Fugitive of the Judoon - DOCTOR WHO REVIEW

[@MrTARDIS]

"You can do better." Thanks for watching! And be sure to leave a comment and "like" this video to appease the almighty algorithm!

[@TARDISFanMan]

Seems to me Ruthless just didn't want to shoot her fellow Galifreyan down as opposed to standing by a moral code.

[@kiarash608]

Credit where it's due: i can't stop thinking about this episide. I'ts just been stuck on my head, wich is a feeling i've not had in Doctor Who in ages. Other episodes may be better structured, but are just kinda "there" (most of S11 for me falls into this. Forgettable) By the way: The Lone Cyberman is Handles. It wants the Doctor to patch the telephone device back to the console unit

[@Cpt.Str4ng3]

Well probably it could be some kind of the valeyard. Thats the only thing that could make sense to me, that Ruth is something between Smith and Capaldi. the only other way is that she is a version of the metacrisis doctor and we get tied up to this one. its really the most confusing episode in the whole history so far. And i really hope that Jack gets the credit he deserves.

[@kemmdog4444]

“We could try ignoring it,sir”I see... Pretend nothing has happened and hope everything turns out alright in the morning,”

[@DarthAzabrush]

When Jack said "the lone Cyberman" was I the only one who pictured a Cyberman wearing, riding a horse and with a swampy sidekick called Tonto.

[@oliversvoice4383]

For me, I think the "Ruthless Doctor" (Trademark MrTARDISreviews) does have characterisation: She's a hardened incarnation who, deep down, has changed for the worse but has done so for a reason (implied by the "don't take the moral high ground with me"). She is clearly there for a story arc but Jo Martin's performance brings out a level of authority that makes her incarnation emerge as one who is there not by choice but, instead, a necessity. As you said, she does want to find out what is going on, but she (like the 13th Doctor) has been placed in a situation that she is not used to and, judging by the fact that the 13th Doctor sabotaged her plan and the Ruthless Doctor travels alone, I feel she kicked the 13th Doctor off her ship because she annoyed her and, if she is going to find out what has happened then she'll do it alone. Great review and I respect your view on the character, but I thought I'd express my personal reading of the character.

[@k.stewart007]

I get why Jodie left the tardis. She was bemused and overwhelmed. For me, I feel that Ruthless, just didn't seem as eager to find out as what Jodie was. Maybe because she already knows. 🤔

[@binkey3374]

It's also worth noting that with the exception of 10 & 11, the Doctors rarely get along with other versions of themselves, so it's not that surprising that Ruth is rude and impatient with our Doctor.

She's still doesn't a defining personality.

[@dawritersroom01]

Now all I can imagine is Chris Chibnall inside of a cocaine pile thinking of ideas for episodes.

[@maldon3659]

When it was revealed Ruth is a Time Lord, I thought she was going to be The Rani

[@bbsj86]

I think the quality of this one is gonna depend on how the actual series plot ends up going and how we all feel about that overall Also this is probably the first time I've really agreed with the "too many crew" argument. I like them and while they haven't done much they've not felt TOO sidelined to me personally. This time, even to me it felt like "darn what do I do with these guys?"

[@kierenevans2521]

I'm expecting Chibnall to pull his mask off master-style to reveal Moffat

[@MrThorfan64]

But have u ever seen Terrence and Chibnall at the same time?

[@WHO_is_on_first]

I agree with some of your criticisms- the lone cybermen is a clear set up, Jack was underused, companions were pointless, mystery wasnt perfectly set up- however I think you're wrong in saying this episode cant stand on it's own. I've watched it twice now and still love it, especially the Ruth scenes. I think it's sad the Judoon didnt get a fun, unattached episode to return in but I still love this episode and I know I'll be returning to it in the future

[@carealoo744]

Whittaker should have asked her: "What regeneration number are you?" Then Martin could have responded: "That's a bit more complicated than even a timelord would want to hear." That would satisfy the Season 6B Theorists.

[@bluestruthspodcast3398]

This was the first episode where I felt as though Chibnall was actually taking risks. Loved it!

[@LNER985]

I really liked the episode and liked the surprises. Happy to see Captain Jack back and disagree with the argument of too many companions.

[@PorridgePalexAlex]

big_chief_rhino_bois_captain_cheesecake.mp4

[@tomimpala]

I loved it. I'll totally revisit it as much as the others. It's like the Infinity War of Dr Who with all the plotlines being so tight. It's brilliantly acted and written. Loved it.

[@Motorhawk2]

Thank you for putting you negative feelings for this story across in a polite, positive and non angry way.

[@cisalzlman]

I LOVE face the raven as a stand alone episode It's the perfect end to Clara and makes good use of Me

[@charlottem7758]

"The Ruthless Doctor, Trademarked" lol I suggested that name on one of the Council of Geeks videos. But seriously though, I'm glad someone else noticed the obvious way we should be referring to her. Hope it catches on.

[@SiNapses77]

This was by far the best episode of the Whittaker era. I think we're going to have to break up, Will. I had a feeling you'd poo poo it. Sad times

[@ftumschk]

Will's looking at it analytically, I think. Nothing wrong with that, but perhaps he should tell us what his gut feeling was as well - assuming there's a difference. Speaking for myself, for example, whilst I found _Orphan 55_ an abject mess in several respects, I genuinely enjoyed it at a visceral level.

