The Thirteenth Doctor’s final words appear to be dedicated to Yaz, a companion for three seasons.
Farewell to Thirtheen is coming soon: Doctor Who is about to enter a new era. After a very short season 13, the series is only entitled to three special episodes in 2022: the first was broadcast at New Year’s, the second has just been broadcast for Easter (Legend of the Sea Devils), and the last will be for the fall.
It is during this very last fall episode (named Centenary Special) that Jodie Whittaker will make her Thirteenth Doctor costume. This will also mark the departure of Chris Chibnall, with the return of historic showrunner Russel T. Davies in 2023.
But who will be the next Doctor?
By the time the Easter episode airs, it’s still unclear which actor or actress the new Doctor is going to be — there are, as always, rumors and speculation, but not the slightest hint of official confirmation. However, on the filming side, the regeneration episode has already been shot, in September 2021.
Which leads to this surprise: at the end of the Easter episode, a first trailer was released for the Centenary Special. And, something rare in the history of the series, a brief extract of regeneration is present there from the outset.
Although the scene is short, and shows neither the cause of regeneration nor the new performer, we can see that it will be one of the most emotionally intense for Doctor Who — it is reminiscent of that of Ten / David Tennant, who was also on the verge of tears, because he “ didn’t want to leave “.
Another notable element: the Doctor shouts the name of Yaz at the time of regeneration. The Doctor’s last words before changing his appearance are never trivial. It’s the first time a name has been spoken at this moment, and it confirms once again the love story between the two women – which perhaps will finally blossom in this final adventure by Jodie Whittaker.
The trailer confirms the return of the Master accompanied by the Daleks and the Cybermen, but also the surprise return of two companions from the “classic” era (i.e. pre-2005): Ace (Sophie Aldred) who accompanied the Seventh Doctor in the 1980s; and Tegan (Janet Fielding), companion of the Fourth and Fifth Doctors in the 1970s.