Doctor Who Season 1 Episode 7 Review

Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 7, “The Legend of Ruby Sunday,” is created by the BBC and Disney. Written by Russell T. Davies and directed by Jamie Donoghue. Starring Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson, the Doctor and Ruby return to Earth and UNIT, seeking answers to the questions that have plagued them across time and space.

The episode has a fascinating structure and pace, embracing the returning format of a two-parter finale. Doctor Who Season 1 Episode 7 finds a rhythm quickly but spends half of it just delivering and gathering information. The Doctor and Ruby devote a lot of time in the operations room of the new UNIT headquarters, detailing two of the major story arcs that have been delicately moving alongside the season. A woman appears in every episode, inside screens and as a character, all played by the same woman. But there is also the mystery of Ruby Sunday, the atmospheric effects around her, and the enigma of her origin.

Half of this episode is purely investigative, asking questions and exploring these features in great detail. There is a devotion to finding out the truth. A terrific energy stems from cultural references and the youthful cast on display. The suspected identity of Susan Triad, this mysterious woman with a face that will be seen across the stars, is a journey to the very beginning of Doctor Who. After a long period of tranquillity within this episode, there is an almost imperceptible shift where it suddenly becomes excruciatingly tense and terrifying.

The Doctor and Ruby take a peek back in time, but that rapidly leads to danger and confusion about when the threat is emerging. While desperate to find answers for two of the season’s plot threads, the Doctor and the audience have forgotten about the third. The lightness of the episode descends into a pit of darkness. The truth is an enormous surprise, delving deep into the history of Doctor Who.

Davies has created a hub for the Doctor that now features an ensemble cast; It’s a bundle of exciting characters featuring new figures and returning favorites. This current lineup includes Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave), Melanie Bush (Bonnie Langford), and Rose Noble (Yasmin Finney), but also introduces Harriet (Genesis Lynea), Morris (Lenny Rush), and various military men. It’s a diverse and experienced cast with am immediately delightful chemistry. The warmth that is generated dancing its way through the opening period is disarming.

Through Kate comes a level of expertise and awareness of the dangers that the Doctor brings. She is always ultra-safe and careful with the officers under her command. But even with that precision and dedication to safety, that doesn’t protect everyone.

Alongside the UNIT crew, there is also the extended family of Ruby Sunday. This episode is intrinsically linked to her and her past, with a desperation towards discovering her birth mother. Her family is strong and heartwarming, as tight-knit as could be. But their next-door neighbor, Mrs. Flood (Anita Dobson), brings more mystery into the “Legend of Ruby Sunday.” Alongside Susan Triad, she is a threat that sticks in the back of the mind. As for Susan, her face has been noticed across the episodes of this season, but even the most eagle-eyed of viewers will have noticed every single time that Susan Twist appears.

Twist is not just on TV and computer screens; she has a role within episodes. In “73 Yards,” she’s a hiker. In “The Devil’s Chord,” she’s a tea lady. In “Boom,” she’s the face on the robotic ambulance. And in every other episode since the Christmas special, Twist has played some character. Interestingly, both of the suspected villains of this episode are older women, revealing how diverse Davies can be with his casting.

Gatwa and Gibson have not spent that much time together on screen due to reduced episodes and complications in filming schedules. Therefore, their relationship has not been able to flourish and be explored in as much depth as other partnerships. But it is powerful when it appears. The Doctor is devoted to Ruby, always wanting to help her find her true self. They both have the same boisterous energy. Gatwa’s kindness to every person he meets solidifies him as a worthy Doctor. It’s the first time he has met many scientific advisors, and yet he treats them like they’re his best friends. Ruby is also sweet and kind, instantly making friends with Rose.

The production of this episode is as flawless as the rest of the season, with one significant difference. The production crew is unrivaled in set design, prosthetics, and monster costumes. If it is possible to create what is seen on screen and bring it to life, they will. But this episode requires more CGI than usual. Much of the episode occurs within the Time Window, a chamber that can recreate entire moments in time. It produces a glowing bright blue landscape around the Doctor and Ruby. It looks fantastic, comfortably talking up a more significant period of the episode.

The show’s first scene also represents a change in this era of Doctor Who. The TARDIS is seen flying towards the UNIT Headquarters, skidding to a landing instead of materializing. The extended sequence is an excellent display of the show’s enhanced budget.

Likewise, many of the revelations in the second half of the episode have to be created digitally. This is just as sensational and terrifying as the prosthetics. There are some exceptional costumes, with actors who must perform painstakingly inside intensely uncomfortable outfits. The most notable example is Aidan Cook, who is effectively entombed inside a robot suit.

The sound design is phenomenal, particularly towards the end of the issue. The sound of the menace that begins to appear is haunting. A low, deep noise starts to be heard, thrumming through the air and vibrating through the body. When characters associated with the enemy speak, their voices get much deeper, which is horrifically ominous.

Doctor Who Season 1 Episode 7 is an expansive investigation. This season has had so many unique episodes, and “The Legend of Ruby Sunday” is another one. The show is comfortable with taking time when needed, embracing the ensemble cast, and letting them bounce off each other. Much of the episode is like a detective show, asking questions and exploring the season’s biggest storylines in previous chapters of Doctor Who; the characters may not have noticed the reoccurrences of a face across their adventures. But it’s picked up on and addressed, joining the audience in their considerations.

The cast is fantastic. The different voices and faces fill the room, with talented actors at each station. Davies has made it well known that UNIT and its scientific advisors will be a hub for the Doctor, filled with old and new faces. It’s a throwback to classic Who but with modern technology and diversity. The second half of the episode is very intense, reinforcing the ruthlessness that is also present in this show when necessary. Happiness can be replaced by horror in an instant.

Doctor Who Season 1 Episode 7 “The Legend of Ruby Sunday” is available on BBCiPlayer in the UK and Disney+ everywhere else.