'Rogue' is a romp... but doesn't quite work - Doctor Who review

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[@CouncilofGeeks]

A playlist of videos covering the issues with the BBC and transphobic reporting: kzbin.info/aero/PLmWFOeT2jEofVIDW9X3OL7GqWuX3Dxopu

[@highfive7689]

Holy... Wonka! We have unleashed the singing coquettish Doctor onto the universe!!!! Move aside River Song we've got a new Boy-Toy to train to replace you. Battle earrings and all. With enough Regency airs and costumes in this episode to put a Bridgerton episode to shame. The Kiss that Launched a Ten thousand screams of the far Right... ( 🤯🥳) Add a marriage proposal, even if only in cosplay mode. Will we have enough of a scandal that may rock Disney's Mouse out of his castle? Well.., now that we got the preliminary comments out of the way.... Where to start. Overall I liked it. I guess we have to take Lethbridge-Stewart, head of Unit's, claim that things are going towards the supernatural, since it certainly was more Fantasy than anything else. My comment about scandal is not off point. I can't see Disney or the BBC not having a bazesn (Yiddish) time over this. But at least we can raise a Champagne Flute and toast to another social wall imploding with our "Rogue" episode that we can savor. I don't know if the Showrunner is doing things with an angry intent this season. Since if you do things in a certain way it may close more doors than they open - including the show. Let us keep our eyes on where the season finale goes.

[@bobm4378]

@@highfive7689 hey yes!! Disney+ pays the money(only for publishing rights!), and hopes it's worth it!! all the money spent, filming most likely all done for NEXT season!! yes all this was filmed 2 or 3 years ago! they are most likely filming for 2025/6 right now...

[@adeviantproduction]

FYI your intro screen has a typo. "below you'll a number" is missing "find". Forgive me, I proof read stuff for a living. ✌️

[@highfive7689]

@@bobm4378 TY for the info!

[@HandofOmega]

A bit late to mention this, but surprisingly few are talking about the Doctor *singing Pure Imagination* as Rogue explores the TARDIS!! How did I not konw how much I needed this in my life?!🤯🥰

[@RedClaw87]

I took the doctor putting the ring on as a promise from the doctor to keep thinking of a way to find Rogue. It's not unlike the doctor to try finding Rogue and not telling anyone. I'm certain, that we find out in a future season, that he was thinking about a way all the time.

[@MKR5210]

This episode fucked the rotting corpse of Dr. Who. Due to the Dr. forgetting he had his sonic and failing to check that Ruby was in fact a birdie, he trapped her in what is presented as certain death. Pretty fcuking incompetent. Ruby immediately accepts death and gives a stirring speech about self sacrifice, what a little heroine. What does the Dr. do? Does he take action? Fcuk no. This pathetic excuse for a Dr. does a Markle, one tear left eye.... Go, and then shrugs it off and snog tests her possible replacement. THE Doctor would have realised the option that Rogue eventually took and acted on it first. Lest we forget Ecclestone's Dr. gave his life for Rose, it is who the Dr. is, pun intended. But no, they couldn't even have Gatwa take Ruby's place, only for his love of a whole hour to replace him, saving his life.... The profound shortfalls in the writing of the "season 1" will be legendary....

[@AndrewHalliwell]

The ring may also contain a tracker or something to help find him...

[@kellygingrich4302]

^ yeah, that's how I read that scene too

[@ianmcintire6696]

It certainly does make me wonder whether the rings the Doctor was already wearing have some significance. Certainly, given the Gatwa Doctor’s tendency to wear different costumes each week, the rings are practically the only constant!

[@pious83]

@@MKR5210 😂 Have a lay down.

[@cfsfilms5091]

I mean, personally I took the Doctor putting the ship in orbit around the moon as an indication that he's going to try because he says something about it waiting there until it's time. It is a little weird they don't directly say it but I feel like that's the point of the ring as well, to make sure he remembers if he gets a chance. I am aware that the real external reason for this is that the episode is by guest writers who didn't know if the show was going to be open to bringing Rogue back, so they didn't want to make it too conclusive in either direction though. They said in BTS materials that they were surprised 'find me' made it in at all. I hope they do bring him back at some point but we won't know if they will for years, probably.

[@JohnBainbridge0]

I'm also not a fan of romantic plots, but Rogue rolled a nat 20 Charisma Check, so I'll forgive it 😉

[@joso7228]

he had zero charisma and the Actor seemed embarrassed to play the role

[@ingec1736]

​@joso7228 what! Interesting how differently people can perceive things huh. I loved it, I thought he had so much charisma. Wow

[@HandofOmega]

@@ingec1736 It is. I didn't think he had Zero charisma, but he was pretty cold and distant...which is because he was on a pretty serious job. I didn't really get that he was that attracted to the Doctor, tho, not even until awhile in...I expect the next we see him, he'll be more effusive.

[@gergi29]

With the doctor showing his faces convincing Rogue not to kill him, for me I read it as that device shows what the person it’s being used on can shapeshift into, so if he was a Chuldur it would’ve shown a birdperson. Yet since it didn’t and showed his humanlike faces it proved to Rogue that while the Doctor is a shapeshifter he’s not a Chuldur, and therefore not who he was looking for

[@saphcal]

yeah thats what i gathered too since the initial scan did reveal the doctor was a type of shapeshifter, which rogue just assumed proved he was chuldur.

[@Elwaves2925]

That's basically what I thought as well. It was scanning all of him and showing Rogue far more than just his faces.

[@EmpireGamingWynter]

I read it more as the Doctors lore has so much history and power that it communicated the importance of the Doctor telepathically. We know humans have psychic powers in Doctor Who. So I think it played into that. It wasn't what Rogue was seeing, it was what he was feeling while seeing it

[@saphcal]

@@EmpireGamingWynter no it was literally the ships computer showing it.

[@EmpireGamingWynter]

@@saphcal you didn't get what I meant, that's ok

[@jbillma]

I don't think this is the end of Rogue. I don't think the Doctor won't ever try to find Rogue, he just won't try to find Rogue today. The reason why, I think you touched on in the edit room: The Doctor has a duty of care to bring Ruby back. That, or course, was reiterated in the episode.

[@shalinimahalingam9064]

I hope it's not, I loved Jack Harkness as a character and it's nice to have another "rogue" character thrown in. I feel like it makes things more interesting because you keep wondering when they're gonna pop up again. Also I thought the characters had instant chemistry which I felt had been lacking in previous seasons.

[@reverse7503]

i really like the part when the doctor assumed ruby was dead he was showing how pleased he was by their life span being 600 years knowing they would suffer.

[@lays5277]

And the crazy part is nothing about his actual plan CHANGED. like seriously he just stopped lying to himself that it was humane

[@404maxnotfound]

Yeah little bit of og tennant era anger and punishment.

[@TakeAchance365]

@@404maxnotfound maybe a little valyard and the time lord vicious coming out

[@richardvinsen2385]

The ending left me wondering how long is Rogue’s lifespan? How long will he suffer with the Doctor not searching for him?

[@JoeBoKnows]

Almost like..... hell be one waits @richardvinsen2385

[@repketchem]

I get not liking romance in Doctor Who, and I typically agree, but as a gay man, seeing the main character, a man, in a show that's not about romance or centered around gay issues/culture, pursue and obtain a romantic connection with a man is literally all I've ever wanted in a TV show. ETA, because I forgot: I cried when the romance progressed and the kiss happened because of the fact that what I described doesn't really exist.

[@HandofOmega]

Have you watched the new Interview With a Vampire series? It leans WAY more into all of what you wrote than the books ever did! Give it a shot!

