Doctor and his current companions. This lack of exploration leaves a gaping hole in the narrative, leaving viewers feeling unsatisfied and yearning for more.
The episode’s failure to address these fundamental questions creates a sense of frustration. It feels like a missed opportunity to explore a deeply meaningful connection between the Doctor and his granddaughter, a connection that has been hinted at throughout the season. Instead, Susan’s presence feels more like a plot device than a genuine character development.
Building Anticipation for the Finale
Despite its shortcomings, “Wish World” does succeed in generating anticipation for the season finale. The unresolved questions surrounding Susan’s return, her potential role in the upcoming events, and the implications for the Doctor’s character arc leave viewers eager to see how these threads will be tied together.
The episode cleverly utilizes Susan’s appearance as a cliffhanger, a tantalizing glimpse into a larger story that remains largely unexplored. This strategic use of ambiguity leaves audiences hooked, eager to discover the answers to the burning questions raised by Susan’s sudden entrance.
Doctor Who Gone Rogue: A Descent into Darkness?
The Doctor’s Uncharacteristic Rage
“Wish World” presents a stark departure from the Doctor’s usual compassionate and benevolent nature. The episode depicts him engaging in acts of extreme violence and vengeance, torturing Kid as a means of exacting revenge for the Hellions’ atrocities. This sudden shift in the Doctor’s characterization is jarring and unsettling, leaving viewers questioning the nature of the hero they thought they knew.
While the Doctor has displayed anger and frustration in the past, his actions in “Wish World” cross a line. The episode’s glorification of torture and violence, even against a villain, feels out of character and raises ethical concerns. It challenges the fundamental principles that have always defined the Doctor as a moral compass, a beacon of hope in a dark universe.
The Consequences of Escalation
The Doctor’s vengeful actions have far-reaching consequences. His willingness to embrace violence sets a dangerous precedent, potentially corrupting his own moral code and eroding the trust he has built with his companions and the wider universe. The episode fails to adequately explore these potential ramifications, leaving viewers to grapple with the implications of the Doctor’s descent into darkness.
The episode’s depiction of the Doctor’s actions risks normalizing violence as a solution to conflict, undermining the show’s long-standing message of peace and understanding. It raises questions about the limits of acceptable behavior, even for a hero, and the potential for good intentions to lead to destructive outcomes.
A Shift in Tone and Power Dynamics
“Wish World” marks a significant departure from the traditional tone and power dynamics of “Doctor Who.” The episode’s darker themes, heightened stakes, and morally ambiguous behavior create a sense of unease and uncertainty. This shift in tone suggests a potential trajectory for the Doctor’s character arc, one that embraces darker aspects of his personality and challenges his established values.
The episode’s exploration of these themes, however, feels uneven and rushed. The abrupt shift in tone leaves viewers grappling with conflicting emotions, unsure whether to embrace the show’s newfound darkness or lament the loss of its optimistic spirit.
Conclusion
So, “Wish World” throws us a curveball, reminding us that even in a universe of infinite possibilities, the Doctor’s greatest battles are often fought within. This episode isn’t just about a dangerous alien entity; it’s about the seductive power of our own desires, the risks of unchecked ambition, and the importance of confronting our inner demons. Tegan and the Doctor’s journey through a world warped by longing highlights the fragility of happiness built on fantasy, leaving us to wonder about the true cost of our deepest wishes. The episode’s ending, while bittersweet, offers a glimmer of hope. The Doctor’s acceptance of his own imperfections, his willingness to face his vulnerabilities, suggests a path towards growth and understanding. It reminds us that even the most powerful beings, those who traverse time and space, are still human at their core. “Wish World” leaves us with a haunting question: are we masters of our desires, or are they the masters of us? As the Doctor continues his journey, we can only hope that he, and we, will find the strength to answer that question responsibly.