[@SiNapses77]

@@ftumschk I LOVED it. I completely disagree with all his points too. Which is odd because I love Wills reviews. I've been watching his stuff since forever, at least 10 years. I think from a creative process, I can see where he's coming from, but it delivered entertainment something sorely lacking in recent episodes. The series prior to this just felt morose and a bit cringe. Finally, some real grab you by the balls moments and Will be like "I don't know enough about her". Nor do I and I love it!

[@jplegend98]

@@SiNapses77 just because its entertaining doesnt mean its good. I honestly think everyone's being way to kind to this episode

[@SiNapses77]

@@jplegend98it was a good craic in my view. Long overdue fun episode

[@MrThorfan64]

Best episode so far.

[@TheShadowchiefstudio]

I liked this episode as a wild and unpredictable ride that pushed the arc forward, but that's also a shortcoming to the episode itself. It's only a piece of a larger story, so I think I'll need to see the full picture to have a better grasp of things for a final judgment. I really did like Jack in it though, he kinda felt like a in-between his Immortal Jack phase and The Face of Boe.

[@pjgs4933]

Whittaker’s performance here is so, so good.

[@anonagain]

She's not "The Ruthless Doctor" - she's "The Fugitive Doctor".

[@Cpt.Str4ng3]

Sorry to say that, but the "Ruthless" Doctor allready has more character than the 13th doctor. which makes this episode even more confusing.shes somewhere in between the night and the day of the doctor.from 10 to 12. I really liked this episode, but its just to much.

[@kemmdog4444]

She’s Doctor Ruth.

[@danmenard6917]

Ruthless is a sort of play on the fact she is no longer Ruth anymore, she's Ruth-less.

[@peterkorman77]

I don't think the official name was disclosed when this review was made.

[@GeorgePlaysGTA]

After the second Doctor's regeneration the timelords took The Doctor and duplicated him for their own needs. The real Doctor goes back to what he was doing, not knowing there was a clone of him travelling the universe doing work for the time lords.

[@marinettedorien8236]

I wish this is what happened

[@harlowethrombey7665]

Most of the time I agree with you, Mr. T, but I disagree about the Ruthless Doctor. It was a great moment, and I want to see how it plays out.

[@hannahbuckley9988]

This was the first episode to bring me complete and utter joy since the Big Bang in series 5. Spyall came pretty close, though!

[@NitroIndigo]

Fun fact: in The Sarah Jane Adventures episode "Death of the Doctor, Part 2", the Doctor says he doesn't have to be white. I knew that information would be useful one day...

[@TheFallofTheEleventh]

Nitro Indigo didn’t he also say he could regenerate like 500 times?? Lol

[@NitroIndigo]

@@TheFallofTheEleventh I forgot about that.

[@k.stewart007]

@@TheFallofTheEleventh probably felt nicer than saying "I'm on my last one now"

[@tgiacin435]

Do you think he ever tell anyone not galifrayan about the regeneration limit? Plus I think that ep was before they introduced the war doctor since they couldn’t get Christopher back

[@NitroIndigo]

@@tgiacin435 Yeah, Death of the Doctor aired in 2011. Though considering Time of the Doctor, 507 regenerations isn't impossible.

[@gussyt1761]

My theory is she is between Second and Third Doctor. Because we don’t actaully see his regeneration as it’s off screen so Second could of easy been regenerated into Ruth and used by the time lords. Plus it’s never said that’s she’s the first doctor

[@hornbeam7131]

This fits very well, the Time Lords are around, the TARDIS is primitive looking and very like it was during early incarnations, Ruthless and Gatt don't know about the Time War, there's no companion. Even Ruthless's costume is sort of part Troughton and part Pertwee. Apparently I hear that the '2nd' Regeneration was not immediately after Troughton's last episode, the the Time Lords sent the Doctor on some secret missions for them (hence a Galifre War Hero Companion makes sense too). Maybe a dangerous mission forced a regen. Maybe she ran and hid from them. When the Time Lords had finished with her they wiped 3rds memory and gave him back the regen so there was no evidence of of their meddling. For me Gussy your theory is the best explanation and the least damaging to overall continuity..

[@Lasherluke]

that would actually work, part of the sentencing in the war games, if we are going with the series 6b continuity is that the timelords gave the doctor as many regenerations as they wanted to have to do the secret missions but then once the exile happened, that was taken away.

[@gussyt1761]

Let’s hope all these theories here turn out true or we can say goodbye to the Doctor Who canon as we know it

[@alissafioravanti832]

I agree with everything you said however, I still found the episode really enjoyable and a fun watch. Also I think wherever people re watch the episode will depend on how the arc finishes. I think if it's rubbish then probably not but if the ending is great then I think people will be watching it again in the years to come. (Possibly)

[@TheFallofTheEleventh]

Like you said, the Ruthless Doctor left you feeling cold but in the shows defence i think that MIGHT be intentional. This was clearly done to rock the foundation of the show but do so in a way that genuinely leaves you going ‘wait what?’ I think they left out the persona and details of her Doctor deliberately in order to keep us questioning where or when she’s from.

[@tgiacin435]

TheFallofTheEleventh or if she is the Doctor, or someone else. The last time this happened, it was someone thinking he was the Doctor.

