The Backward Progression of the Master in Doctor Who: A Return to Form

Introduction:

In the prior series of Doctor Who, Sacha Dhawan’s portrayal of the Master underwent a significant character transformation, resonating with earlier, more malevolent iterations led by John Simm. This shift, along with the character’s overall journey, raises compelling questions about the complexity of the Master’s character and the intentions behind Doctor Who's narrative choices.

Character Complexity and Chaos

The character of the Master has always been one of duality – often veering between manipulative villainy and moments of vulnerability. Dhawan’s rendition of the Master in recent series leans into a chaotic and unpredictable version, reminiscent of John Simm's performance. This transition serves as a return to the core traits that originally defined the Master – their manipulative and malevolent nature. Through this characterization, the show subtly explores themes of identity and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Narrative Choices and Continuity

Showrunners deliberately chose to revisit the Master's antagonistic roots to create a sense of nostalgic continuity. The aim was to re-establish the Doctor and the Master as formidable opponents, heightening the dramatic stakes and ensuring that the Master remains a significant adversary. This narrative choice is integral to the series' core conflict and serves to create a more compelling and intense storyline.

The Missy Arc and Redemption

Missy, portrayed by Michelle Gomez, offered a nuanced and reformed version of the Master, marking a potential path of redemption. However, the subsequent return to a more sinister persona reinforces the idea that the Master’s nature is fundamentally that of a villain. This shift underscores the unyielding darkness at the heart of the Master's character, even when changes are attempted. In essence, this progression explores the cyclical nature of their relationship and the enduring struggle between redemption and malevolence.

Theological and Plot Implications

The narrative choice to revert to a more antagonistic Master raises theological and plot-related questions. In The Ghost Monument, it was established that other beings could read the Doctor's mind and understand what was happening. This knowledge was tightly guarded by the Time Lords, making the idea of a Time Lord–revealing the Doctor's true nature – a tantalizing one. Despite the Doctor's reluctance, it seemed plausible that the Master would be resourceful enough to discover this truth. This revelation, however, required the removal of Missy, a complex character who initially represented redemption. The need for a proactive, malevolent Master led to the narrative choices that disregarded Missy’s arc altogether, leaving viewers to ponder the significance of events that no longer complied with established plot lines.

Conclusion

The backward progression of the Master from Missy to a more chaotic and antagonistic version serves not only as a narrative device to heighten drama and conflict but also as a complex exploration of identity and the eternal struggle between good and evil. This transformation is a compelling narrative choice that enriches the series and provides fans with much to discuss and speculate about.