[@TheCagedCorvid]

I felt the same way. Yes, it felt a bit rushed, I'd have preferred it to build up over a couple of episodes, but with the season being so short I get why it wasn't. I'm also not the biggest fan of the romance thing, with companions at least, but this felt like the right dynamic for it. I loved every minute even with the minor issues. They had great chemistry, it was very tastefully done, and it's a huge step forward to see queer romance in a show like this, so many people will feel seen by this, and it will help normalise it for so many too. Perhaps it wasn't perfect, but it was wonderful ✨️🏳️‍🌈✨️

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

Seconding the 'Interview with a Vampire' series rec! Seriously, I think that might be one of the best-written shows out right now. It does get super-dark at times, though, so be warned! For m/m fluff, there's always the film 'Red, White, and Royal Blue', which is basically a gay rom-com and lots of fun. (I went in expecting to hate it, but as a queer person, it was all I ever wanted!)

[@baaron7]

I'm straight and I loved it. RTD did what Chibnall was too cowardly to do. It also cemented the Doctor's fluid sexuality as canon and as an added bonus, it pissed off the 'anti-woke' mob. Wins all around if you ask me.

[@Netherfly]

I'm generally very much against the Doctor being anything but ace and aro... but this episode still worked for me. Ncuti Gatwa's performance is just so *good* I can't help but forgive my conceptual objection. And the humor was great. The flirting scenes, especially, were a real highlight of the episode -- hell, of this whole first *Neo Who* season.

[@gaz-l621]

According to the production team, it's a brand new headshot of Grant that was taken specifically for Doctor Who

[@SarcyBoi41]

And RTD commented on an Instagram post that this was indeed meant to be canonisation of the Shalka Doctor. Obviously author's intent is not necessarily true canon, but the Toymaker did comment that he "made a jigsaw" out of the Doctor's history, which could definitely allow the Shalka Doctor to now be canon.

[@nairrdlairrd]

I assumed the “find me” line will be followed up on in a later episode

[@HOTD108_]

Back when I was a little kid I assumed the "I will come back" line would be followed up in a later episode, back when Susan left the TARDIS. Now I'm older than Hartnell ever lived to be.

[@TheGerkuman]

You may still get your wish. But maybe not. Maybe it's next season. Or Christmas time

[@stephjovi]

Or a big finish once he's done with TV

[@JohnBainbridge0]

I think the Doctor will try to find Rogue. He sent Rogue's ship into orbit, for "As long as it takes." I think the too-many-dimensions thing was just his way of changing the subject. 15 doesn't seem to like talking about his feelings. But he did put on Rogues ring. I suspect he'll keep it on for a while.

[@HOTD108_]

The Doctor also told Susan he would come back. He tends to procrastinate these things.

[@joso7228]

its 5 and he sucks

[@shalinimahalingam9064]

I remember the TARDIS having the power to track people using objects of significance i.e. the ring. I wonder if that will come into play in the next season

[@MarkWiseTechno]

17:40 My favorite "companion who wasn't" is Perkins from Mummy on the Orient Express. Rita from God Complex is probably #2.

[@CouncilofGeeks]

Perkins was an absolute delight.

[@HandofOmega]

Perkins was awesome! But call me basic, but I always liked Lady Christina deSousa, even if her ep wasn't that great, I thought she had great chemistry with 10...

[@benjamintillema3572]

I liked Rita a lot! Honestly God Complex is an underrated episode and it would have been the perfect send off for the Ponds but whatever.

[@R_SENAL]

Rita has always been mine.

[@Elwaves2925]

@@HandofOmega As a different opinion, I didn't get the chemistry between the Doctor and Christina at all. In fact, I thought she was badly acted and easily the worst thing in that episode. That's me though. Perkins was indeed awesome though and I'd add Faye Marsay's character from Last Christmas.

[@ErinTheFennec]

I personally think the romance works with this particular Doctor, my read on him has been that he's more emotional and more open to love than a lot of other incarnations, combining both of those two features of this Doctor lets me see how this particular incarnation would be swept off his feet by Rogue. But if you don't vibe with romance in Doctor Who then I can see why you wouldn't particularly care for this. I also felt like the "come find me" line was setup for him to seek out Rogue later on, they perhaps should have shown him setting the TARDIS to scan at the very least so that they could come back to Rogue's story in an upcoming season.

[@HereticReborn]

I thought the ending was clear the Doctor is going to be looking for Rouge he just isn’t sure how. Putting the ring on was a promise to find him and will always be there reminding the doctor to keep looking. It seemed the Doctor was really affected by the proposal or even triggered into remembering a past proposal. The Doctor especially this one is sort of LARPing himself pretending to be a time tourist with Ruby while also trying to figure out her mystery, what’s wrong with the Tardis, fixing mavity, watching for the one who waits, etc. now finding Rogue is another thing to do. Oh and Richard EGrant is the Valeyard. 😜

[@shalinimahalingam9064]

Fixing Mavity 😂 I will honestly be surprised if they don't entirely forget about it by the second season. Ngl it is getting a bit old for me.

[@shalinimahalingam9064]

I agree about the ring btw, I think they left it there to see the audience's receptiveness to decide how much they will include him in future episodes.

[@evanlinden4410]

I really enjoy your videos on DW Vera, even though about half the time we don’t have the same opinion. But I genuinely, thoroughly LOVED this one, especially the Doctor and Rogue’s gorgeous chemistry

[@shalinimahalingam9064]

Same, I was really disappointed to hear that they didn't enjoy the romance cos I thought it was well done and made so much sense with Ncuti Gatwa's doctor cos he wears his heart on his sleeve unlike the past doctors who have been scared opening up because they have lost so many loved ones. It was even addressed in the episode when the two were in the TARDIS when Ncuti said "you have to live each day to the fullest, because they can't". None of the other doctors would've said that.

[@ilko962]

I'm surprised you didn't find the romp aspect flowing well. For me it worked pretty well. Two very lonely travelers saw each other, flirted, learned things about one another, shared a dance and then Rogue kissed the Doctor goodbye. They were basically on a first date with a sprinkle of alien bird people and a dash of heroism.

[@roxywyndham]

Yup 😂

[@jamiedoe6822]

Exactly. It think it also fits with this particular actor’s performance.

[@Netherfly]

Same. Everything just clicked for me -- the romance, the comedy, the adventure. And the performances were all fantastic. A perfect 5 out of 5 episode for me.

[@enzog8245]

Except they've only known eachother for like 30mins and that's all it took for the doctor to fall in love and be so open and even weep so intensely near the end when he lost him. Idk it doesn't really feel in character to me...

[@jamiedoe6822]

@@enzog8245 who says they are in love?

[@elkyop6809]

I think the main reason the doctor didn’t try to find Rogue is because the episode was over. I got the impression that the Doctor needed some time to figure out how to find Rogue and that this is gonna happen between episodes until it culminates in some future episode. Maybe this is wishful thinking since what allowed me to enjoy the romance was the hope for a happy ending, since tragic endings for one-off companions is something I think Doctor Who has done too much

[@richardvinsen2385]

Perhaps there will be a throwaway line in the next episode concerning the Doctor’s ongoing search.

[@rylsahawneh3662]

Ngl, I can’t help thinking next episode with the Doctor trying to find him. Which is probably me putting my clown makeup on.

[@scottboswell6406]

When you think back, it's ironic that they played a Kylie Minogue song when she was one of those one-off companions.

[@shalinimahalingam9064]

​@@rylsahawneh3662unfortunately I don't think he's gonna pop up for the rest of the season other than maybe right at the very end of the last episode as a teaser.