[@danmenard6917]

@@tgiacin435 The execs have confirmed she is the Doctor, not a parallel Doctor or a Future incarnation. The only way I can see her fitting in is if she is in between Troughton and Pertwee as we never really saw the regeneration between the two, which would also lend credence to the Season 6B theory.

[@tgiacin435]

Dan Menard except that the doctor already confirmed he hit all 13 incarnations. I’m sorry, but this whole retcon is stupid if she really is a previous incarnation. Especially when 11 said he used up one regeneration during the stolen earth episodes, and of course when he became the war doctor

[@TheFallofTheEleventh]

tgiacin435 it’s not a retcon though lol please actually go and learn the overall lore and canon of the show. Doctor Whp has been setting this sort of thing up since before the 80’s, even Cartmel planned to do the same type of story with the 7th Doctor and mystery Doctors and going into the Doctor’s hidden Backstory. The way the canon and lore of the show is constructed allows for there to be more Doctors than even the character herself/himself is aware of. Imagine the audience trying to make this argument when the 2nd Doctor arrived. Regeneration wasn’t even a thing to anyone back then and they just had to take it and accept it, why can you and others seemingly not do the same? It’s Doctor Who.....the show is literally about change.

[@tgiacin435]

TheFallofTheEleventh but why does it have to be a previous incarnation? It kinda made sense for the war doctor because they couldn’t get Chris to come back as 9. It feels like the whole secret regeneration is gonna become a cliche real fast. Also, until I see it, I’ll always take what show runners say as a lie until proven true. Personally, I’ll say Ruth felt more like the Doctor than 13. 13 is just basically Davidson 2.0, blonde, generally attractive, but with 10’s “I would never kill someone with a gun” crap so turned up she locked a bunch of spiders in a room to die via suffocation, starvation and/or cannibalism. Totally more humane than shooting them so they won’t suffer. But again how would Ruth play into it when a timelord only has 13 incarnations and it was confirmed one regeneration was used by 10. You’re right, it would’ve been a retcon if they said Ruth a incarnation before Hartnell

[@nicksaso3795]

I haven’t felt this feeling for the doctor in a while. I bought this one from apple, so I can see where this goes. I really liked this one

[@djpookie2000]

I disagree, I watched this story twice, and loved it more the second time. I cant wait to see how it all plays out. The Judoon look great in this episode too.

[@RiainRamblez]

I just wanted a Judoon Episode from the guy who did Demons of the Punjab. Do I hate what I got? No. But we still need a proper Judoon episode I reckon

[@RiainRamblez]

@@philipthegreat4126 alrighty

[@jamie210690]

Check out the Classic Doctors, New Monsters set from Big Finish with a poet Judoon. Its good but weird...

[@RiainRamblez]

@@jamie210690 yeah I've been meaning to. That's the Adventure with the 6th Doctor right?

[@jamie210690]

@@RiainRamblez Yep. Its a while since I heard it but have positive memories about it

[@RiainRamblez]

@@jamie210690 sounds good to me. I'll have to check it out

[@benw4409]

Whilst I did like the episode a lot, I think it's telling how the episode that is easily the most fan wanky and self referential is being hailed as Chibnall's best when the reason his era was different to Moffat's and to a lesser extent RTD's was how self contained and simple it was and everyone complained but as soon as elements from the past emerge and Chibnall brings back old ideas and characters he gets praised. Now, do I think the risks taken in Fugitive of the Judoon were interesting? Yes, absolutely. But it isn't the best Chibnall era episode at all. Addition: I honestly would've preferred a remake of the comedic Judoon subplot from SJA with Yaz, Graham and Ryan in Gloucester stopping the Judoon in order for Thirteen/Ruthless to have their plot than Jack's plot as that didn't add anything despite Barrowman's return being great.

[@thedoctorgeneric5007]

This is first episode of the Chibnall run that I got any enjoyment out of - it's the only episode that's done anything interesting. And I got more enjoyment out of Jo Martin's Doctor in 10 minutes than I have from Whittaker in a series and a half.

[@lewis_paine778]

The main problem I have with the ruth doctor, aside from the aneurism it gives the canon, Is that Jo Martin feels more like the Doctor than Jodie Whitaker. She has that presence, you know. I spent the whole time asking why Jo wasn't cast as the thirteenth doctor.

[@callumrock11lol76]

They might flesh out a story line where as part of the punishment the second doctor received he didn’t just regenerate and get trapped on earth but maybe they gave the doc an extra regeneration cycle or just one extra regeneration just to use the doctor as worker for the time lords and then had docs memory wiped and sent to earth as retirement more then punishment like the war doctor was wiped from records as it’s not in the enemy’s database until the doctor can remember the actual details of what happened

[@callumrock11lol76]

Oh and could explain the 3rd doctors aggressive fighting style

[@callumrock11lol76]

Extra note why couldn’t they use there number it’s not like the doctor hasn’t called himself/Herself a number

[@jamie210690]

This is what Im hoping for and Chibnalls comments about 70s tardis makes it seem likely. I dont really want it to be pre-Hartnell. It raises to many issues

[@carolstott5337]

I think I might agree with your idea that Ruthless is from a CYCLE before Hartnell, as this could explain the faces in Brain of Morbius.

