• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
    • First Time Here?
    • Royal Oak
    • Our App
    • Contact
    • Free Anglotopia Mobile and Tablet App
    • Advertise
    • History of Anglotopia
    • Newsletters
    • Disclaimer
    • Press Room
  • Blog
    • Podcast
  • Sections
    • Anglophilia
      • Anglophile 101
      • Anglotopia Long Reads
      • Desktop Wallpapers
      • Anglophile Alerts
      • Anglophile Deals
      • Anglophile Gear
      • Anglophile Zen
      • British Food
    • British TV
      • BBC
      • Downton Abbey
      • Doctor Who News
      • British TV Videos
      • Top Gear
    • British History
      • Great Britons
      • Winston Churchill
      • British Literature
      • British Empire
      • British Military
      • English Language
      • Royal History
      • Shakespeare
    • Royal Family
      • Queen Elizabeth
      • Prince Harry
      • Prince George
      • Royal Couple – Will & Kate
      • Royal Family
      • Royal History
      • Royal Traditions
    • Reviews
      • Brit DVD Reviews
      • Brit Book Reviews
      • Brit Movie Reviews
      • Brit TV Reviews
      • Brit Music Reviews
      • Attraction Reviews
  • Top British Slang
    • British Slang Archives
    • British Slang Dictionary
    • British English: The Top 50 Most Beautiful British Insults
    • British Slang: Your Guide to British Police Slang for the Telly Watcher
    • British Slang: Tea Time – British Words for Tea and Tea Related Culture
    • British Slang: British Railway Terms
    • ltimate List of Funny British Place Names
  • London
  • Tours
    • Top UK Tour Operators
    • Top London Tours
    • Top Day Trips from London
    • Anglophile Recommendations
    • UK Lodging Recommendations
  • British Forum
  • Our Books
    • Adventures in Anglotopia
    • British Slang Dictionary
    • 101 London Travel Tips
    • 101 Budget Britain Travel Tips – 2nd Edition
    • Anglophile Vignettes
    • Great Britons Book: Top 50 Greatest Brits Who Ever Lived
    • Great Events in British History
  • Royaltopia
  • British Store
    • New Arrivals
    • British Products On Sale
    • British Imports
    • Coronation Products
    • Union Jack Faerie Lights
    • Anglotopia Gear
    • British Tea in the USA

Anglotopia.net

The Website for People Who Love Britain - Anglophiles

  • Royaltopia
    • The King
    • The Coronation
    • Prince of Wales
    • Royal History
    • The Monarchs
    • Royal Traditions
    • Royal Couple – Will & Kate
    • Queen Elizabeth
  • British News
  • History
    • Prehistoric Britain
    • British Legends
    • Roman Britain
    • Anglo-Saxon
    • Norman Britain
    • Medieval Era
    • Plantagenet Era
    • Tudor Era
    • Elizabethan Era
    • Carolinean Era
    • Interregnum Era
    • Jacobean Era
    • Stuart Era
    • Restoration Era
    • Georgian Era
    • Colonial America
    • Edwardian Era
    • Regency Era
    • British Empire
    • Victorian Era
    • Interwar Period
    • Winston Churchill
    • Modern Britain
    • Royal History
    • Through the Library
    • Transport History
    • The Monarchs
    • World War I Era
    • World War II
  • Entertainment
    • British TV
      • Doctor Who
      • BBC
      • Downton Abbey
      • Top Gear
      • Brit TV Reviews
      • Acorn Media
      • Britbox
    • British Movies
    • British Music
  • Columns
    • Long Reads
      • Magazine
      • Dreams of Britain
      • Inspiration
      • Great British Art
      • Inspiration Videos
      • Inspirational Places
    • Eating British in America
    • An American Student Abroad
    • A Brit Back Home
    • A Day In the Life…
    • A Church in Wales
    • Through the Lens
    • Through the Library
    • Anglophile Life
    • Laura’s Britain
    • Lost in the Pond
  • Anglophilia
    • Anglophile 101
    • Anglophile Alerts
    • Anglophile Problems
    • Anglophile Gear
    • English Language
    • Anglophile Zen
    • Pictures of England
  • British Heritage
  • Britishness
    • Art
    • British Architecture
    • British Aristocracy
    • British Weather
    • British Cars
    • British Products
    • Brit Knits
    • Brit Crafts
    • Brit Recipes
    • British Food
    • British Christmas
    • Our Trips
      • Anglotopia’s Grand Adventure – Land’s End to John O’Groats
      • Rural Writers Institute Trip
      • Harry’s Wedding
      • Anglotopia Goes to Oxford
      • England Spring 2017 Trip
      • February 2017
      • Spring 2016 Trip
      • London 2016
      • An English Christmas Trip – 2013
      • Training for Hadrian’s Wall – 2014
      • Jubilee 2012 Trip
      • Royal Wedding Trip Diaries
      • Trip to England – July 2010
      • Trip to England 2009
  • British Forum
You are here: Home / Entertainment / British TV / BBC / Doctor Whooligan Returns: Doctor Who Season 13 Begins With The Halloween Apocalypse

