Expectations were sky-high following the acclaimed fourth season of Doctor Who, but “The End of Time Part 1,” the first part of David Tennant’s highly anticipated swan song as the Tenth Doctor, unfortunately, falls short. After the intriguing setup involving the Ood and their nightmares, which led the Doctor back to Earth, the episode introduces the return of The Master, resurrected by a mysterious cult. This comeback, however, reveals a Master plagued by the persistent drumming in his head, a revelation that marks a significant shift in his character and his relationship with the Doctor. Before the Doctor can fully understand or assist, The Master is captured by the powerful billionaire Joshua Naismith, setting in motion a chain of events involving Torchwood technology and a desperate quest for eternal life for Naismith’s daughter.
The episode, positioned as a season finale, feels surprisingly underwhelming. The return of The Master, a moment eagerly awaited by fans, is depicted in a manner that deviates from expectations. This iteration of the Master is driven by a primal hunger, consuming vast quantities of food to sustain his unstable regeneration energy. While John Simm’s performance is as committed as ever, this portrayal lacks the cunning intellect and strategic brilliance that defined the Master as the Doctor’s formidable equal. Furthermore, the visual effects accompanying the Master’s powers appear somewhat uninspired, diminishing the impact of his abilities. Joshua Naismith, played by David Harewood, is introduced as a key player but his character remains underdeveloped, quickly becoming somewhat peripheral to the central plot. The brief reappearance of the Noble family is a welcome touch for long-time viewers, yet their involvement is minimal, contributing little to the overall narrative progression.
Perhaps the most significant issue with “The End of Time Part 1” is its pacing and lack of substantial plot development. The narrative unfolds slowly, relying heavily on exposition and setup rather than compelling action. The episode’s structure feels unbalanced, with a meandering buildup that culminates in a rushed climax within the final minutes. It’s evident that this two-part structure is designed to leave the Doctor in a precarious situation at the episode’s end, setting the stage for a dramatic resolution in Part 2. However, the journey to that cliffhanger feels protracted and lacking in significant narrative events.
Reflecting on past two-part Doctor Who specials, the pattern often holds that a weaker Part 1 can pave the way for a stronger, more impactful conclusion. Therefore, despite the disappointments of this initial installment, hope remains that “The End of Time Part 2” will deliver a superior and more satisfying culmination to David Tennant’s era as the Doctor.