[@rylsahawneh3662]

@@shalinimahalingam9064 I wasn’t thinking that the Doctor would succeed. More little glimpses of him trying to figure out a way to whatever dimension Rogue ended up in that get interrupted when Ruby comes to ask him a question or when the TARDIS lands somewhere.

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

TBF, the almost-kiss is such a standard romance trope, that I didn't think they were baiting at all. At least, at first. I did have some minor flashbacks to all the mishandling of things like Yaz/Thirteen. But in the end, I personally loved that they stuck with that trope (alongside the enemies to lovers trope), because that can be catnip to romance fans like me. 😍

[@rajaj1461]

I loved this episode, regarding the end with the doctor not following up on Rogue, I interpreted it as the doctor prioritizing Ruby before anything else, even romance, especially after the promise he made to her mother trying to keep her safe and almost failing to do so this episode. The fear of losing a companion has been instilled in the doctor many generations ago. And Ruby tries to console him in the end, that its okay to choose himself for once in their time together.

[@AMoniqueOcampo]

This episode was so much fun! I loved Rogue so much. I loved the Doctor's outfit. I loved all the costumes. We needed a breather after how intense the last two episodes were. It's very clear that this episode was paying homage to Bridgerton.

[@gullyfeather4330]

I love this episode, but I do think 5 or so Bridgerton name drops may have been a touch too many for one episode lol

[@mikaylaeager7942]

You seem very convinced that Rogue isn’t coming back and that the Doctor isn’t looking for him right now. Not sure why you wouldn’t take that “find me” for the foreshadowing setup it so clearly is.

[@richardvinsen2385]

Perhaps because in the very next scene, the Doctor all but said finding Rogue would be impossible?

[@mikaylaeager7942]

@@richardvinsen2385 Since when has something being impossible stopped the Doctor. Saying it’s impossible honestly makes it more likely.

[@Starsteam1]

@@mikaylaeager7942 Because he said it's impossible and Vera said he won't even try, even if it fails he didn't bother to try, that's what she means.

[@mikaylaeager7942]

@@Starsteam1 Just because we didn’t see him try in this episode doesn’t mean he isn’t going to. That’s exactly what a setup is: a potential storyline left dangling that will be resolved in future episodes. If they didn’t want to leave it open to more stories they would have had Rogue say “Goodbye” or “I’m glad I met you, Doctor” or “I think I could have loved you” NOT “find me.” That’s a setup if ever I heard one!

[@Starsteam1]

@@mikaylaeager7942 There's far too many dangling cliffhanger plotlines in this season already, they should resolve a few before creating new one's. Like how does bi-generation work.

[@EmpireGamingWynter]

My attitude on the doctor being romantic is much more nuanced I think it depends on the incarnation. We know that each incarnation has their own personalities and quirks. Ncuti is so naturally flirtatious it would actually feel wrong to not have it be a part of his character. Most Doctors, I agree, completely asexual (mostly Matt Smiths 11). For me, it's fine with Ncuti. I believe it. Romance for me, comes down to the actors own personalities and strengths This felt natural and I really got invested in The Doctor and Rogue.

[@nekusakura6748]

The 8th Doctor definitely feels like the incarnation that would most approach 'human' romance (especially when it comes to his relationship with 'Charley' Pollard in Big Finish)

[@blackphoenix77]

The only time I don't like the Doctor in romantic relationships is when it's with a companion. I don't mind when the Doctor falls for other people. I do agree that the Rogue thing happened too fast; I wish it would have been built up over several episodes.

[@Donnagata1409]

There are NOT several episodes!

[@christianwise637]

I agree, I don't like the Doctor having romantic relationships with companions, but I'm fine if it's a guest character (provided the actors have chemistry, like Gatwa and Groff did), or even a recurring character like River

[@hinasakukimi]

i only disagree because rose had such fantastic chemistry with 9 & 10 (and their 'final' goodbye had me sobbing lol). that said, i do think it should be a rare thing

[@locker.535]

I’m not seeing a lot of people talking about Rogue’s line about a demanding “new boss” when they are in Rogues ship and talking about the Doctors identity and bounty hunting. Thoughts?

[@Netherfly]

Beep the Meep also referenced having a "new boss," so it's safe to assume this is groundwork for either the coming finale or something next season. The obvious suspect would be the Master, and if that is the case, I wouldn't expect to see them show up until *at least* season 2.

[@klop4228]

​@@Netherfly I hope the Master shows up and has an army of Cybermen. That'd be a really original idea that's never been done before.

[@angrykasperle-johanna7006]

The voice sounded a lot like a dalek, didn't it?

[@angrykasperle-johanna7006]

The voice sounded a lot like a dalek, didn't it?

[@intergalactic92]

I read the article about it. It seems like a stretch to me. But I’m sure they can use it if they really want to.

[@llauram3650]

The "there are infinite dimensions out there" isn't the Doctor not caring, it's the Doctor not getting his hopes up in an obvious he really does care way so they're gonna bring Rogue bac.

[@musicalaviator]

The Tango is LIbertango by Astor Piazzola (it translates to "Liberty Tango" from 1974) and is indeed a piece of music that symbolizes a break from Classical Tango and the establishment of the new style "Tango Nuevo" which has a whole thing being a push against the Argentinian Junta government and Astor Piazzoa himself having found himself having to emigrate to Italy for a while because the Argentine government was too ... fascist in the 1970's. His return in the late 1980's became a complete revival and reinvention of the musical and dance form. I was genuinely surprised to find it here in doctor who.

[@Someoneinthecomments-to8tm]

I wouldn't say that Rogue is in any way 'the best' episode of the new series but so far it's probably been my favorite as there is very often a distinction there. I loved the character of Rogue, I liked the humour, the setting and the emotional aspect landed really well for me (although I understand why it wouldn't for everyone). It just felt like I was watching a very typical episode of Doctor Who but done really well and it's the sort of thing I can see myself going back to a lot.

[@nady2296]

I could have written this comment. 73 Yards is the best episode of the season for me but I loved Rogue so much that I consider it my favorite. The romance was written in a way very close to fanfiction, which I love, and the queer representation was very touching. I already want to rewatch the episode

[@robo3007]

I'd rate it a 7.5/10. If a little small in spectacle, I found it to be an extremely fun episode that effectively captured the essence of Doctor Who. Pros: - Easily the best written episode of this season besides Boom. So much detail and whit was pumped into every line of dialogue. - The Doctor's and Rogue's chemistry was positively electrifying. This might be a controversial opinion, but I though they had better chemistry than the Doctor and River Song did across the entirety of their run. - Love that fact that we got a chance to see the Doctor's dark side from the line "How long will they will be trapped there for? That's a long time to suffer." without them taking it too far and making the Doctor flip the coordinates back to the incinerator to something. - The twist at the end completely caught me off guard, and I thought it was a clever way of utilising the psychic earrings introduced earlier in the episode. - I found the ending to be heart breaking but sweet, and was a nice way to leave Rogue's story in a suspended state until his next appearance. Cons: - Not a fan of the Chuldur's design. I find adding animal characteristics to an otherwise humanoid appearance to be lazy. - As great as the Doctor and Rogue's chemistry was, I do kind of miss the days where the Doctor acted asexually. - I thought the idea floated that the Chuldur would take over the world if left checked felt way too overblown for an otherwise small stakes story. - Small criticism but I was disappointed that Susan Twist didn't get a proper cameo this time, especially with it being so close to the finale.

[@TheBreadthatcausedLesMis]

Personally, one of my favourites of the series so far, I honestly enjoyed that it felt the most like an episode from the RTD1 and Moffatt era of who. I enjoyed the whole dynamic between The Doctor and Rogue. I feel my opions on the episode as a whole match up more with Jessie's.

