Warning: Spoilers for Doctor Who season 15, episode 2
The fifteenth season ofDoctor Whois finally here, and it’s opened with two of the show’s boldest episodes in a while. Both “The Robot Revolution” and “Lux” are entirely original stories that show no fear in diverting from the show’s usual form, introducing companions in a new way and even breaking the fourth wall on several occasions. These decisions have been met with a polarized reception; there are certainthings that always happen inDoctor Who,and the latest season feels like the first in a long time that changes this formula so brazenly.
This decision to changeDoctor Who’s structure on a very small level feels intentional, asthe show is clearly entering a new eraand wants to separate itself from the stories of the past so as not to feel too repetitive. In order to achieve this,Doctor Whohas made a habit of taking subtle swipes at its historyand reinventing certain traditions, such as the Doctor’s classic post-regeneration costume change.
Doctor Who Is Giving Companions Their Own Wardrobe Change Sequences Now
Ruby And Belinda Got Period-Specific Costumes
“Lux” was a hugely important episode for many reasons, but perhaps the most underrated is the inclusion of Belinda Chandra’s own “costume change” moment, which has previously been reserved for post-regeneration Doctors. ThroughoutDoctor Who’s history,it’s an unwritten rule that the Doctor changes their costume after regenerating, sticking with their new clothes for sometimes an entire season. However, both Ruby Sunday and Belinda Chandra have been the stars of the last two costume changes, witheachDoctor Whocompaniongetting new threads in the second episode of their respective seasons.
Interestingly, these stylish costume changes have both happened at the beginning of the first historical episodes in Ruby and Belinda’s tenures on the show. Seasons 14 and 15 both opened with futuristic episodes set in space, which were directly followed by a brief tripbackin time to mid-19th century Earth.
This Version Of The Doctor Changes His Costume All The Time
The reason for this change in the formula is obvious: the Doctor can’t have his own signature “costume change” moments anymore, because he wears something different in every single adventure. It’s been a somewhat polarizing choice, but there’s no denying that it’s allowed for some ofDoctor Who’smost stylish outfits in a long time. Although fans have missed the whole-season costumes like Matt Smith’s tweed suit or Jodie Whittaker’s silver knee-length coat, there’s something equally fun about seeing Gatwa in a new costume each week.
