Exclusive: Doctor Who Special Striking Back with the Ultimate Classic Villain Return!

Highlights

David Tennant's return to Doctor Who has sparked rumors of The Master's reappearance in the 60th-anniversary special, adding intrigue to the upcoming episode.

A Doctor Who Magazine easter egg hints at the possibility of the return of John Simm's Master. This clue stems from the fact that the design of Tennant's new sonic screwdriver was influenced by the Master's laser screwdriver.

Simm's portrayal of the Master proved to be a formidable adversary for The Doctor and had a significant impact on past seasons. If the Master does indeed make a comeback, it would inject further intricacies into the storyline and spark discussions about the consequences of regeneration within the show.

Rumors are swirling about the possible return of The Master, one of Doctor Who's most intriguing adversaries, in the highly anticipated 60th-anniversary special. Known for causing chaos, The Master has been a recurring presence in the Doctor Who series even before its reboot in 2005. As the special revolves around the regeneration of the 14th Doctor, fans are eagerly speculating if The Master will make an appearance once again.

The most recent edition of Doctor Who Magazine contained a hidden surprise related to the upcoming special episode. It suggests that the first incarnation of the Master from the Doctor Who reboot may make a reappearance and cause some trouble once again. The magazine featured an interview with Michael van Kesteren, the art director for props, where he discussed the creative process behind the design of David Tennant's new sonic screwdriver. Van Kesteren revealed that the rotating dials on the base of the screwdriver were inspired by the Master's laser screwdriver. Although there is no official confirmation, rumors have been circulating that Tennant's appearance as the Doctor will coincide with John Simm's return as the Master. This speculation has been fueled by the easter egg, despite van Kesteren's explanation that it was simply a design choice to give the screwdriver a more authentic "tool" look.

Simm made his first appearance as the villainous Master in episode 11 of season 3 of Doctor Who. Initially disguised as a professor working with the Doctor and his companion Martha, he eventually revealed himself to be a fellow Time Lord. Unlike the Doctor, however, the Master embraced chaos instead of altruism after escaping the genocide on Gallifrey. Following his regeneration into Simm, he even became the Prime Minister of Britain with the goal of turning Earth into a new Gallifrey. Although it was believed that Simm's character died in season 10, his alleged return suggests that, like Tennant's popular character, the Master may have a way of coming back.

It is worth noting that Simm is not the only actor to have portrayed the Master, as the character has the ability to regenerate. In fact, the Doctor's archenemy regenerated into a female version before the Doctor did, with Michelle Gomez taking on the role. Throughout the series, the Master has always acted as a direct contrast to the optimistic protagonist, serving as a foil. While Doctor Who focused on saving humanity, the Master addressed the destruction of his home planet in a different way. In alternate circumstances, the Doctor could have potentially ended up like the Master if he hadn't prioritized humanity.

Having already been extensively explored through various iterations, this new casting rumor for Doctor Who feels somewhat uninspired. The ability for characters to be resurrected at any given moment diminishes the gravity of their deaths. While it may not be expected for many to mourn the loss of The Master, the decision to inexplicably bring him and Tennant back to the show appears calculated, considering its long-running tenure of fifteen years.

Mark your calendars for the airing of Doctor Who's 60th anniversary special on November 23rd, 2023.

Source: Doctor Who Magazine (via Screen Rant)