Last week, all of the pre-air hype was largely focused around the Missy-tery (sorry!) of the Gatekeeper’s identity. As we all know, that particular question was answered in spectacular fashion during the closing moments of “Dark Water.” But if she’s a Time Lord (or Lady) then who, or what, is Seb?
There are two real possibilities here. Firstly, Seb could be a computer program set up to deal with the incoming deceased. There’s a precedent for three-lettered named computer programs who use a Cyberman logo and deal with the dead or dying already this series (Gus, in “Mummy on the Orient Express”), so it wouldn’t be surprising if that’s who Seb turned out to be. Option two is he himself is a Time Lord. There was plenty of speculation that Missy would be revealed as the Rani – and if Steven Moffat really wants to get the fandom raging, he could change the Rani’s gender and have him serving under The Mistress. Let’s not rule anything out.
Missy’s matrix slice has already shown it’s an impressive piece of technology, with Danny being stored in the gargantuan Nethersphere along with millions of others. We’ve seen The Master and Seb wander in and out of the world, which shows us the hard-drive is capable of storing the living as well as the conscious of the recently deceased. So what if more of the story than we realized is actually taking place inside of the Nethersphere?
Missy’s constant studying of every one of Clara and the Doctor’s actions seems a bit suspicious. Plus (as we mentioned earlier), her apparent ability to “keep” certain traits of the Doctor and possessive nature of Clara could suggest that large parts of the finale, or even series 8 as a whole have been taking place within the Nethersphere. Those fans who haven’t been happy with some of the show’s science this year (moon egg, anyone?) could be offered a get out clause here.
The Master won’t be the only returning character in “Death In Heaven,” as the second part of the finale also sees UNIT’s Kate Stewart and Osgood make their return to the show. But when they interact with the new gruffer, grumpier, Twelfth Doctor, will they still receive the warm welcome they’re accustomed to?
The post-Trenzalore Doctor has already shown he’s not too impressed with military organisations and soldiers this series. First, there’s his reactions and general attitude towards Danny in “The Caretaker” and subsequent episodes, then there’s his rebuffing of Journey Blue in “Into The Dalek.” Whichever way you look at it, the leaders of UNIT shouldn’t be expecting open arms when they’re reunited on Saturday. In fact, The Doctor could even behave in a volatile manner towards his old allies.
The ending to the 50th Anniversary special, “The Day of the Doctor,” promised the future potential of Gallifrey being restored to its rightful place in the universe. The Time Lords then popped up briefly in “The Time of the Doctor,” but since then we haven’t seen much from them. That is, of course, until The Master sauntered through central London during “Dark Water.”
So, if the Master can escape from the pocket universe – that surely means there’s a way in (or out) of her home planet’s holding place. The Doctor’s going to have plenty on his plate in the finale, so Gallifrey may not exactly come up in conversation. But we’ll be surprised if he isn’t at least set down the path to his home planet.
Honorable mention: Dr. Skarosa
Dr. Skarosa, need we say more? The name of 3W’s alleged creator holds more than a passing similarity to Skaro – the home planet of the Daleks. Could we see an unholy alliance between The Doctor’s three greatest enemies in the finale? Probably not (he’s more likely to be the original body of Seb, who now does Missy’s bidding on the other side), but it’s a fun little nod.
Doctor Who series 8 concludes tonight with “Death In Heaven” by Steven Moffat, starring Peter Capaldi, Jenna Coleman, Michelle Gomez, Samuel Anderson, Chris Addison, Jemma Redgrave, and Ingrid Olivier. U.K. viewers can catch it on BBC One at 8 p.m. GMT, and State-side fans can watch it on BBC America at 9/8C.
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