[@ingec1736]

Same! Absolutely loved it. So very much Doctor Who. (The kind of DW I love)

[@TIDELINERUNNERS]

This was my four year old son's very first Dr Who episode. He had a blast. As a non Bridgerton viewer, I found myself having to create an idea of what that show is from what this story told me.

[@TheCardinalArt]

LOL I don't watch Bridgerton either and honestly I think this is as close as I'm going to get to it. I'm just not a period drama type person. From what I've heard from other fans of the show, they did an excellent job capturing the feeling of it. So glad your son had a blast! I'm sure he will be a fan. This doctor's incarnation seems to have that fun energy that appeals to everyone. Just remember to give him a couch cushion to hide behind for the scary parts. 😉

[@TheCardinalArt]

As art is completely subjective, I appreciate that many people don't enjoy romantic subplots (or plots) in their fantasy and sci fi. It doesn't matter who the romance is with, there are many people who simply don't enjoy it unless it's absolutely necessary to the main story line. That's absolutely cool. The world of art would be horribly boring if we all liked the same thing. For myself (as an asexual) there are very few shows or movies that revolve around sex that I enjoy. It's just not an element I'm interested in. I am quite a romantic though, so I do enjoy a well done romance where the chemistry between the characters shows and it makes sense in the main plot of the story. I enjoyed the romance in this one and giggled through Rogues inability to know how to make a scandalous scene. It made sense with his character being someone who wants (and needs) to not be noticed. Jumping strait to proposing was simply adorable fun for me. I didn't even care that he just happened to have a ring ready. I enjoyed the clumsy "uhhhh what do I do.... I'll just propose" of it all. Was this episode perfect? No. Was it fun and charming and one I'll watch over and over? Definitely yes! Thank you so much for your review Vera! I always love getting your insight to all things fantasy and sci fi!

[@StaleRice]

I wanna say, I think the point of the ending is to set up for finding Rogue in the next season or two, that was my immediate assumption. I could be way off though, we’ll have to wait and see! Very fun episode, and a good thorough review Vera!

[@yumyumpodcast]

I really appreciate that after slamming Loki's representation that RTD offered folks from there to have a go on his show. It was very frustrating and amusing that the episode didn't really know what cosplay is because what these aliens were doing is a LARP!

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

LOL, I kept yelling 'THAT'S LARPING' at the screen every time they said 'cosplay'!

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

Also, the other layer of RTD bringing the Loki folks over to do the queer romance right this time is that the press at the time said Loki swerved a bit away from it because it was on Disney. But Doctor Who is on Disney as well, so that makes it extra meaningful to me.

[@angrykasperle-johanna7006]

I kept thinking, well it's LARP but maybe they thought more people know what cosplay is and they wanted to keep it simple for those who don't know what LARP is.

[@yumyumpodcast]

@@angrykasperle-johanna7006 If they can pull out The Shalka Doctor, one can easily explain what a LARP is.

[@intergalactic92]

Is it possible that they used the term cosplay because the mainstream doesn’t actually know what LARPing is, but they know about cosplay.

[@plagalbytes6569]

The dance piece was "Libertango" by Astor Piazzolla, if you're curious about looking up its history!

[@federicaesu8580]

I like the episode. It has the right mix of fun, scary moments and a brilliant solution that saves the day. It would be a perfect filler episode if only there were more than eight episodes.

[@Melaniy-un3kr]

That dance with Rogue tho

[@HandofOmega]

Extra props for using my favorite tango during it!🥰

[@arubinojr5670]

Caecilius was very much a historical figure. I'm going to be in horto sedet all night for that slight.

[@lukegreen9834]

Will Matella be joining?

[@citrinedragonfly]

LOL I taught out of that book for eight years and I loved it! We were using it when Fires of Pompeii first aired, and it was so much fun seeing what was taken and what was changed from our story. And more fun to have my students come in after it aired going, "Magistra, did you see Caecilius?!" and "But, Magistra, where was Grumio? Did the volcano aliens kill Grumio?" The most inaccurate thing in that episode though? Caecilius was never in horto.

[@7thHourFilms]

@@citrinedragonfly I had a Latin class in 2019 and we still used that book! Every so often I think about Caecilius and how he was est in horto.

[@arubinojr5670]

@@lukegreen9834 As long as Quintus is out having adventures across Britain and exposing corrupt politicians or whatever was happening.

[@di7770]

Being a bit melodramatic saying that "the Doctor didn't try" about finding Rogue, they almost want to bring him back. It's a daunting task, he's not ready to undertake yet, but doesn't mean he never will.

[@Starsteam1]

Didn't The Doctor say it's impossible tho? That implies that they wont bother

[@dirkfireflash7773]

Just because the Doctor didn’t immediately start doing something to find Rogue before the end of the episode, doesn’t mean that he won’t. There is no need to rush attempts at the rescue when you own a time machine. The Doctor literally has all the time in the universe in which to devote to the search. RTD has longterm goals for Doctor Who so it could be a few series before Rogue is brought back, but I get the feeling that he will become a fan favourite character and a potential level of conflict for the Doctor in the future as whilst it’s unlikely that he is amoral, he’s certainly morally complex.

[@that_morrigan6184]

I was expecting the final shot of the episode to be the D20 being placed into the TARDIS console and "scanning" to start. Something to show the hunt is happening and ongoing but not a focal point, so it can be revisited at a later date with ease if wanted.

[@TheCagedCorvid]

Perhaps at some point he could do something like that with the ring🤞

[@MrTBO1710]

Council of geeks jokingly maybe Rogue beat the Toymaker in Dungeons and Dragons

[@Caramiela]

Wow that would be nice plottwist! :D

[@chrisleneil]

I loved the romance, & want them to bring Rogue back! Mainly because I believe that *this* Doctor would be ready to fall for someone who has dealt with similar things to what they have. Also, they pretty together, & I’m shallow. (Same reason I like River/12)

[@LydiaTarine12]

Shouldn’t The Doctor be able to use the ring to help find Rogue? Isn’t using an object connected to someone to track that someone a thing the TARDIS has done in the past?

[@jasonlescalleet5611]

The “sent to a random dimension” thing was, I believe, another D&D reference. That’s basically the “violet” effect of a Prismatic Spray and similar spells. I once damned a bad guy to heaven that way-it was one of the more amusing random results I’ve had.

[@ianmcintire6696]

In terms of “arc-bait,” the possibility of Rogue being “the one who waits” hasn’t occurred to me, and I find it unlikely. But my ears did prick up when Rogue mentioned that he had a “new boss.” Could the Meep be a co-worker of his? I found the configuration of the sonic trap to be maximally dilemma-producing. Also the Doctor decides to modify the device so that instead of killing then, they’ll get sent to a completely barren dimension? In what way is that not still a death sentence? Finally, I guess if Rogue has Kylie Minogue in his playlist, he’s also capable of time travel.

[@richardvinsen2385]

Perhaps the music came from the guy Rogue lost.

[@ianmcintire6696]

@@richardvinsen2385 So *that* guy was a time-traveler, then?

[@tommarsdon5644]

That's it! The one who rogue lost must be the meep!

[@peyotebritta]

The symbol on his ring also looked like a Caduceus to me which is linked to several 'messengers of the gods' across Greco-Egyptian mythology including Hermes, Mercury and Iris. Made me think maybe he works for a member of the Pantheon. He also seems to have a bird motif and not just because of the Chuldur The Caduceus is perfect for the Doctor because it also represents medicine, but I do wonder what it meant to Rogue

[@richardvinsen2385]

@@peyotebritta Rogue’s ship was shaped like a giant bird.

