One bold but brilliant Doctor Who decision just saved the finale

Doctor Who just landed a near-slam dunk with the new episode thanks to one crucial element (Picture: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Dan Fearon)

Spoilers ahead for Doctor Who episode seven, Wish World.

The penultimate episode of Ncuti Gatwa’s second season has come out with a bang as we entered a disturbing alternate reality conjured up through the power of Conrad’s faulty imagination and The Rani’s ambitions to resurrect one of the founders of Time Lord civilisation – Omega.

After a rousing opening sequence in which The Rani (Archie Panjabi) steals a baby – the seventh son of a seventh son of a seventh son – to fuel this dystopian existence, we are plunged into the married life of The Doctor and Belinda (Varada Sethu) and their baby, Poppy.

For those who loved The Silence in the Library two-parter, Amy’s Choice or 73 Yards, Wish World will be right down your alley as we get the opportunity to see our companion in a totally alien setting (pun intended).

There’s something oddly endearing about the fake family the Doctor, Belinda, and Poppy have together—and it is made all the more deliciously dark as the facade begins to crack and doubt starts to creep in.

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And I would say it is one of Russell T Davies’ more compelling social commentaries on homophobia and compulsive heterosexuality that fits so perfectly into the context of the episode, and only serves to fuel Conrad’s evil nature.

Varada and Ncuti bring their all in this dystopian alternate reality filled with misogyny, homophobia and ableism (Picture: BBC Studios/Disney/Bad Wolf/Maxine Howells)

Varada also executes one of her most emotionally visceral scenes of the show so far after a disturbing conversation with her mother and grandmother about the role of women as child-bearers, and the unnerving fact that she can’t seem to remember Poppy’s birth.

Her insanity drives her to let out such a gut-wrenching shriek that it sent shivers down my spine.

And, it was even more delightful to see Rogue make a cameo to help remind the Doctor who he truly is, who he truly loves, and the life he truly leads.

Even if it was slightly weird to see him facetiming from a hell dimension with no explanation.

It was a gamble bringing back The Rani – but Archie Panjabi pulls it out of the bag (Picture: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf)

Of course, Millie Gibson is back as Ruby Sunday this time teaming up with UNIT’s Shirley Anne Bingham (Ruth Madely) to get to the bottom of why there is something off about the entire world.

Once more, there is rich commentary on the way people with disabilities are ignored in society that feels effortlessly interwoven into Conrad’s character and his overlooking of marginalised communities.

By far and away, Archie Panjabi’s larger-than-life performance as The Rani, however, proved one of the best aspects of the episode, which has infused new life into the finale.

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It was always a gamble to bring back a Classic Who character – but it has paid off handsomely so far.

Not only is The Rani’s dynamic with the Doctor beautifully explored but Archie’s delivery is full to the brim with charm, wit and confidence.

Essentially, the casting team hit the nail on the head by bringing Archie on board to resurrect The Rani, and I can’t wait to see what more havoc she wreaks in the season finale.

Even from the very first scene when she goes to steal the baby, there is some darkly disturbing and alluring about the business-like callousness of her character.

She truly makes the character her own. Especially since she has to deliver so much exposition and context for fans who may have no clue of her history on the show, and she makes it feel nearly effortless.

How will the Doctor save the Earth from Conrad, The Rani and Omega?

Only time will tell – but I’m ready to see it all unfold.

The Doctor Who finale, The Reality War, airs on Saturday, May 31, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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