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This review contains full spoilers for Doctor Who Season 1, Episode 9, "Empire of Death." "Empire of Death" is both a fantastic follow-up to " The Legend of Ruby Sunday " and a spiritual sequel to the 1975 Doctor Who serial "The Pyramids of Mars." It offers high-stakes sci-fi thrills, captures the exhilaration of an apocalyptic finale, and answers every burning question set up by the prior episode (and Season 1 as a whole).

This episode retains the cataclysmic tone that raptured through "The Legend of Ruby Sunday" and maintains its intensity until it ties everything together. It even includes its own Infinity War "Snap" moment, as all life in the universe is dusted into oblivion by Sutekh. Gabriel Woolf's return as the voice of Sutekh is magnificent.



Although I still dislike his new CGI appearance, he’s incredibly menacing throughout “Empire of Death.” Woolf’s performance perfectly captures the terror of a presence pursuing you at every turn, and I love the concept of Sutekh’s consciousness following The Doctor, Mel, and Ruby across time and space. There was a brief moment when I thought they might permanently kill off Katherine Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave), who’s been a part of Doctor Who for over 10 years.

They didn’t, but the mere thought impressed me, considering the family-friendly nature of the show. The stakes have never been higher, and the emotional weight of "Empire of Death" is palpable in every scene. Ncuti Gatwa showcases his brilliant talent.

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