10 Times Doctor Who Trolled You (And You Fell For It)

Fugitive of the Judoon is a masterclass in misdirection – a Russian doll of reveals, where the introduction of the Fugitive Doctor is hidden behind the return of the Judoon and Captain Jack.

Given how many times Jo Martin has since reappeared, it’s easy to forget that, prior to the reveal, most people had no idea she was the Doctor. And why would we?

Though it becomes pretty clear pretty quickly that she’s a Time Lord, there are plenty of hints that she’s one of the evil variety – from her fight with the Judoon to her hidden blaster to the TARDIS buried under a gravestone (which, at face value, suggests “Ruth” has actually killed the Doctor. Would've been a brilliant twist that, wouldn't it?).

And it turns out that this idea wasn’t entirely unfounded.

As he has since revealed on Twitter, Thirteenth Doctor era composer Segun Akinola deliberately tried to wrongfoot viewers by incorporating the bassline of his Master theme into the reveal scene’s score, and thus suggest that Jo Martin is another incarnation of the Doctor’s bestest enemy.

To appreciate this easter egg, fans should listen carefully in the moment that “Ruth” breaks the glass, where the motif is played twice – first by itself, then with the Fugitive Doctor’s theme over the top.

It’s an incredibly subtle touch – but one that even on a subconscious level, plays havoc with our expectations. It just goes to show, even the show’s soundtrack isn’t immune to playing tricks.