[@nightowl8477]

I thought the idea of a H20 Scoop was to reverse rain? I thought that was the gimmick?? I had many other problems, but it was alright really. I just wish it was Jack, 13 and the Judoon. They could have done a whole episode rebooting Utopia! (If anyone asked for that.)

[@XHobbiesPrime]

I really like this surprise Doctor. I read an interesting theory about her between 2 and 3.

[@peterkorman77]

I feel like between Troughton and Pertwee is the only place that makes sense, but I'm excited to get actual answers.

[@XHobbiesPrime]

@@peterkorman77 It's either before Hartnell, between Troughton and Pertwee or between McCoy and Eccleston. Only places I could see it happening unless things are really weird.

[@derekangell829]

No mate you must have been watching something else. There was NO indication she was pre Hartnell. Even the most scant attention to the dialogue makes it clear 13 and Ruth did not `team up'. It's no mystery why 13 didn't want to hang around a loose cannon like Ruth she already had enough on her plate LOL. Yeah that was a good fun episode and I am sure people will watch it again.

[@zinkrichardson1949]

One thing I can count on with you is that you recognize that behind the big reveal curtain that there still must be a story to be reviewed and you do it well. I still liked the episode, but you give voice to that nagging thought, "It was a good episode, BUT..."

[@ftumschk]

Doctor Ruth (and Gat, for that matter) constantly belittling Jodie really made me angry. It was as if Chibnall and/or Patel were intent on deliberately undermining their leading lady, which would be a risky strategy under the best of circumstances - however, with the knives out for the show in some quarters, it could prove to be a serious error of judgement.

[@vanillamc1]

ftumschk It doesn’t make me angry, just kind of sad. I’m having trouble connecting with Jodie’s Doctor, but I feel much in the same vein as you do. She is one of the 13, the original line-up. SHE is the Doctor! I feel this big urge to protect her. Whatever happens, it just seems a strange choice by Chibnall. I guess we’ll just have to see how it ends up.

[@DarthAzabrush]

2nd Law of Time mate. Do not interfere with the Time Line of Gallifrey itself. Gat went insane when she realised they were both the same person (1st Law of Time obviously hasn't had a major breach yet) and Ruth was keen to land as far away from her TARDIS as possible and drop her off without comparing notes. I think that the laws are taken so seriously even by a renegade means we're talking way... way before Hartnell and most likely a separate Time Lord with the same bio-print. Perhaps "everything you know is a lie" refers to the fact that the Matrix manipulates Gallifreyan society to create a Doctor and a Master to shake it up once every few generations. If this is the case I can see it turning the already very unsure of herself 13th Doctor full freaking Valeyard.

[@kranser]

My reasoning is as follows: Ruth is: 1. Pre-Hartnell 2. Doctor has memory wipe by Timelords before Hartnell started, and also a whole new set of regenerations, so Hartnell is still #1 of the current regeneration cycle! 3. The Tardis likes being a police phone box and Clara told Hartnell to pick the same one that the previous Doctor(s) had used - hence, the same TARDIS!

[@danmenard6917]

4. She's from between Troughton and Pertwee, due to a couple of reasons: a) She is aware of the sonic screwdriver, but does not use one (Two was the first to utilize it on screen once, but Three was the one to turn it into the magic wand we know and love) b) She could feasibly fit in to the Season 6B Theory, because we never truly saw The Second Doctor regenerate into the Third Doctor on-screen. c) As a sort of corollary to the above, The Time Lords said they'd 'change the Doctor's apperance' instead of forcing him to regenerate at the end of The War Games, so it's possible that the Ruth(less) Doctor is still technically the Troughton Doctor, working for the CIA.

[@k.stewart007]

🤣I loved your chibnall impression spontaneous outburst. Is that a real thing chibs and his cocaine pile? I totally get where you're coming from. I kind of felt like the waiter delivered my appetizers, starters, main and desserts all on the same plate. It was exactly what I wanted, but not all at once and definitely not on the same plate. Chibs could easily spread alot of these stories into the 14 eppisodes we've become accustomed too. I personally feel Ruth is from her future and is just lying. If that is the case, my issues are when Jodie announces her departure, we dont get the whole "who will be the next doctor?" Thing. I personally love that bit. If Jodie had already announced her departure it could be a cool move. Jodie has already confirmed she will be doing another series so. If she is a future doctor, then they have to stick to that. Wether shes the next doctor or the 25th doctor, they will have to stick to that cannon. What if Jo isnt available to film in the future. Even if shes signed a contract, still doesn't cement anything. Will we just end up with a "crispy" version of the doctor. Writing the future before it happens can lead to all sorts of continuity issues as with the valeyard and River songs story. It's clear when Moffat wrote silence in the library and Forrest of the dead, he was still under the impression that Tennant would be staying for series 5. Alot of the dialogue just didn't fit. I'm a bit confused on your comments about, not saving the part of the 1st black doctor, for a "proper doctor" for one we don't know she isn't a "proper doctor" she could be taking the role on after Jodie for all we know. If they was going to save the part of the 1st black doctor, for a "proper doctor" than that would have really limited the auditions for Ruth. It meant they could only audition white actors, because they wanted to save the 1st black doctor for a publicity stunt. Could you imagine "Jo, you was the best actor for the part by a mile, but were not going to hire you, were going to hire a white actor instead, because we want to a 'look how inclusive we are hiring the 1st woman of colour to play the doctor' publicity stunt. We want to save it for a 'proper doctor' it will get us more publicity."

