‘Doctor Who’ Recap: ‘The Power of the Doctor’

Written by Shae Rufe

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Thirteenth Doctor’s final episode of ‘Doctor Who’.
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There are fewer things sadder than a sendoff. Watching the Doctor, we have grown to know and love dearly to regenerate into a new one has become something of sad event. After all, we have seen it happen for 14 regenerations now. It’s odd to think we might get used to it. Yet, we don’t and likely never will. The Doctor is, and always will be, difficult to get over. Many of us have a favorite, or even favorites of the Doctor, so when a regeneration happens, it’s often the hardest loss. This time is a bit different. This sendoff was one of true gravitas. A massive send off to a groundbreaking Doctor.

This was also one of the gentler goodbyes for the Companions. We can’t forget some of the more memorable ones, the send offs that truly broke our hearts in half. this time Dan left peacefully, going back to his life first. Yaz got to later, without her heart being completely shattered. Still, the scale of this episode really takes the cake. Perhaps for the most cameos of both Doctors and Companions alike. Even bringing in Companions from 5 and 6 respectively. Back when the Doctor was more than the Doctor, when the Doctor was called Professor.

Of course we could not have a sendoff without the Earth being in absolute danger. Typically, it’s a master plan involving the Daleks or the Cybermen or the Master and their evil plot to end the Doctor once and for all. This one, well, this had all 3. The Master united the Daleks and the Cybermen under their common enemy, using their ever-present hate of the Doctor to really bring them together.  After all, the Doctor has spent many lifetimes building friendships and meeting people, the Doctor is likable, she can’t help it. She’s beloved. Even when the Companions are no longer with her. Even if those Companions might be mad at not being Companions anymore. The Doctor offers more than freedom of adventure.

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When the Doctor is in need of help the most, those that love her will always be there to help. In the case, quite literally. The Master has never successfully outsmarted the Doctor. While he tries and tries, it just never works. Probably because the Doctor isn’t just clever, no, she’s just not blinded by hatred or her own hubris. The Doctor admits when she’s wrong and needs help. She’s not the best at communicating or explaining herself, but she does eventually come around. While the Master is egotistical and quick to underestimate the loyalties people have for the Doctor.

The saddest part is the Master and the Doctor had been good friends, once upon a time, so many lifetimes ago. The obsession the Master has for the Doctor is actually heart breaking in a way. Still, he did force her to regenerate into him, or well, he took over her body. He also created Master Cybermen, which were Cybermen that could regenerate like Timelords. He’s a genius, and evil, but still a genius. Either way, his plans all failed. One by one, it all came crashing down. The Cybermen were killed/trapped in the Unit building that was literally imploded. The Daleks were blown up and the Volcanos turned to metal. The TARDIS driven moon was blown up by the very creature the Master trapped on it and used as a power source.

Despite the failure, the Doctor was still wounded and forced to regenerate. The Master left for dead. Although, he seems to always come back no matter what. And the Companions? They formed a support group. All so they could share their stories; not be so alone anymore in a world that would readily label them crazy. The Doctor will always leave people behind, but they are never forgotten. The Doctor remembers them all. Apparently, the Doctor also can regenerate into a version they’ve held previously. Welcome back 10, or is it 14? 10-2.0? With that, we’re all left asking the same question the new-old Doctor posed.
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What?

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