Summary
Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials might feature a rematch between David Tennant's Doctor and John Simm's Master, adding a twist to the storyline.
The 14th Doctor's new sonic screwdriver draws inspiration from the Master's laser screwdriver, suggesting a possible link between the two characters. Speculation grows regarding the potential return of the Master or Masters for the anniversary, given past instances of characters making multiple appearances during the show's celebratory episodes.
A Doctor Who Easter egg in the 60th anniversary specials hints at a potential rematch between David Tennant's Doctor and John Simm's Master. Their last encounter took place in the Tenth Doctor's thrilling two-part finale, "The End of Time," alongside Catherine Tate as Donna Noble. The upcoming specials, airing in November, will see Tennant and Tate return, facing off against the classic comic book monster Beep the Meep and the enigmatic villain played by Neil Patrick Harris. While not much else is known about the story connecting the three specials, as the date approaches (23rd November 2023), more details are starting to emerge.
Recently, David Tennant's new sonic screwdriver was revealed, a creation that appears to be pieced together from previous Doctor incarnations' screwdrivers. This makes it the perfect tool to commemorate six decades of Doctor Who. The latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine featured a detailed exploration of the new sonic, provided by props art director Michael van Kesteren. He disclosed one of two Easter eggs contained in the prop, including TARDIS roundels and the surprising fact that an actual screwdriver head fits into the base. However, van Kesteren also revealed another Easter egg that raises concerning implications for David Tennant's Fourteenth Doctor.
The 14th Doctor's New Sonic Screwdriver Is Inspired By John Simm's Master
Discussing the process of designing the new sonic screwdriver, Michael van Kesteren revealed that he drew inspiration not only from the Doctor but also from the Master's laser screwdriver. The motive behind incorporating rotating dials on the base of the sonic handle was to enhance its "tool-like" appearance, as requested by production designer Phil Sims. However, this design choice carries a slightly unsettling implication, especially considering the recent forced regeneration involving the Master stealing the Thirteenth Doctor's body.
While the Master was ultimately defeated and the Doctor regained their original form, there is a possibility that a lingering influence of their old nemesis remains. The new sonic screwdriver of the Fourteenth Doctor serves as a nod to its previous iterations. If this is the case, the inclusion of a laser screwdriver-style base suggests that the Master is entrenched in the extensive history of the Doctor's various incarnations. Fans have been speculating that David Tennant's return to Doctor Who holds more secrets than initially apparent, and the idea of possession by the Master would certainly introduce a terrifying twist to the show's 60th anniversary.
Will The Master (Or Masters) Be Back For Doctor Who's 60th Anniversary?
Speculation has long surrounded the potential return of characters in Doctor Who's 60th anniversary celebrations. Former Doctors and companions have been rumored for a comeback, and while it may seem improbable for Sacha Dhawan's Master to reappear so soon after "The Power of the Doctor," anniversary specials often have different rules. These specials, which serve as grand celebrations of Doctor Who and embrace nostalgia, have previously seen Anthony Ainley's 1980s Master make appearances in "The King's Demons" and the 20th anniversary special "The Five Doctors" just seven months apart. Therefore, there is a precedent for such occurrences.
Given the secrecy surrounding the overall storyline of Doctor Who's 60th anniversary specials, anything is possible. The final special, titled "The Giggle," involves the Fourteenth Doctor describing an enemy that mocks the Human race, a description that neatly aligns with the Master. It is conceivable that the Master could, at last, be unveiled as the true architect behind the misfortune experienced by the Doctor and Donna in these anniversary specials. Whether this revelation will feature Neil Patrick Harris, a returning John Simm, one Master, or multiple Masters remains to be seen.