[@dubliam8064]

It really isn't like rebel flesh and almost people with a good man goes to war because a good man goes to war makes a good story

[@levonpoe]

I liked your review. Haven't watched the Doctor in a few years and appreciate you giving me something to think about. Please continue.

[@UnanimousDelivers]

"Say hello to my little friend" *blade falls*

[@dogblessamerica]

I just went back and watched this episode after catching up with Doctor Who (after a big gap in following it) in the latest series. I had to find out where the Fugitive Doctor character had come from! I loved the episode, the buried Tardis gave me chills. Just epic.

[@freakydeaky1435]

honestly, for anyone wondering whether this season is good or not, just go back and watch some season 1-6, its ridiculous how much downhill its gone when you view them back to back

[@SuperGamingpepper]

this is still good not as good as rtd episodes but a big improvement over series 8-10 which were awful

[@thejamsterx]

@@SuperGamingpepper No one will take an opinion from someone who thinks an entire doctor's era was terrible.

[@themindprobe4311]

I have my problems with this episode but this is my favourite performance from Jodie yet.

[@SegaNintendoGuy64]

When it comes to multi Doctors, I still prefer The Three Doctors & The Five Doctors, Not just because it celebrate it's anniversary's but because Jon Pretwee & Patrick Throughton had a love/hate relationship amongs themselves, Both real life & them as the Doctor, And as for The Five Doctors.. I just simply love it, See that Chris this is how you do a Multi Doctor Story right, Even The Two Doctors I still love.

[@tomimpala]

Wouldn't it be funny if Chibnall wrote the Judoon part and Vinay wrote the second half with the Ruth Doctor and Gallifrey? Haha Like just lands it on Chibnall and he has to go with it rofl

[@TheBigWetCoach]

Not hoping necessarily, but I do think it could be interesting if Whittaker’s tenure ends with the Doctor’s memory being entirely (or mostly) wiped and time being reset due to something with the Timeless Child and Jo Martin being the next doctor. I’ve always wanted a scenario where a current doctor meets an actual future doctor who we get to see as a full doctor with multiple seasons (Capaldi doesn’t count since he wasn’t the Doctor in Fires of Pompeii EDIT: and he is not suggested to be a future Doctor)

[@katecastreviews4639]

One thing I really want to say about this episode, is how glad i am that none of it was spoiled in the promotional material! Do you realize how much they could have played up the reveals here, or even the Master earlier in the season for the sake of hyped up marketing? I know i do! Because they did that in Series 10. While I think Series 10 was the best of the Capaldi era, stuff like John Simm's Master or the original Cybermen had great reveals, that were absolutely ruined because most people saw them in the trailers months before. This isn't a positive or negative towards the episode itself, it's just an observation I've made throughout this season, with this episode being an example of it's effectiveness. Regardless of where all of this goes, I greatly appreciate the restraint when it came to promoting this season. They gave enough of a taste of general Doctor Who antics to get people ready to go, and then dropped the big guns (and the cheesecake). Letting them play out to the audience as they should.

[@Lasherluke]

Here's a possibility, before the 2nd doctor regenerated and was exiled, we had the series 6b cannon, where the doctor was task to do secret missions for the time lord and one of the conditions was until the exile, the doctor had unlimited regenerations to do said mission, so this doctor is between the second and third.

[@mediakira6621]

Nope. Pertwee came out of the TARDIS in troughtons clothes.

[@samuelbarber6177]

Really enjoyed this episode. My reaction to the "I'm the Doctor" moment was just pure David Tennant. Breaking the glass Me: "What?" The TARDIS Me: "What?" Hello, I'm the Doctor. Me: "What..." You're probably a bit confused right now. Me: "Ya darn right lady."

[@tomimpala]

I take your point that Jack not being direct and Ruth wanting 13 off her tardis are mighty convenient for the plot, but I'm hoping there's a reason they don't do it explained later. Like it would alter the future too much to reveal what's going to happen. And the 3 companions discovering the lone cyberman plotline by going on an investigative adventure woulda been cool. I'll be honest though, I don't mind these things as long as it's wrapped up nicely. And Jack was in the middle of explaining before he got teleported. And maybe Ruth didn't trust Jodie was The Doctor and there was an argument we never saw. It all sits well in my mind for me, I can believe that happened without stretching anything in my head.

[@peccatumDei]

Now I have to go see what you said about The Timeless Child, and how The Ruthless Doctor factors into that.

[@shmikex]

Maybe the "Lone Cyberman" is Bill? Or (an eventually converted) Nardole? I think they missed a scene where Ruth expels the Doctor from her TARDIS then flies off. That's what should have happened. I can imagine maybe one of a few things... 1. Ruth is a future incarnation, and is resentful of 13 because of something she will do. Hence the attitude. 2. Ruth is a future incarnation, but maybe a POSSIBLE incarnation much like Orphan 55 is a POSSIBLE future for planet Earth. 3. Ruth is a past incarnation, who might not be the same person the Doctor we know is, but maybe someone to took the name. We don't know how timelords get their names, do we? And maybe the Police Box is an inspiration, if not a common flaw for the chameleon circuit. 4. Ruth is a War Doctor, like one who exists between Young John Hurt (who came after 8), regenerated into Ruth, then eventually back into Old John Hurt (who we saw is Day of the Doctor). The flaw with her being a past incarnation of the Doctor would be that there wouldn't have been a big deal about 11 regenerating then (and requiring help from Galifrey) to regenerate into 12. Anyone else find it odd that 13 timelord-mindmeld with Gat but didn't think to mindmeld with herself? As far as Lee is concerned, I figured Gat assumed the Doctor regenerated into him when fleeing Galifrey. Lastly, they could have ended the episode on a bit of levity where team TARDIS says you'll never guess who we just met and drop the Captain Jack bomb on her. See her face light up when hearing he is back.

