The Mystery Unveiled: The Others in the Veil of Shame at the End of Doctor Who

In the penultimate episode of Doctor Who, a scene shrouded in uncertainty leaves fans questioning the identity of the figures hiding their faces. This article explores the mystery, examining the theories, and providing insights from various sources to uncover the truth behind these enigmatic Time Lords.

The Popular Theories

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One of the most popular theories is that the figures are the Doctor's parents, particularly the Doctor's mother. There are also arguments suggesting that the one with the darker hair and taller stature is the 11th Doctor, while the other is his father, played by Timothy Dalton as Rassilon in the two-part episode The End of Time.

Theories and Debates

According to the book A Brief History of Time Lords, their identities and faces are erased from history due to their dissent against Rassilon's decision. The book mentions that their names are never given in definitive terms, leaving fans to speculate.

Another theory, supported by Russell T Davies, the show's writer, is that the man covering his face at Rassilon's side is the Doctor's father, leaving it deliberately ambiguous. Canonically, Davies considers the character in The End of Time as both the Narrator and Rassilon, adding to the mystery. Similarly, the Doctor's mother, portrayed by Claire Bloom, was deliberately listed as "The Woman" to maintain the mystery.

The Ephemeral Figure

Ath the heart of the mystery is the theoretical figure, often identified as a watchman or a premonition of the Doctor's future. In the episode Logopolis, a mysterious ethereal figure follows the Doctor until it merges into his body during regeneration, from

Regardless of the specific individuals, what is clear is that these characters represent dissenting voices and a failed council. Their faces hidden in shame, they serve as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience within the Time Lord hierarchy.

The Context of Rassilon's Decision

The scene occurs during a critical moment when the Doctor must decide between shooting the Master to prevent his continued reign of mayhem or allowing the destruction of Earth. At the same time, the council faces the weight of their decision against Rassilon's plan, symbolized by the Weeping Angels.

Final Thoughts

The mystery remains open to interpretation, much like the enigma that is Doctor Who. While theories abound, the true identities remain shrouded in the same veil of ambiguity that defines the show. Ultimately, the decision is left to the audience, allowing each viewer to draw their own conclusion based on the evidence at hand. The Doctor's journey is a testament to the complex relationships and moral dilemmas that defined the series, making the penultimate scene a memorable and engrossing piece of television history.

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