‘Doctor Who’: “Empire of Death” Review

Empire of Death is here, we’ve seen it and now the hardest part of being a Doctor Who fan has arrived, the painful limbo of waiting for the next episode. The finale is an interesting one, offering answers to some long-standing questions but also creating more questions than there were in the first place during the process. There is a lot to take in from the extended 55-minute finale, some good, some bad!

BONKERS MEL

I would love to begin this review and share my love for Bonnie Langford, who has been a wonderful re-addition to the Whoniverse, beginning with her cameo in The Power of the Doctor. Mel’s inclusion has given such warmth and heart to the finale. Seeing Langford in the Sutekh prosthetics was a terrific surprise and the visual paranoia portrayed by Langford in the 2046 scene was so enticing, that I was on the edge of my seat, not knowing what to expect or whether or not our Mel was going to be okay.

I also think it’s a crime that Langford’s name was omitted from the episode’s opening credits, and rightfully so, she is a companion heavily featured in both of the episodes, giving a kick-ass performance in both. Her scenes with Sutekh whispering into her ears are some of the season’s most eerie, and the jump scare of her threatening The Doctor is so well done.

Following Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and 15 (Ncuti Gatwa) making their Tales of the TARDIS debuts in a new Pyramids of Mars episode, we finally get an in-universe explanation for the Memory TARDIS’ existence – provided by the power of Ruby’s memory of the TARDIS within the Time Window. Once inside, there are a huge number of wonderful references to the Whoniverse’s past. I couldn’t recommend the iPlayer series more for people wanting a glimpse into the stories and characters of the show’s past. Seeing all the old consoles, K9, Handles and more brings me so much joy. On the topic of the recent episode of the omnibus series, I quite enjoyed it – the bookend scenes with Ncuti and Millie as The Doctor and Ruby are very minimalistic compared to the rest of the show which was a shame but we do get some more lovely Sarah Jane Smith appreciation, which always goes down a treat.

THE DEMISE OF SUTEKH AND SUE TECH

After an incredible episode of tension, cliffhangers and efficient build-up in The Legend of Ruby Sunday, it almost feels like a waste to see Sutekh beaten so efficiently and easily during the season’s conclusion. Deciding to kill the whole supporting cast early on was shocking, though it felt incredibly underwhelming as we clearly know some people will in fact make it to next season given the on-set photos we have, would this have been the case if Season 2 had waited to enter production, who knows? I was left wanting more of this threat from Sutekh rather than him just sitting on his throne above the TARDIS “scheming”.

Part of me wonders whether or not this whole series of events justified the return of such an iconic villain and do wonder if the Dust of Death concept, admittedly a very cool one, could have been executed with another villain from the show’s past. I will say I’m glad it wasn’t the Daleks. I think establishing that Sutekh has been holding onto the TARDIS ever since Pyramids of Mars was an interesting choice, cool too, though it does pose more questions for countless adventures that The Doctor has been on since. I would have much preferred the explanation of the events of Wild Blue Yonder that caused the reunion of the old foes, however, that was not the case, as expected. In fine Russell T Davies form, Sutekh is defeated with rope, which somehow wasn’t the wildest thing to happen in the finale and I did like how the whole sequence played out, with a powerful speech from Ncuti as he once again defeats the God.

THE LEGEND OF RUBY SUNDAY… REVEALED

Ever since The Church on Ruby Road, the question has always been about who she is and after all this time, we discover that Ruby’s parents are normal, which creates more questions than there were in the first place. For weeks, we’ve presumed that Ruby is some God-like character, unbeknown to her heritage as she is able to create snow through memory. All the seeds were there, essentially, and it feels as if RTD has spun the character out of control, and has used engagement bait to carry some of the show’s plot, with the knowledge the internet will get behind any theory they have.

The whole debacle with the pointing, hiding her face and Sutekh being so obsessed with also finding out who she was is all frustrating. Given the conclusion we get, and the obvious bait before Ruby smashes the VHS Player’s screen in front of the big dog – which works so well, and could have made for an insane scene if Ruby’s birth mother was someone either well-known or connected in some way to The Doctor, or even Sutekh. The tension is unreal as she approaches the God of Death.

I can’t lie, I think Ruby reuniting with her Mum and the events that follow are really well written. No one can deny that RTD is known for heartbreaking and emotional scenes, which offer an intricate level of needed emotional depth – giving certain scenes a level of emotive power, and the reunion scene is just that. It’s hard not to feel emotional seeing Ruby getting her happy ending, her world flipped upside down after so long of not knowing who her birth mother is. Whilst it is slightly crushing there isn’t anything supernatural about her next of kin, it’s one of the better conclusions we could have had. 

