Unveiling the Truth Behind Doctor Who's "The Reality War" Finale: A Tale of Lost Endings and Unanswered Questions
The Mystery of Susan's Return
For the dedicated fans of Doctor Who, the second Disney+ season finale, "The Reality War," left us with more questions than answers. The original ending, a well-kept secret, has sparked curiosity and controversy among viewers. Today, we delve into the untold story and explore the intriguing possibilities that could have been.
A Different Path for Season 3
The original plan for "The Reality War" included a cliffhanger featuring Susan, played by Carol Ann Ford. This appearance was meant to set the stage for a season 3 arc, where the search for Susan would finally resolve the longest-running plot thread in Doctor Who's history: what became of Susan after her departure over fifty years ago?
A still from this original ending depicted The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Belinda (Varada Sethu) at a celebratory party, hinting at the restoration of reality and the world's salvation. However, this scene never made it to the broadcast version, leaving fans to wonder what might have been.
The Heartbreaking Truth
Unfortunately, with Ncuti Gatwa's departure from the show and Disney's decision not to renew the series, this ending was never meant to be. Ford herself confirmed this, stating, "That was unfortunately not to be — for reasons I know and will not disclose."
The Storyboards Reveal a Different Story
Our source, Rich Johnston, had the opportunity to view the storyboards for this original ending. He noticed a intriguing detail that added a layer of complexity to Susan's character. In these storyboards, Susan, lit from below in a menacing fashion, was portrayed as a potential threat to The Doctor. This interpretation adds a tragic element to their potential confrontation, especially considering the circumstances of their last encounter.
The Rani's Revelation
During the episode, The Rani revealed that Gallifreyans are an evolutionary dead end, unable to bear children. This statement, combined with Rich's observation, raises the question of how The Doctor could have a granddaughter. This remains one of the biggest mysteries in Doctor Who lore, leaving fans to speculate on the nature of Susan's relationship with The Doctor.
A Missed Opportunity?
The last two seasons of Doctor Who are available on Disney+, but the original ending of "The Reality War" remains a tantalizing what-if scenario. With the show's future uncertain, fans are left to wonder about the potential impact of Susan's return and the unresolved plot threads.
And this is the part most people miss...
The original ending, with its hints of a potential conflict between The Doctor and Susan, could have provided a satisfying conclusion to a long-standing mystery. It would have offered a unique tragedy, exploring the consequences of The Doctor's actions and the impact on those he leaves behind.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Some fans might argue that the show's creative team made the right decision by altering the ending. With the show's cancellation, the original ending may have felt rushed or incomplete. Others might believe that the original ending, with its focus on Susan, would have been a welcome change of pace, offering a fresh perspective on the Doctor Who universe.
What are your thoughts? Do you think the original ending could have provided a satisfying conclusion, or was it better left unexplored? Let us know in the comments and join the discussion!