[@Spritus3241]

15:57 you know uh, I actually did rewatch this a few times, and uh it's pretty much the only episode of the newest doctor I like watching genuinely aside from kerblam. I wouldn't be surprised if this doctor and the writer are going soon as both Davis and moffat had extended runs due to their excellent work.

[@britanimations2002]

Tardis, some people have issues with this new Doctor that aren't about how the story arch is set up. Those small minded people have actually tweeted a lot of shit to Jo and that's just depressing. Mainly referring to when you said, "I can understand why some people take issue with this" when your issue probably isn't the same as their issue

[@TheConfessionDial]

Don’t know if I agree that this is like ‘The Almost People’ with a 10 minute version of ‘A Good Man Goes to War’ tacked on. I don’t think that’s a fair comparison. The ganger Amy is an additional plot point on top of the original story., it’s not part of the main plot of that episode, it’s a last-minute twist. This episode is all about the ‘Fugitive of the Judoon’. You’re waiting the whole episode to find out who or what the Fugitive actually is. Why would it be a last minute twist? It’s the premise of the entire episode. It’s just not what we expected it to be, it has a larger point that is going to be continued.

[@thomasrdiehl]

Yeah, she introduced herself as the Doctor. That does not mean she is. She's by far not the first to do so. I do still maintain the idea that this is Jenny. This would make the episode a tribute to RTD with one character/creature from each phase (as defined by the main companion at the time): Jack (Rose), the Judoon (Martha), and Jenny (Donna). She knows martial arts and is more prone to using weapons due to her military training. To a scan (at least a superficial one), as a clone she would be identical to the Doctor. She does not remember 13 because she never met her. Jenny could have easily been found by the Timelords, identified as the Doctor and taken on the moniker, possibly after having lost some of her memories. Remember that even the Doctor was not born to that name. This would even fit with the big twist of "The Doctor's Daughter" of how recently the war had started and thus how young everybody was. You mentioned Let's Kill Hitler, an episode that was essential to eventually explaining the apparent murder of the Doctor as being not what it seemed. This could be a similar deal with a clone instead of a robot/mecha. So, this is my theory of what is happening. It's Jenny, who has been the Doctor for quite some time in her own timeline and has forgotten she ever used another name over the centuries (kinda like Ashildr/Me did).

[@anonalpaca2513]

...Which episode is that "I CAN'T STAND THE CONFUSION IN MY MIND" clip even from?

[@DuelaDent52]

Clean off *her horn. I think the Judoon Captain was a woman. I don’t always agree with you, but I think my thoughts on this episode mostly mirrors yours, right down to calling her Ruth-less. Still, say what you will about this episode, positive or negative, the Judoon here looked incredible. Between this episode and Anjli Mohindra appearing two weeks ago, I miss The Sarah Jane Adventures...

[@MrThorfan64]

Yes. Of course I get why they cancelled it, there wasnt really any other option, but it had a real charm. A main writer may be an unpleasant person but still.

[@DuelaDent52]

MrThorfan64 Oh, certainly. I’m glad they didn’t try to keep that going after Elizabeth Sladen died. Still, I’d love to see stuff like the Trickster or the Bannerman Road gang again someday. Wait, do you mean Russel T. Davies? What did he do wrong?

[@MrThorfan64]

@@DuelaDent52 I meant Gareth Roberts.

[@karkatvantas9557]

@@MrThorfan64 They could've (should've) continued with comics or novels, but chose not to. Which is a crying shame. They should've at least released the final three stories of series 5 in another medium.

[@MrThorfan64]

@@karkatvantas9557 I agree. I think comic would be best, the style more fits comics and doing it on audio without Liz would just feel odd.

[@SegaNintendoGuy64]

Oh boy, Half way through of S12 & I waited for this episode to be reviewed.

[@midgetwars1]

I literally watched let's kick Hitler a few months ago. It's a fun first half of an episode with river, Mel's and Hitler being decked by Rory.

[@amydixon2377]

I think I kinda agree with you actually. I was left with "What?!" (10th Doctor style, YKWIM) ringing in my ears. It's clearly setting up a series arc. And for the whole last few minutes of the episode, I was looking at the time and thinking, "Gotta be a two-parter." I'm with you in wishing it had been. Hopefully they take it at least a little bit further within the next episode or two, and resolve it spectacularly with the last 2-3 episodes of the season. We'll see. 🤞

[@TreyMcDonaldAnimator]

To be honest, the fact that they didn't give it much fanfare is relieving. It's important but the fact that the world didn't break over the reveal was great. The Ruthless Doctor™ has me very intrigued. Her introduction leads to a PLETHORA of theories, questions, and interest. I think that there's plenty of room for character development because it makes you ask a lot of questions. It could have been a last minute, shoe horned tie in but they set this up perfectly. Fugitive of the Judoon really shows the capabilities of Doctor Who when you're presented with an opportunity to discover and expand upon the universe. Nothing is canon in the Who Universe.