RUBY PALPATINE

It’s very clear RTD has taken some notes from Star Wars with Rey being sort of an inspiration for the true mythos of Ruby Sunday. At one point, Rey was a nobody until she was the Grandaughter of Palpatine – one of the worst changes ever, so maybe this is RTD’s way of saying that simple is the most peculiar type of special, which I do not like either.

FAREWELL RUBY SUNDAY

The final scene we get of Ruby and The Doctor is wonderful, and a highlight of the season’s conclusion. Millie Gibson is a beautiful actress, and her inner conflict as she juggles her new-found family and getting things back together. The promise of the pair reuniting is incredibly exciting. Her theme playing on top of the scene is just the cherry on top, too – a wonderful contribution from Murray Gold.

I can’t wait to see Ruby back next year. There is obviously more to come from her character, with hopefully some more answers being offered, more specifically about the snow which has followed her all season. It will be interesting to see how her family will play into things, as well as the addition of a new companion in the TARDIS.

EMPIRE OF DEATH? EMPIRE OF STUNNING VISUALS

I had the pleasure of witnessing both The Legend of Ruby Sunday and Empire of Death back-to-back in the cinema so I was treated to a huge screen to watch on, which made for an insane experience. I even was fortunate enough to meet showrunner Russell T Davies ahead of the screening, which was a dream come true – he was so lovely to meet.

I think so much of this finale looks absolutely stunning – from the visuals of the Time Vortex throughout the final showdown as well as a number of the scenes in space. I love the shot of Ncuti sitting aboard the TARDIS with his legs dangling into the stars with Ruby and Mel behind him, the camera does a slow pan around the trio and the whole thing is composed wonderfully – the space stuff is easily the best-looking in Empire of Death. Jamie Donoghue has done a terrific job directing the episodes, and naturally, I would be so onboard for him coming back in the future!

We finally got the promised shot of The Doctor sticking his head out of the TARDIS in the vortex which looked out of this world, literally as Sutekh restored life across the universe in a scene perfectly mirroring the many Spider-Man villains seeping into the MCU during the Spider-Man: No Way Home final act.

NCUTI GATWA

Ncuti Gatwa has delivered some interesting performances ever since he slipped out of David Tennant’s side last year and I have loved seeing him weekly have so much fun playing The Doctor, though my main takeaway from this finale is that he feels back to square one in terms of his moral state and where we first meet Ncuti’s Doctor.

Following the bi-generation, we’re given the impression from the dialogue that 15 is 14 without all his grief, sorrow and pain. Essentially gives the Doctor a fresh start to begin the new season. However, I don’t know about you but throughout 8 episodes and a Christmas Special, all of that has been chucked out the window with 15 being very over-the-top in certain situations, even going to the extent of kicking a wall because some bloke from Cheetham Hill got turned to sand a few moments prior.

That being said… as previously mentioned, his final scene with Millie is wonderful and his teary face works so well, because it feels warranted, unlike the post-Chidozie tantrum.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Well, of course, we have Joy To The World headed our way on Christmas Day, though what remains of The Doctor’s stories? We know a full roster of characters are to return next year – a new companion, played by Varada Sethu; and of course UNIT, Mel and Ruby will be making appearances; as well as the iconic Mrs Flood who gave us yet another eerie tease in the final moments of Empire of Death.

At the time of writing, we have no tease for Christmas, only a clip from the Unleashed special giving a little sneak peek at Steven Moffatt and Nicola Coughlan, with the former showrunner hinting that we will indeed have “monsters” in the episode. I’ve always felt that Moffatt’s festive episodes were either hit or miss, though I do hope this time around he can deliver, but my expectations are lower for this one, I can’t lie.

I think RTD taking a step down from episodic contributions could help Season 2, as much as I love the guy’s writing, two of this season’s better episodes just happened to come from guest writers. I’m hoping for the return of more classic villains (hopefully), though the restricted 8-episode season casts a lot of doubt on anything happening, which is quite the bummer… I think 10 episodes would suit the show so much better, giving the chance for an additional two-part story, and more timey-wimey fun.

I will be sharing more extended thoughts on the future of the show in an article at a later date, so keep your eyes peeled for that one.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Anyone would be silly to not acknowledge the issues found within Empire of Death, however, at the heart is some of the show’s most emotive writing yet. The final scene of Ruby and The Doctor following a heartwarming reunion makes for a wonderful ending, though I was left with so many questions remaining and some discomfort with the Sutekh climax after such an incredible first part.

It is actually criminal that we have to wait till Christmas for more Doctor Who, we’ve been treated with a delightful return to form for the show, which will only continue more in the new year onwards. Whilst some story elements didn’t completely work for me, I do think this is only half of the full picture, which to some may be an issue.