Cosplay in the regency era starring Jonathan Groff in an irresistible and mysterious role is an absolute win for Doctor Who.
Warning: Spoilers Sweetie!
This is the Bridgerton episode with aliens, the bird-like Chuldur, engaging in dangerous cosplay while Rogue, who plays his part like a recast Captain Jack but with more gravitas than flamboyancy, is on the bounty hunt.
A mysterious bounty hunter, Rogue, is about to change the Doctor’s life forever when he and Ruby arrive at an 1813 ball.
Psychic earrings enhance Ruby’s dance choreography but some foreign signal is interfering with them causing feedback.
A quick scan with the sonic reveals the culprit and the Doctor is immediately attracted to Rogue.
That scene where the Doctor joins Rogue in a little ‘brooding’ is hilarious and establishes an instant connection.
Both are touched by the trauma of losing people in their life and the prospect of Rogue joining Team TARDIS is teased to devastating effect.
I won’t spoil the particulars but I am hopeful we see Rogue return again.
This one’s very reminiscent of the Family of Blood but it does fall a little short with the dialogue. The brag about bringing the world to the end with their cosplay was convenient exposition but it did feel a little forced to demonstrate the threat they pose. It’s also weird to hear an alien villain use the word ‘cosplay’.
The plot was rather thin but there is potential for these villains to do some more complex body-swapping drama if they do return. I just felt there was potential to do more with this but the story kept it light.
‘Rogue’ has been the most satisfying episode of the season so far and sets us up for the next thrill.
Questions that need answers
Nothing new gleaned for these curly ones:
Who is Mrs Flood?
Who is Ruby Sunday?
What happened at the church at that point in time?
What is the Doctor if they are not of Gallifrey origin?
What God/entity/character terrifies the Toymaker aka The One Who Waits?
Why is Susan Twist doing a Bad-Wolf-style cameo in each episode?
When will Rogue join the TARDIS?