XPost: rec.arts.drwho, uk.media.tv.sf.drwho, rec.arts.tv 
 XPost: rec.arts.sf.tv 
 From: doctor@doctor.nl2k.ab.ca 
  
 **"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. 
 -- 
 Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca 
 Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist 
 rising! 
 Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ; 
  
 --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05 
  * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)