[@shadowgophr5269]

For those that are interested, the filming location for this episode was Tredegar House - a National Trust owned property in Newport, Wales. I know the place pretty well as I used to walk around the grounds most lunchtimes when I worked basically next door (and we had a special gate that led straight into the grounds). Beautiful place and well worth a visit if you're in the UK!

[@ftumschk]

Much of it - perhaps most of it - was filmed at Margam Orangery.

[@shadowgophr5269]

@@ftumschk I did think some of the shots (where they're standing in front of the long wall with windows) looked like Margam so maybe they dual-location filmed this one for a few shots. The main exterior shots of the house, and certainly the scene where you see the carriages outside in the courtyard are Tredegar (next to its own Orangery). Usually they CGI a lot around the real location, but beyond cutting out the modern housing estate behind the house, the shots match exactly the current location.

[@ftumschk]

@@shadowgophr5269 The indoor ballroom dancing scenes, and the scenes with the Doctor/Ruby on the steps, were at Margam (I've been to a few wedding receptions there, so I recognised it instantly).

[@mrcritical6751]

See I latched onto the part where it said the episode was in Bath and desperately tried to find anything related to the city I went to uni at

[@shadowgophr5269]

@@ftumschk Good spot. Definitely a dual-location shoot then. Would make sense considering the two locations aren't far apart.

[@supremeoverlorde2109]

I really liked Rogue, and... to be fair, it's not like he's never given up on his loves before. He gave up trying to reunite with Rose Tyler, but I assume if he'd thought there was a way without breaking the realities, he would have pursued it. I do think though that given the emphasis on Rogue's "Find me," the Doctor just giving up immediately seems like an odd choice. I'm still not sure whether what we saw is an indication that the plan is to bring Rogue back, or if they're just leaving the possibility open.

[@HandofOmega]

Well, they ended a major storyline with the Doctor being determined to "find Gallifrey"...and then just never did anything with that at all...

[@supremeoverlorde2109]

@@HandofOmega Well, that was under Moffat, but I get your point. Day of the Doctor, in my opinion, was an incredibly satisfying ending to the Last of the Time Lords arc. I'm disappointed that Moffat didn't do anything with Gallifrey outside Hellbent and the only thing Chibnall could think of was to destroy it again. I admit, there was a part of me secretly hoping maybe Rogue was like another Time Lord or something, and it was going to lead to the revelation that there are others out there. I'm tired of the Doctor being the Last of the Time Lords. I still thought Rogue was a fun character, and during his last era, RTD was pretty good at tying up his loose ends. Series 1 through 4 felt very much like its own self-contained thing. So I'm still hopeful maybe this will pay off eventually.

[@HandofOmega]

@@supremeoverlorde2109 I didn't think of Rogue being a disguised Time Lord! Maybe he could turn out to be the Corsair, that'd be fitting...Now I think on it, his name and the setting does make him seem like a character from a Harlequin Romance. I wonder if someone is playing a game with the Doctor, not unlike how Amy Pond was placed in his way...?

[@supremeoverlorde2109]

@@HandofOmega Could be! There are a still a number of mysteries to be unraveled.

[@LuxieDamned]

The tango was controversial for being a dance of the low class and migrants. It was often between man and woman but it was also man with man, but that was the least of the controversy. It's good anyway they took a tango for that scene because it was actually a dance between man at some point, but to me it was not time period music for it. On another line, I was kind of baffled when the doctor was more invested in Rogue when Ruby was just about to die and got saved. He just asked "are you ok?", Didn't he just said she was his best friend? I would be 100% more interested in the friend that almost die than in a handsome random stranger I fancy

[@Donnagata1409]

In fact, the tango was what the customers danced in BsAs brothels, while waiting for their turn, to pass the time. They also had tango competitions between men, much like rappers' battles. The one who could do the most difficult and intricate steps won.

[@lucypreece7581]

I loved this episode. It may not have been everyones cup of tea but it was most definitely mine. 2 of my fave shows Doctor Who and Bridgerton colliding, Jonathan Groff who I am obsessed with and a cute queer love story. Yes. just yes. feed it to me. I want shit like this injected into my veins. I don't care that it's just a fluffy romp filler episode I love it, I want it, I need it.

[@Brunoxsa]

Thank you for the video, Vera! Despite not being into "Bridgerton", I really did like a lot this fun episode, especially for it being (kind of) a "standard" one! I understand some people wanting the Doctor to be more an asexual and/or aromantic character and, to be fair, considering how they are virtually immortal, every romantic pairing will probably always meet a tragic end. However, that confirms without a doubt: the Doctor is queer! Asexual and aromantic people are still very queer. However, a discourse about Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor which really did annoy me was about she not being actually queer for being in love with Yaz. It was just the "straight preferences" of the previous male incarnations "bleeding into" her. 🙄 And, personally, I am so tired of subtlety/subtext in media, especially when it comes down to queerness. About the final scene where the Doctor wears Rogue's ring: I do not necessarily think that the Doctor is giving up in trying to search for Rogue. The line "Find me!" implies that Rogue will appear again. Unfortunately, the contained aspect of the story in this episode could give the impression of the Doctor giving up. At least, I do hope that is not the case. I really want more of Jonathan Groff's Rogue!

[@R_SENAL]

I think you can be a hetero/asexual (ace) as well as any other combos with ace. A tendency toward ace can come from all sides of the spectrum as far as what you do like the few times you do like doing stuff with others. I'm semi-ace and in preferences when I do want someone it's someone female. My wrinkle is I don't care about plumbing so I've dated cis and trans women, and I'm now married to a non-op transwoman, but I'm still mostly ace/hetero, but maybe ace/bi. IDK or care, I'm just me. That said, it bugs me lumping all ace as queer.

[@Brunoxsa]

Hello, @@R_SENAL! I understand that some people are not comfortable with the label "queer". It is similar to how some people under the non-binary umbrella do not consider themselves transgender or some trans people prefer to be called "transsexual" over transgender. One of the points which I was trying to do is: asexual and aromantic people belong to our LGBTQ+ community (I do use "queer" and "LGBTQ+" interchangeably, but prefer the former), even if they are heteromantic/heterosexual. I was arguing against the erasure of asexual and aromantic people, which, SOMETIMES, also comes from inside the community. I am sorry for not making that clear in my original commentary!

[@R_SENAL]

@@Brunoxsa Thank you for the clarification. 😉

[@NicoleM_radiantbaby]

I just thought it was super-weird that the Doctor didn't want to kill the Chuldur, yet he sent them all to a barren dimension to suffer and die slowly instead (and even planned to do that BEFORE being angry at them when he thought Ruby was dead). It all seemed very Thirteen with not wanting the giant spider shot, but being cool with it and its babies slowly suffocating to death. So bizarre.

[@christianwise637]

I think having the bit where the Doctor goes 'angry vengeful God' in response to Ruby's death kind of threw a lot of people (myself included) off the questionable nature of his plan; to quote Elizabeth Sandifer's review: "I was momentarily annoyed by the vapid morality of “well killing them is clearly wrong but imprisoning them in solitary confinement for all eternity is fine,” but then the script circled back to it to highlight the Doctor’s vengeful rage after Ruby’s apparent death, robbing me of things to complain about." All the same, think having a little moment where the Doctor and/or Rogue acknowledges the questionable morality of the plan would've probably helped soften the blow a little bit.

[@prestigepea1235]

​@@christianwise637 doesn't that just highlight the hypocrisy? He says his plan is more humane, 13 style, then revels in how inhumane it is?

