Doctor Who: The Power Of The Doctor Review - 5 Ups & 7 Downs

Cause of death aside, every moment from Yaz carrying a dying Doctor back into the TARDIS to the moment of her eventual regeneration is perfect.

Thirteen has a little wobble about her imminent death (as she’s entitled to), but like a true Doctor, she puts on a brave face and embraces the next stage of her life with open arms (literally). At the end of a life of danger and adventure, she chooses to spend her final moments sharing an ice cream with Yaz, with a view of planet Earth from orbit. It’s simple, but this scene is remarkably touching, and is a perfect bookend to the relationship between these two, which had once felt forced, but culminates in a moment that feels truly earned.

After Yaz is dropped off, she is greeted by Graham and Dan, who recruit her into a support group for ex-companions. This idea is really lovely, giving closure to not only Thirteen’s companions, but companions of the past too. With one final cheeky round of cameos, we get the inclusion of Jo, Mel, and even Ian Chesterton, one of the original companions. The scene also features an empty chair, which we like to think represents Elisabeth Sladen, Bernard Cribbins, and all the other companions who are sadly no longer with us. It’s a flawless scene, overflowing with optimism.

Meanwhile, Thirteen emerges alone from the TARDIS, stepping out atop Durdle Door with a beautiful cliffside view. Her final words are brief, but perfect:

"Right then, Doctor whoever-I’m-about-to-be… tag, you’re it."

This is such an optimistic baton pass, with a humour and chirpy demeanour that’s so characteristic of this incarnation. We love it.

As Thirteen’s theme swells, we’re treated to the most beautiful regeneration shot in the show’s history. No big speeches, no explosions, no crashing TARDIS, and no bombastic Latin chorus. It’s the most gentle, calm regeneration we’ve seen in NuWho, and it really sets itself apart.

These final ten minutes give us an example of Chibnall, Whittaker, composer Segun Akinola, and director Jamie Magnus Stone firing on all cylinders, really nailing the emotional payoff of such a moment. They go out not on a whimper or an anticlimax, but in one shining moment of glory.