[@samuelbarber6177]

I think they don't even write Jack's dialogue, Barrowman just wonders onto set and they give him a vague outline of what they want him to do.

[@samuelbarber6177]

An impression of me watching the episode from the glass breaking "What? What? What." This really could've done with being a two parter. Let's call part two, Big Chief Rhino Boi strikes again, so Fugitive of the Judoon would be quite with a bit more Jack stuff and maybe UNIT could show up being re-established. It would end around... "I'm the Doctor." Then Big Chief Rhino Boi strikes again would just be the episode from that but with more UNIT stuff going down.

[@samuelbarber6177]

A summary of this episode: 13: Are you a Fugitive? Ruth: No. 13: Are you a Fugitive? Ruth: No. 13: Are you a Fugitive? Ruth: Fine. I'm a past Doctor you never heard of, they're the Judoon, he's John Barrowman, and she's a Time Lord. 13: I have so many questions!

[@bucwhovian8305]

Personally, the lack of re-watchability isn't an issue for me, there are tons of great movies and tv out there that I don't plan to ever rewatch because one viewing was enough for me. The stuff about describing things we can see on screen, questions that don't go anywhere, that's nothing new in Doctor Who, not saying that makes it okay but it's no more of a problem with this episode than any other. But yeah I am a bit sick of these mystery arcs that are basically just the writers saying "you want to know what the fuck is going on don't you, well you better keep watching to find out". The key thing about that kind of arc is, do I actually care or do I just want them to explain something that doesn't make sense, post-RTD it's pretty much always been the latter. Sometimes the actual payoffs Moffat came up with were quite good, really liked the pay off to the Impossible Girl even if I didn't really care before that. So it's possible Chibnall might give us a good payoff here, but that doesn't make this set-up any better. Having said that I do find the idea of another version Doctor that the current Doctor doesn't remember a really interesting idea and I did get a lot of enjoyment from that. The parts with Captain Jack were good even if they had nothing to do with the story of the episode. It's some pretty blatant setting up for later that's just an attempt to make us keep watching, but at the same time it's was pretty fun to watch. It's got some good setups and fun scenes, I do kinda agree though that it feels like a regular Judoon was lost somewhere along the line.

[@samuelbarber6177]

The writing process: Vinay: Hey, boss. Just wrote this fun Judoon invasion of Gloucestershire story. Boss? You remember I wrote Demons of the Punjab? Chibs: (Hunched over in a pile of cocaine) YEAH BOI! ME MEMS! NOW LET ME JUST CHANGE SOMETHING! (He chops off half the script, adding in some 90s fan fiction he wrote) THERE! Vinay: You okay? Chibs: Sorry, I found this stuff in Moffat's old locker, it was labelled "Story ideas".

[@typeviic1]

OK, next episode. The Doctor will drop off those 3 companions, somewhere in E-Space. Romana will hop on board, then Captain Jack will travel with them for the rest of the season!

[@pundahandz7403]

Seems like this episode will work for the short-term series hype, but as much in the long term when the series is done. I still enjoyed it tho tbh, had a great time reacting with my mate.

[@finb]

John BARROWMANNNNNN

[@Sara-ub5ic]

i liked this episode i thought it was fun and intriguing i honestly enjoyed it but i just didn't like Ruth as "the doctor" whatsoever and seeing how many people liked it made me feel like i was missing out and a little upset because i like to like things. watching the scenes between Ruth and 13 again made me really upset because i really wanted an episode focused on 13 instead i got a character who says she's the doctor (and i still don't buy that she is) belittling and insulting My doctor, the doctor that I've been watching for 11 and a half seasons and treating her like a side character. I'm excited to see where the timeless child and the lone cyberman storylines go but the whole thing with Ruth.. i just want them to explain it this season (because i really don't want it to drag out) and explain it well.

[@derekbryant3799]

Future Dr, The timelords erased all memory of her passed and changed her tardis interior to back up the idea she is the first. They wanted to use her on some mission that went wrong, hence why the master said it was all a lie.

[@nialldennis309]

the only thing that could make this episode be fixed is if the lone cyberman is Lisa and the torchwood gang appear Not Likely? it cant be fixed then.

[@Lasherluke]

personally, I'm going to say that she is the doctor from a parallel universe.

[@sbi168]

Loved this episode, loved the whole Ruth part and great to see captain Jack come back. It was funny but also dark and expansive. Really cool.

[@SurlyInsomniac]

Great review. I like that Chibnall seems to be shaking things up in (what appear to be) interesting ways, but I've been burned before by nu-Who being unable to stick the landing, or even worse, later pretending that there was no landing to stick (I'm looking at you, Moffat). As for the episode, I was expecting a typical RTD-style middling standalone, but while I agree it was flawed, it certainly ended up surprising me. I like The Ruthless Doctor's TARDIS. I prefer a cold & minimalist "Classic Who" approach to the TARDIS interior. I won't be too annoyed if it turns out that there were incarnations of The Doctor before William Hartnell, but then I'm old enough to have lived through an era where (most) Who fans had no problem accepting that at least some of those faces seen in "The Brain of Morbius" duel were pre-Hartnell incarnations. Doctor Who has been defying expectations and pulling the carpet from under the audience's feet since literally the first episode, so I consider the periodic messing about with (apparent) Doctor Who continuity to be a feature, not a bug. At the moment my theory is that the destruction of Gallifrey, The Ruthless Doctor and even the latest incarnation of The Master are the result of an alternate timeline/reality/continuity intruding on the established continuity, similar to the arc seen in Matt Smith's first season. Kind of hacky, but it would explain a lot and also allow for the potential (re)return of Gallifrey, something that Moffat fumbled pretty badly during his tenure.