[@christianwise637]

@@prestigepea1235 Maybe, I dunno, I was thinking along the lines of having Rogue question the morality of the Doctor's plan and ask how it's better than just killing them, at least to acknowledge the questionable morality, which I personally think is better than not questioning it at all

[@benlawrence97]

Regarding the image of Richard E. Grant they used for the hologram sequence, one of the VFX people who worked on the episode confirmed on Twitter that they had to do a little photoshoot to get that specific head shot of him so yes it is him as he is now.

[@richlynch9068]

Multiverse means that Peter Cushing canonically was the Doctor so I guess I'm cool with it

[@JulieAiken]

I truly believe either The Doctor IS going to try to find Rogue or, he isn't and Rogue will track him down and try to get revenge. I just believe it's not done. Mostly I believe he will try to find Rogue, if only the way he's casually studying Ruby in his down time. Treat reaction as usual!

[@richardvinsen2385]

Am I imagining that I saw Jo Martin’s Fugitive Doctor in the hologram images of the previous Doctors?

[@CouncilofGeeks]

She's in there.

[@richardvinsen2385]

@@CouncilofGeeks RTD is really leaning into the Chibnall era. That’s good I suppose. While it’s my least favorite, it’s kind of nice for it not to be a total “waste” of a Doctor.

[@alexcannon9370]

How I took the ending. Just because the Doctor tells Ruby he not gonna search for Rogue doesn't mean he won't. The doctor lies. The reason I think the Doctor does in fact search for Rogue is the last shot where the Doctor takes Rogue's ring and places it on his pinky finger. Why his pinky? To me this implies he making a pinky promise to himself to find him. I could totally be wrong but this is how I took the ending. Also I agree the shapeshifters are Larping not cosplaying. Lol. Thank you for all you do. Love the channel.

[@leahdavis9434]

I mean he put it on his pinky because it was a small ring

[@bilemcin]

Maybe this is my ADHD side talking, but to me the doctor putting the ring on was a way to keep it in sight so he can find him later, I tend to do that cus out of the sight out of mind thing. It was very significant to me that he is wearing the ring, not moving on and forgetting him like he intended or at least what he told Ruby. Besides, he owns a time machine, he's gonna do it eventually, the long way around (?) 😅

[@Frogface91]

I don't like romance but this worked for me, their chemistry was off the charts!

[@A_Oda27]

I'm glad we get to have a character that fills a J*** H******* like role without the baggage of the specific actor in the cast! Rogue is so much fun and I love him.

[@nekusakura6748]

That and the gorgeus sight of Jonathan Groff in Regency Period clothing.... yum...

[@BlackCover95]

I assume Richard E. Grant’s Doctor cameo was nothing more than an intentional troll, precisely to throw off fans obsessed with canon.

[@HandofOmega]

That's what I figure, not unlike the multiple "pre Doctor" images in "Brain of Morbius"...of course, we all know where THAT ultimately led.😑

[@BlackCover95]

@@HandofOmega Not the same. In “The Brain of Morbius”, it WAS intended that there were heretofore unseen incarnations of the Doctor. In this episode, I don’t the think showrunners are intending “Scream of the Shalka” is to be canon at all. It’s just a malicious Easter Egg.

[@LightLMN]

​@@BlackCover95​​I doubt they'd go to the trouble of getting Grant back to Cardiff specifically to capture an image for a seconds-long appearance if it were somehow malicious. If the intent was to troll they could have recycled old footage or pasted in another EU Doctor entirely if that were the case, like David Warner, one of the alternate McGanns, included one of the replacement First Doctors, or even featured Lenny Henry or Joanna Lumley. They didn't. They took the time to involve Grant personally, and that suggests to a level of commitment, care, and money invested in the decision.

[@DavidRYates-tk2tq]

The Toymaker said he "made a jigsaw out of (the Doctor's history)" so I assume that means that Grant's Doctor is in fact canon now thanks to the Toymaker.

[@calebleland8390]

I absolutely loved this episode! I think I'm softening in my old age, because I remember in 1996, sitting in my apartment with my wife and watching the TV movie, and aghast that The Doctor kissed his would be companion. "The Doctor doesn't kiss people! How dare they?" Now, looking back on that movie, that's the least of the issues I have with it (still glad the "half human" thing was retconned in a comic book). But seeing The Doctor and Rogue flirting and eventually kissing just got me emotional. I believe that he will, indeed, find him. That being said, this episode pointed out to me what's wrong with having such a short season. The Doctor says that Ruby is his best friend. I get it, because he has had some great friends throughout his lifetime - Jamie, Jo, Sarah Jane, Ace, Rose, Donna, Amy & Rory, Clara. They've accepted that they need somebody to ground him, and Ruby gets a gay best friend out of the deal, so win-win. But like others have pointed out, we don't get to really see them*become* best friends. We just see some of their adventures, and not enough where they're actually engaging with each other. But that aside, yeah, this straight guy couldn't help but love seeing that kiss between the two. We'd better get some Doctor Rogue reunion sooner than later. I'll also admit, as soon as that happened, I giggled, and could almost hear the conservatives clacking away on their keyboards to whine about how "woke" it all is. In the last year or two, I've basically been chased out of several fan groups on Facebook because of the toxicity (even if they don't want to accept that they're toxic) of certain fans. I remember when nerds could just come together and appreciate shows like this, but apparently, those days are gone.

[@benjamintillema3572]

The Doctor sees a dead body and realizes there is at least one murderous shapeshifter on the prowl. Ruby is attending a party in complete ignorance. I found it strange that he just let Rogue take him captive. Yes, the man has a gun and yes, the Doctor fancies him, but I think his priority should have been to find Ruby. I was expecting some clever escape or for the sonic screwdriver to come into play MUCH earlier but the Doctor was just really chill about the whole situation. On a side note this is a much better follow up to Space Babies and if I were showing someone this season that's how I would do it.

[@TheCagedCorvid]

I think that might be why he was so devastated when he realised Ruby was in danger... he felt terrible for leaving her in danger for his own enjoyment, he only had himself to blame 😔

[@benjamintillema3572]

​@@TheCagedCorvid Yes, BUT it still felt out of character. This Doctor is a lot more carefree and impulsive than most, BUT it still felt out of character.

[@klop4228]

In a classic RTD season, I'd have this and and Boom in the same "middle" part of the season, between the first two two-parters. This would probably still be episode 6 though lol. Devil's chord could be episode 3 or 4, after a normal "this is our first real adventure" episode.

[@Elwaves2925]

​@@benjamintillema3572 You're reading that scene wrong. The Doctor believes Rogue is the killer, this is stated between them multiple times, so by letting Rogue capture him and lead him away he IS moving the danger away from Ruby. Neither he or Rogue knew about the others at that point, they both thought it was a single killer, so to the Doctor, Ruby was safe inside the house.

[@mrdoctorgilmore]

I think that's unfair, throughout this section the Doctor is held at gunpoint, part of the time thinks Rogue is responsible, is trapped in one spot and modifies the trap so it's not like he doesn't care, plus no one is killed during it either. While in theory the Chuldur could've done that, it's not worth about getting mad at hypothetical scenarios, people seem to be doing that a lot with this season. I'd argue a worse example of that is the End of Time part 1.

[@AirWrites]

It's a shame you don't get Dr Who Unleashed because a lot of your points and questions are answered there - The queer aspect was not added late, it was always the plan from the start - He showed his faces in the ship to prove he wasn't a Chuldur, not that he wasn't a shapeshifter - Rogue is clearly going to come back as a Ncuti-era jack-esque character

[@CouncilofGeeks]

See I don’t think it’s a shame at all because it means I’m giving my experience of the show on its own and don’t lean on extra knowledge to cover for things that should have been better explained or didn’t quite land right in the episode.

