REVIEW: Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor

This review contains spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Wow. I am honestly in shock at how much I loved this episode?!


I know in my previous Doctor Who post I bashed Chibnall’s era, and while I still hold onto that opinion, this certainly rose the bar. This is probably my personal favorite episode of the Chibnall era. First, let’s talk about what I liked.

To start, Jodie Whittaker’s performance as the Thirteenth Doctor was phenomenal, and this episode was definitely one of her best (yet- nothing is ever the end in Doctor Who). From the moment she appeared on screen to her regeneration, I was stunned by how well she did in this episode. I had that feeling that I get with every Doctor- I feel as though I finally started to get used to them, a sense of comfortability is present, and then it is ripped away from me in a flash. I finally felt accustomed to Thirteen, I was finally starting to enjoy her era, and now it’s over. While I am excited for the new Doctor(s) and era, I will miss her Doctor dearly.

Moving on, I have quite the speech to say about Yaz Khan in this episode. For the first time since she came aboard the TARDIS, I felt that I finally saw the character growth I had wanted to see all this time on screen. She was improved, but it seemed too late as she departed in this episode as well. This episode really proved one thing to me- that Yaz should’ve been the sole companion for Thirteen’s era. Not because I don’t like the other companions, but when it’s just Yaz with no other companions to worry about, she truly shines.

As for the other companion of the episode the man, the myth, the legend Dan Lewis, I was honestly disappointed to see him go at the very beginning of the episode. He was my favorite companion of the Thirteenth Doctor era, but if he hadn’t left we wouldn’t have seen Yaz’s amazing character growth, so seeing him go so soon felt very bittersweet.

The return of Ace McShane and Tegan Jovanka (especially Ace) was something I was looking forward to tremendously. I’ve dipped my toes into the classic era of Doctor Who quite a few times and Ace came out one of my favorite companions (along with Liz Shaw, Sarah Jane Smith, and Mel Bush- the latter of whom I was very excited to see at the end!), so seeing her return along with Jo Grant and Ian Chesterton in modern Doctor Who was certainly a treat!


Speaking of classic Doctor Who, many (and I mean many) of the Doctor’s past incarnations returned for a cameo! The First, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Doctors returned as “Guardians of the Edge,” and I absolutely loved the idea and cameos! I was especially excited to see Seven and Eight, as they are my favorites of the Classic Doctors who made an appearance. The conversations between Five and Tegan plus Seven and Ace were so heartwarming (and that Adric namedrop nearly broke me). I also really enjoyed the Fugitive Doctor’s brief appearance- she is such a badass! I hope to see her more in the future.

And of course, the Master. What an amazing performance by Sacha Dhawan! From the forced regeneration to the mish-mosh of past Doctor outfits to the ra-ra-Rasputin dance, I loved every second of it. Especially the end of his arc, the face he made as the Doctor abandoned him once more- now that was what broke me. I can't wait to see the future of the Master and hope he/she returns in RTD2.

And Kate Stewart- amazing, as always. And man, was I terrified that she was going to be converted into a Cyberman! I kept saying to myself, "they wouldn't do that to a Lethbridge-Stewart, there's no way." so I was very glad to see her saved! And it was so nice to see her finally get to go into the TARDIS! Her face said "who, me? I can come along?" which made it all the more better. Well-deserved for a descendant of the Brigadier.

Now, for the moment everyone has been waiting for… the regeneration. What an epic moment! Definitely one of my favorite regenerations (but nothing will ever top Capaldi’s). Thirteen's last words were so beautiful yet playful, and I loved the Third Doctor callback. I have to admit, many tears were shed, but they were quickly replaced by sheer excitement as DAVID TENNANT was on my screen as the Doctor again! For the first time since 2013! I mean I knew he was coming back, but I honestly expected Thirteen to regenerate into Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor or have the regeneration be left open-ended. What a shock!


Now, for the moment I’ve been waiting for… the writing. As I mentioned earlier, I have taken many digs at Chris Chibnall’s writing over the past five years. But this... was still a mess. A highly enjoyable mess, but still a mess. It was fan service galore, strangely paced, all-over crazy messiness but I still loved it. The only real complaint I have was the inclusion of Vinder- like did he really need to be there? I much rather would've liked to see Jack Harkness or Karvanista but it is what it is.

Since this was such a long episode and I can hardly fit all of my thoughts into this review without making it a three-page essay, here's a quick recap of everything I liked and didn't like.

What I Liked:
  • The return of classic Doctor Who companions Ace, Tegan, Mel, Jo, and Ian.
  • The classic Doctors cameos (especially Seven and Eight).
  • "I don't do robes." "There's always one. Has to be different." "I am a manifestation of our consciousness. I can wear what I like." (aka two of my favorite Doctors interacting).
  • Ace wearing her classic jacket, saying her classic "Wicked!" and beating a Dalek with her classic bat.
  • RA-RA-RASPUTIN
  • The Master-Doctor's outfit.
  • The conversation between Seven and Ace plus the "We're Ace!" line.
  • The Master-Doctor vs the Fugitive Doctor.
  • Kate finally getting to come aboard the TARDIS.
  • The shot of the Doctor and Yaz eating ice cream atop the TARDIS looking over Earth.
  • The companion support group (If RTD doesn't capitalize on this for a spin-off I will be severely disappointed).
  • The regeneration! Plus the "What... what? ...WHAT???"
What I Didn't Like:
  • Dan leaving so early on in the episode.
  • Vinder serving no purpose when he could've easily been replaced by any other character.
  • Not enough Paul McGann.
With that, I give the episode a 5 out of 5 stars. It wasn't perfect but I enjoyed it all the way to the end and that's what matters to me.

Now… can we talk about that next time trailer for a minute? The Doctor, Donna, Ncuti?! I had no idea what was happening but I’m too excited to care! November 2023 can’t come soon enough!

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