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**"Doctor Who: Last of the Time Lords" - Episode Review**
"Last of the Time Lords" is the final episode of the three-part
finale that closes the third series of *Doctor Who* (2007),
with the Tenth Doctor, played by David Tennant, facing off
against his arch-nemesis, the Master (John Simm).
Written by Russell T Davies, this episode follows the shocking
events of "The Sound of Drums" and brings a climactic
end to the Master's reign over Earth.
**Plot Summary:**
The episode is set one year after the Master has conquered Earth,
enslaving humanity and turning it into his dystopian empire.
The Doctor has been captured, aged, and weakened, transformed
into a frail and almost powerless version of himself by the Master's technology. Meanwhile, Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman), having spent
the year traveling the world, returns to the Master's stronghold
on the Valiant airship, with a plan to stop his reign.
Martha reveals that her journey around the world wasn't to find
a weapon but to spread the word about the Doctor, telling people
to believe in him. In a dramatic turn, this collective belief
is harnessed, allowing the Doctor to regain his youthful form
and confront the Master in a final showdown. However, instead
of defeating the Master through violence, the Doctor offers him mercy.
Despite this, the Master's fate is sealed when his wife, Lucy Saxon,
fatally shoots him. Refusing to regenerate, the Master dies in the
Doctor's arms, leaving the Doctor heartbroken and alone once more.
**Themes and Character Development:**
1. **The Doctor's Humanity:** One of the episode's central themes
is the Doctor's refusal to take revenge on the Master. Despite all
the Master's atrocities, the Doctor wants to save him, emphasizing
his deep compassion and belief in redemption. This highlights the
Doctor's core values: mercy, forgiveness, and hope for change,
even in his greatest enemies.
2. **Martha's Strength and Independence:** Martha shines as a character
in this episode, demonstrating her resilience and intelligence.
She is not just the Doctor's companion but a hero in her own right, single-handedly organising the world's resistance against the Master.
Her decision to leave the Doctor at the end also marks significant growth,
as she acknowledges her unrequited feelings and chooses to forge
her own path.
3. **The Master’s Tragic End:** The Master's refusal to regenerate
and his preference to die rather than be captured by the Doctor
is a tragic moment, showing his complex relationship with the Doctor.
Their bond, built on mutual history, rivalry, and loneliness,
adds depth to the Doctor-Master dynamic. The Master's death
leaves the Doctor alone once again, reinforcing the theme
of loneliness that permeates the series.
**Strengths:**
- **David Tennant and John Simm’s Performances:** Both Tennant
and Simm deliver outstanding performances, bringing depth
to their characters. Tennant portrays the Doctor's desperation,
hope, and sorrow, while Simm captures the chaotic, gleeful madness
of the Master.
- **Martha’s Heroism:** This episode solidifies Martha's legacy
as one of the more capable and independent companions. Her storyline
is emotionally satisfying, showing her as a central figure in saving
the world.
- **Emotional Payoff:** The episode ties together the arcs from
the entire season, providing a satisfying emotional payoff. The Doctor's heartbreak at the Master's death and Martha's departure gives
the episode a bittersweet tone.
**Weaknesses:**
- **The Deus Ex Machina Solution:** The episode's resolution,
where the Doctor is restored by the collective faith of humanity,
has been criticized as a deus ex machina. While thematically
aligned with the show's focus on hope and belief, it feels
somewhat unearned and overly simplistic.
- **The Master’s Sudden Demise:** The Master's decision
to die rather than regenerate can feel abrupt.
While it serves to deepen the emotional impact,
it also cuts short what could have been a longer-lasting rivalry
in future episodes.
**Conclusion:**
"Last of the Time Lords" is a grand, emotional finale that balances
action, character development, and deep emotional stakes. While
the resolution may feel contrived to some, the episode remains
a powerful exploration of the Doctor's core values and the complexity
of his relationship with the Master. It also gives Martha Jones
a heroic send-off, allowing her to step out of the Doctor's shadow
and assert her independence.
Ultimately, the episode is a testament to *Doctor Who's* enduring
themes: hope, redemption, and the power of belief. Despite its flaws,
it is an emotionally resonant conclusion to the series' third season.
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