this post was submitted on 17 May 2025
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I did have my reservations about the signaling of this episode, but it goes to show that a story outline can't do a good Who epic justice. The episode didn't gloss over the problems of a big pop extravaganza; there are consequences and dark underpinnings to any escapism.
What a whopper of a story for Juno Dawson to land as her first script on the official show. This was truly action packed, showed us the vengeful side of the Doctor that he's covered with smiles and charm — and we got an outrageous reveal to the Mrs Flood mystery.
The Rani — and a Rani to boot. How deliciously idiotic is that? And magnificent, too. This should be fun!
I'll be honest though, all of that pales next to seeing Carole Ann Ford back on the show. All those teases last season, and here we are. It's been 60+ years since the Doctor left her, and I'm not really counting the "Five Doctors" or weird EastEnders crossover cameos as proper reunions. To me, seeing her in 2025 ties the show's present much better to its origins than any number of David Tennant returns.
That's all I have. No critical notes on the cast, sets or story, because Susan is back, somehow, definitely playing into the finale. Don't fuck this up, Davies.
Okay, but what's the fandom going to latch onto when they catch speculation fever, now that "X is the Rani" is off the table?
Real talk: I only know the Rani by reputation/from internet research, and would appreciate any Classic Who recommendations.
Romana, for sure
Recommendations for the Rani are easy if we stick with the TV show: any serial with her name in it. That's "Mark of the Rani" (1985) or "Time and the Rani" (1987).
Who's going to be the new butt of fandom guessery jokes is harder, but my guess is going to be the Meddling Monk/Nun.
I'm actually halfway through "Mark of the Rani" right now. It's a fairly breezy 1½ hour historical since it's one of the sixth Doctor two-parters. It has Luddites, the Master, and a no nonsense introduction to the Rani.
Noted - looks like I have homework!
I forgot (or rather, repressed) that both the Rani and Susan appear in the ill-conceived 30th anniversary/Children in Need special/EastEnders crossover, "Dimensions in time"...
I think the best you can say about it is that it's brief. Available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQCeMIQpFBc