Warning: spoilers ahead for Doctor Who season 14, episode 8, “Empire of Death.”
Summary
Doctor Whoseason 14’s final episodes disappointed many viewers. The two-part finale concluded Ncuti Gatwa’s first season as the Fifteenth Doctor and brought an end to Ruby Sunday’s time as his companion. The episode revealed an overarching villain that last appeared during the Fourth Doctor’s run on the show, the secrets behind Ruby’s origin, and Ruby’s future.Doctor Whoseason 14’s endingmade some viewers angry, as the final episode brought extreme frustration to many expecting better resolutions.
Since the episode aired, viewers have taken to Twitter to both celebrate and denigrate the finale. Though many storylines were wrapped up,users were largely complaining about certain details about the twists. Check them out below:
@samjoshphillipsposted a meme that showcases their disappointment with the finale.
@_PigginTeaBreakfound that the characters were not well-developed, and the resolutions were rushed and incoherent.
@drew_peanutzfound the ending extremely unsatisfying and was shocked that anyone liked it.
@todd_tjcfound the episode “crazy” but couldn’t muster any emotions about it.
@LorayPopessfelt like Ruby’s resolution was so rushed that the finale never actually resolved it.
@Primate_Thinkerfelt like having Ruby Sunday be a normal person completely ruined the mystery.
@Mayor_McAwesomecouldn’t imagine a worse ending.
@_Ashtradamusthinks that the plot structure was absurd and unbelievable.
@_PigginTeaBreakthought it was ridiculous that the god-like Sutekh did absolutely nothing to stop The Doctor’s plan.
The Doctor Who Season 14 Finale Twists Were Underwhelming
While Much Was Revealed, Not Much Was Satisfying
Many different twists were finally revealed inDoctor Whoseason 14, episodes 8 and 9. Sutekh’s return was entirely explained, Susan Twist’s role in the godly pantheon story was elaborated on, and Ruby Sunday reconnected with her mother. Sutekh had been lying in wait with the TARDIS, patiently awaiting an opportunity to return and potentially destroy the universe. Susan Twist’s various characters served as his harbinger, but she seemingly has developed godly powers of her own. Ruby, meanwhile, discovered thather mother was nothing more than an ordinary woman.
All 12 Confirmed Gods In Doctor Who’s Pantheon Explained
The Pantheon is a blend of new Doctor Who villains and familiar antagonists from the long-running British sci-fi show’s 60+ year history.
WhileDoctor Whoseason 14’s reviewshave been good, those reveals have been one of the more disappointing elements of the season. Susan Twist’s overall role still remains a mystery, while Ruby’s future is both in question and confusing. The idea that she is a regular person, rather than any true mystery, draws some parallels with Rey’s parentage reveal inStar Wars: The Last Jedi, which was similarly controversial. By ensuring that the characters can only be viewed as ordinary people,it serves as an anticlimactic reveal after a long and enduring mystery.
The Doctor defeated Sutekh with the help of a molecular rope, but Sutekh’s complete willingness to fall victim to the Doctor’s attack was bizarre. A common complaint about the final episodes relates to the fast pacing, the odd structure, and the reliance on plot over character.Doctor Whoseason 14 represented an opportunity for the show to reset, but the confusing plot has irritated many viewers. The mysteries bred only disappointment and little excitement for the coming season 15.
Source: Various (see above)
Doctor Who
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Doctor Who: Released on July 13, 2025, this series follows the Doctor and their companion as they journey across time and space, encountering a range of extraordinary friends and adversaries, expanding the universe of the long-running British science fiction series.