[@robo3007]

You see I assumed all three of those things from watching the episode, the only thing I was hoping Unleashed would give some context on was if the romance was originally planned to have between the Doctor and Captain Jack and either John Barrowman didn't agree to it or they couldn't get him whitelisted by the BBC, but sadly they just confirmed a bunch of things that were apparent from the episode

[@Fale55]

Completely with you on this take. As far as the technobabble thing and taking action by doing something, I feel there have been plot points this season which could be justified or solved using the telepathic interface they have used in the past

[@MissValentina125]

I love to see the Doctor as some kind of aroace character, maybe to find some kind of representation for me, so usually I'm also not a fan of love stories concerning him. I have to say, though, that I liked the chemistry the Doctor and Rogue had, so I didn't really hate this one. As some of the comments under this video say, I also think the last scene of the Doctor wearing Rogue's ring was meant as a promise to find him eventually. It would be very anticlimactic if Rogue turns out to be another villain in the end, although I'm curious as to how his character could end up. I confess I would love to know his tragic backstory, so they left lots of space to continue his tale. Another thing: I've been watching these videos since this morning and somehow I just realised I wasn't subscribed, so sorry about that. Love these reviews!

[@PinkDragon400]

Overall I liked this episode, but there are a couple things that I wised they had done. The first, having Rogue being a Chuldur that didn't agree with what they were doing, (hence the name Rogue). The second being, the twist with Emily felt like it undercut her scenes with Ruby. I wish they had her view Ruby as a friend, and decide to help her, it would have been a good parallel to Rogue, and The Doctor. I like it when a non-human race isn't just portrayed as villains. Also, with the Richard E. Grant reference, he might be a pre-1st Doctor incarnation, or maybe The Great Intelligence messed with timeline when they were in there, but most likely was probably just a cameo.

[@Monarchyman1]

It was “roll for insight”, but close enough.

[@williamhanekom9882]

I can respect you not seeing the romance flowing well, especially considering it spans only one episode. The chemistry is there however, and I am at least hoping that Rogue will return and we can develop their relationship more across multiple episodes.

[@shachna]

The string quartet version of Bad Guy was a reference to Bridgerton. The whole Bridgerton soundtrack is exactly that; classical covers of pop songs.

[@tokublwhovian]

My favourite episode of the season. I enjoyed the chemistry and banter between Groff & Gatwa, I was grinning from ear to ear when Rogue was in the the TARDIS and Richard E Grant appearing in the lineup was a nice surprise, I’m planning to watch Scream of the Shalka soon.

[@aliservan7188]

I hate romance with the Doctor, it never works well, and when the Doctor acts like a horny teen, it just doesn't work. In fact, that aspect of the episode felt like erotic fan fiction written by a couple of horny teenage girls. Also, making the Doctor queer and camp excludes too much of the audience. Part of The Doctor's appeal is that he doesn't exclude anyone because their central characteristics are cleverness, rationalism, pacifism, and compassion. It just felt wrong

[@ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΑ-ε1ω]

it's planet of the dead 2009 Easter Special followed by the waters of mars and of course the end of time parts 1 2

[@citrinedragonfly]

I did not even realize that was Richard E. Grant, and knowing that's who the face I didn't get right away makes me so happy! I think it's more of an Easter Egg than a plot thing - kind of like the old-school Cybermen helmet in VanStatten's collection during "Dalek". I remember really liking Scream of the Shalka, both the web series and the novelization, and I remember that Shalka was basically nearly finished when the BBC announced Doctor Who would be coming back to television - before RTD was even announced as producer. So many of us were hoping that meant Richard E. would be playing the Doctor, but it wasn't that long before we found out it was Eccleston as the 9th Doctor, relegating Shalka to "unofficial" status. I was devastated. So seeing this, and now knowing it's REG, just brings me an extra bit of joy. I don't want or need anything more to come of it. I like the idea of it being like McGann's listing of audio companions - fun for those who know, and nothing that takes away from the scene for those who don't. I had so much fun with this episode, and personally didn't have a problem with the flirting/relationship building. This Doctor's been flirting since he bi-generated, and has been shown to take more of a fancy to the gents. So finding someone charismatic, kind of broody, and a bit geeky... I can buy the crush no problem. Rogue was a very fun character, and while he did give off some Jack-vibes, it was surface only. I liked how you could tell he didn't want the Doctor to be his bounty, but he was going to send him off if he was, and how the Doctor tried distracting him with music and dance, and then singing the best and most apropos rendition of "Pure Imagination" I've heard (I can't watch the Wilder-version of Chocolate Factory - bad associations from childhood) as a way to invite Rogue into the TARDIS. And I think him putting on the ring at the end was kind of his own quiet way of saying yes, he'd keep an eye out for Rogue on his travels. The story leaves so much room for him to come back, and I think any more acknowledgment than that would have taken away from the very episodic, standalone nature of this episode. And Ruby's earrings! Every companion needs those. It's like the gloves for ladders from Church on Ruby Road. So practical and something that makes you think, "why hasn't this been done before?". I'd forgotten about the battle mode by the time it was revealed, so for me that was a fun surprise. The fake-out with timing didn't bother me - it reminded me of Leverage. Ruby pulling off the trick as well as she did was delightful and heartbreaking at the same time. I adored this episode, and I agree that we need a few more like it (standard Doctor Who stories) in the season.

[@velaethia6]

Honesty I loved this episode. Not the first time the doctor had done a "Gay kiss" but such passion I lovedit!

[@tekoneiric]

If there was ever a time for the sonic screwdriver to have a function to solve the day, it's this one by having the Doctor scan the portal to know it's address in the Whoniverse. Having a TARDIS, the Doctor who could go find him at any point, even after Ruby's plot has run it's course and left the show.

[@oliverrose7796]

While I personally liked the romance angle because that's the kind of thing that I personally enjoy, I agree with you that there were some messy writing decisions that may just be oversights, or may be due to the short season meaning the writers are feeling rushed to include everything they want. My interpretation of The Doctor saying that he's not going to look for Rogue but then lingering on the ring at the end of the episode is that this will resurface at some point. We've seen The Doctor be flippant with Ruby, as you mentioned, but even in this episode The Doctor indicates that he'd take Rogue to see Gallifrey, when he indicated in an earlier episode that he would never take Ruby there. It seems The Doctor is protective of Ruby in a way. I don't personally think this romance is out of character, I think it could be Ncuti Gatwa exploring a new facet of The Doctor's identity that came to the surface post however long Ten2 was living with Donna et. al. I feel Ncuti's performance sold it enough for me that I believed it, but I can also see the other side. The birds were goofy and I don't mind goofy alien villians. You're so right though, they were LARP-ing, not cosplaying, and the focus on cosplay throughout the episode felt super weird to me. LARP would be more on theme too as DnD was already brought up, which I did think was done more naturally. This episode also addresses my main critique of The Maestro episode - that being that both members of the Pantheon that we've seen so far lean so heavily into queer culture. It felt like RTD was leaning into old tropes of villianizing queerness, and I wanted more queer heroes to balance it out. So I appreciated this episode from that angle as well. I always appreciate your viewpoints, and how you present your critiques in a way to not alienate people who may like different things.

[@Starsteam1]

"I don't personally think this romance is out of character". It is definitley out of character, The Doctor dosen't fall in love that quickly and he had always been mostly A-sxual.

[@joeyunderwood]

i don’t take the ending as him giving up and never going to find him. i take it as him wearing the ring as a reminder, and leaving the ship in orbit, so that he can find him one day.

