"One for the Whovians": Jodie Whittaker teases her final Doctor Who episode
A showdown with the Master, appearances from classic 1980s companions, and a regeneration scene, too - what else could you want?
The release of the third of Doctor Who’s 2022 specials is just weeks away, with the official title for the episode — 'The Power of the Doctor' — released earlier this month.
Set to air at some point in October as part of the BBC's centenary celebrations in the United Kingdom, 'The Power of the Doctor' is a big deal for fans, as it’s the final episode for the current Doctor Jodie Whittaker, with both Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall leaving the series they’ve been leading since 2018 before Russell T. Davies — who relaunched the series back in 2005 — and new Doctor Ncuti Gatwa take over.
As if that’s not enough to get fans to tune in, 'The Power of the Doctor' also features the return of two fan-favorite supporting characters from the show’s 1980s era, with both Janet Fielding and Sophie Aldred appearing as Tegan and Ace, respectively. All this, and add in the final showdown between Whittaker’s 13th Doctor and Sacha Dhawan’s version of the character’s long running foil, the Master.
“It’s a huge treat if you’re a proper fan. It’s got all the iconic things that you associate with Doctor Who. It’s massive,” Whittaker told Empire magazine about her final episode, calling it “one for the Whovians.”
The actor also teased their regeneration scene. Long beloved amongst Doctor Who fans, each Doctor’s regeneration scene isn’t just their last appearance as the character — it’s also an opportunity to sum up their version of the character in one single scene. (Go watch Peter Capaldi’s great regeneration scene from 2017’s Twice Upon A Time for proof.)
“I love the dialogue Chris wrote for my regeneration,” Whittaker said. “It captures my Doctor beautifully. It’s simple, epic and beautiful.”
Doctor Who’s The Power of the Doctor will debut at some point in October.
Wondering where to start with Doctor Who, given that the show’s approaching its 60th anniversary? Don’t fret; we’ve created a handy dandy guide to that very thing right here.