Empire of Death Review – The Doctor Lost?!

I've been a Doctor Who fan for years. And I'll be honest. Finales always make me nervous. You never know what you're going to get. Sometimes they're brilliant. Sometimes they leave you sitting there thinking, What was that? Thankfully, Empire of Death is more of a hit. It's big, bold, and surprisingly emotional. It also leaves you with just enough questions to keep you thinking long after it's over.

So, let's talk Sutekh.

If you'd told me at the start of the series that Sutekh was going to be the big bad, I'd have been… confused. I mean, yeah, I've seen Pyramids of Mars. It's a solid Tom Baker story, but Sutekh? He's never been much more than a spooky villain of the week. Creepy voice, weird mask, some menacing dialogue. But he never struck me as someone who could actually destroy the universe.

So when they brought him back here, I wasn't exactly thrilled. Honestly? I thought it was a bit of a cop-out. There are so many great villains in Doctor Who lore, and we're going back to him? But, wow. They made it work. They turned him into something genuinely terrifying. He's not just a villain. He's an idea — a walking embodiment of nihilism. The guy wants to end everything. No plans for ruling the cosmos. No demands. Just death. For everyone. Forever.

That's dark.

And that makes the Doctor's battle with him feel really important. It's not just about stopping a bad guy. It's about hope versus despair. Life versus oblivion. The Doctor represents everything Sutekh despises — messy, unpredictable, chaotic life. And for the first time in a while, you can see that the Doctor is scared he might not win.

Ncuti Gatwa absolutely nails it. He's been brilliant all series, but he really gets to flex his emotional range here. There's a moment where he admits he's scared, and it just hits. Hard. We're so used to the Doctor having all the answers, pulling a victory out of thin air at the last second. But here? He's vulnerable. He feels real.

Ruby's also fantastic. She's grown so much over the series. At the start, she was just kind of along for the ride. Now? She's making her own decisions. Standing up to gods and monsters. There's a scene where she straight-up challenges Sutekh's worldview. It's one of those moments where you just want to cheer. She's come into her own.

But one of the most gut-wrenching parts? Watching Mel slowly fall under Sutekh's power.

It's not a sudden transformation. It's slow. Subtle. Her memory starts to fade. Her identity starts slipping away. She doesn't even realise it's happening. And the Doctor? He can't stop it. He tries. He does everything he can. But it's not enough. Watching him realise he's losing her is heartbreaking. It adds this overwhelming sense of failure. The Doctor's whole thing is saving people. But sometimes, he can't.

And then there's the Nice Woman.

She's one of those classic Doctor Who characters who sticks with you. The Doctor and Ruby meet her on a dying planet, and despite everything falling apart around her, she still offers kindness. She gives Ruby a spoon. It's such a small, simple gesture, but it feels huge in the moment. It's a reminder that there's still goodness in the universe. Still hope.

And then we realise her son is gone. He's been dead for years. She's just waiting. Her mind hasn't caught up with reality. That moment hit me like a ton of bricks. You can see Ruby holding back tears, accepting the spoon, and quietly thanking her. It's devastating.

Now, about that twist with Ruby's mum.

I wasn't sure what to make of it at first. The series teased something mysterious about her family, and fans were coming up with wild theories. Is she a secret Time Lord? Connected to the Doctor's past? So when it turned out she was just… normal? I'll admit, I was thrown. After all that build-up, it felt like a bit of a rug pull.

But thinking about it more, I get it. Doctor Who has always been about ordinary people finding themselves in extraordinary situations. It's not always about grand cosmic destinies. Sometimes, it's just about people. And that's fine. Even if it wasn't what I was expecting.

Then there's Mrs. Flood.

What is her deal? Anita Dobson plays her perfectly. Quiet. Unsettling. You just know she knows more than she's letting on. And in this episode, we get a few more hints. There's a scene where she talks to Sutekh, and it's clear there's history there. But they don't give it all away. It's maddening, in the best way. I need to know more. Is she a Time Lord? An old companion? Something else entirely?

Visually, the episode is stunning. Gothic horror vibes. Ghostly imagery. Underground catacombs. It's classic Doctor Who in all the best ways. But it's not all doom and gloom. There are moments of warmth and humour, too. That balance is what makes the show special.

Now, I won't lie. The pacing's a bit off toward the end. The final showdown with Sutekh feels rushed. I'd have liked a bit more breathing room to let it all sink in. But those are minor gripes. The story delivers where it matters.

And seriously. Mrs. Flood. I need answers.

Final Thoughts

• Sutekh is back and more terrifying than ever.
• Ncuti Gatwa brings vulnerability and depth to the Doctor.
• Ruby Sunday gets her best moments yet.
• Watching Mel slowly succumb to Sutekh's influence is heartbreaking.
• The Nice Woman's kindness adds emotional weight in a dark story.
• And Mrs. Flood? Still a mystery. Bring on the next series.

Score: 9/10
A gothic, thought-provoking finale that leaves you wanting more.