This week’s Doctor Who episode, “Rogue,” served as a delightful precursor to the season finale two-parter, delivering a vibrant mix of drama, Easter Eggs, romantic undertones, and comedic moments. Inspired by Bridgerton, this episode offers a unique and memorable viewing experience. Let’s delve into a detailed review of “Rogue,” exploring its standout elements and why it has captivated audiences.
Before we proceed, a moment to acknowledge a legend. This week marked the passing of William Russell at the remarkable age of 99. For those unfamiliar, Russell portrayed Ian Chesterton, the First Doctor’s very first companion, and continued to embody the role as recently as 2022. This dedication earned him a Guinness World Record for the longest span playing the same character on television. His contributions to the Whoniverse extended to Big Finish audio plays, with “The Sleeping City” being a particular highlight.
One of the intriguing aspects of “Rogue” is the nod to the expanded Doctor Who universe. During a pivotal scene where the Doctor is captured by Rogue, past incarnations flash before our eyes. Among them, eagle-eyed fans spotted Richard E. Grant. This appearance is a direct reference to Grant’s portrayal of the Doctor in the animated film Scream of the Shalka. Originally conceived as a potential animated series revival, Shalka served as a proof of concept. It’s a welcome acknowledgment for fans of this lesser-known Doctor. Perhaps we might even see a nod to The Nth Doctor in the future?
The creative force behind “Rogue” also deserves recognition. Kate Herron, who co-wrote the episode with Briony Redman, brings a fresh perspective to Doctor Who. Herron is known for her directorial and executive producer roles on Loki, and her talent shines through in this episode. As the only new writers this season, they’ve undoubtedly made a significant impact, and hopefully, we will see more of their work in future seasons.
The villains in “Rogue,” the Chuldur, present a fascinating and somewhat comical threat. Their obsession with “cosplay,” as they term it, is central to their identity. However, their behavior more closely resembles individuals deeply engrossed in live-action role-playing, reminiscent of those heavily invested in games like Vampire: The Masquerade. This focus on intangible concepts as villainous motivations, aligning with season-long themes of games, music, and archetypes, reinforces the theory that the overarching antagonist of this season could be Lovecraftian deities, as previously discussed in relation to “73 Yards”.
The kiss between the Doctor and Rogue was undeniably a significant moment. It’s a moment that resonates deeply with the LGBT community and a refreshing display of the Doctor’s queerness. For those who might find it forced or agenda-driven, it’s worth remembering that the Doctor’s expressions of affection, like the kiss with River Song, have always been celebrated. If a moment of genuine connection and affection is something you can’t appreciate, perhaps that’s a reflection worth considering.
There’s a palpable echo of Captain Jack Harkness in the character of Rogue. It’s easy to imagine that Rogue’s initial conception might have been a return for Captain Jack. The similarities are striking: a charming, queer bounty hunter with a mysterious past, an American accent, an invisible ship, and a self-sacrificing nature to save the day. Even the screwdriver joke and the heroic sacrifice mirror Captain Jack’s iconic moments, particularly reminiscent of “The Doctor Dances.” However, given John Barrowman’s current standing with the show due to past conduct allegations, creating a new character with strong parallels seems a plausible approach.
The Doctor’s costume in “Rogue” is a visual treat. His Regency-era attire subtly nods to the Third Doctor’s penchant for flamboyant formal wear. Ncuti Gatwa has reportedly expressed admiration for the Third Doctor’s style, making this sartorial choice a delightful Easter egg for long-time fans. It’s been a while since a Doctor has showcased such distinct fashion sense, making this a welcome return to stylish Time Lord dressing.
The Chuldur themselves are brilliantly petty villains. Anyone familiar with convention culture will recognize the humor in their disputes over cosplay ownership. This return to villains with somewhat mundane motivations is a refreshing change. One of the subtle strengths of the Jodie Whittaker era was its portrayal of villains who, despite wielding immense power, were driven by remarkably ordinary and petty desires. It’s satisfying to see the Doctor confront and thwart this kind of everyday evil.
Ruby Sunday truly shines in “Rogue.” This episode arguably showcases Millie Gibson’s best performance in the Doctor/Companion dynamic yet. Stripped of grand mysteries or unexplained abilities, Ruby relies on her intelligence, kindness, and resourcefulness to drive the plot forward. Gibson portrays this grounded version of Ruby with remarkable skill, drawing comparisons to Sam Jones from the Eighth Doctor novels. Hopefully, Ruby’s character retains her agency and depth beyond her role as a plot device as the season’s mysteries unfold.
The musical landscape of “Rogue” is rich with Easter Eggs. The flirtatious banter between Rogue and the Doctor set to Kylie Minogue’s “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” is a clever nod to Minogue’s guest appearance in the Tennant era. Furthermore, the string quartet renditions of “Bad Guy” and “Pokerface” are delightful and sophisticated. However, the inclusion of “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” feels somewhat predictable, perhaps the musical equivalent of Danni Minogue in a classical string quartet repertoire. Interestingly, Kylie Minogue’s Doctor Who episode, “Voyage of the Damned,” also revolved around wealthy individuals at a lavish party facing peril, drawing another subtle parallel.
Finally, the Doctor’s emotional arc in “Rogue” is compelling. His facade of “being alright” is visibly cracking just seven episodes into his new regeneration. In this episode, we witness him teetering on the edge of unleashing his darker side against the Chuldur, attempting to deflect with humor, and ultimately seeking solace in Ruby’s comfort. The weight of his long life is catching up to him, despite his efforts to move on from his past incarnations. The season finale promises to explore this vulnerability further.
Bonus thought: Whispers persist about Disney potentially developing an Eighth Doctor series spin-off. It’s conceivable that the upcoming two episodes might lay the groundwork for such a project. Just a prediction to keep in mind – “I told you so” rights reserved if it materializes!
In conclusion, “Rogue” is a standout episode of Doctor Who Series 14. It masterfully blends romance, comedy, and drama within a Bridgerton-inspired setting, packed with Easter Eggs and compelling character moments. It serves as an engaging and entertaining lead-in to what promises to be an explosive season finale.
