Doctor Who Reinforces Season 14’s Controversial Sutekh Conclusion with 1 Clever Joke

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Doctor Who season 14 and the upcoming 2024 Christmas special!

Following the conclusion of season 14, Doctor Who ventures further into the controversial narrative of Sutekh in its 2024 Christmas special, cleverly incorporating a subtle joke. For over six decades, Doctor Who has stood out as one of the most innovative and ambitious sci-fi series. Even during its hiatus from 1989 to 2005, it retained a loyal fanbase. Yet, despite its high aspirations, the series has faced challenges, including missteps in storytelling that have resulted in mixed responses from fans.

The finale of Doctor Who’s season 14 serves as a notable instance of the showrunner, Russell T. Davies (often abbreviated as RTD), stretching the narrative too far. RTD showcases his remarkable talent for foreshadowing and creating tension, exemplified by the return of Sutekh—the malevolent figure from the classic Pyramids of Mars—almost 50 years later. However, the resolution of Sutekh’s arc left many fans underwhelmed. Despite a rather tepid response from the audience, Doctor Who opted to reference this contentious conclusion in its 2024 Christmas installment.

The Christmas Special’s Rope Joke References Sutekh’s Disappointing Demise

The Doctor’s Quip on Their Skills with Rope

In a pivotal moment during the 2024 Christmas special, the Doctor cheekily announces their proficiency with rope. At first glance, this comment alludes to their recent mastery of rope-related technology introduced in the previous Christmas episode. However, the remark also serves as a sly nod to the dismissal of Sutekh’s defeat at the end of season 14, where the Doctor accomplishes the improbable feat of dragging Sutekh through the time vortex with apparent ease. Such an approach has raised eyebrows, with many viewers expressing dissatisfaction over how the villain was vanquished.

Although Sutekh is depicted as a deity of immense power, his defeat seems disproportionately effortless compared to other foes, such as the Toymaker and Maestro—who are lesser figures in the cosmic hierarchy. The mechanics of using rope to subdue such a formidable entity provoke questions, given that Sutekh’s seemingly minimal reaction to being restrained is somewhat puzzling. While the season 14 finale may have entertained some viewers, it nonetheless suffered from narrative inconsistencies. Hence, the inclusion of this rope joke in the 2024 special feels like a bold reaffirmation of a disputed plot device.

Season 15 Must Address Fan Concerns Following Sutekh’s Response

RTD Must Prioritize Strong Storytelling

While the BBC has not formally set a release date, Doctor Who season 15 is anticipated to debut in May 2025. The forthcoming season will need to overcome the backlash from viewers following the contentious conclusion of season 14. Although the 2024 Christmas special offers a chance to mend some fences, it remains essential for RTD to heed the critiques regarding Sutekh’s climax, alongside other bewildering storylines.

Going forward, RTD should emphasize cohesive narratives and maintain character authenticity rather than risk alienating fans with hastily devised retcons of classic arcs. Over the history of Doctor Who, viewers have accepted the unconventional—embracing outlandish plotlines and temporal paradoxes. However, even the most devoted fans reach a breaking point, particularly when engaging with established legends and timelines. Ultimately, a focus on narrative coherence and character loyalty is paramount for the success of future installments.

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