The Epic Challenge Awaiting RTD's New Doctor: Reviving the Ultimate Villain from Chris Chibnall's Era

Summary

After the mixed critical reaction and unspectacular ratings of Chris Chibnall's era, Russell T Davies' return as showrunner signals a brave new era of Doctor Who.

While the villains introduced in Chris Chibnall's era may have caused some disagreement among fans, there is one that truly shines and deserves a return in upcoming seasons. This particular antagonist has the potential to be elevated to new heights under the expert guidance of Russell T Davies, with compelling scripts and captivating storylines that will do justice to their exceptional portrayal.

One villain from Chris Chibnall's Doctor Who, however, deserves to retain their place in the upcoming Doctor Who season 14 under Russell T Davies' showrunning.

Sacha Dhawan's Master Was Great (& Still Has More To Give)

Sacha Dhawan's portrayal of the Master in Chris Chibnall's era of Doctor Who outshines all the other villains. Aptly chosen, Dhawan's "Spy Master" revitalized the character with a level of malevolent hatred never seen before, while still retaining the playful delight of a circus leader. Dhawan also paid homage to previous versions of the Master, discarding the sympathetic qualities introduced by Michelle Gomez and John Simm in favor of pure, unapologetic evil. In a time when most villains were forgettable or recycled, Sacha Dhawan's Master brought a perfect balance of tradition and originality.

Although Sacha Dhawan only appeared in five episodes, his incarnation of the Master still has much to offer in Doctor Who. The dynamic relationship between Dhawan's regeneration and Jodie Whittaker's Thirteenth Doctor provided compelling exchanges, as the Doctor became more relatable and human. If we were to witness Dhawan's brilliant wit and ever-changing personality clash with a vastly different Doctor, one who is less forgiving and more alien, their rivalry would undoubtedly take on a completely different dynamic. Dhawan's varied and unpredictable performance indicates a depth to this Master regeneration that Doctor Who has yet to fully explore.

Classic Doctor Who Rarely Changed Master Actors

Doctor Who has already established a precedent for Sacha Dhawan's Master continuing in Russell T Davies' new era. In classic Doctor Who, the Master rarely underwent regeneration. After Roger Delgado's portrayal of The Master against the Third Doctor, the villain took on a more monstrous appearance during Tom Baker's tenure following Delgado's unfortunate passing. Anthony Ainley then assumed the role until Doctor Who was canceled. The idea of each Doctor Who era featuring its own Master has only emerged since the show's regeneration in 2005. Therefore, Sacha Dhawan remaining as the Master beyond Doctor Who season 14 is not a groundbreaking or new concept.

However, that does not mean it would be advisable for Sacha Dhawan's Master to return as early as Doctor Who season 14. The Master appeared in the 2022 special, "The Power of the Doctor," as the catalyst for Jodie Whittaker's regeneration. Introducing the Master again in Doctor Who season 14 could potentially overexpose the character and diminish the impact of the villain. Nevertheless, the Master's return is as inevitable in Doctor Who as references to British biscuits and companions from contemporary Earth. When the villain does reappear, it would be fitting for it to be portrayed by Sacha Dhawan.

Dhawan's inclusion also prevents a recurring issue with Doctor Who. Over the years, each portrayal of the Master - Derek Jacobi, John Simm, Michelle Gomez, and Sacha Dhawan - has employed a tactic of presenting the character under an alternate identity. By Russell T Davies adopting this approach for the fifth consecutive time, its impact would have been diminished. By retaining Sacha Dhawan, the element of surprise in discovering the Master's true identity is preserved, keeping the audience engaged in the thrilling game of "Guess Who?"

Dhawan's Master Can Be Even Better In RTD's Doctor Who

Although Sacha Dhawan's portrayal of the Master was a standout during Chris Chibnall's Doctor Who era, the episodes he featured in did not always fully utilize his talents. While the "Spyfall" two-parter was well-received, subsequent appearances of the Master were hindered by awkward and contentious explanations surrounding the Timeless Child. In contrast, "The Power of the Doctor" was always destined to revolve around Jodie Whittaker's farewell and the introduction of the Fourteenth Doctor.

The original Russell T Davies era of Doctor Who, from "Dalek" and "The End of Time" to "Blink" and "Turn Left," features the majority of the modern show's highly memorable and acclaimed episodes. The storytelling ability of Davies shines brightly in the Ninth and Tenth Doctor eras, making them the pinnacle of Doctor Who's narrative excellence. With RTD at the helm, Doctor Who can delve deeper into Sacha Dhawan's Master, offering scripts and stories that truly showcase his brilliantly unhinged performance.