While the latest Doctor Who finale captivated audiences with the unfolding mysteries of Sutekh and Ruby Sunday’s origins, a quieter enigma has been brewing in the background: Anita Dobson’s Mrs. Flood. This seemingly ordinary next-door neighbor of Ruby Sunday has become a focal point of fan speculation since her cryptic appearance in the Christmas special, “The Church on Ruby Road.” Turning directly to the camera in a mid-credits scene, Mrs. Flood delivered the unforgettable line, “Never seen a TARDIS before?” accompanied by a knowing wink. This brief moment ignited a flurry of theories about her true identity and purpose within the Doctor Who universe.
Showrunner Russell T Davies himself has fueled the flames of speculation. In a “Doctor Who: Unleashed” Christmas special, Davies described Mrs. Flood as a “mysterious character” and teased a “slow burn” reveal of her secrets. Anita Dobson added to the intrigue, hinting at the evolving nature of her role, stating, “Today what you see is a friendly neighbour. What the future may be, no one knows. Russell is writing it as we speak.” So, who exactly is Mrs. Flood, portrayed by the talented Anita Dobson? Let’s delve into the leading theories surrounding this mystery woman.
Is Mrs. Flood Secretly Susan Foreman?
Carole Ann Ford as Susan Foreman in Doctor Who resting her haands on a statue of a woman
Image: Carole Ann Ford as Susan Foreman, the Doctor’s granddaughter, a potential identity for Anita Dobson’s Mrs. Flood.
One prominent theory connects Mrs. Flood to Susan Foreman, the Doctor’s granddaughter, originally played by Carole Ann Ford. This theory gains traction from Mrs. Flood’s apparent familiarity with the TARDIS and subtle references to the Doctor’s family lineage, including Susan herself. Susan Foreman, a character deeply embedded in Doctor Who lore, has a rich history with the TARDIS and possesses extensive knowledge of time travel. Could Mrs. Flood be a regenerated Susan, perhaps having journeyed back in time? The knowing wink and TARDIS comment certainly suggest a deeper connection to the Doctor’s world than a typical neighbor should possess.
Could Mrs. Flood Be a Member of the Pantheon of Gods?
Jinkx Monsoon as Maestro in Doctor Who hanging over a piano with an evil and mischievous look.
Image: Jinkx Monsoon as Maestro, a godlike being, prompting theories that Anita Dobson’s Mrs. Flood could be another member of the Pantheon.
The recent Doctor Who narrative has introduced a pantheon of powerful, god-like beings, starting with the Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris) and Maestro (Jinkx Monsoon). Russell T Davies has hinted at more such entities on the horizon. This has led to speculation that Mrs. Flood could be another member of this celestial group. Her seemingly innocuous neighborly facade might be a clever disguise for a being observing Ruby Sunday for an unknown purpose. Intriguingly, Maestro shares a unique trait with Mrs. Flood: breaking the fourth wall. This could be a subtle clue linking her to these powerful, reality-bending entities.
Is Mrs. Flood Another Renegade Time Lord?
The Doctor’s home planet of Gallifrey is populated by Time Lords, and not all of them are benevolent. The Master, the Rani, Romana, and the Meddling Monk are examples of Time Lords who have, at times, operated outside the Doctor’s moral compass. Could Mrs. Flood be another Time Lord in disguise? This theory neatly explains her TARDIS familiarity. Perhaps she is a forgotten Time Lord from the Doctor’s past, or a new player emerging with her own agenda related to the Doctor or Ruby. The possibilities are vast when considering the extensive history and complex characters within Time Lord society.
Mrs. Flood: Not Ruby Sunday’s Mother, But Still a Mystery?
A hooded figure carrying Ruby as a baby in Doctor Who
Image: A hooded figure with baby Ruby, initially sparking theories about Mrs. Flood’s connection to Ruby’s parentage.
Initially, some fans theorized that Mrs. Flood might be Ruby Sunday’s elusive biological mother. However, “Empire of Death” seemingly debunked this theory, revealing a different explanation for Ruby’s origins. Despite this reveal, Mrs. Flood’s mystery remains firmly intact. While not Ruby’s mother, she could still be connected to Ruby in some other significant way. Perhaps she is a guardian, observer, or even a manipulator subtly influencing Ruby’s life. The familial connection theory may be off the table, but a link to Ruby Sunday still feels plausible.
Could Mrs. Flood Be an Older Ruby Sunday?
Doctor Who is renowned for its time-bending narratives and unexpected twists. Could Mrs. Flood be a future incarnation of Ruby Sunday herself? This is a more unconventional theory, but within the realm of Doctor Who’s timey-wimey logic, it’s not entirely impossible. Imagine a scenario where Ruby, through time travel or some unforeseen event, ages rapidly or regenerates into Mrs. Flood. It would be a dramatic and mind-bending twist, perfectly in line with the show’s penchant for surprising its audience.
Or Is Mrs. Flood Something Completely Unexpected?
Anita Dobson as Mrs Flood in Doctor Who
Image: Anita Dobson as Mrs. Flood, a character shrouded in mystery in Doctor Who.
Given the limited clues and deliberate ambiguity surrounding Mrs. Flood, her true identity could be something entirely novel and unpredictable. Doctor Who has a history of introducing fresh and surprising characters that defy expectations. Mrs. Flood’s lack of clear connections to existing lore might be a deliberate misdirection, setting the stage for a reveal that is completely original. This sense of the unknown is part of what makes Mrs. Flood so compelling – she could be anything, anyone, or anything in between.
In “The Legend of Ruby Sunday,” Mrs. Flood’s cryptic pronouncements further deepened the mystery. Summoned to care for Cherry Sunday, she delivered an ominous warning about an approaching storm and “He who waits no more,” clearly alluding to Sutekh’s impending arrival. Her knowledge of Sutekh, a god-like being, is inexplicable for an ordinary neighbor.
Then, in “Empire of Death,” Mrs. Flood’s dialogue took an even darker turn. She questioned Cherry about prayer and then chillingly declared, “Then tell your maker I will come to storm down his gates of gold and seize his kingdom in my true name.” This boastful, almost villainous declaration, followed by her sorrowful “I had such plans” as Sutekh’s dust consumed them, hints at a grander, perhaps thwarted, ambition. Even after universal restoration, her parting words to the Doctor, “clever boy,” retain an air of knowingness and hidden depths.
The final scene of “Empire of Death,” with Mrs. Flood on the rooftop, breaking the fourth wall once more, amplified the intrigue. Her seemingly innocent summary of “The Church on Ruby Road” shifted into a menacing prediction: “I’m sorry to say his story ends in absolute terror. Night night!” This direct address to the audience, coupled with the ominous foreshadowing of the Doctor’s fate, cements Mrs. Flood as a character of significant, and potentially dangerous, importance.
Is Anita Dobson’s Mrs. Flood a familiar face from Doctor Who’s past, or a completely new and unforeseen entity? The mystery continues to unfold, and fans will undoubtedly remain vigilant, scrutinizing every clue as the story progresses.
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