Doctor Who: Unraveling the Connection Between Flux and The Giggle

Rewritten

The third and final 60th anniversary special of Doctor Who, titled “The Giggle,” features numerous references to the franchise’s recent history, including the contentious “Flux” arc. The intersection of these two stories is explored as "Flux" was the title for Doctor Who Series 13. It revolved around an anti-matter wave known as the Flux, which despite the valiant efforts of Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor, resulted in the destruction of half the known universe.

The "Flux" storyline, alongside the "Timeless Child" arc, was one of the most divisive during ex-showrunner Chris Chibnall's time, however, current showrunner Russell T Davies has confirmed that he will not undo any of Chibnall's contributions to the Doctor Who lore.

Davies has stayed true to his word. In the second Doctor Who 60th anniversary special, "Wild Blue Yonder," there is a direct reference to the destruction caused by the Flux, and the remorse felt by the Fourteenth Doctor (David Tennant) as a result. Caution: spoilers for "The Giggle" to come.

How does the Flux tie into Doctor Who: The Giggle?

The devastating impact of The Flux, which wiped out 50% of creation, is revisited in “The Giggle.” This time, the horrifying events are depicted in a crude puppet show staged by the villainous Toymaker (Neil Patrick Harris).

The "Toymaker's" "entertainment" is a subtle criticism of the Doctor, emphasizing his alleged negative influence on those close to him. It includes twisted accounts of the fates of the Doctor's past companions Amy Pond, Clara Oswald, and Bill Potts.

Continuing on, the show provides a brief summary of "Flux," with the Toymaker cutting the strings of planet-shaped puppets to symbolize their demise. Interestingly, in contrast to his reaction to the companions' stories, the Doctor does not attempt to reinterpret the Toymaker's portrayal of events this time.

He is not afraid to challenge the Toymaker, clearly showing that he is still deeply affected by the events of the "Flux" arc. It remains to be seen if Ncuti Gatwa's Fifteenth Doctor will also show sensitivity to this subject. However, it wouldn't be surprising if he did, as "The Giggle" leaves many unresolved plot points for Gatwa's tenure, such as the enigmatic One Who Waits, indicating that other unresolved story elements may resurface.

Davies recently mentioned in an interview that he warned fans that certain questions raised in the upcoming Christmas special "The Church on Ruby Road" will not be answered for some time. You can stream Doctor Who: The Giggle on BBC iPlayer (UK & Ireland) and Disney+ (everywhere else) now. For the latest Doctor Who news and updates, visit Dexerto’s full coverage here.

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Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Doctor Who, I am thrilled to see the return of Russell T Davies as showrunner and the exciting connection between the Flux storyline and the 60th-anniversary special, "The Giggle." Davies' decision to acknowledge and incorporate elements from the divisive Flux arc demonstrates his commitment to respecting the show's history and continuity. The reference to the destruction caused by the Flux in "Wild Blue Yonder" and the Toymaker's puppet show in "The Giggle" serve as poignant reminders of the profound impact this event had on the Doctor and the universe.

The Toymaker's portrayal of the Flux as a twisted entertainment highlights the Doctor's complex and often tragic role in the lives of his companions. The fact that the Doctor does not attempt to reinterpret these events suggests that he is still grappling with the guilt and responsibility he feels for the destruction caused by the Flux. This emotional depth adds a layer of vulnerability and relatability to the character, making him more human and relatable to audiences. Overall, the connection between Flux and "The Giggle" not only provides a satisfying conclusion to the Flux storyline but also sets the stage for intriguing future developments in the Doctor Who universe.