Russell T Davies has officially paused his long-running column in Doctor Who Magazine.
In his final piece, published in issue 618, he reflects on the structure of Series 15 and how it took shape. “Changes were made as we went along, as with any show,” he writes, “but this order stayed, and flourished, as Ruby’s time-lost life at Christmas circled round to Poppy’s time-lost life, and two foundlings found each other so they could find a home for a third, little Joe Sunday, all heading towards… The End.”
He is quick to reassure readers, insisting, “No, not the end, don’t be mad. Doctor Who will never end!” Yet what follows is strikingly less certain. “We don’t know what’s happening yet,” he concedes, “and while everyone works that out, I’ll take a pause on this page. Thanks for reading.”
For fans used to Davies’ energetic tone and forward-looking enthusiasm, the mood here feels unusually muted. There are still playful nods to unresolved threads, such as, “there’s Susan, of course. I wonder if we’ll ever find out who the Boss is. Or who the Boss are,” but when it comes to the main series, there is little in the way of firm direction.
He does mention that The War Between the Land and the Sea is “about to break out,” promising “great things ahead,” though that obviously refers to the spin-off rather than Series 16.
His parting words carry an air of ambiguity. “Hopefully, we’ll have news soon… Until then… It has been an absolute joy.”
With no filming plans, no news on Disney’s continued involvement, and Ncuti Gatwa’s short-lived era concluded, the timing and tone of this farewell feel more loaded than casual.
Davies may insist Doctor Who will never end, but for now, he has stepped away from the page, and possibly the production timeline as well…