[@thatadambyrne]

I actually tend to agree with this review. Ruth Doctors performance was great, though.

[@naruto199797]

Personally i feel the same way about ruths doctor that i do about the new master i love how they are when they are on screen but we dont have the answers to who they are atleast not yet anyway

[@GeriatricFan1963]

I think Neil Stuke was more pointing out that the tweet made it sound like he had died, and not his character Lee.

[@DalekTheSupreme]

I do like Fugitive of the Judoon and the Ruthless Doctor, but you do bring up some good points. I personally would have liked to see more of Ruth in the Ruthless Doctor's personality, although the Seventh Doctor-reminiscent moral but manipulative personality she displays is fun. I am glad the Judoon aren't completely forgotten by the end of the episode and continue to play a part, even after the Ruthless Doctor is revealed. I do agree that the Ruthless Doctor could have had better chemistry with the Thirteenth Doctor, rather than gritting her teeth and kicking her off of her TARDIS despite both clearly having questions. Captain Jack Harkness is a welcome return and for a series that is praised and scorned equally for its "wokeness", it's nice to see one of the first openly LGBTQA+ Doctor Who characters back. Captain Jack is a joy to watch, he has some great interactions with Yaz, Ryan, and Graham, and John Barrowman is clearly enjoying playing the part again. That said... it was the most unnecessary part of the episode. Jack is needlessly cryptic about the whole warning he's trying to give the fam to tell the Doctor, and at no point does it factor into the plot. Maybe if we had seen more of the battle he was in, or he or the fam (via his help) made an appearance that drove off the Judoon in the end, it would have been better, but as it stood, it was just there to be an exposition dump with no ties to anything else that was going on, and probably should have been saved for later. I am interesting in seeing what the Lone Cyberman turns out to be though. The Judoon and how the other characters played off of them were the clear highlight of the episode. The space rhino cops were fun to watch, we got (to my knowledge), our first named Judoon, and they had some truly fun and memorable moments. I also don't think it's fair to say the Judoon are shunted aside when they do have a presence and do need to be dealt with after the Ruthless Doctor is revealed. There was a lot of love for the Russel T Davies era in this episode, with the Judoon and trying to call back to rhyming their name, and the surprise appearance by Captain Jack, which was also nice.

[@flutterflyer849]

The Team Four Star clip was unexpected but welcome. I liked the episode and the Ruthless Doctor tm I feel like she had a bit of character at least. I preferred last weeks episode more anyway. I’m just going to wait and see how this arc develops.

[@robertmcghintheorca49]

I regretfully am seeing this story the way you see it, but it's much better than Orphan 55. Let's hope that Jack's appearance is better next time and let's hope that other shenanigans improve overtime.

[@vanillamc1]

I like Let’s Kill Hitler, and do rewatch it, actually as a stand alone story. It’s the dialogue, performances, and River Song is probably my bias here. That said, this is a different, very interesting review. You’re right, the arc criticism, if there is some, can wait. At this time, I am not a big 13th Doctor fan, (I can’t figure her out) but I kind of want to protect her. Like you said, she’s part of the original line up and it just seems disrespectful and unfair to her. Are we having a multiple Doctor Story in the middle of the season? I’m probably in the minority as well, or maybe I’m just a confused mess. What’s weird, is I enjoy arc stories. Ruth is mostly great, but as I said, is the risk of possibly upstaging your own actor a good choice? I’m not saying Ruth did this, but why was it even a consideration? Maybe I’m just naive about these things. Anyway, I’m open to wait until it’s resolved to form any lasting opinions. Great review!

[@matromc20]

Wasn’t anyone else waiting for the Doctor Who credits to roll after she explained what the tardis is.

[@daviemorrison8514]

This was the best episode of the series. You must be drunk

[@AdamTheUltimateWhovian]

Amazing clip placement 15:37

[@TheSuperQuail]

Yeah, so many questions already.

[@mcarp555]

I'm surprised you didn't like it. I watched it thinking you would. It struck me as a return to the kind of Doctor show all the "chick in a TARDIS" haters cry about not getting (note: I'm, not implying you're one of the haters). And for the record, I don't believe for a minute that Ruth is the real, genuine Doctor.

[@th3d3storoy3r]

4:38 - IIRC, the Judoon that got their horn ripped off was a woman, as the Doctor said to her "woman to woman" while chatting about getting some time with the fugitive so that they can surrender

[@Companion92]

I would totally rewatch it. I love it

[@kemmdog4444]

Rips off her horn.😊

[@rafaelfranco5233]

I think Lee was the REAL Dr. Who & he knew that if things went wrong Ruth would continue the mission of The Doctor

[@justwobert9850]

if this was a 2 part episode it would of worked