Doctor Whooligan Returns: Doctor Who Season 13 Begins With The Halloween Apocalypse

October 30, 2021 By Rob Leave a Comment

It has been a very long time since we’ve had The Doctor back on our screens. After a pandemic, the announcement that Russell T. Davies was taking over as showrunner in 2022, and the news that Jodie Whittaker was leaving the show, it is exciting to have a new season to watch. However, despite the excitement about Season 13, there is an air of uncertainty hanging over Doctor Who as fans wonder what the program’s looming course change has in store for the future.

Getting to Season 13 was not easy. A 12 story season was truncated to only 6 stories, meaning several ideas and plot points had to be consolidated or scrapped altogether. The cast and crew did an intrepid job of filming around Covid to bring us a season filled with Weeping Angels, Cybermen, the Odd, Sontarans, and probably returns from the Daleks as well. There’s also a new companion named Dan Lewis, the Swarm, and an appearance from the Ravagers. With “drastic changes” promised for its future, this season (and the three specials slated for 2022) could bed some of the boldest and biggest of the 13th Doctor era.

While nothing is official until confirmed by the production team and the BBC, there is, of course, some peculiar and rabid speculation about what comes next with this series. Some rumors have mentioned a return from Catherine Tate and River Song. While Tate’s publicity team has already denied her involvement and there has been no official word on the return of River Song. I think a guest spot from Alex Kingston is highly improbable for this season since there is already quite a lot going on, and her character has been given a proper exit already.

Another rumor that could pan out is the return is Sacha Dhawan as The Master. His appearance is most likely in the final episodes of the series. There also has been mention of a multiple Master story, something which seems unlikely due to scheduling issues with John Simm and Michelle Gomez.

The last week has seen an uptick in rumors that a shocking revelation is coming. Whether this is erasing previous Doctors from time, seeing a change in The Doctor’s relationship with Yasmin, or a return to Gallifrey, it does appear that some big surprises are coming, beginning in Episode 1. Rumors of returns by Bradley Lewis and Tosin Cole this season or during the next year’s specials have been mentioned. With a departing Doctor, it is not unusual for former companions to have cameos, so there could be some truth in this. I do not expect either to have significant roles in Season 13.

Despite fan speculation and a divisive dialogue across fandom about the state of the show, it is great to have Doctor Who back! With all the tumult of the last year, it is a miracle that we have any kind of season at all. In addition to the difficulties of filming in a pandemic, outgoing showrunner Chris Chibnall has had to deal with fans who are unhappy about his writing, a serious lack of character development, and the backlash over the Timeless Child story arc.

Moving forward to the new series, the Timeless Child arc is continuing with a unified story arc entitled Flux. Told in six chapters in one epic adventure, Season 13’s episodes were directed by Jamie Magnus Stone and Azur Saleem. Chris Chibnall penned each story, except Chapter Four, which is co-written by Maxine Alderton. 

While I wanted a longer season, I am hopeful that writing for a shorter season will enable Chibnall to tighten up his scriptwriting. After all, Chibs did give us some stellar television with Broadchurch, which also had a unified arc throughout each season.

Here is a promo trailer for Season 13.

 

The BBC has also released a synopsis for Flux.

Jodie Whittaker, Mandip Gill, John Bishop, and Jacob Anderson star in an epic six-part adventure that will take the Doctor and her friends to the edge of the universe and beyond in a battle for survival. Packed with action, humour, terrifying new villains, and iconic returning monsters such as the Sontarans and the Weeping Angels, the new series of Doctor Who tells one story across a vast canvas. It features a host of acclaimed British acting talent including Rochenda Sandall, Annabel Scholey, Craig Parkinson, Kevin McNally Sam Spruell, Robert Bathurst, Steve Oram, and Thaddea Graham. From Liverpool to the depths of space, via the Crimean war and a planet named Atropos which shouldn’t even exist, fighting old foes and new creatures from beyond our dimension, the Doctor and company face a race against (and through!) time to uncover a universe-spanning mystery: what is the Flux?

Guest stars for the season have been announced. The most notable is Jacob Anderson as a recurring character named Vinder, a stranded fighter pilot who meets up with the Doctor through the season. Anderson, a Game of Thrones alum, spoke with The Radio Times about Vinder.

There is some speculation that this character is a replacement of sorts for Captain  Jack, who was written out of the season after scenes with John Barrowman were dropped amidst offscreen issues. Despite this, there are rumblings that Barrowman will appear in the season, although this has not been confirmed.

