Doctor Who seemingly confirmed in the 60th-anniversary special that Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteen will never get to meet River Song, which is a massive letdown to fans of the franchise. After the 2023 specials, the Doctor Who fandom – affectionately called Whovians – have begun discussing what they’d like to see from Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor. With the original revival Who showrunner, Russell T. Davies, back in charge, fans can expect a return to form for Doctor Who season 14.
RTD has already made waves since returning by bringing back beloved characters like the Toymaker, Donna Noble, Wilfred “Wilf” Mott, Mel Bush. Also, Doctor Who already teased The Master/Missy’s return with the gold tooth being picked up in the 60th-anniversary special, “The Giggle.” This raises questions about what other characters RTD might bring back during Ncuti Gatwa’s run as the Doctor. While Whovians may love the character, it’s highly unlikely River Song will return opposite Gatwa on Doctor Who.
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The Fifteenth Doctor Basically Confirms River Song Won’t Be Returning
When discussing people the Doctor has lost, the Fifteenth Doctor lists River Song alongside Adric and Sarah Jane – both of whom died in the primary timeline of Doctor Who. At no point in this do they acknowledge that her consciousness still lives on and could be revived. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that River Song died, it does heavily imply that she will not return in Doctor Who.
If RTD intended to bring back River Song during the Fifteenth Doctor’s reign, he would have made the possibility more clear in the TARDIS scene at the ending of Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary special. Alternatively, he could have clarified in the BBC iPlayer’s commentary that their losing her might not be permanent. He clarified other confusing plot points like the Toymaker’s connection to the Timeless Child retcon and the impact of the bi-regeneration. This proves he’s willing to clarify details outside the TV show, but he didn’t ever state that River Song could return.
Why It’s A Shame Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor Won’t Meet River Song
River Song not meeting Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor is extremely disappointing because the Fifteenth Doctor could have an interesting dynamic with her. After Gatwa’s first appearances, it’s clear that Fifteen is different than any of the revival Doctors that River met in the TV show. They’re more energetic, queer, and hopeful than ever before. Fifteen recaptures some of the whimsy while bringing about a new level of introspection. The personality of Fifteen could have meshed well with River Song’s joking and flirtatious demeanor. The pair might have developed a strong repartee, bringing witty banter to storylines.
Additionally, River could have learned that she was wrong about the Doctor not loving her. In one of Doctor Who’s Christmas specials, “The Husbands of River Song,” she directly states that the Doctor never loved her, even though she was in love with them. Based on the way the Doctor spoke about the River Song during Whittaker’s reign and the 60th anniversary special, it’s clear that they developed a deep fondness and love for her. Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor seems like the first Doctor would be emotionally vulnerable enough to admit their love to River Song in Doctor Who.
Doctor Who
- Release Date
- November 23, 1963
- Cast
- Jenna Coleman , Jodie Whittaker , Alex Kingston , David Tennant , Matt Smith , Peter Capaldi
- Seasons
- 26
- Franchise
- Doctor Who
- Story By
- Sydney Newman C. E. Webber Donald Wilson
- Writers
- Mark Gatiss , Toby Whithouse , Neil Cross , Steven Moffat , Chris Chibnall
- Network
- BBC
