Doctor Who: Wish World Review - 4 Ups & 6 Downs

10. DOWN - A Lack of Context

At the end of the previous episode, we were given a typical finale-lead-in cliffhanger. Fifteen and Belinda attempt to return back to Earth, and, as they do, the TARDIS doors explode.

If you were hoping that one was explained, I’ve got bad news for you, because you won’t be getting context. In isolation, this isn’t a big issue, it’s a gap we can conceivably fill in our heads. The issue lies in the fact that there’s an awful lot more we see in Wish World that I think it’s unlikely we’ll get context for. What’s up with the giant bone palace and the dinosaurs? Why is Susan Twist here again? What’s the deal with Belinda’s family? WHY IS MRS FLOOD BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL?!

There are at least five mysteries by my count (Susan Foreman, Omega, Poppy, Rogue, Mrs Flood) that are all far more central to the plot than any of the above, and the finale is going to struggle as it is to balance them all, especially with the Rani, Conrad, Ruby and UNIT also in play. It feels unlikely that these smaller threads are also going to be explored.

Quite simply, they’re there because they are – half-baked ideas that we’re just meant to run with because there’s not enough time. If an episode leaves you with this many questions, that’s not good writing. Give me one good mystery, not ten mysteries I couldn’t care less about.