Will the Master or Missy Return to Doctor Who?

The predictability of some elements in life is unnerving, but it also serves as a constant expectation. Much like death, taxes, and infinite regenerations, three certainties in the Doctor Who universe are:

While The Daleks are a guaranteed return due to their significant role in The Messiah, the resurgence of the Master, also known as Missy, remains a matter of speculation. This article explores the likelihood of these iconic villains re-entering the Doctor Who series, based on the dynamics of the show and the evolving preferences of its creators.

Guaranteed Returns in Doctor Who

The return of The Daleks is a foregone conclusion as demonstrated in the episode The Messiah. The Daleks continue to pose a significant threat, much to the delight of the show's loyal viewers. The Master, on the other hand, is heralded as the Doctor's greatest nemesis, and while his return is less definitive, it remains highly probable.

Several actors have portrayed the role of the Master over the years. Henry Cavill has taken over the mantle, leaving fans to wonder about the exact circumstances in which Missy became the Master.

The Master as Missy

The most intriguing aspect of the Master's return is the transition from Missy to the Master. While it is not impossible, it would require a significant narrative shift. The transformation from Missy to the Master raises questions about the character's motivations and the methods used to achieve this change. Many fans are curious about the circumstances behind this reincarnation, leading to ongoing speculation within the fan community.

Some speculate that the transition might occur for a special anniversary episode, highlighting the enduring legacy of these characters. However, given the intricate storylines that have been developed in recent seasons, such a major twist would need to be well-integrated to maintain fan satisfaction and add depth to the show's narrative.

Reasons for Avoiding the Master

Other viewpoints suggest that bringing back the Master or Missy might be too time-consuming and require extensive creativity. The writing team has other villains in mind, such as Omega or the Black Guardian, who could provide new and compelling antagonists for the Doctor. These characters offer a fresh challenge and introduce new dimensions to the show's storytelling.

Given the current showrunner's desire to avoid overusing major villains, the return of the Master might be postponed to maintain narrative continuity. This decision aligns with the rebooted Ninth and Eleventh Doctors’ cycles, where encounters with the Master were minimal. It is possible that the Thirteenth Doctor will also avoid direct confrontations with the Master, although such encounters could still occur in ancillary material.

Likelihood of a Return

Despite the clear need for major villains in certain storylines, a return of the Master is more likely than a return of Missy. The character's enduring popularity and fan engagement make it more probable to see the Master in new and exciting narratives. However, the exact timing of his return remains uncertain and is ultimately dependent on the creative direction of the writing team.

The re-emergence of the Master would need to be carefully managed to ensure it fits seamlessly within the existing storyline. Any return of the Master would need to balance fan satisfaction with the show's evolving narrative requirements.

In conclusion, while the definitive return of the Master is not guaranteed, the enduring legacy and fan-driven demand make it a plausible scenario. The writing team must navigate this complex decision with care, ensuring that any inclusion of the Master would add value to the show's future storylines.