An era ends in The Power of the Doctor

During New York Comic Con (NYCC), the BBC released a trailer for Jodie Whittaker’s final Doctor Who special, The Power of the Doctor.

When the official title for the centenary special was first announced, like many fans I was instantly reminded of The Name of the Doctor, The Night of the Doctor, The Day of the Doctor, The Time of the Doctor and The Power of the Daleks.



Here’s the official synopsis from the BBC:

“In this feature-length Special to mark her last adventure, Jodie Whittaker’s Thirteenth Doctor must fight for her very existence, against her deadliest enemies: the Daleks, the Cybermen and her arch-nemesis, the Master.

Who is attacking a speeding bullet train on the edges of a distant galaxy? Why are seismologists going missing from 21st century Earth? Who is defacing some of history’s most iconic paintings? Why is a Dalek trying to make contact with the Doctor? And just what hold does the mesmeric Rasputin have over Tsar Nicholas in 1916 Russia?

The Doctor faces multiple threats…and a battle to the death.”

I'll miss her and the TARDIS fam. Series 11 was the first I've watched, since the Tom Baker era, with my dad. Rosa Parks, The Haunting of Villa Diodati and Ascension of the Cybermen/The Timeless Children are among some of the best episodes in the beloved sci-fi franchise's storied history. Hopefully, Andrew Lewin and I will be on hand to discuss the 90-minute special following its transmission.

For the 60th anniversary in 2023, Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education) will be playing the titular Time Lord in returning showrunner Russell T Davies’ (It's A Sin) new era co-produced by Sony’s Bad Wolf (His Dark Materials). David Tennant is back as the Tenth Doctor with fan-favourite companion Donna Noble (Catherine Tate). However, mystery surrounds this and rumours suggest Whittaker regenerates into Tennant for an unannounced Christmas special.

The series 13 specials are available for pre-order (affiliate link).

The Power of the Doctor premieres on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC America on Sunday 23rd October.

What are your hopes for the centenary special? Let me know in the comments below.