The season finale episode “Empire of Death” forever changed the history of Doctor Who, but not in the way fans were anticipating. Despite sparking numerous fan theories about Ruby Sunday’s mother (could it be Rose?), showrunner Russell T Davies simply provided the most statistically likely answer. As hinted in “The Legend of Ruby Sunday,” the mystery mother turned out to be an ordinary young woman. Instead of Susan, the Doctor’s granddaughter, we discovered that her name had been scattered throughout history by Sutekh the Destroyer, the god of death. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the Whovian community, as Sutekh has been lurking around the TARDIS for the past 49 years of Doctor Who.
In “Pyramids of Mars” (1975), the Doctor and Sarah-Jane Smith believed they had trapped Sutekh in a time corridor, but it turns out he had been wrapped around the TARDIS, slowly evolving into godhood. This means that every Doctor Who story from “Pyramids of Mars” to “The Legend of Ruby Sunday” now contains secret Sutekh. The implications are vast, including the revelation that Sutekh was present in every TV story for the past 49 years.
The twist also impacts Sutekh’s appearances in Doctor Who comics, novels, and Big Finish audio dramas, but fans can reconcile this by suggesting Sutekh was splintered in time. The Memory TARDIS, a fan’s dream with numerous Easter eggs, is now canon and features in the series “Tales of the TARDIS.” The Doctor’s love of spoons and whistles, as well as references to The Beatles and cultural appropriation, add layers to the story.
Overall, the season finale has left fans reeling with its unexpected revelations and twists, showcasing the enduring creativity and imagination of the Doctor Who universe.