Other noteworthy guest stars for Season 13 include Sam Spruell (The North Water), who appears as The Swarm, Ripper Street alum Craig Els as the mysterious Karavanista. Joining them are Rochenda Sandall from Line of Duty, Robert Bathurst, Paul Broughton, Jonathan Watson, Sue Jenkins, Thaddea Graham, Blake Harrison, Craig Patterson, Sara Powell, Annabel Scholey, Gerald Kid, Penelope, Ann McGhie, Steve Oram, and Nadia Albina. Returning to the Whoniverse is Kevin McNally, who previously Appeared in Colin Baker’s debut, The Twin Dilemma.

Meet Dan Lewis

By all accounts, Dan looks like an intriguing character. We know very little about him, except that he hails from Liverpool and is introduced early on in the season opener.

Played by comedian John Bishop, it would not be at all surprising to see Dan develop as a character with his own secrets and backstory.

The BBC  has released a short clip of Dan in action.

 

Dan’s parents will also be shown in the series premiere.

Chris Chibnall commented on the new companion with The Radio Times,

The Halloween Apocalypse

The BBC recently released some information on the first story of Season 13, The Halloween Apocalypse.

Synopsis

On Halloween, all across the universe, terrifying forces are stirring. From the Arctic Circle to deep space, an ancient evil is breaking free. And in present day Liverpool, the life of Dan Lewis is about to change forever. Why is the Doctor on the trail of the fearsome Karvanista? And what is the Flux?

Here are some promotional pictures from the story.

The Halloween Apocalypse features a return from the Weeping Angels and a new character named Karavanista. The episode also features a continuation of the tension between The Doctor and Yasmin seen in Revolution of the Daleks.

War of the Sontarans

It looks like the days of the funny Sontarans are gone; there’s no sign of Strax in the second chapter of Flux, War of the Sontarans.

Synopsis

During the Crimean War, the Doctor discovers the British army fighting a brutal alien army of Sontarans, as Yaz and Dan are thrown deeper into a battle for survival. What is the Temple of Atropos? Who are the Mouri?

A few thoughts….

This one hits the ground running and doesn’t hold back in throwing the Doctor into peril.

I am excited to see another historically based episode with the 13th Doctor. I think it is a nice change of pace for the deluge of contemporary stories normally featured. Some of Jodie Whitaker’s best episodes have been historically based.

Could The Charge of the Light Brigade actually be the British Army fighting the Sontarans?

Will the TARDIS crew’s encounter with legendary nurse Mary Seacole change history?

How does Vinder figure into all of this? Can he be trusted? Is Vinder another forgotten incarnation of The Doctor?

In addition to giving us more information about The Swarm, this story also features a return from another classic alien, the Sontarans, led by Commander Riskaw. The story also finds Dan right in the middle of things as a full-fledged companion.

Setting aside concerns about its future, I am looking forward to more adventures across time and space. With the pandemic wiping away hopes for more new stories in 2020 and early 2021, knowing that The Doctor is out there once again, comes as a huge relief.

Next time… More on RTD’s return, Season 13 news, convention updates, and more!

close

Daily British News

Sign-up for free daily emails with the latest news about British culture, heritage, and history!

We promise we’ll never spam!

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Share this:

  • Print
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pocket
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit

Related

Filed Under: BBC, British TV, Doctor Who, Doctor Whooligan, Entertainment

Tagged With: Annabel Scholey, Azur Saleem, Chris Chibnall, Craig Parkinson, Flux, Jacob Anderson, Jamie Magnus Stone, Jodie Whittaker, John Barroweman, John Bishop, Karavanista, Kevin McNally, Mandip Gill, Maxine Alderton, Ravagers, Revolution of the Daleks, Robert Bathurst, Rochenda Sandall, Russell T. Davies, Sacha Dhawan, Sam Spruell, Sontarans, Steve Oram, Thaddea Graham, The Halloween Apocalypse, The Master, The Twin Dilemma, Vinder, Weeping Angels, Yasmin Khan

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Royaltopia Newsletter

Free Daily Newsletter dedicated to the Royal Family and the new reign of King Charles III. Get a free Crown and Glory PDF eBook with sign-up!

We promise we’ll never spam!

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. You must confirm before you start receiving emails.

About Rob

From St. Louis, Missouri, comes Anglophile, pop culture/SF writer, DJ and all around pop culture geek Rob Levy. Since 1996 Rob has served as president of the United States' oldest Doctor Who/British media fan club, The St. Louis Celestial Intervention Agency. The CIA meets regularly in St. Louis and participates in programming at many local and national conventions, including Dragon Con, where Rob is a loyal Brit Track participant for 15 years. When not working or observing the world around him, Rob watches way too much TV, reads a lot, wears black, travels, goes to shows, and traipses around used book and record stores with great fervor. He has a passion for history and a strange fascination with subway systems. He loves board games, baseball, supports Liverpool and loves a wicked curry.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Primary Sidebar

Free British News In Your Inbox!