[@Lego1upMushroom]

Doctor who isn't opening the can of worms of dimension? It's been doing that since the baker era. Even mentioned as late of classic as curse of Fenric

[@ruggedascent]

I wonder if the Doctor's search for Rogue might bring us to the Timeless Child portal?

[@verakrot]

I'm all for aroace Doctor, but Johnathan Groff is Jonathan Groff, no complaints here

[@XlittleXdrummerXgirl]

"If this character is a Rogue, Captain Jack Harkness is a bard" *solemn DnD nod*

[@richardvinsen2385]

I had the same problem with the pace of the romance. It’s always a bit unbelievable in movies or tv shows when two characters fall madly in love over the course of a few hours (at most) of real time. I thought all the flirting between Rogue and the Doctor was great and while the almost kiss in the Tardis was such a big moment in the history of the show, it felt less like romance and more like lust. I think their final moment together should not have been a kiss but an acknowledgment of what might have been had they been able to pursue a relationship.

[@AspelShuyin]

This was probably my favourite episode of the season.

[@davidcatterall6480]

I can’t agree that it doesn’t work For me this season has really really hit its stride I came into this season very skeptical and underwhelmed. Every episode has gotten better and better Russell just gets this show and he’s masterful at weaving a great season long mystery This is a return to form in a major way. It’s pitched perfectly for my taste

[@ItsMeHarry]

I do think the Shalka Doctor cameo is nice, didn't expect it at all, and I appreciate it as a fun thing. Similarly confused why Tennant's face (soon followed by the others) was enough to stop Rogue when, as you say, it doesn't change that he's a shape shifter (especially as Rogue explicitly says he has no idea about Gallifrey so it implies he doesn't know Time Lords)

[@byronstory3291]

To me the come find me line feels more like a hook for a season 2 or 3 episode tbh. Not immediately resolved.

[@EmlynBoyle]

I thought it worked splendidly, though each to their own 🙂

[@R_SENAL]

A lot of your crits match mine, thank you! I've felt like one of only a few voices in the wilderness who didn't really like the romance of the episode. I feel like because RTD called out these writers for being "cowardly" with representation on Loki, that they came with the intention of doing same sex romance, and then bolted a story on top of that, instead of writing a good story and having the Doctor meet someone interesting along the way. My only gripe you didn't cover was the Doctor finds a body, gets held at gunpoint/made prisoner, his 1st priority though should be to warn Ruby of the danger. What does he do when freed? Shows off his TARDIS and chats up Rogue... ??? What about his duty of care? But yeah, in general, the Romance didn't work for me because the Doctor was pursuer, not the one pursued. That felt out of character. I don't want Captain Jack to play asexual, and I don't want the Doctor to play as DTF. Time Lords for me are all pan and ace.

[@benjamintillema3572]

He goes to the TARDIS to program the trap to banish instead of kill. Yes... it was partly to show off, but it was still justified in the plot. I agree that he should have been more concerned about Ruby's safety from the moment he found the body though. He could have tried to call her phone or something.

[@aliwantizu]

Am I the only one that got 1985 Prince or Morris Day vibes from The Doctor's look and vibe in this episode? I'm not in the LGBTQ community, but I absolutely Loved this episode. Very "classic" Doctor Who type episode but with modern adjustments. To me, Rogue is like the Jack Harkness for this Doctor, at least in terms of "vibes," and I hope that he returns. Wouldn't mind seeing him as a Companion or perhaps The Companion for Ncuti's final season for example. Very interesting character. The "bad guys" are ok, but beyond this one episode I'm not sure if we need to see them again. But yeah, this episode is a 10/10 from me.

[@annaglover2470]

"Roll for Insight." [OK, should have been "Roll Perception" but who's nitpicking?] I was wondering if the whole romance/kiss was a setup for the "Find me" line and an arc for getting Rogue down the road. And, yes, I agree...that bothered me that they just had him file it away like it's a problem for another day or something. Also, what stopped them from just grabbing Ruby last minute from the trap and leaving the slippers behind? Is there anything that said that the trap was weight based?

[@plushred7384]

I really didn't like the "psychic earrings". A similar concept was the main theme of the film "Upgrade" but that was carefully constructed and explained so it worked well. Here, touch your earring and you can perform a dance, touch it and say "Battle mode" and you can win a fight was a cop-out. If the Doctor had been teaching Ruby a little in preparation, she was a bit nervous but he was helping her through the dance that would have been more fun and more believable. In the fight if Ruby had escaped by using her wits and perhaps a bit of streetwise experience that would have been more exciting and more believable, Now this concept of psychic/AI control has been introduced Ruby can, effectively, have any skill. That is boring - I hope they quietly drop this whole idea.

[@Elwaves2925]

I wouldn't say it "doesn't quite work", it works well enough for a standard episode. Nothing fantastic but very enjoyable. The one thing I really didn't like were the bird heads, as one in particular looked straight out of the Muppets. They were nice and villainous though. Rogue is clearly a replacement character for Captain Jack IMO, which likely means that John Barrowman is done for on this show. While he isn't exactly the same, the parallels are far too close to be ignored. I was okay with the flirting although it doesn't surprise me that you don't. I don't care for the romance aspects as they've been there, done that but it isn't a romance yet, so a lot will depend on how they proceed with it.

[@RhymesWithSpark]

I thought of Rogue like Flynn Ryder - full of smolder. I didn't think that the timing of the episode worked for a romance and my husband and I felt it more like lust and than (which is fine). The down on one knee and ring part felt forced and rushed (*yes, I know we have time constraints on a tv program), as did when the Doctor putting the ring on. I would have preferred it if the Doctor had placed the ring on the TARDIS console with an acknowledgment to Ruby that Rogue was out there somewhere. Or something like that.

[@girthbloodstool339]

I liked this episode a lot - I liked the way of our Tardis team really for the first time this season, and they seem natural and funny and realistic (I really found so much of it unearned hitherto - short season, right?) - but I completely agree with you - I don't want the Doctor to be snogging with anybody. My first Doctor was Troughton, and I still like my Doctors avuncular (Capaldi was my reboot favourite), or at least platonic - it's not for nothing that Donna Noble's season is the most cherished among many viewers.

[@OcyTaviAh]

I also wasn’t a fan of how Rogue got sent off. The fact that the Doctor actively dismisses looking for Rogue really bothered me. I hadn’t considered that they might bring him back as the villain. I would hate that. I also personally hated “The One Who Waits” as a hint drop because it just made me think it Amy and Rory as that was such a major aspect of their storylines, so it feels weird applying it to something else.

[@ben-tendo]

Character should should have been the companion the most: Sally Sparrow. Also, the VFX team went and specifically shot 3D pictures of Richard's head for the reveal. So he knew this was happening before transmission.

[@RoseNoir90]

While I would like Rogue to come back, I’d also be happy for this to kind of be a similar thing as One's "romance" with Cameca in the Aztecs. Theres even a parallel with the Doctor keeping her brooch after she proposed to him and Fifteen keeping Rogue's ring. It happened, it was sweet, it never needs to become an over arching thing a la River Song.

[@Bzwjr]

Out of all the Doctor Who reviews I appreciate and look forward to your reviews the most. You give healthy criticism, and you don't blindly love it

[@ctt5086]

I dunno, aren't there plenty of other shows were the lead has romance? These serials are short enough, please lets focus on sci-fi, history, and good story telling where our hero can focus on Everything that is Anywhere in the Universe. Yet we're watching the Walmart version of Pride and Prejudice.

[@rocky-o]

hey vera..as far as the ending goes, i think its just a set up for a season 2 episode..but i do have a question..i have never heard the term larping..what is the difference between larp and cosplay..be well..peace..rocky