Previously, on Doctor Who: The Doctor and Ruby faced digital terrors and fairy tale frights, but this week, they trade modern monsters for period drama and perilous partners in “Rogue.”
This week’s episode plunges the TARDIS duo into the elegance of 1813, where a lavish ballroom becomes the stage for an encounter with shapeshifting aliens and a dashing, time-traveling bounty hunter. “Rogue” delivers a delightful blend of Regency romance and sci-fi suspense, marking a high point in the season and showcasing the joyful, adventurous spirit of the Fifteenth Doctor era.
Image: The Doctor (Fifteenth Doctor) and Rogue (Jonathan Groff) share a dance in a Regency era ballroom in Doctor Who episode “Rogue”, bathed in soft, romantic lighting.
The episode immediately establishes a lighter tone as Fifteen and Ruby revel in the fun of time travel, engaging in witty banter and historical cosplay. Ruby’s mischievous side shines as she navigates the social intricacies of the era, offering modern advice to a disguised alien and playfully dismissing an unwelcome suitor. Meanwhile, the Doctor, ever observant, notices a mysterious figure lurking at the edges of the ball – Rogue, portrayed with charismatic charm by Jonathan Groff.
Rogue is quickly revealed to be a time-traveling bounty hunter, a character reminiscent of Captain Jack Harkness but with a more restrained demeanor – “Diet Coke Jack,” as the original article aptly puts it. He’s hunting shapeshifting aliens, and initially mistakes the Doctor for his quarry, leading to a playful, flirtatious exchange of words and a dance around the truth. This initial misunderstanding quickly evolves into a reluctant alliance as the Doctor reveals his Time Lord identity through a signature “floaty head montage” of past incarnations. They team up to confront the real threat: a family of bird-like aliens known as the Chulder.
The Chulder are a chaotic, comedic, and murderous family who are also time-traveling and indulging in their own form of cosplay, specifically drawn to the drama of the Regency era inspired by Bridgerton. Their methods of blending in are far more sinister than the Doctor and Ruby’s, involving eliminating those whose identities they assume. The episode cleverly uses the Chulder’s love for drama as a plot device. Their bird-like appearances, particularly the “Eyebrow Bird Man,” are intentionally humorous, adding a layer of absurdity to their deadly actions.
To ensnare the Chulder, the Doctor and Rogue devise a plan to become the center of attention, the “Main Characters” in the Chulder’s dramatic play. This leads to a beautifully choreographed dance sequence, escalating into a staged argument and a dramatic proposal from Rogue to the Doctor. The scene, executed in classic Pride and Prejudice style, captivates both the ballroom guests and the Chulder, who are drawn to the unfolding spectacle. However, the heroes soon realize they are facing a larger number of Chulder than anticipated.
The tension escalates when Ruby appears to be among the captured Chulder. The Doctor’s anguish is palpable, remembering his promise to Carla and the pain of past companions lost. This moment of despair is quickly subverted as Ruby reveals she was merely cosplaying as a Chulder herself, a clever twist that highlights her bravery and quick thinking. However, the activation of Rogue’s banishment device now threatens to eliminate Ruby along with the aliens.
In a selfless act, Rogue sacrifices himself to save Ruby and banish the Chulder. A poignant farewell kiss between the Doctor and Rogue precedes his departure to a barren dimension. This kiss is not just a romantic gesture but a significant moment in Doctor Who history, sparking discussions about representation and romantic connections for the Doctor. While not the first LGBTQ+ kiss in the Whoniverse (as the original article rightly points out, citing Captain Jack, Nine, and Bill Potts), it is arguably the most overtly romantic kiss involving the Doctor himself, adding a new layer to his character’s emotional depth.
Wibbly-Wobbly Timey-Wimey Tidbits
The episode is peppered with classic Doctor Who elements and intriguing details. The TARDIS’s ongoing “time indigestion,” hinted at since the coffee spill incident, suggests a larger arc developing. Ruby’s earrings, proving surprisingly versatile, from aiding dance steps to entering “battle mode,” raise questions about their origin and purpose, possibly linked to the Toymaker’s influence. The Doctor’s enjoyment of Kylie Minogue’s music adds a touch of contemporary fun to his character, prompting fans to wonder about its place in his timeline.
Jonathan Groff’s portrayal of Rogue is a standout. His chemistry with Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor is undeniable, and the episode leaves viewers hoping for his return. The comparison to Captain Jack Harkness is apt, and the possibility of Rogue being a younger version, though unlikely given the River Song/Captain Jack timeline complexities, fuels fan speculation and excitement.
The Chulder’s Bridgerton-inspired cosplay extends to their musical choices, with Regency-style string arrangements of modern pop songs by Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga adding a meta-humorous touch. The episode embraces meta-commentary throughout, even referencing Who-con cosplay possibilities in the aftermath of the ballroom scene, further blurring the lines between fiction and fandom.
A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment includes Richard E Grant’s Shalka Doctor appearing in the regeneration montage, officially canonizing this previously debated incarnation. Indira Varma’s presence in the episode also marks her return to the Whoniverse, having previously appeared in Torchwood.
Twists and Turns Ahead
The episode cleverly hints at the overarching mystery of Susan Twist, whose portrait appears and is recognized by Ruby, adding another layer to the ongoing narrative. The mention of “S Triad” and its anagrammatic connection to TARDIS, along with its reveal as UNIT’s operating system, sets the stage for the two-part finale. Russell T Davies’ love for anagrams and intricate plot twists promises a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Conclusion: Rogue One to Watch Again
“Rogue” is a delightful episode that successfully blends period drama, sci-fi action, and romantic undertones. Jonathan Groff’s Rogue is an instant fan favorite, and his dynamic with the Fifteenth Doctor is captivating. The episode is a testament to RTD’s ability to deliver both heartwarming character moments and thrilling adventures, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the finale and hoping for Rogue’s eventual return to the Whoniverse.