Royaltopia Newsletter

Free Daily Newsletter dedicated to the Royal Family and the new reign of King Charles III. Get a free Crown and Glory PDF eBook with sign-up!

We promise we’ll never spam!

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. You must confirm before you start receiving emails.

Search our Extensive Archive

Get the Free Anglotopia App

Our Fabulous Advertisers

Free British Weekly Newsletter

Please enter a valid email address
That address is already in use
The security code entered was incorrect
Thanks for signing up!

Recent Discussions on the Anglotopia Forum

  • British people of Anglotopia, what do you make of the whole anglophile thing ?
  • Are you traveling to Britain in 2023?
  • Let's talk about British Food! What's your favorite?
  • British Christmas Traditions?
  • Seventy Years of Dennis the Menace
  • Box of Delights, anyone?
  • Mudlarking
  • Homesickness strikes
  • Weill you be in London for the Coronation in 2023?
  • Please share your memories of the Queen?

Recent Posts

Hever Castle

Top Five Royal Related Places to Visit in Kent

Anglotopia Alert: NEW PRODUCT – London Red Bus and Phone Box Collectable Ceramic Salt and Pepper Set

Great British Events: What’s On Around Britain in June 2023

Glastonbury announces its full schedule for 2023

Ten Interesting Facts about Queen Mary I

Ten Interesting Facts about Coronation Street

Robert Fripp and Toyah Wilcox announce “Sunday Lunch Rock Party” Tour

King and Queen complete two-day Northern Ireland trip in UK’s most westerly town

King and Queen’s coronation celebrated on visit to Northern Ireland

Poll reveals 100 greatest children’s books ever including Matilda and The Hobbit

Best Posts on Anglotopia

  • Top 100 British Slang Words and Phrases
  • Top 50 Most Beautiful British Insults
  • Ultimate List of Funny British Place Names
  • Top 16 Best Castles in England
  • Our Love Affair with Shaftesbury Dorset Explained
  • British Stores in the USA
  • 101 Free Things to do in London
  • Top British Comedies of All Time
  • Top 11 Stately Homes in England
  • The Top 12 Castles in Scotland
  • Top Ten British Chick Flicks
  • Top 10 Anglophile Movies
  • Top 13 Best Castles in Wales
  • Brit Telly 101: Understanding British Police Ranks
  • Brit Slang: British Slang in the Bedroom
  • Finding Downton: Our Journey to Highclere Castle
  • Titanic: 10 Famous People Who Died On The Titanic
  • 33 British Slang Words and Phrases You’ll Want to Start Using Regularly Today Because They’re Awesome
  • Top 10 Classic British Motorcycles
  • Top Ten of the Best British Sweets

British Long Reads

I Was An Afternoon Tea Awards Judge

What’s On Around Britain in March 2023

A Very Winston Christmas: Chartwell at Christmas

Laura’s Britain: A Visit to Idyllic Ightham Mote National Trust in Kent

A Church in Wales: The Housesitting Edition – Update on Welsh Church Conversion

More From the Print Magazine

Anglotopia’s Top Categories

  • British Slang Archives
  • Royal Family
  • Great Events in British History
  • Great British Houses
  • Great British Icons
  • The Monarchs
  • British Slang
  • A Day In the Life…
  • Long-form British Articles
  • British TV
  • British Culture
  • Our Travels in Britain

Footer

About Us

Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas in 2007 in a closet in Chicago. Anglotopia is for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Join us as we explore Britain and everything it has to offer!

Contact Us!

Interested in advertising on the world's largest website dedicated to all things Britain? Or maybe you have a story for us or would like to work together. We want to hear from you!

Reach Us At: E-mail: info@anglotopia.net

Free British Weekly Newsletter

Please enter a valid email address
That address is already in use
The security code entered was incorrect
Thanks for signing up!

As Seen On or In:

Link Partners

  • Gold Hill Shaftesbury Live HD Webcam
  • Irishtopia.net
  • SEO Backlinks
  • Travel Blog

Top Anglotopia Categories

  • British Slang Archives
  • Royal Family
  • Great Events in British History
  • Great British Houses
  • Great British Icons
  • The Monarchs
  • British Slang
  • A Day In the Life…
  • Long-form British Articles
  • British TV
  • British Culture
  • Our Travels in Britain

Copyright © 2023 Anglotopia, LLC · Website Developed by Anglotopia, LLC · Log in