Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Doctor Who season 14 and the 2024 Christmas special!
Six months after the ending of season 14,Doctor Whodoubles down on its controversial Sutekh ending with one subtle joke in the 2024 Christmas special. Over the past 61 years,Doctor Whohas consistently ranked among the best andmost ambitious sci-fi shows of all time. Even when it was off the air from 1989 to 2005, the show maintained a dedicated fanbase. Sadly, the show’s ambition hasn’t always paid off, with certain narrative choices flopping.
TheDoctor Whoseason 14 finale became a prime example of the showrunner, Russell T. Davies (RTD), biting off more than he can chew. It’s abundantly clear that RTD has a strong grasp on foreshadowing and building tension. Sutekh, the antagonist from the Pyramids of Mars serial, appearing onscreen again after almost 50 years is exciting as well. However,the villain’s defeat doesn’t live up to the expectations he set.Despite the fans’ negative reaction,Doctor Whodoubles down on the decision in the 2024 Christmas special with one easily missed line.
Doctor Who’s Christmas Rope Joke Is A Nod To Sutekh’s Controversial Defeat In Season 14
The Doctor References The Fact That They’re Good With Rope
During the climax of theDoctor WhoChristmas 2024 special, the Doctor exclaimed that they are really good with rope. At first glance, this statement references the character learning rope technology in the 2023 Christmas special. However, it also is a nod to the controversial defeat of Sutekh at theend ofDoctor Whoseason 14, which shows the Doctor dragging Sutekh through the time vortex to reverse the deaths.The method and ease with which the titular main character defeats the villain didn’t sit well with many viewers.
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While Sutekh is supposed to be the god of all gods, the Doctor defeats him more easily than both the Toymaker and Maestro – two lessermembers of the Pantheon. It’s curious that rope could overpower Sutekh, and the fact that he didn’t just cut the rope makes no sense. That isn’t to say that theDoctor Whoseason 14 finale isn’t enjoyable, but it’s narratively flawed. Unfortunately, the rope joke toward the end of theDoctor Who2024 Christmas special feels like the show doubling down on the controversial storyline.
Doctor Who Season 15 Must Learn From The Divisive Reaction To Sutekh
RTD Needs To Focus On Writing A Really Great Story
Though the BBC hasn’t directly confirmed the release date,Doctor Whoseason 15is expected to return in May 2025. When it comes back, the show will fight an uphill battle to win over fans after the divisive ending. The 2024Doctor WhoChristmas special helps, but there’s still a long way to go. RTD needs to take note of the reaction to Sutekh’s defeat as well as other questionable storylines.
RTD should focus on narrative consistency and character integrity moving forward rather than haphazardly retcon a beloved ClassicWhoserial.
Over the past six decades,Doctor Whofans have become accustomed to unanswered questions and timey-wimey shenanigans.Sci-fi and fantasy genres, whichDoctor Whoblends, require some suspension of disbelief. Still, writers shouldn’t just rely on that to explain away plot holes. There’s only so much leewayDoctor Whofans will offer, especially when it comes to stories that draw on past characters and arcs. Ultimately, RTD should focus on narrative consistency and character integrity moving forward rather than haphazardly retcon a beloved ClassicWhoserial.
