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Doctor Who Season 2, Episode 4 Review: An Infuriating New Villain

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In the realm of Doctor Who, numerous characters have been loved to despise; however, Conrad Clark stands out as the most memorable one. The fourth episode of Season 2, titled “Lucky Day,” introduces Jonah Hauer-King as Conrad, a podcaster whose initial meeting with The Doctor seems to have significantly impacted his life, in a negative manner. Hauer-King delivers an intense performance that makes the episode somewhat challenging to endure, which could be intentional.

In the world of ‘Doctor Who’, it’s my luck, or rather destiny, that shapes the narrative of ‘Lucky Day’. It all began when I chanced upon the TARDIS on New Year’s Eve in 2007, at the tender age of eight. Fast forward a decade, and I find myself meeting Ruby Sunday. However, as is typical with this extraordinary series, there’s a twist to our love story that leaves you reeling. The rollercoaster ride that follows is filled with highs and lows, but the bigger truth remains elusive.

Doctor Who Gets the Most Out of Jonah Hauer-King

The Show Teases Fans With Ruby and Conrad’s Romance

Among the malevolent characters from “Doctor Who,” Conrad Clark stands out as particularly frustrating. He’s not just wicked; he’s oily and difficult to endure on screen. While other villains like The Master perform heinous acts, viewers find themselves drawn to them, rooting against them and even seeing them as complex characters. Conrad, however, is portrayed as a small, angry man, but the episode that acknowledges this doesn’t make him any more tolerable.

Credit goes to Hauer-King for his dedicated portrayal of his dual character, as he skillfully navigates both aspects. The script, possibly inspired by his previous role as, seems to have added an element of playfulness when developing this character. Initially, Conrad appears as Ruby Sunday’s new boyfriend, displaying charm and humor, although lacking in practicality. It’s evident that Hauer-King and Millie Gibson share a delightful camaraderie on set. However, the character’s perfection often feels unrealistic, and the chemistry between them seems contrived rather than genuine. This may be intentional to create suspicion among viewers, but ultimately, Conrad’s transformation into a villain is not entirely unexpected.

When it is discovered that he is the head of an anti-UNIT podcast, he’s much like any other self-centered social media personalities portrayed in various TV shows. In terms of villains, Conrad’s self-aggrandizement is more grating than The Master, as he comes across as pompous and, to be honest, rather dim (given that viewers are aware monsters do exist in the world of Doctor Who). The Master’s speeches, on the other hand, have a certain flair and purpose. Conrad, however, is so enamored with his own voice that the audience wishes the weekly monster would consume him already.

Doctor Who Season 2, Episode 4 Has One Truly Great Idea

The Concept of Ruby’s Trauma Is Something Well Worth Exploring

Although it may not be ideal when it comes to dating, the story “Lucky Day” contains an intriguing aspect: it suggests that Ruby Sunday’s mental health struggles stem from her journeys with The Doctor, which is a perspective rarely touched upon in the Whoniverse. The allure of Doctor Who lies in its concept of endless possibilities and epic space voyages. Typically, what attracts many companions is the thrill of exploring the cosmos. However, Ruby’s dialogue in this episode serves as a poignant reminder that amidst all the excitement, there are also harsh realities to confront. This is something viewers are aware of but seldom ponder due to its potential to make the series feel more somber.

In real life, as well as on TV shows, mental health isn’t discussed enough, so it’s exciting to see how deeply Season 2 might delve into this storyline. Towards the end of the last episode, Ruby hints to Kate Lethbridge-Stewart that she desires to explore new places alone. This could mean we may not hear much more about her or this issue for a while, which would be unfortunate. However, this topic adds depth to Ruby’s character beyond just the mystery of her past. If this is indeed Ruby’s farewell, even if it’s temporary, the show deserves praise for taking such an original and relatable approach rather than sensationalizing it. Although Ruby isn’t the first companion to face struggles due to her TARDIS experiences, she gets to depart on her own terms in a very authentic manner.

Doctor Who Season 2, Episode 4 Has a Great Ending – Then Changes It

The Mrs. Flood Mystery Is Starting to Lose Its Appeal

A far superior tale seems to be buried within the “Lucky Day” episode, which appears to have been overshadowed in favor of maintaining the current narrative flow. The standout performer in this installment is Jemma Redgrave, reprising her role as Kate Lethbridge-Stewart. She convincingly demonstrates to Conrad the existence of monsters by releasing the Shreek that has been tormenting him, coming close to having his face devoured by it (in a scene reminiscent of “Alien”). The episode would have been more engaging if Conrad’s change of heart had been sustained. A narrative focusing on how he acknowledged his mistakes and endeavored to improve himself would have fleshed out his character, balanced his initial excessive villainy, and also advanced Ruby’s storyline. She might have felt less deceived by a man who appeared to show some regret.

Conrad’s insensitive comments and lack of character development after a close call make the episode feel dull, despite a strong performance by Ncuti Gatwa. The ongoing storyline may be important, but it overshadows this specific episode.

Doctor Who streams Saturdays on .

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2025-05-03 12:20

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