Doctor Who Season 14: Ncuti Gatwa’s Performance In Episode 5 Ending Sparks Near-Unanimous Reactions From Viewers
SUMMARY
- Ncuti Gatwa shines as the Doctor in episode 5 of Doctor Who season 14, eliciting praise for his powerful and emotional performance.
- Fans laud Gatwa’s portrayal of the Doctor, highlighting his unique take on the character and impressive presence on screen.
- The unexpected depth and message of “Dot & Bubble” showcase Gatwa’s talent and the impact he brings to the series.
Ncuti Gatwa has cemented his place as a beloved Doctor with Doctor Who season 14, episode 5, “Dot & Bubble”. Starring Gatwa and Millie Gibson, the episode features the Doctor as he desperately works to save the lives of the residents of Finetime. While he spends most of the episode communicating with them through a screen, the newest Doctor Who cast members reject him as soon as they meet him in person, as they refuse to associate with a Black man. Gatwa’s Doctor responds with a horrified scream before the episode ends.
Gatwa’s performance has been widely regarded as the highlight of the episode. Many fans have taken to Twitter to celebrate his work and to honor the newest Doctor’s excellent take on the character. Check out their responses below:
@JohnathanCowden believes that Gatwa has a unique take on the Doctor that is already setting him apart from the other versions of the character.
@SafeSpaceDrWho reflected on the filming schedule and how impressive it is that Gatwa opened with such a brilliant ending.
@TomDix_ called Gatwa a “powerhouse” and intends to watch every week of the season.
@jereereviews found the episode “heartbreaking” and believes that his final act in the episode was stunning.
@rachaelking70 is enjoying Gatwa’s performance and believes that he is elevating the show.
@GlauserDan13 expected a “campy” episode but instead found it especially profound among Doctor Who episodes.
@JohnBensalhia did not anticipate the ending but feels “impressed” by the twist.
@Staggiezz loved the ending and especially Gatwa’s performance in the episode.
Ncuti Gatwa Excelled In Doctor Who’s Dot & Bubble
The Episode Was A Serious Departure For Doctor Who
Doctor Who has always tackled major social challenges, but it has never done so quite as directly as it did in season 14, episode 5, “Dot & Bubble”. The episode directly addressed racism and the negative impact that it can have on the lives of even the prejudiced characters themselves. Rather than embracing the man who worked tirelessly to save their lives, the Finetime residents dismissed him immediately. A frustrated Doctor offers to save them, despite their racism, but they choose to remain in their dangerous world all the same.
It is a serious departure from typical monster-of-the-week stories. The Fifteenth Doctor’s strong response sets him apart from the other versions of the Doctor, who might have dismissed them from the start. His frustration speaks to both his reaction to their racism and to the stubbornness that will inevitably lead to their deaths. It is a painful and harrowing moment that is only buoyed by Gatwa’s performance. With such powerful reactions from the Doctor, it is no wonder that viewers are responding with so much praise.
The episode has drawn comparisons to Black Mirror for its social commentary and premise, but the performances are what set it apart. For Gatwa, “Dot & Bubble”‘s ending marked a moment that helped him cement his place as the Doctor. His portrayal added a new and previously unexplored aspect of the Doctor and reveals that Gatwa and Russell T Davies are willing to explore the real-world reaction to Gatwa becoming the legendary Doctor. By tackling systemic racism, Doctor Who gave Gatwa the opportunity to shine as an actor.
